Health & Wellness, Sponsored

My endometriosis story and a potential treatment option

No Comments

*This post is sponsored by AbbVie

When I was beginning my journey into womanhood, I suffered from symptoms that I was told were ‘normal’ by my family OB/GYN. Many times I missed school because of the pelvic pain, and the discomfort was so bad that sitting was too painful to bear.

In my late twenties, I moved out of state and began seeing a new OB/GYN, who performed a sonogram out of concern regarding my medical family history. She explained to me that she believed I may have endometriosis.

I was in shock and feeling so upset that my family OB/GYN never discussed endometriosis with me, especially given my family history. Up until I was diagnosed, I followed a cycle of taking oral contraceptives and over-the-counter pain relievers to help ease my symptoms. Not knowing anyone else with endometriosis that I could relate to and seek help from, I felt alone. After learning that I had endometriosis, my first step was searching the internet for more information, solutions and to connect with others who have the condition.

Because I suffer from endometriosis, I understand how confusing it can be and want to help educate women who suffer from the condition about what I’ve learned. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment options are available. Every woman is different and its important to speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options that could work for you, including holistic approaches, such as changes in diet or acupuncture, medications or surgery.

One potential treatment option that I have learned about is ORILISSA® (elagolix). ORILISSA is for women 18 and over with moderate to severe endometriosis ain.

If you or someone you know has endometriosis pain, I encourage you to visit Orilissa.com to learn more and get information that can help you have a meaningful discussion with your doctor.  You can even create a personalized discussion guide to help explain your pain to your doctor.

For more information, visit ORILISSA.com.

Information about ORILISSA

Please see below for Important Safety Information.

Please visit www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/orilissa_pi.pdf for the Full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide.

USE

ORILISSA® (elagolix) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. It is not known if ORILISSA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ORILISSA?

ORILISSA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Bone Loss (decreased Bone Mineral Density [BMD])

While you are taking ORILISSA, your estrogen levels will be low. This can lead to BMD loss. Your BMD may improve after stopping ORILISSA, but may not recover completely. It is unknown if these bone changes could increase your risk for broken bones as you age. Your healthcare provider (HCP) may order a DXA scan to check your BMD.

  • Effects on Pregnancy

Do not take ORILISSA if you are trying to become or are pregnant, as your risk for early pregnancy loss may increase. If you think you are pregnant, stop taking ORILISSA right away and call your HCP. ORILISSA may change your menstrual periods (irregular bleeding or spotting, a decrease in menstrual bleeding, or no bleeding at all), making it hard to know if you are pregnant. Watch for other signs of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, weight gain, and nausea. ORILISSA does not prevent pregnancy. You will need to use effective hormone-free birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) while taking ORILISSA and for one week after stopping ORILISSA. Birth control pills that contain estrogen may make ORILISSA less effective. It is unknown how well ORILISSA works while on progestin-only birth control.

Do not take ORILISSA if you:

  • Are or may be pregnant, have osteoporosis, have severe liver disease, or take medicines known as strong OATP1B1 inhibitors, such as cyclosporine or gemfibrozil. If you are unsure if you are taking one of these medicines, ask your HCP.

What should I tell my HCP before taking ORILISSA?

Tell your HCP about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have or have had broken bones, have other conditions, or take medicines that may cause bone problems; have or have had depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; have liver problems; think you may be pregnant; or are breastfeeding or plan to be. It is unknown if ORILISSA passes into breast milk. Talk to your HCP about the best way to feed your baby if you take ORILISSA.

Tell your HCP about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your HCP if you take birth control pills. Your HCP may advise you to change the pills you take or your method of birth control.

What are the possible side effects of ORILISSA?

ORILISSA can cause serious side effects including:

  • Suicidal thoughts, actions, or behavior, and worsening of mood. Call your healthcare provider right away, or call 911 if an emergency, if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or bother you: thoughts about suicide or dying, try to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood. You or your caregiver should pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
  • Abnormal liver tests. Call your HCP right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark amber-colored urine, feeling tired, nausea and vomiting, generalized swelling, right upper stomach area pain, or bruising easily.

The most common side effects of ORILISSA include; hot flashes or night sweats, headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, absence of periods, anxiety, joint pain, depression, and mood changes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ORILISSA. This is the most important information to know about ORILISSA. For more information, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Take ORILISSA exactly as your HCP tells you. Tell your HCP if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your HCP for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

Please see the Full Prescribing information, including Medication Guide for Patients, for Orilissa at www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/orilissa_pi.pdf

*Sponsored by AbbVie

US-ORIL-190327

Continue Reading

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle

5G/EMF/RF protection from one of a kind 3rd Galaxi Art crystal keys!

No Comments

Change your frequency and protect yourself from ‘5G’ / Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF) and Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation. Crystals combined with orgonite bring healing, protection and awareness. We need this now more than ever, because we are consistently surrounded and affected by 5G / EMF and RF. I wear a 12 sided vogel crystal key from 3rd Galaxi Art to protect myself every day, and wear it to sleep every night. The beauty, energy and protection from 3rd Galaxi Art pieces are so beautiful and powerful. I love the artisan-ship and selection of crystals that they use.

What is 5G / EMF, and where do they come from, you may be asking… Anything wireless. Cell phones, ear buds, Alexa, laptops, TV, WiFi routers, cell phone towers, etc. Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation comes from things such as microwave ovens that can be harmful due to the ability of RF energy to heat biological tissue rapidly. 

