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12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: Day #10 Purity Coffee

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12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: Day #10 Purity Coffee

Day #10 – Purity Coffee

Welcome to 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways!  We do this every year and it just gets better and better!

So in honor of the holidays upon us and the season of giving we’ve decided to extend our gratitude to our audience and share some of our favorite clean living and natural beauty brands with you.  After all this is the season of giving!

We are pulling out all the stops and giving away over $5,500 in product!  It’s about to get real good.

*This blog post and giveaway is sponsored by Purity Coffee– but thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.

Giveaway Day #10 – 12 Month Subscription of Purity Coffee – One 12 oz Bag of Whole Bean Coffee Per Month (Value $348)

**Please note all giveaways are open to U.S. only

I have been drinking Purity Coffee for years now and I’m not about to stop anytime soon!

Before Purity, I never knew coffee was such a complex topic.  When I found out about organic coffee I started to buy only organic.  Then I soon realized that there was so much more to the equation than just buying organic coffee.  And Purity Coffee is true to the name- so pure.  They take it to the next level when it comes to sourcing.

Purity Coffee takes a 3 step approach to ensuring they make the best cup of coffee. Check out the whole process here.

  • They select only the finest grade organic green coffee beans, then laboratory test them to ensure they meet their standards.
  • Then when it comes to roasting they customize each roast for each set of green coffee beans so it minimizes toxins and maximizes health benefits.
  • The last step is making sure it stays as fresh as the day it was packaged with Purity’s packaging standards.

Below is more detail on what Purity Coffee offers, because even if you don’t win the giveaway, you are going to want to try this coffee!

Purity Coffee offers coffee in several different ways. Here are just some of what this includes:

Get 30% off your Purity Coffee purchase with code: GURLGONEGREEN (first time and returning customers).

Purity is the cleanest, best tasting cup of coffee!

Here are my thoughts on some of Purity’s coffee products:

I get the decaf blend on a regular basis. It’s literally the best decaf coffee I’ve ever had!  The flavor is rich and not muddled down like many decaf coffees I’ve tried.  I’m obsessed!  It tastes great as hot coffee and iced.  I use the beans in my espresso machine, but I’ve also done it with my Chemex and loved the flavor of the coffee from it as well.

They also came out with a new roast called Balanced that’s ⅓ caffeinated organic coffee.  I was so excited for this launch since I’m not someone who can process caffeine great.  After trying Balanced I was so impressed with it!  I didn’t feel jittery at all.  It had such a smooth taste too.

My husband has done the medium roast and dark roast and is a fan of both.  He will do the Chemex typically, and sometimes uses the espresso machine to make espresso shots.

He also has tried the Pocket Purity, which are coffee sachets that make having a high quality coffee on the go and when traveling so convenient.  They are essentially like a tea bag but filled with coffee instead.  You put it in a cup, add hot water and then let it seep for 3-4 minutes.  My husband loves these and so does my mom!

I was thrilled when they came out with a Decaf Pocket Purity because I wasn’t able to try them initially! Since decaf has to go through a process to get rid of the caffeine the biggest concern then comes with how they process it. Typically they use chemicals and solvents that you don’t want to be ingesting to filter out the caffeine.  But with Purity they use a solvent free method called Swiss Water Processing. It uses a system that separates, filters, soaks, and then dries the beans. Plus, it doesn’t compromise on flavor either with this method.  I love knowing that wherever I go, I can still have a clean cup of coffee with Purity Coffee’s sachets!

Not only is Purity Coffee the cleanest  coffee brand, it also is the best tasting. Myself, my husband and my V.A. tested out many organic coffee brands to determine which was the best tasting and Purity Coffee was picked by all three of us! Check out the Best Mold and Mycotoxin Free Coffee Brands here!

Check out my full Purity Coffee Review here!

*Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below to win a full year’s subscription to Purity!!

Make sure to go back and check out our other giveaways that are still open – reminder you can enter daily to win:

Get 30% off your Purity Coffee purchase with code: GURLGONEGREEN (first time and returning customers).

**Please note all giveaways are open to U.S. only.

BEST SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE FOR MEN’S HEALTH IN AUTUMN SEASON ~ THE MALE GROOMING REVIEW

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BEST SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE FOR MEN’S HEALTH IN AUTUMN SEASON ~ THE MALE GROOMING REVIEW


As the autumn season approaches, it’s important to adjust your health routine to support your body through the transition. This season can bring changes in temperature, shorter daylight hours, and a higher risk of colds and flu.

