Girl Who Would be King, Health + LifeStyle

Health & Beauty benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Yes, beauty too.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a healthy, natural, inexpensive, effective, multi-use product you can get anywhere. Sound good so far?

It may not be so glamorous to keep on your bathroom shelf but you may thank me later:

Because as much as we love our Tom Ford makeup and La Mer skincare products, there is something naturally appealing about a simple item you probably already have at home stored in your fridge or cupboard. Something you may not use very often.

With multiple health-boosting benefits, the all-natural ingredient has been a go-to beauty remedy since ancient times.

Some reasons why you need to add this easy grocery staple to your daily routine:

Got a pesky pimple? Mix ACV with water and apply on a cotton pad to sweep across your face to remove bacteria, oil, dirt and leftover makeup.

Avoid the mid-day slump by opting for a glass of apple cider vinegar instead of coffee. Drink one tablespoon with a glass of water to allow its enzymes and potassium to wake you up sans the crash. Sometimes I switch up drinking warm lemon water in the morning for this.

Prevent bloating and discomfort post-meals by drinking two tablespoons of ACV with water 15-20 minutes prior to eating. This increases stomach acid, which is crucial in digesting all your food properly and completely.

Gargle one teaspoon of ACV with a cup of water to remove plaque, which is a major culprit of bad breath.

Refuse to spend $50 on a teeth whitening kit? Swish the vinegar through with water to remove stains and kill bacteria on teeth and gums – this apparently is as effective as using coconut oil.

No matter how cute your shoes are stinky feet are never desirable. Tackle foul odour by soaking your feet in half a cup of ACV and five cups of warm water for 15 minutes. Its anti-fungal properties will eliminate the stench.

Whether it’s a bug bite or a sunburn, its ability to balance pH levels soothes pain, swelling and redness.

Prevent dandruff and itching by combining two ounces of apple cider vinegar and equal parts water to apply on your scalp. Its acidity eliminates germs, flakes and dryness.

Bonus: rinse your hair with it to restore shine and remove product build up. I do this about once a month. Your hair will undoubtedly smell like ACV but it does dissipate after blow drying, thank god.

Last but not least, it’s a great addition for salad dressings.

Because as we all know, beauty happens on the inside first!

Have you tried it?

Use organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar

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Beauty: Stick-It!

Here’s a simple solution for Sun Sensitive Skin:

A travel friendly, drugstore available, stick in your purse sunstick with high SPF to use before heading out the door and for touchups throughout the day.

We know we need to protect ourselves from the burn but truth be told we don’t want to gain any more sunspots or lines on our face or body. The stick appears to be a good solution because they’re small enough to carry around and don’t spill. Both these companies are reputable. There are others, but I prefer these two brands for sun protection.

Also, it’s so light you can hardly feel it. It doesn’t replace my usual tinted moisturizer for face with SPF 60 but it’s great for use around the eye & high cheekbone area specifically.

It will become my new staple.

as long as you worship it mindfully and protectfully

Do you have a favourite?

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Beauty – la Dolce Vita

Nothing like sourcing beautiful body care & fragrance products from beautiful locales where lives beautiful women with a knack for looking after themselves. Which brings me to this place:

Santa Maria Novella, Florence – one of the oldest pharmacies in the world! They carry products with a meaning. They come with tradition and history which in my books makes them extra special.

In all fairness I didn’t know about this until my good friend came back from Florence and gifted me with an elegantly wrapped package of what appeared to be some amazing skincare…made in Italy. I could tell right away these were exceptional from the tasteful ribboned box they came in and even the bag. Of course I couldn’t wait to open it up and try them.

THEN:

The long name is Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It was established in 1221 by Dominican Monks shortly after their arrival in Florence. The friars began cultivating medicinal herbs in their gardens to prepare medications, balms and ointments for their convent’s small infirmary.

Once fame of their extraordinary products spread beyond Italy, it became opportune, in 1612, to open the pharmacy to the public.

The ingenuity of the formulas developed by the apothecary fathers, in the 18^th century became renowned and crossed numerous borders reaching Russia, the Indies, and as far away as China.

NOW:

Today the tradition is perpetuated and renewed. They use the highest quality natural raw materials and follow the artisanal procedures first established by the Dominican fathers.

The Officina is particularly attentive to the herbalist’s art which has triumphed since the enterprise began, basing all its preparations on herbs and natural lipids, with nothing tested on animals.

Each of the products has its own peculiar history. For instance one of the products “Acqua della Regina” is an essence that was created especially for Caterina de’ Medici (a noblewoman, crowned Queen of France after marrying Henry II).

There are other ancient recipes that deserve mention but perhaps that is the most popular perfume.

