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  • Heed the Warning Signs: Alcoholism and its Effects

    Heed the Warning Signs: Alcoholism and its Effects

    Alcoholism is not a laughing matter. The symptoms can be hard to spot sometimes, whether in yourself or in a loved one, but they are deadly serious. Alcoholism can, and will, affect every aspect of the sufferers life, and can have residual effects that harm their loved ones, too. Today we’ll be looking at some of the biggest red flags that suggest the presence of alcoholism, or alcoholic tendencies.

    Remember, of course, that there’s a difference between enjoying a few drinks with friends and abusing alcohol. We’ll be going over these distinctions, as it’s common for sufferers to shrug off their drinking problem as simply “cutting loose” and “having fun.”

    Drinking Alone

    A person who consistently drinks alone may be suffering from alcoholism. It’s unusual to sit by oneself and drink, whether that’s just a few drinks to “take the edge off” or drinking to intoxication while alone. A strong, consistent desire to consume alcohol, even when there’s no one else around, is an indicator of alcoholism.

    This practice has been somewhat normalized by the image of someone just enjoying a single glass of wine or a can of beer. However, these little indulgences can lead to serious problems with alcohol abuse. When you’re alone, just grab a soda, or a water. There’s no need to drink just because you’ve got a free minute.

    Blacking Out

    Drinking until you’re “blackout drunk” is a very disorienting and unpleasant experience. Being “blackout drunk” means that you’re so inebriated that you will experience anterograde amnesia, forgetting many of the details of the night of drinking. This condition is also referred to as “blacking out,” and is, sadly, a goal for some binge-drinkers.

    Such behavior indicates a serious abuse of alcohol. If you or someone you know drinks to the point of blacking out, this is a red flag. Even when drinking socially, this much alcohol consumption is detrimental both to your physical health and your mental health.

    Mood Swings, Irritability

    Mood swings and irritability, as well as a general feeling of being hungover whenever not drinking, can be symptoms of alcohol dependency. People who abuse alcohol can develop severe physical dependencies on alcohol, and when they’re not drinking they feel feverish, nauseous, irritable and unwell.

    If you or someone you know seems to only be in a good mood when drinking, take heed of this red flag. A related symptom is mood swings that appear out of nowhere. One minute, the person seems happy and content, but the next they are inexplicably angry and irritated with their surroundings. This often follows nights of binge drinking and could be a symptom of alcohol dependency.

    Missing Responsibilities/Obligations

    Let’s not mince words: a person who is missing their obligations in order to drink, or because of being hungover from drinking, is an alcoholic. There are no shades of grey: if you’re calling out of work in order to sleep of a night of binge drinking, you’re suffering from alcoholism and need to seek help.

    If someone you love is consistently missing responsibilities and has little or no explanation as to why, they might be shirking their obligations to drink. Such situations can be incredibly awkward, as alcoholics can often become extremely defensive if confronted on their drinking habits.

    What to do

    Those who are suffering from alcoholism, or their loved ones, can often feel helpless in the face of the condition. However, there is help out there: alcoholism rehabilitation is available for sufferers. There are both in-patient and out-patient facilities, as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. The first step to confronting alcoholism, of course, is admitting that there is a problem. Only then can the sufferer seek help with their condition and get treatment.


  • Lemon Juice Cleanse: Is it Real? Does it Work?

    Lemon Juice Cleanse: Is it Real? Does it Work?

    Everyone’s heard of juice cleanses. Proponents of these juice cleanse (or “master cleanse”) diets proclaim that they help you to burn fat quickly, and that they somehow “cleanse” your system of residual “toxins”. The question we have is: are these the real deal? Do they actually work to help you lose weight, and do they really have these cleansing properties? Let’s look at the science behind these cleanse diets.

    Lemon Juice Cleanse

    The Diet

    First, let’s look at the diet in question and ask a few questions about it. Firstly, what is the diet? In short, the lemon juice cleanse is just that: a juice fast wherein the practitioner eats no solid food for ten days and ingests only a sweetened lemon juice concoction. This is pretty much par the course for any fast-based diet.

    There are also some variations on this diet that have you ingest saltwater and some laxative teas. These inclusions are ostensibly for the “cleanse” portion of the juice cleanse, though their efficacy is… debated, to put it nicely.