Here are some of the best health supplements to consider for the autumn season:

1. Vitamin D

  • Why: With shorter days and less sunlight exposure, Vitamin D levels can drop. Vitamin D supports immune health, bone strength, and mood regulation.
  • Dosage: Generally, 1000-2000 IU daily, but this can vary based on individual needs.

2. Vitamin C

  • Why: Known for its immune-boosting properties, Vitamin C can help protect against colds and other infections common in autumn.
  • Dosage: 500-1000 mg daily, with food to avoid stomach upset.

3. Zinc

  • Why: Zinc is essential for immune function and may help shorten the duration of colds.
  • Dosage: 15-30 mg daily, especially when you feel a cold coming on.

4. Elderberry

  • Why: Elderberry is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to combat colds and flu. It can support immune health during autumn.
  • Dosage: Follow the specific product recommendations, usually around 500 mg of elderberry extract per day.

5. Probiotics

  • Why: Gut health is closely linked to immune function. Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can boost your immune system.
  • Dosage: A daily probiotic with at least 1 billion CFUs (colony-forming units).

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Why: Omega-3s support heart health, reduce inflammation, and help with mood regulation, which can be beneficial as the days get shorter.
  • Dosage: 1000 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily.

7. Turmeric (Curcumin)

  • Why: Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help manage joint pain and inflammation, which may be exacerbated by cooler weather.
  • Dosage: 500-1000 mg of curcumin with black pepper (for better absorption) daily.

8. Echinacea

  • Why: Echinacea is another herbal supplement known for its immune-boosting effects, helping to prevent and shorten the duration of colds.
  • Dosage: 400-800 mg taken at the first sign of a cold.

9. Magnesium

  • Why: Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, aids in sleep, and helps regulate mood—important as the season changes and routines shift.
  • Dosage: 300-400 mg daily, preferably in the evening.

10. Astragalus

  • Why: Astragalus is an adaptogen that helps strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to stress.
  • Dosage: 500 mg of astragalus root extract daily.

Tips for Using Supplements:

  • Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
  • Pair supplements with a healthy diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, which provide additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Stay hydrated and consider warm herbal teas like ginger or chamomile to stay warm and support digestion during the cooler months.

These supplements, when combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, can help you stay resilient and healthy throughout the autumn season.

MALE HAIR GRWOTH BEFORE AND AFTER



The Housemaid Is Not Nearly As Feminist As It Thinks It Is

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The Housemaid Is Not Nearly As Feminist As It Thinks It Is

That’s super feminist, right? Well, unfortunately, I’m not convinced. While The Housemaid seems to think it’s a natural successor to feminist revenge thrillers like Gone Girl and Promising Young Woman, it lacks their nuance, charisma and human touch.

First, there’s the fact that pretty much all of the female characters feel more like caricatures than actual humans. Millie is a gormless, blank canvas of a character, not helped by Sweeney’s flat, not-quite-human line delivery. Trying to describe any actual traits that define her character is impossible. Then there’s Nina. Seyfried gives it her all, but she has no real option but to go from mad woman stereotype to ballsy girl power heroine without much room for human realism in between. Then there are Nina’s “friends,” a troop of one-dimension sneering, gossiping society women. And in a film that is supposedly so feminist, it’s telling that all of the women are arguably objects of the male gaze.

Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate

There’s also the fact that the film seems to assume that all women want is a man to save them. The problem, the film implies, isn’t the male saviour fantasy that both Nina and Millie seem to live by – it’s that all men apparently suck and are toxic pieces of shit! Once the girls realise how much all men suck, they are primed for some girl power fun! But where is the nuance and modern thinking in this? Getting saved by a man would be great! If only the men were better! And that’s a disappointing stance to take.

The entire premise of this girl power-fuelled revenge tale is flawed. After all, many women no longer relate to the fantasy of a man saving them. And most modern women don’t enter into relationships with men because they represent an escape from their difficult lives. They fall for them because of who they are as people. Unfortunately, this film doesn’t feature any recognisable humans, just ideas of them, so any kind of nuanced relationship is off the cards. The final button of the film, which I won’t spoil, really hits home the black and white, and, frankly, boring gender politics of the film.

3 Things to Do When Traveler’s Diarrhea Is Ruining Your Life

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3 Things to Do When Traveler’s Diarrhea Is Ruining Your Life

If you’re escaping winter and jetting off to the tropics, you’re probably banking on spending as much time as possible in the warm, fresh air. But if you’re among the unlucky vacationers who catch a case of traveler’s diarrhea (TD), which hits an estimated 20 to 50% of international travelers, you could be, well, saddled to the toilet instead.