Wireless devices do not even need to be turned on for us to be negatively affected. 5G / EMF weakens our immune system, disrupts brain function, and creates hormone imbalances among other negative disruptions EMF creates in the human body. Wearing organite is SO important, being that whether we are using a cell phone, computer, watching TV, etc. or not, we are constantly surrounded and affected by 5G / EMF and RF Radiation.

How crystals work

Wearing crystals help raise the vibration of the human body and reconnect you back to earth.  This is essential to us as humans because the higher our vibration the easier it is to broadcast a powerful energy signature (transmit information) and receive higher vibrating energies (receive higher information for bio download). Most human beings are vibrating at very low frequencies especially since the introduction of cell phones, which we carry close to us and spend several hours on every day.

How Orgonite works

Orgonite is a positive energy generator. A laundromat for negative energy. How? When orgonite is within range of a source of DOR/negative energy, it will efficiently and continuously transform it into POR/positive energy as it is being transmitted, which essentially creates positive energy transmitters out of any and all emitters of harmful negative energy, which are totally defenseless against the effect. Orgonite amplifies the healing properties of crystals to a great degree

Each crystal key is handmade with copper, which is a conductor of energy. When used with crystals, copper intensifies, enhances and channels the crystals’ properties. Each crystal key includes organite (pictured below) to balance and harmonize energy and for protection against 5G / Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF) from electronic devices.

There are no other companies that make crystal and orgonite jewelry that 3rd Galaxi Art creates. They are truly one of a kind, and I know that you will Love these pieces as much as I do. Once you experience the positive results for yourself, you will want all of your friends and loved ones to experience what you have.

We are Energy

Have you ever noticed when you get a weak signal on a radio or TV and you place your hand on the antenna the signal gets better? And, before you actually touch the antenna your energy field actually starts to improve the signal before you finally touch it? Our bodies are like a radio transmitters/receivers, and this is just a small example of what we are all capable of!

Did you know?

All human beings have different millivolt ranges in their nervous system.  Our nervous system runs positive and negative ions throughout our entire body. The state of health you are in can be measured by millivolts. The average person at the average state of consciousness ranges between 30-100 mv (millivolts) 1/1000th of a volt. A person who suffers from severe depression will usually measure between 5-9 mv. The point of wearing crystals is to raise the human body voltage (which is the electricity in our nervous system) to higher levels. 

FTC:  This is not a sponsored post. I was not paid to write this content. The product(s) shown and mentioned were gifted. However, my opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the brand/products and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. The overall description of the product and product benefits were adapted or taken from information provided on the 3rd Galaxi Art website and social channels.

Continue Reading

Cruelty-Free Beauty, Haircare, PR Sample, Purchased

WEN® by Chaz Dean: Thoughts, review & why you need WEN!

No Comments

In the early 90’s, Chaz Dean was creating buzz via infomercials with his classic cleansing conditioners, that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate or other detergents found in most hair cleansers and claiming that you will never need to use them again. What!? I couldn’t grasp the concept of not washing my hair with something that lathers. Washing my hair with a lathering, bubbly cleanser was my confirmation and gratification that the ‘squeaky clean’ feeling removed all the styling product build-up, before following with a conditioner and a leave-in conditioner. The thought of using one product to cleanse, condition and leave-in was baffling and I needed to know more…

Being the curious girl I am, I watched a WEN infomercial in its entirety and was convinced enough to purchase. There was definitely a learning curve to using WEN cleansing conditioner, even when following the instructions. Because of the lack of lather, and using twice as many pumps of WEN cleansing conditioner than I had previously used with a cleanser and conditioner combined, I initially felt like I was wasting money and product because I would either use too much or too little, which left me feeling like I should go back to a cleanser and conditioner.

Eventually, I found that the right amount of cleansing conditioner pumps for my waist length, fine hair is four ‘golf ball sized’ pumps. One for the crown, one (split) for each side, and two for the middle to ends. After massaging into my scalp, and working through my hair with enough water to create a creamy froth, I comb the cleansing conditioner through from scalp to ends with a WEN wide tooth comb that I keep in the shower and clip my hair on top of my head to get a deeper condition from the steam/heat. When its time to rinse, I massage the product from my hair AND scalp, while standing under cool or tepid water (never hot). If you do not rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly, there will be residual product, which could plug your hair follicles and create undesired ‘greasy’ scalp and hair.

Two of my most used and favorite cleansing conditioners are Bamboo Green Tea & Six Thirteen that I purchase from QVC when they’re available in June or October each year.

The cleansing-conditioners work wonders, but when I began using other WEN products in my hair care routine, I’ve experienced the most positive transformation in my hair like I never thought was possible, and receive compliments on my 42-year old hair more now than I did when I was younger. The superstars for me personally, which I highly suggest you incorporate into your WEN routine are the Re-Moist Mask and Intensive Treatment Oil.

Please read on if you’re interested to know more about WEN, and comment below! I would love to know your thoughts about WEN; if you’ve used it or not, and anything else you would like to share.

Products shown in photo above:

Cleansing Conditioner, 16oz. 

What is it: A revolutionary step toward beautiful, healthy, shiny hair. WEN cleansing conditioner replaces cleanser,, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, leave-in conditioner, and even shaving cream.

