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!

Color Story

This post is not about any beauty products, but it is still about Beauty. I wanted to show you how color can change your story and create an environment of joy instead of cringe. When we moved into our home there was a yellow/green color on all the walls and ceilings. Every time I walked around, I felt icky…think–baby diarrhea color. Last year, I was able to paint the downstairs and now this year we repainted the upstairs…the whole vibe of my home is different. It feels fresh, clean, and more Me. Below are pix of the old paint.

Below, are the After images. The gameroom, for me, was so dingy and now it’s fresh and bright and up to date. I had my painter repaint the wooden doors, a cream color, to freshen things up–made a big difference!

I was also able to freshen up the carpet in my son’s room and our guest room. Having fresh carpet feels so good, especially if you get a great rug pad. When you have someone else’s carpets, filled with their emotions and collections of germs, it really does something to the psyche. So, if you can replace it, do it. My son, was sleeping in a room above my office last year, I had put wood floors in his room, but we came to the conclusion that it wasn’t as cozy as having carpet under his feet. I also realized that I had tons of energy flowing in my office and it travelled up to my son’s room and didn’t help with relaxation, so I moved him to the sleepier side of the house and he sleeps better and is more cozy–which was the goal. If your child is restless and can’t sleep, take a gander at which rooms abut the child’s room or are underneath/above. It might be time to pay attention to the energy of your home and what each room feels like. Once you figure it out, you can make adjustments. If you need more energy, less sleepy/slow feelings…add lights, mirrors, wind chimes, open the blinds, turn on the fan. If you need more relaxing energy..add curtains, dim the lights, add a cozy rug or carpet. Just some suggestions.

Alright, now let’s talk about the biggest change. The stairs. This was my most challenging project to date. Getting stair people out here to help with my vision was rather difficult. My visions are unique, so I must have artists at heart helping me bring them to life. My painter is an artist and suggested I keep my wooden banisters and get gold leaf to paint them…then, I could get rid of the wooden, too thick rails and bring in iron. After the iron was placed, my painter painted more gold leaf on the spindles to unify all of it. AMAZING! Originally, I wanted a brass handrail and white iron spindles, but this is a much cheaper–just as beautiful option.

The 2 pictures, below, are the finished work. I am in love. Now, I have one-of-a-kind, truly unique stairs. My vision became a reality.

I also, wanted to leave a tip about rugs. If you have a rug with fringe, and you don’t like it…get rid of the fringe. It costs so little to have a rug bound and surged. My total cost was $67 for a large rug and boy, was it worth it. If you have a vintage or antique rug, sometimes that fringe has seen better days…I, for one, hate getting it caught in my vacuum. Now, it’s fresh and looks gorgeous.

This was such an easy, inexpensive upgrade.

If you’re in the DFW Metro area…My go-to floor store is Ged’s in Grand Prairie. They have sooo many choices and it’s all laid out where you can touch it and see it. No catalogues. I used DFW Stair Pros for my stairs. They got back to me and were interested in my vision and wanted to help. I was able to do all of this within a 2 week period (all of the labour), it probably took me 4 weeks from the initial price quotes to wrap it all up. It’s been a really fun month filled with fresh energy, motivation, and joy. And I’ve loved meeting all of these local artisans.

Let me know what projects you have going on! It’s all so exciting.

This little video shows some of the process of upgrading things.

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

Whiter Teeth

Do you drink coffee, tea, wine? All of the above? Tee hee! Well, I’ve got some solid tips to keep your Pearly Whites lookin’ super fresh and fly.

First, let me tell you what my tooth goal has been. I want the whitest teeth I can possibly get…you know how when white is super white, it’s almost blue? Yeah, that white. For years, I tried grocery store whitening toothpaste and whitening strips..to no avail. Then, I graduated to the dentist whitening trays because at this point, it had become an obsession. Those, still, didn’t get me to the Blue Arena. Finally, I thought, I’ll just find a dentist to professionally whiten them. Well, I found one and they said my teeth were already white. Um, I beg to differ…so, they took my $300 and proceeded to get them whiter–didn’t work and I was out all that money.

