La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, Anthelios Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I placed an order with ULTA Beauty, the very beginning of this year. In that order, I  received this free La Roche Posay skincare routine sample kit. The last time I tried anything from La Roche Posay, was back in 2018. I had heard many good things about the brand, but the moisturizer I tried left me underwhelmed. I almost decided not to try this kit, but was curious as to how the other products from this brand would work for me. So I gave it a go and I'm glad I did. Let me share my thoughts with you on each product below.

FRONT AND BACK PACKAGING

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

  La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser is Sweet 

Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is Bittersweet

 Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is Bittersweet 

 Anthelios Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is Sweet

La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

This is a really good cleanser for anyone that has dry, normal or aging skin. La Roche Posay goes on to say its for normal to dry skin types and also sensitive skin types. The name for this cleanser tells it all. It's gentle. It's hydrating. I found the cleanser to be creamy. It applies really well to the skin. When you rinse the cleanser off your face, your skin will feel moisturized. It's not a heavy feeling. So this cleanser will not strip your skin. It's formulated with prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3. It maintains the skin's natural moisture barrier and pH. My favorite cleanser is REN Gentle Cleansing Milk, but if I ran out it I wouldn't mind using this cleanser on my face. My skin felt really good after using this. For acne prone and oily skin types, check out La Roche Posay's website for alternative options. They offer options for all skin types.

Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

This serum is described as an "anti-aging ultra hydrating pure hyaluronic acid face and neck serum". I would describe its consistency as a liquid gel. It absorbs really well into the skin. Whenever you see the word hyaluronic, the word PLUMPING should come to mind. But then the second question should be, HOW MUCH PLUMPING? Not all hyaluronic acids are equal. This serum provides some plumping. Maybe if you're in your 20s or early 30s, this may be enough for you. But above those ages, you need something more serious. I would recommend Fresh Beauty's Kombucha Essence. So this was ok.

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

I reviewed this moisturizer back in 2018. I tried it again and still feel the same way :p but I didn't experience any pilling this time. So maybe they've improved the formula.

Anthelios Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Wear sunscreen!!! YES!!! This is a mineral sunscreen strictly for the FACE. There is a difference between MINERAL/PHYSICAL (sits atop the skin) and CHEMICAL (absorbs into the skin) sunscreens (you should read more about both of them to see which is right for you). This sunscreen has an SPF of 50 (Water resistant (40 minutes)). I LOVED EVERYTHING SO FAR! Let me add, that it applies evenly. It's not heavy, greasy or sticky. It's not perfume-y or scented. Its even recommended for sensitive skin. Now, the TINTED part. I don't really care for color in skincare. When I first applied it, I said how is this going to go over with someone fairer or darker than me. It blends into my skin, but it's going to be very obvious on fairer/darker skin tones. I liked it after it dried down. But I don't know how it will look on other skin tones. If you can, try a sample if possible. It's a very effective sunscreen other than that.

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Get A Head Start On Your Spring Cleaning

Not Sponsored: The first day of Spring isn't until March 20th, 2023, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start on your cleaning and organizing projects. I usually wait a couple of months into the New Year to do so, but I decided to get a head start this year. If you cleaned your home for New Years, Lunar New Year or Vietnamese New Year, you're probably saying everything is good! While it's all good (and before everything needs cleaning again), why not start those other home projects!?! Let me share some projects with you, that I've been working on.

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels

Closet Clean-Out

It took me YEARS to pare down and organize my closet. However, for the last two years I've experienced a shift (transition) in my wardrobe. What kind of shift? What kind of transition? An age shift! An age transition! What I liked 10 and 20 years ago, no longer appeals to me. As you reach new birthday milestones (30s, 40s, 50s etc), your likes will change. For example, I no longer particularly care for really short dresses (on me) anymore. I held onto a few in my wardrobe, but after trying them on a couple of days ago, I decided to let them go. They have now been placed in my SELL pile. I had a collection of Bermuda shorts, that I was unsure about selling last year. I no longer like that style of short on me and prefer my jean-style (white, olive green etc) & linen shorts on my body frame. It took me longer to clean my closet this year, because I literally tried on EVERYTHING! But I'm glad I did, because a lot had changed with me. I fit the clothes, but I didn't feel the same about the clothes. My love for them had changed. If an outfit or accessory doesn't put a smile on your face, let it go. DONATE IT! SELL IT! THROW IT AWAY (last resort)! I only threw away 2 articles of clothing, so that was good. The rest I'm selling: 11 dresses, 5 tops , 3 shorts, 3 pants, 1 outfit, 2 purses and 3 pairs of shoes. This is also a great time to sell your clothes, because people will be looking for Spring and Summer items really soon. This gives you several months to sell your items and get a head start on everyone else.

Take Inventory

My Spring Cleaning always begins with my closet. I'm so glad I started earlier this year, because it really gave me a snapshot of things I need. After going through my closet, I need to invest in new foundations. Not just bras and panties, but some shapewear. I really need to buy some bodysuits. Cleaning out my closet also revealed I need more nightgowns and pajamas. I need to invest in a collarless black leather jacket (maybe I might catch one on sale during these Winter sales). I also need another black turtleneck and long sleeve black top. I usually pair my outfits together (on one hanger), that way I don't have to guess whether that skirt or pair of pants go with that top. When I pull the hanger, there's the complete outfit.

Hobby Room

Do you have a hobby room? Mine is my makeup room.  Is it organized? Have you cleaned it? Mine is pretty organized, but a lot needed to be thrown away. For example, I had an entire shelf filled with nail polishes. I got rid of over half. Honestly, I've gone through another shift. I only paint my toenails nowadays. Some nail polish had separated and some colors I was no longer interested in. This is the room I'm currently working in. I have a lot of cute treasures in that room, so it also requires a lot of dusting. With hobby rooms, take them one section at a time. Don't try and clean them all in one day, unless you truly feel up to it. Pace yourself. Try to do one to three things a day. You will feel much better. Also take inventory of things you may need for your hobby! Mine is makeup. Do I need more foundation, certain color lipsticks, cleansers etc. Sephora usually has a sale in April. Now is the time to make a list and prepare for future sales.

