I came upon an amazing site this morning and just needed to share it with all of you. As I fantasize about lying on a beach in this wretched blizzard weather, I couldn’t help but think of the hassle it can be to get all your fave beauty products on the plane with you (especially if you’re able to save money and not check your bags). In the case of carry-on luggage, we’ve all learned the rules by now: products must be in a Ziploc bag and not exceed three fluid ounces per bottle. And this is exactly why I think that 3floz.com is genius!

There are some exciting brands on 3floz.com where you can get some of your favorites in just the right travel-sized bottle. This is perfect for a weekend getaway or even if you’ve been dying to try a product, but don’t necessarily want to commit to a full-sized bottle. I mean, what if you don’t like it? I’ve certainly been there before and often find myself having a problem with commitment (to certain products, of course!).

You can search the site by product type, brand, kits, and more. Some brands on the site include DDF, Yes to Carrots, Ahava, the Art of Shaving, and more. From moisturizers to sunscreens to lip balms, there are lots of different products available on 3floz.com.

I’m hooked and will certainly be looking to this site for a trial run. Until then, I’ll be fantasizing about a tropical getaway. Stay warm!

-Amanda Fornecker

As a follow-up to my Beauty Vending Machines post back in November, I thought I’d share a little update. It seems that Sephora has jumped on this very same bandwagon and I think it’s a very exciting and amazing idea. In particular, these Sephora machines will be appearing at many large airports throughout the country. How many times have you rushed your packing and realized that you forgot one of your beauty essentials? It really is the worst. But with the Sephora vending machines, you’ll be able to easily pick up what you need in a smaller, cheaper, and airplane-safe size and be on your merry way to your next destination. I, personally, think this is genius. What a great option, especially for those of us who may not have time (or the energy) to go out and buy travel bottles and fill them up with liquid products. When I do this, I usually come back and then have my products in two different bottles, which is annoying. Don’t ask me why. I’m more about organization and keeping everything in one place. In any case, I really hope to experience this soon. The first time I see a beauty vending machine, I’ll probably buy something just for fun.

-Amanda Fornecker

Sue Devitt has her very own popular beauty line, as well as a deep interest in holistic beauty. Many of her products are made from natural ingredients she’s found in various places and finds to be successful for a great beauty regimen. But that’s not all Sue advocates for healthy-looking skin. It’s also important to keep up a good routine in diet, exercise, and sleep patterns. Check out Sue’s recommendations below.

Diet
Eating fresh – raw fruits and vegetables – keeps the skin naturally healthy and hydrated and the roughage is excellent for digestion. Many ailments are derived from digestive track issues, liver, and kidney, so proper diet will truly be beneficial, both for the short and long term. Sue also recommends drinking lots of water to cleanse the system and to stay away from coffee, opting for green tea instead.

Exercise
Adhering to a regular fitness routine is also vitally important in achieving your full beauty potential. For Sue, consistency is key so she practices Pilates twice weekly to strengthen, elongate, and improve posture. Sue also regularly makes time for cardio and Yoga; her favorite discipline being Indian Yoga, Kundalini – a promotion of physical well-being and an expansion of awareness which ultimately transforms one’s life into one which is happy, healthy and harmonious. Introducing tranquility and equilibrium into life not only reduces fatigue and stress resulting in frown lines and skin imperfections, but also allows for some needed personal time each day — often overlooked in a busy schedule.

Beauty
Sue’s decision to add skin care ingredients to makeup was a holistic one. Covering the skin with beautifying pigments that will also improve skin’s health and quality is something she believes all women deserve and should have access to. Her deep affinity for hydration is evident in her product range. “Our planet is comprised of 70% water, our bodies are 70% water and that is why my 70% Triple Seaweed Gel Foundation is formulated with 70% water. The complementary relationship of keeping ourselves and our skin optimally hydrated balances our beauty equilibrium,” remarks Sue Devitt.

Sue Devitt Beauty is a line of exquisite, high performance formulations infused with powerful anti-aging ingredients, soothing marine properties, and hydrating flower derivatives from nature, inspired by exotic destinations. Rich with minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, these products provide glowing beauty and healthy, hydrated radiant skin for women of all ages and ethnicities. Visit suedevittbeauty.com for more info.

I wear beauty products every day. But not just on my face to mask my blemishes and imperfections. I wear perfume and deodorant and nail polish and hair products. But maybe I should be a little more selective on which I choose to put on my body daily. After all, the skin is an absorbent organ and whatever you choose to put ON your body is what ends up IN your body. Ick!

I was reading an article on The Med Guru this morning and was completely disgusted by the data and findings of a new report. Do you know that the average woman puts about 515 chemicals onto her body each day? That’s a choice made through your own will. So we’re essentially killing ourselves and opening ourselves up to more disease possibilities willingly. I can’t imagine that I’m doing that to myself just by keeping up my appearance. Of course, all the products on the market have been tested and claim to have a safe amount of whatever toxin it has, but it’s scary to think that when you combine all these products you may be poisoning yourself!

One particular product that is harmful to your health is paraben. Think of parabens as the preservatives of makeup and beauty products. We try so hard to eliminate products from our food diet that contain preservatives because they aren’t good for you. This is exactly the same. And why do we need paraben-containing products when really you’re supposed to replace your makeup every few months because it’s unhealthy, and just plain old gross.

This news is not new, however. In fact, there was a study done on permanent makeup and how researchers are now warning that this could cause certain disfigurations, creating a black mark on permanent makeup.

We’re talking about long-term here. And yes, I’m guilty of thinking that this one time couldn’t necessarily damage me. Well, maybe not now, but in the future who knows what damage this may cause. I’m not advocating that you stop your normal beauty routine. All I’m saying is to think about what you’re using each day. Switching up certain parts of your regular beauty regimen may help you down the line. I understand the negative association with natural and organic products. They’re too expensive; they don’t last very long. But think of it like this: can you put a price on your life?

-Amanda Fornecker