Viori Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: My Review

Viori Shampoo and Conditioner Bar: My review

 As you all know, health and wellness are super important to me. Working out, spending time outdoors, and eating right are part of my daily routine. I also prioritize the health of my hair, especially now as I get older. After having three babies, ensuring my hair is strong, thick, and full has been a priority after dealing with postpartum hair loss. Not only has my hair changed from having kids, but also weather, stress, and general aging can take a toll.  I’ve realized there is simply no substitute for quality products that are going in/or on your body especially when it comes to beauty-Making sure you are using natural products that are healthy for your hair AND body. 

A few months ago, I heard great things about Viori shampoo & conditioner bars. I also knew they were being sold at Sephora (one of my fave beauty shops) which peaked my interest even more. I was super intrigued about the concept of using a bar for shampoo & conditioner and wanted to check it out. I heard many people had great results and I loved the idea behind the product- how the ingredients were of the highest quality, and also been used for many, many years with great success!  

So what exactly is Viori?

 Basically, in a nutshell, Viori is an all-natural Longsheng rice water shampoo bar that helps repair, moisturize, strengthen, and add shine to your hair! I know this is different to most traditional shampoo and conditioners, but trust me when you start using it, you’ll see a difference! 

 So, needless to say, I took the plunge and tried it out! This is the first time I’ve ever tried a “bar” for shampoo, so I wasn’t sure how it would feel. I LOVED it. My hair was super soft, stronger within a few weeks, and it’s super easy to use. It definitely was a little bit of a learning curve figuring out how much to use for your hair type but I feel like after a week or two I had a handle on exactly what my hair needed.

 Having extensions means I have to be ultra careful with my hair and Viori has been perfect! I feel like I have less breakage, and stronger and softer hair. I also love that it’s easy to travel with (no need to worry when flying with liquid restrictions). The bar lasts VERY long, which is also an added bonus.

 Not only do these smell amazing and come in the most adorable packaging, but they are cruelty free, ethically sourced & sulfate free. In addition, they are paraben free, ethical and sustainable! I love using products that are not only good for me, but for the earth as well. 

 All Viori products contain the same, ritually-prepared Longsheng rice water used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori works directly with the Red Yao to purchase their ancient rice at a premium. I love the tradition behind the product, and I think there is something to be said about a product that can make you feel good in numerous ways. I love their mission- and they even have proceeds going to Breast Cancer for the month of October.

 I definitely recommend this product- read up on it yourself and you will see how much other like myself are loving it! 

 To check out Viori shampoo & conditioner, click here! Use code ALEX10 to save on your order!

 Thank you to Viori for sponsoring this post. As Always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Xo

Alex

Self Care: Spring into Spring Skin with Raw Sugar Living

Self Care with Raw Sugar Living

Spring into spring skin with Raw Sugar Living

Thanks to Raw Sugar Living for sponsoring this post. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Self care can come in many forms- physical, mental, and spiritual. Being a mom of three, working full time, and having a blog makes it hard to schedule time to fill my own cup. Working out, listening to music, going for long walks, and taking baths are a few of the things I like to do to create “me time.”

I’ve always been in tune with my body and caring for my skin ever since I was a teenager. And while I don’t necessarily have lot of time to spend at a spa, there are several things I do at home that make me AND my skin feel great.

I recently started using Raw Sugar Living Whipped polish and their Sensitive Skin Ultra Nourishing Cold Pressed Lotion and I am obsessed with both of them! Over the winter, my skin can get dry and lack hydration so it is important that as the warmer temps near, I prioritize my skincare and get myself summer ready.

Raw Sugar Living’s Whipped polish is a gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin. It is a lightly scented lush blend made with Avocado oil for silky, well nourished skin. I absolutely adore the Green tea, Cucumber and aloe Vera scent. Using this has given my skin great results and its so easy to use- I apply the polish to my exfoliating glove, scrub, and rinse with warm water!

After using the Raw Sugar Living’s Whipped Polish, I like to apply the Raw Sugar Living’s Ultra Nourishing Cold Pressed Lotion. One of my favorite things about this lotion is that it is very light and not greasy. It hydrates my skin but isn’t sticky or heavy feeling. I also love that it is cold pressed!   This allows Raw Sugar Living to maintain the integrity of the plant, instead of trying to filter it down to one part. This means we experience all the pure and perfect benefits from the whole fruit! Raw Sugar preserves more of the nutrition, while delivering exceptionally pure, rich Essential Oils, Vitamins, Enzymes and Nutrients that nourishes your skin.

