Apothecary Skincare and Aromatherapy from C.O. Bigelow

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Apothecary Skincare and Aromatherapy from C.O. Bigelow:

I am so excited to dive into a review of some C.O. Bigelow skincare and aromatherapy products! I have been a fan of their Rose Salve, Mentha Lip Shine, and Nightime Lip Balm for years. So, now I am excited to explore the line further! 

C.O. Bigelow is one of the oldest Apothecary brands around with a long history of great formulas. The line offers a huge variety of skincare, bath and body products, homeopathic remedies, hair, makeup, men's products, fragrances, tools, aromatherapy products, home scents, and even baby products! Today we are going to talk aromatherapy, perfume oils, and skincare as those are the items that I have recently had the opporutnity to try out. Let me just start out by saying that I am a huge fan and would love to explore the line even further! 

Skincare:

In addition to the C.O. Bigelow skincare line, the site also offers a few other skincare brands. I was able to try out the C.O. Bigelow Rosewater Tonic for review. 

C.O. Bigelow Rosewater Skin Tonic is infused with purifying witch hazel, hydrating rose extract and soothing chamomile. In addition, this balancing toner also contains exfoliating salicylic acid for a clean, clear complexion. I am a big fan of using witch hazel for a toner as it is anti-inflammatory and soothing. Plus, salicylic acid is a favorite ingredient in my skincare routine as it does work wonders to keep my skin clear. This toner is a nice 2nd step to my skincare routine on evenings that I do not use a retinol (as that does not mix well with salicylic acid). 

Price: $18

Perfume Oils:

C.O. Bigelow has a fantastic assortment of Perfume Oils. Perfume oils are not to be confused with essential oils. These are not essential oils. Rather, they are a pre-mixed fragrance in a carrier oil. So, they are not straight essential oils but they possibly have essential oils mixed in as part of the fragrance component. These blends can be directly applied to the skin to be worn as a fragrance. I got to try out both the Fresia and the Rose Fragrance oils. I like the lovely floral scent of these fragrance oils. You only need to dab a small amount on your skin. This will last you all day with no need to re-apply. I would really love to try their Vanilla fragrance oil next! The Perfume Oils retail for $15.00 each. Since it only takes a small amount, a bottle will last a long time. That is a tremendous value for a fragrance. 

Essential Oils:

As many of ya'll know, I am a big fan of essential oils. I am almost always diffusing oils in my home and I love making DIY bath and body products with Essential Oils. So, I am super excited that C.O. Bigelow sell essential oils! I was able to try out their Jasmine essential oil and I am so excited to finally add Jasmine to my EO collection! Jasmine is beautiful as a fragrance (mixed with a carrier oil or added to a lotion). In addition, Jasmine has amazing properties with indications for use as the following: antidepressant, antiseptic, emollient,  antispasmodic and sedative. Not to mention the aphrodisiac properties. This is a lovely uplifiting oil with a beautiful and complex scent. C.O. Bigelow has a huge assortment of Essential Oils available. I am really excited to explore their Essential Oils further as the quality is fanastic as is the assortment of offerings. 

Overall, I am super impressed with the Apothecary Skincare, Aromatherapy, and Perfume Oil products that I got to try out from C. O. Bigelow! 

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PMS Treatment During My Monthly Cycle: Relaxation Tips and Routine plus Pamprin!

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This post has been sponsored by the PRIMP Network. All opinions are my own.

Pampering Myself During My Monthly Cycle: 

Relaxation Tips and Routine, plus Pamprin! 

Hey girls! Y'all know how it goes...when it is "that time of the month", you can just feel crappy, right?!?! Bloating, irratibility, cramping, backaches, hormonal acne, increased sweating/odor, and more. Fun stuff, right, lol! ;) So, what is a girl to do? Personally, I like to take this time to really pamper and nuture myself. I think there are some key things that I do to feel better from the inside out during "that time of the month". So, I am excited to tell you a little bit about my monthly routine for when I have my cycle as well as some tips. 

Pampering Routine:

When I have my cycle, I certainly feel more exhausted and irriated in general. Plus, the bloating makes me feel like my clothes don't fit right and I just feel yucky in general in relation to my body. It is important for me to acknowledge that these things that are happening to my body are only temporary and to not dwell on any negatives about myself or my body during these times. Rather, I try to pamper myself instead. 

