Smart Mouth

The mouth care you never knew you needed, until Masks. Lol! If you’re still wearing masks, you need this toothpaste/mouthwash combo…if you’re not wearing a mask–the people around you, need you to use this combo! Ha! It’s a win win for anyone and everyone. Sorry for the unsexy post–but, you will thank me later.

http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

You’re probably thinking, well this is a boring topic and why is Alison sharing this info…we all have toothpaste and we all use mouthwash. Well, folks, this combo is a freakin’ game changer. I use to habitually chew gum for hours and hours, thinking, hoping, and wishing my breath was minty fresh. It never did the job and I found this out when I had a lil boy–with no filter. He would say, mostly at church, in a loud whisper: Ew, momma, you mouth doesn’t smell good. Ugh, so embarrassing! I’m almost positive there is a lot of relating going on right now. Ha!

I did some research, found Smart Mouth, and I haven’t chewed gum since. If you have coffee breath…use Smart Mouth. If you have morning breath, use Smart Mouth. If you have a significant other, use Smart Mouth. If you’re going to the salon-dentist-medspa and someone will be right near your mouth, use Smart Mouth. I’m telling you the truth, everyone near and dear to you will thank you.

This is a short post, but I think it’s an important one to do. It’s pretty self explanatory…brush your teeth with the toothpaste, then cleanse with the mouthwash. I can always tell a difference when I haven’t used it. You can purchase these items at my store, under Health products: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Let me know if you need this and how you feel after using it. You’re welcome!

sage

http://www.amazoncom/shop/alisonviktorin

This Post hits a tad differently, I won’t be writing about any facial beauty products…but, I will be writing about an Energy beauty product. Sage has worked wonderfully in my family. I use it to clear stagnant energy, uplift our environment, and to clear (clean up) any energy that came home with my son from school. I use it when I’ve had workers in my home…when they leave, I spray. When a stranger enters your home they bring with them their own feelings, thoughts, emotions. So, when they leave I want my home to go back to a neutral zone…that’s where Sage comes in and works beautifully. For example, let’s say you purchase an antique/vintage rug. You lay it down in your home, but who has walked on it, who has sat on it and cried or raged or partied…you don’t know. Get you some sage and NEUTRALIZE the rug…for me, it takes all the emotions attached to an item or in the air space and brings it down to neutral, so you can start fresh…with your own memories and emotions. Another example, when my son comes home from school and is feeling intense emotions from interacting with so many people, boop-I spray near his head and his backpack. This just relieves all his tension and helps to calm him.

About this item…from Amazon

  • Smudge without the smoke – Purify and Cleanse oneself, home, an object, or any space of negative or harmful energy
  • Powerful blend of two sacred plants (White Sage & Palo Santo) used by native peoples for purification, cleansing, attracting positive energy, meditation, energy purification, and as medicine. We only use WHITE SAGE essential oil which was used by the Native American peoples
  • Made with the highest quality 100% pure, organic, and sustainably sourced essential oils. These pure natural ingredients are hand blended with love in California and this spray is the perfect alternative to burning sage sticks, bundles or incense
  • Use as a room spray, pillow mist, and to bring more positive energy to any space or object. Bring this convenient 4 oz bottle to work, yoga studio, meditation retreat, school, or in your car
  • Quartz crystal powder infused to enhance the energy cleansing properties and effectiveness of this spray

I like the spray better than the actual sage because it is easier and quicker to use. I don’t like candles or any kind of smoke because the soot can get in curtains and on walls and stain them. The spray is cleaner.

If you’re interested in trying this product, I have it in my store. http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

If you’re looking for something to clear the air, try this, you won’t be disappointed. Let me know if it works for you!

Here is a video showing you what the Sage Spray looks like in action.

NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand

Yay! I found a new toy! I think we’re all going to really enjoy using these wands. First of all, the main reason I bought this device was because I still get cystic acne and my friend recommended I try this…the acne wand kills bacteria. Buuuut, the cool thing is that it comes with different wands. There is a wand for hair growth/scalp stimulation. A wand for cellulite on arms, legs, and tightening of your neck. A wand to help tighten your face and to help your serum sink in to the skin more efficiently. There is something for everyone.

