Researching the Paris Salon Scene

Though my title of walking into a salon may sound a bit spontaneous (though it’s true – I walked into it, I didn’t teleport!), the truth is, you actually do have to do some planning ahead of time. Especially if you’re trying to make a hair appointment in a different country.

Before diving into the Paris salon scene, I knew I had to do some research to find the perfect place to get my hair makeover. Hair is such an emotional thing (and a bad haircut can make you cry – been there), so I wanted to ensure that I would have a great experience and be in capable hands. I found this guide about the best hair salons in Paris and started working through the list.

Choosing the Right Salon

I looked at reviews, ratings, tags on social media, pictures, pricing, and most importantly, availability. I ended up booking an appointment at David Mallet. Though I wasn’t David Mallet’s client (though you can pay more and request him), he’s a renowned hairstylist with celebrity clients and salons in Paris and New York. Whether I was seeing him or one of his team members, I felt the most comfortable putting my hair in the hands of a salon with such a good reputation.

Visiting the Salon

The David Mallet salon is in a very posh neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement and housed in a chic building. Once you ring the buzzer and walk through the salon doors, you are welcomed by soaring ceilings, tall windows, beautiful natural light, and chic furnishings.

Once I checked in, I didn’t have to wait and I was seated right away. The friendly and welcoming team stopped by many times to offer me and my assistant water, coffee, or tea.

Meeting My Colorist

Though I wanted to be open to whatever the team had in mind, in order to make an appointment, you have to let them know ahead of time what you want, so I had originally asked for a color and a cut.

So first, I met with Niko, my very friendly colorist. He asked what I was thinking and I pointed out all the spots where my previous color had grown out and didn’t look good anymore.

Deep down I wanted something natural looking, but I really didn’t want to speak too much and color (ha) anyone’s opinions. I really wanted to hear what they thought the best makeover would be for me!

After Niko assessed my hair, he thought that my faded hair color did in fact need a touch-up. He pointed to the blonde curls around my face and said, “You disappear a bit in these lighter colors. You need something all over, but still a warmer and natural color. Nothing too harsh.”

After coming to an agreement on what he was going to do with my hair color, the hairdresser, Alain, popped over to chat about my haircut. “We all work together to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Echoing my previous thoughts to Niko, the hair colorist, I wanted to know what Alain thought would look best on me.

“You need some shape. Let’s frame your face and give you layers. But long layers. Not too short or it will get frizzy, and your hair is already a little frizzy.”

After agreeing with Alain on his thoughts, he went to consult with another client and Niko got to work mixing up the color that he thought was best.

“I’m going to use something that’s between a toner and a semi-permanent. A toner is too light and will just wash out, but a permanent color gives a harsh line of regrowth. This won’t give you a harsh grow-out line.”

When he combed out my hair, I was pretty shocked by how many different colors it had taken on with my color fading! I wasn’t a fan of the orange, red, and blonde tones, and now know that these colors aren’t flattering on me. Though you can’t tell as much when my hair is curly, I wondered why I waited so long and I was more than ready to get this cleaned up.

After my hair was processed, I was guided to another room where all the hair washing took place. I didn’t have my phone with me to snap a pic, but it was yet another beautiful apartment-style room with big windows and lovely architecture. What happened next was a relaxing hair mask and scrub.

Getting My Hair Cut

With my new fresh color and moistured locks, I was ready to visit Alain to give some shape to my hair.

I was less nervous about my hair at this point. My biggest fear was that something crazy would happen due to the language difference, but we all understood each other and I felt confident that this team knew what they were doing.

Alain moved pretty quickly, but he also took his time scrutinizing the ends making sure things looked even.

The Result

Ta-da!

As you can see, my makeover is not very drastic. And I’m truly happy about this! The French approach to beauty is natural and effortless, and I’m happy that what they thought would look best on me was just a cleaned-up version of who I already am.

I adore the color. Niko did a fantastic job. Some color jobs I’ve gotten in the past made my hair look almost like a wig – they were too dark and my hair lacked dimension, but I didn’t really know what to ask for. With this color, I still have dimension and depth and that’s what makes it look so natural.

I’ve gotten my hair done before in the states, of course, but I’ve struggled to get the right tone. It usually ends up looking more black and it never really sat right with me. I can see now that a little depth and contrast is good, but I don’t want too much contrast. Black hair on me looks a little too stark. A dark yet warm chocolate brown is my favorite look yet!

And as far as the cut, now that my ends are cleaned up and I have some layers, it looks and feels bouncier – and I just feel fresh!

My Thoughts

2 hours and 360 euros later (ouch), I ended up with hair that I love. Though it’s more than what I pay for my hair in the states, it did feel worth it to me.

And no, it wasn’t a drastic change in terms of color choice, but it felt like a drastic difference. I have been told that darker colors suit me and now that I have the confirmation from these Parisian professionals, I have the confidence in knowing what looks best on me!

Though I’m not going to fly back to Paris every time I want my hair done, I feel more confident asking for what I want back home. And at least now I have a reference photo of myself to give!

This was my experience getting my hair done in Paris. Want to read about my experience shopping in Paris? My Experience Shopping With a French Personal Stylist in Paris

The post I Walked Into a Paris Salon and Asked for a Hair Makeover – This Is What Happened appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

1. Pink Base With a French Tip

If you can’t decide whether you want French nails or pink nails, you can mix both designs for a unique and classy look! The pale pink combined with the white tip is so refreshingly spring. Plus, the French tips are irresistibly chic.

2. Glazed Nails

Though these reached peak popularity in 2022, they still make a great option for spring nails. Thanks to its creamy, iridescent glow, glazed nails are perfect for a subtle, classy finish.

3. Pastel Pink

Spring is the perfect time to rock sweet, candy-colored hues. After all, they are the perfect color to symbolize the warm, optimistic energy of spring. If you want to add some classy mood-boosting pastel nails to your everyday look, then a soft pink is the color for you!

4. Minimalist Floral Designs

Floral nails are a fun way of celebrating the arrival of spring. There is just something about flowers that feels so fresh and exciting! For a classy finish, opt for a dainty floral design.

5. Pearl and Gold Accents

Take your manicure up a notch by experimenting with 3D nail art. To achieve this look, you’ll need a nude or pink base color to act as a canvas for the pearl embellishments. For an extra touch, add a simple gold accent.

6. Diamond Accents

If bright spring colors aren’t your cup of tea, I’ve got good news for you! You can try a simple look and this classy spring nail idea is a perfect choice. Simply add a few diamond accent pieces to a french manicure for a classy spring nail design.

7. Basic Pastel

Basic pastels are the perfect spring nails. They aren’t fussy and hard to get right. And the best part? There’s a color for every skin tone. Elevate your natural nails with different pastel nail colors, whether that’s soft yellow, pale blue, light pink, or lavender.

8. Pink French Tips

More of a unique French manicure kinda woman? This spring idea is calling your name. Take French nails to the next level by layering a bold pink over a soft pink.

Related: The Top 7 Sunglasses That Are in Style Right Now

9. Pink Ombre

Save this to show your nail technician for the next time you go to the nail salon! The colorful ombre gradient nails give off a dreamy look in a subtle finish. For an extra touch, choose a glitter polish.

10. Glitter Nails

The sun is shining again and so should your nails! Give cute spring nail designs some glitz and glamour by adding a little bit of glitter. This style can jazz up all of your spring looks.

11. Sage Green

Spring is a lovely time to experiment with fun colors. For a classy take, pick the subdued hue of a vibrant color. Green is the perfect pick because they can be transitioned into summer as well.

12. White Nails

White nails are a surefire way of achieving fresh spring nails. This color can make your hands look sun-kissed. And even better is that white nails will match all your outfits!

