Beauty Archives - Strange Daze Indeed

Refresh and Renew your Glow with Hyaestic 0,5% Pure Retinol

November 13, 2024 By Debra Pearlstein

I’ve always believed that beauty is not how we look, but, how we feel. It is from within, not without. With that in mind, for me, beauty means health, well-being and a natural glow.

I was excited to try products from Hyaestic because they are rooted in scientific expertise and are advanced in their formulation and their efficacy. With their carefully selected active ingredients, the full potential of your skin becomes available. What I love is that they seem to share my view in that everyone deserves to feel their best, and that their skincare solutions promote not only amazing skin health, but also an overall sense of wellbeing. They encourage love and self-care, which I’m all about. Their products are about empowering us to embrace our own unique beauty.

Let’s face it. The world is stressful enough! So, why not choose products that help you nurture yourself and simply target whatever is in your way.

I actually had never tried Retinol products so that was one I really wanted to check out. Starting an anti-aging routine early on can help enhance our beauty and how we feel, which is really what matters. I definitely picked the right product, Hyaestic 0,5% Pure Retinol. This formula contains nutrients that help prevent the aging process of the skin, increase collagen production, improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and diminish dullness for a more even skin tone.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect, so, of course I tried a small amount first. The directions clearly state:

Apply a small amount to the face and neck every evening. If a retinol product has never been used before, begin twice a week 2-3 days apart, increasing frequency slowly until daily use is tolerated.

Caution: Do not use if you are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant

I was actually thrilled to find out that this retinol was actually very gentle on my skin. I had no issues whatsoever with it and it felt good from Day One, and I use it daily. The packaging is simple yet perfect. The formula came out easily and was just the right amount. Applied to my face, it felt soothing and hydrating. I noticed immediately that my skin looked smoother, healthier and younger. It was glowing. I have tried a lot of skincare products, but, I am seriously so impressed with this one that I want to try more of the products in the line that apply to my skincare concerns. You can check them out here!

My skin felt damaged and dry before, but, this pure retinol repairs and protects it, stimulating the renewal of skin cells and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It can even help treat acne and shrink pores, reduce pigmentation and even skin tone and any rough texture you might have. It would perfectly complement most anti-aging routines.

Here are the key ingredients:

0.5% pure, stabilized Retinol along with Hyaluronic Acid which synergistically intensifies the skin’s hydrating matrix for a firmer look. Vitamin E serves as a potent antioxidant. It targets the skin’s hydrating matrix to reduce the look of fine lines and coarse wrinkles. It also contains a humectant Sodium Hyaluronate and calming Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (which I love!)

I am at a point in my life where it is out with the old and in with the new. I am moving on from what doesn’t work in my life and trying new solutions. Stepping forward unafraid is where I am at. With that in mind this product is ideal. It helps renew skin cells and leaves my skin glowing! And, as, I said at the very beginning of this entry, it’s all about how YOU feel. You aren’t doing this for anyone else, because there is no one else you really need to please. Loving and caring for myself has helped my life fall into place and made me so much happier.

Why Is Sleep So Important for Healthy Skin?

April 10, 2018 By Debra Pearlstein Leave a Comment

Quality sleep and skin health go hand in hand while lack of sleep puts a strain on our body. Not getting enough sleep accelerates aging, impairs water balance, changes facial expressions, enhances weight gain, and ruins our skin’s natural beauty. Moreover, stress caused by sleep deprivation triggers elevated levels of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, which furthers inflammation in the body. The inflammatory response is not good for skin health. Here is how sleep deprivation can damage our skin:

Poor Sleep Worsens Skin Conditions

Not enough sleep activates an increased inflammatory response in the body, which irritates existing skin conditions and sets off added skin sensitivity, intensified reactions for allergic contact dermatitis, increased acne breakouts, and aggravated irritant dermatitis. Immune-related skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, also worsen just because the body, invaded by inflammation, loses its ability to regulate the immune system. Skin begins to itch increasingly exacerbating the symptoms of immune-related skin conditions. Increased itching affects the quality of sleep, and thus we enter a never-ending circle.