 Raw Sugar Living’s products are all free of sulfates and parabens, are vegan and animal cruelty free. I also love that they are environmentally friendly, with 25% of their packaging /bottles are made with Post Recycled Plastic. Most impressively, Raw Sugar Living has started The Raw Sugar Initiative to make the world a cleaner, healthier place. For every product you buy, Raw Sugar donates a bar of soap to a family in need. Visit RawSugarLiving.com to learn more about this amazing company and products and head to your local Wegmans to grab some of your own!

How do you practice self-care?

Xo

Alex

My Anti Aging Secret

Hello friends!

I’m so excited to be sharing an amazing product that has helped my skin SO much over the last few months! I don’t know about you, but now that I’m in my late 30’s looking after my skin has become one of my top priorities! Obviously things like staying out of the sun, eating right and drinking water, wearing SPF, and getting rest are all crucial to good skin, but there is a lot we can do to help slow the process of aging!

Over the last 6 weeks I’ve been using what is called the LumiSpa.

In a nutshell, Lumi Spa is a first-of-its-kind, dual-action skin care system that delivers dramatic skin renewal and deep-cleansing in a single treatment! Invented by Nu Skin and dermatologist tested, ageLOC LumiSpa is inspired by gene expression studies of skin protein production. The patent-pending, counter-rotating, pore-tightening action cleanses away dirt, oil, makeup and toxins. And with its medical-grade silicone surface, the Treatment Head moves at a precise frequency to promote dynamic, visible skin renewal for smoother looking, softer feeling skin after just one use.

I honestly can’t say enough about this product. I noticed a difference in my skin within one use, and after 4 uses my husband asked me what I was doing differently! It only takes 2 mins per day, removes all dirt and makeup, is waterproof, and rejuvinates your skin! You can also use it everyday- it is very gentle on your skin and the silicon head is designed to only slough/gently remove the dead dry skin cells and not disrupt the healthy skin cells underneath!

They offer a few different options for cleansers- I use the normal!

Here are a few Fast Facts about the Lumi-Spa:


• It is medical grade silicon so doesn’t cause micro tears in the skin like bristles brushes do! The jogging technique (micropulsing) helps stimulate cell renewal, increases blood flow, and promotes healthy skin cells.
​
• Dual oscillating so moves in different directions and it pushes dirt out of pores instead of spinning makeup deeper into skin or wiping it around.

•It is hypoallergenic- meaning it’s super clean and doesn’t harbor bacteria, and the deep cleansing motion which you can’t get with a standard cleanse will allow pores to shrink to their normal size.

• antimicrobial- has silver embedded in them - which means no living organism can live on it. This is what makes them so easy to clean as well👌🏼

This would make an incredible stocking stuffer or Christmas present! Trust me, you will love it!

You can purchase yours here!

Let me know if you guys have any questions about this!

xo

Alex

SelfCare Sunday: Summer Skin Care with @TULA

Summer Skin Care

Hey friends! Happy Sunday! I’m coming off the back of a quick trip down to NYC and it was SO good to get away and refresh even if it was only for 36 hours!

I wanted to touch base with you all to talk skincare! Although summer is more than halfway over and even though we are all eyeing fall ….I know we will have another month of hot, humid weather!

Summer can really take a toll on our skin: sun, swim, sweat & humidity (and in 2020, mask wearing) and wanted to share some of my favorite skincare tips and products for summer livin’.

1.     Stay out of the sun. I cannot stress this enough. I NEVER lay out, and if I am outside I have a minimum of sunglasses and SPF on to shield my eye area. I also wear hats a lot to protect my head and my neck (that area goes under the radar a lot) There are so many cute baseball hats as well as fashion hats to wear that can look cute AND keep your skin healthy.

2.     SPF, SPF, SPF. I wear SPF every single day, whether its 20 out, or 90 out. You would be surprised at the damage sun can do just being in your car driving to and from work!

3.     Hydrate: I drink so much water! Water is the key to helping your skin stay youthful and supple.

4.     Sleep: I do prioritize sleep as much as I can. I definitely don’t get as much as I’d like (especially the last few years, ha!) but sleep is where your skin rejuvenates. It can be tough as a parent, but I try to get around 7 hours a night!

Summer Skin

My skin is definitely different over the summer with the heat and humidity. I also tend to wear less makeup, because I hate sweating with it on and I want my skin to breathe! I try to cover my face with SPF, hats, and sunnies, but the reality is you will get some sun on your face and it will affect it!

