Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

Around four million Americans wear braces, which means each individual must learn to properly care for their teeth once they have been removed.

Prioritizing dental care is key to promoting good oral hygiene, protecting your teeth, and making the time your wore braces worthwhile. Perhaps you’re getting your braces off soon, but you’re not sure how to look after your teeth afterward.

Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know. 

Prepare to Wear a Retainer

After braces, you’ll be given a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Note, that your teeth are at risk of moving several weeks after the braces have been removed, so make sure you constantly wear them. 

It’s also important to ask your orthodontist about cleaning your retainer. For instance, you should clean your retainer with lukewarm water after each meal and deep clean it every night. You can do this by mixing warm water with mild dish soap.

Further, carry them in a case as many patients lose them by wrapping them in napkins, which then get accidentally thrown away. 

Be Gentle

One of the top dental care tips is to be gentle with your teeth. For instance, avoid grinding or clenching your jaw as it can affect the integrity of your pearly whites. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush, with gentle pressure, so you’re not scrubbing the gums. 

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year 

The key to maintaining good oral health is getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. You may also need to follow up appointments with your orthodontist, so they can check whether you’re happy with the retainer. Plus, your orthodontist can share further advice to ensure you are prioritizing tooth care. 

Consider Teeth Whitening 

Many patients concerned with their dental health often want their teeth whitened. Instead of spending a fortune on whitening strips, book an in-office whitening treatment as they are affordable and effective. It will also give you more confidence about showing off your new, brace-free smile. 

Be Diligent With Your At-Home Cleaning Routine 

It’s important to remember that taking care of your teeth, post-braces, is constant work. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and replace your toothbrush every four months. 

You must also floss once a day as it will remove food debris and prevent plaque from accumulating. Further, many patients use mouthwash after flossing but ask your dentist which variety is the best type for your teeth. For instance, mouthwash with alcohol may aggravate sensitive teeth. 

Use These Dental Care Tips 

Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll use these dental care tips.

Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning, know how to care for your retainers and consider a teeth whitening treatment. You should also be gentle with your teeth and have a strict, at-home cleaning routine. Good luck! 

Found this article helpful? If yes, then check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the US and affects around 50 million people. And it’s not only teenagers that have acne, it affects millions of adults, too.

It can be debilitating to live with as it can harm your self-confidence and self-esteem. And if you have painful acne, too, that can hinder your ability to perform day-to-day tasks and could lead to depression.

When you have acne for a long time, you may have tried lots of treatments and you might be losing hope that you will ever get rid of it. But there are always more treatments to try and things you can do to help.

And if you keep persevering, one day you will be able to enjoy glowing, pain-free, and acne-free skin. This guide will show you how to treat acne and prevent it from coming back in the future. 

Understand The Underlying Cause Of The Acne

One of the best ways to treat and prevent painful acne and other types of acne is to understand what causes it. These are the most common reasons why it affects you:

• Changes in hormones e.g. menstrual cycle, menopause, or pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Side effects of other medication
• Skin products
• Sweating
• Humidity
• Wearing tight clothing
• Overactive sebum production
• Lifestyle e.g. pollution, stress, etc.
• Allergies or adverse reactions to food or skincare products

If you menstruate, track the severity of your acne during your cycle. If it is better or worse during certain times of the month, that could be the cause of your acne.

Sweat is a common cause of body acne. If you go to the gym or hike a lot in warm weather, your back will be more susceptible to getting acne due to wearing a backpack.

You can also understand the cause of your face acne through a technique called face mapping. These are some possibilities of face acne if you are prone to getting it on certain parts of your face:

• Hairline = reactions to hair care products
• Forehead and nose = excess oil production
• Eyebrows = Ingrown hairs, diet, and water intake
• Ears = Stress and hormone imbalance
• Cheeks = Dirty pillowcases and make-up
• Chin, jawline, and neck = Diet and hormones

The cause of your acne could have one or many different causes. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Diagnose The Specific Type Of Painful Acne

Though cystic acne is the most common type of painful acne, tons of other types could be painful depending on the severity. Here are the most common types of acne:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Papules
• Nodules
• Cysts

You can also get acne under the skin as well as on top of your skin. And you might have a mix of acne types with varying sizes and depths. Look at your acne in a magnifying mirror and list the types of acne you have so you have a better chance of treating it.

Revamp Your Diet And Lifestyle

If you don’t think your hormones cause your acne (or you think it might not be the only cause) you can make lifestyle changes to improve your acne.

The best thing you can do is to not touch your face or any part of your body that has acne if you can help it. Your fingers carry a lot of dirt and oil. And by touching your skin, you are encouraging more oil in your pores which could turn into acne. 

