Month: January 2020

Top 8 Makeup Trends that are Hot in 2020

As the years pass by, the makeup trends also keep changing. The makeup looks you knew existed a few years back are considered outdated now. We have listed here the top 8 makeup trends that are hot this year;

1. Glass Skin

This trend is a favorite of many celebrities as it gives you a glowing skin that shines from within which can be achieved by just applying a mixture of moisturizer, oils and cream highlighter evenly on your face before foundation. Then use setting powder only in certain areas of the face just to make sure that the skin does not look too oily.

2. Fluffy Full Brows

Gone are the days when maintaining a perfectly shaped eyebrow was in trends. As imperfection has become the new trend so is fluffy full eyebrows. Using a brow pen is not banned but just apply it to the natural eyebrow line rather than drawing on your brows. Use a brow brush to fluff up the brows to make your brow look fuller.

3. Floating Eyeliner

This is also a new trend you will find on social media where the eyeliner is not drawn where it should be but a little above the eyelid which gives the effect as if the eyeliner is floating. You can use different color shades to draw this type of eyeliner and it will look unique.

4. Subtle Eyes

The latest trend is to not be really harsh with your eye makeup but keep it soft with the use of a pastel-colored eyeshadow and apply it on your eyelid using a blending brush to just create a softer look around your eyes.

5. Neutral Tone

To make your makeup look fresh, stick to neutral colors that match your skin tone. Focus on making your skin look flawless rather than adding too many colors to your finished look. You can pop up light tones of colors or your eyes and use a tinge of blush as well but do not overdo it.

6. Color Pop

A complete opposite trend that is also equally gaining popularity is using two different vivid shades and experimenting with them such as using a popping blue eye shadow along with orange lips. Such popping shades will instantaneously catch the eyes of the crowd and make you look fun and gorgeous.

7. Blush Statement

You can also make a statement by using a popping pink or coral blush on the apples of your cheeks. Make sure that your look is not at all subtle as the color should look vivid and visible. You can also continue the blush towards the temple and diffuse it with your eyeshadow which will definitely make a big fashion statement.

8. Glitter

As the makeup trends are getting bolder, the use of textures is also in this year as makeup artists incorporate glitter and crystals in their look, mostly around the eyes, making you look glamourous.

The Bottom Line

The makeup trends may change but the basics never do hence if you aspire to do professional makeup then getting a formal education from Makeup school Copenhagen is necessary so that you are thorough with the makeup basics.

As the trends change really quickly, especially in today’s era when everything trends on social media platforms hence keep yourself updated with the latest makeup trends by following reputed make-up artists and influencers so that you are never left behind.

Planning to Diet? Here Are the Top Recommended Diet Plans

Whether you want to lose weight, manage your diabetes, reduce the risk of deadly diseases, or achieve overall good physical and mental health, you’ve now decided to embark on the journey to salubrious living. And a good diet plan is the key element in the grand scheme of healthy living. 

But which diet plan to go for? With Spectrum Internet Service, it’s so easy to access different types of diets available on the web and apps, all claiming to make you healthy as a horse. However, such exceeding variety would even confuse a saint. Moreover, a diet plan must be chosen with care as not all of them will suit your constitution, and some may even have drastic consequences for your health. 

So for your convenience, here’s a list of scientifically-backed dietary plans that actually work. 

1. Ketogenic Diet

If you follow any food blogger or celeb dietitian, chances are you must have heard of the ketogenic diet, which is all the rage these days. And all that attention is warranted since its unusual high-fat and low-carb composition works towards reducing some significant pounds. 

The diet spurs Ketosis in the body, a process when the body cannot find enough glucose for fuel; it attacks the fat via a newly created substance called Ketones. 

As per various studies, a Keto diet has myriad health benefits along with increased defense against cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy. However, people with certain medical conditions need to consult a certified dietitian or doctor as the diet raises ketones level, which exacerbates type 1 diabetes and sometimes type 2 as well.  So while making a meal plan, exercise caution. 

Similarly, the Atkins diet is another low-carb and high-fat diet. However, unlike Keto, it gradually hikes up the carb intake.

2. Paleo Diet

This diet takes you back to the Paleolithic era when our predecessors used to hunt and gather food such as lean meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and the oil extracted from fruits and nuts. 

The diet avoids anything of the contemporary variety such as processed foods, grains, refined sugar, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, margarine, soft drinks, vegetable oils, and trans fats; as it operates on the belief that human body hasn’t evolved much and non-paleo foods are one of the causes of modern diseases. 

Studies have linked weight loss to the paleo diet along with its more satiating nature than other low-fat diets. See the best meal deliveries with paleo pros.

3. Zone Diet

This diet aims to bring your body in a ‘Zone’, where your diet-induced inflammation goes down. The aim is to shed excess body fat, perform well, better cognition, and long-term wellness. 