The original Via della Scala premises, where production took place until just a few years ago, while still a store, are genuine museum rooms. The museum’s purpose is not only to educate people about the Santa Maria Novella’s products but to benefit visitors who simply wish to see a “museum of tradition.”

The products are available in Florence. Address: (Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze, Italy) and major cities in Italy. They have travelled to France, Spain, Belgium and England and a few locations in the United States.

In North America you can find them at:

Address: 285 Lafayette St #2, New York, NY 10012, United States

Phone:+1 212-271-0884

Address: 8411 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States

Phone:+1 323-651-3754

Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154, United States

Phone:+1 305-865-3334

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Beauty: good enough to eat

We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?

It is believed that most women end up eating their lipstick (not out of hunger, more by accident) so maybe edible makeup is a good idea, although I’m not so sure how palatable it will be.

Leave it to clean living, health conscious Gwyneth Paltrow to collaborate with Juice Beauty in developing a line of 78 plant-based products, from foundations to shadows.
Like Juice’s main collection, it’s organic, but the difference is she expanded the range of colour choices, focusing more on saturated hues extracted from fruits and plants, like purple carrots and crushed rose petals. Can’t wait to sample some of these products!

All products starting at $20 available at http://juicebeauty.com

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Beauty – Tom Ford

Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

He directed “A Single Man” – a stylish film set in 1960’s Los Angeles starring Colin Firth as an English professor who is unable to cope following the death of his boyfriend. The moody movie also stars Julianne Moore who has been known to show up on many a red carpet occasion wearing a stunning “Tom Ford” creation. Loved the film!

And if that wasn’t enough he just launched a luxurious beauty collection. As you can expect, the products are synonymous with sultry elegance.Products like get ready for summer gold-spun bronzer, gorgeous lip shades and essential palettes for cheeks and eyes are now available at Sephora.

Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!

Have you tried any of the products?

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Celestial Beauty

The universe works in mysterious ways

just be daily cleanser - a powder cleanser energized with reiki, crystals, positive words and music. $65 justbeskinline.com — **just be** daily cleanser – a powder cleanser energized with reiki, crystals, positive words and music. $65 – justbeskinline.com

$72 - urban outfitters — $72 – urban outfitters: add it to your drink to **calm** **nerves** and assist in collagen production.

It’s the new trend in the beauty and wellness community.

Something that promises to deliver spiritual meaning along with a clear complexion.

Whatever works right? I think the marketing idea is divine and in all honestly you will probably come across a few transcendent finds.

Oils blended to balance the sixth chakra - which governs intuition, imagination and perception. $42 — A body mist with oils blended to **balance the sixth chakra** – which governs intuition, imagination and perception. $42

Chakra 4 (above) is the center of sympathy, empathy and love. When the heart chakra is balanced, one feels love and connection to self and others.

Seek Spirit Essence - $128. A scent blend of bergamot, labdanum and neroli said to be "grounding" and help one find "wildness of the soul" — **Seek Spirit Essence** – $128. A scent blend of bergamot, labdanum and neroli said to be “**grounding**” and help one find “wildness of the soul” intelligentnutrients.ca

This simply divine facial oil will bless your skin with nothing but pure goodness. Shop page. — This simply **divine facial oil** will bless your skin with nothing but pure goodness. $75 Shop page.

Couldn’t resist. Must have felt this one coming.

It helps to believe in something beautiful

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

Beauty: everything is coming up ROSES

Doesn’t every woman love roses?

Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue, November 2014

While red is the flower of love I prefer a bouquet of white roses. And I’m the girl who couldn’t resist the crushed rose de rose petal blush from by Terry sold exclusively at Barneys. It’s divine.

Why mess with a sure thing?

All things Rose. The seductive, beautiful aroma of Rose, considered the Queen of Oils, has been used for beautification purposes since the beginning of time.

The usage of rosewater dates back to early Egypt, when Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) used the natural product in her skincare regime. Why not follow in the footsteps of the world’s most legendary beauty queen? And the girl who would be King!

Not to mention it has found a place in almost every Indian household. The girls who do my brows are Indian and when they finish threading they massage a tiny amount of rose gel from Bombay on my browbone to help soothe the area. The scent is so heavenly I ended up buying a jar from them.

Pure rose oil is an ingredient in my Divine Oil from *Skin so Divine. Also I use rose water in the Divine Facial Mist.

Pure rose water is the distilled water of roses. When purchasing rose water buy only the 100 percent pure form. Often what is available in pharmacies and even some natural food stores is synthetic rose oil and water with preservatives added.

Rose has one of the most lasting effects on the body compared to most other essential oils. The frequency of rose essential oil is over 300hertz. This is due to the enormous amount of roses it takes to make Rose essential oil. Imagine the positive energetic frequency of that plant power when used on the skin? Its simply amazing. There is no substitute for rose in aromatherapy, its divine therapeutic benefits are unsurpassed.