Important Papers and Pictures

Last year, my biggest projects were going through important papers and family photos. No matter where you are in the world, we're all faced with SOMETHING. It can be winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, etc. Is all of your important paperwork together? I finally have all of my paperwork in one case (birth certificates, social security cards, resumes, transcripts, diplomas, death certificates etc). So if I have to grab and go, everything is in one container. It's also a great idea to make a digital copy of these papers. As far as family pictures, I have gotten rid of keeping them in albums. Family members that have passed, I keep my favorite photos of them in a bag that seals along with their other paperwork. I am currently trying to pare down all of my photos. I've thrown away (sorry my high school friends) other's high school dance photos (remember when you use to exchange photos with your classmates) and ex-boyfriends HaHaHa. So really take a look at your paperwork and picture inventory and pare it down. 

Bed And Bath

No, I didn't say Bed And Breakfast! Although that would be NICE! There are a lot of white sales currently happening and will probably go on into February. Take a quick inventory of your sheets, comforters, pillows and blankets. Do you need new ones? Now is the time to take advantage of those deals. As far as it relates to bath (towels, soaps, cleaners and cleansers), this is an excellent time to stock up on those products. 

Kitchen

I was looking at my pots and pans the other day. It's been several years since I've purchased a nice set. Mine are looking worn. I'm not ready to buy a set now, but I will by the end of the year. I need to invest in a better quality set of pots and pans. So I'm going to take the beginning of this year to research brands and see what would work well for me. My appliances are really good.

So, I thought by sharing some of the things I'm doing and what's on my mind would also help you. I know reading other's blog posts helps me. Sometimes we don't think about things. When other's bring something up, a little light goes off and it gives us inspiration. Hope this helps you. God Bless.

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5 Alternative Burial Options To Choose

Photo by Johann Siemens on Unsplash

When you have breathed your final breath, what will be done with your body? Will you go into the ground like everybody else, or will you try something more innovative and unique? In this article, you can find 5 alternative ways people today are thinking about after they pass on.

Tree Planting

One of the most popular alternative burial options to emerge in recent times is tree planting. Tree planting involves cremating the body and planting the ashes in the ground together with a tree seed. The ashes act as fertilizer for the tree that grows and blooms into a lovely memory.

Tree planting is a very natural way to be buried. The ashes don’t affect the DNA of the tree and help it to grow; you effectively nourish the tree and complete the circle of life. If you want a tree-planting burial, there are some dedicated companies you can find to help you arrange one.

Cryogenics

You might have heard of cryogenics from science fiction books and movies, but it is a real technology that can be used near the end of life. Although technology has not been perfected, there is always a chance you could emerge in the future when the medicine is more advanced.

Cryogenics involves freezing the body and brain and storing it for years to come. This technology is mostly used on brain-dead people, but it is likely to become more popular in the future. With cryogenics, there is no guarantee of revival, but there is always a fighting chance.

Aquamation 

If you don’t like the idea of being buried in the ground to decay with the worms and insects, and the idea of being burned to cinders in a cremation chamber is also unappealing, then what about aquamation? This is the process of submerging the body in water to help it to decay.

When the body is submerged in water, it speeds up the decaying process making burial faster and less fussy. Aquamation is emerging as a new and popular alternative to cremation, and you can combine it with tree planting for a fast and eco-friendly way to end your life with integrity.

Space Burial

Are you obsessed with space and technology? If so, you could have a space burial. That’s right, your deceased body or your ashes can be placed inside a rocket and sent into orbit, never to be seen again. Unless an alien species finds you and runs some tests for their scientific endeavors.

If a space burial sounds like it’s up your street, you better save for it, as it’s not the most cost-effective option in the world. Nor is it the most environmentally friendly when you think of all the rocket fuel needed for a single body. But if that’s what inspires you, it is entirely possible.

Plastination

If you like Madam Tussauds or Body Worlds, then you might like to plasticize your body for educational purposes. If all these options are too far-out - literally in some cases - choose a conventional burial by contacting Hilton Funeral Supply for the best deals on funeral products.

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Buying A Diamond Ring: 5 Simple Criteria To Make The Perfect Purchase

Image by Grown Diamond from Pixabay

Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or want some piece of bling, diamonds may look pretty but there are a lot of criteria that you should consider. Buying a diamond ring is a very personal experience. So let's show you what to bear in mind when purchasing a diamond ring.

The Clarity

There are the 4 C's in buying diamonds: carat, color, cut, and clarity. Clarity refers to the number position and type of blemishes on the outside and inside. Any diamond clarity chart can show you what suits your personal preferences.

Look At Your Finances

Diamonds are, of course, very expensive, and if you are a first-time buyer of a diamond ring you may be surprised as to how much the cost is. So before you purchase a diamond, make sure you look at your finances and set yourself a budget. This is not to set you up for disappointment, but to get you in the right mindset to opt for a lower-carat ring if necessary. There are many ways for you to haggle for a good deal, but you may have to compromise somewhere.

Finding The Right Shapes For Your Style

There are many different diamond shapes:

• Round.

• Oval.

• Princess.

• Emerald.

• Cushion.

• Heart.

• Marquise.

• Asscher.

• Pear.

• Trapeze.

• Baguette.

And each shape comes with a different price. Ultimately, it depends on the carat. You could opt for an emerald diamond at a 0.50 carat for around $1,000. This is why you need to think about your personal preferences, rather than just going for something that is typically expensive. Your fashion tastes and what you are buying the ring for can greatly determine the type of diamond you will end up with.

