Conversations with a Yogi: An Interview with Yara Barqawi

When thinking of a beauty regimen, moisturizers, serums, and face creams are likely the first things that come to mind. While there are existing products containing chemicals that can enhance the appearance of your skin, many often contain harsh ingredients that could lead to adverse results in the long run. However, one of the secrets to healthy-looking skin lies in adopting holistic habits that nurture both your skin and body.  For today's blog, we'll share 5 tips to help you achieve a radiant complexion.  Soaking in the Sun The Sun is an excellent source of vitamin D and a vital source of energy that boosts both the immune system and overall well-being. What could be better than enjoying the sunshine and basking in the warmth of the sun's rays? Of course, there's always the concern of overexposure, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. In fact, about 80% of visible aging on the face is due to UV exposure. Don’t worry, there is a solution! Use a chemical free sunscreen made with Zinc Oxide to protect yourself from prolonged UV exposure. Why Zinc oxide? Zinc Oxide acts as a physical barrier, reflecting both UVA and UVB rays, to provide broad-spectrum sun protection while also preventing water loss keeping the skin hydrated.   Stay Hydrated We all know water is good for us, and that our bodies are about 70% of water. So why do we often forget to drink enough of it? Making a habit of drinking water first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed has amazing benefits! While drinking water doesn’t directly moisturize your skin, it improves digestion, improves bowel movement, helps your body flush out toxins, reduces puffiness, and improves blood flow, which can give your skin a clearer and more youthful look.    Sweet but Dangerous Sweets are everyone's weakness! We all know that it is very hard to resist a chocolate cake, a cheesecake or a simple chocolate bar. However, eating in moderation of sugar added foods is key to good health. Why is sugar so bad? Research has shown that Excess sugar attaches to proteins in your bloodstream that travel to all cells in your body. When they reach skin cells, they damage collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity. Over time, this damage can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin, diminishing its youthful appearance.   Stay Active There are many ways to stay active: A fast walk outdoors, a bicycle ride, going to a dance class or simply going to the gym! Regular physical activity can improve your overall health by boosting blood circulation, muscle strength. Exercise pumps more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues which nourishes your skin cells and promotes repair, giving your skin a natural, healthy glow. So let's Stay Active!   Smoking  Heavy Smoking is damaging to your health, it hurts your lungs and it damages your skin.  What are the long-term effects of smoking? Cigarettes contain chemicals that are toxic to skin cells. They reduce blood flow, leaving your skin looking dull and tired. Smoking also breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and plump, leading to accelerated aging. With the rise of alternative smoking tools, it's important to stay informed about their harmful effects.   The Wise Choice Some skincare products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate and damage your skin over time. It’s better to go for natural, gentle options. If you’re unsure about what’s best for your skin, talking to a dermatologist can help. If you’re looking for clean skincare products, check out our collection, where you’ll find a range of chemical-free, organic beauty essentials.    The Bottom Line  Not all skincare products are created equally in the lab; some prioritize quick but short-lasting effects while others prioritize a lifestyle long term change. Opt for natural and organic options that nourish your skin without the harsh side effects. Check out our carefully selected range of products, designed to refresh and uplift your skin’s natural beauty.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to take care of yourself -- here at Beautillicious, we believe that self-care should always be within reach! That’s why we are committed to making beauty sustainable, without sacrificing quality or affordability. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup maven or a complete beauty newbie, there are many ways to be beautiful and eco-conscious with your routine. In this article, we will dive into sustainable ways of being kind to your wallet, your skin, and most importantly the planet. The 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – serve as a brilliant rule of thumb to guide us throughout this journey. Let's explore how these principles can be applied to your beauty routine. Reduce First Go Through What You Already Have: When you start thinking about purchasing a different product, check what you already have in your beauty shelf. Repurposing old containers also helps curb mindless consumption, encouraging more thoughtful and sustainable habits. Minimalist Mindset: Resist the urge to buy every trendy product that hits the shelves. By adopting a more mindful approach to consumption, you can make your routine flow smoother by focusing on products that serve multiple purposes, which reduces the need for a multitude of items and minimizing clutter. A clutter-free space and a simplified routine can foster a sense of calm and serenity, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in your life. Reuse Ditch Disposables: Swap out cotton pads for reusable ones (made from bamboo or microfiber) for removing makeup. These eco-friendly alternatives are designed to wash and rinse clean, making them reusable hundreds of times and significantly reducing the amount of waste generated by disposable cotton rounds. By making this seemingly miniscule decision, you can enjoy the benefits of a gentle makeup removal process while also contributing to a more sustainable future. Refill Revolution: Many brands now offer refillable packaging for their products, which is a good move for both the environment and your wallet. By choosing to re-love products instead of buying new ones, you can significantly reduce your contributions to plastic waste. This approach not only slows down the generation of unnecessary waste, but also helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint of production. Get Crafty: Repurpose old containers for DIY beauty treatments or to store cotton swabs and makeup brushes. With a bit of creativity and just a touch of your own flair, you can transform these containers into unique AND functional pieces that add the spark you never knew you needed to your beauty routine. Glass jars, metal tins, and wooden boxes are the perfect canvases to customize as either decorative pieces or repurposed containers due to their durability – plus, they’re easy to clean! Recycle Recycle Right: Many small items, such as lipstick tubes, eyeshadow pots, and mascara wands, often can't be recycled through regular recycling programs. These small-format containers are typically screened out or caught in the disposal stream at recycling facilities, making it difficult for sorting machines to detect them. However, many brands offer their own recycling programs specifically for these small items. We encourage you to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept small-format containers and also visit the websites of your favorite brands to learn more about their recycling programs. Remember, recycling isn't just for beauty product packages - make it a habit to recycle everything you can! By taking this initiative, you contribute to conserving natural resources and promoting a more environmentally-friendly future. Feeling inspired by natural, sustainable beauty? Look no further than Beautillicious! We offer a curated selection of natural, organic, and cruelty-free beauty products that are kind to both your skin and the environment. Our packaging is made partly from recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable, ensuring that your beauty routine doesn’t contribute to environmental waste. We take pride in using clean, eco-friendly ingredients that are not harmful to the environment, providing you with effective beauty solutions that are safe for you and the planet. Discover our collection of sustainable essentials today and experience the difference! Each product is thoughtfully designed to meet your beauty needs while promoting a greener future.

St. John's Wort is a medicinal plant known for its skin healing properties. It soothes wounds, reduces inflammation from insect bites, eases eczema and burns, and boosts collagen production to reduce wrinkles.