Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

If you aren’t using a face serum before moisturizing, you’re missing out on the opportunity to seriously transform your skin. 

Yet, you may be thinking: serums are expensive! You can’t possibly shell out hundreds of dollars every month when you have other beauty products to purchase, too.

Lucky for you, there are drugstore alternatives. That’s right: the best affordable face serum doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. And today, we’re talking about ten affordable serums you can pick up at a drugstore near you.

Don’t believe us? Check out this article and see the truth for yourself!

The Best Affordable Face Serum Products (Plus How to Use Them)

You want good skincare but don’t want to break the bank, and we want to help you find it! Here, we’re talking about our ten favorite serums broken down by common skin issues. As a bonus, we’ll also tell you exactly how to incorporate them in your daily beauty routine.

Sound good? Let’s dive in!

For Acne-Prone Skin

AcneFree Adapalene Gel – $11.99 

Adapalene is an ingredient that fights inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. This ingredient addresses the inflammation responsible for cystic acne while also boosting cell turnover to prevent pore blockage. 

Use a medicated cleanser (like one with salicylic acid) to start your acne-fighting beauty routine. Follow up with this serum and a water-based or oil-free moisturizer for a clear complexion every time.

For Dark Marks

Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum – $18.97

This serum contains 2% hydroquinone, which is a safe and powerful skin lightener. Hydroquinone decreases melanin production in the scan. That makes it uber-effective against acne scars, dark marks, and even melasma.

To further promote dark mark fading, grab a cleanser with glycolic acid, which is known to help reduce acne scars. Apply your Differin serum to cleanse, dry skin. Your last step is to use a moisturizer with high SPF to prevent worsening dark spots or getting new ones. 

For Red and Irritated Skin

Olay Cooling Pressed Serum Stick – $19.99

Do you have stressed-out skin? Calm it down with this niacinamide and cactus water-containing serum from the masters of youthful-looking skin. 

To use this product, cleanse and dry your skin. Then, glide the stick over your face for a completely hands-free experience. Finish off your skincare routine with a calming moisturizer containing aloe, lavender, or eucalyptus. 

For the Naturopaths

Burt’s Bees Intensive Renewal Firming Serum – $19.99

Containing clean ingredients, this serum provides the power of a plant-based retinoid to firm and plump as good as the expensive stuff.

When you use natural products, you do run the risk of clogging pores. Steer clear of cleansers with clay and other drying materials, too, to avoid stripping moisture from the skin. Round off your natural routine with something as simple as aloe vera gel to lock-in moisture all day the natural way.

For Wrinkles

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Serum – $16.00

Retinol can be alarmingly expensive, so it’s nice to see a drugstore alternative. This ingredient doesn’t just reduce wrinkles, it also softens and plumps the skin, making it perfect for all ages.

A wrinkle’s worst enemy is moisture. To keep skin looking youthful and fine line-free, pick up a cleanser with hyaluronic acid and follow up with this serum. Add on a layer of a thick moisturizer to ensure the retinol doesn’t dry out your skin. 

For Dry Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum – $19.46

Hyaluronic acid is a double-duty dream for dry skin, moisturizing and plumping all at once. That’s why this serum is one of our favorites. This serum won’t clog pores, is lightweight, and non-sticky— everything we’ve come to expect from dermatologist-recommended Neutrogena. 

Start your beauty routine with an oil-based cleanser for ultimate hydration. Dry your face before putting a few drops of this serum into thirsty skin. Finish off with the best moisturizer for dry skin to lock-in all that hydrating goodness.

For a Glow

Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Infusion Drops – $17.90

If you deal with dull skin, the soy and kiwi extracts in this serum can help you out. It’s just as hydrating as it is brightening, perfect for mornings when you need a little extra boost.

An exfoliating cleanser is your best friend when you need a glow-up. Follow with this radiant serum before applying a super-hydrating moisturizer like the one we mentioned above for dry skin. Add a spritz of rose water or aloe before applying makeup for that glass skin look.

For Sagging Skin

Physician’s Formula 24-Karat Gold Collagen Serum – $16.00 

Collagen is the secret to firm youthful-feeling skin, but collagen-containing serums are usually priced through the roof. Not this one. With collagen, niacinamide for reduced redness, and peptides for plumpness, this is one of the best affordable face serums around.

When you have sagging skin, the products you use are less important than how you use them. Always apply products with an upward motion. That way, you aren’t tugging your skin down and contributing to sagging. 

