Five Ways to Stay Hydrated During the Summer Months

When we are laughing and playing in the sun we don’t think of much else. But, even if you don’t think about anything else, remember that keeping up your fluid intake is important. Learn to stay hydrated during the hot months of the year.

The heat of the sun feels good on your skin. The summer months are a time to get outdoors and breathe the fresh air and have a bit of fun. Some people don’t pay attention to the weather when it is warm. If it were raining or storming, umbrellas would go up and people would drive slower.

In the heat, we should also take care. There are many heat-related deaths each year. And, it’s not only the elderly and children that have to be careful. Anyone can be affected by too much heat and too little fluids.

So, if you need to be outside, remember to keep some form of hydration close at hand.

Five Ways to Stay Hydrated During the Summer Months:

1. Drink water before, during and after a workout – When the weather gets warm, you’ll lose even more fluid through sweat during a workout, indoors or out. Drink at least two or three glasses of water before a workout and eight ounces for each 15 minutes that you exercise. Afterwards, recharge those cells with another glass or two of water. It quenches your thirst like no other drink.

2. Eat fresh fruit – Fruit has high water content. It is one way to increase your intake of fluids, especially if you don’t like drinking a lot of water. For a treat, freeze a fruit, like grapes, and then munch on them as a cooler when hanging out outdoors.

3. Avoid drinks that steal water from your body – One thing to avoid is drinking caffeine and alcohol. Both can dehydrate your body. If you want something more than water, try using drink mix sticks or lemon and a sprig of mint.

4. Have a sports drink after heavy prolonged exercise – The body doesn't just lose water but also electrolytes. Too much heat without replenishment of sodium and potassium can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the tissues, which is serious. Choose a drink that is low on sugar but high in the electrolytes that you need.

5. Drink throughout the day – Even if you are not participating in organized activity, you are still moving around outdoors so the heat can affect you. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. It can also help you eat less. Most of the time when we eat, it is not actually hunger but thirst that we suffer from.

Water is important to every living thing and that includes you. During warm weather, stay hydrated.

{summer stock photo by www.pixmac.com}


Now it's YOUR turn: How do you like to stay hydrated during the warmer weather? Share your tips with us in the comments!

Four Neutral Makeup Products Every Woman Needs

This post is sponsored by Starlooks

One of the worst things that can happen to any woman is having their makeup fade during the course of the day. Many of us have had this happen: You leave the house feeling confident and beautiful knowing that you applied your makeup perfectly. Then by the time your lunch hour comes around, you take a look at yourself in the mirror, noticing your t-zone is oily, the mascara you applied on your lower lashes has smudged, not to mention that your lipstick has completely disappeared leaving you with a ring of lip-liner around your lips ....YIKES!

NO ONE should allow that to happen...E.V.E.R.

So, to avoid this type of beauty faux-pas from occurring, make a point of using these four neutral makeup products every woman needs:

1. Translucent/Nude Mineralized Powder

Applying a translucent white powder over your t-zone right after you have applied your foundation and concealer is essential. The loose powder will help combat shine by mattifying the skin. Another reason why a translucent loose powder is recommended is because it is completely transparent, invisible. Every woman can use this loose powder no matter how fair or how dark your skin may be. Lastly, a mineralized loose powder will create a velvet finish on your skin, allowing your makeup to appear flawless and most importantly, natural.

2. Sensation Mascara Primer

Using a mascara base or primer helps give your eyelashes a boost. Applying this primer helps sooth and moisturize your lashes in addition to helping improve lash growth. Most importantly, a high quality mascara primer will provide a smooth, clump free base for long-wear mascara application holding the mascara in place ON your lashes, NOT your skin.

Please Note: The link for the Sensation Mascara Primer is for the April Starbox, not the individual item. The Mascara Primer's cost is $15. 

3. SPF Lip Balm

Sporting crusty flaky lips should be considered a capitol sin. The ultimate way in avoiding this all together is by using a clear lip balm that contains SPF. Regular application of lip balm {morning and night} will help keep your lips delicate skin hydrated, moisturized, and supple. Applying a coat of lip balm also serves as a primer for your lipstick and lip-gloss.

Please Note: The link for the SPF Lip Balm is for the April Starbox, not the individual item. The SPF Lip Balm cost is $5. 