The Ring Style

Some people will want the diamond to be absolutely perfect, but the fact is it's not just about the diamond itself, but how the ring works with the diamond. The ring is going to have an impact on the diamond’s appearance, therefore, the setting is critical. If you are choosing a diamond ring to go on top of your engagement ring, think about how they work together. The metal color and the setting itself will all play a role in how the diamond looks so it’s worth thinking about the setting you would prefer. If you want something intricate this may require a lot more budget but you could also think about asking your jewelry if they can make amendments. Alterations aren't always costly so it is definitely worth asking, especially if it means the ring gives you extra sparkle.

Try It Before You Buy It!

If you've never bought a diamond before, it's important to look at the diamond in the flesh. Rather than just looking through the window, you need to assess its quality, so make sure you ask to see it, put it on, and see how it feels. It's not just about having it on your finger but it's also about making sure that you see it from different angles and away from its intended setting. There is plenty to consider, and some of the simple criteria can help you get a perfect diamond ring.

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6 Tips To Set Yourself Up For Financial Success

Money is a basic need, and yet it can be hard to manage. To set yourself up for financial success, you must look at both short-term and long-term goals. Financial success means different things to different people, but it usually connotes a sense of financial stability and even wealth. You can set yourself up for financial success and reach your goals with a few simple strategies. Here are six tips on how to do just that.

 Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

Tip #1: Create A Budget

Creating a budget is one of the best ways to get control over your finances and start saving more money each month. A budget helps you track where your money is going each month so you can identify areas where you can cut back on spending and redirect those funds into savings or investments instead. Start by tracking all your income sources, then list all your fixed expenses, such as rent or loan payments, followed by variable costs, like groceries or entertainment expenses. Once you know everything that needs to be paid each month, decide which items are priorities and allocate funds accordingly before allocating anything extra towards savings or investments.

Tip #2: Establish An Emergency Fund

Establishing an emergency fund is one of the most important steps toward achieving financial success. An emergency fund is a savings account that you use to cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills or car repairs without having to dip into other accounts or take out loans. Instead of having to get heavy loans, you can use your emergency funds and consider My-QuickLoan to complement your emergency fund strategy and provide an additional financial resource in times of unforeseen needs.

Having an emergency fund will help protect you from going into debt if an unexpected expense arises and will also give you peace of mind knowing that you have a cushion in case of any financial hiccups. Aim to save at least three months’ worth of living expenses, so you have enough to cover any emergencies that come your way.

Tip #3: Automate Your Savings

Automating your savings makes it easy for you to save more money without having to think about it each month. For example, you can set up automatic transfers from your transactional account into a separate high-yield savings account or investment account so that money is automatically transferred after each paycheck. Doing this will help ensure that you don’t overspend and allow your money to grow without having to transfer it each month manually. Often, when allowed to spend or save, people are more likely to spend. Automating your savings eliminates this temptation and gives you greater financial security in the long run.

Tip #4: Reduce Your Debt

High levels of debt can be detrimental to achieving financial success because it limits your ability to save for retirement, invest in other assets, buy a home, etc., so reducing debt should be a top priority when working towards becoming financially successful. Start by focusing on paying off higher interest rate debts first and then move on to lower interest rate debts. Debt consolidation is another option to consider if you have multiple accounts with high-interest rates. This will help lower your overall payments and make it easier to pay down your debt faster.

Tip #5: Invest Wisely

Investing wisely is key to achieving financial success. When it comes to investing, it’s important to be smart and do your research before making any decisions. A good way to diversify your investments and spread out the risk is to make various investments for completely different things. This could include stocks, venture capital, real estate, mutual funds, and more. Recently, venture capital has become a great way to diversify your investments. Alumni Ventures performance in the marketplace has made it possible for individual investors to start investing in venture capital with smaller amounts of money. Smart investing involves balancing short-term and long-term goals and constantly being aware of the risks involved. Using apps like the Pocket Option Exchange helps with this.

Tip #6: Have Multiple Sources Of Income

Having multiple sources of income is one of the best strategies when it comes to financial success. Having a full-time job is great, but having additional streams of income can help you save more and increase your overall net worth. Diversifying your income could look like taking on freelance gigs, starting an online business, or investing in real estate. In addition, having multiple sources of income gives you more flexibility and financial security if one source fails because your other streams can act as a safety net. In the digital age, there are so many opportunities to make additional income; it’s just a matter of finding the right fit for you and getting started.

Conclusion

Financial success is achievable, but it takes time and hard work to get there. Establishing strong financial habits and setting yourself up for success can help accelerate the process and make it easier to reach your goals. So keep the above tips in mind and get started on your financial journey today. With the right strategy and dedication, you can reach financial success sooner than you think!

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Finding The Right Care For The Elderly

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

If you have an elderly relative or friend whom you are keen to care for properly, then there are a lot of things that you might want to bear in mind during this process. The truth is that it can be quite difficult to get the right care in place, and it’s something that you are usually going to have to approach from a few angles at once to get the best result. In this post, we are going to take a look at how you can ensure that you find the right care for your elderly relative or friend. As long as you are aware of these, that is going to be much easier and simpler.

Be Person-Centered In Your Approach

Something you need to think about from the start is that you are being as person-centered as possible in your approach to this. In other words, it’s not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution, because such a thing doesn’t exist. Instead, you need to make sure that you are putting the person in the middle of whatever you decide to do for them. If you take this approach, it’s going to be so much better for them and the results will be significantly more than what they need, so that is something to try and bear in mind.

Take Care With Finding A Nursing Home

If you do decide to go down the route of finding them a nursing home, then you need to make sure that you are taking as much care as possible with how you do it. In essence, this means taking the time to research the different nursing homes there are in your area, so that you can ensure you find the best one for them. Look out for those which don’t have a good track record - such as being on the receiving end of a nursing home lawsuit, for instance. And opt for those which have a decent number of positive past testimonials. That’s going to be a good sign.

