Posts tagged foundation
A Quick Guide To Self-Care Practices For Overall Well-Being

Self-care is an essential thread in the fabric of overall well-being, weaving together practices that nourish the body, mind, and soul. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over personal health, dedicating time to self-care is not just beneficial; it's necessary for sustaining our well-being.

In this article, we will discuss self-care practices that support a balanced lifestyle, offering insights into how you can maintain your health and vitality through mindful routines and choices. As we explore these practices, remember that self-care is a personal journey, allowing each individual to discover what best supports their unique needs.

No. 1

Understanding Self-Care

Self-care encompasses a broad spectrum of activities and practices aimed at improving one's health, happiness, and well-being. It's about taking intentional actions to care for yourself holistically. This means listening to your body, respecting your emotional needs, and nurturing your mental health.

No. 2

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise not only strengthens the body but also elevates mood and alleviates stress. Whether it's a brisk walk in the park, a challenging session at the gym, or yoga practice, finding physical activities that you enjoy and look forward to is key to making exercise an integral part of your self-care routine.

Incorporating regular physical activity into your weekly routine will greatly enhance all areas of your life and will help you gain physical and, most importantly, mental strength.

No. 3

Hormonal Health

Hormonal health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, acting as the body's chemical messengers that influence a wide range of physiological processes. From regulating metabolism and sleep patterns to affecting mood and energy levels, hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining balance within the body.

As we age, fluctuations in hormone levels can pose health challenges, underscoring the importance of practices that support hormonal balance. These practices involve adopting a nutrient-rich diet, engaging in regular physical activity to boost hormone production, and managing stress, which significantly impacts hormonal equilibrium.

In certain cases, such as decreased testosterone levels in men, also known as andropause, specialized solutions like those offered by Huddle Men's Health can be beneficial. Likewise, women experiencing a decrease in estrogen will experience perimenopause. Estrogen is the primary hormone in women, just like testosterone is for men. So, a decrease in these hormones causes significant effects on the body and must be addressed.

No. 4

Prioritizing Mental Health

Emphasizing mental health is paramount for comprehensive self-care. It serves as a foundational aspect of well-being, influencing various facets of daily life. Implementing practices like mindfulness and meditation aids in cultivating resilience against stressors while promoting a positive mental outlook.

Additionally, recognizing the significance of seeking professional support when necessary ensures adequate management of conditions like anxiety and depression. By prioritizing mental health through these strategies, individuals can enhance their overall quality of life and effectively navigate the complexities of modern existence.

No. 5

Nutritional Well-Being

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in self-care, with the foods we consume directly impacting our physical health, energy levels, and even our mental clarity. Embracing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports the body's needs, fuels our activities, and contributes to our overall well-being. Remember, eating well isn't about strict limitations or your waistline, rather it is about making choices that enhance your overall health and quality of life.

No. 6

Personal Hygiene

Maintaining personal and household hygiene is a fundamental aspect of self-care that impacts our health and how we feel about ourselves. Regular grooming practices, such as showering, oral care, and skin care, not only keep us healthy by warding off infections but also boost our self-esteem and confidence.

Taking time for personal grooming can be a therapeutic process, offering moments of calm and self-reflection in our daily routines. Incorporating natural and soothing products into your hygiene routine can enhance this experience, turning simple acts like bathing or skincare into luxurious, restorative rituals.

No. 7

Quality Sleep

Sleep is the foundation upon which much of our health and well-being rests. Quality rest allows our bodies to repair, our minds to rest, and our emotions to balance. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, optimizing your sleep environment for comfort and tranquility, and prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep nightly are essential steps in ensuring that your self-care practice includes ample rest.

No. 8

Social Connections

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and nurturing relationships is essential for our emotional and mental health. Investing time and energy into building and maintaining meaningful relationships provides a support network that can uplift us during challenging times. Whether it's sharing a meal with family, catching up with friends, or participating in community activities, these social connections enrich our lives, providing joy, support, and a sense of belonging.

No. 9

Time Management

Effective time management is a critical self-care practice that allows us to balance the various aspects of our lives without becoming overwhelmed. By prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and allocating time for work, leisure, and self-care, we can reduce stress and increase productivity. Learning to say no and setting boundaries are also vital components of time management, ensuring we do not overextend ourselves and have time to recharge.

No. 10

Digital Detox

In today's connected world, taking regular breaks from digital devices can significantly benefit our mental health and relationships. A digital detox helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and encourage more meaningful connections with those around us.

Designating tech-free times during the day or engaging in offline activities like reading, nature walks, or hobbies can help us find a healthier balance between our online and offline lives. Establishing specific areas in your home as tech-free zones can further support this practice, creating spaces dedicated to relaxation and connection.

Encouraging friends and family to join in on your digital detox efforts can also make the process more enjoyable and mutually beneficial. Reflecting on your digital consumption habits can provide insights into how technology impacts your life, allowing you to make more mindful choices about its use.

Takeaways

As we've explored the multifaceted nature of self-care, it's clear that a comprehensive approach is key to nurturing our overall well-being. From maintaining personal hygiene and fostering social connections to managing your time effectively, disconnecting from the digital world, and committing to lifelong learning, each practice contributes to a richer, more balanced life. 

Self-care is an ongoing journey, one that requires mindfulness, commitment, and self-compassion. By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we empower ourselves to face life's challenges with resilience and grace.

Remember, taking care of oneself isn't selfish but rather a necessary act of self-respect that enables us to be our best for ourselves and those around us. As we continue on this path, we discover that self-care is the foundation upon which our health, happiness, and well-being are built.