Who is it for: All hair types.

Why is it different: WEN cleansing conditioner is detergent-free, yet gently cleanses and moisturizes.

How do I use it: WEN cleansing conditioner should be applied in four sections: crown, nape, ends on the right, and ends on the left. For hair above your ears, use a minimum of 12 pumps (three pumps per section). For hair above your shoulders, use a minimum of 16 pumps (four pumps per section). For hair down to your shoulders, use a minimum of 24 pumps (six pumps per section). For hair past your shoulders, use a minimum of 32 pumps (eight pumps per section). For hair to your mid-back, use a minimum of 40 pumps (10 pumps per section). For thicker/coarser hair, increase amount of pumps in order to thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hydrate ends. Please see FAQ tab for more specific information and approximate pumps per bottle.

Restorative Volumizing Treatment Spray -spray either at your roots for extra lift, or 8″ to 12″ away from head for extra body and volume. For maximum results, use a blow-dryer with a nozzle and style as desired.

Nourishing Mousse -apply to soaking wet hair, before or after WEN Styling Creme (not included). Distribute evenly throughout your hair and style as desired.

Re-Moist Mask-Developed after years of perfecting the treatment in Chaz’s Hollywood salon, the WEN Restorative Re-Moist Mask is a rich blend of oils and extracts that work together to help nourish and hydrate the hair.

How do I use it: after cleansing with desired cleansing conditioner and rinsing thoroughly, apply Re-Moist Mask liberally to clean, wet hair. Comb through, clip hair up, and leave on for 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and style as desired. You can also use the Re-Moist Mask as an overnight treatment.

Intensive Treatment Oil -WEN treatment oils are universal and can be used on all hair and skin types. This treatment oil utilizes an extremely beneficial blend of highly sought-after exotic oils to help maintain and restore the integrity of your hair, scalp, and body while also providing the ultimate treatment for achieving bouncy, shiny, beautiful and manageable hair.

How do I use it: When using in the bath, apply two to four full droppers in water. When using on your body, apply one to two full droppers to skin after showering and before drying off for an incredibly hydrating body oil. When using on your hair, apply one to two drops to dry, styled hair for extra hydration. Apply two to four full droppers to scalp as an overnight treatment.

Nourishing Treatment Spray -Infused with natural ingredients, this spray transforms dull, flat, lifeless hair into luxurious, shiny hair. This nourishing spray is designed to bring out your hair’s full potential–not only adding volume and body but also targeting stress-related and environmental issues.

How do I use it: For rich moisture, gleaming shine, and body with hold, WEN by Chaz Dean’s amazing styling creme works great on straight, wavy, and curly hair. The virtually weightless formula offers the benefits of a leave-in conditioner, polishing gloss, and gel in one product. Use it as a heat-protectant from damage caused by styling tools and to help tame hair from frizz when drying naturally.

Styling Cream –How do I use it: After cleansing, apply appropriate amount of WEN Styling Creme to the mid-shaft and ends of wet hair. Style as desired. For fine hair, use one to two pumps, and for medium to coarse hair, use two to four pumps. For coarser, ethnic, or curly hair, use four to eight pumps, as well as mixing in a few drops of desired hair oil, not included. Prior to towel-drying, to help avoid frizz, it’s recommended to apply Styling Creme immediately after your leave-in conditioner while still in the shower. You can use either paper towels or cotton pillow-cases to squeeze out extra water. Use half of a pump on dry, styled hair to calm flyaways. The result is weightless, shiny, smooth, healthy, and manageable hair.

Restorative Nourishing Mousse -Nourishing Mousse adds the look of increased volume, shine, and smoothness to any hair type or texture. This formula contains peptides, bamboo water, and four tea and glossing complexes unique to this styling mousse. How do I use it: Apply to soaking wet hair and distribute evenly. Style as desired.

Ultra Nourishing Body Cleansing Creme –How do I use it: Use loofah or bath sponge of choice to wash your way to silky smooth skin. Nourish your body with WEN by Chaz Dean Ultra Nourishing Body Cleansing Creme, available in your choice of Chaz’s Six Thirteen or Three Nineteen formulas. Both are infused with essential-oils and extracts to add that extra depth of moisture to your skin.

TIP: WEN cleansing conditioners are multi-tasking products! In addition to cleansing/conditioning your hair, use them as body cleansers, as a facial cleansers with a Clarisonic or FOREO cleansing device… and for shaving!

When travelling, take a 16oz. cleansing conditioner on vacation, and it will be the only product you need for cleansing hair, face and body.

The WEN® Pink Jasmine Peony is a special edition scent, created by Chaz! This all-new Cleansing Conditioner is for a limited time during the month of February each year, and has the same treatment levels as the seasonals collection.

Ingredients:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Jasmine Flower Extract, Peony Extract, Vanilla Bean Fruit Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Lavender Extract, GreenTea Extract, GreenTea Leaf Extract, White Tea Leaf Extract, Rooibos Red Tea Extract, Black Tea Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Goji Fruit Extract, Acai Fruit Extract, Chamomile Flower/Leaf Extract, Marigold Flower Extract, Seaweed Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Wild Cherry Fruit Extract, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, L-Valine, L-Threonine, L-Proline, L-Isoleucine, L-Phenylaline, L-Histidine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Cetyl Alcohol, Menthol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycerin, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid, Amodimethicone, Carbomer, Polysorbate-60, Polysorbate-20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance.