    Easing in and Out

    It’s not recommended that you just jump headlong into a liquid fast. Doing so would be very taxing on your system. Instead, start by cutting out processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, meat and dairy. (If you’re really down for long-term weight loss, stop here!) The next day, cut out solid foods and move to smoothies and broths. The day after, drink only orange juice and the lemon concoction.

    The Master Cleanse’s creators then recommend you stay on the diet for between 10 and 40 days, though there is no research to back up this time table. Reverse the way you eased into the cleanse when you’re finished, introducing other items back into your diet.

    Weight Loss

    For those wondering, yes, going without solid food for ten days is doable, and it’s not necessarily bad for you. However, it’s also not exactly good for you: regularly taking in vitamins and minerals and other nutrients is better than fasting. However, fasting is technically better for you than eating a bunch of junk food for ten days. That said, ideally, you should just be eating stuff that is good for you.

    In short, this diet is technically a good way to lose weight in the short term. This goes for any fasting: you’ll likely see pretty quick results, as your body goes into survival mode and starts burning your fat. Here’s the catch: without proper nutrition and exercise, when you start eating normal food again, you’re going to gain that weight back just as fast.

    Removing “Toxins”

    One of the biggest selling points of any “cleanse” diet is their claim to be able to remove “toxins” from your body. Here’s the thing: if there are toxins in your body, you’ve got problems that some lemon juice isn’t going to fix, you need to be in a hospital. Your body isn’t just loaded full of toxic gunk, even if you’re normally eating junk food. Your liver is really good at neutralizing toxins, and does so every day.

    In fact, the only diets that can purport to have any effect on toxins are those that bolster the liver’s ability to neutralize them. These diets tend to incorporate things like seaweed and cruciferous vegetables, and are largely backed by scientific research. “Cleanse” diets, on the other hand, have no such properties. They’re more accurately referred to as “juice fasts,” as they have no proven ability to cleanse the body of anything aside from a higher calorie intake.

    Should You do the Master Cleanse?

    No, probably not. It’s not very good for you, and you’ll probably just feel dizzy and gross for the duration. You might lose a few pounds from not eating anything, but then you’re going to gain that back when you get off of this crazy diet. Instead of this diet, consider just eating healthier foods and exercising! It’s a tried and true health routine.


  • What is the AARP? Facts and Benefits

    What is the AARP? Facts and Benefits

    You’ve certainly heard of the AARP, though you might not be sure what exactly the organization is. The name stands for American Association of Retired Persons, and they’re primarily known for their lobbying activities for older Americans. The organization is a non-profit, and it sports more than 38 million members. It’s a rather sizable lobbying force, and it offers a multitude of benefits to its considerable number of members.

    Originally founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, the modern AARP is derived from an earlier non-profit, the National Retired Teachers Association, or NRTA. Today, the NRTA still exists within the AARP, though it’s no longer the primary face of the organization. Today we’re looking at what exactly the AARP does, what it offers members, and whether joining is a good idea for you.

    Historical Overview

    The non-profit started as the NRTA in 1947, and was created by Ethel Percy Andrus. Andrus created the NRTA to promote her philosophy regarding productive aging, to destigmatize the experience of growing older. In 1958, in order to spread this philosophy further, Andrus opened the organization to all Americans over 50, thus creating the AARP.

    There has been some controversy over this version of events, however. In 1978, a 60 Minutes report claimed that the AARP was originally created by Leonard Davis, the founder of insurance agency Colonial Penn Group, and was primarily meant to advertise the insurance group to older Americans. Following the publication of this report, the AARP stopped offering Colonial Penn insurance plans, and switched to Prudential Financial. Whether this was spurred by the report or not is unclear.

    Non-Profit Status

    The AARP was the subject of another controversy in the 1990’s. During this period, Senate hearings spearheaded by Senate Republican Alan K. Simpson investigated the organization’s non-profit, tax-exempt status. While the organization retained its tax-exempt status following the hearings, Simpson stated he was still “troubled” by the committee’s findings and the AARP’s practices.

    According to the investigation, the committee did not find sufficient evidence that the AARP couldn’t be classified as a non-profit. Assertions that the organization existed primarily to sell insurance to members were found to be unproven, though the seeds of doubt were sown by these investigations. Simpson later described the AARP as “the greatest abuse of American generosity I witnessed in my time in the U.S. Senate”.