Communicate With Them Along The Way

Whatever you do, make sure that you are communicating with them as you do so along the whole process. This is important because you need to make sure that they are happy with what is happening. Remember that good communication is two-way. You need to speak with them, but also listen to them as much as you can too, so that you can be sure that they are happy and that they also know what is happening and why. If you are able to communicate well enough, you’ll find that it really makes a world of difference, so make sure that you keep that in mind as best as you possibly can.

Those are just some of the things to keep in mind if you want to find good care for your elderly relative. If you have done that, it’s going to mean that they are much more likely to have the care that they really need.

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5 Tips To Choosing A Skincare Brand

Your skincare routine is an important part of your overall health and wellness, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to figure out which brand is right for you. With so many options available, how do you know what will work best for your skin type? Don’t worry—we’ve got five tips to help you find the perfect skincare brand for your individual needs.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Consider Your Skin Type

The first step in choosing a skincare brand is to consider your skin type. Are you dealing with oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin? Different brands offer products designed to target different skin types, so make sure you read the labels carefully before buying anything.

Read Reviews

Before settling on a particular product or brand, take some time to read reviews from people who have already tried it out. Look at independent websites like influenster or beauty bloggers who provide honest opinions about different brands and products they have tried—this is one of the best ways to make sure that whatever you purchase will actually work as advertised!

Of course, make sure you review products while using them as intended. For example, if you’re in a dry, arid area, you can use a mojave desert skin shield product and test out how effective it is. Using a product as intended or viewing a fair review, creates a fair and honest review that can greatly benefit you in choosing a brand.

Check Out Samples

If possible, try to get some samples of a product before making a full commitment (many online retailers offer free samples). This way, you can test out a few different brands without having to spend too much money upfront.

Plus, if something doesn't work out quite right after using it once or twice (or if it causes an adverse reaction), then at least you didn't waste too much money on it! On a safe note, if you do experience adverse reactions to a skin care product, make sure to contact emergency services as soon as possible.

Research Ingredients

Once you know your skin type, it’s time to start researching ingredients. Some ingredients can be beneficial for certain types of skin but harmful for others. For example, if you have oily skin, look for products that contain salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These natural ingredients can help reduce oil production and keep shine at bay.

On the other hand, if you have dry skin, avoid products with harsh chemicals that may strip away moisture and exacerbate any existing dryness. Also, researching lets you avoid certain ingredients that you may be allergic to. With research, you’ll know what ingredients or chemicals to avoid.

Ask Friends & Family

Last but not least—don't be afraid to ask friends and family members who have similar skin types what their favorite brands are! You can also consult with a dermatologist if necessary; they'll be able to give expert advice on which skincare products may work best for your individual needs based on their experience and knowledge of different brands and products available today.

However, do note that not every skin care product or brand can work the same way on different people. What works on your sister, mother, or your aunt, may or may not work for you. Going this route might be difficult, but again do consider this fact when choosing a skin care product or brand.

Conclusion

It can be intimidating trying to find the perfect skincare brand for yourself—but don't worry! By following these five tips and doing some research beforehand, you should be able to find something that works well with your individual needs and budget in no time at all! With the right combination of knowledge and trial-and-error (and maybe even some help from friends and family!), finding the perfect skincare brand won’t seem so daunting anymore!

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7 Tips On How To Get Started On The Journey To Becoming A Small Business Owner

Starting a small business can be exciting and may help you reach your long-term financial goals. However, taking the plunge into entrepreneurship requires planning and hard work.

 Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels

Here Are Some Important Steps That Will Help Get You Started On The Journey To Becoming A Small Business Owner.

1. Start with an idea:

Before you do anything else, take time to define what type of business you want to run and create a plan for how it will work. Research potential competitors in the market and ensure that there is enough room for your product or service to prosper. Also, consider if it’s feasible to start up this business with your current resources such as finances, skillset, etc.

2. Choose a business structure:

Once you have a good idea of the business you want to create, it’s important to determine which type of legal entity fits your needs. Options can include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has its own pros and cons, so consult with a lawyer or accountant to help decide which is best for your particular situation.

3. Establish Your Business Name and Register It:

One of the most exciting parts about starting a new business is choosing its name! Research potential names that aren’t already taken by competitors; also, make sure they won’t infringe on anyone else’s trademark or copyright. Once you settle on a unique name, register it with the state and receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

4. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits:

Check with your local government to see what licenses or permits are necessary for running a business in your area. Depending on which type of business you’re operating, there may be federal, state, or even industry-specific licenses that you need to obtain before getting started.

5. Create a Financial Plan:

Before launching your venture, ensure you have enough cash flow to cover expenses until profits start rolling in. Make sure to budget for startup costs such as marketing, research, development, office supplies, etc., as well as ongoing costs like inventory or payroll. Consider applying for a small business loan or line of credit to help you get started.

6. Secure Funding:

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, there are several ways to secure funding, such as grants, private investments, crowdfunding campaigns, and more. Once you have a solid plan in place with realistic goals and expectations, start reaching out to potential investors or lenders who can help bring your vision to life.

7. Market Your Business:

The last step is to promote your new business and spread the word about what makes it unique and special! Invest in a fast small business internet and utilize social media, digital advertising, email marketing, and content creation – whatever gets your message across effectively and efficiently will benefit your business in the long run. In modern days, videos work most on all platforms. So, you can use videos to advertise your business via social media or via email. You can take the help of an online video editing tool to make a video online for advertising your business effectively.

Finally,

Starting a small business is no easy feat, but with the right preparation and dedication, you could become a successful entrepreneur. Following these steps gives you a strong foundation for launching your venture.

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How To Improve Your Marketing Efforts In Business For 2023

As a business, being able to stand out from the crowd is essential and as we head into another year of business, your marketing efforts need to be top-tier. Improving your marketing efforts can help your business stand out for all the right reasons.