4. Tender Gloss Lipstick

Once you have coated your lips with lip balm, the next step is lipstick. One recommendation would be to use the Tender Gloss Lipstick in Basic. This shade is practically transparent with a soft nude hue which comes in handy when you want to sport a nude lip. Having this type of lipstick is also great when applied on top of bold colored lip shades, matte lipsticks and lip stains.


There you have it. Four neutral makeup products every woman needs to have in her makeup collection or portable makeup bag. Trust me, once you get comfortable and accustomed to taking a few extra minutes to learn how to properly use these four neutral makeup products, you will see A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. results!

Now it's YOUR turn: Taking a closer look at this list, is there any makeup product you feel should be added to this post? Let us know in the comments!


Disclosure: These makeup products were in the April Starbox from Starlooks. As an affiliate I receive their monthly beauty box to test and review. Please note: Links attached to the products listed are NOT affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from this site, I DO NOT get a commission. As always, all photos and opinions stated in this site are 100% my own. For a more detailed disclosure policy, please refer to our Disclosure Page listed at the top of this post. Thank you!

Guess Who is Coming to the Capitol this Fall? #CapitolCOVERGIRL

The Hunger Games series is one of my all-time favorite trilogies. I have read each of the three books several times. Each time I do, the story line continues to captivate my attention.  So, needless to say when the first Hunger Games movie was released last year {March 2012} I just had to go watch it in the theater.

I did. I loved it so much I have decided to collect each of the DVD's once they are released.

Now comes the hard part: Waiting for the second installment of this series to be released. I have a feeling that The Hunger Games - Catching Fire will be as epic as the first movie; if not more so.

Here's why:

HUNT VALLEY, MD - On May 17, 2013, COVERGIRL announced its first-ever major movie sponsorship of Lionsgate’s highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, scheduled for release in North American theaters on November 22, 2013. COVERGIRL will launch a first-of-its-kind creative advertising campaign inspired by the film, featuring new products from the brand’s upcoming Capitol Collection from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, to be announced at a later date.

Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson lead an all-star cast in the second installment of The Hunger Games franchise, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The trailer, which debuted last month, has been viewed over 25 million times on YouTube. The film promises to illustrate the exquisite splendor in the world of the Capitol in rich detail, and the film’s makeup department used COVERGIRL products on set to create the film’s luxurious, high couture looks.

"With The Hunger Games: Catching Fire partnership, we wanted to redefine cosmetics’ relationship to film with a fantasy-meets-reality beauty experience," said Esi Eggleston Bracey, VP and General Manager, Global P&G Cosmetics. "The film inspired COVERGIRL campaign coming out this fall truly will bring beauty transformation to life in an aspirational, dramatic fashion. All of us at COVERGIRL were captivated by Suzanne Collins’ novels and the first film, so we’re thrilled to collaborate with Lionsgate on such a bold beauty partnership with the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

“We are excited to announce COVERGIRL as the exclusive makeup partner for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” said Paula Kupfer, Lionsgate’s Vice President of Promotions and Consumer Products. “The exquisite beauty and style in the world of the Capitol is a focal point of this film. Partnering with an innovative brand like COVERGIRL to create an additional layer of beauty storytelling and inspiration for the fans is new territory that we’re delighted to explore.”

Over the past year, COVERGIRL has stood out in the beauty category with its addition of several new spokeswomen, including P!NK, Janelle Monáe and NERVO, who, along with the brand, embrace beauty with a sense of authentic individuality and fearlessness. COVERGIRL’s partnership with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the latest expression of the brand’s passion and commitment to continue to break barriers in beauty.

Further news updates and news on this partnership will be released via facebook.com/covergirl, as well as on Twitter at twitter.com/covergirl and Instagram at instagram.com/covergirlofficial.


Now it's YOUR turn:  What are your thoughts about COVERGIRL's new partnership with Lionsgate?  Are you looking forward to seeing COVERGIRL'S new beauty looks created just for Catching Fire?  Let us know in the comments! 

{Image Source: PR Newswire}

Drinking Tea Can Have Several Health Benefits

Image courtesy of sakhorn38 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Although experts are divided on exactly how healthy natural teas are, there is no doubt that drinking tea has some health benefits.

For example, green tea shares all the health benefits that are thought to come from black tea, except in a more effective form, as the tea is fresher. Tea can help reduce your chances of getting heart disease by up to half, as well as fight dental plaque and cavities (although it will also stain your teeth if you don't make sure to drink plenty of water and brush regularly, so watch out!).