As you all know, I rely on TULA skincare for all my skincare needs and I want to highlight which products are my go-tos in the summer months! #TULAPartner

For those of you who don’t know, TULA is a doctor-founded, clean & effective skincare and wellness brand built on the power of probiotics & superfoods. 100% of their products are formulated with probiotics & superfoods to feed your skin the good stuff™.

TULA also focuses on being healthy, not perfect & empowering our community to feel confident in the skin they’re in, which I can 100% get behind! #embraceyourskin.

1.     TULA SPF: Lucky for me (and you!), TULA now has a SPF and guys…it’s a game changer. It’s light, protects against UVB and UVA, smells good, doesn’t clog your pores, and lasts all day. This broad spectrum sunscreen that provides daily SPF 30 plus protection from damaging pollution & blue light—a must have for indoors & outdoors. Leaves a gorgeous glow that wears well under makeup or on its own. On top of that, it is incredibly affordable! I used to use a high end expensive brand for SPF and I genuinely like my TULA better.

2.     Face Filter: I use this product on a daily basis. This blurring & moisturizing primer instantly smooths the look of uneven skin tone & redness for a “filter” like finish. Probiotics & superfoods like licorice & chia seeds help balance & nourish skin.  If I’m not wearing makeup, its usually my last step and it helps blur out any imperfections. If I’m wearing makeup, I use this before I put my primer and foundation on!

3.     Day and Night cream: I use this cream on a daily basis and I love how light it is on my skin. Its incredibly versatile (can be used day or night) and I love that I only need one cream for my skin.

4.     Courtney Shields Glow Hour eye balm: If you guys follow me on IG, you know that I love the glow and get it eye balm by TULA. Courtney Shields just recently did a collab with TULA and launched a different eye balm and I’m obsessed with it. It helps take away under eye circles, and gives a little brightness to your face (which is much needed especially if you’re a mom). Grapefruit & algae brighten the look of tired eyes while lingonberry protects from the damaging effects of blue light. Each swipe cools, hydrates, luminates & transports you to the magical time of day that is glow hour. I also love how compact it is and you can literally bring it with you in a small handbag!

5.     Last but certainly not least ….the cult classic. This is the first product I tried from TULA and its my favorite. The Purifying Face Cleanser is a refreshing probiotic gel cleanser that goes deep into pores to remove impurities. Probiotics + superfoods help condition skin without stripping or over-drying. This cleanser takes all of your makeup off, and hydrates my skin like no other cleanser has before!

 I know that if you guys try TULA, you will LOVE it.

You can use my code “SAHLEN2” to save 15% on your order whether its your first order or 100th order!

Thanks to TULA for gifting me these products. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Xo

Alex

#SELFCARE with TULA

#SELFCARE with TULA

Chances are that right now you have a little bit more time on your hands because…... #quarantinelife.

There’s no better time than now to prioritize self care (whatever that looks like for you: Eating right, working out, meditating, reading, Taking time out for yourself….)

I know at the top of my list when it comes to self care is SKINCARE. You can do so much right .. eat the right foods, drink lots of water, stay out of the sun... but if your skin isn’t hydrated with the right products, it won’t be happy! Happy skin= happy life, amirite?!!! 

Let’s flashback real quick to about 18 months ago- I was actually in the market for a new skincare line that was affordable AND good quality. I like to think I look after my skin pretty well - I stay out of the sun, use SPF, drink lots of water and eat well. Although, I’m not going to lie getting that 8 hours of sleep over the last 6 years has been hit or miss having 3 babies LOL but I think I tick most of the “happy skin” boxes. Anyway, I’ve become more and more careful with what I put on my skin for health reasons AND because I want to look younger and healthy! (who doesn’t?!!). I had been using La Mer but it is sooo expensive and honestly I felt like my skin needed something different. I kept hearing about TULA from a blogger I followed. Most of the items she recommended were really good, so... I went for it. 

Verdict? I LOVED it.

Honestly and truly, I love TULA. My skin has never felt so good since I started with their products! And just a side note, I started using their products LONG before I recently partnered with them through my social media channels & blog!! 

The biggest difference I’ve noticed in my skin is how hydrated it is, and how much brighter it is! Whenever I used to go get a facial pre-TULA, the esthetician would tell me how dry my skin was. Now, they actually make comments about how hydrated my skin is (even in winter & through pregnancy which can wreak havoc on your skin!) 

Why is TULA different than any other skincare line?

What makes Tula different from other skincare companies is that all of their products are probiotic based, meaning that their products are made with good bacteria that is naturally found in our bodies. The probiotics that we take to calm our stomachs,  are also good for our skin. 