13. Stripe Nails

Stripes are also an iconic print for springtime. If they look great as a top and sweater, imagine how lovely they would look on your nails! Experiment with the number of stripes, whether you’re looking for a subdued style or a bold statement.

These classy spring nail designs are just what you need to look spring-tastic all season! Now that you have chosen your classy spring nail designs, it’s time for your spring outfits. Up Next: 11 Impossibly Chic French Spring Outfits Worn in Paris

The post 13 Classy Spring Nail Designs That Will Elevate Your Nails *and* Your Outfits appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

1. Sage Green

What better way to ring in the spring season of new growth than with green nails? Green nails are a great way to get in the spirit of the spring season! And if you’re not into bold colors and prefer something more subtle, then sage green is perfect for you.

Whether you’re opting for a french manicure or full coverage of green on your natural nails, it’s easy to create cute spring nails with this color. The best part about sage green is that it won’t detract from your outfits either.

2. Floral Designs

Not so much a color as much as it’s a design, we can’t talk about spring nail ideas without mentioning florals! Spring is the perfect season to try your hand (ha) at applying different nail art ideas, and one of the most popular options is floral designs.

Floral designs can be a great way to brighten up short nails and give you that perfect spring look. French manicures are an easy way to incorporate this style – just paint the tips of your nails with a bright pink or green polish and add a few small flowers on top. If you don’t want to commit to 10 floral fingers, then an accent nail is a great idea too.

If you don’t think you’d be able to paint flowers on your own, then this is the time to pick out some fun nail stickers to add an extra pop to your spring nail ideas!

3. Polka Dots

Polka dots are a great way to add a fun and flirty touch to your spring nail designs. This classic pattern works perfectly with both the bright colors and pastel shades of the spring season.

For natural nails, you can’t go wrong with classic white dots on a soft pink background, or vice versa. If you’re feeling daring, try using bright shades of green, blue, or even yellow to create unique polka dot designs. You can also combine the dots with floral designs or French tips for an even more interesting look.

No matter what style you decide to go with, adding polka dots is an easy way to give your nails a fun and flirty upgrade for the spring season. Get creative and mix and match different polka dot patterns and colors with other spring nail designs to create a cute look for your manicure!

4. Pale Pink

If you’re trying to decide what subtle spring color to choose, then pale pinks are another great choice! Pale pink is a classic spring nail color, especially if you’re going for a classic look. It’s the perfect pastel shade to add a hint of brightness to your nails in the spring season without going too bold with the colors. Pale pink is also an easy way to give your nails a natural look without needing to use other colors or designs.

For those who want to try something new, pale pink also works perfectly as a base color when combined with bright colors or floral designs. You can pair it with bright shades like emerald green or even orange for a fun, cute spring nail design. It also goes great with polka dots and other pastel shades, like lavender or mint. This color is the perfect way to bring out the brightness of the spring season.

5. Light Blue

Reminiscent of calming waters and blue skies, there’s just something about light blue that is sure to give your nails a refreshing look. Light blue is a great pastel shade for those looking for something cute and delicate, and it’s an easy way to freshen up your natural nails.

To make your light blue manicure pop even more, pair it with some of the other bright shades in this list to create a fun and unique look. If you want to go for more of a natural look, you can always pair sky blue with other pastel shades like light pink or lavender. No matter what type of spring nail ideas you have in mind, sky blue is a great option for brightening up your nails.

6. Yellow

Yellow is one of those spring colors that can easily transition into summer nails. It’s a bright, sunny color that’s easy to pair with other colors for a cute spring nail look. You can also mix and match yellow with green nails or pink nails for something more fun and playful.

Another great idea is to use yellow as an accent color for floral designs or polka dots. If you want to keep it simple, you can use yellow nail polish on its own or combine it with other solid colors for a more subtle look. Whatever you choose, yellow brings a nice pop of color to your spring nail ideas and reminds you to enjoy the sunny days ahead!

7. Metallic Silver

Spring and pastel nails go hand in hand, but silver is making a big comeback in the fashion world. So why not try something a little out of the box this season? Metallic silver, though not technically a spring shade, is a great option to add some sparkle and shine to your look.

Because metallic silver is already pretty bold, it’s generally best to rock metallic silver without any additional designs. Because this is an unexpected color choice for this season, it will certainly make for an interesting spring nail look!

Related: If You’re Looking for “Beauty Secrets”, Try These 6 No-Fail Home Remedies for Glowing Skin Instead

8. Lavender

Now for a traditional choice, lavender is a beautiful option for spring nails. It’s a pastel color that evokes the feeling of springtime and is perfect for the season. Another easy way to incorporate lavender into your spring nail designs is by adding it as a highlight in floral designs or polka dots.

Lavender is a great choice for short nails because its soft pastel shades will make your nails look subtle yet elegant. You could also use this option for themed Easter nails as well.

9. Peach

When it comes to spring nail color ideas, peach is the perfect almost neutral hue to bring out the beauty of your natural nails. There’s something so cute and delightful about peach-colored nails that it’s hard to resist! It’s a great way to freshen up your manicure. Plus, with its almost neutral hue, it’s a great option for anyone who prefers to keep their natural nails.

But if you’re looking for more than just one shade of peach, there are plenty of bright shades that will give your nails a boost. From deep coral to light orange, you’ll find the perfect hue that complements your skin tone and goes with any of the other popular spring nail ideas.

10. Metallic Gold

Whether you have short or long nails, metallic gold adds a fun and glittery touch to any spring nail design. Despite its statement shade, you’ll find that it pairs well with both white and pink. If you’re feeling extra creative, metallic gold can also be used to create nail designs, like polka dots.

Incorporating metallic gold is perfect for the girly girl or for anyone that likes to add a little sparkle to their outfits! Best yet, keep this bottle when you’re done and break out it during the holiday season to use again for all your festive outfits.

11. Mint

A mix of blue and green, mint is fresh and icy with a cool-toned base. This shade will flatter cool-toned skin tones the best, though mint green is part of the pastel family and anyone that loves pastels can rock it this spring season.

This soft and muted shade is a great way to add a subtle hint of color to your look without going overboard. If you want to create more intricate spring nail designs, you can use mint to accentuate florals, polka dots, and other nail art stickers. Mint can be a great way to add a bit of color to plain natural nails, making them look brighter and more interesting.

12. Magenta

This is the perfect time to experiment with the Pantone color of the year, Viva Magenta. The bright, feminine color gives a burst of energy to any manicure, while still allowing you to play with other colors, such as pink or green.

No matter how you choose to wear it, magenta is a fun color that brings in the spring season. With its bright and bold hue, it’s sure to give you a fun and eye-catching manicure that you’ll want to wear all season long.

13. Coral

When it comes to spring nail designs, coral is one of the best shades you can choose. It offers a bright pop of color that looks gorgeous against sun-kissed skin. The best part about coral is that it pairs well with almost any other color, whether that’s lavender, blue, or sage green.

For those looking for something more subtle, pastel shades of coral can provide just the right amount of sparkle without being too over-the-top. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to have cute spring nails or you’re going for a more elaborate look with floral designs or polka dots, coral is one of the best spring colors out there!

14. Emerald Green

Emerald green is one of the best nail colors because it works for a variety of seasons. Because it’s festive and pairs well with red, emerald green is a great choice for winter nails – but it works for spring as well!

Not only can you sport green nails for St. Patrick’s Day, but dark green brings to mind images of grass and luscious trees – all things we love about spring and summer.

Accentuate Your Nails with Spring Nail Art

The spring season is the perfect time to experiment with nail art and express your creativity. We’ve already touched on florals and polka dots, but there are more ways you can add personality to your nails. Keep in mind that spring nail art is all about finding the right balance of color and design to create a beautiful look – you don’t want to go too overboard.

If you want to switch things up, there are other stickers you can use to add a little sparkle or extra pizzazz.