As its name suggests, this gastrointestinal infection typically causes plenty of diarrhea and loose stools, alongside abdominal cramps and flu-like symptoms such as fever and malaise. You get TD by ingesting some sort of pathogen (a bug like norovirus, bacteria such as E.coli, or even parasites like Giardia), typically via contaminated food or water. This tends to happen during travel to developing countries with a reduced level of public sanitation in comparison to the US, Sandhya Shukla, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Atlantic Coast Gastroenterology Associates, in New Jersey, tells SELF.

While abroad, you may also be exposed to germs that aren’t common in the US, Theresa Fiorito, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and director of the family travel medicine center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, tells SELF. Because your body rarely (if ever) encounters these bugs, it may have little ability to defend against them. Hence the infection and array of miserable symptoms that can ensue once they arrive in your gut.

Most cases of TD are mild and resolve naturally within a few days, but some can get quite serious and prevent you from going about your daily life. In any case, it’s best to check in with a primary care provider or an urgent-care physician, if possible, to get advice tailored to your situation. But in the meantime, read on for three expert tips that you can put in practice ASAP the next time you’re sidelined by the runs on vacation.

1. Think twice about taking OTC diarrhea meds.

You may have treated past bouts of diarrhea with Imodium (loperamide)—an over-the-counter antidiarrheal pill that can slow down an overactive gut—but it’s not always recommended for traveler’s diarrhea. Why? In certain cases, you actually want your body to expel the germs by pooping them out. And the fact that Imodium can decelerate the runs means it may also keep harmful organisms in your body for longer.

The decision depends on how intense your TD is and what’s causing it. If it’s mild, meaning it doesn’t majorly interrupt your daily activities, there’s a good chance you’ve been infected with a virus, like one that causes food poisoning, Dr. Fiorito says. And with these cases, OTC antidiarrheals like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol can indeed be helpful for alleviating symptoms while your body fights off the infection, Dr. Shukla says.

How to Contour & Highlight by Face Shape

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How to Contour & Highlight by Face Shape

Contouring and highlighting trends may have evolved over the years, but the basic principles still apply and are as relevant right now as ever. From soft definition to chiseled cheekbones, how you choose to contour and highlight is going to be down to your personal preferences too. Get the basics down with our guide on how to contour and highlight for your face shape using our mineral makeup collections.

A great way to learn how to contour and highlight like a pro and create a look that’s right for you, is by letting your face shape be your guide.

Contour & Highlight Trends

First up, let’s define what we mean by contour and highlight. There are new phrases popping up left and right (non-touring, anyone?) so it’s important to speak the lingo. These are the top words in contouring vocabulary:

Contour & Highlight 101

Contouring and highlighting use shade and light to add dimension and definition to the high and low points of the face. Contour areas that you’d like to appear more defined, and then highlight areas you’d like to stand out. Typically contouring takes place on the lower points such as the hairline, jawline, and below the cheekbones, while highlighting sweeps across the higher points such as the brow bone, bridge of the nose, chin, and tops of the cheekbones.

What Is Strobing?

Strobing is all about ultra-highlighted skin and was more popular several years back. You can achieve a shimmering, luminescent highlight using the Contour Kit, Skin Glow Powder Highlighter, or Skin Glow Stick Highlighter.

What Is Non-Touring?

Non-touring is a soft, natural contour and highlight paired with dewy, glowing skin.

And Tan-Touring?

This is one we don’t recommend. This risky practice is when you use self-tanner to contour the face. The tan develops and semi-permanently contours the face. The challenge lies in the careful application and selecting the right shade that isn’t too warm. Plus, if you wear foundation daily, you’re likely to cover up your work. Fortunately there are plenty of incredible contouring products so you really don’t need to touch the fake tan for anything other than safe tanning.

How To Highlight

Unsure whether to choose a highlighter powder, cream, or highlighting balm? Powder matte highlighters are great for a more subtle highlight and are often preferred by those with oily skin. Contour Kit has both a shimmer highlight and a matte highlight for ultimate versatility.

Cream highlighters seamlessly illuminate the complexion and are generally preferred by those with combination or dry skin types—although if you err on the oily side you can still use cream highlighters too, it’s a personal choice. Our Glow Up Highlighter is a deliciously light and modern highlighting balm suitable for all skin types and leaves a sheer, natural looking sheen. For a creamier highlighter, try using Skin Glow Stick Highlighter, for a conditioning glaze in three champagne-hued tones, or for a velvety powder finish, Skin Glow Powder Highlighter will be your go-to. For a more subtle highlighting effect, you can also try using a concealer a few shades lighter than your complexion. We love Luminous Brightening Concealer for this.

How To Contour

Three women with different skin tones wearing neutral tops, close together showing contoured makeup on faces.

