November 17, 2017

I tried DIY cupping, super-affordable masks to stock up on and color-correction for your smile.

DIY cupping... Yes or no?

There are very few things that I won’t try once in the name of health (and beauty)—and alternative medicine isn't one of them. I started acupuncture shortly after I got married when I decided it was time to clean up my act (and my body) before my husband and I started trying to make a baby. And let it be known, after six months of acupuncture and herbs, our very first attempt was successful. Cupping was also part of “preheating the oven,” and yes, the sight of round bruises on your back is certainly shocking at first—but there’s no denying the beneficial effects of this strategically-placed circulation-boosting suction.

I’d never, ever entertain the thought of sticking myself with needles to promote energy flow within my body—I mean, acupuncturists go to school for YEARS to learn how to do that whole thing—but wouldn’t you know, a company called Lure Essentials is basically telling us to go cup ourselves. (This was funnier when I said it out loud.)

Their Chakra Cupping Therapy Set includes four pairs of colored caps in different sizes (each is inspired by crystals, including jade, amethyst, rose and citrine) and the treatment options are basically endless. Use them on sore muscles, stiff joints, or on your shoulders when you’re feeling tense, or for an energy boost—and if you add a little body oil into the mix you can move them around to give yourself a deep-tissue massage (although an extra set of hands comes in handy for this one).

I know this may sound a bit intimidating, but you can find tutorials if you do a little poking around on YouTube—and it’s definitely worth a shot if you’re looking for an alternative to popping pills, right?

Because everyone needs a little Jonathan Adler in their life

If you’re not familiar with Jonathan Adler’s whimsical home accessories, I recommend you get right on that. I have quite a few throughout my home, from a squirrel match-strike on my desk for my candle and gold-striped zebra jewelry dish in my closet, to a used candle that has been repurposed as a catch-all for keys and such by my front door. I’ve had my eye on the “Uppers” and “Downers” ceramic canisters for quite some time, so maybe I’ll get lucky for my birthday or Chanukah this year (hint, hint).

So when I learned about Adler’s collaboration with Clinique, I was all over it—and you can add a dash of fun to your makeup bag with this limited-edition collection. Featuring Lid Pop eyeshadows, 11 shades of Pop Lip Colour + Primer (on sale), two shades of Cheek Pop (on sale),  and the Great Skin by Design set that comes with the Sonic Brush, Foaming Sonic Facial Soap and an adorable travel case (also on sale), you get Clinique’s reliable formulas in cute Adler-ized packaging—and they make a perfect holiday gift so get them before they’re gone

Proof that masks don't have to be expensive

Who doesn’t love treating themselves to a nice mask? I sure do, and I’ve tried too many to count, from cheapies to over-the-top expensive ones. In my experience, I’ve learned this is one skincare step that doesn’t require spending a lot of money, and I’m really into Masqueology for budget-friendly options.

This month, the brand is launching a totally new treatment called the Intensive Moisturizing Rubber Mask, and beyond being effective, it’s a fun way to mess with your kids. (Keep scrolling.)

This two-step mask comes in a dual-chambered sachet (which I kind of learned the hard way). The top portion is filled with a hydrating, soothing cream that’s packed with plumping hyaluronic acid along with sweet almond, soy and wheat proteins, which you slather on before applying the two-piece rubberized mask. With one piece for the upper two-thirds of your face and another for the lower third, it creates an occlusive barrier that helps the ingredients penetrate the skin better—and it’s infused with seaweed extracts, more hyaluronic acid (you can never have enough), chamomile and lavender. The rubber pieces fit my face really well, and they stayed put even though I was running around the doing a laundry list of menial tasks.

Best of all, a single treatment is only $2.50, so keep an eye out for it at Walmart!

Color correction for your smile

We’re all familiar with the concept of color-correcting makeup, and how certain clown-like hues miraculously neutralize beauty concerns like dark circles (peach) and redness (green). If you are (or ever have been) blonde, you’re likely aware of the power of purple shampoo and its ability to brighten color and neutralize brassiness. These aren’t the only situations when you can spin the color wheel to your advantage, and now you can apply this notion to your teeth.

Sure, you can bleach your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office, but if peroxide isn’t your thing (or you have super-sensitive teeth or gums) PopWhite Whitening Primer + Toothpaste may be worth a try. Once you get passed the purple color that you think is going to stain your teeth, you’ll see the drug-grade blue and red pigments deliver gradual smile-brightening without the need for strips or trays. This tooth-friendly formula also contains Xylitol (also found in chewing gum) to reduce plaque and reinforce enamel along with coconut oil—and we’ve all heard about the benefits of oil pulling (whether we’ve tried it or not). This innovative oral-care line also includes the PopWhite Whitening Toner + Oral Rinse (yes, it’s purple, too) and these two products come as a bundle for optimal improvement. According to the company, users see an average lightening of four shades lighter in just two weeks of normal brushing and swishing—which you’re doing anyway so why not give it a whirl if you want a whiter smile?