If you like a quirky and playful look, then lean into the holidays of the season. For example, bunnies or eggs for Easter, clovers for St. Patrick’s Day, or butterflies for the first day of spring.

For a classy touch, you can use a french stip sticker for a french manicure.

How to Make Your Manicure Last

From floral patterns to baby pinks, it can be hard to decide which spring nail design to choose. After all, you’ve got so many different colors to choose from in this post! But once you’ve chosen your favorite cute spring nails, the next step is to make sure they last. With a few easy steps and tips, you’ll be able to extend the life of your shades.

First and foremost, start with natural nails. Before you apply any polish, make sure that you are beginning with clean, healthy nails. This will ensure that your manicure lasts as long as possible.

Next, apply a base coat. The base coat acts as a barrier between your nail and the color polish and helps keep it in place. After you’ve applied your base coat, use two thin coats of your color polish and finish it off with a top coat. This will provide extra protection against chipping.

Finally, be gentle with your hands! Once your manicure has dried completely, avoid doing tasks such as dishwashing or cleaning that could damage your nail polish.

Now that you’ve picked your favorite spring nail color ideas, it’s time to pick your warm weather accessory. And a warm weather accessory that never fails? Sunglasses.

If you’re wondering what sunglasses to wear to accentuate your outfit, find your next pair here: The Top 7 Sunglasses That Are in Style Right Now

The post 14 Spring Nail Color Ideas That Will Freshen Up Your Manicure appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Do you need help finding the best Valentine’s Day nail art? We have you covered. Whether your plans for the holiday of love involve an intimate candlelit dinner or wine with your best friends, we have Valentine’s Day nail ideas for you to try. From classic styles like red nails and French tips to creative ideas, scroll on to get inspired!

1. Red Nails for a Hot Date

What better way to celebrate the holiday of love than with romantic red nails? They are the true symbol of love. You can opt for a variety of red nails- think rose hues, candy red, ruby, berry red, and apple red.

The best thing about these romantic hues is that they look great on every skin tone. Plus, red nails will pair perfectly with red lips.

2. Classic French Manicure (With a Red Twist!)

A perfect way to take your nails to the next level is with this classic style. However, instead of going for a white design- try red French tips!

To achieve this look, you will need a neutral base that matches your skin tone or a clear coat to make the red tip pop. Add a few gold rings to your fingers to create a chic appearance for your date.

3. Short Stiletto Nails With Little Diamonds

Red is the official color of Valentine’s Day, so of course, it would be only right to rock red nails for this hallmark holiday. Try the stiletto shape if you want to try something different from the usual square or oval shapes. Stilettos are a classic shape, especially when they are short.

If you don’t feel like getting your nails done at the salon, you can do them yourself. I made these press-on nails at home, and you can too! (Trust me, it was very easy.)

To get started, you will need a pack of clear nail tips. Pick the nail sizes that fit perfectly on all your nails. The next item you will need is press-on nail stands! These are very handy when you need a sturdy place to paint your nail tips.

For a manicure that lasts (and has a high-quality sheen), you need red UV nail polish. Since it is a UV nail polish, it needs to be dried with a UV nail lamp. You can find some affordable nail lamps on Amazon to help you achieve a salon-quality finish.

The next items you need are a box of rhinestones for decorating your nails! You won’t be able to pick them up and place them on the nails with your fingers, so you will need a wax pencil. Place the rhinestones on the cuticles to make the nails look extra eye-catching. Don’t forget to apply a topcoat on the nails and the rhinestones to keep your nails looking new.

4. White Manicure With Gold Foil

If you’re not really a Valentine’s Day person but still want pretty nails, you can try something different from the usual red nail polish. Feast your eyes on this perfect set of nails! There is something about this gold and white combo that gives off an effortless, feminine elegance that we love.

You can rock this design on your natural nails. All you need is some white polish and gold foil. A pro tip to get them on perfectly is with some nail tweezers. Make sure the white nail polish is still quite tacky to make the gold pieces stick on easily.

5. Gold Glitter Nails and Pink Tips

It doesn’t get any cuter than these nails! You will want to screenshot this picture to show your nail tech or to recreate it at home. The bright pink on the tips is very on theme for Valentine’s Day. What makes this design extra unique are the gold lines across the nails.

6. Matte Pink Nails With Diamonds

Baby pink is an exceptionally cute nail color to rock on Valentine’s Day. It’s a fun and sweet way to elevate your nails. However, instead of going for glossy cotton candy pink nails, try a matte finish.

Make your nails feel less basic by adding little diamonds on the tips. Remember to apply a glossy top coat on the diamonds, so they don’t look dull.

7. Polka Dots With a Romantic Flair

If you need a simple design that is not too cheesy for Valentine’s Day, go for polka dots. Take a romantic take at the polka dot design by having red and white dots. Make sure the base of your nail is nude or pale pink to make the polka dots pop! For a little more fun, you can add a few small diamonds.

8. Kiss Print Nails for Galentine’s Day

There is no better time to rock kiss print nails than on Valentine’s Day! They will make your hands look so kissable. Go for white, pale pink, or nude nails as a base, and stick on kiss print stickers. Apply a top coat to keep the stickers on.

9. Teddy Bear Nails To Match Your V-Day Gift

This adorable design is a great way to pay homage to the day of love. Have the teddy bear nail design on a few fingers to keep your nails well-balanced. Apply the stickers over a V-Day shade, like soft purple.

10. Pink Nails in Different Shades

If you are just like me and your favorite color is pink, why not go for different shades of pink? You can go for a pastel pink shade, hot pink, or fuchsia. The end result is subtle yet interesting.

11. Ombre Designs

Ombre nails might be one of my favorite Valentine’s day nail designs. The gradient will surely catch your date’s eyes on date night!

12. Red Heart Nails

Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear it on your nails? Heart nails are always a great idea on Valentine’s Day. You can transform a simple manicure by adding cute little hearts. You can try long press-on nails for a special date and remove them after. However, if the length is too long for you, you can also rock short nails.

13. Pink & Red Abstract Nails if You Can’t Pick One Color

Can’t choose between red and pink? Rock both! Start with a red base and add a pink abstract shape to make your nails stand out!

14. Rose Nails To Pair With Your Bouquet

Roses are red, violets are blue, and these nails would look beautiful on you! To achieve this look, all you need is nude nail polish, a top coat, and some romantic rose stickers.

15. Black Hearts for a Lowkey V-day

This cool nail design is calling your name if you are the type of woman with a black wardrobe. The black French tips and the black heart nails will make you stand out from the crowd.

These 15 best Valentine’s Day nails will help you celebrate in style. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to take these nail designs to the nail salon or try your hand at creating them at home!

Still don’t have an outfit for Valentine’s day? We have you covered with these cute finds!

Up next: 70+ Cute Finds for Valentine’s Day

The post Show Your Nails Some Love With These 15 Cute Valentine Nail Designs appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

1. Hair Growth Castor Oil Serum

Nobody likes bald spots. And thanks to my postpartum hair loss, I had several. This product finally helped stimulate hair growth in my stubborn bald areas. I can see why it has a 4.4 rating and best yet, it’s way under $20.

Not much more to say besides, yes, it works, and yes, it’s affordable! But you can see my full review with before & after pictures here.

2. Pimple Invisible Spot Cover

Small but mighty is the best way to describe these. These pimple patches are almost undetectable when applied and do a great job of healing spots. Now, don’t expect a miracle and for your pimple to disappear overnight, but I’ve always noticed an improvement at the very least.

This is a very handy beauty product to have for skincare emergencies that I think everyone will appreciate having in their bathroom closet. Plus, not only do they work, but it’s nice to have a barrier for the inevitable pesky pimple so you keep your hands off. They’re worth it for that reason alone!