    Benefits for Members

    The majority of members of the AARP sign up in order to take advantage of the multitude of benefits the non-profit offers. Chief among these benefits is the free tax preparation service, which is a popular service used by over 2 million members every year. Retired persons often have incredibly complex tax returns due to their numerous assets and income sources, so it’s no surprise they would want help preparing their taxes.

    Another major benefits that members receive is the discount on insurance, including home, auto, life and health insurance discounts through a partnered agency. There are also discounts and benefits on travel packages, particularly cruises, that are offered to members. The AARP magazine distributed to members is the most-circulated publication in the US, as well, and is a major draw to joining.

    Membership

    Membership with the AARP is $16 per year at its base amount, though this number could be lower if you sign up for multiple years at once. In all, it’s not a lot for the number of discounts and benefits you get. The only requirement for members is that you’re over 50 years old.

    Really, the only thing holding anyone back from signing on as a member would be lingering concerns over their practices as a non-profit, which includes lobbying. Some people cite residual concerns from the 90’s era Senate hearings as a reason to not be a member. It’s up to you whether these concerns are enough to stop from signing up and enjoying the benefits.


  • Best States to Live in for Seniors: Where Should You Retire?

    Best States to Live in for Seniors: Where Should You Retire?

    When the time comes to retire, you want to make sure you’re living somewhere that is ideal for your lifestyle and is the best for your finances. There are a few historically popular places to retire to: Florida, Nevada, Arizona. But are these really the best places to live when you’re over 65? Today we’re looking at some of the best states to retire to, and which are less than ideal.

    Best States to Live in for Seniors

    South Dakota

    Oddly, South Dakota tops the list as best state for seniors to live in, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the state has a very low cost of living, due in large part to its incredibly low population density. The region is largely populated by smaller communities, marked by its flat expanses of land and generally quiet living in the region.

    The tax burden on retirees is rather low, which makes this a great pick for people looking to live in a quiet and inexpensive state. The weather is also quite consistent: while it may snow a bit more than some other states, the risk of things like tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes is negligible at best. In all, one of the most plain and “boring” states in the US is actually the best overall for retirees!

    Utah

    Another high-scoring state in terms of retiree living, Utah has many of the same features that South Dakota does. It’s got a low population density, a low crime rate, and few tax burdens for seniors. The high concentration of Mormons is actually partly to thank for the low crime rates: the religiously pious don’t tend to break into houses or hold up banks.

    Utah’s also got very stable and predictable weather, and is unlikely to be hit by extreme weather phenomena. While it’s not quite as quiet and distant as South Dakota, it can feel like the middle of nowhere if you live far from major cities. This, coupled with the relatively low amounts of traffic, makes Utah a prime choice for retirees to move to.

    Florida

    Florida often scores high on lists of best states to retire to. There’s a number of great reasons for this, though they’re a bit more counterbalanced than states like South Dakota or Utah. Florida has no state income tax, something that makes it a great state for retirees with lots of post-retirement income. It’s also got many retirement communities dedicated to providing a place for seniors who move to the region.

    One of Florida’s biggest drawbacks is also one of it’s best features to some people: the weather. It’s a sub-tropical regions (unless you’re in the Keys, then it’s just tropical!) and it experiences warm weather year-round. Other drawbacks to the Sunshine State include the crime rate, relatively high cost of living and high population density leading to heavy traffic in most regions.

    Arizona and Nevada

    Despite its reputation, Arizona scores lower on the list of retiree states than you might expect. Many polls and lists put it around 30th best state for seniors. This is due to a number of factors, but they often sound similar to the reasons that Florida isn’t as attractive as some other states. The same goes for Nevada, which often falls somewhere in the 41st to 43rd place in the list of best states for retirees.

    These states earned these low spots through their incredibly hot and arid weather, their heavy population density, and their crime rates. It’s worth noting that few retirees actually move after retiring: typically people retire in the very state they worked in, or closest to their family. However, if you’re looking to retire far from home, make sure you pick a state that’s ideal for seniors to live in.