Less Sleep Means Poor Water Balance

Our body needs enough sleep to rebalance hydration, a process that allows the skin to recover its moisture while the excess water gets processed for removal. Poor water balance translates into puffy eyes, under-eye dark circles, dry skin, and more visible wrinkles. The puffiness under our eyes says we are not getting enough shut-eye. Water tends to accumulate under eyes, and with the skin so thin there it becomes quite visible. There are ways to reduce swelling during sleep, and you can find some ideas here.

Poor Sleep Undermines Skin’s Natural Beauty

An increased level of stress hormones boosts the number of inflammatory cells in the body. Collagen, a protein essential to our skin’s health and beauty, breakdowns faster in these conditions. Our skin willlose its bounciness, radiance, and translucency and will start looking dull, pale, and even lifeless. On theother hand, collagen replenishes during sleep, and that means less visible wrinkles and a plumperlooking skin. Blood flow to the skin improves when we sleep, which offers our skin that healthy-looking glow and gives us those rosy cheeks.

Enough Deep Sleep Slows Down the Aging Process

A good night’s sleep is like a fountain of youth for our skin. If we want to look younger for many years, we need to understand the importance of deeper phases of sleep in controlling the aging process. When we get enough deep during the night, our bodies experience a rise in growth hormones production. Growth hormones are essential for repairing cell damage. Cell breakdown, which occurs during the day, is no longer accumulated inside the cell but is reversed overnight in the presence of growth hormones. This way, damaged cells get repaired, and signs of aging become less noticeable. This process can happen when we get enough deep sleep.

Our body longs for quality snooze time because it helps to repair itself and recover from daily stress. Within this context, getting enough quality sleep is essential to our looks. Enough shut-eye means 7 to 9 quality hours each night and less than 6 hours of sleep will likely affect our appearance and, therefore, our skin health.

Transform Your Look With Black Hairspray

June 26, 2017 By Debra Pearlstein Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are my own.

Did you know that wigs can be traced back to the ancient times of the early Egyptians. The Egyptians loved fashion and innovation as much as we do, and it can be seen in many ways that certain styles came in and out of fashion. In ancient Egypt, both men and women used to shave their heads bald replacing their hair with wigs. This was more comfortable in the hot climate and added to social status. Wigs were worn by men, women and children and often a new wig was worn each day varying in style. The wig was also worn as a headdress for special occasions, ceremonies and banquets. Past Kings in France wore them as a fashion accessory as well.

Nowadays, many wear wigs for fashion and convenience. What better way to completely change your look, style or color with no mess, no fuss and no hassle? Why confine yourself to one look when so many are available? At Black Hairspray, you can find a wide range of wigs and hairpieces. Black Hairspray is a beauty e-commerce company that offers thousands of wigs and hair care products. Their many clients range from professional stylists, beauticians, working mothers, students and more.

You can find Weaves, Braids, and a lovely lacefront wig, Zury Wigs, Remy Hair, Ponytails and Buns and other varieties at Black Hairspray. So many beautiful choices to explore!

Life is always changing, so why should our looks stay the same? Be creative, have fun! Enjoy!

Ring in the New Year with GA-DE Cosmetics!

December 29, 2016 By Debra Pearlstein 16 Comments

Getting ready for 2017 with Ga-De Cosmetics (pronounced like the gemstone “jade”)!

“Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is in the way you feel.”

Elegant, yet natural. Bold, yet soft. A melange of perfect contradictions. So me!

Use the code GDGIFT10 to receive $10 off $20!
http://bit.ly/2fvLUnT #feelthebeauty

Right now, in the New Year, you can get the Fall 2016 Collection pictured above (a $106 value) for $45!

GA-DE is a luxury brand that is affordable. I love the Basics Matte Eyeshadow Palette with its washes of earthy colors and velvety-matte texture. The Idyllic High Definition Mascara goes on sleek and smooth, adds volume and length and I found that it did not smudge at all! The eyeliner is very easy to use and exremely precise allowing for different styles, and my new favorite lipstick is the Wine Divine (above). It’s the perfect look for me this season and goes on soft and smooth.

Complement and Highlight Your Unique Beauty this Season!

Enhance Your Life with Aromatherapy

August 25, 2016 By Debra Pearlstein

This post has been sponsored by Nature’s Bounty® Earthly Elements™. I have been compensated by Nature’s Bounty and been provided the products discussed for review.