3. Facial Cotton Rounds

I love these because they’re on the thinner side without being so thin they can’t hold product. I ditched cotton balls once I realized how much they soaked up my toner. That’s just a waste of precious product!

Plus, in all the years I’ve used them, they’ve never shed or left white fuzz all over my face. (I do know people that use washable cloths as a reusable option. That’s a good choice too.)

4. Underarm Brightening Cream

Some women are lucky to have smooth, bright underarms. Not me. I’ve always had to deal with dark spots and razor bumps. But over time and with consistent use, I’ve seen a noticeable improvement since using this product.

My underarms have lightened and I have fewer razor bumps too! It does have a pretty strong fragrance FYI, so I just use this at night before bed.

5. Magnesium Supplement

I’ve had pretty significant sleep issues for years and recently, I figured out I have obstructive sleep apnea. And though a magnesium supplement doesn’t cure OSA, these pills, recommended by my healthcare provider, work wonderfully to help me relax and get naturally sleepy.

I always take mine at night before bed because, for me, I start feeling really sleepy in about 20-30 minutes. If you struggle to relax and shut off your brain at night, magnesium can be a HUGE help! (Of course, check with your doctor first.)

6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Not technically a beauty product, but constantly squinting your eyes can cause wrinkles, so see? All connected.

If you’ve got eyes and you work from home, these glasses are a must! I’ve noticed less eye strain and headaches since using these and it’s almost an instant difference. And though you can find blue light glasses almost everywhere now, these have over 100k reviews.

The only downside is that they can smudge easily and be hard to clean at times. But if you just want to try them out to see if they work, the price is very reasonable.

7. Strong Hold Hair Pomade

I use this for my son’s hair, but any woman with a striking pixie hair cut à la Halle Berry or Audrey Hepburn could benefit. After trying out different gels, I’ve concluded that this has the best hold for keeping a style in place all day!

Plus, it’s been tested by my very active 4-year-old. So we know it can hold up to almost anything. A little bit goes a long way for an effortlessly tousled look.

8. Weighted Light Blocking Eye Mask

Okay, not technically a beauty product either, but this eyemask is a dream. Though eyemasks are nothing new, this one has eye cutouts so the mask isn’t squishing your eyelashes all night. Genius, right? But wait, there’s more. (I sound like I’m doing an infomercial right now.)

It’s also weighted and adds pressure that actually feels nice. Plus, this blocks light really well. Though I don’t wear this mask every night in my own home, sometimes my husband wants to stay up in bed and read and even a small book light is too annoying for me. Now with this mask, I don’t notice the light at all. Even when it’s shining in my face!

9. Native Sensitive Deodorant

Years ago I switched to natural deodorant and though overall I like the change, most natural deodorants have baking soda in them. For some people that’s fine, but for me, baking soda gives my underarms a rash.

Natural deodorant is not as strong, so yes, I do have to reapply throughout the day. But this is paraben and aluminum free and best yet, no baking soda! Bye-bye rashes.

You know what they say: It’s the little things. And if the little things can improve life and not break the budget, well then, sign me up! To see other great Amazon finds, keep reading: Say “Bonjour” to These 53 French Parisian Finds From Amazon

The post 9 Amazon Beauty Products Under $20 That Actually Work appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Before I burst your bubble making you think perfect skin is just a secret away, it’s important to know that while there are so many cutting-edge skin care products and natural ingredients out there, not one thing works for every person. But with time and consistency with home remedies, you can achieve the skin you’ll be proud of. Read on for 6 ways to get glowing skin with very little effort.

1. Aim for Drinking at Least 91 Ounces of Water a Day

I get it: You’re probably tired of hearing about this one. But if you’re looking for a no-fail home remedy for glowing skin, then this is it. Water is the easiest and most essential, so of course, it’s first on my list.

Did you know your skin is an organ? And the largest one at that. Drinking enough water is vital to healthy, glowing, and clear skin.

According to the Mayo Clinic, women should be drinking around 11 1/2 cups a day. Drinking water helps your body flush out toxins which, in turn, improves your complexion for a healthy natural glow.

I personally have found keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge helps me drink more because I love cold water. Sometimes I’ll even add a little freshly squeezed lemon juice.

There are several tips you can do to “trick” yourself into drinking enough water. Whether that’s setting reminders on your phone, having a water bottle that tracks your intake, infusing water with herbs and fruit, carrying around a gallon water bottle, or adding Pique electrolyte packets to keep your water from tasting boring (while also providing you with extra benefits).

There are 16 cups in a gallon of water so if you want to go above and above, keep a gallon of cold water in your fridge, and every time you need to refill your water bottle, refill it from there. Experiment until you find a system that makes you want to drink a lot of water. That’s all that matters!

The Hype: 4.9/5 “Definitely recommend this one to you if you’re looking for a cute, useful, and quality drink dispenser. Even if you’re not going to have people over for a while, it’s still so much fun to use on your own or with your family!”

2. Fill Your Body With Superfoods

After staying hydrated, having a healthy diet is the second most important thing. Your diet controls so much of your life, beauty, and health. We already know all the benefits of water but what about the benefits of what we fuel our bodies with?

The best way to ensure you will have glowing skin is to eat a wide variety of superfoods. Superfoods are foods that have very high nutritional density. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some examples include berries, leafy greens, salmon, green tea, beets, dark chocolate (it also has anti-inflammatory properties), and spirulina, just to name a few.

Eating superfoods will help neutralize the free radicals in our bodies. Claudia Fajardo-Lira, Ph.D. and Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at California State University-Northridge, states that free radicals are substances that occur naturally in our bodies but attack the fats, protein, and the DNA in our cells, which can cause different types of diseases and accelerate the aging process.

That sentence alone has me wanting to stick with more natural ingredients! Superfoods will help neutralize free radicals that can be found in cigarette smoke, air pollution, fried food, and some processed meats.

So what can you eat? In addition to the superfoods I briefly mentioned above, you will want to eat foods with healthy fats and fatty acids. My absolute favorite healthy fat is avocado. You can do so much with it and it just tastes so good.

You can serve it with eggs, toast, tacos, BLT and of course, make infamous guacamole. I sometimes sprinkle flaky sea salt on my avocados and just eat them as a snack. Other examples of healthy fats include eggs, nuts, chia seeds, full-fat yogurt, and extra virgin olive oil.

We still want you to live life and will having a hot dog every once in a while harm you? No, it will not, but those foods shouldn’t be the majority of your diet. Superfoods, healthy fats and fatty acids should be.

I think everyone should watch “The Game Changers” on Netflix. “The Game Changers” is about how our bodies are made for plant-based diets as well as a look into the journey of how we ended up where we are today. When I watched it, it really opened my eyes and made me aware of what I was eating and how our bodies process certain foods. 

And of course, we can’t talk about glowing skin without talking about Vitamin C. According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin C is a nutrient needed to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and keep collagen production going.

Our bodies don’t produce Vitamin C so it has to come through our diet or in a supplement form. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and spinach. 

The great thing about eating healthy, besides getting all the essential nutrients your body needs to survive, is that it won’t take a long time to see results and you could potentially start seeing your glowing skin in as little as a week!

WebMD says a healthy diet is one way to optimize great blood flow and blood circulation. Not only will your skin look better but you will feel better.

The Hype: 4.3/5 “I’ve been taking these for almost 10 days now and my skin is GLOWING!”

Related: 13 Tips to a Healthy Lifestyle

3. Moisturize With Coconut Oil

There was a time when coconut oil was extremely popular and people were using it for literally everything. The hype has since worn down but it’s still a great moisturizer for some skin types.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I would steer clear but if your skin type is drier, then game on! Coconut oil is great to apply all over your body when it’s still damp from the shower because it sits on top of your skin trapping all the moisture in.