Description, ingredients and directions for Bamboo GreenTea Cleansing Conditioner:

Bamboo GreenTea Cleansing Conditioner is a gentle formula made with rice protein designed to work on all hair types; contains peptides and amino acids, and is an incredibly revitalizing formula designed to bring out the best in your hair. Combining an exclusive, antioxidant rich green, black, white and red tea complex with an exclusive bamboo water complex rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and silica essential for hair growth, WEN® Bamboo GreenTea is a nutrient-rich infusion for your hair. Chaz designed this formula from the ground up to repair, protect and strengthen your hair while improving elasticity, volume and shine in all hair types and textures.

What is it: WEN’s Bamboo GreenTea Cleansing Conditioner is a rice-based formula.

Who is it for: Bamboo GreenTea is designed for all hair types and can be used on people of all ages.

Why is it different: Bamboo water and tea complexes are unique to WEN, along with amino acids and peptides.

How do I use it: Apply the Cleansing Conditioner to your scalp and hair, adding a splash of water to evenly distribute. Massage thoroughly into hair and leave on for the remainder of your shower. Rinse thoroughly and completely. As a leave-in conditioner, apply half of a pump to one pump to soaking wet hair, depending on hair length and texture. For best results, cleanse, rinse, and repeat.

Description, Ingredients and directions for Six Thirteen Cleansing Conditioner:

WEN SIXTHIRTEEN® was designed to boost shine and deep treat all hair types. Infused with soy and quinoa protein and amino acid blend, it restores strength and elasticity to hair. Added oils and extracts like ginger and lotus flower nourish your hair and scalp. We’ve also made it wheat and nut-free for those with gluten and nut allergies. WEN SIXTHIRTEEN® is the indulgence your hair has been waiting for.

Six Thirteen Daily Cleansing Treatment with a blend of 11 amino acids to help restore strength and elasticity to hair. The unique combination of more than 25 natural oils and extracts helps to nourish your hair and scalp, making Six Thirteen perfect for those with sensitive skin. Full of luxurious ingredients, Six Thirteen is the indulgence your hair has been waiting for.

Who is it for: Six Thirteen is designed for all hair types and can be used on people of all ages.

Why is it different: Six Thirteen is ideal for cleansing and hydrating the scalp and hair.

How do I use it: Rinse your hair thoroughly and completely with cool water. Apply enough Daily Cleansing Treatment to thoroughly coat your hair from scalp to ends. Make sure you are using enough to saturate the hair and scalp.

For short hair, use a minimum of six to eight pumps. For medium-length hair, use a minimum of eight to 10 pumps. For long hair, use a minimum of 10 to 12 pumps. For really long hair, use a minimum of 12 to 14 pumps.

Add a splash of water–this is very important to help evenly distribute the Daily Cleansing Treatment through your hair. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb and clip up hair for the remainder of the shower. To ensure maximum cleansing and conditioning, Chaz recommends that you cleanse, rinse, and repeat, using half the pumps for the first cleanse and the remaining pumps for the second cleanse. The longer you leave it on, the better. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and apply a dime-sized amount to soaking-wet hair from mid-shaft to ends as a leave-in conditioner.

FTC:  Some of the products shown and mentioned in this post were purchased by me, and some were received complimentary from WEN through Behrman PR, in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. This review may contain affiliate links. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the brand/products and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. The overall description of the products and benefits were adapted or taken from information from QVC and Chaz Dean websites. 
Continue Reading

Beauty Tools, High Tech Beauty, Skincare

FOREObsessed!

1 Comment

Firstly, this is not a sponsored review. I just can’t rave enough about my Love of FOREO (FOR EveryOne) and I spend quite a bit of my free time sharing why I Love FOREO so much and why other people should try FOREO if they haven’t yet. I have been a FOREO customer since the companies inception, and I have stuck to FOREO no matter what new cleansing brushes and similar silicone gadgets are being promoted on Instagram by less than influential Influencers, because I know that FOREO is the best without a doubt.

No matter what, the quality and performance of FOREO devices cannot be duplicated!

My FOREObsession, as I call it, began with the LUNA 2 cleansing device. I knew immediately after I used it the first time that my skin would never get a truly thorough, yet gentle clean without this amazing device. Even if I use a toner pad after cleansing with my FOREO of choice, there is no residue left on the toner pad.

The extra gentle silicone unclogs my pores of dirt & debris, exfoliates and removes makeup (even waterproof) without irritating my sensitive, acne-prone skin. And, the devices are all ultra-hygienic, low maintenance, rechargeable, travel-friendly and never need replacement parts. What’s not to Love?

My personal FOREO device regimens:

Morning: 

I apply an oil cleanser on my face and massage with my Luna 2, to gently remove excess oils and debris that my skin has produced or picked up over night. I also  make sure to gently massage over my eyelashes… ’cause little dust mites get into our eyelashes at night. Gross! Then, I follow up with whatever serums, oils, moisturizer, etc. that my skin needs that day and top it all off with SPF, because SPF is essential EVERY DAY!

Evening: 

I apply an oil cleanser to my face and massage gently with my fingertips first, with a little more focus on my eyelashes to help remove mascara. I then follow with my LUNA FoFo or LUNA 2, depending on what my skin needs that day. I always make certain to pay attention to how my skin is acting and adjust my skincare accordingly, which can change often.