  • Making Extra Money: Working a Side Hustle

    Making Extra Money: Working a Side Hustle

    Whether it’s a part-time job, a gig you pick up or just selling some of your old stuff, getting a side hustle can be a great way to make some extra money. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it can feel difficult to get ahead and get a break. If you’re looking for a way to break loose, consider some of these ways to get some extra cash in your pocket and help make your savings account swell. Let’s get our side hustle on.

    Side Hustle

    Gig Jobs

    One of the more straightforward side hustles out there is simply snapping up a gig job. These are often tied to some kind of app service, like Uber or GrubHub. Typically, these include work that you can turn on and turn off at will so you can squeeze in money-making between your normal day job. Jobs like this are ideal for people with less consistent schedules for their main job, such as people who work retail or work at restaurants and have no set schedules.

    It’s often best if you pick a gig job that is in your wheelhouse of skills. If you’re not a great driver, maybe you shouldn’t get into driving for Uber. If you don’t like dogs, maybe don’t go in for a dog-walking app job. In either case, you’re best served if you’re getting into a gig that makes best use of your skills.

    Selling Old Stuff

    Getting rid of your old stuff is a great way to make some quick cash in a pinch. Maybe you’ve got some old video games, or there’s a closet full of clothes you can part with. Often you’re able to make a quick buck by parting with this stuff.

    This goes double for people who are into pricier hobbies. For instance, if you really love painting models, maybe you’ve got some older models you’re not using anymore that you could part with on eBay. Car enthusiasts can often sell spare parts or even older car projects in order to make some cash on the fly.

    Getting a Roommate

    Maybe you don’t have stuff to sell, but you do have a spare room and don’t mind another person being around. You could rent out that room by getting a roommate and get a consistent stream of monthly income. If it’s someone you already know, this can also be a great way to be more social, as you’ll likely spend more time around another person.

    In either case, whether it’s someone you know or a stranger, you’ll want to draft up a roommate agreement that includes when they pay you, how much, and how disputes will be handled. Have them sign this before they move in to head off any potential issues that could show up down the road. The last thing you need is to feel like a prisoner in your own place because you’ve got a nightmare roommate and no recourse to make them pay up or get out of your house.

    Part-Time Job

    The most direct form of a side-hustle is just getting a night job. If you’ve got a consistent schedule for your day job that you can plan around, it’s easy enough to get a part-time job to work with you. Restaurants and bars especially can always use help during nights and weekends, and won’t mind you only working those hours.

    This is a great way to not only keep money flowing in, but also helps you to network even more. Maybe through working as a bartender you’ll meet someone who can get you an interview at their company. This might, in turn, net you a higher-paying job that will let you forego side hustles and more comfortably make ends meet!


  • Ways to Make Your Back Porch Fun This Summer

    Ways to Make Your Back Porch Fun This Summer

    When Summer rolls in, it’s time to have some people over to the back yard to enjoy the nice weather. Between pool parties, cook outs and just taking it easy and having a few drinks, you want your back porch to be a really popping place. Thankfully, we’ve got tons of tips on how to do just that. Let’s look at how you can make your back porch the best summer fun destination in town.

    Making Your Back Porch Fun

    Concrete Patio

    If you’re in need of a new porch to make your backyard parties that much better, consider getting a concrete patio paved in. These are great for a number of reasons. For one, they don’t require the same maintenance and upkeep as wooden porches. For another thing, they’re much more durable and will add a lot to the value of your home.

    On the flip side, the process of installing a concrete patio can be expensive, as well as time-consuming. That said, the end result is a great patio that will make your backyard more attractive and an even better destination for your friends to come visit.

    Patio Covering

    Consider getting your porch or patio covered and screened-in. While this might seem like an expensive ordeal, it’s a great option if you live somewhere with plentiful bugs and intense sunlight. A covered patio is more comfortable to spend the afternoon reclining in, and allows your guests to avoid the bugs and the hot sun.

    You can also install a large outdoor ceiling fan on a patio enclosure if you run power to it and make it sturdy enough. This makes your patio even more welcoming and comfortable. We recommend leaving an un-covered portion of your back patio, however, so you can grill out without having to be in the grass or far from your guests.