Drinking tea can help you to burn calories because your body has to cool down the hot drink once you drink it, that in itself takes energy. Tea often burns more calories than it contains which means  that natural teas can potentially help you to lose weight if you drink enough of it.

Not only can drinking natural flavored teas help you with weight management, here are a few other added health benefits to keep in mind:

• Chamomile tea is known to help calm the nerves
• Sweet Hibiscus tea helps aid heart health
• Sweet 10 Blossoms tea helps with your bodies digestion
• Sweet Cinnamon Tea can help give your body a boost of energy
• Sweet Green Tea with Mango is filled with antioxidants {antioxidants help prevent certain health issues and diseases}
• Black Tea is known to help reduce some symptoms of heart disease and may even help to keep blood cholesterol levels from rising

After listing these few health benefits from adding tea to your diet, you may be wondering where you can find some of these natural teas. Allow me to assist you with that.

Recently, I had the chance to try out a few specialty teas from a new Hispanic tea company known as Te Tiempo.

Te Tiempo specializes in producing naturally sweet herb infused teas. These delicious specialty teas are not only easy to prepare, the tea is infused with such a heightened level of sweet herb flavor, that there is no need to add any sugar to your cup of tea. This is especially important to those of us who are currently working on maintaining their weight.

Te Tiempo teas contain zero calories without compromising the taste or flavor.

To give you an idea of how you can prepare these teas, take a look at this recipe we shared on our food website - Sweet Hibiscus Lime Sweet Tea.

For more additional information about Te Tiempo tea products please visit their website: www.tetiempo.com


Now it's YOUR turn: Were you aware of all the health benefits that can be achieved by drinking tea? Which flavor tea from Te Tiempo would you like to try? Let us know in the comments!


Disclosure: This post was made possible by our sponsors, Te Tiempo. We received two complimentary tins of tea for review. All opinions stated in this post are 100% my own. To see a detailed disclosure for this website, please refer to our Disclosure Policy page at the top of this article. Thank you.

A Closer Look at Own Skin Health Anti-aging Eye Cream

Image courtesy of Marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Last week we spoke about the importance of using anti aging eye cream and what to look for when choosing an eye cream to add to our beauty regimen.  If you were not able to visit the blog last week, here are the links to those specific posts:

Why do we need eye cream?
Choosing an Anti-aging eye cream

To end the mini "eye-care" series, today's post will be about an eye cream we have been testing out for the past few weeks: Own Skin Health Lifting Eye Cream. 

Most anti wrinkle lifting eye creams contain ingredients that provide extra moisture to your skin. This helps in diminishing darkness from the skin making it look more firm. Many anti wrinkle eye creams contain vitamins A and D. These are the vitamins that are lost when skin is exposed to sun rays for a long period over time.

Own Skin Health Lifting Eye Cream is a little different. How?

For starters, the eye cream contains CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which is a plant based technology that is formulated to work with your bodies unique chemistry. So what does that mean for you?  Well, although our body chemistry differs from one another, with proper application and use over time, we should be able to see great results.  True, some of us may experience these lifting results sooner than others, but none the less - RESULTS should be seen.

Okay - now that you know what key ingredient is in this Lifting Eye Cream, let me make a list of what is NOT in this eye cream:

• Retinol Free formula
• Fragrance Free
• Paraben Free
• Sulfate Free
• Non Greasy Formula

Another point to consider is that most anti wrinkle eye creams come in different potencies and times of application. For example, if you wake up with puffiness and dark circles then it is recommended to apply an eye cream suited for morning application (day cream). On the opposite, night creams usually contain Alpha hydroxy acid which is intended to protect/repair your skin from damage, which is why it is best to apply these types of eye cream at night only.

The best part of using the Own Skin Health Lifting Eye Cream is that it can be applied to the delicate eye area morning or night. There is no need to go out and buy two separate brands of eye cream, when this tube alone helps to strengthen the skin so it can retain more moisture as well as increase your skin's metabolism for softer, smoother younger looking skin.

So, the question at hand will always remain the same: Do anti-wrinkle eye creams really work?