For Textured Skin

Innisfree Green Barley Daily Refining Serum – $26.00

Even if you don’t deal with acne or wrinkles, serums like this one can help fix textured skin. The alpha-hydroxy acids found in green barley vinegar smooth the skin and glycerin promotes moisture retainment. This serum exfoliates, too, making it an even better value. 

Skip the exfoliating step when you incorporate this serum into your daily routine. Instead, choose a softening cleanser and save the scrubbing for your serum. Then, use a soothing moisturizer to ensure a perfect base for applying makeup.

For Sensitive Skin

Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Serum Stick – $19.00

According to dermatologists, the blue tansy oil in this serum reduces inflammation and is anti-bacterial. Plus, Acure’s serums are 100% fragrance-free, plant-based, and free of any nasty parabens or sulfates that may irritate your complexion. 

For a soothing beauty regimen every time, try to stick with a single line of products. For example, Acure’s Seriously Soothing line includes a cleanser, exfoliator, and mask. Sub-in your favorite non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin calm and happy. 

The Final Word on Serums

If you want to up your skincare game this year, you need the best affordable face serum on the market. So next time you’re shopping for beauty products, don’t forget to bring this list along!

Loved this article and want more like it? Then you better keep checking back for more!

In the United States, anywhere between 80% to 90% of women have pierced ears. Learning how to clean earrings the right way will help you stay clean, healthy, and stylish all at once.

Not cleaning your earrings properly can cause bacterial infections. The only way to avoid getting an infection is to create a cleaning routine based on your needs.

Keep reading to learn the best way to clean earrings:

How to Clean Earrings: Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands before you start cleaning earrings. There’s no point in sanitizing your earrings if you’re going to touch them with germ-ridden hands afterward.

Using hand sanitizer will also do the trick. Better yet, play it super safe by always wearing disposable gloves while handling/cleaning earrings.

Pick a Cleaning Solution

After washing your hands, select the pair of earrings you have in mind. While you’re at it, learn all about the types of earrings out there and how to choose ones that enhance your everyday looks.

Knowing how to clean earrings at home means selecting the best cleaning solution available. Always choose a sanitizing solution based on what kind of earring you’re cleaning. Take the earrings’ metal and gemstone(s) into consideration while choosing a solution.

For instance, you can clean sterling silver with baking soda and water. However, it’s better to wash gold with dish soap and water or rubbing alcohol. A mild liquid detergent cut with water is good for cleaning diamond earrings.

Submerge Your Earrings

Drop your earrings into your chosen cleaning solution and let the sanitizing fun begin! Most earrings need to remain submerged for at least half an hour to become sanitary.

The amount of soaking time required changes depending on the earrings’ metal and the cleaning solution you choose. For example, if you’re using white vinegar and baking soda to clean silver earrings, they’ll need to soak for around 2 to 3 hours.

Gentle Scrubbing

After soaking, retrieve your earrings from the solution and gently scrub them with a toothbrush. This removes the oil, dirt, and bacteria from any hard-to-reach places your earrings might have. Make sure you have a toothbrush that’s specifically reserved for earring cleaning purposes.

Be extra gentle when scrubbing off soft stones like opal, pearl, and turquoise while learning how to clean your earrings. In fact, pearls can only handle being delicately wiped with a damp washcloth after each time you wear them. Harsh chemicals, water temperatures, or handling methods damage pearls.

Make Your Earrings Dazzle Like Your Personality

Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson advises parents to wait until their child is at least 6 months old to pierce their ears. If you do this, teach children how to clean earrings as soon as they’re old enough to handle the responsibility.

It’s best to clean your earrings on a weekly basis, but other earrings need more frequent washings. Develop a cleaning schedule that’s convenient for you so you’ll be able to stick to it.

Make your whole life sparkle — read more of our cleaning articles. You’ll be surprised by the amazing tips you’re missing out on.

You go to the dentist regularly and brush your teeth two times a day as directed but still, your teeth are a bit discolored and not as white as you want them. 

Having pearly white teeth sometimes seems like a dream and not a reality. But what if there are many options for you to get those shiny white teeth that you’ve always dreamed of?

Keep reading for our complete guide on teeth whitening options for you.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Before diving into teeth whitening options you should know why your teeth turn yellow or look discolored. There are two reasons and both of these reasons speed up as you get older. 

Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth and this is what makes them appear to be white. Underneath your enamel is a layer of tissue called dentin and this is a yellowish-brown color. So when your enamel wears away this is what makes your teeth look discolored. 