Unsure whether to choose a contour powder or cream? Well contour powder is a great everyday contouring option, perfect for beginners. You can contour with both contouring powder or a bronzer. Contouring powders tend to look slightly more natural depending on your skin tone. Bronzer also warms up the complexion.

Similar to cream highlighters, you can use a cream concealer a few shades deeper than your natural skin tone to contour. Test both cool and warm shades until you find the one that’s best for you. If you are new to cream contour and you want to test how this looks and sits on your skin, you can also contour using a darker blush shade like our Cream Blush in Desire.

If you love this look and application, try our new Cream Bronze Stick in either Soft or Warm Glow. These buildable, blendable multitasking creamy sticks add a wash of warmth and soft sculpting, infused with antioxidants and a nourishing botanical oil.

How To Contour + Highlight By Face Shape

Face shapes, facial features and bone structures vary, and this will determine a customized contour for every person.

CONTOUR BY FACE SHAPE — diagrams for DIAMOND, HEART, OBLONG, OVAL, ROUND, SQUARE; logo: glo SKIN BEAUTY.

Diamond Face Shape Contour + Highlight

Diamond faces are widest at the temples. Contour the lower half of the cheeks to draw attention to the center of the face and create a slimmer appearance.

Heart Face Shape Contour + Highlight

Heart shaped faces have wide cheeks and forehead with a pointed chin. Deepen the outer edges of the forehead, focusing on the left and right sides instead of the center. Highlight the center of the face, but go light on the forehead.

Oblong Face Shape Contour + Highlight

Oblong faces are longer than they are wide. Instead of contouring the sides of the face, add contour to the top and bottom: the hairline and just below the chin.

Oval Face Shape Contour + Highlight

Oval faces are well balanced. Go light on the contour, focusing just below the cheekbones, and let the highlighter do most of the work. Highlight the center of the forehead, under the eyes and just below your contour.

Black compact bronzer/highlight with glo logo, open on white pedestal with crumbled brown powder falling

Round Face Shape Contour + Highlight

Round faces are as long as they are wide, with the cheeks being the widest feature. The goal is to slim your features, so take your contour along the outermost sides of your face from hairline, to temples, to jawline.

Square Face Shape Contour + Highlight

Square faces are just about as long as they are wide and are often angular. Contour like a round face shape, along the outermost sides of the face, but focus on the upper and lower corners of the face to round out a squared off hairline and jawline.

Contour & Highlight Tips for All Face Shapes

Contouring by face shape should only be a guide to creating a flattering look. Try a few different techniques until you find a look you love. Regardless of face shape, there are a few easy tips everyone should follow:

  1. Locate your cheekbones by sucking in your cheeks. Use the line as a guide for placement. Another option is to roll a brush handle along the side of your face until it dips in just below the cheekbone.
  2. When contouring the jawline, apply color high and tight, just under the curve of the skin to make the color look like a shadow.
  3. Apply contour and highlight in natural light. Different light temperatures can be deceiving, so use a lighted makeup mirror or do your makeup next to a window.
  4. Start light with your application and build the color up. While powder and creams can be forgiving, you’ll eventually hit a point of no return.

Ultimately contouring and highlighting is all about personal choice rather than trends. Depending on your mood, the occasion, and the look you’re going for, mix and match products and techniques for a look that’s truly you.

What is True About 7 Common Lace Closure Wig Myths? — Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog

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What is True About 7 Common Lace Closure Wig Myths? — Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog

Myth #1: Lace Closure Wigs are Difficult to Maintain

One of the most prevalent myths surrounding lace closure wigs is that they are high-maintenance and require extensive effort to keep them looking their best. The truth is, with proper care and maintenance, lace closure wigs can last just as long as your natural hair and maintain their beautiful appearance. The key lies in following the right steps for washing, conditioning, and styling the wig to ensure it retains its natural look and longevity.

Washing your lace closure wig with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioning it regularly are crucial steps. Avoid over-manipulation and excessive heat styling, as these can cause damage and premature shedding. Additionally, investing in high-quality wig care products specifically designed for lace closure wigs can go a long way in preserving their integrity.

Myth #2: Lace Closure Wigs Look Unnatural

Another common misconception is that lace closure wigs appear artificial or “wiggy.” However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. High-quality lace closure wigs are meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance of natural hair growth, with the lace closure seamlessly blending with your hairline and scalp. When installed correctly by a skilled professional or with proper techniques, lace closure wigs can look incredibly natural and indistinguishable from your own hair.

The key to achieving a natural look lies in the quality of the lace closure and the hair used. Premium lace closures are designed to be ultra-thin and lightweight, allowing them to lay flat against the scalp and create an undetectable hairline. Additionally, the use of high-quality human hair or synthetic fibers that closely resemble natural hair texture and movement can make all the difference in achieving a realistic appearance.