    Outdoor Furniture

    Finding the right outdoor furniture is important, but it gets much easier if you’ve got a patio covering. Often, you’ve got to compromise comfort for durability, when the furniture is going to be exposed to the elements. However, if your patio is covered, you can opt for more comfortable, if somewhat less durable, outdoor furniture.

    A nice swing, a cushioned bench, a glass-top table: these all make great, tasteful choices for your outdoor furniture. Another nice touch is a large outdoor rug to make the concrete floor of your patio feel more welcoming, especially to those in bare feet!

    Picking a Theme

    When you’re picking out colors and furniture, make sure you’ve got a theme you’re going with. If most of your outdoor patio has exposed wood grain and looks rustic, maybe a soft, modern-looking center table isn’t the best idea? Pick out a thematic through-line you’d like your patio to have, much the same way you do when decorating the rooms inside your home.

    Consider your outdoor patio essentially an extension of the rooms of your home. Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean it can’t look as great and put-together as the rest of your home! While considering this, you can also hang some wall art on the exterior wall facing your patio in order to make it feel more like a simple extension of your home, not an exterior afterthought.

    Conversations First

    Make sure you arrange your outdoor furniture in a way that is most conductive to hosting guests. And what do you do with guests? You have conversations! Set up your seating around a centerpiece, like a fire pit or nice center table, and make sure that everyone has a good view of everyone else. This helps the space convey its purpose: hosting your friends and enjoying the outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of your home.


  • Playa del Carmen: Caribbean Vacation Destination

    Playa del Carmen: Caribbean Vacation Destination

    When you think “beautiful Caribbean getaway,” you’re probably normally thinking about some island out in the middle of the ocean, right? There’s nothing wrong with that: Caribbean islands are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, there’s another stunning Caribbean destination you might be interested in. Playa del Carmen, a resort city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a place you should be considering for your next vacation.

    Playa del Carmen

    The City

    Located in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist areas. This is due in large part to its location on the gorgeous Caribbean coast, which offers stellar beachfront views and breathtaking natural sights. Another factor in the city’s popularity is its location along the Riviera Maya, a tourism route that cuts down along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

    This has, in turn, led to the city’s explosive population growth. As of 2019, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico in terms of population. Cruise ships in and around the Caribbean often use Playa del Carmen as a stop, docking at the nearby Calica docks near the quarry.

    Weather

    One of the biggest draws to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya in general, is the weather. The region is tropical, sporting sunny and warm weather year-round. It shares this in common with nearby Cancun, another extremely popular tourist destination. In relation to the surrounding towns, Playa del Carmen tends to get hotter weather on average than the other cities in the Riviera Maya, due to its position as southernmost town on that route.

    The region is somewhat insulated against hurricanes thanks to its location along the Southern region of Mexico. However, hurricanes like Wilma in 2005 have been known to hit the city and cause substantial damage. Thankfully, the region is usually at a lower risk for this kind of damage than areas like the Caribbean islands.

    Attractions

    As you might expect, the region’s gorgeous beaches and ample natural beauty make it a no-brainer for tourism. If you’re interested in visiting the area, there’s a lot to look forward to. The numerous five-star resort hotels are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plentiful nightlife, including clubs and bars, as well as numerous restaurants to sample the local cuisine.

    There are also countless entertainment venues for everything from concerts to burlesque shows. Whatever kind of entertainment you’d like to find in a Caribbean paradise town, you’re likely to find in Playa del Carmen. The Playacar complex is home to most of the resort hotels, and also is home to the world-renowned golf course. The campus is also home to residential developments like condos and apartments for those who want to call the resort town home.

    Visiting the City

    If you’re interested in visiting the region, there are a few ways you can do so. The first, and most straightforward, would be to simply book a vacation package. These can usually include airfare and your hotel stay, and often include a few fun activities in and around the city, too.

    Another option for those who just want to stop in briefly would be to visit the region as a stop on a Caribbean cruise. This will allow you to visit the port city for a day before striking back out to check out the other ample attractions in the region. Some cruises tour the Riviera Maya, stopping in at ports like Cancun. Others head out into the Caribbean Sea, visiting islands like Grand Turk, the Dominican and Puerto Rico. No matter which path you take, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the gorgeous region.