Your teeth can also appear to look discolored from stains. Stains can come from foods and beverages such as coffee, soda, berries, curry, among other things. When trying to whiten your teeth you may want to try to actively avoid things that can stain your teeth.  

Teeth Whitening Strips

If you’re looking for a convenient way to whiten your teeth, then teeth whitening strips may be the right call for you. Teeth-whitening strips are sold in pretty much any drug store and they are fairly inexpensive so you can buy them whenever you need them.  

They’re also very easy to use as long as you follow the directions right on the box. The downside to teeth whitening strips is it may take longer to produce the result you want depending on the amount of peroxide in the strip. 

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Another easy and affordable option is to start using teeth whitening toothpaste daily. This is a super easy option because you don’t have to add anything new to your daily routine. 

Teeth whitening toothpaste works to remove surface stains with mild abrasives. They contain additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more powerful at removing stains than regular toothpaste.

On the other hand, this type of toothpaste does not bleach your teeth so you may not see lasting results. If you rely on this toothpaste too much, then you may feel a bit of tooth sensitivity or damage to your enamel over time. 

Go to a Professional

If you want to change your entire look you may want to start with your teeth and the best way to do this is by hiring a cosmetic dentist. They can help you change the look of your teeth and give your entire face a healthy glow. Finding the best cosmetic dentist could be a bit difficult but there are some major things you should look for when looking to hire one. 

When you hire a cosmetic dentist you’re going to get the best service for your teeth possible. This type of dentist is all about changing the way your teeth look. They can help you get rid of that discolored look and give you the perfectly straight teeth you’ve always dreamed of. 

In-Office Bleaching

In-office bleaching is a great way to see results fast. To have this procedure done you will go to a dentist office. It usually takes a little over an hour so it’s a very quick procedure. 

You may experience a bit of pain but it is just because your teeth are sensitive to the peroxide used. This procedure can be very costly and you will want to stay committed to keeping your teeth as white as possible. The benefit is that you can see the results of the procedure immediately which is why it is very popular. 

Teeth Whitening Rinses

Another popular way to get whiter teeth is by using a whitening rinse. They work just like mouth wash by reducing bad breath and helping to fight dental plaque as well as gum disease. You will want to look for a product that contains hydrogen peroxide. 

Unfortunately, this is a lengthy process and you may not really see the results until 12 weeks of use. But it is very easy to use! All you do is swish it around your mouth for 60 seconds before brushing your teeth. 

A whitening rinse is a great thing to add into your daily routine but it may not give you the teeth whitening results that you’re craving. It only comes in contact with your teeth for about two minutes a day so it isn’t as effective as many other teeth whitening products. 

Teeth Whitening Gels and Trays

Teeth whitening gels and trays can be very effective but do not give immediate results. You can wear these gels and trays for a couple of hours a day or even while you sleep at night. It can take anywhere from 3 days to a few weeks to see results with gels and trays. 

There are two different types of teeth whitening gels and trays that you can buy. The kind that your dentist can sell you or the kind that you can buy over the counter. When you get teeth whitening gels and trays from your dentist you may see faster results because they contain a higher amount of the peroxide bleaching agent. 

Another benefit of purchasing trays from your dentist is that they can have them custom fit for your teeth. When you purchase over the counter whitening gels and trays they are just generic so they may not fit your teeth correctly. This could result in the gel coming in contact with your gums which could cause irritation. 

Many Teeth Whitening Options

There are many different teeth whitening options that you can choose from. You may have to experiment with the different methods but finding the best one for you should be easy. 

If you’re looking for more tips, tricks, or just lifestyle advice in general, then like our page on Facebook so you never miss a post. You can even share it with your friends!

It’s no secret that much of the fashion industry isn’t too concerned with environmental consciousness. Almost three-fifths of clothing will wind up in an incinerator or landfill within a year of production. In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that 12.8 million tons of textile waste were in our landfills. 

What’s an environmentally-conscious fashion lover to do when their closet no longer brings them joy, then? Upcycle clothes, of course.

Reusing your old articles of clothing and breathing new life into them is both wallet-friendly and better for the environment. You won’t need to take trips to the mall or online shop when you have an infinite amount of options already in your closet. 

If you’re wondering how to upcycle clothing, keep reading. We’ve outlined seven unique ways to repurpose the clothes in your closet. All you need to bring is your creativity, an open mind, and a few craft supplies.

1. Bring out the Bleach

One of our favorite ways to upcycle clothes is by taking a little bit of bleach and getting artsy. 

There are several techniques you can use to bleach your clothing. If you love drawing, you can buy a bleach pen and draw designs on your old shirts or pants. Think spiral designs, inspirational phrases, animals, or whatever else your heart desires.