Myth #3: Lace Closure Wigs are Uncomfortable to Wear

Some people believe that wearing a lace closure wig is uncomfortable or even painful. This myth likely stems from improper installation or ill-fitting wigs. When a lace closure wig is properly measured, customized, and installed with the right techniques, it should feel lightweight and comfortable on your head, allowing you to go about your day without any discomfort or irritation.

A properly fitted lace closure wig should not cause any tension or excessive tightness on your scalp. Additionally, the use of breathable materials and proper ventilation in the construction of the wig can help prevent overheating and sweating, which can contribute to discomfort. It’s essential to work with a skilled wig stylist or follow proper installation tutorials to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

How indie beauty brands really grow (without Sephora, investors, and a team)

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How indie beauty brands really grow (without Sephora, investors, and a team)

There is a persistent belief in the beauty industry that growth only becomes real when a brand lands a major retailer, secures investment, or builds a large team. But what if some of the most resilient and values-led indie beauty brands are growing precisely because they reject that model?

In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Kristina Dunn, founder and formulator of RUA, to explore what it truly means to grow an indie beauty brand on your own terms – without Sephora, without investors, and without anyone else steering the ship.

Behind many successful indie beauty brands, such as RUA, is a founder quietly doing everything themselves – formulating, producing, selling, problem-solving and building community one customer at a time.

This kind of growth is slower and far less glamorous than what we often see online, but it can be deeply intentional, creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable in the long term. It is a path that prioritises control, integrity and purpose over speed and scale.

In this episode, you will hear what this alternative path really looks like in practice. From manufacturing every product in-house to choosing indie retailers over big retail and reinvesting every penny back into the business, this conversation offers an honest look at how indie beauty brands really grow.

If you are building – or dreaming of building – a beauty brand that reflects your values, this episode is for you.

Listen here

“I believe in slow beauty, slow growth, and authenticity. I like to build community through transparency and trust from customers.” — Kristina Dunn

In this episode with Kristina Dunn, you will hear:

  • What indie beauty growth really looks like behind the scenes: Kristina shares what it means to grow an indie beauty brand without investors, big retail or a team. She explains why slow, organic growth has allowed her to stay in control of her brand while building something deeply personal and resilient.
  • Why staying a solo founder has been a deliberate choice: From formulation and production to sales and storytelling, Kristina does it all herself. She explains why wearing every hat has helped her stay lean, flexible and closely connected to her customers.
  • The power of manufacturing skincare in-house: Kristina discusses why she has chosen to keep formulation and production in-house rather than moving to contract manufacturing. She explains how this approach supports quality control, freshness and the handcrafted nature of her brand.
  • How RUA expanded globally without big retail: You will hear how RUA grew from Norway into markets such as Hong Kong and Macao within months of launch. Kristina explains why her brand resonates so strongly in Asia and how distributors approached her organically.
  • Why indie retailers matter more than scale: Kristina shares why she has always chosen to work with indie retailers rather than large chains. She explains how values alignment, ingredient knowledge and storytelling play a crucial role in these partnerships.

Key takeouts include:

  • Growth does not need to follow the mainstream beauty playbook: This episode challenges the idea that success in beauty must involve big retailers like Sephora, external investment or rapid scaling. Kristina’s journey shows that indie beauty brands can grow sustainably through word of mouth, community trust and intentional decisions.
  • Keeping production in-house can be a strategic advantage: Rather than outsourcing manufacturing, Kristina produces every product herself in small batches. This allows her to maintain quality control, avoid overproduction and keep capital requirements low. It also supports her philosophy of fresh skincare, where products are made regularly rather than sitting in warehouses.
  • Indie retailers are powerful partners for indie beauty brands: Kristina explains why she deliberately avoids big retail and instead works with independent stockists who understand ingredients and brand storytelling. These retailers are better equipped to educate customers and build long-term relationships.
  • Personal resilience is central to indie beauty success: Running an indie beauty brand means solving problems every day, from logistics issues to regulatory challenges. Kristina shares how customer feedback keeps her going during difficult moments. These lessons are invaluable for anyone considering entrepreneurship.

Meet our guest: Kristina Dunn, founder & formulator of RUA

Podcast 297: How indie beauty brands really grow (without Sephora, investors, and a team)Podcast 297: How indie beauty brands really grow (without Sephora, investors, and a team)Kristina Dunn is the founder and formulator behind RUA, a minimal, high-performing Norwegian skincare brand rooted in Nordic ritual, sustainability and science.