Picking at your acne can also increase the chances of scarring and spreading the infection. Give your skin the best chance to heal by leaving it alone!

Stay out of the sun as much as possible, too, as UVB and UVA rays can damage your skin further. If you want to beat painful acne, you want it to be as healthy as possible.

Get at least seven hours of sleep a night, but nine hours are ideal. Your skin heals best while you are asleep so increasing the amount you sleep will boost its healing capabilities.

Drinking more water can help heal bacterial acne. Water removes toxins and harmful bacteria in your body which includes your skin. This will leave you with a more hydrated and glowing appearance.

Use Prescription-Strength Treatments

Overhauling your lifestyle will help. But, home remedies will rarely make much difference to painful acne by themselves. You will likely need to try targeted acne treatments. The best one will depend on the type and severity of your acne.

Here are some of the most popular hardcore, medicated treatments:

• Antibiotics (for bacterial acne)
• Birth control pills (for people who menstruate with hormonal acne)
• Isotretinoin (strong acne treatment)
• Steroids

Some of these medications have intense side effects. So, you should always consult a medical professional before taking these treatments. View here for some less intense but effective over-the-counter options.

Overhaul Your Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine isn’t only about what you put on your face but how and in which order. This is the order that you should apply your skincare products in:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Serum
4. Eye cream
5. Exfoliant
6. Moisturizer
7. SPF (during the day)

This will allow each product to do its job. Wash your skin twice a day and always after you sweat. Don’t use a harsh scrubbing brush or cloth on your face and never use an exfoliating wash.

Those washes with microbeads might remove the surface-level dirt but they won’t touch the deeper problem. For those, you should use exfoliating acids which are gels or liquids that stay on your skin.

These acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol. They will seep deeper into your pores and remove the oil and dirt that causes your acne which will help you treat and prevent it long-term. 

Say Goodbye To Painful Acne For Good

It’s one thing having acne but another altogether when you have painful acne as it can damage your physical and mental health. But you do not have to live with it and there is a treatment out there that will work for you.

And now you have a few more options to try, you can get started on your journey to clear skin.

Want to learn more beauty advice to improve your skin and appearance? Browse our website for tons of health and fitness tips!

Is it possible to look like you’ve just stepped off the Hollywood red carpet—even if you’re on an indie budget?

Yes! You might be surprised to learn that makeup and beauty products don’t need to cost a fortune. There are actually plenty of ways to enjoy all of the latest makeup looks and styles, once you know more about saving money when shopping for beauty products.

Ready to start shopping? If so, keep reading to find a few makeup tips to help you look glamorous and stylish—while also being thrifty!

Brand Names Aren’t Everything

One of our best makeup tips on a budget is to look beyond brand names. It’s easy to get caught up in the marketing hype from luxury makeup brands, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to look amazing.

Sure, you can look to brands like Chanel or Dior for inspiration, but when it comes time to shop, think about budget brands. Often, you can find identical colors and shades elsewhere, giving you a similar look for much less money.

When buying cheaper makeup, your budget goes further as well.

Subscribe to Beauty Brands for Special Offers

Another great way to save is by subscribing to emails from your favorite drug stores or beauty stores. Brands and shops will frequently offer discounts for customers on their mailing list, as a thank you for your loyalty.

If you don’t mind getting a few extra emails, it can be an easy way to receive special offers and promotions. Some brands also offer a free gift or coupon on your birthday, which is a nice touch.

Or, see if the company has a loyalty program, where you can be rewarded with discounts after you spend over a certain amount.

Ask for Samples

If you’re shopping at a department store or a large makeup shop, it never hurts to ask for samples. Many makeup brands produce small, travel-size packages of some of their products, allowing customers to try out a new type of makeup before purchasing.

Shops are usually eager to offer samples, with the hope that you’ll love the product and return to purchase the full-sized version. Samples can be a fun (and free!) way to try out new makeup brands.

Often, beauty shops will also include free samples in your order when shopping online, so you won’t miss out even if you can’t make it into the shops.

Swap Unwanted Products With Friends

Do you have unwanted cosmetics sitting in your cabinet? We all purchase products and then find out we don’t like the color or never get around to wearing them, so why not swap products with friends?

This can be a fun and social way to exchange makeup with your besties—plus, you can also share makeup tips and tricks with each other.

However, when swapping makeup, some items should never be shared. This includes mascara and lipstick, as there’s a high risk of bacteria transmission.

Instead, stick to makeup products that are safer to share, like nail polish, lotions, or powder blushes.

Try Out DIY Beauty Projects

Do you love the luxurious indulgence of spa days? Face masks and treatments can hydrate your skin, but you can actually get the same results at home!