If you’re less artistically inclined, pair your bleach with any stencil from Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. Stencils come in all shapes and sizes so the skies the limit here.

One thing to keep in mind before taking bleach to your clothing is the fabric. Natural fibers like cotton and silk will be easier to customize with bleach than others. 

2. Raid Your Significant Other’s Closet

If your husband or boyfriend has a closet full of clothes he never wears, they’re fair game for you to upcycle. 

All you need is an oversized shirt, a pair of scissors, and a bit of creativity and the possibilities are endless.

Their side of the closet is especially fun to raid if you have little ones to dress, too. You can turn a large men’s shirt into a little girl’s t-shirt dress with some scissors and a sewing machine. 

3. Upgrade Your Denim

Jean anything is timeless. Though what’s on-trend may change with the seasons, it’s always a good idea to have some denim in your closet.

If you’re handy with scissors and a sewing machine, you can create almost anything from your old denim. Turn last season’s jeans into a make-up or tote bag. 

If you’re particularly fond of your jean jacket, consider upgrading instead of upcycling. Turn it into a jean vest if you’re feeling punky. You can use the bleach trick above or even buy some iron on patches to give your jacket a new life, too.

4.  Get Lacy

Leftover lace or fabric scraps from other upcycling or craft projects can help transform your old clothes. Sew lace to the hem of a dress to make it more modest while adding vintage flair. 

Add lace trim to your jeans or on the sleeves of your jean jacket to uplevel your denim. If you have a pair of holy pants destined for the trash, sew lace into the holes for a sexy peekaboo effect. 

 5. Reuse Blankets

Upcycling isn’t a practice reserved just for clothing. Do you have an old blanket collecting mothballs in a closet somewhere in your home? It’s time to repurpose that beauty into something new and fashionable.

With an old wool blanket, you can create a homemade coat perfect for those cold winter months. You’ll be looking fashionable and staying warm with a few cuts of fabric and several stitches. 

Blankets can also be repurposed into things like Christmas stockings, tote bags, throw pillows or winter hats.

6. Turn Tees Into Tanks

You don’t need to be a whiz with a sewing machine to make upcycling clothes a hobby. There are countless ways you can repurpose old t-shirts into tank tops with a pair of scissors and some ribbon. 

The first step to transforming any tee into a tank is taking off the sleeves. Once the sleeves are off, you’ll need to decide what width you’ll want your new tank top straps to be. Don’t forget to determine how big you want the armholes to be, too. 

The next steps will be different depending on what style tank top you’re going for. You can cut off the bottom two inches of the shirt and use this strip of fabric as a tie to make your tank a racerback.

Not a fan of the racerback silhouette? Maybe a crop top is more your style? That’s an easy DIY that’ll only take a few minutes to complete. 

7. Give Your Sweaters a Second Chance

Just as with blankets, your old sweaters can be repurposed in infinite ways.  

One of our favorite sweatshirt upcycle ideas is to transform them into other winter attire. Since sweaters are already designed for warmth, using them as a winter-specific upcycle is a logical choice. You can make them into warm hats, leg warmers, a mug cozie, a cowl, or even a pair of mittens. 

Another great thing about repurposing sweaters is that their second life can extend beyond clothing. Make an autumn wreath by wrapping the fabric around a wreath ring. Wrap a vase for a chic take on winter table decor. 

Do Your Part and Upcycle Clothes

Making clothes out of old clothes can be a fun way to spend your spare time. Not only are you helping the environment by not contributing to textile waste, but you’re also sharpening your crafting skills.

When you upcycle clothes, your closet will always feel fresh, and you won’t need to spend a dime. Repurposing clothes allows you to contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry that’s better for the world.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainability in the industry, be sure to keep browsing our page. We’re raising awareness about ethical fashion and need help spreading the word. 

Somewhere between the age of 35 and 45 is when we begin to notice big changes to our skin. There’s a loss of elasticity and the emergence of wrinkles. You start to notice dark spots and dryer skin. 

You can combat these changes to your skin tone with the right daily skin care routine. Certain techniques and products work to keep skin healthy, clear, and smooth. 

Read on for the best skin care regimen for 40-year-olds to live by. 

Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

It’s common to notice your skin get more dry and sensitive with age. A daily moisturizer that works for your complexion is a key part of your skin care routine.

It should get applied to your face and neck at the start of every day. This will help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. 