Soooo, at a regular teeth cleaning, I complained to my dentist about the other dentist and he said, “Patients have had quite a bit of luck with the Crest White Strips that I sell here.” Say what? Then, I received the best Tip on this journey. Are you ready? KEEP THEM ON ALL NIGHT LONG! But, but the directions say 20 min…forget the directions. Bye Felecia! If you have ultra sensitive teeth, make sure to use a sensitive toothpaste.

Are you wondering how to keep them on all night? Well, because I’m a nerd and know how expensive my braces were, I still wear a top retainer. Because I have anxiety, I also wear a bottom night guard for the grinding of said teeth…my poor husband. So, when I wear my whitening strips, I just put my retainers in place and don’t even feel that I’m wearing the strips. If you have kept your dentist whitening trays, use the strips, then put on the trays. The strips are quite delicate and move around quite a bit, that is the purpose for using these extra devices to keep them in place.

You are by now probably wondering about the price…It’s actually not bad. $70 for a box. Another money saving tip is to open 1 pouch and just use 1 strip, instead of the top and bottom, then the next time you whiten, you can use the 2nd one.

A final bit of wisdom, that I was told by a dentist, is that real teeth do not ever get as white as veneers. This has helped me manage my expectations more effectively.

I hope I’ve given you something to think about, on your journey to your best self. Let me know how you feel about keeping the strips on all night! Final word…an electric toothbrush is a Must Have.

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

Beauty on a budget

Part 1

Have you ever thought about going to a Med Spa to get Microneedling? Microneedling, in laymen’s terms, is a device with multiple, skinny needles that puncture the skin and help to rebuild collagen. Once your skin peels and heals, you will have plumper/glowier skin. It’s supposed to help with acne scarring and fine lines, as well. An all around great age defy-er. But, not everyone has $2-300 to spend on this procedure every month…

*Click on the link https://smile.amazon.com/Dr-Pen-Ultima-Professional-Microneedling/dp/B0822PJ8NS/ref=sr_1_27?crid=2C9R1RVUDBFVQ&dchild=1&keywords=dr.+pen+microneedling&qid=1605108980&sprefix=dr.+pen%2Caps%2C269&sr=8-27 to go straight to the product page.

In comes Dr. Pen. An at-home microneedling device that works really well!

Tip: I use a Tranexamic Acid serum (because Melasma, ew) on each section of my face, then microneedle over the serum, so I get MAXIMUM soak-in benefits. Also, I find that doing it this way, doesn’t cause the needle to drag across my skin…using the serum, lets the needles glide much smoother across the delicate skin of your face.

The Serum I use.
https://smile.amazon.com/Tranexamic-Vitamin-Treatment-Whitening-Dearskin/dp/B07RYJ919Z/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=2YDD4MHWH916U&cv_ct_cx=tranexamic+acid&dchild=1&keywords=tranexamic+acid&pd_rd_i=B07RYJ919Z&pd_rd_r=3c0f46c3-d82e-40ed-978e-61d72005d01d&pd_rd_w=uMbAF&pd_rd_wg=HhgAw&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=9TV4APFJ2BDWTE2BB3YR&psc=1&qid=1605108717&sprefix=tranex%2Caps%2C202&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Basically, you can be all in for under $200, saving hundreds by doing this in the privacy of your own home. Now, you’re not going to get all the massaging, candles, aromatherapy–basic pampering you’d get from a spa, but if you’re on a budget (who isn’t) this is a fantastic route to take, with very similar results.

One last tip…if you have a low pain tolerance, you can also get a roll-on Lidocaine. Just roll it all over your face, wait a couple of minutes and voila…a pain free microneedling session!

Pain Free
https://smile.amazon.com/Maxocaine-Lidocaine-Vanishing-Registered-Addictive/dp/B078X4PLD5/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=S20K9JJ0NSTC&cv_ct_cx=maxocaine+roll+on&dchild=1&keywords=maxocaine+roll+on&pd_rd_i=B078X4PLD5&pd_rd_r=3189f441-85e1-4166-9ea3-67ac4e3c1e92&pd_rd_w=yuXQy&pd_rd_wg=FK0r4&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=0Y8FKWGJN79Z3PX2HKS1&psc=1&qid=1605108859&sprefix=maxocaine%2Cbeauty%2C173&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Let me know what you think! I think it’s worth a try.

This is for all my Visual Friends out there…I wanted to show you what the Microneedling Pen and the serum look like in action. Enjoy!

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