If my makeup is more waterproof and/or I want to massage my skin for a while with some really good skincare after cleansing, I will flip the cleansing side over, and use the anti-aging mode to massage my skincare products deeper into my skin, then just sit back and relax.

If my skin is acting really strange, and I can’t figure out what it needs, I will use my LUNA FoFo. As a bonus for the FoFo, it syncs to an app that tracks my progress and tells me where my skin needs more hydration.

Foreo UFO:

I use my UFO at least twice per week, sometimes more during my time of the month to calm the weirdness that my skin goes through. This smart mask has changed my masking game by saving me money and time, combining T-Sonic pulsations, UV-free LED and warming or cooling features, with exclusive Korean mask formulas for a 90-minute at home spa treatment that costs much less over time than repeat visits to the spa.

I will never be without my Foreo devices. They are an important part of my skincare routine. 💜

Final thoughts and suggestions:

If you have sensitive, acne prone skin like I do, please avoid other skin cleansing devices with brush heads that scratch and irritate your skin, and breed bacteria in the brush heads. I mean, EWWW! They are just too expensive and not good for your skin. I’m not just speaking of the replacement brush heads, but the damage you’re doing to your skin is often irreversible. Please give FOREO a try, if you haven’t already. If you have… please drop me a message! I would love to read about your Love for FOREO and connect on social!

Continue Reading

Haircare, High Tech Beauty

Hair growth hope with HairMax

6 Comments

Last year, I began using the HairMax Ultima 12 Laser Comb. Since around the time I turned 30, my hair began thinning in the crown, as well as the parietal ridge, temples and nape. I have used lasers and light therapy devices at-home for hair removal, anti-aging and acne, but had not heard of using a laser device to help regrow hair until I stumbled across a post on Instagram for the HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb, which is an 8 minute laser light hair growth device, clinically proven and FDA approved for men & women. After seeing the post on Instagram, I immediately began researching laser light therapy for hair growth, looking for scientific information, and scouring the internet for before & after photos.

 

For the last nine months, I have used the HairMax Ultima 12 Laser Comb two or three times per week. Its SO lightweight and as simple as combing your hair and moving to a new area on your scalp/hair each time the device vibrates and beeps. The LaserComb beeps every four seconds to help you time the application (sound can be turned off if preferred), and the countdown timer displays the time remaining in your treatment.  I get my treatments in whenever reading, watching TV or scrolling through Instagram, etc.

 

BEFORE (10/2017) -focus area, thinning hair on temples

 

AFTER (8/2018) -focus area, new hair growth noticeable on temples

 

About the Ultima 12 LaserComb:

The Ultima 12 LaserComb at-home laser device is one of the at-home FDA cleared medical laser devices from HairMax that you can use in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The Ultima 12 LaserComb delivers low level therapeutic light energy to stimulate hair follicles through 12 medical-grade lasers (No LEDs). HairMax laser light treatments revitalize and enliven your hair follicles to stimulate growth factors, reverse the thinning process and help extend and restore your hairs natural hair growth cycle. The laser light therapy that HairMax offers is a low energy that is not hot, which helps to increase blood supply to the hair follicles, decrease inflammation and also increase the energy supply to the cells in the follicles. The patented hair parting teeth allow for maximum delivery of the laser light to the hair follicles for a highly effective treatment. After using this lightweight, easy to use device three times per week, 8 minutes per day, clinical studies show that 90% of users noticed an increase of density and fullness of hair after just four months of continued use. To help boost your results achieved from the Ultima 12 LaserComb, HairMax offers hair and scalp treatments, including dietary supplements, shampoo and conditioner.

 

Watch the Instructional Video below on how to use the HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb laser light therapy device:

Hair loss and thinning hair isn’t something that most of us like to talk about, but statistically speaking, one in four women will suffer from hair loss. Men may be more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness, but hair loss and thinning hair are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition. In many cases, there are ways to prevent and treat male and female hair loss, depending on the cause. The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, better known as hereditary hair loss or female pattern baldness.

 

Compared to the expensive cost associated with hair transplant procedures by hair transplant doctors or plastic surgeons, HairMax offers more affordable hair growth solution products that can be purchased online, and deliver the same desired result without the risks associated with hair transplant procedures.

According to WebMD and the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

  • While hair transplant cost will depend largely on the amount of hair you’re moving, it generally ranges from $4,000 to $15,000.
  • Insurance plans do not cover hair transplant cost, as it’s cosmetic and not medically mandatory.
  • The risks of hair transplant include bleeding, inflammation, infection, scarring, and unnatural-looking new hair growth.
  • It’s possible to suddenly lose some of the original hair in the area where you got the new strands, called shock loss. But most of the time, it’s not permanent.

 

HairMax Supplements & Hair Treatments to complement the laser treatment or to use on their own to help support healthy hair:

Den•si•ty Shampoo Lower pH, purifying formula gently cleanses without stripping essential oils. Helps restore balance, optimize scalp health and enhance the vitality and volume of your hair.

Den•si•ty Conditioner Deeply hydrates your strands, retaining moisture to strengthen and protect your hair.

Den•si•ty Revitalizer Scalp exfoliator removes excess sebum, perspiration and product buildup that can clog hair follicles and inhibit hair growth.