With competition being fierce in many industries and the online world making it even more challenging to grab hold of the spotlight, a good marketing strategy is key. With this being said, here are a few marketing efforts worth making for your business in 2023.

Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

Create a detailed marketing strategy

A detailed marketing strategy is an important part of running a business and particularly when it comes to being successful in your marketing efforts. What is it that you’re looking to achieve with your marketing strategy? What’s potentially missing from your current efforts in marketing?

Identifying the key areas of strategy that you need to approach more efficiently this year, will help ensure more of your marketing campaigns are hitting the nail on the head each time.

Make use of multiple media formats

When it comes to marketing, the more variation in media formats that you have, the better. From static images to video, variation is essential. With that being said, consider outsourcing any services you need to make a multitude of media formats. For example, production services might be helpful if you don’t have much in the way of resources in-house.

Use direct mail marketing

Direct mail marketing is a form of marketing that may seem old-fashioned and more traditional in comparison to newer forms of marketing. However, this type of marketing is still very much effective in appealing to those who may not have regular access to the online world.

A direct mail marketing company will be able to help you identify the market you’re currently missing and ensure this demographic is being targeted more effectively with this marketing type.

Make use of automation

Automation is a great technology that’s worth utilizing when it comes to marketing. It’s very difficult for humans to do all of the relevant marketing tasks that are needed, especially when it comes to scheduling social media posts and engaging with content.

Automation is available in a variety of software and tools that are used in marketing. They can be extremely effective in streamlining monotonous tasks and freeing up the time needed for marketers to focus on providing more detailed and personalized customer experiences.

Optimize your site for SEO

Your website is just one of many millions out there, which is why you want to focus on methods of improving your site for SEO. Search engine optimization is the practice of optimizing your website for the internet - more specifically for the search engines like Google.

By optimizing your site, you give your website the best chance of ranking high on the search engine, which helps improve the level of traffic you’re getting online.

Look at which social media platforms are effective

When it comes to social media, there’s a new platform popping up every year. It’s important to stay relevant as a business when it comes to marketing on these platforms but which ones are really worth it? Well, it depends on your business and the type of business you run.

Assess how your business currently performs on each platform and adapt your marketing efforts to focus on the ones that are actually providing results.

These tips should help your marketing efforts and improve them tenfold this year! 

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The Healthy Way To Increase Vitamin D In Your Body

Photo by NIKOLAY OSMACHKO from Pexels

Vitamin D is probably one of the most important vitamins in our body. It helps to regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are essential to keep your bones, teeth, and muscles as healthy as possible. Furthermore, this vitamin has been linked to helping boost your immune system and fight diseases, regulate your mood, and possibly even aid with weight loss.

So, it’s a pretty damn essential vitamin. The problem is, most vitamin D is produced in the skin. It’s not something you typically get from eating certain foods - unlike a lot of other vitamins. For example, if you eat plenty of fruit, you’re bound to naturally get a lot of vitamin C or A in your body.

This begs the question: how can you increase your vitamin D intake? Generally, there are two different things recommended:

• Get more sunlight exposure

• Take a vitamin D supplement

Unfortunately, people look at the first option and think this means they should just sunbathe for hours or walk around without any skin protection. Needless to say, this is a terrible way to increase vitamin D in your body. Instead, here is a much healthier approach:

Protect your skin from UV rays

The UV rays in the run will trigger a reaction in your body that generates vitamin D. However, the same UV rays will also lead to genetic mutations in your skin, possibly causing squamous cell carcinoma - which is a type of skin cancer. This is why it’s crucial to avoid too much UV ray exposure when you’re out and about.

Lots of research has shown that sunscreen prevents UV rays from penetrating your skin and causing cancer. At the same time, it has very little impact on your vitamin D production. So, there’s no excuse to sit in the sun unprotected. You can lather yourself up and still get a bit of vitamin D production going on.

Take a vitamin D supplement

Some people may worry that their vitamin D production still isn’t up to scratch. Plus, what happens when it’s not that sunny for months on end? The solution is simple; take a vitamin D supplement.

In all honesty, having a vitamin D supplement is the best way to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in your body. This way, you can put SPF protection on whenever you go outside without worrying about your skin.

A lot of vitamin supplements aren’t necessary as you can get them in your body via a healthy diet anyway. Vitamin D is one of the exceptions to the rule. Provided you take the recommended dose, you won’t ever worry about getting too much of this valuable vitamin.

The underlying worry with vitamin D is that production is triggered by UV rays. So, people worry about striking a balance between getting sunlight for this vitamin and damaging their skin. Realistically, you shouldn’t worry about this. Wear sun protection to stop the UV rays from causing all sorts of nasty problems. As a bonus, this will also prevent the signs of aging for much longer than expected! Then, ensure you have a vitamin D supplement every day, and you will be fine.

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A Guide To Choosing The Best Bodybuilding Clothing

Suppose you're new to bodybuilding and want to start wearing bodybuilding clothing but don't know where to start. Consider your high school years, when those who used the weight room or participated in sporting events typically wore a pair of gym shorts and a tee. Compared to the established bodybuilding clothing sector today, there were few alternatives back then. Nobody was looking for any specific type of specialized bodybuilding or fitness clothing because they did not exist at the time.

Everyone wore whatever they found comfortable: cut-off jeans or a baggy t-shirt. The only clothing that could have been classified as 'bodybuilding wear' was a sports jersey in their school colors. Working out clothes was not given much thought back then. On the other hand, today's generation puts a lot more thought into their men's gym wear and workout clothing. Having the best jeans for bodybuilders has become a priority for many men. They want to look good in their workout clothes and feel comfortable. Here are some tips to consider when shopping for workout clothes.

 Photo by Victor Freitas from Pexels

Choose The Right Style

It is critical to consider fit when selecting denim jeans for the bodybuilding physique. Look for a pair with a loose waist and a tapered leg to highlight your quads. Choose bodybuilding clothing brands that offer relaxed-fit or baggy styles if you prefer a more relaxed look.