Bath with Essential Oil Products and Magnesium:

My favorite pampering routine is to take a nice bath in the evening, light some candles, play some music in the background and just soak for a bit in the tub. I will start off my relaxation routine by taking a Pamprin Maximum Strength or Pamprin Multi-Symptom, washing my face and applying a facial mask, and then taking my bath. 

A soothing bath can really help to alleviate any soreness and combats the increased odor and sweating that I get during that time as well. For a ultra theraputic bath, I like to include magnesium flakes or Epsom salts. These salts contain magnesium which absorb into the skin to promote relaxation and soothe soreness. Trust me, magnesium works and it is a mineral that we all need...especially during your monthly cycle! In addition to magnesium flakes or Epsom salts, I also like using bath oils, bubble baths, or bath/shower gel products that contain soothing Essential Oils. I really love the Kneipp bath products as they are natural, vegan, and packed with beneficial essential oils. I have used a varitey of products from this line and really love everything across the board. My newest additions to my bathtime routine from Kneipp are the Vitalizing Body Wash and the Pure Relaxation Bath Oil. So soothing and relaxing to use these. Plus, my skin feels super hydrated and smooth after my baths. 

Facial Mask:

To combat my increased facial oil and hormonal acne, I like to do facial masks to give my skin some intensive treatments. I either wash my face and apply a facial mask before my bath, or I apply my facial mask after my bath/or shower. I am constantly trying out new masks as facials are one of my favorite categories of beauty products! There are so many great masks, it is hard for me to choose favorites. Generally, I opt for clarifying/clay masks or soothing/hydrating gel or sheet masks. Sometimes I will layer a sheet mask after a clarifying mask so that I get the pore purification of a clay mask and then the soothing properites of the hydrating mask. I tend to break out during my monthly cycle. So, I almost always need to use a clarifying mud-based mask. Plus, when I increase my acne treatments, my skin gets more irriated from the active acne-fighters. So, a soothing and hydrating mask is a must, too. 

I am super excited about these new masks from Clean & Clear's Night Relaxing Collection of Products. The Night Relaxing Detox Clay Mask is a perfect treatment for my hormonal acne-prone skin. It really draws out the impurities in the skin and helps my skin to stay clear and feel clarified. The Night Relaxing Jelly Eye Sheet Mask is a super gentle partial sheet mask for the eye and forehead area. This mask has some fantastic moisturizing and soothing ingredients that are totally non-irritating which makes it perfect for my sensitive skin which gets dried out from acne treatments and prescription topicals. 

Fighting Pain, Bloating, Craming, and more with Pamprin: 

I find that the bloating and cramping during my monthly cycle are greatly alleviated by taking a Pamprin Multi-Symptom. Pamprin Multi-Symptom is not just pain. Pamprin Multi-Symptom contains three key active ingredients to fight a wide range of period-related complaints: an antihistamine to relieve irritability, a diuretic to fight against bloating and water weight gain, and a pain reliever to alleviate cramps, headaches, backaches, and muscular aches. So, I know that when I pop a Pamprin Multi-Symptom during my period that I am going to help to fight a multitude of period issues right off the bat. Pamprin is my go-to medicine for period related compaints as Pamprin helps to alleviate and cure ALL the pains of PMS! Plus, did you know that Pamprin Multi-Symptom is the same strength as Extra Strength Tylenol plus it has the added benefits of fighting against bloating and irritability? So, it really does more for me than just taking an Extra Strength Tylenol. 

Tea Time and Journaling:

Last, but not least, I like to follow up my bath with some tea time and journaling. Quiet time is very soothing for me. Taking time with the ritual of making and steeping tea and letting it cool while drinking it is a very soothing process. I just love trying new teas! I am particularly loving the Good Earth loose Peppermint Treat tea. It has not only delicious peppermint (my favorite herbal tea, btw), but also pink peppercorn, safflower petals, and white chocolate shavings. I have literally never seen white chocolate shavings in an herbal tea blend before. I think I even might have squealed when I opened up the tin to see the yummy chocolate, lol! I am a nut. I infuse this tea in my Bodum tea infuser for about 4-5 minutes. Then I just relax and enjoy my tea and do some journaling. I am really loving the Woodstock Dot Journal by Quiet Fox, a new imprint from Fox Chapel Publishing. The Woodstock anniversary journal appeals to my inner hippie and helps to provide some inspiration for my journaling. I like using this journal specifically for lists, images, and quotes to provide inspiration! 