Probiotics promote balanced skin and lock in moisture for hydrated and less inflamed skin. They also target anti-aging.

As you guys know, what is in the product is JUST as important to me as how it works. In addition to probiotics, Tula products are also made with blueberries, turmeric, AHA’s, retinol (Vitamin A), and Vitamin C. They are also 100% free from phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrolatum, gluten, and mineral oil. They are also cruelty free. This line of skincare is literally as clean as it can get. You can read more details on Tula’s ingredients, here.

My favorite TULA products

When ordering, be sure to use my code “SAHLEN2” to save 15%!

OK…now for the lowdown on my favorite TULA products! Make sure you use my code “SAHLEN2” to save 15% on your order on the TULA website.

Purifying Cleanser: If I had to pick one product for you to buy..this would be it! This stuff is the holy GRAIL. I actually know a few men who have sensitive skin who use this as well! The Purifying Face Cleanser is a refreshing probiotic gel cleanser that goes deep into pores to remove impurities. Probiotics + superfoods help condition skin without stripping or over-drying. I use this every night before I go to bed and I have NEVER had a cleanser that takes off makeup like this does without drying my skin!

Hydrating Day & Night Cream: I LOVE this cream. Super Hydrating, light but not greasy! One of my favorite things about this cream is it DOES IT ALL! Day OR NIGHT!!! This cream is packed with naturally derived probiotics & superfoods and delivers deep hydration, firms skin & improves look of fine lines & wrinkles. Skin is left looking more even & glowing. Yes, PLEASE.

Toner: This is a product that I have just recently started using! The aestitician actually recommended that I use a toner to protect my skin & I love this! TULA’s toner is alcohol-free and uses probiotics, glycolic acid, and beetroot extract to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it looking smooth, hydrated and more even.

Rose Glow Eye Balm: This is hands down my my second favorite product and is a MUST for any mom! This product brightens under your eyes and works wonders making you look like you had a great nights sleep! This eye balm has caffeine, aloe, blueberry & hyaluronic acid), plus the addition of rosehip oil (a plant-based retinol alternative) & hydrating rosewater so you feel instantly energized, awake & ready to glow.

Revitalizing Eye Cream: I use this day and night! This rich probiotic and squalene-infused cream hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

Exfoliating sugar Scrub: Exfoliating your skin is super important and this scrub is THE BEST. I just started using it and my skin was so soft after using it the first time! I use this 2-3 times a week. Its packed with healthy ingredients like sugar, a natural exfoliant that dissolves in water, as well as papaya and pineapple, which contain naturally occurring enzymes to chemically exfoliate the skin.

Balanced Beauty Gummies: Last but not least…the newest TULA product just launched is their Biotin and folic acid berry blend gummy vitamin that supports healthy skin & promote hair & nail growth, while probiotics & prebiotics aim to help calm bloating by improving the natural balance of the digestive system. FIRST…these taste amazing. SECOND. I noticed more growth while taking these the past month as I have postpartum hair growing back! These are the real deal! These are all natural & vegan gummy ingredients. Formulated by a doctor without gluten & soy. No preservatives, no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

Also….for those who are scared to spend money and that it won’t work for them… try this discovery pack and you can try everything out for under $50 with my code “SAHLEN2”.

They have a ton of value packs to to check out! These make a great Mother’s day gift too!

If you guys have any questions about any of the products, please feel free to reach out to me via email or message on Instagram @alexsahlen2!

Thanks to TULA for gifting these products! All thoughts and opinions as always, are my own!

xo

Alex

HBD!! Getting Older is a mindset....

I’m sitting here on the morning of my 36th birthday, and I probably should still be sleeping. Its a rainy, dreary morning but I have so many thoughts on my birthday so here I am!

Its funny when you’re a kid and you think there’s this “cut-off” age where you become old. Like..35 or 40 or whatever it is.

But when you actually hit that age, you don’t even actually feel old. lol, I guess in my mind age is just a number, and if you look after yourself you’ll feel, look and even act younger. I can’t really say that it bothers me like it does some people. Obviously I’m aware of it, ((and sometimes I think about it more than others)) but its all part of life!! I think back to 10 years ago and there’s certain things I’d take from my 25 year old body but I love my experience and wisdom so much more! Don’t get me wrong, there are some days where I totally feel my age (especially when pregnant or newly postpartum), or have days when I look in the mirror and don’t love what I see, but I’ve honestly have had people in my gym ask me “what sport I play” (ie. in college…LOL…umm I graduated like 15 years ago) and some that can’t believe I have kids because I don’t look old enough and am so fit…and thats what I remind myself when I have a negative day!