In my honest opinion, anti-aging creams, such as the Own Skin Health Lifting Eye Cream, are local applications that when applied to the skin on a daily basis, the effects produced can be quite visible over a short period of time. According to research conducted by Own Skin Health, most women were able to see changes to their eye skin area as soon as eight weeks. At first, I {perhaps like many of you reading this post} was skeptical, however after a few weeks of using the eye cream, I have to say that the skin around my eyes feels more hydrated, softer and supple than before.

To see how I apply my eye cream, please refer to this older post {HERE}.

As a rule of thumb, anyone who is willing to try out a new product should always keep in mind that everyone's body chemistry is different. You may not always see the results right off the back, but if you are patient by allowing your skin and body time to adjust to the eye cream, you could be pleasantly surprised at the great results you will have.

Remember along with taking care of your skin with a beauty regimen, a good diet that includes drinking more water, vitamin c, antioxidants from consuming veggies and living an active lifestyle are also great ways of keeping those wrinkles at bay.

For further details you can visit Own Skin Health at their website.

Now it's YOUR turn: 

Own Skin Health has a special offer just for YOU!  Visit the Own Skin Health site {HERE} and take advantage of 30% off your first purchase at Own Products by using the promo code: CLAIFABBO1


Disclosure: As an active member of iFabbo I received this complimentary product to use and review. Opinions and photos posted on this website are 100% my own. To read this websites full disclosure policy, please refer to the Disclosure Policy Page located at the top of this post. Thank you. 

Choosing an Anti-aging Eye Cream

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net 

When it comes to choosing an anti-aging eye cream, the possibilities are endless. The choices range from high end department store brands, to affordable names brands and can be found in all shapes, sizes, and forms. So you can imagine that when it comes time to choose an anti-aging eye cream that will produce the best results for you, the job is a tough one. Whether your target area is above the eye, below the eye, or the eyelashes, the possibilities are definitely there.

For the Eyelashes

Although not your ordinary anti-aging eye cream, the products available for your eyelashes are enriched with a complex of lecithin along with plant extracts. It's meant to promote growth of the lashes, and is clinically proven to do so while conditioning your existing lashes.

Product Recommendation:
L'Oreal Paris Lash Boosting Technology, 24-Hour Lash Boosting Power System Kit (1 Day and 1 Night)

Wrinkle Reducers

A few different kinds of anti-aging eye cream can be found that reduce wrinkles while promoting healthy skin. Some of these wrinkle reducers are left on over night and then washed off, while others are meant to be used under makeup or as a lotion alone. The severity of the eye lines you are trying to reduce or smooth will probably make a big difference in which type of anti-aging eye cream you decide to use. For more deep lines or crows feet, you will probably want to use an overnight treatment, coupled with a leave on treatment. For softer lines that need just a bit of smoothing, a leave on conditioner should do the trick.

Product Recommendations: 
Olay Regenerist Eye Regenerating Cream Plus Touch Of Concealer 0.5 Fl Oz

Age Defying Choices

In addition to worrying about wrinkles, lines, and brittle eyelashes, we simply want to defy our age. It's natural, as getting older means feeling older. What better way to feel younger than to look younger? With age defying anti-aging eye cream choices, defying age is a possibility. The choices in this area include firming cream and glow enhancers but the line tends to also offer natural choices such as chamomile anti-aging eye cream, and herbal treatments.

Product Recommendations: 
Own Products Lifting Eye Cream

Many products offer multiple benefits in one treatment, while others come in kits and require multiple steps. The severity of your problem areas don't really matter as to whether a one step or multiple step treatment is the best choice, however pricing, time availability, and satisfaction should be the deciding factors.


Related Article: Beauty Question Answered: Why Do We Need Eye Cream?


Now it's YOUR turn: What type of eye cream are you currently using? Let us know in the comments!


PS. As promised, this week we are talking about eye creams. Stay tuned for the next post where we will be sharing our thoughts on an eye cream we have using and are highly recommending!

Beauty Question Answered: Why Do We Need Eye Creams?

photo credit: 

Believe it or not, your lifestyle takes a toll on your eyes. Eating and sleeping habits along with the growing age leave a visible impact on the soft tissues that guard your eyes from outside. These tissues don't have any fat glands, which makes them the most sensitive organ in the human body. Everyday your eyes are exposed to dust, smoke and other irritants that have harmful effects.

Fine lines, wrinkles, mottled pigment are some of the symptoms of skin damage around eyes. Other aspects like skin color, skin tone also get affected. Eye creams have formulations that deal with these issues. With the prescribed use of these creams, your eyes will look young again.