  • Best (and Worst) States for Retirement

    Best (and Worst) States for Retirement

    When it comes time to retire, that doesn’t mean you should have to give up your financial viability. In order to keep more of your retirement savings and income, you should look into moving to one of the more retirement-friendly states. Today we’re looking at two of the best states to retire to, and two of the worst states to retire to, and explaining what makes them earn their place on the list.

    Best and Worst Retirement States

    Notes on Retirement

    It’s worth noting that the vast majority of people in the US stay put when they retire. After all, most people have family and friends in the city they retire in, or they’re enjoying having a fully paid-off house in the region, so they have no real desire or need to move. However, some people simply want to find a nice place to live out their retirement years and don’t mind moving across country to get the best tax rates and locale for their golden years.

    On average, about 1.5% of retirees end up moving between the ages of 55 and 65. That’s a pretty small amount, statistically, though the practice isn’t exactly uncommon. Of course, there’s a glaring exception to this rule, but we’ll get to that shortly.

    Wyoming

    Wyoming is the second best state in the country for retirees for one simple reason: it’s got no personal income tax. This alone is enough to make it a major draw for retirees looking to keep more of their hard-earned money. That said, Wyoming is somewhat far from many major regions in the country, and is hardly the most metropolitan of states.

    Wyoming’s relative distance from big cities, beaches and the hustle and bustle of modern American life can be a draw for some people, however. It’s laid-back, rustic feel is exactly what some people what when they retire.

    Florida

    Far and away the biggest state for retirees, Florida has earned its “snowbird” reputation honestly. The state, like Wyoming, has no personal income tax, and it offers a distinctly different climate and atmosphere from the Midwest. Many retirees from New England love moving to Florida, both for the tax breaks they get as well as the sun, sand and beaches.

    Far and away, if a retired person is moving after they retire, they’re most likely moving to Florida. This has given certain communities in the state a reputation as being entirely for Northerners fleeing the harsh climate of the Northeast for the warm beaches and sun of the sub-tropical state.

    Worst States for Retirees

    One of the worst states for retirees, West Virginia has one of the nation’s lowest life expectancies, and it also has one of the nation’s largest concentrations of resident aged 65 and older. In spite of these seemingly contradictory facts, it’s even stranger to consider that West Virginia has the lowest percentage of workers aged 65 or older of any state in the country. In short, it’s not the sort of place you want to retire to.

    Another state to avoid as a retiree, Alabama has the absolute lowest life expectancy of any state in the US. A number of factors contribute to this, such as overall lower quality of life, worse medical coverage and worse education compared to other states in the US. However, it hardly makes the state one worth considering moving to.

    Finally, some other states that retirees tend to avoid include California and New York, as these states have some of the highest costs of living of any in the US. Also on that list are Hawaii, Connecticut and Alaska, which sport astronomical costs for housing and high taxes on income and sales tax.


  • How to Find the Best Makeup Foundation

    How to Find the Best Makeup Foundation

    Everyone who wears makeup knows the struggle of trying to find the right foundation for your skin. Getting the right color, the right contrast and the right material all at once can be incredibly difficult. After all, you don’t have unlimited time or money to try out every different foundation found at the store. Today, we’re helping you narrow it down with some of our top tips.

    Firstly, we’ll be looking at some of the most popular foundations. We’ll give an overview of price, availability, and what user reviews say about each entry. We hope this helps you find some foundation that will work well for you!

    Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

    Available at Macy’s for $50, this longwear foundation has a lot to offer for certain skin types. Those with facial scarring, uneven marks or similar skin conditions they might be self-conscious about will love this offering from NARS. The much-hyped release of this foundation speaks to how beloved it is by users, many of whom refer to it as a “must-have” beauty supply.

    The texture is described as “velvety” and “smooth,” and the coverage is quite even and provides a great base for makeup. The foundation is said to last for up to sixteen hours at a stretch, helping you to look great long into a big day full of activities. This foundation safely sits atop the heap, though it’s a bit on the pricey side.

    Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

    Coming in at a much lower price, this Bare Minerals foundation can be found at Macy’s for $31. If you want a nice, even coverage that looks great in any light, you often need to go with thicker or liquid-based foundations. However, this Bare Minerals foundation is light and applies very evenly and offers great coverage despite its light weight.