Today, in honor of my 36th birthday I thought I would share 6 ways I really look after myself to not only feel young (read: energy), but look younger as well. In addition I’m sharing 3 of my favorite memories from this past year!

6 non negotiables on looking after yourself & the aging process

1. Sleep. Obviously this is a tough one if you are a mom (or parent). But, once the newborn/first year stage is over with I always make sleep a priority and try to get at least 7 hours a night no matter what is going on. Sometimes its hard to look away when you see laundry, dishes, etc. but that sleep will help repair your body, skin, and brain. Everything else will be there when you get up.

2. Exercise: You all know I love to stay active and workout…and that could vary from a 30 min walk with the kids to a run, or a lift! But moving helps my body look and feel SO MUCH younger. Start with small goals- don’t try and change your whole life. Add more movement 1 or 2 days a week and gradually increase. Everything in life is a habit and after 3 or 4 weeks you’ll find the habit has stuck more often than not. I love these pegasus Nike shoes, these zella live in leggings to run around in all day, my Apple ipods (so great for working out), and my Apple watch. I’ve also had a Fit bit and have enjoyed that as well!

3. Nutrition: I never grew up loving salads, fish, sweet potatoes, or vegetables. I ACQUIRED a taste for them because it is what makes my body feel good, and I want to live a long time! So, if I can do it, so can you! Change is hard, but we can do hard things ladies!!

   Change your mindset about eating and you’ll find you have more energy eating for alllll of the things! Eat vegetables, whole foods, etc. Give it time for you to start to accept it in your palette! And of course add in pizza and treats every now and again…remember that 80-20 rule :)

4. Water: I’m sure you’ve read this a thousand times, but drinking enough water affects your complexion, how you feel, and how your body functions. I can tell you with certainty that 95% of the time I have a headache its due to lack of water because I’ve been busy. I drink a couple glasses of water instead of reaching for medicine to “fix” my headache. Trust me. Drink your water! This is my favorite water bottle- keeps water cool for up to 24 hrs and is super cute. Can’t go wrong with Swell water bottles, great quality and make great gifts as well.

5. Stay out of the Sun: This is one that I probably have to thank my mom. I honestly was shielded as a kid lol- hat, so much sunscreen, stayed in the shade (I used to get sick in the sun!!) Nowadays I see young college students with more forehead wrinkles than me and it makes me so sad. Stay out of the sun and use SPF! I use SPF 30 even in the winter on my face, and wear hats in the summer to shield my face as well as SPF 50.

   There are so many great self tanners out there these days that you can use in your own home! I definitely hit up tanning beds after years of being covered up when I was a kid (I am super fair) which I completely regret but fingers crossed that into my mid-20s through now I have been super sun smart that I’ll be okay. Obviously you want to be sun smart because of cancer risks, but also think of your skin & aging! I’ve linked my favorite SPF’s from La Mer- the SPF 50 and the La Mer SPF 30 (use mostly in winter), as well as my favorite self tanners: Josie Maran & gradual self tanner Banana Boat. I use Josie Maran all the time and the gradual self tanner is really great too- I just started using that as well. Love this Lululemon hat & this Nike hat to keep your face out of the sun!

6. Mindset. I spoke about this briefly already but honestly I don’t “dread” my birthdays. I’m proud of who I am, how I look because I work hard at it, and look after myself so I have a lot of energy and don’t feel too much different than when I was 19. Both of my post baby bodies were fitter and leaner than when I was 19 (and I am determined to get there after my last baby!), and I’m a lot smarter, more experienced and stronger. Everything in life is mindset!

Goodbye 35….3 of my favorite memories this past year

1. Hitting up NYC for my birthday last year and taking a helicopter over the city. That was definitely one for the bucket list, and it was amazing to get away for 30 hours away from the crazy life of parenthood just the two of us!

2. Our family vaca to Hawaii: As stressful as it was traveling that far, it was awesome to have a family trip and catch up with family we haven’t seen from Aus/NZ. Seeing the boys connect with their cousins was amazing and we really had a great time. A trip I definitely won’t forget.

3. Finding out about Baby3: This was obviously a surprise, and initially we had mixed reactions but I think God had his plan for us and we are more than excited to meet this little guy!

Below I have listed some of my favorite products for my skin, staying healthy & active!

Thanks for reading & Hope you all have a great day!! xo

Alex