With over 15 years of experience in natural skincare formulation, Kristina is a graduate of Formula Botanica, holding several of our diplomas. She is also an IPHM-accredited instructor in facial yoga and massage.

A former fashion designer and full-time DJ, Kristina brings creativity, precision and intention to every formulation. She is a pioneer of circular beauty, known for upcycling waste by-products into cosmetic ingredients and championing anti-plastic skincare solutions.

Every RUA product is handcrafted in-house in a CO₂-neutral laboratory in Norway, delivering high-performance results through a distinctly Scandinavian, less-is-more philosophy.

Find out more about Kristina and RUA:

Join the RUA mailing list for exclusive offers and updates! Sign up now at ruabeauty.com and be the first to discover new launches, special promotions, and the latest in conscious skincare.

Related episodes:

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Why You Should Choose Synthetic Brushes

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Why You Should Choose Synthetic Brushes

For many years, natural brushes were the standard in professional makeup artistry, especially for powder products. Makeup artists praised their softness, pigment pickup, and blending capabilities. But as synthetic brushes technology evolved, things began to change.

Over time, as materials evolved, makeup artists realized the quality of synthetic bristles had drastically improved. Likewise, Glo Skin Beauty and other brands realized that there are many more benefits to using man-made bristles. As of 2018, Glo’s brush category is completely synthetic aka vegan, using Polybutylene Terephthalate or PBT. We chose PBT because of its high quality and soft fiber. PBT ensured our new brushes would have the same luxurious and soft feel as their natural hair counterparts.

Still not ready to hand over your natural hair brushes? Let’s take a look at the top benefits of vegan brushes.

1. Vegan Makeup Brushes are Cruelty Free

As a PETA-approved, Beauty without Bunnies company, all our products are vegan and cruelty-free and never tested on animals—including our brushes. By completely avoiding any animal-derived products in our brushes, we avoid any accidental instance of using animal by-products in an incorrect way. Because we understand that what’s not in our products is as important as what is, we use only the highest quality, trusted ingredients in effective concentrations to deliver game-changing results without compromising on skin safety.

2. Vegan Brushes are Hypoallergenic

Natural brushes contain natural hair, which can lead to allergic reactions from many users. Although synthetic brushes can also cause allergic reactions, it’s much less common.

Additionally, synthetic brushes do not shed nearly as often as natural brushes and lower the risk of product contamination. Manufacturers have much more control over their product and can more easily prevent and limit the potential defects when they’re the ones creating the hairs instead of relying on nature to do so.

3. Vegan Brushes Improve Product Absorption

A major pro of natural brushes is their ability to hold onto product but this is also one of their biggest cons. Natural hair is porous, so it holds onto product forever, meaning wasted product and more frequent thorough cleanings. With vegan brushes, there’s no cuticle, so products aren’t absorbed into the actual fibers themselves. Product readily slides off the bristles when cleaned, as opposed to staying locked into natural hairs. You’ll end up saving money over time because you’ll use less product with each application.

4. Bristle Shape

One of the top reasons for choosing natural hair brushes is because of their fluffiness and ability to blend. Previously, it was hard to find a synthetic brush whose bristles puffed out instead of gravitating in towards one another.

For precise brushes, like the Detail Shader or Dual Brow/Liner, this brush structure is perfect but for fluffier brushes, like a powder or eye blender, not so much. This is why we created our own line of Dual Fiber brushes, which combine short and long bristles. The short bristles help puff out the brush head, giving you that fluffy, airy feeling.

Check out our favorite Dual Fiber brushes, Dual Fiber Face and Dual Fiber Eye, to see how you can achieve a lightweight and seamlessly blended look.

My Experience With an Ayurvedic Cleanse

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My Experience With an Ayurvedic Cleanse

As a physician, wellness expert, and general healthy living enthusiast, I believe that periodic cleanses are helpful to reset our systems and reduce the load of dietary and environmental substances our bodies have to process. I’ve tried a bunch of options, from a brown rice cleanse to the master cleanse to a strict juice fast, but I had never explored an Ayurvedic approach, and from what I’d heard, I was intrigued.

How to Choose the Right Ayurvedic Cleanse

A friend recommended John Douillard’s Colorado Cleanse. His approach appealed to me—strongly rooted in Ayurveda, but with a healthy dose of no-nonsense science to support all phases of the cleanse. His idea is that we are all exposed to harmful substances every day as humans on planet Earth. While our filtering organs do a very good job of eliminating water-soluble substances, the fat-soluble toxicants can sometimes get stuck in our adipose tissue, where they take up residence like unwanted guests. His 14-day cleanse is designed to excavate those fat-soluble substances through a three-stage program using diet, proper hydration, and herbal supplements. The cleanse comes with a book (not a booklet), and optional herbs by his company LifeSpa, though he does give recipes for DIY herbal support if you don’t want to purchase them.