Dietary Supplements Blended with clinically proven hair strengtheners to help support healthier hair.

 

 

Helpful information and facts about hair loss:

Did you know that the average woman loses between 50 and 100 strands per day, even up to 150 in some cases? But, if you’re like me, and you feel like you’ve started to lose an excessive amount of hair each day, try this trick: Take about 60 hairs between your fingers and pull, running your fingers through your hair. Usually between 5 and 8 hairs, which is ‘normal’.  An excess of 15 hairs, however, is not as common and means you are losing more hair than you should be.

Read more: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-much-hair-loss-is-normal/#ixzz4v88cpo5z

 

Here are some common and not-so-common reasons you might be seeing less hair on your head: physical stress, pregnancy, too much vitamin A, lack of protein, male pattern baldness, heredity, female hormones (contraceptives), emotional stress, anemia, hypothyroidism, Vitamin B deficiency, autoimmune-related hair loss (alopecia areata), dramatic weight loss, chemotherapy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), antidepressants, blood thinners, overstyling (tight braids, clogged hair follicles from product build-up, Trichotillomania (impulse control disorder), aging, anabolic steroids.

 

Read more: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20727114,00.html#why-is-my-hair-falling-out–0

 

 

FTC: This is a sponsored review. I received this product complimentary from HairMax in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the product and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. The overall description of the product, benefits and ingredients were adapted or taken from information provided by HairMax.

 

Continue Reading

Cruelty-Free Beauty, K-Beauty, Subscription Box

Julep Beauty subscription

No Comments

Have I told you about the Julep Beauty monthly subscription box? It’s a fully customizable beauty subscription with ALL full-size products. Take the fun quiz here: http://shrsl.com/mw8x to customize your Julep Maven monthly subscription and get a FREE nail polish set worth $168.00 for signing up.

Julep Maven monthly perk: sign into your Julep account online between the 20th & 24th of each month to fully customize your box, and use your ‘Jules’ (optional) which are points earned each month, that you can redeem towards additional ‘free’ products at special prices only offered to Julep Mavens. AND… If you add on an additional 3 or more products in your subscription box, you get a FREE gift!!!
I customize the items in my box every month. The picks I chose for my August subscription box are shown below, which includes the following:

The product pictured above is called “Perk It“, Julep Beauty’s NEW sheer multi-tasking brightener, which is like a visible ‘instant eye lift’ without the drastic commitment. It will retail for $26.00 each, and is available in four sheer, illuminating shades that are super blendable and provide a natural skin-like finish.

The reason I began using Julep Beauty in 2014, was initially because my nails were brittle, weak and would not grow, and I am VERY mindful of the ingredients in the products I use. I discovered that Julep Beauty does not contain the harmful chemicals that most other nail products do, and after my first subscription box arrived and I began using the products religiously, I have never turned back. Julep’s polishes dry fast and allow 30% more oxygen to permeate the nail bed than any other nail polishes.
*Julep nail polish is 5-free and vegan-friendly. Julep steers clear of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, camphor, and animal ingredients or byproducts*

You may not have thought about it until now, but it is VERY important for the nails to be able to breathe in order to grow and stay healthy. So, if you’re thinking of giving up gel-manicures or acrylic nails for the first time, and you need a good nail system, please try Julep Beauty nail products. If you do, I’d love to know your experience with the products. Please share by leaving a comment below, or DM me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ninesacloud

Continue Reading

Beauty Tools, High Tech Beauty, Skincare

At Home Professional-Grade Microdermabrasion with Trophy Skin MicrodermMD Sensitive Kit

No Comments

This is a sponsored review written by me on behalf of Trophy Skin. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

 

 

My At Home Microdermabrasion Routine with Trophy Skin’s MicrodermMD Sensitive

Trophy Skin products have been part of my skincare routine for a few years, and I trust the brand wholeheartedly. This machine is phenomenal, combining diamond exfoliation and gentle suction, equipped with the same professional-grade technology you would find in a spa. After just one treatment, my skin was already much smoother and more radiant… and, the machine gets even better, including an Infusion Tip to help penetrate skin care products deep into the epidermis and dermis AND a Pore Extraction Tip, to extract debris from the pores, such as blackheads and debris.

A couple of weeks ago, I began using the MicrodermMD Sensitive Kit by Trophy Skin and I am so impressed with the results! If you have sensitive, and possibly acne-prone like myself, and you skip exfoliation for fear of irritating your skin, I encourage you to try this machine, because it really does work without causing irritation!

I’ve tried other ways to manually exfoliate my skin with scrubs and peels, but my skin is sensitive and acne-prone, so many times I would skip exfoliation because no matter what method I tried, I would end up with even more irritated skin than before I attempted to exfoliate.

All Trophy Skin products are professional-grade technology and are simple enough for anyone to use in the comfort of their own home. Trophy Skin created the MicrodermMD Sensitive Kit with those who have sensitive skin in mind, to exfoliate the skin without harsh bristles or chemicals as used in chemical peels or abrasives. When I discovered that Trophy Skin developed a sensitive version of their well-known Professional, Salon Quality MicrodermMD for at-home use, I just had to try it. Not only is this machine safe for the face, it can also be used on other areas, such as the neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, feet. etc. One treatment takes only 5 minutes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, visible pores, and scarring while smoothing and softening your skin. Just below the surface of your skin are layers of dull and dead skin cells that build up over time. MicrodermMD Sensitive is a professional-grade microdermabrasion machine designed to reveal fresh, radiant skin using a high tech combo of diamond exfoliation and gentle suction to buff away dead skin and promote cell turnover.

 

 

When dead skin cells are gently removed, your skin is brighter, smoother and your skincare products will absorb into your skin much better! If you have sensitive skin, have tried physical exfoliants, peels, exfoliating scrubs, etc., and have all but given up on exfoliating at home… check out the MicrodermMD Sensitive Kit by Trophy Skin.

The price of professional microdermabrasion treatments depends upon several factors, including the experience and qualifications of the person performing the procedure and the location of the spa or clinic. On average, microdermabrasion cost ranges from $75 to $200. Instead of paying that much for ONE microdermabrasion treatment at a spa, you can treat yourself with the same professional technology in the comfort and privacy of your own home, and it is simple enough that anyone can use it. I don’t know about you, but I like getting salon quality benefits, while being able to choose when I’d like a treatment whenever and wherever I please… so, you save more than just money, you’re saving your skin! For the one time purchase of a MicrodermMD Sensitive Kit, you will save $100’s to $1,000’s of dollars per year on facials because it is the same professional technology used in spas.

Save up to 25% when you purchase a product bundle AND use my coupon code, NINESACLOUD for an additional 15% OFF your purchase!

 

 

About Trophy Skin’s founder: Trophy Skin founder Imran Karim was inspired by the amazing effects of non-invasive beauty technology. Every day, he watched as clients of all ages left his spa with renewed natural beauty, feeling truly comfortable in their own skin. While his customers loved their glowing results, many asked Imran for a way to achieve the same benefits without the hassle and expense of visiting the Med-Spa. Moved by this need, Imran sold his business and began work on a line of at-home devices with results that rivaled the in-office treatments he had once offered.

Visit TrophySkin.com and subscribe to the newsletter. You will be automatically entered into a monthly product giveaway valued up to $300.00!

 

Product Details: The MicrodermMD Sensitive Kit is a glow-getter designed using a high-tech combo of diamond exfoliation and suction to exfoliate the outer layers of skin. Suitable for all skin types. MicrodermMD is one of the first at-home microdermabrasion machines using dual-action therapy with a combination of diamond-tipped exfoliation and suction, enabling you to have microdermabrasion treatments at home.

 

In a consumer survey after six weeks:

-95% of participants experienced softer skin using MicrodermMD

-90% of participants experienced more hydrated skin after using MidrocermMD

-76% of participants experienced smoother skin on the neck and chest area using MicrodermMD

According to expert graders, after six weeks, MicrodermMD produced a reduction in:

-the appearance of wrinkles on the neck and chest areas in 81% of participants

-the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth (nasolabial) wrinkles in 86% of participants

With Auto Mode and Sensitive Mode, you can take out all the guesswork. Simply press the Auto button and let the software walk you through a treatment of the entire face and neck in just five minutes. Sensitive Mode was designed with the same technology as Auto Mode but, now, with lower suction levels for people who desire a more gentle treatment.

 

Instructions for use: For the first-time user, select Sensitive Mode, or for all others, select Auto Mode and hit the Start button. From there, the screen will guide you through a simple treatment cycle of the entire face and neck in exactly five minutes. Sensitive Mode and Auto Mode both set the timer and suction level for each section of the face, updating based on what works best for each section. Advanced users can switch to Manual Mode and use the MicrodermMD anywhere on the face, neck, chest, arms, or any body area that they wish. Use the included pore extraction and infusion tips to add additional treatment types. Visit the video gallery on Trophy Skin’s website for usage videos here.

 

– Includes cleaning brush, 100 filters, 5x magnifying mirror, four O-rings, standard tip, pore infusion tip, and pore extraction tip – LCD screen – 8 power levels – Auto Mode with timer: preset power level and timer for each treatment area – Sensitive Mode: designed for sensitive, easily irritated skin

– Approximate measurements: Device 10″L x 8″W x 2″D; Cord 56″L; Hose 42″L; weighs 1 lb, 15 oz – ETL listed; 3-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty – Power Adapter – User Manual

 

*Results Vary By Individual*

 

If you’re as excited about the MicrodermMD as I am, have used Trophy Skin products before and would love to share your experience, please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!

 

 

 

FTC: This is a sponsored review. I received this product complimentary from Trophy Skin through Revfluence in return for my evaluation, testing and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the product. The overall description of the product and benefits were adapted or taken from information provided by Trophy Skin.

 

60814d319acce77bc1dbe3550498a69b72c38467a3f7ffcd12

 

Continue Reading

Giveaway Prize, K-Beauty, Sponsored

Julep #ItsWhipped Giveaway!

No Comments

 

*GIVEAWAY ALERT* Julep Beauty’s It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse is THE BEST matte lip color 💋 AND I’m giving YOU a chance to win a $250 Julep beauty box customized just for you! All you have to do to win is:

Visit the giveaway post on my Instagram page and follow the instructions. Good Luck! 🎁

1)  LIKE the giveaway post and FOLLOW @julepbeauty
2) FOLLOW me @ninesacloud (please do not follow and un-follow when the giveaway us over, or I will block from future giveaways)
3) TAG your friends in the comments to join in on the fun!