There are a lot of questions if coconut oil and olive oil are interchangeable for helping with dry skin and the answer is no. A study done by the National Library of Medicine showed that over a four-week period, patients who moisturized with coconut oil had less dry skin than those who moisturized with olive oil. 

Olive oil has some great uses but being subbed for a lotion is not one of them. However, vitamin e and avocado oils are both great natural facial moisturizers with fatty acids that can fade scars and make your skin glow too.

They Hype: 4.6/5 “I am extremely PLEASED with my product! It has IMPROVED my face unbelievably!”

Related: I Live in Africa and These Are the Beauty Secrets We Swear By

4. Exfoliate Two to Three Times a Week

Exfoliation is essential for healthy-looking and glowing skin. Our skin is constantly forming new cells as the skin cells on our body are dying and exfoliating is a way we can speed that process along and help our body remove dead skin cells.

You can exfoliate in two ways: physical or chemical. For home remedy purposes, we are going to focus on physical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is done through scrubs while chemical exfoliation use products that contain enzymes.

Thankfully, home exfoliation is easy. All you need are a few gentle ingredients- and some are already in your pantry! Add oatmeal and baking soda with a little honey to create a paste. You can apply it as a face mask and if you have visible dry flakes, then watch those dead cells and dull skin disappear. 

Or if you have a coarse salt at home, like Himalayan or sea salt, mix it with some coconut oil, honey, or olive oil to gently whisk away your dead skin cells.

As with all home remedies, it’s always a good idea to test out a small patch first to make sure you will not have an allergic reaction. And remember, although home remedies work, they do take time.

The Hype: 4.3/5 “Babyyyyyyyyy this stuff is Pure Gold! The scent, the feel the way it immediately moisturized my skin in the shower, I’m in love. Get this scrub! Your skin will thank you”

5. Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera to the rescue! Growing up I had an aloe vera plant in my backyard and it was one of the best things. I love to bake and cook, but sometimes I would burn myself. All I had to do was run outside and use the aloe vera to soothe my burn.

Along with kitchen burns, aloe vera can help soothe sunburns too. (While aloe vera can help soothe sunburns, it can’t prevent them so sunscreen is still a must to protect against the UV rays that cause skin cancer.)

Aloe vera has vitamins and antioxidants that are good for your skin. Not only can applying aloe vera on your skin help burns heal faster, hydrate your skin, and prevent the start of wrinkles and fine lines, but it naturally makes your skin glowy and supple.

The Hype: 4.6/5 “It absorbs easily and has a perfect consistency! The quality of the product truly reflects that it is organic, and sulfate, and paraben-free. I also like how it is Manuka honey infused with tea tree oil, both of which are natural and great for hydration. This aloe vera gel is definitely the best bang for your buck.”

6. Stick to Your Skincare Routine (While Also Adding Natural Ingredients)

“Consistency breeds success.” I heard that one time and it really changed my life. You will never see results if you are constantly starting and stopping something. Finding skincare products that work for you and your skin conditions are game changers and sticking to your skincare routine is what’s really going to get your results and your desired glowing skin.

Science has developed some cutting-edge ingredients and there are numerous products out there for every skin concern: dark spots, under-eye dark circles, redness, sun damage, you name it. But consider implementing natural ingredients into your skincare routine as well.

Rose water, rich in vitamin c, will help soothe and calm the skin. Rose water is made by steaming rose petals in water so this is something easily done at home. When making your rosewater elixir, you can also add essential oils like lavender to calm the skin and make it glow. However, if you just wanted to buy something, you can.

Sephora is great about giving out samples so you can try them before you spend the big bucks. Test all new products on small areas before slathering them all over your face. 

The Hype: 4.6/5 “I love this rose water, my skin looks radiant it is a bottle with magic water for the face…my face the spots faded and it is not needed buy expensive creams when we can obtain better benefits also smells very good. I recommend 100%”

Taking care of your skin and body will pay off for many years to come. You don’t always need every influencer’s beauty secrets to have glowing skin; there are many cost-effective ways to care for your skin at home that require very little time.

For even more tips on how to improve your skin with little time and effort, check out 5 Benefits of Facial Steaming and How It Can Give You Glowing Skin!

The post If You’re Looking for “Beauty Secrets”, Try These 6 No-Fail Home Remedies for Glowing Skin Instead appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is extracted from castor beans (also called seeds) from Ricinus Communis, which means castor bean or castor oil plant. Whether it’s being used for its anti-inflammatory properties or as a beauty treatment, it’s a multipurpose ingredient with several benefits.

Though it’s said that the plant originated in India and Africa (which would explain why castor oil is big with the African American community), the use of castor oil is said to have originated in Ancient Egypt.

It’s believed that Cleopatra used it in her beauty routine to whiten her eyes. (We also got the idea of milk baths from her, so Cleopatra was a beauty innovator.)

In Ancient Egypt, it was used for anything from fuel in lamps to a natural laxative. Though we may not really use it to light our lamps anymore, it’s still being used as a laxative. (Midwives’ brew, anyone?)

These days, it’s mostly used as a hair treatment or hot oil treatment for healthy hair growth and luscious locks. In fact, when I visited my Grandma in Barbados several years ago, I saw her putting this goopy stuff in her hair and I asked her what it was.

She told me, “Put castor oil in your hair. It will make it really soft.” My 15-year-old self didn’t follow her advice, and I’m regretting that now!

What Is the Difference Between Castor Oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil?

Jamaican black castor oil is castor oil’s “cousin”. It too has fatty acids, natural oils, and can help stimulate the growth of hair follicles. The main difference is in the roasting process.

The beans of Jamaican castor oil are roasted at a higher temperature, resulting in a darker color and thicker substance. It’s been reported that Jamaican black castor oil opens up the hair shaft better than its traditional counterpart, resulting in better absorption. (Similar to how microdermabrasion and steaming your face allow your products to sink in better and become more effective.)

Related: 5 Benefits of Facial Steaming and How It Can Give You Glowing Skin

Jamaican black castor oil also has ash content, which allows the hair strand and cuticle to open up to absorb the hair oil even better.

In a nutshell, both regular castor oil and Jamaican black castor seed oil can really improve your hair health, but if your desire is to stimulate your hair growth or get longer hair, then Jamaican black castor oil is where you’d want to start.

I experienced postpartum hair loss after having my first child 4 years ago and my hair never really recovered. I thought it would just grow back and then when I had my second child, it got even worse! I realized it wasn’t growing back on its own and I was starting to feel self-conscious about the big bald spots near my forehead. (But can you blame me?)

I like to approach health and beauty issues first naturally if I can. So in addition to my healthy lifestyle and diet, I started taking supplements, specifically vitamin D. It turns out I was dangerously low in Vitamin D (I got my levels checked), and a lack of vitamin D can contribute to patchy hair loss.

After much research, I started taking this Vitamin D. And though months later I saw and felt a noticeable difference in my mood and certain skin conditions (I had these weird pesky brown spots on my legs that appeared out of nowhere and then disappeared after taking Vitamin D-no joke!), it made no noticeable difference to my bald spots.

When I knew that my diet, lifestyle, and vitamin levels were good (or about as good as they were going to get), I started to look for products to use. I felt doubtful that a product was going to help, but when you’re desperate, you’ll keep trying things!

I ordered CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil because it had promising reviews. Right after receiving it, I got into the habit of applying a small amount to where I wanted my hair to grow, massaging it for a few seconds to stimulate blood flow, and then trying to forget about it and not obsess over my hair growth (or lack thereof).

About 3 months later, my husband snapped a candid photo of me with my son, and when I looked at it, I was so surprised. I started to see some baby fine wavy hair growing in! FINALLY.

I mainly just applied a thin layer to those areas where I wanted hair growth, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it helped minimize my itchy scalp and hair breakage too.