Mini Sephora Haul
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation

So, I must admit, I recently spent 3+ hours at Sephora on a mommy's day out with a close friend. She and I have so much in common, and I discovered that a love for makeup was one of them! So, of course, Sephora was on our agenda for the day. Little did we know that Sephora would turn into an all day affair. I had made it a point all this time not to step foot into a Sephora unless I actually planned to spend money and had time to waste. So, this was it! I was finally able to treat myself after a long -- and torturous -- makeup diet. I had not splurged on the high-end stuff in a long time, so I was ever excited to get my hands on some new products to test out.

Yes, everything you've heard is true; Sephora is makeup heaven! Disclaimer: If you bring someone with you, make sure that they enjoy makeup as much as you do. Truth is, they will probably die of boredom if they are just not into makeup! Haha! So, on with my story. It's hard not to get side-tracked and to stay focused on one thing at Sephora -- from makeup to perfume, skincare to nail care -- they have it all. If you're like me and you're indecisive, like to try everything, and compare products, make sure you set aside several hours -- if not the entire day -- or prepare a list that you can take with you of items that you know you already want to try. You'll want plenty of time to try everything, and trust me, you will! Let's get into what I purchased!

Sephora.com is only a click away, so researching first always helps the buying process, especially when you have so many products to choose from.


purchased at: Sephora

price: $38

size: 1.7oz

color: light-medium neutral (light to medium skin w/ yellow and pink undertones)

shades: 25 options

Rating:  5/5 on tartecosmetics.com and 4/5 on sephora.com

 

always formulated without:

parabens • mineral oil • phthalates • triclosan • sodium lauryl sulfate • gluten

An oil-free, 12-hour liquid foundation formulated with Amazonian clay and non-chemical sunscreen filters.

Product Performance: 

Achieve flawless skin that looks healthy and natural with this supremely blendable liquid foundation that delivers up to 12 hours of satin-matte coverage while protecting skin from harmful UVA/UVB sun rays. Infused with skin-balancing Amazonian clay, the skinvigorating™ formula intuitively addresses your unique skin concerns, helping to improve overall skin clarity and texture, while the full coverage makeup fades over the appearance of large pores, discolorations and other imperfections. With all mineral, non-chemical sunscreen filters, this gentle formula features Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, is vegan friendly and oil-free. It’s now available in our largest shade range ever to match women’s unique skin tones and undertones.

Powered By:  

• Amazonian clay: nature’s most perfect ingredient for better, longer, truer wear
• vitamin A: antioxidant that retains moisture and helps protect against free radical damage
• vitamin E: natural preservative that also acts as an anti-inflammatory emollient and antioxidant
• mineral pigments: soothe and soften skin

So, I've been eying this foundation for a while now, mainly because Tarte is known for using primarily natural ingredients and does not use phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, triclosan, and sulfates, which are known or probable carcinogens. It feels good to know that there are companies out there that are conscientious of the ingredients they use and are trying to fill the demand for natural alternatives for makeup. I am all for lessening my exposure to synthetic ingredients, so I was curious about this one. Although it is not completely natural, it does lessen my chemical load, and it my book, that is better all around. If you do, however, want to completely avoid chemicals in makeup, the only sure-fire way is to make it yourself or not wear makeup at all -- and I'm just not ready to do either yet, so here goes!

Since I am a sucker for product packaging, I just have to point out how pretty it is. They made sure to appeal to all those earthy mamas out there with a wooden cap. The shade that I was matched with was Light Neutral, and it was a perfect match. I was told by one of the sales reps that this foundation was good for combination skin and that it had build-able coverage. I was able to get color matched by one of the sales reps at Sephora. They use this neat scanner that they place on your skin to determine your Color IQ. According to Sephora, this tool can precisely match your skin with a foundation from over 1,500 available formulas. How cool is that? 

I'll be testing this foundation for a couple months before I do a full review on it. But for now, here's my first impression thoughts on the product.

  • Lightweight

  • Natural look

  • Build-able coverage

  • Non-oily


PURCHASED AT: SEPHORA

PRICE: $24

SIZE: .08OZ

COLOR: 1.5 (fair to light skin tones)

shades: 12 options

RATING: 4.7/5 ON lauramercier.com and 4/5 on sephora.com

 

A moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for under and around the eye area to conceal discolorations and dark circles without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

 

I've been wanting to purchase a high-end concealer after many years of using Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette. I basically stuck with it just to use it up before I purchased a different one, but I found that only one of the shades in the palette actually worked well for me. After I used that shade up, the other shades didn't match so well. So, I suggest getting a concealer in one shade unless you can find other uses for the other shades. I've tried the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation a couple years back and loved it, so when one of the sales reps at Sephora recommended that I try out this concealer, I was highly interested. She recommended it for dry skin because it is hydrating. I also had two other options that I was considering; Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and another one from Laura Mercier -- the Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer. I was able to try all three and found that both concealers by Laura Mercier worked really well, and the texture was very creamy. The Nars concealer only had a few shades to choose from, so I couldn't find a shade that was perfect for me.

Ultimately, I actually wanted to go with the High Coverage Concealer, but for everyday wear, I decided that the Secret Concealer would be a better choice. Here are my first impression thoughts on the product.

  • Creamy

  • Perfect shade

  • A little goes a long way

  • After a while, I noticed creasing


So, there ya have it -- I only purchased two products! Sounds like a successful trip to me. With so much to choose from, it's easy to get tempted. I did find many other things that I wanted to take home with me, but I will share those finds in another post. Also, stay tuned for a full review on both products!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope this post was helpful. If you have tried or are planning to try any of the products mentioned, let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

xo stina