What do you do to treat your PMS and to pamper yourself during your monthly cycle? I would love to hear! I just love using Pamprin and totally recommend it for PMS Treatment during your monthly cycle. 

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Fresh Aromatherapy for Your Summer Bathtime: Products from Kneipp

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Kneipp Fresh Aromatherapy for your Summer Baths:
Baths are my me-time. It is my excuse to escape my day's worries and chores and to have a little bit of relaxation and pampering time. Even during the heat of Summer, I enjoy a good bath. These aromatherapy bath products from Kneipp are a perfect addition to my bath. Plus, I love that these products are natural and that they contain beneficial essential oils!

Kneipp Products:
All products from Kneipp are vegan which means they don't contain any components of animal origin. Also the Kneipp product range has no paraffin, silicone or mineral oils included in their formulas.

To find out more about the awesome Kneipp Products that I am using in my bathtime routine, please click "read more" below!

Get Ready for Sleep with L'Occitane's NEW for Spring Relaxing Pillow Mist!

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Get Ready for Sleep with L'Occitane Relaxing Pillow Mist:

Sometimes it is just so hard to get a good night's sleep! There are so many reasons: Life stress, general insomnia, too much on my to-do list, and too much to do in the evenings. Sometimes it is just hard to get to bed on time and sometimes when I do, I just can't stop my mind fro over-thinking! 

Over the years of dealing with my boarderline insomnia, I have found a variety of ways to help encourage sleep! From diffusing sleep-inducing essential oils, to limiting screen time before bed, to applying magnesium lotion, listening to white noise, and using pillow mists: these little things really do make a difference and help me to relax before sleep! 

L'Occitane, one of my very favorite luxury skincare and body lines, has a fantastic NEW Pillow Mist! Relax with this 100% natural scent that is made of essential oils of lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange, and geranium. It is guaranteed to promote wellbeing and a good and relaxing night sleep! 

L’OCCITANE Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist:

Made with essential oils, this mist can be sprayed in your bedroom to create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being. The scent is 100% natural.The relaxing pillow mist contains the essential oils of lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium. It has been proven to be effective at creating a soothing sensation, conducive to a peaceful, relaxing night's sleep.

I find the scent of this L’OCCITANE Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist to be both fresh and soothing! I love that it is 100% natural, too. If I am going to spray something on my pillow (which my face will be pressed against all night), I certainly want it to be natural! The act of spraying this on my pillow every night is a nice little ritual. It is such a treat to myself to use such a luxurious spray at bedtime. I adore the scent and welcome the relaxation that it brings. The mist is super fine and it does not get my pillow nor sheets overly wet. I find the scent to be so soothing and stress-relieving! 

Retails for $20.00. 

L'Occitane's Aromachologie line consists of three categories of body care products: Relaxing, Revitalizing, and Rebalancing. Whenever possible, the formulas are made with naturally derived ingredients, and combine the benefits of botanical active ingredients with 100% natural aromas that have a revitalizing, soothing or rebalancing effect.

What do you do to relax at bedtime? I am always looking for tips! If you haven't already, you should check out this Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist from L'Occitane! 

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DIY Lemon Sugar Scrub and the Sparoom Aromafier from Vitamin Shoppe

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I have offically jumped on the Essential Oils bandwagon! I have been seriously exploring the world of Essential Oils over the past few weeks and I am totally hooked. From diffusing oils in my home, to applying topically, to making fun DIYs...there are so many ways to encorporate Essential Oils into your life! Not only do you get the amazing benefits of aromatherapy, but I really do believe there is a medicinal quality to Essential Oils. 