Products that include anti-aging ingredients are ideal. Niacinamide is a type of B3 vitamin with the power to slow the aging process. It also works to reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

Peptides are important amino acids that promote healthy skin growth. They help with collagen production and skin elasticity.

Ceramides offer hydration and act as a skin protectant. Alpha-lipoic acid helps with inflammation and has antioxidant powers.    

Apply a Daily Serum

Daily serums are ideal for improving skin quality over time. They contain key ingredients that help to fight free radical damage. 

Serums also reach further into your skin than a lotion can. This works to promote healthy skin cell growth. 

Essential ingredients include antioxidants and C and E vitamins. These help improve skin tone for more radiant skin. You’ll also notice a boost in collagen production. 

Hyaluronic acid gets known to help hydrate and brighten the skin. Yet, as you age, your body’s production of it will start to decrease. This makes a Hyaluronic acid serum part of the best skin care regimen for 40-year-olds. 

Use a Restorative Night Cream 

Night creams are important for your skin care regimen as they help restore your skin while you sleep. They work to lock in the most amount of moisture while your cells regenerate. 

Many skin professionals recommend using ingredients like retinol in your night cream. This form of Vitamin A has powerful antioxidant properties.

It provides a collagen boost and works to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. You’ll notice a change in your skin appearance and texture when using retinol. 

When using these type of products it’s essential to keep your skin well hydrated. As retinol can be drying to the skin. You may also want to patch test an area when adding retinol to your beauty regimen.  

Exfoliate While in the Shower

Exfoliating is the secret to getting flawless skin. Using a gentle exfoliant will help to remove dead skin cells. Doing this 2 to 3 times a week will result in smoother glowing skin. 

The idea is to use a gentle scrubbing motion to protect the skin. It’s best to have a separate exfoliant product for your body and face. The face calls for gentler ingredients. 

You also want to pay attention to the water temperature in your shower. Taking too hot of a shower can take away natural oils and dry your skin out even more. Lukewarm temperature is best for skin and hair health.

You can even try a dry-brushing technique to exfoliate the skin. This works the lymphatic system to help detoxify your body as well. 

Don’t Forget to Target Your Eyes

As we age, the skin around our eyes begins to thin. This makes the eyes one of the first spots to begin to age and one that needs extra attention. 

An eye cream can help to target wrinkles and fine lines. It also works to reduce bags, puffiness, and dark circles. Look for natural ingredients like chamomile, green tea, and jojoba oil.  

Stay Safe in the Sun 

Proper protection from the sun is one of the most crucial skin care tips for women of all ages. Anytime you’re in the sun, always use at least 30 SPF. Be sure to apply it after your serum and moisturizer.  

This works to reduce skin damage and lowers the risk of developing skin cancer. It can lessen your chance of getting wrinkles and sunspots.  

You should also see your dermatologist on a regular basis. This is important for regular skin check-ups. They may recommend a chemical peel or laser resurfacing to remove damaged skin. 

Sun hats and sunglasses are other important accessories to use to protect your skin. You may want to try a light and refreshing face mist as well. This product is ideal for keeping your skin hydrated when outdoors.

Speaking of hydration, drink plenty of water. You should aim for at at least 8 glasses of water every day for glowing skin. 

Go All-Natural 

It seems the clean beauty routine is here to stay. It’s becoming clear that women should avoid harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates. These can interfere with hormone production and cause skin issues. 

Going all-natural also includes your diet. For healthier skin, you want to avoid processed foods and refined sugars. It’s best to stay away from preservatives and GMO’s as well. 

Focus on foods that promote healthy skin. This includes whole foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. This helps to support the immune system and healthy cell growth. 

Stock your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Yogurt with probiotics is great for balancing your system. 

Berries get packed with antioxidants which are great for skin health. Leafy greens, salmon, olive oil, and nuts are other skin-friendly foods.  

Get Enough Sleep Every Night

Sleeping ensures you’re giving your cells plenty of time to regenerate. For best skin results, aim for an average of 8 hours a night.  

Be sure you’re cleansing your face every night before bedtime. This removes makeup, dirt, and oil that can clog pores.   

You want to use a gentle cleanser that will clean your face without removing natural oils. A nightly facial massage can also boost blood flow for healthier-looking skin. 

The Secret to the Best Skin Care Regimen for 40-Year-Olds

The best skin care regimen for 40-year-olds is about using the right products for your skin type. These tips will help to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and prevent damage. The result is healthier and more radiant skin. 

Looking for more advice on secret skincare tips and tricks? Check the latest in the beauty and fashion section of the blog!