This From Vogue Magazine:

Bottles of the old-school elixir have pride of place on many a makeup table—Romy Soleimani’s included. “I’m half-Persian, so I grew up with rosewater. My aunts drink it; they put it on their face,” explains the makeup artist, who stocks Jurlique’s rose mist in her kit. On set and in the real world, rosewater does double duty, Soleimani explains: “You can use it as a hydrating toner, or spray it afterwards to reawaken your foundation, pressing it in with a sponge.” As for the reaction from those in her chair, basking in the garden-scented cloud? “It’s usually ‘Ahhh!’” she says with a laugh.

That sense of universal calm is fueling a growing passion for rosewater. Elsewhere in the beauty world, it’s turning up everywhere from bold-face skin care (Le Weekend de Chanel) to small-batch start-ups . Of course, hydration doesn’t stop at the skin. New York–based Juice Press recently released its bottled Water + Rose, tinged with the venerable Bulgarian rose, and Juice Served Here, in Los Angeles, launched a smartly packaged version in February, touted for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. JSH just wrapped a six-week partnership with the water-filter company Soma, in which a portion of the Rose Water proceeds benefitted clean-water projects in Flint, Michigan; a new charitable collaboration is on deck. What’s not to love?

Rose Water Beauty Tips:

Use rose water to prevent or reduce eye puffiness.
Just place a bottle of rose water into the fridge for half an hour and then, apply some of it on a cotton pad and gently place it on your eyes. It will help sooth the tender skin around your eyes and prevent or reduce eye puffiness.

Freshen your face throughout the day by spraying rose water mist on your skin.
Especially, in the summer time, rose water can become your faithful friend, caring for your skin like nothing else; just spray rose water mist on your face (or you can also apply it using a cotton pad), it will instantly freshen your skin, naturally hydrate and nourish it, adding a wonderful radiance and glow.

Add 2 cups of rose water into your bath for a divine and unforgettable experience. Rose water will soften and add freshness to your skin, and add a beautiful scent.

*Skin so Divine products – on SHOP page @

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/shop/

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Beauty: La Mer “The Concentrate”

Designer products for your face

It’s very seldom that I spend a ton of money on a single skincare/makeup product. It’s not that I haven’t done it before but I’m simplifying so many areas of my life right now and skincare is amongst them. Add to that the fact that I make my own natural products.

In the exceedingly competitive beauty market it all comes down to what works for you and what you can afford to spend. If money is not an issue and you believe an expensive product will work better then by all means go for it. Sometimes the simpler the better but I won’t knock anything before trying it. And contrary to the naysayers, some of the more pricey products are superior and seem to work more effectively.

I’ve received various products to test out and blog about and even though I’m under no obligation to do so, I like to share my favourites. Which brings me to the most recent one from La Mer. It’s called The Concentrate or; the Miracle Worker (after all it has a trademarked miracle broth secret ingredient). I’ve been using it for only two weeks and it seems to have smoothed out a rough patch on an area of my face created by an allergy to something. I love the soothing texture and how evenly it spreads and helps hydrate.

Here’s the thing. In the short time span I’ve been using it, it appears to be a first-rate product but I would look around before I shell out several hundred dollars for a tiny bottle. Can I pay $320 for 1 oz of this so-called miracle product? The answer is yes. Do I want to? The answer is no. Will I? It’s possible only if it works. The high prices on many skincare and makeup products are beginning to put me off. I’m questioning where to draw the line on spending. Do you feel the same way?

Here is what the company has to say:

THE CONCENTRATE

A saviour of skin, the Concentrate complements skin’s natural healing process with the restorative power of the sea. Designed to soothe visible irritation and redness caused by cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments, it is infused with a dose of highly concentrated Miracle Broth™, the heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation. Irritation appears soothed and dry, fragile skin made strong for a radiant renewal.

Thoroughly massage onto affected area at least twice per day. For optimal results, follow with your *Crème de la Mer moisturizer. *another several hundred dollars.

Your thoughts on the cost of beauty and where do we draw the line?

http://www.cremedelamer.com/

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

Beauty: Celebrating 40 Years at L’OCCITANE!

Talking about the beauty company founded in Provence, France. Not me. I’m nowhere near 40!

The Beautiful Corner Location at Robson & Burrard – always loved the baskets

40 is the age of genius!

Many great artists created the majority of their works once they passed this milestone. Niki de Saint-Phalle’s Nanas, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi to name a few.

Lemon Verbena hand wash & hand lotion gift set — **Lemon Verbena** hand wash & hand lotion gift set

“No one is young after forty, but one can be irresistible at any age.” Coco Chanel

Anyway, some things get better with age. Certainly that would be true for the company known and loved for its irresistible French pampering products. I once visited the original L’Occitane location where you could smell fields of heavenly lavender from miles away.