From Amazon:

  • Breakthrough Fusion Applicators – The ultimate NuDerma High Frequency system. Our clinical-grade system features a more powerful NuDerma wand and new FUSION Neon-Argon applicators. The 6 FUSION applicators provide the skin boosting benefits of Neon and acne fighting power of Argon in one universal delivery system. They work synergistically to offer the complete spectrum of skin therapies while shortening the duration of treatment and the need to switch between individual Neon and Argon wands.
  • Improve Your Skin Profile – High frequency treatments are a safe and 100% natural way of improving cellular turnover in your skin by oxygenating the various layers. This improves elasticity over time to reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles. Use it in conjunction with your favorite beauty creams and serums to drastically improve their absorption into your skin so you can get the most out of them.
  • Natural Acne Treatment – Fusion applicators include Argon which reduce acne healing time by up to 90%. Even if you don’t suffer from acne, Argon has been shown to offer complexion calming benefits. High Frequency treatments naturally fight acne-causing inflammation under the skin surface to smooth out your complexion.
  • Specialized Body & Scalp Applicators – NuDerma Clinical features special Fusion Y-shape, Rod, and Comb applicators which are perfectly suited to the various surfaces of your body. Use the Y shape applicator on your arms or neck; the rod and comb applicators are supercharged with tungsten coil and perfect for the any flat surface of the body and the scalp.
  • https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086M3XRK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086M3XRK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these wands every other day. In the 3 weeks I’ve been using this device, I have seen an improvement in my acne. At my next hair salon appointment, I’m going to see if my Hair Guru notices any kind of positive change in my scalp and hair texture.

When I use the comb, depending on how high you turn on the electrode, you will feel a slight tingling sensation–I like it because I feel like it’s doing something–not very professional, I know, but still! Tee Hee! I’d also like to say, make sure you turn the dial to the lowest setting when you’re working on your face. The wand gets hot, if you’re not careful.

Don’t judge me on my huge blemish (waaaah!)…it’s horrifying. Ugh! I just want to show you what the acne wand looks like in action, there are 3 days of content in this video.

All in all, I’m actually quite pleased with this new toy! Let me know what you think. Hope this helps other acne survivors out there. I’m also hoping the comb starts helping my hair texture…I need all the help I can get. Lol!

I want to show you what the comb looks like in action. Enjoy!

UPDATE!

It’s official, I love the NuDerma Therapy Wand. I have been using it for about 8 weeks now and have not had one single blemish. Usually, I get hormonal cystic acne…well, not for the last 8 weeks! I’m quite impressed. The glass comb, that I’ve been using on my hair–to help it grow, has been great, too. My Hair Guru said she could indeed see new growth. Yippee!! It feels so nice and tingly on my scalp, I definitely enjoy using it. Lately, I’ve been adding a bit of Biotin Scalp Serum and then combing it through…this added step is supposed to help strengthen the hairs I already have.

https://smile.amazon.com/Biotin-Growth-Serum-Pureauty-Naturals/dp/B076TYGMYQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=MZKAGUD6MVGV&dchild=1&keywords=biotin+serum+for+hair+growth+women&qid=1614644815&sprefix=biotin+ser%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-7

I feel like my skin has never looked better and my hair is on a better journey than it has been in the last year! Onward and Upward my friends…Sending each of you Peace and Joy.

You can purchase this product and others here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

All About Brows

Microshading/Microblading

Just do it! Hahaha! If you’ve been on the fence about getting your brows microbladed or shaded, I’m here to tell you…it’s worth it.

First, let me give you a definition from healthline.com: Microshading is a procedure where a cosmetic technician applies semipermanent makeup to your eyebrows. It’s a type of cosmetic tattoo procedure. Using pigment ink and a handheld tool, the technician places tiny, pin-like dots over the brow area to fill in thin spots.

My brow journey started because my left eyebrow is higher than my right. Whenever I wear sunglasses my left eyebrow played peek-a-boo with the rim…It’s like Hey World, do you see me?! Ugh, so frustrating. So, I started getting them waxed, to help shape them and make them look at least, related. This didn’t work, so I started getting botox to bring my right side up to my left. This worked better, but I was still self-conscious, when the ‘tox started wearing off. In came Brow Lamination, this will be another blog post. The BL got me used to growing out my brows and seeing what they’d look like with more oomph. The problem was the price, I was spending over $100 every 4 wks and that was adding up, sooooo…

Cut to me looking at more permanent solutions, which led me to Microshading. Many moons ago, I worked in a Maintenance Dept. of a school and a coworker had shaved off her brows and tattooed new ones turned green…looked like prison brows, no joke! This was my only reference of “tattooed brows.” So, I was quite concerned as I started my research. Let’s just say the art of tattooing has come a looooooong way and I promise your brows won’t turn green or look like you got them done in a prison yard. Lol!

To find your perfect artist…google is your friend, word of mouth, and insta/Facebook for pix. Look closely at the artist’s pictures. If you like their work, you will see every brow (that they’ve done) and think how great it looks. Every artist has different styles: some like heavy, thick brows and some are more delicate. The price can be anywhere from $500-$800. Some will give you a touch-up included in the initial price and some won’t.