Pros of this product:

• The thin tip of the applicator bottle helps you easily apply the product to your hair roots
• Has other essential oils such as rosemary to help stimulate hair growth
• Has vitamin e oil which is believed to reduce the radicals that cause hair to break down
• Natural ingredients- no paraben, mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfates, or formaldehyde
• Very affordable, less than $10

Cons:

• It states that it’s not greasy, but I do find it to be greasy

I’ve used up the whole bottle (even cut it open to get every last drop), and I’m about to order another one. It’s a powerful oil and is now one of my favorite hair growth products!

I still have a long way to go to get to where my hair used to be, but whether it’s your beauty routine or your hair care, for best results you have to be consistent and give it lots of time.

I wanted to share my discovery because I wanted to help others dealing with the same thing. Even if you don’t have bald spots on your head you want to grow back, people have used this type of castor oil for eyebrow hair growth too.

Speaking of hair…if you have damaged hair it’s going to be very hard to grow anything back. Get tips to help you in this next post: Is Your Hair Damaged? Here Are 5 Ways To Get It Back on Track and Healthy Again

The post The One Product That Grew My Hair Back | Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth Review appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

What Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is primarily a cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin, stretch marks, and fat from your abdomen. A postpartum tummy tuck (though just referred to as a tummy tuck) does these same things, but can also repair pregnancy-related issues, such as diastasis recti or an umbilical hernia, resulting in a hip-to-hip scar.

This surgery requires a long recovery time and most women need 2-3 months before they can get back to their regular activities. Swelling can last up to 6 months and a numb feeling for up to a year.

The average price of a tummy tuck is $6,154, not including anesthesia or operating room costs. Because this is considered cosmetic, insurance companies generally do not cover this and most plastic surgery offices only accept cash.

As long as you maintain your weight and don’t have any more pregnancies, the results should last for the rest of your life.

Why I Wanted a Tummy Tuck

I’m proof that the myth “carrying boys like a basketball” is true. From the back, I didn’t look very pregnant. But then I’d turn around and it was all, “Whoop! There it is!” It looked like I stuck a big ball under my clothes.

I have a fairly small frame and carrying both my 8-pound boys resulted in diastasis recti (ab separation), loose skin, and for me, a postpartum umbilical hernia. At the 6-week check-up for my second child, I asked my doctor what could be done about my diastasis recti. She said, “The only real thing you could do is get a tummy tuck, but it’s really expensive and you’ll have a huge scar. You probably won’t want that.”

A little deflated (and not actually knowing how much it costs), I thought she was probably right and I couldn’t do anything about it. So I tried doing the exercises that are supposed to bring your ab muscles back together, but sadly, they didn’t work for me.

A year after having my second child, I consulted with a few plastic surgeons to see what could be done about my ab separation and hernia. They confirmed that I had ab separation of a 3-3.5 finger width (4 is considered severe) and that I’d be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Sure, you could say the plastic surgeons had ulterior motives, but both I consulted with said exercising would not fix what I had and that exercising would certainly not fix my hernia. I already knew this to be true and I liked having the confirmation from medical professionals.

Before we had our second boy, we knew our second child would be our last biological child, so I started researching and seriously considering a tummy tuck. The more I thought and prayed about it, the more excited I got.

Frankly, I really did not like my hernia. Postpartum hernias are generally harmless, but mine did cause discomfort and I had every medical reason to get it treated. I also didn’t like that it made my belly button permanently protrude.

I had to avoid wearing a lot of certain clothes because that, paired with my diastasis recti, still made me look pregnant, a year and a half past having my last baby. I’ve been working on getting healthy and toned and it was discouraging that my stomach would always look a little pregnant, no matter what I did.

Once I came to the conclusion that getting surgery to repair my hernia would be a good medical choice for me, it made sense to fix my abdominal muscles at the same time, and therefore, get the full tummy tuck.

Once I made up my mind to do the surgery (with full support and encouragement from my husband), I daydreamed about getting my ab muscles back together. For those that have diastasic recti, you know that it’s not just about physical appearance. It’s about the way you function and feel too.

During my workout classes, there were some exercises I just couldn’t physically do. It wasn’t that I needed to “dig deep” and push myself, my body would just crumple anytime I tried to do something like a plank for more than a few seconds. It’s like there were no muscles there to support me. Imagine that!

(And though I probably shouldn’t have done an ab exercise so soon, I confirmed my theory. 3.5 weeks after my tummy tuck I was able to hold a 30-second plank!)

Truly, I wanted a tummy tuck to repair my muscles and hernia. My main goal wasn’t for aesthetic purposes, but I won’t lie, knowing I’d get rid of my extra skin was a major benefit!

After deciding on a plastic surgeon, I put down a deposit and scheduled my surgery for early fall.

Day of Surgery

I felt a little anxious leading up to the surgery and the day of. I had no doubts about whether or not this is what I wanted to do, but you hear about the horror stories. Would I get botched? Would I even wake up? These were all things I wondered…

Once I got settled into my gown, hairnet, and IV, the plastic surgeon came in to mark me up and once again go over expectations and ask where I want the scar.

They try to make it as low as possible, but I had the option of it being curved or straight on the ends of my thighs. “Do you want to wear low-rise jeans or a high-rise bikini?”, she asked me.

I knew after this surgery I would have the important things fixed, but she did let me know not all my stretch marks would be gone and that I may have a vertical incision near my belly button because of my frame. That was fine with me.

The anesthesiologist came into the room to tell me what the process was going to be like. After going to the bathroom one last time, they walked me to the surgical room and I got on the bed.

The nurse started preparing things and I didn’t even feel or see the anesthesiologist do anything, but I remember thinking in my head and was just about to ask out loud, “Should I already be feeling a little funny?”

But I never got the words out, because right then I fell asleep.

After Surgery

About 3 1/2 hours later, I opened my eyes and had that disoriented mental questioning of, “Wait a second. Where am I? What’s going on?”

I saw the nurse walking in front of me, putting things away, and then I remembered I was in the recovery room. The first thing I asked the nurse is where Titus was. She informed me that he’s been notified and he’s on his way. “He must be a good hubby”, she said. Once she said this, I had a sudden memory of crying and saying his name a lot haha. I felt my eyes. Yep, they were damp.

As I was coming to, I remember feeling very disoriented but also making sure I ask the nurse all the important questions: “How do I look?” Did I lose inches?”

I do remember thanking her for caring for me. So hey, I wasn’t totally vain.

I couldn’t feel much of what happened. Until I coughed. That was probably one of the most painful things I had to do.

Still half fuzzy, Titus came to pick me up and bring me home.

My Recovery

Between the pain and napping, the first several days were a blur. Yes, the pain was pretty intense and it made sleeping very difficult, but it was all manageable.

I had a drain to collect extra fluids and that was probably one of the most annoying things of it all. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wear it long. Though I could get into more of the nitty-gritty of recovery, overall, I’m so thankful that my recovery process was altogether a dream (as far as extensive surgeries go).

Even the plastic surgeon and nurse were surprised by how well I was feeling. I was too! I don’t know if it’s because I’m young, live a healthy lifestyle, followed the instructions, or all of it combined, but recovery went way better than I thought it would.

I had read so many posts about people being in extreme pain and taking 4 weeks off work and I wondered how that was going to work with my two kids. Of course, everyone is different, but I spent a solid week recovering from bed (besides getting up to walk around, use the bathroom, etc) while my husband took off work and managed the kids and household.

After the first week was up, I was back to my normal routine with my kids. Now, at week 4, I feel about 85% normal. Though I’m getting back to exercise, I can’t overwork my ab muscles or I’ll have pain.

But on the day-to-day, I don’t have pain as much as I have a weird tingling sensation in my stomach and some discomfort if I twist my body or try to do too much.