It’s easier than you might think to create DIY salt scrubs, face masks, and hair treatments, using household ingredients. For example, you can use ingredients like honey, oatmeal, yogurt, or bananas to make amazing face masks that will soothe and exfoliate.

Even better, DIY skincare products use only natural ingredients, so your skin is free from any chemicals or preservatives.

Mix and Match Colors

Here’s an amazing tip—you don’t need to purchase new makeup shades all the time, as it’s perfectly fine to mix and match! Using a clean makeup brush, you can blend lipstick shades, blushes, foundations, or eyeshadows, creating a bespoke look.

For example, if you want a smoky, glamorous eyeshadow look for evening, why not combine a pale blue and a darker, metallic shade? Then, finish off your look with eyeliner and eyelash extensions from Lavaa Beauty—you’ll look like a million dollars!

Use Every Last Drop of Product

To get the most out of each product, try to use every last drop. It can be tempting to toss makeup and replace it when it’s running low, but you don’t want to waste money.

When products are running low, it can sometimes be hard to get the makeup out of its container—q tips can be helpful for this.

Sometimes, running the makeup container under hot water can also help the product slide out, if it’s being stubborn. Or, if your mascara is running low or drying out, adding a small drop of saline solution can help loosen it up.

Stretch Your Beauty Budget Further With These Makeup Tips

Makeup can be an amazing way to change up your look, but luckily it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With the makeup tips above, you can have fun with the latest makeup trends, without spending a fortune.

Thrifty makeup fans know to think about value per wear, so it helps to only buy products that you’ll wear frequently. Once you learn how to shop smart when it comes to makeup and beauty products, you’ll be amazed at how much money you can save!

If you found this article useful, please keep reading to find out more.

With salons closed for so long last year, it definitely feels like it’s time for a trip to the hairdresser. Many of us will be sticking firmly to our tried and tested styles. But if you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, the good news is there are plenty of styles to choose from.

It’s no secret that haircuts can cost a pretty penny. That’s why we’ve made sure to include some hairstyle ideas that will last for longer, as well as some tips on how to save some money on your salon trips. Read on for eight inspiring hairstyles to try out this year, just in time for the summer social season.

1. Adding Bangs

If you don’t have bangs, but you’ve wanted them, now is the perfect time to try. There are a number of different types you can request, from super short to brushing your brows. Bangs may seem high maintenance, but many salons offer to trim them for free, and you can also always try cutting them yourself—if you dare.

2. A Brazillian Blowout

A Brazillian blowout was all the rage a few years ago, but in truth, it never really fell out of favor among those in the know. Although this treatment costs a pretty penny, it could save you many trips to the salon in the long run.

When maintained well, it can last as many as four or five months! To find a list of the most affordable Brazillian blowouts in your area, check out this handy beauty directory.

3. A No-Fuss Bob

Depending on your face shape and hair type, a bob can be an especially flattering style. You can choose to have it cut angular or graduated, but easiest to maintain it straight across. Unlike some, this style is one that’s easy to grow out gracefully, if you want to save on salon fees for a while.

Bobs are great for summer because they are low maintenance. Just throw on a hat, tie up into a half ponytail, or run it over quickly with a straightener and you’re good to go.

4. Shoulder Length

If you’re not quite ready for a bob, then why not try having your hair cut to your shoulder first? This is a very on-trend style, especially when worn straight. It happens to look amazing when wavy, as well.

There are different ways you can play around with this look. The most on-trend is with severe and straight edges, but layers work well too.

5. Luxurious Layers

If you’d like to add some drama and texture to your hair, layers are a great way to do so. Be warned, though, this can be a look that does require a regular trim. To avoid being in the salon chair every week and save money, ask for longer layers, it will be less noticeable when they grow out.

6. A Change in Texture

Looking for a look that’s completely outside of your comfort zone? Why not try changing the texture of your hair? You’d be surprised how dramatic an effect this can have.

If your hair is poker straight, try having your hairstylist give you bouncy curls. If you’re normally a curly girl, try going straight for a while and see how you feel.

7. An Elegant Up-Do

If you’re heading to the salon in light of a special occasion, you might want to ask your stylist to give you an up-do. This year, there are several different styles that are right on-trend.

A chic chignon with a glamorous hair accessory is always an elegant look. Sleeked-back ponytails are also popular for ensembles that are more modern.

8. Classic Pixie Cut

If you’re feeling really adventurous, then a pixie cut is a great cut for summer. It’s fuss-free and won’t weigh you down on a hot sweaty day. This is a cut that doesn’t suit every face shape, so you might want to consult with your stylist before taking the plunge. 

The main thing about having a pixie cut is having the confidence to wear it. It leaves nothing for your face to hide behind, and this is something you need to be ready for.