The Zone Diet recommends adhering to a specific ratio of 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbohydrates on your plate. 

You could acquire your protein from fish, poultry, egg white, lean beef, or low-fat dairy; for fat, go for nuts, olive oil, avocado, or peanut butter; and for carbs, veggies, legumes, and fruits would do.

You’ll not see immediate changes in your weight scale, but your body begins to tone. Moreover, it’s not muscle or water weight you lose, but actual fat. The Zone Diet has proven to be quite successful in managing diabetes and revert pre-diabetes prognosis. 

There are two ways to follow the Zone diet: Hand-Eye Method and Zone Food Block Method. 

4. Mediterranean Diet

The Italian and Greek folks are quite a healthy lot. What they eat came to attention in the 1960s when studies showed fewer deaths in the Mediterranean arena due to coronary heart diseases. Imagine the amount of interest it would have garnered when further research linked it to weight loss.

Mediterranean diet is not like other stringent military-grade diet plans. As different countries across the Mediterranean had varying cooking styles; however, the principle is the same, which places a lot of emphasis on the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, legumes, nuts, bread, herbs, spices, potatoes, fish, and extra virgin olive oil. 

What they don’t emphasize are added sugars, sugary beverages, refined grains and oils, processed meat and any highly-processed foods. Moreover, this diet is not fond of red meat either. 

You could design a meal plan around these items, and of course, like any dietary plan, a low-to-moderate consumption is essential. 

Beauty with Ethical Credentials – Toxic Free Nail Polish

 

In today’s worrying climate (pun sadly intended) every little helps. With icebergs melting, glaciers vanishing and the ozone hole growing ever larger, the world is a scary place to live.

But, there are some shining lights, it’s not all doom and gloom. Big brands are starting to sit up and listen, producing increasing amounts of eco-friendly products. From electric vehicles and baby diapers to kitchenware and make-up, everyone, it seems, is slowly getting on board. 

Nail polish, too, is becoming eco-friendly in its approach, and many brands are eliminating the worst of the toxic ingredients, which is good for the planet and great for our health. 

What is in nail polish?

Mentioned somewhere in the ingredients list on the majority of eco-friendly nail polishes are the Big Three: 

Dibutyl Phthalate 

This is a known carcinogen, commonly found in products that require a plasticizer. Household paint, plastics as well as nail polish all contain this. In animal tests, it has been shown to cause nausea, sore weeping eyes, skin irritation and, in some cases, can affect the reproductive system. Recognized as an ‘endocrine disrupter’, upon contact with the environment, studies show it can enter watercourses, causing hormonal changes to fish, amphibians and aquatic mammals. 

Toluene 

Colorless, and water-insoluble, toluene is used as a paint thinner and it has been associated with irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, dizziness and numbness, while its environmental impact is listed as moderate/chronic. Toxic to aquatic life, and causing damage to flora, there have been no studies as yet on its impact on birds and mammals.

Formaldehyde 

Used as a hardener in nail polish, it can be found in many household products, including make-up, textiles, glue and plasterboard and it poses a significant threat to the animal, human and plant life. Affecting the upper and lower respiratory tracts, cause severe eye irritation or conjunctivitis, it is a by-product of the electricity industry and is emitted in vehicle exhaust fumes.

Once in our watercourse, it can kill aquatic life, and affect the breeding cycle of mammals, reduce lifespans, and change their behavior. 

Toxic Free Nail Polish

With nail polish manufacturers recognizing that many of us are worried, not only about our own health but also that of the planet, there is an increasingly large variety of ‘big three free’ polishes. Not only that but some have gone that one step further by producing cruelty-free, organic or vegan versions. Fortunately, these have proved to be popular due to their effectiveness as a polish, but also their ethical credentials. 

Make-up brands, too, are jumping on board, along with other beauty products, and this can only be a good thing for all of us here now, future generations and the planet we all rely on.

Must-have And Must-avoid Foods For Diabetes

As per the American Diabetes Association, around 9.4%, which is 30.3 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes in 2015. Such whopping numbers are scary, but diabetes can be controlled naturally with a few additions and subtractions in your diet. Here are three healthy, must-have foods and three must-avoid foods that you should include in your meals to keep diabetes at bay. Read on!

Healthy foods for diabetes

1.    Whole grains

Doctors suggest that high levels of fiber help in keeping diabetes under check. Whole grains contain refined white grains and higher nutrient levels. It is observed that consuming foods that are high in fiber is beneficial for those with diabetes, as it is known to slow down the process of digestion. Absorption of nutrients by the body at a slower pace helps in keeping the levels of blood sugar stable. When compared with rice and white bread, whole grains and whole wheat contain lower levels of the glycemic index. This means that whole grains have positive effects when it comes to controlling the blood sugar levels.