Some of the advantages of eye creams are:

• Very effective
• Absorb quickly
• Safe ingredients
• Reasonably price
• Wrinkle-reducer ingredients
• Match the pH level of your tears

An eye cream protects the delicate folds of your eyes from dehydration by supplying essential moisture to the thin walls (layers) of tissues that are often neglected.

To protect your skin from withering and age prematurely, vitamins A and D are used within the formulation of eye cream. It's because of the upper damaged layers of tissues that your eyes give tired and aged look. An eye cream that contains acids can clean up and remove these dead layers revealing fresh, younger skin from beneath.

Prolonged exposure to sun can cause maximum damage to the eyes. Absorbing sunlight may healthy for other parts of the body but not for the delicate skin around your eyes. Protect your eyes form the harmful rays of the sun. Use sun glasses when exposed to sun.

Remember, eyes are the most beautiful and sensitive part of human anatomy. A thin, fine line makes all the difference in times when being young is everything.


Now it's YOUR turn: Do you apply eye cream during your daily beauty routine? If so, what's your favorite eye cream? Let us know in the comments!


PS. Stay tuned for our next beauty post - we will be sharing a few tips on picking the right type of eye cream and a review on a brand that we have been using and just adore!

Bold and Neutral Makeup {Tutorial}

The March 2013 Starlooks Starbox was what you could easily call a "mixed" makeup box. The products received were a beautiful combination of bold and neutral colors - everything you could possibly need to pull off one of the coolest smoky eyes and boldest lip looks for this Spring/Summer season.

Three essential makeup products (sent in the March starbox) you will need are the following:

• Moisture Rich Lipstick in Flutter  (bold)
• Eye Shadow Matte (single) in Disarray  (neutral)
• Lengthening Mascara in Black    (neutral)

Blue is one of the newest ways to wear a smoky eye. Although shades of blue are considered to be "cool" tones, blue is a color that flatters every skin tone. To pull off this neutral but cool smoky eye do the following steps:

1. Apply a eye primer over the lid and under the bottom lash line
2. Using a small dome brush, apply a yellow/gold eye-shadow beginning at the inner corner stopping at the midpoint of the eye lid
3. With another dome brush, apply disarray to the outer corner of eye, stopping where the yellow/gold shadow begins.
4. Softly blend the colors on top as to "diffuse" any harsh lines
5. Using a small blending brush, apply a light shade of bronzer to the crease and blend
6. Lastly, using a very small angle brush, apply a tiny amount of the yellow/gold shadow to the first half of the bottom lash line; then apply disarray to the other half of bottom lash line making sure to softly blend these shadows under lash line.
7. Top of this smoky eye by applying two (or more!) coats of lengthening mascara in black.

The cool neutral makeup is done, now let's move onto the bold portion of this look. In this case the lips will be the focus - as such having smooth lips is an absolute MUST.

The first step to moisturized and smooth lips is to exfoliate using a simple sugar scrub. Apply a small amount of the Starlooks "vanilla" Lip Sugar over lips - using your finger, gently rub sugar into lips in small circular motions. Lastly, tissue off - you should feel the difference immediately.

Next, apply moisture rich lipstick in flutter all over the lips - You can do this by applying lipstick directly onto lips or by using a lip brush.

Here is a glimpse of what this bold and neutral makeup looks like:

All the products used in this Bold and Neutral Makeup tutorial can be found in the links that follow:

• i-primer in ip10 medium
• Moisture Rich Lipstick in Flutter  (bold)
• Eye Shadow Matte (single) in Disarray  (neutral)
• Lengthening Mascara in Black  (neutral)
• Vanilla Lip Sugar

Now it's YOUR turn: Would you wear this bold and neutral makeup look? Which product from the March Starbox do you like the best? Let us know in the comments!
PS. If you would like to see this bold and neutral makeup tutorial in a video, let us know in the comments!


Disclosure: I received the March Starbox for the purpose of this tutorial and review - all photos and opinions are 100% my own. Please be advised that the links posted in this makeup tutorial are NOT affiliate links. In other words, I DO NOT get compensated if you choose to purchase these items. The product links are ONLY to assist you in the event you are indeed interested in buying these items, or becoming a monthly Starlooks subscriber. For a full detailed disclosure used for this lifestyle website, please refer to our DISCLOSURE page at the top of this post.