Tag: water

AQUA Carpatica

The newest, edgiest trends in beauty come out of Asia these days (snail serum comes to mind – ew). Another more palatable trend is using water – specifically mineral water – in your skin care routine. Washing your face with sparkling water has been a hot trend for beauty aficionados in Japan and Korea for quite some time, and now it is picking up in the west.

First, a note about sparking water – it is my jam. So when the brand, AQUA Carpatica, reached out with an offer to give this new beauty trend out and try their unique sparkling water, I jumped. AQUA Carpatica has the only nitrate-free naturally sparkling mineral water. Nitrates are contaminates from septic tanks, fertilizer and erosion of natural deposits. This nitrate-free water is sourced in the Carpathian Mountains and is loaded with minerals. And it tastes so good! Crisp with smaller bubbles just like I like it.

AQUA Carpatica just landed in the US at Sprouts Farmers Market for those who want to give this water a whirl – either in their beauty routine or just to sip on! Note, when I used some to wash my face it was very cold, but refreshing and slightly foamy. The natural carbonation aids in exfoliation and oxygenation of the skin. If I didn’t love the taste so much, I would consider trying this splurge beauty step on my weekly self-facials.

New Zealand’s 1907Water

Okay, I realize this is a little off topic for a beauty blog, but let me tell you… water truly is the key to great skin. Since I started pounding water about three years ago, my complexion, energy level and even sleep has improved. Plus, I just feel better. But until I visited my high school buddy’s new home a couple months ago, I didn’t realize my water habit could improve even more. She had installed filters in her faucets that produced alkaline water. I couldn’t believe how much better it tasted. I realize that it sounds ridiculous to talk about the taste of water, but I assure you it is actually really much better. And to boot, she also has one of those awesome ice machines that create perfect crunchy tiny cubes. Anyway, back to water…

So what is the science behind alkaline water? It helps balance the body’s acidity levels that can be exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep and poor diet. The folks at 1907Water sent over a case of their alkaline artesian water for me to try at home – I rent so there will be no installing specialized filters in my apartment. And I can happily report that 1907 tastes just as good as my friend’s.

1907Water recently sourced in New Zealand is newly available in the US. The water comes from a 680 feet deep well in New Zealand’s Kaimanawa Ranges. The lower mineral content lends to a smooth and silky finish. And the bottles are made of 100% recycled BPA-free PET and are 100% recyclable.

Next time you spot 1907Water at your favorite spot, pick up and bottle. I bet you love it as much as I do. REport back your thoughts!

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

Beauty From The Inside Out on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

This week on Great Day Green Country, I am talking about something a little different. Here on Belle Belle there is lots of discussion of creams and serums we slather on to keep us looking young. Today, I am discussing some things we can do from the inside out to keep skin radiant, young and clear.

Supplementing our diet with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is one of the most obvious ways we can improve our skin from the inside out. One of my favorite skin care brands offers supplements specifically targeted to skin. And bonus points that it is backed by one of the most recognizable names in dermatology, Dr. Perricone. Perricone MD Nutriceuticals Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements is three-tier daily program of nutrients to boost immune system and encourage beautiful skin. While joint and bone function is boosted, antioxidants fights free radicals. Fine lines and wrinkles are replaced with radiant skin. And supplements also offer protection against future damage.

Second up, the always important water. Water is the most basic way we can make our skin radiant and healthy. I notice that when I skip my morning guzzling of water, my skin looks dull and splotchy. But if I keep that bottle at my desk, filled all day long, I get a supple glow. While I try to use a recyclable water bottle, I full admit to splurging on Glaceau Smart Water Electrolyte Enhanced Water. I used to love FIJI but now (if water can really have a flavor) I prefer Smart Water.

I’m on my third month of Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women (you can find my amazing round 1 results from 2012 here). My hair grew 3.5 inches in three months last time and I am seeing the same results this time around. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which also boosts nail growth!). My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite an increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved. My body hair did grow a little faster, but the trade off was worth it.

Last but not least, pick up some of the trendy Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil. You won’t regret swaping this kitchen staple and get a second jar to keep in your bathroom. The past week, oil pulling has been all over the internet. This practice of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily is said to improve tooth and gum health. While I haven’t made it longer than three minutes, I can say my gum line does appear soothed and my teeth feel cleaner than usual after a couple nights of trying it. If this practice is just too gross for you (I don’t blame you), don’t worry – there are lots of other ways coconut oil can be used to improve skin health. Replace butter and other oils with coconut in your cooking. Coconut oil’s medium-chain-length fatty acids is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent which can help with shiny hair and clearer skin. Bonus points that it boosts metabolism. And don’t forget to slather it on as a cuticle cream, moisturizer, eye makeup remover and hair conditioner.

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Nutrisystem Week 13

A couple reasons to celebrate today. First, this week, I lost 1.4 pounds for a total weight loss of 23.0 pounds. With a little extra effort on drinking water, I was able to break through after a bit of a slower week. While I never hated drinking water, I never fully embraced how important it was. I think my skin has improved. Workouts seem easier. And my metabolism clearly moves faster. A popular trick that I had never tried is adding a little lemon in the morning to my water. It changes things up a bit and can clear skin, boost your imune system and aid digestion.

Secondly, you might have noticed there wasn’t a post yesterday on the blog. That was because Belle Belle moved to a new hosting company. My old hosting provider just couldn’t handle the traffic. Now, that’s a problem I’ll take any day! Thanks, dear readers, for helping me take Belle Belle to the next level.

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

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Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

NARS Makeup Removing Water

I have fully embraced cleansing oils, especially in this dry, Texas winter. But I just can’t get on board with the oil-based makeup removers that leave behind a filmy residue. NARS to the rescue. They recently launched a soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free water that removes face makeup and tones the skin. This is great alternative for those with oiler skin or those who prefer to stay away from the heavier formulas. Not to mention, I now can’t go without this toning step after cleansing to really make sure all my makeup is gone. This will come in especially handy this summer, when my skin is calling for something lightweight and refreshing. It is gentle enough for my sensitive skin and has soothing botanical ingredients that leave my skin glowing and hydrated.