(Note: This is NOT a sponsored post – this is simply my experience with a specific program that I selected based on a recommendation from a friend.)

Stage One: Resetting With an Ayurvedic Cleanse

The first few days of the cleanse were surprisingly challenging to me. I am a 25-year vegetarian who eats minimal dairy and very little processed sugar, but we did the cleanse after the holiday season, when I’d let some discipline slip, especially in the margarita and dark chocolate caramel departments. So, the transition to zero alcohol, caffeine, dairy, or sugar (not even honey or maple syrup) and minimal fat was an abrupt one. There was a sense of deprivation, to be expected with any cleanse, but the physical effects caught me off guard. I think because I’m an MD, I want things to make complete medical sense to me. I want to understand the physiological mechanisms of my symptoms, rather than throwing around vague phrases like “detox headache” to explain things. At the end of day two, though, the most scientific explanation I could offer for my blazing migraine (despite research) was that my body, accustomed to mild caffeine, moderate natural sugars, and some alcohol, was reacting to the absence of those substances with a detox headache and a pretty irritable state of mind.

Stage Two: Ghee, Kitchari, and Detox Support

Phase two of the cleanse gets even more restrictive, so I was worried that my symptoms would worsen, but they subsided. This stage, like the first and the third, consists of three meals a day, no snacking between meals, and no liquids except water (hot or room temperature) and herbal tea with meals. The entire cleanse is very low in fat, but this middle week requires that your only fat comes in the form of your morning dose of ghee, a clarified form of butter, which increases daily. At first, it’s like licking a piece of buttered popcorn, and it’s actually pretty tasty. By the seventh day, it’s more like drinking from a butter firehose, and you’re more than ready for the transition to the final stage. I experienced mild nausea only one day after the ghee, and it subsided when I had a bit of oatmeal for breakfast.

Phase two also emphasizes a dish called kitchari, a mixture of mung beans, white rice, and spices. You can eat it three meals a day, or substitute oatmeal for breakfast and have kitchari for the other two meals, which was the plan I selected. The rules in this phase are designed to send fat (in the form of ghee) into your body to retrieve the fat-soluble toxins and pull them into your digestive tract for elimination. In the process, kitchari is supporting your body with a complete protein (beans + rice) that is easy to digest.

Hydration is a critical element of this ayurvedic approach. Douillard believes, and I agree, that most of us are deeply dehydrated, and probably not very effective in correcting dehydration on a meaningful level. He has you sip hot water throughout the day, as well as 120 ounces of room temperature water. His analogy is that if you pour water on a cold piece of leather (your digestive system), it will bead up and roll off without wetting the leather. If you soak the leather in hot water, it becomes more absorbent and can maintain a state of deeper hydration. My plant analogy is similar: if you water a bone-dry plant, the water runs right through, but if you soak the plant first, it can finally hold water. I definitely felt more hydrated than I have in years, and, while I had to pee often, it wasn’t as often as I would have thought, because my body was actually holding on to water in a more functional way.

Other recommended elements of the cleanse included journaling, self-massage, yoga, meditation, and short workouts. Because I was getting a decent number of calories each day, I didn’t feel like I had to change my workouts too much. I still did yoga, strength training, and cross-country skiing, with only a few moments of lightheadedness. I didn’t journal as much as I should have—the cleanse was very time-consuming—but maybe I’ll pick that up the next time I try it.

Stage Three: Reintroduction and Emotional Shifts

The final phase is similar to the first, adding back green apples, more vegetables and grains, and beets, which I managed to eat for the first time in my life with some mild degree of pleasure. It was in this final phase that I had to wrestle with a few unexpected emotions. Essentially, my body felt great, but my mind was done with the cleansing protocol (and so was my husband, who did the cleanse with me). As the mother of two girls and CEO of a busy company, the obsessive planning and preparation for each meal plus all the herbal supplements before and after meals was starting to wear on me. I was craving a normal flow to my days. I wasn’t missing caffeine or alcohol or sugar, but I wanted ease, and the lack of it was making me crabby. The friend who recommended the cleanse wisely pointed out that maybe the cleanse had done what it needed to do in 12 days instead of 14. As a certified control freak, I resisted that idea, labeling it as a failure. But, the more I considered it, the more it resonated: my body started this protocol in a pretty healthy place, and had gotten what it needed from the experience. So, I let myself ease out of the strict regimen and back into my healthy, vegetarian diet.