Bodybuilders can choose between light and dark denim washes, depending on their preferences. Light-wash jeans are ideal for a casual look, whereas dark-wash jeans can be dressed up for a night out with a button-down shirt and dress shoes. Whatever style you choose, try on different brands of jeans before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit.

Select Neutral And Classic Color Combinations

A neutral-colored wardrobe aids in the integration of simple style and body type. Bodybuilding fashion should create a proportional look across your entire body, and heavily patterned clothing may disrupt that silhouette. Choose blacks, whites, and grays. Browns, tans, and darker blues are also good choices. You can wear bright colors occasionally, but they are best reserved for gym days.

Keep printed patterns to a minimum and graphic tees to a minimum. You can still express yourself this way. Remember, you're already in shape, so attracting attention won't be difficult. Find a comfortable and basic tee you like and buy it in every neutral color. The goal is to fill your closet with bodybuilder casual clothing.

Lose The Loose Fit

This is the go-to option for every bodybuilder, and for a good reason: it eliminates the complexities of style and fit. This, however, should not be the case. Baggy shirts and pants make you look unruly and conceal the sweat and tears you spend at the gym. Your shirt size should fit your physique but not be too tight. Fitted tees will accentuate your chest, arms, shoulders, and lats.

If you can't decide between two sizes, go with the smaller one. Choose tops that are fitted in the arms but relaxed in the collar. Shirts should fit well in the shoulders while remaining loose in the armpits.

Layer The Right Way

While it may be tempting to wear your workout clothes everywhere, proper clothing for each season should not be overlooked—especially during the colder months. While it is common to bulk up in the winter off-season and cut back in the summer, your layering should be consistent and light. Thick and chunky knits will bunch up and make you appear bulky. To avoid hiding muscle definition, keep materials thin. Many brands make advanced clothing that keeps body heat in without being bulky.

Over a puffy jacket, wear a long, thin peacoat or trench. This will help to frame your body and add height. Lightly distressed leather jackets look great on both men and women. Choose a style that fits your personality, such as biker or modern. To contour your arms and chest, go for a slim athletic fit.

Slim-Fit Pants Are Not For Everybody

 Don't limit yourself to sweatpants and cycling pants for your bottoms; a good pair of jeans is a must-have. Slim-fit pants may be more appealing, but they are difficult to put on and restrict movement, especially with well-defined legs. Choose straight, relaxed-cut jeans.

Ladies should wear slim-fit pants because they want their buttocks to show. For a more formal look, choose a material that breathes well and stretches slightly, such as chinos, because these will leave enough room for the quads and calves.

Bottom Line

It is impossible to create the perfection of clothes in fashion magazines in real life. What appears flawless and wonderful in a professional photograph sometimes falls short in actual life. Overall, there is no reason not to participate and treat yourself to bodybuilding clothing and apparel.

When the right people wear bodybuilding and fitness clothes, they attract attention because they look and feel great. Some people may appear to look down on others for wearing clothing that barely covers them up, but in reality, they would wear bodybuilding apparel if they were in good enough shape! It stands to reason that if a person looks good, they will feel good and should dress in bodybuilding and fitness attire.

If you want to attract more attention when you are in bodybuilding or fitness, you can add some accessories to your clothing for decoration. Such as custom patches, pins, etc. Choose your favorite pattern or text shape. It can not only make your gym clothes look more eye-catching but also special. And it adds style to your selection of comfortable workout clothes. In this way, it will keep you in a good mood during bodybuilding or fitness.

When it comes to jeans, mastering the fundamentals—such as purchasing stylish, high-quality denim in the appropriate cut and size for your body—comes first. When you've got more practice under your belt, you can start taking greater risks with your appearance (including breaking some of the principles in this piece) to find the aesthetic that best expresses your unique sense of self-expression.

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Smart Ways To Level Up Your Small Business

Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash

Some business owners are happy to operate at a sustainable level, their books are balanced, and the bottom line is healthy enough - but it may not stay that way forever! If you want to level up your business and create more security, you need to be prepared to take business risks.

Push Boundaries

Running a small business requires goal setting - like running any business - but you need to keep these under review and adapt to the changing environment from time to time. Examples of common business goals include improving your bottom line and growing your market share.

If you want to improve the performance of your business, you need to push your boundaries now and again. Review your business goals and decide whether you are willing to take a calculated risk to improve profits; in most cases, a calculated risk is the best low-risk strategy.

Customer Experience

Modern customers have modern expectations when it comes to customer experience. Customer experience is a high priority for businesses nowadays, meaning there is direct competition at this level. Improve your business by focusing on the customers and meeting their expectations.

An example of this is background music for retail stores. Retail businesses use background music to entertain customers and create a pleasant atmosphere, but it has a marketing purpose as well. Background music puts the customers into a passive mind and keeps them in the store.

Continuous Learning

When you have an established business, it can be easy to focus on the everyday operations and the end-of-year numbers, but don’t forget to keep learning if you want to take your business to the next level. In business, there is always more to learn, and it doesn’t have to be a course.

Whether you attend an official course or you learn using online videos, you can develop new skills and abilities that will improve your business and your bottom line. That’s not all; it’s important for you to encourage your team members to learn and advance their skills as well.

Delegate Tasks

Make your business more efficient by delegating tasks. Whether you operate a remote business or you have a conventional set-up, it makes sense to use all of your available resources and get the work carried out by the most suitable employees. Technologies can help you delegate tasks.

Project management software allows you to delegate daily and weekly tasks from the convenience of a simple dashboard. Instead of wasting time talking to various departments, you can set everything up in a simple dashboard and make business processes more efficient.

Use Technology

On the topic of technology, if you keep up-to-date with the latest developments, you will operate a competitive business that meets customer expectations and makes the most of your resources; whether it is software, hardware, or marketing tools, stay current with technology.