Some of the best examples of whole grains in your food are:

  • Buckwheat
  • Whole grain bread
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Rye
  • Quinoa
  • Millet
  • Bulgur

It is best if you can switch white pasta or white bread with options that contain whole grains.

2.    Blueberries

Did you know blueberries were known as the powerhouse of antioxidants? They are filled with fiber, and vitamin C. Blueberries also contain high levels of antioxidants as compared to vegetables and fruits. It also helps in reducing the risks of cancer and heart conditions. Moreover, blueberries contain anti-inflammatory properties. Along with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are significant dietary measures to keep the diabetics in control naturally.

As per the American Diabetes Association, blackberries are superfoods that help in controlling high blood sugar levels. They are also high in fiber and vitamins. You can add three-quarters of a cup of fresh blueberries or strawberries, preferably any superfood berry of your choice, to non-fat yogurt. This can be a great addition to your breakfast.

3.    Fatty acids and Omega-3 acids

One of the best healthy foods to add to your diet for controlling diabetes is wild salmon. It contains omega-3 acids and also helps in lowering the risk of heart disease. Fish is packed with proteins but does not have carbohydrates. That is why they do not increase the levels of blood sugar. Consuming salmon helps in slowing down the process of digestion and also keeps you full.

Moreover, wild salmon also contains selenium and vitamin D, which keeps your nails, hair, skin, and bones healthy. Some of the other types of fish that you can include in your healthy diet are sardines, herring, and mackerel.

Foods to avoid in diabetes

1.    Trans fat

Foods such as peanut butter, margarine, creamers, and frozen dinners contain industrial trans fats that are incredibly unhealthy. Moreover, you can also find these in muffins, crackers, and baked foods.

Trans fats do not raise the levels of blood sugar directly, but they are associated with insulin resistance, a rise in inflammation, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. These side effects are alarming for those who already have higher blood sugar levels.

 

However, trans fats are no longer in use in most of the countries as a part of the packaged foods. But, in case you do not know how to spot them, avoid the food items that have “partially hydrogenated” ingredients written in the packaging.

2.    Sugar-sweetened drinks

One of the worst foods that should be avoided entirely is sugary drinks or packaged drinks. They contain high levels of carbohydrates. Did you know sweetened iced tea also has 36 grams of carbs? Also, sugar-sweetened beverages are packed with fructose that may alter the metabolism of the body and lead to high levels of triglyceride levels and belly fat.

A recently conducted study process that consumption of 25% calories alone from such artificially-sweetened drinks can worsen heart health, increase the resistance to insulin, and lowers the metabolism rate. So, it is best to consume water and unsweetened iced tea and stop any drink that contains artificial sugar.

All in all, consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes and, therefore, should be kept at bay.

 

3.    Dried fruits

We know that fruits contain numerous minerals and vitamins. But when dried, there is water loss and increases the levels of these nutrients. This the reason, the sugar content is highly concentrated, which is terrible for those with diabetes. For instance, carbohydrates content in raisins is three times that of grapes.

So, if you want to keep your blood sugar levels stable, you do not have to skip fruits entirely. You need to stick to fruits that have lower levels of sugar, such as fresh berries.

Reference Links

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279012/

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well.html

https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes

 

5 Top Tips to Fix a Broken Water Pipe Outside

Fixing the water pipe outside is a fairly simple task that you can handle on your own and on a budget. Now, there are various methods to do so but the quickest and simplest method of doing so is to use a so-called C-clamp. For this to work, you need to handle two fairly simple preparatory tasks and handle several simple materials and tools. Here’s how you can get this done.

1. Turn off the water

The first thing you need to do in order to fix a broken water pipe is to turn off the water. For this, you need to find either the valve controlling the flow of water to that particular area or the main water valve. Either way, shutting off the main water valve is a simpler solution and a safer choice. Still, for this to work, you have to figure out where the valve in question actually is. Fortunately, even if you don’t know its location, finding the main water shutoff valve is a fairly simple task.

2. Drain the pipe

Just because the valve is off, this doesn’t mean that the pipe is not completely empty. So, turn on the tap or fixture that’s connected to the problem and wait until all the water comes out. This won’t take long and it can make your job so much easier. The key lies in knowing your home’s plumbing or just visually tracking the pipe through your property.

 

3. Place a piece of rubber over the area

Once the water is off, you need to seal the area of the leak. One way to do so is to place a piece of rubber over the area where the pipe is leaking. Keep in mind that these rubber pieces are quite inexpensive and you can even use an item like an old heater hose. This is something that you can find even on a junkyard and, due to the importance of this piece in the overall repair, it’s definitely worth your while to have one ready.