It’s summer and I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors in nature, enjoying all the wonderful sights and smells. I also love bringing the experience indoors with aromatherapy.

The sense of smell is evocative, considered to be one of our most primal and fascinating senses. With its subtle complexities, it plays a significant role in our well-being from energizing to relaxing. It is also closely linked with memory. I know that certain scents take me immediately back to my grandmother’s house, others to hiking with friends in the mountains and, some, like warm bread immediately make me feel calm and at ease.

Smells such as smoke or rotten food warn us of danger while others like cinnamon apple pie can make us feel safe and secure.

I have always loved aromatherapy and enjoy experimenting with essential oils. Though I do not enjoy heavy perfumes with synthetic ingredients, I adore essential oils which are plant extracts in their purest forms.

I recently discovered a wonderful new line of 100% pure blended aromatherapy essential oils: Nature’s Bounty Earthly Elements. These oils help me create moods and experiences and each has its own unique aroma and “personality”.

There are 10 essential oils in the collection and one Sweet Almond carrier oil, as well as a Nature’s Bounty Earthly Elements aromatherapy diffuser.

One of my favorites is Grapefruit. I find it uplifting and refreshing. It energizes my mood and gets me focused for the day. Peppermint is also revitalizing and soothing. Lavender is great when I want to unwind and de-stress at the end of the day.

Other scents in the line include: Chamomile, Patchouli, Jasmine, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus and Thrive.

My favorite ways to use the oils are in a diffuser which gently disperses the oil into my environment, and, by adding a few drops to the almond oil which is a carrier oil, they make massages a spalike experience. Every time I take a bath, I add a few drops depending on what I feel will help balance my mood.

You can add the oils to your DIY projects and make quality aromatic products. Thrive is perfect for that with its woodsy cleansing aroma. You can use it with warm water in a spray and don’t forget to spray the bottom of the trash can!

I also love spraying Peppermint oil mixed with water to freshen the air naturally! It’s one of my all-time favorite oils. I also use Peppermint Oil with the almond oil for a refreshing post-workout massage. I find it both uplifting and relaxing.

I use a few drops of lemongrass and eucalyptus mixed with the almond oil help repel pesky insects.

When I clean and rinse my fridge, grapefruit oil added to the water really does a great freshening job.

You can create aromatherapy candles, sugar face scrubs and more. My next post in this series will be sharing some of my own homemade ideas with you.

The full Nature’s Bounty Earthly Elements line can be found in the Vitamin Aisle at Walmart where they are very reasonably priced.

You can also learn more online at Earthlyelements.com.

These oils are not recommended for ingesting, for topical use only when blended with the Sweet Almond carrier oil.

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Beauty Buzz! Save $1.50 on Clear products at Walmart!

August 3, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 18 Comments

I love wearing my hair long except for one year in college when I went the punk route! That was fun but short-lived.

Because it is so long, my hair has a tendency to tangle. It also can get very dry in the wintertime and really needs a lot of moisturizing to keep it wavy and flowing, instead of ending up frizzy with split-ends. I take very good care of my hair and love to use my favorite shampoos and condiioners. However, the expensive ones really don’t fit my budget and that’s why I’m always on the lookout for reasonably priced products that also do a great job.

I’ve found that Clear is one of my favorites. I shampoo and condition often and it keeps my hair clean and volumized while moisturizing my scalp as well as my locks.

This is a great time to stock up because Clear is now on sale and you can save $1.50 when you buy any Clear product now at Walmart. Clear gently cleanses and nourishes your scalp leaving you with hair that’s 10x more resilient, strong and beautiful. Clear is the first and only hair care range with Nutrium 10 and it’s currently on rollback exclusively at Walmart for only $4.48.

Great shampoo and a great price! Get your click-to-print coupon for $1.50 off all Clear Scalp and Hair products at Walmart right here.

Here’s to beautiful healthy hair!

Disclosure: This is a partnered post sponsored by Global Influcence.