The procedure itself takes a couple of hours and does not hurt. They numb you before they begin. My brow artist was able to make my girls pretty even after all these years! I am thrilled! No more peek-a-boo with my sunnies. The week after the treatment, your brows will be itchy and flaky. Do not get them get soggy wet for about 4 days and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. My brows started out a reddish color, but have settled to a nice brown. Below I will show you some pix.

This 1st pic is immediately after I got them done. The last 3 pix are my original wonky brows…just for reference.

This is how they look now (8 wks out). I have 1 more week before I get my touchup. This pic makes me happy because I’m not doing anything to my face at all…before I got the micro shading I always made sure I raised my right eyebrow, so it wouldn’t look too different from my left. Or I made sure to tilt my head juuuust right, so the different height wouldn’t be quite so noticeable. I’m tired just rereading all the different smoke and mirror tricks I was trying, geez.

I hope this was helpful and if you’ve been on the fence, I say jump off and get some Microshading! It’s worth it.

Updated Video

I just wanted to show you what it looks like to get your brows done and the after effects.

Beauty on a budget

Part 3…Peels (remember, I’m not a dermatologist or an aesthetician)

Glycolic Acid Peel

Ooooh Boy, is this good stuff! The Glycolic Acid Skin Peel from Skin Beauty is a Must in your skin care arsenal. All the plumping, all the glowing right here in this little bottle.

From Amazon: MULTI-PURPOSE REJUVENATING TREATMENT – This facial skin peel treats many skin issues including moisturizing dry skin, treating discoloration and age spots, repairing scars, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenating the skin’s surface via increasing the rate of cell regeneration. https://smile.amazon.com/GLYCOLIC-Acid-Skin-Chemical-Peel/dp/B003SJ37SM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1YTB7WNQA2R97&dchild=1&keywords=skin%2Bbeauty%2Bglycolic%2Bacid%2Bskin%2Bpeel&qid=1605562723&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=skin%2Bbeauty%2B%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-6&th=1

I put the peel on my skin with a brush, it helps me feel oh so profesh! Tee hee! If you are a newbie, where peels are concerned, start off leaving it on for only 3 minutes. You can always work your way up…not gonna lie, this peel packs a punch and you will feel all the tingles. Tingles = ants stinging your face…so have a fan handy. If you do nothing else to your skin, and you’re just a peel kinda person, you can use this every 4 wks or less. It’s up to you and how your face feels. The day after, you might feel like your skin looks fresh and beautiful…and also a bit tight. You might start to peel a bit, nothing crazy, days 3-5. By day 7, your makeup will be gliding on so smoothly and your skin will look rejuvenated and just plain lovely. Let me know if you feel the same after trying!

Glycolic Pads

These pads are oh so delightful! They are only 20% glycolic, so they can be used more frequently. 50 pads come in a container and here’s the Tip…cut the pads in 1/2 so you can have double the amount. The pads are fairly large, so cutting them in 1/2 won’t feel like you’re being cheap. They’re so large to begin with, it’s almost a waste if you don’t cut them. I use these in the evening, so all of the good “juice” soaks into my skin overnight. After using the pads on my face, I then rub it over my hands, knees, and elbows. Waste not Want not! Ha! Beauty on a Budget, am I right? https://smile.amazon.com/Glycolic-Acid-Exfoliating-Wipes-Hyperpigmentation/dp/B07C468P8P/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=touch+glycolic+acid+skin+pad&qid=1605567342&sr=8-3

Neutralizer

I would feel quite guilty if I didn’t let you know to buy a neutralizer for after-peel purposes. Neutralizers take the burning and tingle out of a peel, when you’re finished.

From Amazon: Professional grade chemical peel neutralizer. Helps to safely and effectively balance the pH of your skin by neutralizing the acid from the peel.

https://smile.amazon.com/QRxLabs-Chemical-Peel-Neutralizer-post-peel/dp/B06XT5S4B7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3LLXFFRE8IAJI&dchild=1&keywords=chemical+peel+neutralizer&qid=1605567389&sprefix=peel+neutral%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-5

This was the last of the Beauty on a Budget Series. These 3 Parts are how I have stayed looking fresh even when low on cash. All 3 Parts have different price points…I would say this last part is the most important if you don’t have the extra funds for a Microneedling Pen or Microdermabrasion machine. Run on out and get a peel, if you do nothing else. You’re welcome!

Video Time

I’ve added a video so you can see the peel and brush in action. You’ll feel super professional if you use the brush…tee hee!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin