$69
I met Lauryn YEARS AGO, back when I had red hair (that’s how I know it was a long time ago, and generally how I reference periods of time; by the hair color I had). She’s always been a girls-girl; supportive, kind, beautiful in every sense of the word and as it pertains to business, a true entrepreneur to the core. I started using the ice roller when it first came out and still use it to this day. I love the specs of this product, I love how sturdy it is, and I love how it stays cool for much longer when compared to other products in the category.
And let me tell you… rolling over the eye masks is like a gift from God!
$60
I met Rheena Mae 15 years ago (at the time of publishing this post) and her and I have been “sisters” from day 1. I met Jeremiah, in fact, because her & I were working on a business idea she had at the time, and she placed an ad on Craigslist (2009 lol) looking for web developers. When we walked into Jeremiah’s office, I knew I met the man I wanted to marry. My mom was helping Rheena Mae assemble her jewelry back when she first started, so I’ve seen the business from literal Day 1, and I’ve had my super good luck bracelet since then. I lost track of how many times I’ve worn it, and I love it so much! It’s 14k Gold filled, hand crafted with 10 charms & stones from around the world, each carrying their own good luck energy.
If you are in the LA area, you can see her products in person + get VREA Eye Masks & the 4-In-1 Booster Serum directly from her store. It’s worth the visit!! 3125 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
$24
If memory serves me right, I met the Vike twins in 2019. We started talking about our start-ups & I was so impressed by their business acumen & intelligence. One thing led to another, and we formed a friendship. They are kind, supportive, reliable, trust-worthy AND I use & love their hero product! Literally one of the very few makeup removers that doesn’t irritate my eyes or makes me cry. You know exactly what I’m talking about! Extra points for it not breaking me out, and you know I have very active acne-prone skin.
$55
I first met Siff about a year ago when we did a podcast swap and I was in AWE with her, with the dedication she has towards her business, product development, and the overall quality of her products. She’s smart, she’s creative, she’s hard working, and the products are strong & speak for themselves. They had me at “Clinically shown to reduce bloating by 86% through eliminating excess gas buildup.” Hello!!
$10
Amy’s lashes have been my go-to for… forever it feels like because I’ve been wearing the daylights out of them. I love them because they’re not just pretty, but they’re 100% handmade & very well put together, getting 10+ wears out of each pair EASY. I clean them vigorously after each use, and they don’t fall apart like other brands have done in the past. When I finally met Amy in person, we were both speaking on a panel, and she was every bit what I had imagined. She’s smart, she’s hard working, and she’s always made it a point to reach out when I’ve publicly shared hard times in the past.
$88
Marrin & I originally connected through Instagram. I was at a store supporting one of my friends’ events (2019) and as I was shopping, I saw some earrings & necklaces that really spoke to me. So I bought them. When the store owner told me they were from a local, female-owned business, I decided to start wearing & testing the pieces right away. A few months later after realizing I loved them A LOT & they were really well put together, I started sharing them in IG stories & such. She saw them, we connected, met in person one day for lunch & after 5 hours of chatting about everything under the sun, I realized she was one of the most exceptional people I had ever met. I have the earrings featured here in silver, and they’re my go-to. They’re polished stainless steel, hypoallergenic, water & rust resistant.
If you happen to be in Tampa area (Hey Florida!), you can get your VREA Eye Masks directly from her store - 3104 West Palmira Avenue, Tampa, FL
$25 (box of 5 pairs)
What’s a gift guide without the most awesome eye patches on the market? True story: while formulating the concealer, all chemists involved in the formulation + yours truly, noticed that with the daily wear of the concealer we were ALL (literally) having much more hydrated, nourished & plump eye areas than when we started. The active skincare ingredients in the concealer were formulated at their documented levels of performance, so for all intents & purposes this was a powerful eye cream, not just a plain concealer. I immediately knew these ingredients had to be on my skin even when not wearing makeup, so the idea of the eye masks took life. I didn’t just want to create any ol’ patches, so they had to be really SPECIAL. They had to be non-slip (because who’s got the time to lay like a mummy), they had to be super juicy & stay juicy for a long time but not drip on the face if you know what I mean. The absorption rate had to be technologically progressive, they had to be super hydrating, moisturizing & nourishing. They had to add protection from pollution & blue light, they had to be biodegrable and … HUGE because I have a big face & SIZE MATTERS! These patches are for ALL skin types, they are truly incredible, vegan, cruelty free, the works. They are WORTH getting & the best stocking stuffers ever. Period.
$95
Lacy is one of those beautiful people with a pure heart & good intentions. If you call her in crisis at 2 in the morning, she will pick up & be there for you in a heartbeat. Her story is one of exceptional strength, survival (literally), and relentless pursuit of betterment. And it’s her life experiences that lead her to create the Shame To Sparkle podcast & now… the Shame To Sparkle foundation. The STSF mission is to normalize discussion and advocacy for those suffering from trauma/PTSD. Having been a victim of a crime, trauma & abuse herself, Lacy is looking to provide resources, education & therapies dedicated to those affected by PTSD & trauma.
I proudly wear this sweatshirt & send her pics of me parading it around everywhere. And wearing it is not only supporting a local entrepreneur, but a powerful mission as well.
$25
Divya is the kind of relentless person I love a whole lot! A go-getter, a highly skilled entrepreneur & when I first learned that she started 5 SENSE, I was really excited & knew I had to try her products immediately. Everything is so well-though out & intentional, and I love the Life of the Party (Blackcurrant, Peach Blossom, Saffron, Midnight Jasmine, Ambrox) & Twin Flame (Cucumber Leaves, Cardamom, Osmanthus Blossom, Indian Sandalwood, White Musk) scents.
Hope you find some inspiration & if you are able… show support. There are some of us that are really HYPER focused on creating quality, improving product categories, creating new technology & making every purchase worth its price. Happy shopping! I imagine most if not all of these companies will have holiday sales.
I love you!!
- Alexandra
“What is the difference between sensitive and sensitized skin?”
Sensitive is a skin TYPE. You are born with it, it’s genetics.
Sensitive skin lets irritants, microbes and allergens pass through its protective outer layer, causing reactions like redness, stinging, itching, tightening, pain or flushing. Genetically sensitive skin tends to have a lower amount of pigment, a thin (more translucent) top layer, and blood vessels closer to the skin surface that are giving the appearance of redness. The genetically sensitive skin may also be prone to asthma and allergies.
Sensitized skin is sensitive skin CAUSED BY OUTSIDE FACTORS, and it can be triggered in anyone, regardless of genetics. Sensitized skin is temporarily reactive as the result of coming into contact with something externally.
• Pollution
• Lifestyle
• Irritants
• Cosmetic products that include alcohol, fragrance, or artificial color.
Think of sensitized skin as a temporary situation, while sensitive skin is a skin type that needs specific products and ingredients. Like oily skin for example; oily skin is also a skin type that requires specific products to be used in the routine. Using products that are not in line with what oily skin needs, will wreak havoc in feel and appearance. It’s the same for sensitive skin. It has special needs (we love her!) and should be handled as such.
If you tend to get sensitized skin on a regular basis, keep a diary to identify what’s triggering it and speak with a board-certified dermatologist who can make the final verdicts. I suggest doing an allergy test to rule out or identify any specific triggers as well.
The approach these 2 have in common, is the need to use gentle products to help skin’s barrier support. When the barrier is damaged, it’s less likely to protect itself from common ingredients and aggressors.
The protocol for both would focus on paring down ingredients that are known irritants and simplifying the routine.
Products with “Fragrance” are little devils. There can be up to 200 individual ingredients going into formulating a “fragrance”, and only “fragrance” has to be listed in the ingredients list. That’s SCARY frankly, and the reason why fragrances account for 30% to 45% of reactions in cosmetic products and are most likely to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
If you’re getting sensitized skin, do an inventory of everything that comes in contact with your skin: skincare products, makeup products, cleaning supplies/detergents, shower gels, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, body creams, even the wipes you may be using to wipe the glasses that come in contact with your skin.
A simple removal of fragrance could be life changing.
Goes without saying that pollution and exposure to stressors are awful for the skin. Especially when you factor in the DAILY exposure to them.
The 4-In-1 Multipurpose Booster Serum is a multitasking product formulated to protect the skin from pollution and blue light stress. It’s giving powerful results yet it was specifically formulated to be used on BOTH face and eye area, making it powerful yet incredibly gentle. Dermatologist approved for ALL skin types to be exact. And using 1 product for 2 areas saves time and money as well.
Just 2 drops every morning and evening will hydrate within different levels of the skin, it will soothe it, and help it give you that beautiful, natural, healthy and youthful glow.
The 10-step Korean skincare is not for everyone. Literally!
More often than not, it’s the skincare regimens that are leading to sensitized skin. Here you are thinking that an intricate skincare routine is what’s going to help clear the skin and keep it youthful… when in fact it may be that routine that’s causing irritation, redness, and potential dryness.
Our skin does a great job at protecting itself by producing oil. Natural oil production creates a barrier that works to keep environmental irritants out. So let’s allow her to do her job.
Simplifying your routine in terms of amount of products (formulated without fragrance – both synthetic or natural) can make a huge difference. Think gentle double cleanse, a multitasking lightweight serum that’ll hydrate, a calming moisturizer and zinc oxide (mineral) sunscreen during the day. At night, a skin-type appropriate oil to top off the routine can be significant as well. Everything should be free of alcohol, essential oils, fragrance, and other harsh ingredients.
When introducing any new product into your routine, do a patch test on the inside of the wrist or behind the ear, to first determine if a reaction occurs. If it does, let’s not even think about using that product. If there’s no reaction, introduce the product slowly rather than daily or twice daily.
It’s best to avoid harsh exfoliating acids, generally including lactic, glycolic, citric and salicylic acids. You’d want to make sure you are using an exfoliator formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
Hot water can dehydrate skin by stripping it of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy. This can lead to dry skin, itching and irritation as well as potentially increased inflammation in the skin. Below 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 Celsius) is the way to go.
Hope this helped! We love you!
]]>PIH can affect the face and body (mostly the UV-exposed areas) and it ranges in color from pink to red, brown or black, depending on skin tone and depth of hypercoloration. It can affect either your epidermis (the top surface of the skin), or dermis (deep layer of the skin). As you can imagine, hyperpigmentation limited to the epidermis will have a higher likelihood of resolve than dermal hyperpigmentation.
PIH is chronic and more common and severe in darker-skinned people (Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI). The darker the skin color, the more intense and persistent PIH tends to be.
PIH doesn’t discriminate against gender or age. And while it can improve right away, the process can sometimes take months to years which is why combination therapy is generally most effective.
PIH often affects people with acne and this is how it works:
The blemish triggers melanocytes (the cells producing melanin) to overproduce melanosomes (pigment granules). The excessive pigment darkens and discolors the formerly injured area and once the initial blemish subsides, the spot of hypercoloration (post-acne mark) can remain.
Acne Scars vs. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation are not the same.
While some people refer to the post-acne marks (PIH) as scars, PIH is not true scarring. It leaves a mark on the skin, but it does not damage the follicle. Acne scars can be raised or pitted, while the marks created from PIH are flat on the skin.
The most common causes are acne and eczema, but any type of trauma or irritation to the skin has the potential to cause PIH. Other etiologies include:
• Impetigo
• Infections
• Allergic reactions
• Bug bite reactions
• Psoriasis
• Burns
• Razor bumps
• Rashes
In most cases, PIH resolve shortly after occurrence without any treatment, and using makeup to cover the marks can the helpful until recovery is complete.
Treatment of PIH typically includes multiple modalities in addition to daily protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs).
AHAs (particularly glycolic acid) are a good starting point for treatment. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) like salicylic acid is comparable plus it’s tremendously helpful in managing breakouts as well.
AHAs and BHA help speed up the skin's natural exfoliation process, improving the look of PIH. More potent AHA treatments are available with prescription.
Other OTC ingredients include Vitamins A (Retinol) and C, N-acetyl glucosamine, and Niacinamide.
Topical Retinoids (synthetic forms of Vitamin A).
Great not only for treating acne, but this rapid form of exfoliation can also help fade PIH faster.
When using Retinoids, look for excessive dryness, redness, and irritation, and use with caution and care, to avoid triggering more PIH. Highly recommend speaking with your dermatologist about this!
Topical lightening agent known as hydroquinone (or mequinol if looking for a less irritating agent).
A commonly used triple-threat combination includes combining hydroquinone with a topical retinoid with or without a topical steroid. I.e. hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%.
Chemical peels; they work by removing the epidermal cells containing excess melanin but should only be done by experienced clinicians as they can cause skin irritation and additional hyperpigmentation.
Lasers have a similar effect as the peels but tend to be more precise and the dermatologist has more control over the intensity of the treatment. Lasers generally ‘zap’ the affected areas with high-energy light. The milder treatments work on the skin’s surface layer (the epidermis), while more intense treatments can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Remember though that laser should only be done by expert clinicians as they can cause skin irritation and additional hyperpigmentation when done improperly.
Microneedling.
Microdermabrasion.
One treatment is not enough to fade stubber hyperpigmentation. You'll likely need a series of treatments spaced two to four weeks apart. The licensed professional can determine which of these treatments (if any) would be most effective for you.
Speed of recovery can be improved with strict sun protection, which includes daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen containing zinc and titanium dioxide, sun hats and UV-protective clothing.
The sun may darken PIH discolorations and make them fade more slowly. Additionally, many PIH treatments (and many acne treatments in general) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Limit the time you spend in the sun and stay out of the sun during its most intense hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
Recovery rates vary from person to person and healing time depends on the difference in color between the natural skin tone and the darkened patches. The more significant the difference, the longer it will take to rebalance.
Living with PIH doesn’t cause any serious physical health problems, but (speaking from experience), it can affect mental health and self-confidence.
Covering the marks with makeup can help. Being proactive with treatment helps. Protecting from the sun daily (during all seasons) helps.
The VREA 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 not only helps cover the marks but it’s a great addition to your UV protection arsenal. And in addition to the broad-spectrum UV protection, the 4-In-1 concealer offers blue light and pollution protection as well.
]]>• Dehydration
• Allergies
• Anemia
• Iron deficiency
• Family history/genetics
• Natural aging process
• Reduced levels of fatty tissue
• Eye straining
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Eye rubbing
• Tiredness & lack of sleep
• Smoking
• Thyroid conditions
• Eye drop treatments for glaucoma
• Elevate the head while sleeping. Here, think of wedge pillows. We’ve been testing this one out from Amazon for over 2 months and it was $57 well spent.
• Use cold compresses and/or cold eye rollers – wear our eye masks fresh out the fridge if you haven’t already, because 1) they’re massive (about 25% bigger than most eye masks so you can cover more skin) 2) you’ll be treating (with powerful ingredients) and protecting (pollution and blue light) in the same time, all while being able to move around in your day since they’re non-slip.
• Get more quality sleep (check out this blog post for more help with this).
• Reduce sun exposure.
• Use mineral sunscreen around the eyes (but please use a product made specifically for the eye area, to avoid milia or irritation). Sun damage can weaken the skin under the eyes resulting in, or making dark circles more prominent.
• Apply soaked black or green tea bags (chilled) under the eyes, as compresses.
If you notice, cooling is a theme here and that’s because cold compresses constrict blood vessels and improve the appearance of dark circles and the discomfort of puffy eyes.
• Antioxidant rich under-eye-products (I.e. products that contain Vitamin C, E or A).
The 4-In-1 Multipurpose Booster Serum is just that! A multipurpose product as it’s highly potent to treat and protect the face, while simultaneously being formulated to be used around the eye area as well. Unbelievable skincare technology at work!
• Conceal with makeup. Ideally with a concealer that contains SPF 30 as recommended by dermatologists, to do more than just conceal, but rather conceal, treat and protect.
PRO TIP: For a natural “no makeup” look, apply the concealer only at the inner corners then gently tap to feather out toward the outer corners.
• Protects your eye area from damaging UV rays.
• Has a patented Zamac cooling tip to gently cool & massage the eye area, and help remove excess fluid.
• Hydrates, moisturizes and nourishes skin.
• Brings (antioxidant) Vitamin C to the eye area.
• Has a skin-like finish, for that… “I woke up like this” look.
• Skin-lightening eye creams.
• Laser therapy.
• Medical tattoos.
• Chemical peels.
• Try to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep per night. Here’s a post on how to achieve that, helpful for even the toughest of sleepers.
• Employ better stress-management and anxiety techniques. This here is a blog on how to lower anxiety on the spot, and check out this one and this one while at it, for help de-stressing.
• Protect the face from the sun. Can’t stress this enough! Check this out if you don’t believe us!
• Don’t smoke / Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Preventatively manage allergies.
• Gently remove makeup using eye-specific products. Byeeee makeup removing wipes! Please don't pull and tug this sensitive area.
• Stay hydrated (ideally drink half your weight in ounces of water daily).
]]>While not all skin types may need oil, ALL skin types need water.Skin hydration (hydration – water) is the process of attracting water to the outermost layer of the skin. Not to be confused with moisturizing (moisture – oil); the process of lubricating the skin to prevent water from escaping.
Hydrated skin is happy skin. Smooth, plump, youthful and even glowy. Whereas dehydrated skin will feel tighter and duller, will likely have more prominent wrinkles, and may enhance the darkness of dark undereye circles. Skin can get dehydrated if the cells underneath the barrier lose too much water. Dehydrated skin and dry skin are absolutely not the same thing and there’s more about that, here.
How can you tell if your skin is dehydrated?
A good indication of hydrated skin is when you pinch it, does it settle back into place immediately? Gently pinch your cheek or forehead. Using your thumb and index finger, pinch a small amount of skin in those areas and hold for a few seconds. Then let go.
If the skin bounces back immediately, you're likely hydrated.
If the skin bounces back immediately yet it does feel dry or is flaky, you have dry skin, but you’re likely hydrated.
If it takes a few seconds for the skin to bounce back, potentially even leaving some fine lines as well, your skin is probably dehydrated and your cells are parched for water.
While this test isn’t definitive, it’s a great way to start. Consulting with a dermatologist or esthetician will help confirm these findings.
MOVING ON...
PRACTICAL TIPS to increase skin hydration:
Consider employing the following techniques to achieve hydrated skin.
To avoid stripping your skin of its essential oils, wash your face daily with a fragrance-free facial cleanser designed specifically for sensitive skin. And don’t over-cleanse! Cleansing more than twice a day, using harsh scrubs, harsh towels or brushes to scrub-scrub-scrub away, is really bad for the skin. Side note, you generally speaking only need to use a cleanser in the evening, not after waking up in the morning. In the AM, rinsing alone should be perfectly adequate.
This one hit home hard for us honestly, since hot showers were our way of life. Fact is though that long showers with hot water will again strip, by encouraging moisture to leave the skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and ideally shorter shower time too.
Instead of completely drying your skin after cleansing, gently pat it dry so it’s still slightly damp, but not dripping wet. Then immediately (ideally within 60 seconds of getting out of the shower), apply a hydrating serum. Doing it this way helps your skin absorb all the goodness you’re applying much more effectively than if skin were bone dry.
Not only will a water-based formula help increase skin hydration, it will remain lightweight on the skin as well, making it IDEAL for those prone to acne & irritation. The VREA Cosmetics 4-In-1 Multipurpose Booster Serum could be the water-based serum you apply right after getting out of the shower. The 4-In-1 is like the Capricorn of the skincare zodiac because of its ability to multitask to perfection.
It’s a hero product that delivers a concentrate of actives. Powerful results yet incredibly gentle for use around the eyes. Lightweight with a pleasant texture. Can be used alone as a serum or mixed with other skincare products, even makeup. Does not crumb or pill. Helps makeup last longer. Dermatologist tested & approved for all skin types. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic & non-acnegenic ingredients. Over time your skin will look brighter, and with the look of fine lines visibly reduced.
An exfoliantor will help remove dead skin cells and residue buildup that can clog the pores, while helping skin better absorb the products following it in the routine. But keep in mind that over-exfoliating can affect your natural skin barrier, leaving the skin dry or irritated.
There are three types of hydrating ingredients that should be incorporated into your skincare routine: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Using one without the others is like having a violin with no strings. They play together so that TOGETHER, they can deliver the results you’re looking for in the first place.
You’ll actually never hear this enough. Forget the risk of skin cancer, breaking down of the extracellular matrix, premature aging, skin barrier damage and irritation… the exposure to direct sunlight can also severely dehydrate the skin. Dermatologists recommend using about 3 fingers of a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to block out about ninety-seven percent of all UVB rays.
Ideally twice a week, but hey – at once a week you’re in a self-care-skincare league of medalists. Adding a hydrating sheet mask weekly is a fast and easy way to increase the water content in a way that’s very concentrated. Get your VREA eye masks to do the eye area heavy lifting while you’re at it (eye area, crow’s feet AND top of the cheeks) because they’re packed with hydrating ingredients, 3 different molecule sizes of hyaluronic acid, they protect your skin against damaging blue light & air pollution factors. They are non-slip, biodegradable and formulated with a proprietary technology that optimizes product absorption into the skin.
You should probably consider it, since the heavy mineral concentrations in thermal water sprays have been shown hydrate skin and support a healthy skin microbiome.
Midway through your day, replish the skin with a few spritzes. We love the Avene Thermal Spring Water.
Most people think “skincare” when hearing of skin hydration, but let’s not ignore the fact that the very makeup we put on virtually on a daily basis, wearing it for hours and hours in a week, can either negatively affect your skin, or… it can help fight the good skin-hydration fight. Which would you rather have? I assume the ladder since we’re sisters here and you’re quite the skincare lover. So! Look for ingredients in your makeup products that will help you in this fight. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene and glycerin.
But for heaven’s sake, please remember that “infused” means nothing. “Peppering” in an ingredient won’t do much for you, the formula would have to carry a more elevated level of ingredient performance in order to go beyond “marketing fluff”.
Oh and.. if you find a makeup product that has broad-spectrum sunscreen protection ideally with physical sunscreen and an SPF of 30 or higher (like our SOLD OUT 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30), then you really hit the jackpot!
Low-humidity environments inevitably lead to dry and dehydrated skin. More humidity in the air = more humidity in your skin because less moisture will be lost from your skin.
By following these simple steps and using the right products for your skin type, you can keep it healthy, keep it hydrated, keep it plump and youthful and the kind of skin you are proud of. Follow our little VREA journey for weekly tips sent directly into your inbox + get a 30% off coupon when you join the VIP email/text family. This is where you sign up.
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We cover a wide variety of different topics on our blog, because wellness & self-care is usually half the battle. And so today we’d like to share 5 smoothie recipes we’ve dubbed “fountains of youth”. Every ingredient serves a noble purpose. From antioxidants to healthy fats, natural electrolytes, “super-foods” & anti-inflammatory heroes.
Save this for future reference.
2 cups spinach
2 cups kale
1-2 tbsp almond butter
½ cup frozen organic strawberries
Optional to add 1 scoop collagen powder.
1 cup almond milk
¼ cup tofu
1 large banana
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen mango
2 tbsp hemp seeds
¼ cup distilled water (more water = thinner consistency)
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1 tbsp cacao powder (2 tbsp if you want it more rich)
1 tbsp almond butter (2 tbsp if you want it more nutty)
1 tsp Vanilla
1 pinch pink salt
Optional to add 1 scoop collagen powder.
Optional to top off with banana slice and/or chia seeds.
4 cups spinach
1 cup avocado
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
1 tbsp flaxseeds
1 cup coconut milk
1 – 2 cups coconut water (more water = thinner consistency)
Optional to add 1/2 cup gluten-free oats.
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blackberries
1 small banana
1 scoop collagen powder
Optional 1 tsp honey
Between a daily intake of good-for-you fruits & vegetables, regular checkups, daily movement and a solid skincare routine (hello Multipurpose booster serum) / solid sun protection game (did somebody say to add SPF concealer?)… you are well on the way not only toward healthy aging, but YOUTHFUL as well. Thank you for hanging out, we love you!
]]>There used to be a time when mental health, depression, anxiety.. they were all looked down and frowned upon. Our parents and grandparents weren’t “allowed” to show or express feelings, as that would make them appear weak. People would tell you to “get over it” or go for a walk in order to “feel better”. And while things have gotten radically better since, there’s still more research, more patience and more understanding needed on the topic.
Now as a person diagnosed with depression, ADHD and one who experiences periodic anxiety episodes, I wanted to share an exercise that is extremely powerful. This exercise will allow you to tap into your mindfulness, pay attention to the present, lower stress and calm anxiety. I encourage you to do this every day. It will literally take you NO more than 3 minutes, and if you do it every day, you will help develop a very powerful new habit, that will contribute to your overall success and happiness.
The goal of this exercise is to calm the mind by employing all five senses to distract you from thoughts, and shift your attention to your environment and the present moment.
First, take 2 deep breaths.
Then, look around and name 5 things that you can see.
After that, try to notice 4 things that you can feel (touch).
Then, notice 3 things that you can hear.
Next, notice 2 things you can smell.
And finally, notice 1 thing you can taste. You could take a sip of something, chew gum or notice the current taste in your mouth.
Cliff notes version:
See 5
Feel 4
Hear 3
Smell 2
Taste 1
Right now as I’m sitting down I see my laptop, my phone, I see the windows (and love how much light is coming through the open blinds). As I’m looking out the window I see the birdfeeder on the patio, and lastly the cup of lavender chamomile tea I made before sitting down to write this blog. The 4 things I can feel are: the surface of the fable in front of me. I feel the leather of the chair I’m sitting on and the texture of the carpet underneath my feet. And… I feel the fabric of my shirt. I can hear Frank Sinatra playing in the background, birds chirping outside, and the neighbor’s dog. I can smell Jasmin and palo Santo from the candle that’s lit and the cotton fresh scent of the body lotion I have on. The cotton scent one from Bath and Body Works. I’ve been obsessed with this since I was 19. For taste, I’ll have a sip of this… now cold tea.
So that’s the exercise in a nutshell. Extremely powerful and helpful in managing feelings of anxiety, and I hope that it can help someone else out there as it has helped me.
- Alexandra (VREA Founder & CEO)
]]>I won't lie, making eco-friendly moves when you’re a small self-funded brand like VREA, comes with a lot of challenges. But we're trying hard, because it's a critical part of ethos and something that more brands should pay attention to!
Our eye masks are biodegradable & manufactured in a carbon-neutral facility.
No child labor is used in the mica extraction for our concealer & the concealer boxes are made from 90% post-consumer waste recycled material.
All of our nature-derived ingredients are sustainably/ethically sourced & last but not least, we are proudly MADE IN THE USA.
There's a long road of head of us, but we'll continue making moves. And on that topic, here's how to recycle your booster serum. Please make sure to check with your local recycling facilities as well, in case they have specific recycling requirements.
▪️Recycle the shipper box (& filler paper) as well as the booster pyramid box. The pyramid is made from 30% post-consumer waste recycled material & recycling it, you’ll give it yet another life.
Due to the multi-material nature of the component, its parts will need to be separated for recycling.
▪️Remove the (RECYCLABLE) wiper lodged at the bottle opening. The wiper is made of Polyethylene (PE), a common (recyclable) plastic polymer & its purpose is to avoid waste by wiping off excess serum off the pipette.
▪️Carefully separate the (glass) pipette from the collar. Both bottle and pipette are glass & RECYCLABLE. The gasket inserted into the pipette collar over the pipette glass is also RECYCLABLE.
Happy Earth Day (every day) & thank you for your love and support!
]]>UVs can penetrate through windows and clothing, and protecting your skin not only saves your skin from damage and disease but can also save you collagen. Back in my late teens/early 20s I was more preoccupied with glistening in baby oil while tanning. The brown spots on my forehead remind me of that every day. So please apply sunscreen every morning and re-apply every 2-3 hrs. If wearing makeup, try sunscreen powder. But apply generously as to keep the protection value. You’re wasting good $$ on products if you’re not using sunscreen daily.
TBH, I’ve been doing this always, but I know friends who don’t so… here it is. You’re pumping some good ol’ facial wash onto germy hands and then spreading those bacteria all over your beautiful face alongside the cleaner. No thank you ma'am, we don't subscribe to that!
Categorically life-changing!! Oil-based product 1st, gentle cleanser 2nd. The KEY however, is to gently rub the products all over the skin in circular motion, for at least 1 minute. Each. I was double-cleansing before but doing it quickly. It wasn’t until I adopted the 1-minute rule that my skin (more specifically my acne) started clearing out.
Some of us either use an alcohol-based toner, or don’t use one at all, which is such a shame! Toners are generally pH neutral and amazing at rebalancing skin after cleansing. Bonus points if you use a hydrating, alcohol-FREE toner.
As the queen of daytime antioxidants, Vitamin C does wonders for the skin! Short of giving you a hug... she does it all! Helps improves skin tone and texture, pigmentation issues, and fights free radicals (unstable atoms -aka the bad guys- that can damage cells). I’ll have you know that Kakadu Plum has gained worldwide recognition as the fruit with the highest recorded levels of natural Vitamin C content in the world, measuring up to 7000 mg/100g DW, which is 100 times the Vitamin C content in oranges. You get to bask in the glory of Kakadu Plum that’s in the 4-In-1 Multipurpose Booster Serum. Your skin will LOVE it!
And clean your phone screen every night. This is especially powerful if you are acne-prone. The silk helps prevent premature lines, wrinkles and splitting hair strands.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (a substance that attracts water) and it essentially draws moisture to itself, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It’s a must-have ingredient, but if applied to dry skin, the HA will draw moisture from its nearest source - your skin.
I’ve dealt with acne my ENTIRE adult life, so I know it’s no fun. And one of the biggest mistakes I used to do in my 20s, was strip the skin of oils, in order to “prevent breakouts”. (insert buzzer sound) – wrong!! So wrong!! When using harsh ingredients and overly scrubbing, you’re stripping the skin of its natural oils and guess what happens as a result? Not only does the skin go into overdrive, overproducing oil in a desperate attempt to rebalance itself (hello even more pimples), but you’re fast-forwarding the aging process. At the end of the day, it’s important to not touch the skin during the day, double-cleanse, choose water-based products, moisturize, use sunscreen, change your pillow case often and wipe the items that come in contact with your face (sunglasses, phone, etc.) every night and cut down on the dairy.
"Less is more" ... 100% applies here. Too much product can be suffocating, not to mention wasteful. Here's a reference of the correct amount of product to use.
Sign up for our emails if you'd like more skincare tips delivered into your inbox and stock up on your VREA products. Your skin will be able to see and FEEL the difference. I love you!
xoxo
Alexandra (VREA founder | CEO)
That hour of sleep that’s lost, may leave you feeling groggy and irritable (I’m raising my hand here). But did you know that it could also be dangerous? It’s been found that both heart attacks and fatal car accidents increase after the spring shift to DST.
“In a nation that is already sleep deprived, losing an extra hour can make a huge impact,” says sleep specialist Harneet Walia, MD.
If you’re one of the lucky folks able to adjust right away, congrats and props to you! But adjusting to the time change is different for everyone and while some adjust in a few days, for others it may take more time.
The strongest cue is light exposure (i.e. sunrise and sunset), which keeps the circadian system regulated within our 24-hour day.
The detection of light brightness and wavelength touching the eyes is detected by the master circadian clock in the brain, which distinguishes between the appropriate times for wakefulness (and sleep) and subsequently coordinates many of our bodily functions.
These external cues can be powerful, as they can shift the circadian system timing and alter sleep patterns. In essence, a time shift disrupts our sleep and circadian rhythms and it can take the circadian and sleep rhythms a little “lag time” to transition.
Now, this time change can affect sleeping and waking patterns for 5 to 7 days and we’re here for you with some essential tips for dealing with the time change and encouraging a balanced rhythm:
As much as that glass of red vino sounds amazing in the evening, alcohol also prohibits you from getting quality sleep, so avoid it late at night.
Be consistent with your eating, exercise, social and bed times (especially while trying to adjust to DST).
I hear you! A little mid-day nap is tempting, especially if you’re feeling sluggish. But avoiding naps is key to adjusting. Long daytime naps may make it harder for you to get a full night’s sleep (and thus cause disruption). But if you have to take a nap, aim for naps no longer than 20 minutes.
Especially in the early morning. The bright light will help set your “internal body clock,” and help better regulate sleep and alertness. Additionally, fresh oxygen and vitamin D (while wearing sunscreen) help revitalize your spirit, improve mood, while also helping to boost your immunity and increase your feelings of joy.
Believe it or not, getting organized (tossing/donating, decluttering and simplifying) can make you feel calmer and boost productivity.
Now hear me out… Spring is the best time of year to harvest a little something-something in your garden or balcony. The energy of spring, the blossoming and growing can really channel the energy within your own life and self as well, and bring about thriving and rejuvenation.
Once you have adapted to DST, try to keep a daily routine for sleep and health.
Keep your sleep environment quiet and cool. And for more good habits for good sleep, check out this previous blog. It’s packed with amazing tips promising to help even the more troubled sleepers.
Before I let you go, don’t forget that a little self-care goes a long way, so include the VREA eye masks in your weekly routine. We love you!
]]>The United Nations supported International Women’s Day since 1975 and when adopting its declaration of this observance, United Nations General Assembly stated the reasons for the decision as: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”
The world needs YOU, and me, and all women across the globe to stand together, empower one another, and support each other; because when we do that, the world altogether is a better, stronger, kinder, more equal, developed and beautiful place to live in.
Good posture not only prevents aches, spinal deformities (from prolonged bad posture) and reduces stress on the ligaments, but it also contributes to demeanor, self-confidence, and that beautiful feeling of empowerment as well. Try this right now, wherever you are: straighten your spine, lift your chin up, pull the shoulders back, take one deep breath in… and smile :)
This is a touchy subject for many of us, but one that carries a lot of weight financially, as well as mentally and emotionally. In order to feel more empowered, you simply must be on top of your finances. Running away from them won't make anything better. In fact (as you know) it's the opposite. No matter how they may look like, get everything organized and know what’s what. That feeling of KNOWING is within itself, highly empowering.
2023 is the year of getting in the habit of saying “NO” more often, to the things and circumstances and people that don’t bring joy or "value" into your life.
While at first blush that may sound a tad “selfish”, just remember that only 20% of your day will actually produce 80% of your results, so your time is precious and it belongs to YOU. This year is the year of becoming more selective and exclusive with whom you lend your time and energy to. And talking about energy, that energy has emotional currency and spending it recklessly will only drain you mentally, physically and emotionally.
Not only is this great for maintaining a healthy body weight, but walking helps prevent and manage various conditions including heart disease and blood pressure.
Oxygen is essential in maintaining healthy brain function, and it’s important to know that the brain uses about three times more oxygen for healthy neuron function than muscles do. Simply put, going outside and getting fresh air, can also improve your brain function.
I think we all know by now how vital sleep is for bodily functions, the brain, skin, etc. And 3 major tips that help us maximize the number of hours and quality of sleep are:
The reason we’re promoting this, is not only because life is always better and more interesting with new experiences in play, but also because it's a critical element to keeping your brain healthy.
Learn a new language, sign up for a dance class or a creative writing workshop. Learn some painting or photography techniques. Take a cooking class, play an instrument or take up knitting. Whatever that may be, you’ll feel really empowered by adding something new to your portfolio of skills.
Additionally, the mental work of learning something new could also slow the signs of aging and even delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Choose to spend more time with the people that are in large part, positive. The people who have quality character traits, those who hustle, the people who uplift you, those who choose to do more and be more.
And the same can be said about severing ties with those who aren’t able to bring those kinds of levels of energy into your life… the naysayers, the gossipers, and negativists. Your life will be better without them in it!
Even a quick 10-minute dancing session in the morning, or 30 minutes yoga on the weekend will go a long way. Small amounts of exercise add up and they will make a BIG difference.
Whether you’re wearing your VREA eye masks one morning this week, taking a bath, journaling or drinking more tea, the practice of self-care holds a lot of weight in the way you feel.
They're formulated to perfection, highly nourishing and hydrating, they're approximately 25% bigger than what you may be used to when it comes to eye masks, they're biodegradable and they will help protect your eye area from the harmful effects of blue light and air pollution.
]]>It's that time of the month, for new VREA WELLNESS inspo. Try as many "challenges" as you can and don't worry if you can't hit on all of them. The purpose of these small daily "challenges" is to assist you on your mental, physical and emotional journey of wellbeing.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR
Save the image on your phone in favorites, or print it and place it on the fridge to be in view. Look ahead of a new week for easier "planning". But remember, this is meant to be fun. We are rooting for you!
Tag us in your photo and use #VREAwellnessChallenge so we can see you.
]]>Confidence is majestic and it demands authority and respect. But confidence can also be fragile. Past experiences, other people and their opinions, plus pop culture demands, can chip away at our confidence and in turn, affect many areas of our lives.
Low confidence in self, is what gets us in bad relationships, with people who don’t respect us or who don’t know our value. Low confidence drives fear and doubt. You doubt the things you say or do, you’re constantly worried about what other people say or think of you, and sadly, lots of people don’t accomplish their potential not because they can’t figure out how to make it happen, but because they don’t see themselves worthy of it.
Confidence is not an all or nothing kind of thing. It’s not like you either have confidence or you don’t. There’s an initial belief, which grows more and more through age, life experiences, knowledge, skill sets, resources, reinforcements, support. And the goal is to build and add more to it; like building blocks.
More and more research is starting to point out that confidence can be a measurable brain activity. We know from brain imaging studies that when we feel confident, we engage circuits involved in reward and pleasure, which is why we feel SO GOOD when we are confident; it’s all happening at a cellular level in the brain.
When I created VREA Cosmetics, I wanted to make everyone using our products feel beautiful, and I wanted to create products that actually solve problems. But VREA in fact goes beyond that, because wellness is a lifestyle and I wanted us to contribute as much to that as possible. So here we are today, with my go-to tips to improve self-confidence.
You may know this as a cheerleader’s move, but aside from that, throwing your hands straight up towards the sky, is actually referred to as a power pose. It’s called that, because you are expanding your body, your arms are stretched out, and from your shoulders up, you look like a V… you’re making yourself appear bigger.
And when you think about it, most animals in the wild have a mechanism just like that, to ward off predators. Mother Nature is telling us that this works.
If you just do it for a minute in the morning when you wake up, or before a meeting, or before a date, or whatever your circumstance may be… you will instantly give yourself a confidence boost. Whenever I’m about to go into a really important meeting or jump on stage on a speaking panel, I’m in the bathroom stall, getting into this stretch.
I challenge you to try this. Stretch into that V, breathe in the positive energy the world has ready for you. YOU are amazing!!
Your favorite fragrance can do more than just make you smell nice. As it turns out… it could actually make you feel more confident, too.
In previous studies, about 90% of the women who participated said they actually felt more confident when wearing a fragrance compared to the times when they weren’t. And that's because our olfactory system (the sense of smell) is connected to the limbic system, which is a part of the brain responsible for interpreting memories and emotions.
So think about it: what is a perfume that makes you feel amazing whenever you wear it? Maybe because it brings out good memories? Think about it and start wearing it more often. Especially wear it on the days when you wake up in a funk or feeling less than your best.
When you put it on, your brain will be able to connect it to that feeling again and your mood and energy will go up a notch.
My favorite saying of all time is: “A mouth that doesn’t ask, doesn’t get fed.” That’s part of building self-confidence. Knowing what you want is one thing, but ASKING for it is another. Using your voice equates to asserting yourself, and that’s... incredibly powerful!
Make it a habit to address your needs and ask for what you want. That could be with your friends, family, significant other, anybody and everybody.
Rather than hoping others will be able to read your mind, give your confidence a boost by ASKING for what you want.
Speak up. Say: “I want this”, or “I like it when you do that”. Or “I’d like to go there”, or “No, I’m not up for doing this”. Use your voice and ask for what you want, This is HUGE for self-confidence.
It doesn’t have to be anything “crazy”. Could be to start the day with some warm lemon water. Could be to start journaling or going for a hike every weekend.
The key is for it to be a positive habit and to keep at it consistently. Once you build the new habit, you’ll not only have a healthy new element in your life, but your self-esteem will go up and you’ll feel extra good about yourself.
Physical fitness plays in fact, a huge role in self-esteem.
When you’re "out of shape", you’ll likely feel more insecure. Having the discipline to work out not only affects the way you look, but also the way you FEEL. Because you’ll feel better. This will create a positive momentum that helps boost your self-esteem, and that's truly priceless.
You can start small, putting one foot in front of the other. No shame. Maybe start by working out once a week. Doing that for a couple of months and building up from there.
Now in addition to your body, you also have to keep your mind in shape. And here, I’d like for you to make a list of 10 things that help stimulate your mind and incorporate at least one of these things into your DAILY routine.
Reading a book, learning more words in a new language, watching a documentary, going to a museum, learning to play a new song on an instrument or learning a new lighting technique for photography… whatever it is, figure out HOW to squeeze in a little bit of time to feed your mind on a daily basis.
Knowledge is not only powerful, but very empowering as well. When you become more knowledgeable in something, you literally can feel yourself becoming more confident.
I could talk about confidence and how to increase it all day, but in the interest of time, I’ve recorded a podcast for you with all the tips. 20+ tips to be more precise… Trying just 2 or 3 of them on a monthly basis will yield you unbelievable results. To hear more, look up BACKBONE NOT WISHBONE, anywhere you consume podcasts and listen to episode #10.
We love you so much here and are constantly rooting for you. You have a friend in VREA. Believe in yourself!
Love always,
Alexandra (Founder | CEO)
Becoming more mature doesn’t mean we’re any less beautiful. It does mean however, that there’s a new set of skincare concerns we need to adjust to (more on that in a future blog) and new ways to bring radiance and glow through the use of makeup. More specifically, the formulas and techniques have to change.
Here are 8 makeup tips for mature skin, from PRO makeup artists:
If primers were a “luxury” in our 20’s and 30's, you’ll find them to be quite important in our later years, and that’s because primers can go a really long way. They can smooth the skin's surface and blur out pores for one. They’re great at masking fine lines and wrinkles so the makeup doesn’t settle into them as much, and primers will help the makeup last a lot longer.
One of the first areas to show signs on aging are the eyes and as we get older, this area simply can't be ignored.
Since our skin will become drier with age, the importance of bringing hydration and active skincare ingredients is bigger than ever. If the under eyes are dry, the concealer will pill, crack, shift and attach itself to every bit of dry, patchy area.
The VREA 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 offers active skincare ingredients formulated at their documented levels of performance (think eye cream in a tube). It’s formulated with not 1 or 2, but 3 molecules of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Tripeptide/Micro Algae blend, and will help nourish and hydrate all layers of your skin. Using this concealer daily has helped me improve the chronic dryness I used to suffer with for years & when the eye area is hydrated, makeup will look a lot nicer and more natural. But if that’s not enough, the concealer also offers blue light protection, air pollution protection, and shields your skin form damaging and aging UV rays.
PRO blending tip here: warm up the concealer formula between your fingertips. Warming it up will help it glide on and melt into the skin more easily.
Powder-based complexion products will become the main villains in makeup for mature skin, because they tend to settle into lines and wrinkles, making them look more prominent. Additionally, since the skin will tend to get more on the dry side, the use of powder products will make the face look and feel even drier.
In terms of foundation, it will be wise to stay away from full-coverage formulas, since they can look thick and not very complimentary. Anything with a glowy finish or labeled as “hydrating” will be the better choice.
There is something to be said about dusting a very (and I mean VERY) fine veil of powder at the end of the makeup, to help extend its longevity and/or tame any extra shininess. Again though: Very fine dust of translucent powder. And if an overly shiny complexion after applying foundation is not a problem for you, yet you’d like to extend the life of the makeup, consider using a makeup setting spray.
When it comes to selecting your foundation or concealer shade, it’s better to go with 1 to 2 shades warmer than your actual skin tone, to avoid looking flushed out.
Matte eyeshadow and low shimmer will be more flattering that high shimmers and glitters.
Brown will create softer makeup looks which are more flattering as we age and also creates a more lifted appearance.
Fuller brows will always create the appearance of youthfulness. If you find that your brows are looking thinner and sparser than they used to, try using a thin eyebrow pencil to fill them in. Create thin lines that mimic brow hair and draw them in the same direction as your current hairs, for a natural look.
The definition of our lips softens with age and as a result, lip products will more likely bleed into the skin around the lips (particularly the upper lip). An easy fix for that is to lightly tap a very thin coat of concealer or foundation on top of the lips, then outline them using a lip liner. Then go in with (ideally) a hydrating lipstick. This process will extend the longevity of the lipstick, while preventing feathering and bleeding.
]]>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR
Save the image on your phone in favorites, or print it and place it on the fridge to be in view. Look ahead of a new week for easier "planning". But remember, this is meant to be fun. We are rooting for you!
Tag us in your photo and use #VREAwellnessChallenge so we can see you.
]]>Self-care could mean different things to different people, but the essence of it is making time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. There is no more doubt at this point that self-care helps us manage stress, reduce the risk of illness and increase energy levels.
No act is too small to have a big impact and today I wanted to share some helpful tips in your self-care journey:
Choose to spend more time with people that are in large part, positive. People who uplift you, who choose to be there for you.
And the same can be said about severing ties with those who aren’t able to bring that level of energy into your life… the naysayers, the gossipers, and negativists. Believe me when I say: You don’t need them!
Not only is this great for maintaining a healthy body weight, but walking helps prevent or manage various conditions including heart disease and blood pressure.
Clear space does = clear mind. Forget the “discovering of lost treasures” part, de-cluttering also helps clear your space of allergens, it can improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, plus boost productivity and creativity.
What if I told you that most of us don’t know how to breathe right and make the most of our oxygen intake? And what if I told you that the deep breaths IN we’ve been taught to practice in order to manage stress, are in fact achieving the opposite? I wrote a very powerful blog post where this was mentioned (see tip #8) and I highly encourage you to check it out.
Even if it’s just for 2 minutes. Stretching improves posture, helps reduce or manage stress, helps your joints move through their full range of motion and enables muscles to work effectively while reducing muscular tension and enhancing muscular relaxation.
Even if it’s a quick 10-minute dancing session in the morning, or 30 minutes of yoga on the weekend. Small amounts of exercise add up and they will absolutely make a difference.
How many fancy coffee drinks could you spare per month, in order to give yourself the gift of a massage instead?
A balanced diet and plenty of water (ideally the equivalent of half your body weight in fluid ounces of water on a daily basis) can improve energy levels and focus throughout the day. Not to mention, there’s a greatly added skin health element bonused here as well.
Lowering the lights 1-2 hours before bedtime, turning on the red screen feature on your phone (since the blue light signals your brain to remain alert) and sticking to a regimented wind-down/go-to-bed schedule, will make a world of difference. More tips on how to maximize the number of hours & quality of your sleep, here.
I like to start the day and end the day by listing in my head a few things that I’m grateful for. There’s always more than meets the eye when it comes to the things we should hold gratitude for and reminding ourselves of that (even when it's really hard), will help bring an air of positive energy into our lives. And when thinking of what you're grateful for, be specific.
There will always be plenty to do and not enough hours in the day, but reaching out to the people you love and staying connected with them, helps us feel included and cared for, which in turn will have a positive impact on our mental health.
Though it’s yoga, meditation, journaling, taking a bath or doing progressive muscle relaxation exercises. I challenge you to do something labeled "relaxing" on a weekly basis.
In other words: “Do you really think you’ll accomplish all 50 tasks you wrote down this week?” Being overzealous has its drawbacks, and the toll on mental health is one of them. Over the past 5 years while creating VREA, my daily to-do’s listed things no three people could accomplish in one day. Granted, since I’m the founder/CEO/product conceptualizer & supervisor/marketing director/social media coordinator/sales exec/email specialist/blogger/photographer/editor & talent … I do tend to feel really overwhelmed. Long story short, the fact that one has to do the job of 10 has made me lose sleep at night and resulted of course in the overcrowding of my to-do list. I ultimately realized (not soon enough though) that doing this not only looks and feels overwhelming, it certainly makes matters worse. So my advice to you? Put time frames next to each task and give yourself an hour buffer on a daily basis. If you see that not all tasks will fit in one day, prioritize them; and the least priority ones will have to get pushed to next day. It just is what it is my friend! And that’s OK! We got this!
The self-care journey looks different for everyone, but it’s a journey we’re all on it together. It may take time to figure out exactly how that looks like for you, and there may also be some trial and error needed to discover what works best for you. The key is not giving up. Adjusting. Making modifications. Keep moving forward, and the rest will follow.
And lastly, understanding what triggers your stress and anxiety as well as not waiting until symptoms are overwhelming is also key. Knowing when to seek professional help matters. We are rooting for you always!
]]>A few years ago, our culture used to wear “little sleep” like a badge of honor. “I’m building my future, working hard, running on 4-5 hours of sleep...” – and that would make us rockstars! I must be honest with you, this is a personal struggle for me and as I’m building VREA Cosmetics, I find myself sleeping an average of 5 hours per night. I’m in the working phase of life, trying really hard to get this company off the ground and into a legendary position; but I’m not only running on little sleep, I'm also running myself into the ground so to speak as well, because I can feel how the lack of sleep is affecting my health, skin, well-being, and ability to perform everyday activities. So I really wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the importance of sleep (not only to overall health but beauty as well since we’re on the topic), and make a pledge with you to get more ZZZs.
The answer is YES! We’re talking healthy skin, glowing skin, brighter eyes. And the opposite holds true as well: Lack of quality sleep leads to tired eyes, dark circles, under eye bags and skin lacking luster.
Have you noticed that when you have a few “long” nights, when you wake up in the morning the skin looks dull, dehydrated and potentially dry as well? That’s in large part because the collagen in our skin repairs itself during our sleep cycle. Cutting that short will most certainly reflect in the look of skin.
There have been sufficient studies at this point telling us how getting enough sleep every night will promote a brighter skin tone.
I think we can all agree that the only bags we want, involve traveling. The end. Fact is, there’s a link between puffiness and lack of sleep (in addition to getting older).
A study I found particularly interesting, showed that: “the faces of sleep-deprived individuals were perceived as having more hanging eyelids, redder eyes, more swollen eyes and darker circles under the eyes. Sleep deprivation also was associated with paler skin, more wrinkles or fine lines, and more droopy corners of the mouth. People also looked sadder when sleep-deprived than after normal sleep, and sadness was related to looking fatigued.”
Since sleep deprivation is linked to increased signs of aging (think fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity), there’s no surprise that more quality sleep can do the opposite. Encourage healthy collagen production, a more radiant and more youthful look.
The “right” amount of sleep varies from person to person (and varies depending on age as well), but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend adults 18 and older get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. They also estimate that 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep.
Now it’s important to consider the quality of sleep as well, not just the quantity; because low-quality sleep, will make you feel tired the next day even if you technically slept 8 hours.
Quality sleep generally equals uninterrupted sleep, and a balance of light, deep and REM sleep. What’s even more interesting, is that skin has its own circadian rhythm as well and getting this level of consistent sleep will effect your transepidermal water loss level and blood flow to the skin.
Good news is that we can. The catch though, is that research suggests we need an average of four days of adequate sleep to make up for one hour of lost sleep.
Loss of sleep is often referred to as “sleep debt” and that’s a great way to look at it. Like most debt, interest has to be paid on the borrowed amloiunt. So one hour of sleep lost, will need another hour + interest (3 hrs) in order for the debt to be “paid in full”.
Good news is that we have an entire blog post with helpful tips, you can check out. The tips are definitely worth the lookover.
A few things I’d like to add to that though:
• While we talked about enforcing a strict sleeping routine in that blog post, I’d like to address the “winding down” process as well. About an hour before going to bed, start lowering the volume on the TV & other gadgets around you. A simple daily calendar alert going off, can help you remember to do that. Additionally, start lowering the lights in your home as well.
• Are you responding to sound therapy or smell therapy (or both)? The act of lighting up a candle that smells soothing or turning on a diffuser with some lavender oil will be very helpful. Turning on a sound machine or playing some soothing calming sounds on YouTube (in the background) will help signal the brain that it’s time to start winding down.
• Engage in an evening skincare routine. Ideally they include our incredible eye masks for a full, pampering experience.
• Do something that’s generally regarded as relaxing i.e. taking a warm shower, reading a book, journaling or listening to a guided meditation.
All these things plus all the tips from the previous blog post will genuinely help make a really big difference. We are rooting for you! Sweet dreams.