Ways to Save Money on Your Hair Cuts

Everyone needs a trip to the salon from time to time. Even when you’re on a budget, it’s still important to feel beautiful. So, what are some ways to spend a little bit less on your hair?

The first thing you can do is to try and space out the time between visits as much as possible. Of course, this is easier with certain styles. Regardless of what kind of hair you have, there are certain things you can do.

Asking at your local salon if they need hair models is another way to save. Often, they will be willing to cut your hair for free or at a very reduced rate. You just might not be able to pick the exact style you want.

Cheap and Cheerful Hairstyle Ideas

Hopefully, this guide has inspired you for your next visit to your hairstylist, and will even help you save some money along the way. Whether you’re only looking for a trim, or you want to completely change up your look, a trip to the salon should be a relaxing time when you’re not worried about counting every penny.

If you’ve found this guide to hairstyle ideas helpful, don’t forget to take a look at the rest of our thrifty money saving tips.

Are you asking yourself, “What is self care?”

Many people are suffering from mental health issues nowadays. In fact, nearly one in five adults in the United States report suffering from a mental health problem. And self care is an important part of finding a way to work through these problems.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go through what self-care is and why it’s super important for your life.

What Is Self Care?

Self care is actually a wide-encompassing concept. Essentially, self care is anything you do to keep yourself happy and healthy. This can range from the obvious to things that are specific to you and your needs. Self care helps you prevent illness and maintain your health.

Self care can benefit your mental health, physical health, or emotional health  — it’s not limited to just what keeps you physically healthy. 

Of course, access to self care isn’t equally available to us all. Socioeconomic factors can play a significant role in how able people are able to follow a self care routine. People with disabilities may find it harder and more complicated to practice self care, since they have different needs that may need to be met in different ways.

Women also tend to have less time to practice self care than men. And of course, people of color face different and more significant barriers when trying to practice self care.

So, when considering your self care options, it’s important to consider your life positionality and what space in your life you have. Take a break, and don’t overdo it. 

Examples of Self Care

Since self care is hard to define, you may be confused about what constitutes self care. Some examples of practices that could be part of a self care routine include:

• Exercising regularly, stretching properly, and eating a healthy diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Brush your teeth, shower, and perform other hygiene practices
• Make regular appointments at your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and whatever other medical professionals you need
• Watch a movie or a television show
• Meditation and breathing exercises
• Take a long, relaxing bubble bath
• Take an afternoon nap
• Write in a journal or diary
• Try out artistic practices, like drawing, painting, or knitting
• Read a book
• Go for a walk or otherwise spend some time outdoors
• Play an instrument, or listen to music
• Spend time with your friends, loved ones, or pets
• Reorganize your home or office

If these don’t sound right to you, they may just not be to your taste. You’ll have to experiment to find a self care routine that works for you. You can use this self care guide to learn more about self care.

Self Care Health Benefits

The health benefits of a good self care routine cannot be underestimated. A self care routine helps you manage your stress anxiety, so you’ll perform better at your job and do better in your personal life.

Overall, self care makes you a more productive person. Self care improves your relationships, too — when you feel better, you interact with other people in a more positive way.

And, reducing your stress levels will help your immune system, so you’ll be less sick less often. Since self care helps you reset, it can improve cognitive functions like memory, information processing, and critical thinking.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, practicing self care can help you feel better on an everyday basis. Self care can help you fight off insomnia, which helps you sleep better. Practicing self care can help you feel less tired, which will decrease how fatigued you feel on a day-to-day basis.

If you struggle with poor self-esteem and body image, practicing self care can help improve how you feel. 

Self Care Tips

If you’re having trouble starting a self care routine, there are actions you can take. Use one of the many calendar apps out there (or a physical calendar or daily planner) to block off time each day to practice self care, and set reminders so that you don’t forget.

You should also start small when starting a self care routine. If you just throw yourself in the deep end, you’re more likely to fail quickly. Pick something you think you can stick with, and once you’ve made that a habit, start building yourself up.

And, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. That will just give you more stress and anxiety. If at first you don’t succeed at following a self care routine, take a deep breath and try again.

Be thoughtful and careful when creating a self care plan. Think about what will fit into your lifestyle, and what you need most out of your new self care routine. That will help you prioritize, so you can start improving how you feel more quickly. 

If something in your self care routine just isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to drop it. Doing something that doesn’t benefit your mental and physical health just because you said you would is never worth it. 

Get Started With Self Care Today

It’s not as demanding as you think to add self care to your schedule. So now what you know the answers to “What is self care?”, what are you waiting for? Start creating your self care plan so you can begin your wellness journey. 

Are you hunting for more health and wellness advice? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of the other articles on this website today.