 No matter what size of business you operate, you need technology to improve efficiency and productivity - without it, you will be under-competitive. Software can help you delegate and automate tasks, while modern devices and computers offer are equipped for today’s world.

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11 Strategies To Eat Healthy On Your Busiest Days

Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. However, for many people, maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging, especially with a packed schedule and days of running around town. Once you know a few tricks, maintaining a healthy diet while constantly on-the-go can be easier than you thought!

In this article, we will discuss various strategies for eating healthy when you are busy and on-the-go, including meal planning, healthy snacks, and meal replacement bars.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

1. Meal Planning

One of the best ways to make sure that you are eating healthy when you are busy is to plan your meals in advance. This way, you won’t have to worry about what’s for dinner every night, and you can buy all of the ingredients you will need in advance. To meal plan, simply write out everything you are going to eat in a certain period of time, like a week. Then, enjoy delicious meals without having to stress!

2. Meal Prep

Another great strategy for eating healthy during weeks of nonstop responsibility is to prepare your meals in advance. Meal prep involves cooking or preparing your meals and snacks for the week in advance, so they are ready to eat when you need them. Make food that can last in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze any food you make in bulk, then simply thaw and reheat for an easy, healthy, and low-effort weeknight dinner.

3. Meal Replacement Bars

Some weeks are so busy that even meal prepping for the week in advance is impossible to fit into your schedule. If you’re on-the-go, healthy meal replacement bars are a great way to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need. A meal replacement bar will leave you feeling full and tastes delicious, making it the perfect grab-and-go meal option, especially for those days where cooking just won’t work.

4. Plan To Eat Out

You might think that eating out means eating food that isn’t healthy. This isn’t always the case! If you are on-the-go all day, you can find restaurants that offer quick, healthy choices for your meals. Research menu options in advance, and see if you can plan an order to pick up instead of having to stand in line and order, as this will save you time. Stay away from anything fried, and make sure the meal has plenty of vegetables and fueling carbs!

5. Don’t Reach for the Junk Food

When you are busy, it can be tempting to reach for convenience foods that are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Chips and candy line the shelves of nearly every gas station, and it’s almost too easy to grab a bag to satisfy your hunger. However, there are often many healthier options you can find that are just as convenient, such as pre-cut fruit and yogurt. Choose these instead to keep your diet healthy.

Another great way to keep yourself away from the temptation of junk food when you need to eat something fast in between your busy schedule is to keep healthy snacks on hand. Bring a lunch box with an ice pack inside or a small cooler with you, and fill it with healthy options for snacks. Some great options include fresh fruit, vegetables with hummus dip, a variety of nuts, yogurt, and maybe even dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth!

6. Practice Eating Mindfully

Eating mindfully is another important strategy for eating healthy during busy days. Eating mindfully means being present and paying attention to your food, rather than eating on the run or while multitasking. This means putting your phone away, too! Eating while scrolling on your phone can cause you to eat more than you need. When you eat mindfully, you are more likely to enjoy your food and to be satisfied with smaller portions.

7. Avoid Skipping Meals

Skipping meals can lead to overeating later in the day, so it's important to make sure that you are eating regularly, even when you are busy. Skipping meals can also lead to low energy levels, which can make it difficult to focus and be productive. The last thing you want is to feel sluggish and tired while trying to make it through a hectic day, so make sure to set some time aside for meals.

8. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is another important strategy for keeping your diet healthy. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep you feeling full, improve your energy levels, and prevent dehydration. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. You can also opt for a beverage with electrolytes, especially if it is a warm day or you feel tired.

9. Stay Away From Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and should be avoided when trying to maintain a healthy diet. Instead, opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It can be easy to reach for processed food when you’re on-the-go, but keeping yourself away from the temptation will help you keep your healthy diet going strong.

10. Use Technology

There are many apps and websites that can help you plan and track your meals, and stay on top of your nutrition goals. Take advantage of these tools to make it easier to eat healthy when you are busy and on-the-go. Use them to find inspiration for recipes that don’t take long to make, what healthy snacks you can take with you, and more!

11. Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself

It's important to remember that eating healthy when you are busy and on-the-go can be challenging, and it's okay to have slip-ups. Don't be too hard on yourself if you can't always make the healthiest choices, but rather strive to make the best choices you can in the moment. Remember that even changing just one meal you eat a day from processed to healthy can make a big difference in your overall diet.

Conclusion

Eating a healthy diet when you are busy can be challenging, but these tips take it from almost impossible to completely doable. By incorporating strategies such as meal planning, meal prep, and choosing healthy convenience foods, you can maintain a healthy diet even when you are short on time. Remember to be kind to yourself, and remember that it's okay to have slip-ups.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can eat healthy and feel your best, even when you are busy and on-the-go.

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How To Create A Closet That You’ll Be Itching To Open Every Day

Closets are a hit-and-miss depending on how much you know about fashion. For some, clothing is finding pieces that are comfortable, rather than fashionable and for others, although fashionable, don’t quite know what garments go well together.

If you’re looking at your closet and thinking ‘what do I wear’ then there poses an issue. When it comes to a closet, you should be able to go in and creatively pull out a number of options that work together. If you’ve spent more than 10 minutes staring desperately into your closet and hoping something will pop out, then it’s time for a change.

Everyone deserves to have a closet that they’re itching to get into every morning, so it’s important to find that for you this year. Make it a new year’s resolution to sort out your closet and spend less time struggling on finding something to wear. Here’s how to create a closet that you’ll love opening every day.

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

Get rid of everything you don’t wear already

What do you really wear regularly? We all have items in our closets that don’t get much love out of them and we all know why. Whether it’s the color, the design, or the feel of the fabric, we take a quick glance and push it out of the way while looking for other clothing.

There will be some outfits or pieces that you gravitate to every time and those are fine - those can stay.