What I Gained From the Cleanse

Now, almost two weeks after finishing the cleanse, here’s what I think I’ve gained:

  • Not weight! I lost about five pounds from my 5’7” frame, and it felt like a nice reset, even if it wasn’t a goal of the cleanse.
  • A deeper understanding of how to hydrate effectively, and a renewed commitment to that worthy cause.
  • A profound appreciation for a drizzle of honey or a splash of maple syrup, rather than my previously careless amounts of those sweeteners.
  • A substantially slowed pace at the dinner table, involving the acts of chewing and savoring my food instead of Hoovering it.
  • An appreciation for a crisp, tart apple after a meal, which has largely replaced my craving for other sweets.
  • A reminder that moderation is possible, and may be the healthiest habit we can work to cultivate in our daily lives, whether it’s regarding coffee, wine, exercise, or stress: a little is fine, too much simply isn’t.

With love and a bowl of kitchari,

The information contained in this post is for educational interest only. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness, disease, or skin conditions.

2025 in Review: Investing in India – Global Beauty Doubles Down on Long-Term Growth

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2025 in Review: Investing in India – Global Beauty Doubles Down on Long-Term Growth

India’s beauty market entered 2025 with a new sense of certainty. No longer treated as a promising frontier or test-and-learn destination, the country has become a core pillar in global beauty strategies—one demanding sustained capital, local partnerships and long-term commitment. With premiumisation accelerating, digital commerce maturing and organised retail scaling rapidly, India has moved decisively into the industry’s top tier of priority markets.

Global brands arrived in force. Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin confirmed their long-anticipated India debut through Reliance Retail, launching nationwide via Sephora India and Tira Beauty. Luxury momentum continued with Armani Beauty opening a flagship store in Mumbai, while botanical brand Chantecaille entered through Luxasia, rolling out a curated selection across Nykaa, Tira and SS Beauty. Chanel strengthened its footprint by launching its fragrance and beauty portfolio on Nykaa’s platform and select Luxe stores, reinforcing the appeal of premium beauty in India’s top urban centres.

Science-backed and dermocosmetic brands also found fertile ground. Obagi Medical entered India in partnership with Nykaa, bringing clinically driven skincare to a broader audience and underscoring rising consumer appetite for results-led formulations. L’Oréal went further, unveiling plans to more than double its India business, backed by expanded local manufacturing as the market takes on greater strategic weight within the group’s global portfolio. The Estée Lauder Companies signalled a longer-term play by partnering with Startup India, aiming to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship across the local beauty ecosystem.

Retail infrastructure emerged as a decisive enabler of growth. Reliance Retail’s Tira established itself as a key gateway for international brands, partnering with SheGlam, Fenty, Obagi and others. SheGlam’s entry was notable not just for its launch, but for its commitment to building a local workforce—marking a deeper, operational investment rather than a purely transactional market entry. Nykaa, meanwhile, continued to cement its role as both a retail platform and brand incubator, attracting global names such as Yves Rocher, Colorbar collaborators and luxury houses seeking scale with credibility.

India’s homegrown brands and platforms also gained momentum. Colorbar outlined plans for a 2027 IPO, with proceeds earmarked for skincare, fragrance and international expansion, while Moxie Beauty raised US$15 million in Series A funding to scale India-focused haircare R&D and distribution. Collaboration became a defining theme, with The Body Shop teaming up with indē wild on a wedding-gifting range designed to tap into culturally specific consumption moments.

E-commerce and financial infrastructure continued to evolve in tandem with beauty’s expansion. Flipkart secured an NBFC licence to extend credit to shoppers and sellers, while Amazon moved to expand lending operations through its Axio acquisition—steps that promise to further unlock discretionary spending in beauty and personal care across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

Marketing and community-building strategies also grew more localised and creator-led. Max Factor launched an India-specific affiliate programme aimed at professional make-up artists, while brands increasingly leaned into culturally resonant storytelling. Rare Beauty’s fragrance launch featuring Indian creator Ankush Bahuguna and L’Oréal Paris’ “Lessons of Worth” campaign with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reflected a broader shift toward relevance over replication.

Physical retail retained its importance alongside digital growth. Huda Beauty opened its first pop-up store in New Delhi, spotlighting new product launches and reaffirming the role of experiential retail in building brand connection in a highly social, discovery-led market.

Taken together, 2025 marked a clear inflection point. India is no longer viewed as a secondary growth lever, but as a market where global success increasingly depends on getting the strategy right—from manufacturing and retail partnerships to talent, marketing and cultural fluency. With scale, sophistication and spending power all rising, India has firmly established itself as one of beauty’s most consequential investment destinations.

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