Win a Cate & Chloe VIP Membership – #Giveaway

June 27, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 3 Comments

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Here We Go Again, Ready?, Moms and Crafters & Barbara’s Beat

Sponsor: Cate & Chloe

The visionaries of Cate & Chloe began the company with one simple clear concept in mind: to create stylish yet affordable jewelry women could wear every day. In the fast paced world we all live in it is often times hard to find time or money to have that perfect jewelry piece or accessory for that special occasion or just simply to wear confidently around town.

Prize: Cate & Chloe 1 Month VIP Membership

Dates: 6/28-7/12

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools Widget below. Good luck!

Entry -Form

Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Win an Epiphanie Bag of your Choice! #Giveaway

June 27, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 14 Comments

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Here We Go Again, Ready?, Moms and Crafters & Barbara’s Beat

Sponsor: Epiphanie Bags

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for the perfect bag, the one that is ideal for your laptop, your camera, your art supplies or everything you absolutely need to take with you!

Epiphanie was started four years ago by professional photographer Maile (pronounced Mylie) Wilson. At the time, there were no cute camera bags for women. She hated lugging around a separate, bulky man-bag. So she would end up leaving her camera at home or shoving it into her purse wrapped up in whatever was nearby: a towel, sock, or sweatshirt.

Obviously that isn’t the best way to protect expensive gear. When she realized that stylish camera bags for women didn’t exist, she decided to create her own line. And it was obvious that she wasn’t alone in her need for them. When Epiphanie launched in 2009, there were already almost 10,000 people on the waiting list, with all kinds of funny stories about the different things they used to wrap up their cameras: diapers, pot holders, even maxi pads! I can relate.

Four years later, the collection has expanded from three to twelve styles and over 60 different bags that accommodate cameras, laptops and even backpacks for men.

I love the Epiphanie bags and the colors and styles are stunning! I have my eye on the Slate Blue Stella and I’m sure you will find your own favorites.

Prize: Winners Choice of Epiphanie Bag from Available Stock

Dates: 6/28-7/12

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools Widget below. Good luck!

Entry -Form

Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Valentia Skin Care – New Even Glow Serum

May 20, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 7 Comments

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I’m not a pushover when it comes to beauty products. I have a set of standards that I adhere to, and if I don’t like something, I’ll tell you! That being said, about a month ago I was given a chance to try Even Glow Serum by Valentia Skin Care and, so far, I really like it!

Our skin is damaged every day due to environmental pollutants, chemical laden cosmetics and oxidative stress.
Essentially, Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.

Free radicals can negatively impact our health and our skin in many ways and deplete our natural protective resources. Without additional antioxidants, the skin’s ability to defend against these pollutants is diminished and signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone can appear.

Even Glow Serum starts with a 20% Vitamin C base which is in itself a powerful antioxidant treatment. Complementing this are skin super oils chosen to enhance and supoprt the Vitamin C.

I’m a firm believer in Vitamin C through fresh juices, fruits and supplements. I also appreciate it in my skin products.

The Power of Natural Ingredients

Parabens, phosphates, and other chemicals found in many skin care products can disrupt your skin’s natural processes. Adding natural ingredients can help strengthen its resilience and protective abilities, leaving your skin healthier and more youthful.

Here are some of the natural ingredients this serum contains:

Vitamin C:

(as mentioned above) Helps prevent environmental aging, wrinkles and pigmentation. Vitamin C is also necessary for the production of collagen, which helps maintain skin elasticity, strength and durability, providing a smooth and plump appearance.

Sea Buckthorn Oil:

I’ve been a fan of sea buckthorn oil since I first began using it about a year and a half ago. It helps erase fine lines, sun spots and imperfections in skin tone. Rare Omega Fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-7) in the oil help promote scar healing and moisture rentention and Sistosterol improves microcirculation giving skin a healthy glow.

Resistem:

Reduces Inflammation and Regenerates Skin Tissue Faster, also provides long-term benefits in protection

Hyaluronic Acid:

Protects and Helps Retain Moisture lost over time as we age and helps protect skin with a breathable barrier

Rosehip Seed Oil:

One of the best plant seed oils containing Vitamin A for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation and Vitamin E for firmer skin without dryness

Green Tea Extract:

The catechins in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant benefits.

Each ingredient in Even Glow has its own positive effects; however, the synergy as they all work together provides the most benefit.

