We all deal with stress, between work, family, and everything in between. By the end of the day, we’re ready to put our feet up and relax with a glass of wine to the easy tunes of John Coltrane or Thelonious Monk. Not everyone has this luxury of course, especially anyone with kids, so we are forced to push on until our head hits the pillow, only to start again the next day. A good way to destress without the help of vino is to make sure you’re getting enough B complex vitamin. Taking B vitamins with Calcium right before bed will help you fall asleep, but if you’re looking to destress and energize, mix your B vitamin with some Acai. Try to find vitamins with minimal amounts of fillers, since they tend to prevent absorption into the body. An isotonic vitamin is the best and will get into your bloodstream the quickest. The easiest way to figure out what vitamins and supplements best fit your health needs, take a free Nutriphysical and get recommendations for a customized vitamin cocktail.

It has come to my attention recently that more than just a few cosmetic lovers out there have trouble finding makeup, particularly eyeshadows, that won’t cause them to swell up or break out. Never having experienced the problem myself, I was surprised how common having a reaction to makeup actually is. After some training and research I found that many makeup lines contain bismuth oxychloride, which can cause allergic reactions in more than 75% of makeup users. It is most commonly found in eyeshadows, it’s what gives the makeup a shimmery or pearlescent effect. Some women tough through it for a few hours or just as long as needed, and then wash it off as soon as they can. Others try product after product, hoping to find the one that doesn’t burn their sensitive skin. And there are women who have simply given up, abandoning the idea of eye makeup completely. My best advice is to check the ingredients if you’ve had any past reactions to your makeup, and be weary of products that contain bismuth oxychloride. If you can’t find the ingredients listed, stick to matte shadows. Creme Shadows and Loose Mineral Shadows are usually safe bets as well and can even contain nourishing ingredients for that delicate skin. Here are a few of my faves: Motives Pressed Eye Shadows in Vino, Foxy Brown, and Twilight, Motives Luxe Creme Eye Shadow in Gold Dust, and Motives Paint Pot Mineral Eye Shadow in Cosmopolitan.

Are you one of the many out there that react to certain makeup?

Today we’re going to talk about health. Skin health, specifically. Skin is the body’s largest (and sometimes overlooked) organ, and is often the most obvious indicator of one’s health and age. Beautiful skin begins on the inside, and good skin begins with good nutrition. Now everyone knows all the superfoods are good for you: blueberries, acai berries, dark chocolate, red wine, etc Packed with free-radical busting antioxidants, they’re a good place to start but healthy skin doesn’t stop there. Vitamin A helps minimize those pesky wrinkles, gives your skin a more youthful and vibrant look, and protects against sun damage. Good sources are carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, beets, kale, milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Omega-3 fatty acids keep cell membranes (responsible for keeping out the bad stuff and keeping in the good, such as moisture) healthy which also contributes to a youthful appearance (think salmon, walnuts, and olive oils). Vitamin E from whole grains give you extra protection against UV rays, and of course, staying hydrated is the best way to flush toxins and help keep a clear complexion.

I know not everyone, including myself, is able to resist the occasional side of french fries or stick to salads and salmon for every meal, and for that reason I’m a big proponent of vitamins and supplements to fill in the gaps. I take an antioxidant daily with my vitamins and Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend is my favorite. A powerful isotonic antioxidant with a few extra helpers for great skin, it helps to keep many skin ailments at bay, from fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and sun damage, and promotes smoother and more vibrant skin.

What’s your favorite skin health secret??

Click Here