I always carry a hand cream in my purse. These all have Shea Butter.

To help celebrate, L’Occitane held an evening in their flagship Vancouver location last week – with hor d’oeuvres, glasses of rosé, dried lavender bouquets, free gel manis and surprise gift cards offering anywhere from $10 to $100 worth of product. It was a fun few hours with like minded women. Translation: we who want to be pampered.

For its 40th anniversary, L’Occitane is retracing the roots of its greatest products.

Time to uncover the secrets behind one of my all time favourites:

Renowned since ancient times for its fruits’ softening and smoothing properties, the almond tree is a key part of the Provençal landscape. First to blossom, the trees adorn themselves in February with a delicately scented white veil, as the orchards continue to sleep. The flowers herald the start of Spring, before giving way to beautiful soft green shells, the nut of which is bursting with useful cosmetic properties.
Yet at one time the almond tree all but disappeared from the region. Threatened by the mechanisation of agriculture and the expansion of more profitable crops, it gradually began disappearing in the 1930s. In the 2000s, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region pioneered an initiative, supported by L’Occitane, to get this symbolic tree back to its rightful place in the Provençal landscape.

THE ULTIMATE SOFT TEXTURE

Combining smooth, creamy oil with meltingly soft almond milk, this formula has the ability to both strengthen and soften. Its secret? A luxurious, almost addictive fragrance. Like covering skin with a satin-smooth veil, Almond Milk Concentrate hydrates for more than 48 hours, while at the same time smoothing, firming and restoring the skin’s natural density.

Voilà! Straight From the fields of Provence to your favourite L’Occitane store.

“Age does not protect you from the dangers of love. But love, to some extent, protects you from the dangers of age.” Jeanne Moreau.

Photos: d. king

Source for Concentrate: L’Occitane.com

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Beauty – Foil Proof

Some of the best things come in the tiniest packages.

On my quest for keeping things simple and especially for travelling, here are two new products you should know about.

ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATED RECOVERY POWER FOIL MASK – newly launched in February/2016

No offense to the rest of the world, but one thing is abundantly clear: Korean women have the beauty game on lock. Recognizing this, heritage beauty brand Estée Lauder is unleashing its shiny new “Iron Man” mask in Korea a month early as a market test drive.

The metallic, mask-selfie-worthy foil mask—which boasts a dual matrix (yes, MATRIX) technology that locks in the brand’s beloved Advanced Night Repair super serum—is already receiving rave reviews from discerning K-beauty experts. Let the countdown begin.

Coming soon to a store near you:

KLEENEX EXFOLIATING CUSHIONS

Kleenex, yes as in the tissue brand, is looking to tend to your face beyond your sniffly nose with a new facial cleansing line. The item women can’t wait to get their hands on? The exfoliating cushions, which in my mind are as lazy-girl-friendly as makeup wipes. With their dual-sided cushions, the sizable rounds gently buff away dead skin and debris, leaving skin smooth, polished, and squeaky clean in the process.

Cleaning, exfoliating and masking your face just got a whole lot easier and a lot more packable.

Source: Marie Claire Magazine

Tag: beauty

Health & Beauty benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Yes, beauty too.

Some reasons why you need to add this easy grocery staple to your daily routine:

Beauty: Stick-It!

Beauty – la Dolce Vita

Nothing like sourcing beautiful body care & fragrance products from beautiful locales where lives beautiful women with a knack for looking after themselves. Which brings me to this place:

And the best part is their story (I love a good story)….

They are unique and wonderful

Beauty: good enough to eat

We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?

Beauty – Tom Ford

Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!

Have you tried any of the products?

Celestial Beauty

The universe works in mysterious ways

Beauty: everything is coming up ROSES

Doesn’t every woman love roses?

Beauty: La Mer “The Concentrate”

Designer products for your face

THE CONCENTRATE

Beauty: Celebrating 40 Years at L’OCCITANE!

40 is the age of genius!

Almond Milk Concentrate body cream with its luxurious scent of the South.

Beauty – Foil Proof

Yes, beauty too.

Some reasons why you need to add this easy grocery staple to your daily routine:

Nothing like sourcing beautiful body care & fragrance products from beautiful locales where lives beautiful women with a knack for looking after themselves. Which brings me to this place:

And the best part is their story (I love a good story)….

They are unique and wonderful

We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?

Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

Soleil Blanc (above): A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!

Have you tried any of the products?

The universe works in mysterious ways

Doesn’t every woman love roses?

Designer products for your face

THE CONCENTRATE

40 is the age of genius!

Almond Milk Concentrate body cream with its luxurious scent of the South.

Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!