    For those with chronic acne or skin that’s prone to breaking out, consider this option. Since it’s so light but offers such robust coverage, it’s a favorite of people with more sensitive skin. It’s a great way to keep your skin from getting irritated or breaking out when you’re wanting to wear makeup and have the application look even and natural.

    Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation

    Have you ever worn a foundation that you could refer to as a “second skin?” That’s likely what you would refer to this Becca foundation as. Found at Dermstore, this Aqua Luminous foundation is unparalleled at mimicking the texture and feel of skin, while acting as a perfect underpinning for makeup. There’s a lot to love with this foundation, including the luminizers that help you keep an otherworldly glow even through a layer of foundation.

    Allowing your skin’s natural tones to shine through while still giving you a nice canvas for applying your makeup is a tight rope that this foundation walks expertly. If you’re a more advanced makeup user who likes to spend a lot of time getting your look perfect, this is the foundation for you. You can pick up this Perfecting Foundation at dermstore.com for $44.

    Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

    This foundation, from Rihanna’s own FENTY BEAUTY line, can be found at Sephora for $35. Bad Girl approved, this foundation offers smooth, even and perfectly-blending color that is hard to match with other foundations.

    A huge mark in favor of this foundation is the wide array of shades available, allowing everyone from the lightest skin tones to the darkest to find exactly the match for their skin. Nothing’s quite as big of a disappointment as finding a great product that just doesn’t have a shade that matches your skin tone.


  • Most Important Vitamins for Your Eyes

    Most Important Vitamins for Your Eyes

    Few organs have more impact on your daily interaction with the world than your eyes. You use them to take in visual information, which is one of the primary ways you gather information about the world around you. If you want to keep your vision sharp as the years go on, you’ll need to take care of your eyes. One of the main ways to do this is to take in the right kind of vitamins for your eyes!

    Vitamins for Good Eye Health

    Vitamin C

    Great for more than just fighting off scurvy, vitamin C plays an important role in your eye health. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect your cells, including the ones in your eye, from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals, despite their silly-sounding name, are quite harmful to your cells, as they are unstable molecules that can cause cell degradation.

    As such, antioxidants like vitamin C have a major role in to play in keeping your cells safe. As you get older your cells are exposed to more and more free radicals, and these can cause damage over time that can be long-lasting. That’s why having a diet high in citrus fruits, kale, broccoli, bell peppers and tropical fruits is important, as these are major sources of vitamin C.

    Vitamin A

    Vitamin A’s impact on your eyes is so great that you’ve likely already heard about this one just from common knowledge. This vitamin plays a vital role in helping your eyes maintain a clear cornea. Your cornea is the lining on the outside of your eye. As long as it remains clear and strong, your vision will also be clear and unclouded.

    Vitamin A also plays a role in helping your body develop rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a protein type that helps your eyes to make out details in lower light conditions. It’s difficult to develop vitamin A deficiency, but if you do, the first symptoms are night blindness. Eventually, vitamin A deficiency leads to blindness. To keep up a good vitamin A intake, eat lots of foods like sweet potatoes, bell peppers and pumpkins. Leafy greens are full of both vitamins A and E, making it a great dietary choice.

    Vitamin E

    Another major factor in eye health is the balance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Vitamin E helps to keep that regulation in check, allowing for your cells to be more protected against the harmful effects of free radicals, much like vitamin C. There is some evidence that holds that proper vitamin E intake is also vital in helping keep aging-related cataracts from developing.

    If you’re looking to get the right amount of vitamin E in your diet, the best way to do that is by getting a good amount of it in your diet. Vitamin E-rich foods include nuts, avocado and salmon. As mentioned above, leafy greens are full of vitamin E, making them some of the best eye-health-encouraging foods, pound for pound.

    B Vitamins

    Several B vitamins also play a major role in your eye health. Namely, B6, B9 and B12 all have a hand in regulating your eye health. Specifically, the mix of all three of these types of B vitamins helps to regulate your body’s levels of homocysteine, which is a protein that can lead to inflammation. Additionally, a high percentage of homocysteine in the body can lead to increased risk for the development of AMD, or age-related macular degeneration.

    However, it’s unclear whether intake of food items high in B vitamins has a notable impact on eye health. Studies so far have focused on the effects of vitamin supplements, which have proven impactful in clinical studies.