If you’ve got items in your closet that have not seen the light of day for some time, it’s definitely time to put them out of their misery and sell it. If you can’t sell it, then try to donate it before recycling it to the fashion gods.

Keeping clothing in your closet that isn’t getting worn is simply taking up space and creating that blue feeling you have when you go into the closet every day. It’s better to just remove those garments and say a final goodbye to them. Don’t worry - it’s a great excuse to go shopping for new clothes!

Start off with basics and build from there

Basics are great as the core foundations of your outfits. They go with everything and they are fantastic for wearing on their own or accompanied by layers. Neutral colors are something you want to have an abundance of when it comes to basics. Think nudes, blacks, greys, and whites when purchasing your basic wear.

Ideally, you want to have a strappy top, a shirt, a jumper, trousers, and leggings in these neutral colors. When it comes to design or style, keep it simple and again - basic. These garments shouldn’t be doing anything too crazy because the rest of the outfit you build on top is what adds personality and style.

Add extra personal touches with embroidery

A great way to find love for your closet is through the addition of personal touches. For some garments, you may want to do a bit of DIY on them or alternatively, take a trip to Mato & Hash for personalized embroidery.

Consider the extra touches that you could add to your clothing in order to make it personable to you. Not only that but it can provide uniqueness to your garments that really add something extra to your closet.

Be wary of going over the top when it comes to embroidery and any other personalization you’re adding to the garment. Whether it’s detailed buttons to sequins, less is more when it comes to adding them to your clothing. Try not to be tempted in going overboard as this might make the garment look tackier and less stylish.

Look at capsule closets

Capsule closets were a concept that came around in 1985 but they’ve certainly become a more popular concept in recent years. Perhaps spurred on by the new age of eco-conscious mindsets, a capsule closet is still very much popular today.

If you’re not sure what a capsule closet is, it’s essentially made up of several garments that can be used in different ways to create several outfits. The concept is to use as few garments as possible to make a multitude of outfits that will adapt to both daytime and nighttime wear.

Photo by piotr szulawski on Unsplash

Of course, several garments might not be enough for some but the idea of the capsule closet is that you don’t need to have hundreds of clothing items to make an abundance of looks.

It’s worth trying if you’ve never had a go at a capsule closet before. You never know, it could be a life-changing move for your fashion and style this year.

Understand your body shape

What is your body shape? Do you know? Most people don’t and it’s the downfall that many will have when it comes to dressing for their bodies. Every person has a different body shape and depending on what shape you have, some clothing and styles will look extremely different from one shaped person to the next.

It’s worth exploring what your body shape might be by looking online. There are plenty of reference points and articles to research in order to find your body shape. Our body shape can also vary over the years, depending on a number of factors such as weight gain/weight loss and the natural stages of aging.

Know what to spend your money on

Creating a closet that you’ll love doesn’t need to cost the earth. Not everyone has a rich parent or an inheritance which means money is no object. Most of us have a comfortable amount but not to the extent that we can have a designer closet.

It’s useful to know what to spend your money on when it comes to long-lasting items that will benefit you financially in the future. For example, a high-quality coat and shoes can be something worth splurging on because they’re clothing and accessories that you’ll be utilizing almost every day.

Trust your gut and don’t buy on an impulse

When you’re out shopping, try not to buy on impulse. That top might have looked good at first glance but then when you bring it home, you may suddenly find that you no longer like it and it remains as one of those garments that stays in the closet forever, never being worn.

Trusting your gut is also important because it’s not something that’s often wrong. If something doesn’t feel right, chances are, it’s not. If you’re not overly convinced of a piece of clothing that you try on or see online, then move on to something else. It’s these clothing options that will be cast aside and never worn once purchased.

Eat before you shop and wear the right clothes

There are two great tips that should be done every time you go shopping for new clothes. Eat before you shop. Why? Shopping on an empty stomach is wreckless. You make rash decisions based on that feeling of being hungry. It also makes your shopping experience less enjoyable.

It’s important to wear the right clothes too. Ideally, you want something you can throw off and throw back on. Don’t go wearing tights and several layers along with shoes you have to lace up every time you take them off. This is going to lengthen the process of trying clothing on and that doesn’t help when you’re trying to buy new clothes.

Creating a closet that you’ll love is easy enough to do with the right advice. Use these tips to build a selection of outfits that you’ll get full use of for years to come. 

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IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: When IT Cosmetics came out with IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer formula (Macys, Sephora, Nordstrom, Target) I got very excited! I love the original cream and overall Confidence In A Cream Collection. If I wasn't able to access my favorite skincare products ...  REN Gentle Cleansing Milk and Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, the Confidence In A Cream Collection would be my #2 favorite skincare products. Remember to always have an alternative option in everything (see point #10). So this cream tauts an anti-aging formula. As you get older, you just need a little more. So what does this have more of? IT Cosmetics states this formula has "2x more potent active ingredients and hydration than the original formula", that it contains "higher concentrations of niacinamide, squalane and peptide-lipid complex to reverse 10 signs of aging skin in just 2 weeks", it provides "48HR hydration; skin-loving ceramides and hyaluronic acid help to not only strengthen but repair skin moisture barrier with continued use", and that it also has a quick-absorbing formula. Well, I've tried this cream both day and night. I am NOT wowed by it at all. Yes, it's quick absorbing. My super-dry skin drank it up. My skin didn't feel moisturized, hydrated or plump. As a matter of fact, my skin was very lackluster. I was really shocked because the regular formula did MUCH BETTER than this. Even the IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Beauty Sleep provided more moisture than this. I purchased the travel size to try and I suggest (if you're interested) that you do the same before committing to a full-size jar. Is it a bad cream, NO. But when you start touting anti-aging properties, people expect more. I don't know if I got a bad jar or what, but it left me underwhelmed and unimpressed.  

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer is Bittersweet

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