Plump It Up!: Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel

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Dubbed as the “Liquid Facelift”, Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel by Rodial promises to plump, sculpt and lift the complexion as it sags and wrinkles with age.

Created to be the natural replacement for Restylane injections, Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel plumps facial hollows and ‘orbital troughs’ under and around the eyes, as well as for cheek volume and contouring of the chin, forehead and nose.

Dragon’s Blood is formulated with red sap of the sangre de drago tree that has been used for centuries by ancient cultures for dye, incense, wound-healing/first aid and antioxidant properties. The product news release states, “It works to form a second skin-like protective film on the skin. Protects against environmental damage and contains anti-inflammatory properties.”

Morning and night after cleansing, smooth on a thin layer of gel, then add your regular moisturizer on top with SPF for daytime, of course. The gel absorbs quickly into the skin and has a soft scent of florals and pink bubblegum. Within minutes, you can feel a tightening sensation on your skin. Not the tightening one might feel with very dry, parched skin, but a “sucked-in” taught feeling. I most certainly noticed a more sculpted and voluminous difference, however, more mature skin would reap the benefits of Dragon’s Blood much, much more.

Super Seed: The Chia Seed

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Ch…Ch…Ch…CHIA! The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the super seed. The many Chia Pet commercials watched on how to grow chia seeds from your very own terra-cotta Chia Frog. Gaining popularity in the United States, Chia seeds are making a big comeback. They offer a wonderful source of nutrients that can easily be incorporated into your diet and can easily be purchased from any health food store.

Chia seeds are a small seed that comes from the salvia plant, which is a part of the mint family. Originally grown in South America, Chia seeds were first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans.

Chia seeds are perhaps best known for their high omega-3 fatty acids content. In fact, chia seeds have the highest omega-3s of any vegetarian food. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 2406 mg of omega-3s, and also contains approx. 792 mg omega-6s and 294 mg of omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are important for brain function and work as an anti-inflammatory in the body.

Another advantage of chia seeds is their ability to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Chia seeds form a gel in the stomach that slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar. Carbohydrates that quickly break down into sugar stimulate a surge of insulin to be released into the blood, causing blood sugar problems. Eating foods such as chia seeds that break down slowly helps blood sugar to rise and fall steadily throughout the day.

Chia seeds also contain a substantial amount of fiber, protein, essential amino acids, calcium and minerals. Available in white and black seeds, some manufacturers state that the white chia seed is superior. However, there is no research to back up this claim and as of now no significant difference.

Incorporating chia seeds into your diet is easy. Simply add to smoothies, yogurt, salads, dressings, cereal, water… anything. They can be eaten both raw or cooked, though cooking them may damage their fragile omega fatty acids. I like to add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to coconut water and drink first thing in the morning. When adding to liquid, drink fast, as chia will develop into a gel-like consistency. Enjoy!

GLOW-T AWARDS: Sunless Tanning FACE

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As you may have noticed from the sunless tanning BODY awards, I am privy to lotion and gel formulas. I believe this is the easiest and most natural way to apply these products, simply like you would any body lotion. Spray and mousse formulations make application messy and feel a bit drying on the skin – which leads to a splotchy tan.

Glow-T Awards – Self-Tanning Products BODY: (RECAP) Best Drugstore Self-Tanner;  Best Moisturizing Self-Tanner; Best Effortless Self-Tanner; Best of the Best

As for the face, I have mentioned in past posts that I am not a fan of using self-tanning products for the body on the face. Though the formula may permit, I cringe at the thought. In past experiences I have found these products to sink into pores, cause breakouts and never provide natural-looking results.

The following products not only produce a subtle natural-looking glow, but are beneficial to the skin in different ways:

Estee Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF 15 is my go-to product when I need to put a little “life” back in my skin. It gives the perfect amount of color, radiance and health with antioxidant-packed power. See full review: HERE.

Kate Somerville 360 Face is an exfoliating self-tanner for the face. The gentle tanning formula has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates or synthetic dyes. Glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate the skin while soy proteins kick-start collagen production. Swirl a single easy-to-use pad over the face and within eight hours you will have healthy and glowing skin.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads  are pre-soaked towelettes that provide anti-aging benefits as well as a glowing complexion. These pads exfoliate the skin, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sun damage. One small pad reveals natural, radiant skin that provides long-lasting color. See full review: HERE.

Soap & Glory Glow Job is a two-in-one moisturizing lotion and temporary self-tanner. The formula is flourishing with micro bronzing beads that burst when massaged into the skin, revealing healthy, refreshed, and ever so slightly sun-kissed skin. The lotion delivers long-lasting hydration, conditioning and protection to the skin. Great for all-year round, it effectively evens-out skin tone which reduces the need for heavy foundations and concealers.

Spring Cleaning: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

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Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a lightweight gel that gently hydrates and nourishes the skin. It removes all dirt, oil and makeup from the skin without stripping it of it’s essential nutrients.

Unlike most cleansers, the Soy Face Cleanser does not create a lather when applied. The gel-like consistency thickens as it is worked into the skin and feels like silk. It sweeps over the face and removes anything in its way, softly and gently. A splash of water reveals an exceptionally clean face, squeaky even, without it feeling tight or dry.

Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser smells of cucumbers and rose. It feels cool and fresh on the skin, ever so soothing. Enriched with soy proteins, amino acids and botanicals, this is a phenomenal cleansing product.