I’m not trying to overdo it, but a normal routine is certainly doable and sometimes I forget I had the surgery until I look at my stomach. Which brings me to…

Before and After | Final Thoughts

My stomach is not “perfect” and I still have some stretch marks. I also have a small vertical incision coming off my horizontal scar. This is because my body did not have enough loose skin to stretch.

I’ve started scar therapy (i.e, silicone strips, massaging), but yes, the hip-to-hip scar is pretty intense. It honestly doesn’t bother me and Titus thinks it’s cool. This scar can generally be covered by underwear, but I picked the “high-rise swimsuit” scar option (like ordering off a menu haha), so mine is slightly higher on the edges.

But because my main goal was not aesthetics (even though it’s an amazing night and day difference), I can confidently say I am 150% glad I did the surgery! I would do it again in a heartbeat and I’m glad I did it now, instead of waiting until my kids were older. There’s not a thing I would change, honestly. I even like having some stretch marks because it reminds me of carrying my babies.

My results are only going to get better as swelling decreases, but the change was immediate. Certain clothes don’t make me look pregnant anymore, and as I mentioned earlier, I can already start to feel my core strength again.

As I continue to heal, I can’t wait to do ab exercises again and be a healthy, fit mom. I know a postpartum tummy tuck is not for everyone, but I hope my story shed some light on this surgery and maybe even took away some of the stigmas that a tummy tuck is vain and selfish.

But even if surgery is not the route for you, there are plenty of things you can do to feel your best!

Up Next: 13 Tips to a Healthy Lifestyle

The post My Postpartum Tummy Tuck appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks can be caused by pregnancy, growth spurts, rapid weight gain, or even from building muscle in the gym. The sudden skin change causes the collagen and elastin (which holds your skin together) to tear. When your skin returns to its normal state (i.e stops growing), it is no longer supported by the same collagen and elastin. As your skin is healing from the tear, stretch marks are formed.

Stretch marks aren’t just caused by weight gain or weight loss either. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are medical conditions that cause stretch marks: Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome.

According to Penn Medicine, Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissues. People with Marfan syndrome often develop stretch marks because the tissue in their skin is weakened and the skin is not as elastic as it should be.

Cushing’s syndrome happens when you have an excess of the hormone cortisol. Though the American Association of Neurological Surgeons states this disease is rare, purple stretch marks, among other things, are symptoms of Cushing’s.

What Do the Colors of Your Stretch Marks Mean?

When stretch marks first appear they can be purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown depending on your skin color. This is because there is a higher presence of blood vessels under the newly torn skin.

All of these colors just mean you have new stretch marks and this is the best time to start treating them. Over time, if not treated, they will fade to white mature stretch marks that slowly sink beneath the surface of the skin.

How To Make Purple Stretch Marks Fade

Here are some options you have to help make your purple stretch marks fade, from DIY to treatments done by a medical provider. Just remember, there are no quick-fix treatment options to permanently remove stretch marks and the AAD states that home treatments have very little effect on mature stretch marks. At best, you can help with the appearance of stretch marks with consistent treatment over time.

With that being said, here are the options you have!

1. Retinoid Creams

Retinol and Tretinoin are two types of retinoid creams that have been proven to make stretch marks less noticeable when applied early.

Retinol boosts the elastin and collagen production to help produce new skin. Retinols can take on the form of topical creams and can be purchased in many over-the-counter products while tretinoin is only available by prescription.

Using a type of retinoid cream (in the form of topical treatments) will be the best affordable “fix” you are going to find outside of laser therapy.

Hyaluronic acid, while not a retinoid, can help with appearances as well if applied as soon as you see a stretch mark forming. The moisture that hyaluronic acid offers can hydrate and plump your skin, potentially making a stretch mark less noticeable.

The Hype: 4.3/5 “This is definitely a body lotion that deserves more hype than it’s getting! I have only used this for a few days now and can honestly say it’s also outperforming high-end!”

2. Laser Treatments

ICON 1540 is the only FDA-approved laser treatment for the appearance of stretch marks. Studies done by the National Library of Medicine show at the week one follow-up, 38% of subjects showed 25-75% improvement in their stretch marks. And the six-week follow-up showed an even higher percentage of improvement.

The ICON 1540 can be performed on any skin tone with white or purple stretch marks. Patients will start seeing significant results from laser therapy at three months but can take up to six months to achieve maximum results.

Though this is a treatment that may actually work, it does come with its drawbacks. One treatment could cost you anywhere from $2,000-$3,800 with multiple sessions required.

Though laser treatments may not be for everyone, there are some home remedies that may potentially help prove the appearance.

3. Apply Self-Tanner

Lying in a tanning bed or outside in the sun will not help you get rid of your stretch marks. Not only can this be bad for your skin, but it will just make them more noticeable because stretch marks do not tan.

However, applying self-tanner does have the ability to blur imperfections. This remedy is just temporary, but it’s a quick and easy way to give yourself a self-esteem boost. Self-tanner is an excellent option to hide your stretch marks!

The Hype: 4.3/5 “This self-tanner is AMAZING! It works incredibly well, and FAST! Which is amazing because you are able to quickly see spots missed. It leaves a natural color and can be built up over a couple of days.”

Related: 6 Best Facial Treatments for Large Pores That Will Reduce Their Appearance

4. Keep Your Skin Soothed and Moisturized

Keeping your skin supple and moisturized can potentially help prevent stretch marks (though it’s genetics in the end) and improve the appearance of existing ones.

From improving stretch marks to fading hyperpigmentation left over from acne, there are some natural ingredients that are recommended again and again. These are cocoa butter, aloe vera, olive oil, vitamin e, and almond oil.

It’s best to massage the treatments onto your affected areas. This will help make sure the treatment will actually touch the stretch marks and it might make it more effective too. 

And of course, you need to be diligent in applying the products. You will never see results if you sporadically apply with no consistency. Even though results will take a while, you have more of a chance if you are consistently applying the treatment.

Though none of those are supported by any current research to get rid of stretch marks, they won’t harm you. Plus, they do have many other benefits for keeping your skin smooth, even, and glowy!

The Hype: 4.3/5 “This stuff is magic in a bottle, just try it!”

5. Exfoliate Your Skin

A chemical or physical exfoliation gives you benefits that will leave your skin smoother and softer over time. Plus, removing dry skin and dead skin cells can make your retinol products even more effective when applied.

To get a physical exfoliation, try dry brushing. And to chemically exfoliate, look for products with glycolic acid.

The Hype: 4.4/5 “This product has greatly improved the texture of my skin. Have been using it to improve even my skin tone on my arms and legs. It moisturizes very well.”

6. Apply Silicone Patches

Many dermatologists recommend silicone for the treatment of scars and stretch marks. And for an “apply and forget it approach”, consider using silicone patches. The National Library of Medicine states that a silicone patch can increase hydration and make marks softer and flatter.

If consistently applied for months, you may notice an improvement in new and old stretch marks.

The Hype: 4.3/5 “I bought these for old stretch marks. They do stay in place really well. I know they won’t completely erase the stretch marks but it does seem like they have lightened them overall.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), stretch marks are a type of scar and scars are permanent. You can do treatments that will fade them over time, but you will never fully get rid of them. And while nothing will fully remove your stretch marks, you can use these tips to help them fade.

And always remember, stretch marks are 100% normal. But if you are having a hard time accepting them, I would suggest contacting your dermatologist to see what options they have available for you.

Thankfully, there’s one treatment you can do for glowing skin that’s way easier than you think. You just need two things: heat and clean water. Up Next: 5 Benefits of Facial Steaming and How It Can Give You Glowing Skin

The post How To Make Purple Stretch Marks Fade appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

1. They Don’t Rely on Heavy Plastic Surgery 

Aging is natural, and that’s going to happen to all of us…. I just want to always look like myself, even if that’s an older version of myself. I think when you do too much of that cosmetic stuff, you become somebody else in a way.