Lemon Sugar Scrub:
Lemon (and other citrus) essential oil is fabulous for improving your mood, purification, immune support, and cleaning. The scent is very invigorating and uplifting! I recently made this super easy Lemon Essential Oil sugar scrub with The Vitamin Shoppe's Lemon Essential Oil. It is super easy and fun to make. I like using this homemade scrub in the shower in the mornings for an invorgorating start to my day. Note: with any citrus Essential Oil, be sure to apply a SPF as citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity.

I am really impressed with both the quality and the scent of The Vitamin Shoppe's Essential Oils. For the quality and price point, you really can't beat it! My Lemon Essential oil from The Vitamin Shoppe is a huge 30 ml/1 fl oz bottle of 100% pure Essential Oil and it retails for $7.99.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw sugar
• ½ cup plnt™ Coconut Oil
• 8 drops of Vitamin Shoppe Lemon Essential Oil
• Use loofah for extra exfoliation
• Try applying it in the shower to easily wash off the scrub

Directions: Use sugar as the base then add in oils. Mix ingredients together and apply.

Lemon Essential Oil Counter Cleaner:
I have been using vinegar and water to clean my counters for years. Now that I am into essential oils, I can amp up my usual vinegar and water mixtures with naturally antibacterial essential oils like lemon essential oil.

Here is my Lemon Essential Oil Counter Cleaner recipe:
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
8 drops lemon essential oil

Add ingredients to a glass spray jar and shake up. 

More Ideas for Beauty DIY's:

DIY Recipes:

• dry scalp? apply a few drops of avocado oil to help restore moisture

• chapped lips? add a few drops of argan oil to brown sugar for an exfoliating lip scrub

• split ends? try a few drops of macadamia or argan oil in your hair

• dry skin? add 1 tbsp of coconut oil to your bath water, soak and enjoy!

• dry cuticles? rub a few drops of argan oil on your nail beds for a moisturizing treat

Sparoom Aromafier Fragrant Aromatherapy On-The-Go:
No essential oil experience is complete without a diffuser! Now, I do love using my plug in ultrasonic diffuser. However, a portable battery operated diffuser like the Sparoom is a total essential! I love that you can move it from room-to-room depending on where you are in your house. Plus, it is travel friendly! It is a compact little unit that really pumps out some great diffused aromatherapy! It has a pretty powerful battery operated fan (note: it also has a USB plug so you can run it from your computer, too).

The Sparoom Aromafier is my go-to diffuser for my kids' rooms and the play room. I like that I can set it out of reach (and not have to worry about plugging it into an outlet). I really enjoy diffusing uplifiting blends in this for my kids playtimes. Plus, when my kids are under the weather, I can put this in their rooms to diffuse healing aromatherapy overnight. I am thrilled with it! It is super easy to use. You literally just add a few drops to the removable pad and then turn the device on with a button. It is that easy! I highly recommend this portable diffuser. Plus, what a great deal! This mini diffuser retails for $10.49 at the Vitamin Shoppe.

I am constantly searching Pinterest for Essential Oil information and fun ideas for blends and diffusing as well as DIY Essential Oil projects. If you are not already following, please check out my Essential Oils Pinterest board. I add new pins to this category almost daily! ;) Also, be sure to comment below if you have a favorite Essential Oil DIY that you would love to share or a link to your blog with DIY recipes and Essential Oil ideas! :) 

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My Home Spa: Relax and Pamper with the Aroma Wrap

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Turn Your Home into a Spa with Aroma Wrap:
Nothing beats some Home-Spa relaxation time to beat stress and re-charge! I love just love "spa nights" at home. A warm bath, a facial mask, a cup of tea, and now...the Aroma Wrap!

Introducing the Aroma Wrap:
The Aroma Wrap is a spa-quality heated aromatherapy neck wrap. Aroma Wrap is unique as it allows you to customize your aromatherapy experience by combining your favorite essential oils with the therapeutic benefits of the wrap. How does this work? You just put your favorite essential oil on a cotton round and insert into the wrap.You can choose either using it for moist heat or for cold therapy. This wrap is great if you are just wanting to relax and soothe your muscles with the theraputic heat or cold; but also, it can be used for injury relief or for body aches.

To find out more about the Aroma Wrap, please click "read more" below! :)