4. Put some pressure on the rubber

The next thing you need to do is fixate the piece of rubber and the simplest way to do so is to pressurize the rubber over the area with a suitable item. In this particular scenario, even a block of wood can be of use. Now, the problem with this lies in the balance, seeing as how the round pipe won’t allow you to put pressure all along the pipe. Instead, you’ll be able to pressure a narrow area, which, if done properly, should be enough.

5. Get a C-clamp

The most efficient way to handle this situation is to install a C-clamp around the damaged area. Ideally, you wouldn’t remove anything described above but would rather find a C-clamp that’s wide enough to surround the pipe, the gasket material and the block of wood in question. Ideally, you would look for the best plumbing services in your area but it’s quite reassuring to know that you can do a lot even on your own. Still, like with any other DIY project the results are never guaranteed.

In conclusion

The very last thing you need to take into consideration is the fact that fixing a broken water pipe doesn’t require too much plumbing experience, sophisticated tools or expensive materials. All you need is a rubber piece, a block of wood, a C-clamp and some tape. The majority of these items are something that every household already possesses, which means that you won’t have to go out of the way in order to prepare your inventory. Still, it’s always easier and more reliable to look for professional help.

 

5 Major Benefits of Using CBD Oil

When it comes to our health, state of mind, and quality of life, we could all do with a helping hand from time to time. With the pace of life that many of us live these days, it is all too easy to neglect your health and wellbeing and this can be the start of a downward spiral. Fortunately, there are products you can turn to, one of which is CBD oil.

Over the past couple of years, CBD oil has gained huge popularity and you can find some of the best CBD oil products available online. This makes it easy and convenient to start enjoying the variety of benefits the product can offer, some of which are outlined below. You can also choose from a wide range of products, including the best vaporizer for your needs. Also, you can find drops and tinctures, edibles, CBD capsules, and even Social CBD coupon to name but a few.

What Are the Key Benefits?

question mark

There are plenty of benefits you will be able to look forward to when you use CBD oil products, and this explains why CBD oil has become so popular. Some of the major benefits you can enjoy include:

You Can Enjoy Better Sleep

Many people underestimate the importance of sleep, but it is vital that you regularly get a good night’s sleep for many reasons. The amount of sleep, as well as the quality, can have an impact on your state of mind, mental and physical wellbeing, and even on your appearance. However, many people do struggle when it comes to getting proper sleep, which can pose a big problem.

One of the key benefits of CBD oil is that is can help to boost serotonin levels. In addition to lifting your mood and regulating your appetite, serotonin is a chemical that helps to regulate your sleep patterns. So, in effect, using CBD oil can help to regulate your sleep and give you a proper night’s rest. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing and your quality of life.

You Feel Less Stressed

Stress is something that most people experience these days, but some suffer from higher stress levels and on a more regular basis. When you feel stressed all the time, it can have a negative effect on your life in many different ways. It can take its toll on your physical and mental wellbeing and can affect your work, relationships, focus levels, and more.

CBD oil is able to help relieve stress and lift your mood, again due to its ability to help boost serotonin levels. Whatever the cause of your stress, you can benefit from using CBD oil because it has proven very effective in helping to relieve the symptoms of stress. This is another of its key benefits.

You Can Boost Your Energy

Many people lack energy, and this can be due to their diet, lifestyle, sleep patterns, and health among other things. When you continually feel tired and drained, it can be a real challenge to get on with day to day tasks or be productive while at work. You definitely cannot make the most of life when your energy levels are through the floor.

When taken in smaller doses during the day, CBD oil is able to boost your energy levels, which means you can get on with your day and enjoy being far more productive. This can be hugely beneficial for those with busy schedules as well as those that take part in activities such as sports. Boosting energy marks yet another vital benefit that comes with using CBD oil.

You Will Find Relaxation Easier

Do you struggle when it comes to switching off, winding down, and relaxing? If so, don’t worry, as many people have this problem. Some people simply cannot give their minds a rest and are constantly worrying and thinking about things rather than just switching off and relaxing. This can eventually take its toll when it comes to your health, as we all need to take time out to relax the body and the mind.

When you use CBD oil, you will find relaxation far easier, as it can help you to switch off and stop worrying by lifting your mood and reducing your stress levels. This means you can give your mind a well-earned break.

You Can Reduce Pain

People experience pain and inflammation for various reasons, such as injuries or an ongoing health condition. As any sufferer will know, it can have a serious impact on life because it can be debilitating at times.

With CBD oil, you can benefit from a reduction in pain and inflammation, which means you will find it much easier to relax and get on with your day. CBD oil has proven to be very effective in this respect, with some believing it will become the basis of the next generation of painkillers.

Improve Your Life Quality

With the many benefits that you get from using CBD oil, you can look forward to improving your life quality. All you need to do is find the right CBD oil product for you, and you can then start looking forward to experiencing the benefits for yourself.