Winner to be chosen at random by Julep and announced on December 22nd. Winner will be listed on the Instagram giveaway post, and Julep will be sending prize to the winner.

In the photo above, I am wearing Its Whipped shades XOXO & Ooh La La

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes is open to Instagram users who are 18 years or over and a legal US resident. Your Instagram account must be PUBLIC on the date of giveaway drawing so I can see your page on that day, when entries are reviewed. Thanks! This giveaway is not sponsored, administered or associated by Instagram. GIVEAWAY pages will not qualify. Meaning: No IG pages that are solely used for giveaways. By entering, you are confirming that you are at least 18 years of age or older and release Instagram of all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use. Void where prohibited.

 

FTC: This is a sponsored review. I received featured products complimentary from Julep through Cohley. The overall description of the product, benefits and ingredients were adapted or taken from information provided by Julep and/or Cohley.

Continue Reading

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle

MCHATTE Portable Blender

No Comments

MCHATTE Portable Blender on Amazon

This MCHATTE Portable Blender is perfect for use on vacation, on-the-go, travel or at work. You can find it on Amazon for $33.99! I have seen so many others that are much more expensive than that.

This portable blender comes boxed with a USB charger cord, but was already charged for a few uses. The first beverage I made was a pomegranate tea latte. MMMMM! The lid doubles as a cup, how cute! The size is perfect to fit in most vehicle cup holders, if you are using the blender for on the go.

I am a Vegetarian getting back into the Keto lifestyle, and honestly, it has been difficult waking up early every morning to make my protein shakes before work. So, I began keeping my protein powder in my desk at work, and I pack fruit with me to mix in with a little water and a scoop of protein for a fresh protein shake for breakfast at work during the week. This is the perfect invention that I did not know I needed until now!

I’ve also used this blender cup with ice to make my own blended coffee beverages and smoothies. It makes just enough for me to have the amount of protein shake or beverage of choice.

The length of time it takes to blend is about 20 seconds. I’ve only used it a few times, so I’m uncertain how many times it takes before needing to recharge.

To clean, wash by hand with hot soapy water. DO NOT get the base wet where the charger plugs in. Even though the port is covered, there is a possibility that water could get inside, so be extra careful when cleaning.


Helpful usage tips:

  • Use more liquid than other things such as frozen fruit, or bulky foods. The blades get stuck or can stop the blender from working if there isn’t enough liquid.
  • Hold the base of the blender cup when in use, so that the cup does not fall over.
  • Make certain that the cup / lid is screwed on tightly. I had a little trouble with this, as the grooves in the cup do not align perfectly the first, second or third time sometimes.
  • Do not drink from the blender. Its best to transfer to a cup or bowl.

FTC:

This is not a sponsored post. I was not paid to write this content. I received this product in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the product and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. 

Continue Reading

Beauty, PR Sample, Skincare, Sponsored

Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Masques

No Comments

 

 

These Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Masques bring life back to my under eye area and seriously hydrate my crows feet, aka ‘smile lines’ 🙂 And, can we talk about the size of these eye masques! Look at how much of my under eye area they cover and they wrap around perfectly to the outer corners of my eyes. I’ve tried other eye masques, but none of them are this generously sized. I have also noticed that the dreaded ‘eye bags’ under my eyes, right on top of my cheek bones are always less puffy after using these! If you haven’t incorporated an eye masque to your skincare routine, I highly recommend that you treat yourself to the Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Masques.

Until I tried the Intensive Eye Treatment Masques, I did not realize how much the delicate skin under my eyes and my smile lines really needed and benefited from the boost that I get from using them!

My favorite times to use the Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Masques:

-At night before bed while watching TV, checking emails, etc.

-To help soothe and de-puff when I’m suffering from seasonal allergies

-In the morning while I am drying my hair/before applying makeup

-After a long stressful day while I unwind and relax with a glass of wine

TIP! keep your Intensive Eye Treatment Masques in the fridge for an added cooling and soothing effect

 

Now through November 13th, receive a FREE Bionic Oxygen Facial ($65 value) with your order of $90.00 or more!

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Masque firms and hydrates the delicate skin around the eye area. These single-use masques contain concentrated ingredients to provide maximum anti-aging benefits in a gentle formulation.

Lactobionic Acid (10%) hydrates, refreshes and soothes eyes, while gently exfoliating, firming the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines

Bionic treatment firms skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of crow¹s feet

Vitamins A, C, and E provide antioxidant protection and restore skin

Recommended usage: Two to three times a week

Key Ingredients: Lactobionic Acid, Vitamins A, C, and E

Size: 12 individually packaged applications (24 masques)

Dermatologist and allergy tested. Fragrance-Free, Paba-Free. For all skin types.

 

How to use:

-Gently cleanse and pat dry the eye area then open pouch and remove both pads

-Gently place one masque under or around each eye. Smooth the pad carefully onto the skin

-Leave the masques on skin for 10 to 30 minutes as desired

-Gently remove and discard (Do not reuse)

-Gently massage in excess solution from eye masques

 

 

FTC: This is a sponsored review which contains affiliate links. I received this product complimentary from Exuviance in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the product and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. The overall description of the product, benefits and ingredients were adapted or taken from information provided by Exuviance.

 

Continue Reading