My experience:

How does it smell? It has the fresh natural scent of oranges. I’m a huge citrus fan so I enjoyed this.

How is the texture? Neither too runny nor too thick

How is it on my skin? It absorbed quickly and I could feel a very mild tightening effect. It was non-greasy and non-sticky which is something I look for in my skincare products.

Did it leave my skin oily? No, not at all.

Is it vastly overpriced? No, in fact, it is on sale right now at Amazon for $35.

How long will it last? Mine has lasted me over a month so far as you do not need to apply much, just a few drops.

How does it work? My skin looks healthy, glowing and more youthful after using this for a month. I notice the fine lines are diminishing over time. They won’t go away miraculously, but, I do see change! My skin looks smooth, bright, plumper and the tone is even.

And, one of my crucial questions, did it irritate my skin, did the fragrance bother me: No, not at all!

Would I use this again? Yes!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Getting Lucky in Kentucky – The Great Finish Sweepstakes

April 30, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 41 Comments

I may be a Northerner by birth, but, having spent over a year in Alabama, I’ve found that I’m a Southerner at heart. I love the people, their incredible caring and hospitality, the way they slow down and enjoy life. While there, I developed a great affection for hush puppies, buttermilk biscuits, banana pudding, sweet tea and mint juleps.

My friend Mary and I were talking about this today and about how we wish we could take a trip to the Kentucky Derby, wear big floppy extravagant hats which we’d flounce around in, and drink our mint juleps while watching the races!

At this point, her daughter Cassidy and her friend ran to get their hats and pose for a picture. This is derby stylin’!

After taking some pics of the girls, I decided to make Mary one of my famous Mint Juleps, the offical Derby drink, so that we could sit back and relax for a spell.

This is how I make my Mint Juleps:

First of all, you need some fresh mint – the fresher, the better.

I take about 8 mint leaves and place them in a bowl. On top of that you can add 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar, depending on taste. Now, comes my favorite, and perhaps, the most important part. Muddle the mint and the sugar. Don’t pulverize it, just crush it. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon. The reason to muddle the mint is to release the concentrated essential oils in the leaves so they can infuse the bourbon (or iced tea). You can do this in a glass, but I like using a bowl to really get in there.

Now, add 4 oz. of good bourbon. At this point, I transfer the mixture into a tumbler with some crushed ice if you have it. Shake well.

As I didn’t have a tumbler today, I filled the glass with ice cubes instead.

debrasmintjulep

Pour the mixture into your favorite glass and garnish with a mint sprig or two! And, there you have it – amazingly cool and refreshing.

If you want a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with iced tea and add your muddled mint mixture.

Staying Fresh and Clean in any situation

Relaxing with a good friend and chatting over a cold drink is one of the pleasures of life, and another pleasure is feeling clean and refreshed, especially if you’re out in the hot sun at a sporting event or a concert. In those cases, I’ve often wished for a better restroom experience.

With more than 165,000 people attending the Kentucky Derby each year, the bathrooms are nearly as busy as the betting windows. This year, Cottonelle is upgrading the bathroom experience onsite, providing Cottonelle TP and flushable cleansing cloths across the bathrooms giving attendees the opportunity to get clean and fresh while at the race. How cool is that?

More coolness

The Cottonelle Great Finish Sweepstakes:

Cottonelle is upping the ante at this year’s Kentucky Derby and launching “The Cottonelle Great Finish”. This is an awesome giveaway that will reward Americans with a year supply of Cottonelle products if the No. 1 and No. 2 positioned racehorses place in that order during the race. The odds are with you! If you want to get in on the fun, you can sign up at the Cottonelle landing page.

The first 15,000 entrants to sign up will be awarded a year’s supply of Cottonelle toilet paper and flushable cleansing cloths if the outcome aligns!

So, hurry and get on it! Win a year’s supply of Cottonelle!

How to Enter!

1. Visit the Cottonelle landing page

2. Click on the Cottonelle Great Finish Giveaway

3. Click on “Sign up now”

4. Register for the Cottonelle Updates website

Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Cleansing Cloths are big winners here at my home. They’re always in my bathrooms for family and guests and I carry the portable packs in my purse.

How do you keep clean and fresh in any situation?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cottonelle, but my love for their flushable wipes is all my own!