Halle Berry, 55

Contrary to popular belief, plastic surgery is not always the solution to aging well. Even though procedures like facelifts are designed to turn back the clock, they can also do the opposite. One secret to aging well is to strive for a natural appearance as you age.

Take cues from women who don’t rely on a lot of surgery to stop premature aging. These women do not obsess over altering their looks and they actually look better for it in the long run.

I’m sure you can think of many celebrities that have had too much work done. It’s obvious-and not in a good way. And most women come to regret it too. Courtney Cox (Monica from Friends), said her previous cosmetic injections made her look “really strange” and she would not get the same cosmetic procedures today.

Instead, a woman that ages well improves their looks in non-surgical and non-filler ways. They do treatments like chemical peels to remove the outer layer of old skin so the new skin that is replaced is smoother and less wrinkled.

When done right, by a dermatologist or esthetician, the end result is a natural and non-surgical way to have radiant skin!

2. They Have a Healthy Lifestyle

Aging is out of your control. How you handle it, though, is in your hands.

Diane Von Furstenberg, 75

A major component of aging well is a healthy lifestyle. And one of the best ways of leading a healthy lifestyle is with a nutrient-rich diet. Whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables play a big role in how you age.

A comprehensive study by Harvard Medical school shows that this type of diet can help you age well by lowering your chances of getting heart disease. And of course, a balanced diet will help you reach a healthy weight and have glowing skin from the inside out.

3. They Have an Effective Beauty Routine

Aging gracefully is about no heavy makeup, and not too much powder because it gets into the wrinkles…You don’t have to look like an old fuddy-duddy, but I believe it was Chanel who said, ‘Nothing makes a woman look so old as trying desperately hard to look young’.

Iris Apfel, 100

On top of a healthy diet, the secret of women who age well is an effective beauty routine. The saying, “You are what you eat,” also applies to your beauty routine. You are what you put on your skin when it comes to aging gracefully. Switching up your skincare routine is important as you reach the next decade of your life.

First and foremost, you need to wear sunscreen every day (even if it’s not sunny outside). A good SPF moisturizer will make a big difference on your skin if you use it consistently. Besides the obvious protection from skin cancer, it will also prevent those pesky brown spots, wrinkles, and large pores.

Women who age well would also recommend a thick moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. This key ingredient will help keep your menopause skin plump and resilient. Serums with retinol and Vitamin C are also great for evening out your skin tone and boosting cell turnover.

Related post: 5 Best Anti-Aging Skincare Products to Restore Your Youthful Glow

4. They Have a Good Sense of Style

The age of a woman is not important: you can be wonderful in your 20’s, amazing in your 40’s, and stay fabulous for the rest of your life.

Coco Chanel

Women who age gracefully do not bat an eye at spending their money on classic and chic clothes. They have great options in their closet to keep them looking elegant all year round.

These mature women also avoid clothes and footwear that will age them. If they do not need to wear orthopedic shoes, then they wear stylish and comfy shoes like ballet flats instead.

You also won’t find them shopping at the same place as younger people. Instead of shopping for trendy clothes targeted at young generations, they prioritize classic clothing instead.

5. They Prioritize Their Beauty Sleep

Having peace, happiness, and healthiness is my definition of beauty. And you can’t have any of that without sleep.

Beyonce Knowles, 40

Beauty sleep is vital for women who age well. Not getting enough sleep can cause your blood pressure to rise and high blood pressure can actually lead to dull skin and wrinkles.

Plus, if you are not getting enough sleep, the stress hormone in your body called “cortisol” will be released. This stress hormone breaks down collagen (structure in your skin) and causes the skin to become saggy.

Give yourself at least 8 hours of sleep and invest in a silk pillowcase and a bedside humidifier to look beautiful and refreshed when you wake up.

Related: Fashion Over 50: Aging With Grace & Embracing the Size You Are Now

6. They Regularly Exercise 

It’s important to grow old gracefully, and that’s what I plan to do. I am here to stay. I take care of myself, and I have the discipline to stay fit and have good health until I am very old.

Sigourney Weaver, 72

Have you ever wondered how some women look so amazing in their mature years? They exercise regularly.

As you know, exercising has loads of health benefits, but did you know it can improve the look of your skin too? As you age, your skin loses elasticity. Exercising can help keep your skin healthy, tight, and strong. So if you want healthy-looking skin, consider exercises like pilates, walking, or yoga.

7. They Maintain Meaningful Relationships

What’s helped me is having really good friends I know I can rely on.

Drew Barrymore, 47

Most of us know what keeping negative and toxic relationships can do to our mental state. Simply put, having the wrong people around can cause too much stress in your life.

At any age, but especially as you get older, it’s more important than ever to prioritize creating meaningful relationships with family members and friends. A remarkable amount of data from PLOS Medicine has shown that people with positive social interactions have a 50% chance of living longer than those with bad relationships.

We weren’t made to go at it alone. A lack of meaningful relationships can cause depression and that could play itself out in having sleepless nights, difficulty focusing on simple things, and losing joy in doing activities you once loved.

8. They Prioritize Hair Health Over Hair Color 

There was a deep sense of insecurity that I traded the gray streak in for as sort of a badge of honor. Now, I even have a gray clause with Pantene, where I said, ‘You can do whatever you want to my hair but you can’t dye my gray streak.’ It’s a part of me!”

Stacy London, 53

So you’re going gray- who cares?! Okay, it’s a strong possibility that you care, but aging well is not about coloring your hair (unless you do it of your own accord). I know there’s pressure to break out a hair-dying kit as soon as you see that first gray hair, but rest assured, you can still look fabulous with gray hair.

As women get older, sebum production reduces. This leads to hair becoming brittle and the scalp getting dry, so aging well means you prioritize healthy hair over a certain color.

To keep your hair health in good condition, cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the scalp for a stable skin barrier to prevent hair loss. Using shampoos with no sulfates is also good for your hair as you age. It gives a gentler clean and sulfate-free shampoos won’t cause frizz, dryness, or yellowing of your hair.

9. They Are Open to New Things

I think it’s about how if you still have passion and if you haven’t become cynical and you’ve remained open to life, then no matter how old you are chronologically, you’re still young. Aging is relative.

Jane Fonda, 84

There are many benefits to aging, but one of the biggest ones is that the older you get, the more confident you are in yourself. This is a breath of fresh air compared to your 20s when you feel as if you’re still figuring it all out.

But even though you may be set in your ways, it’s important to still be open to new things. Trying new things doesn’t necessarily mean making lifestyle changes that will sacrifice your whole identity.

Whether it’s embracing new technologies like smart watches or new beauty products with improved formulas, trying new things can actually make your life easier and more convenient.

10. They Take Part in Mentally Stimulating Activities

They’ll say, ‘Oh, Grandma is old, but she doesn’t act old.’ So I feel that doing things like dancing and moving around and pranking and all the fun things that I do has kept me happy.”

Oprah Winfrey, 68

One way to stay young despite your age is to act young. And no, young doesn’t mean immature but instead, youthful. Instead of sticking to your same old routine, break away from the ordinary and engage in activities that will keep your mind fresh.

Not only does this improve your outlook on life, but it also helps with menopausal brain fog. If you have been forgetful lately or find yourself frequently losing your keys, it’s most likely linked to menopause. To try to slow down the brain fog, take part in mentally stimulating activities. This could be journaling, walking your dog, or even pranking your grandkids à la Oprah Winfrey.

There is a lot that goes into aging gracefully. And trying to figure this out alone can be hard. Thankfully, these 10 secrets of women who age well will help you out.

As mentioned earlier, aging well includes wearing chic outfits. So recreate these outfit ideas to update your style!

Up next: Wardrobe Wednesday: Recreating Pinterest Outfits (Over 50 Edition)

The post 10 Life-Changing Secrets of Women Who Age Well appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.