]]>Yes, it’s true that what we put on our skin matters! But if you want to really make a dent in things (no pun intended), you should also consider what types of foods you eat.
Now you may have heard that greasy foods, processed sugars and dairy can cause acne. But here’s the fact: Excess sebum causes acne. There is no valued scientific evidence that foods do. There is some credible research behind cow’s milk and its potential link to acne however, but how cow’s milk may increase or worsen acne is still a mystery.
One theory is that the hormones in milk cause inflammation in the body, which in turn can clog pores, leading to acne. The kicker is that while cow’s milk may increase the risk of developing acne, no studies have found that products made from milk (i.e. yogurt or cheese) lead to more breakouts.
So, sure! Let’s decrease the amount of dairy. But how about the other types of foods? The ones that have some findings into helping to keep skin clear? The food we eat, gets digested and ultimately enters our bloodstream which then circulates to the skin. So in other words, the right diet can be a value-added proposition to glowing, clear skin.
Tomatoes, tomato-based foods and tomato juice, may help clear up acne and that’s thanks to an ingredient called lycopene (the phytochemical that makes tomatoes red).
If you ask me, there are few foods out there equally as GREAT for skin as blueberries. They are rich in antioxidants that help fight the free radicals that damage skin cells. They also help boost the strength of collagen fibers and in 6 words: grab a handful of blueberries asap!
Consuming sufficient amounts of healthy fats is needed in order to support the skin barrier. In particular fish and fish oil, will be incredibly beneficial to reducing inflammation (read: acne). In addition to being a great source of anti-inflammatory Omega-3s, salmon also contains DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) which protects the integrity of cell membranes.
Take avocado and add “California”, and you may have a whole bunch of folks rolling their eyes right now :) Fact is though, that avocados are absolutely wonderful at adding hydration to the skin and reducing inflammation. Again, for those of us with acne or acne-prone skin, controlling inflammation is key! This fruit is rich in monosaturated fatty acids which are incredible for skin.
I cook with turmeric, drink turmeric teas and sprinkle turmeric in my apple cider vinegar. Turmeric is a game-changer! It’s rich in curcumin (active antioxidant) and shown to be one of the most effective anti-inflammatory, free-radical fighting food options out there.
]]>As trite as it may sound, the moment I started learning in school just how complex skin really is and how many things we should be grateful to it for… that was the moment when I stopped complaining about my acne, pores and skin laxity. Instead, I’m practicing more gratitude because reality is that our skin is EXTRAORDINARY! “Imperfections” et all.
Taking care of this organ now naturally, doesn’t boil down solely to looking good, but being healthy and feeling great as well. So here are some common dos and don’ts to help you achieve just that!
The sun is the biggest extrinsic aging factor. Not to mention that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and the world. One of the biggest and most important things you could ever do for yourself is wear sunscreen year-round, even when staying home. I’ve said this a million times and will continue saying it for the rest of my life: UV rays are around 365 days a year, even if the sun is not visibly out. And these rays can penetrate through windows and clothing, which is why wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 product every single day, is so important.
Not only will wearing sunscreen help keep you protected from skin cancer, it will also keep your skin healthy and looking youthful.
TRY the VREA 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 if you haven’t already. It’s broad-spectrum, and it will not only help you conceal the under eyes, it will help keep them protected from damaging UVs as well as blue light and air pollution. There’s nothing else like this concealer on the market and it’s truly worth the buy!
As an acne sufferer myself with a compulsion to pick at my skin, I understand the urge to go in there and go ham. But trust me when I say that doing so, is a major skincare don’t. Not only can that lead to bigger infections, but it can lead to bacteria spreading (read: more pimples), as well as scarring.
Try this: cover the pimples with the 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30, because the Zinc Oxide is also effective at reducing the production of sebum while soothing the inflammation.
I can’t say this enough: a key step in promoting good skin health is "removing the day" and washing your face every single night. I know what it’s like to have a few margaritas on a Friday night to the point of just wanting to crawl in bed, but even if you only have a makeup removing wipe in your nightstand which you can use to remove all that gunk, is still going to be better than going to sleep as is. During the night, is when skin goes into recovery mode and preventing it in doing so by virtue of wearing makeup, can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and skin irritation.
On the topic of cleansing the face, avoid hot water. Instead, go for lukewarm. Why you ask? It’s because hot water is notorious for stripping skin of its natural oils and leading to skin sensitization. If your skin feels tight after washing, we’re conditioned to take a look at, and potentially changing the cleanser. But what we should do before switching product, is adjusting the water temperature and then seeing how the skin feels.
Think about this for a moment… no matter how well you cleanse your skin at night, the products you apply afterwards as part of your nighttime skincare routine, are inevitably going to transfer onto the pillow. Now imagine that happening night one, then night 2, and so on. Eventually, you find yourself putting your beautiful face on a pillow with days-worth of product, which has been sitting on the pillow, attracting and potentially brewing bacteria. That’s not right! If you want to avoid that (and especially if you have acne-prone skin), consider changing the pillow case as often as possible. And while you’re at it, consider also a silk pillow case. Silk will be much more genltle on your skin and hair.
While the level of moisture (oil) depends on the skin type, hydration is non-negotiable for all. Every single type of skin, and every skin condition, requires hydration (water). The water level in the skin will help with that plumpness and inner glow that most of us want. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera are fantastic at bringing water content to the skin and provide a good water-balance for healthy, radiant looking skin.
We formulated the VREA 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 with not one, not two, but THREE different molecules of hyaluronic acid, that work across all layers of the skin to provide hydration.
Thank you for spending some time with us and reading this. We love you!
]]>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR
Can you believe it's almost spring? Is it just me, or is 2022 going by faster than usual? Maybe it's going normally, but after the last couple of years we've had... it maybe just SEEMS faster.
Honestly speaking, I can't think of a better way to start a fresh new season than with a robust routine which includes wellness. Intentionally making room for your mental, physical and emotional health is one of the greatest gifts you could ever gift yourself and we hope you'll feel inspired to try some of the March challenges (if not all because the more, the merrier).
Print this calendar & put it on your fridge – when it’s in view, it will be easier to remember to execute on the promise you've made to take better care of yourself.
Happy March!
]]>Fact is, oils are great for all skin types and what it boils down to, is simply which oils are beneficial for which skin type. That is because an oil good for dry skin, may cause breakouts for someone that’s acne-prone. We’re here to help you cut through all the layers of information and share with you which oils are most suitable for each skin type.
It is also worth mentioning that all skin types need oil (just different degrees of it) as well as water (across the board, no debate). And while some will advertise that their oils are hydrating, that is simply not the case. Oils work along the lines of moisture (oil), not hydration (water). The confusion comes in large part from the oil’s ability to retain water content in the skin. But they are not able to add water, so they are moisturizing, not hydrating.
Hydrating the skin means you are bringing water or water-binding ingredients to it. Moisturization on the other hand, means using lubricating ingredients which reduce dryness and transepidermal water loss. There are simply no oils that can add water to the skin, and saying otherwise is pure “marketing fluff”.
In terms of how to best use oils, generally speaking you should first use hydrating (water-based) products first, then moisturize, and then apply the oil on top. Another option would be to mix a few drops of oil with the moisturizer and through this mixture, you apply the two products in one step.
You only need a couple of drops for the entire face and neck.
We also recommend sticking with oils at nighttime, since applying oils to the skin before going out in the sun could increase your risk of sunburn. If you choose to use an oil during the daytime however, it’s widely recommended to use only a few drops, giving the oil a few minutes to better absorb into the skin, then finishing the routine with minimum broad-spectrum SPF 30.
Avocado oil
Extra virgin Olive oil.
Coconut oil (deodorized).
Marula oil.
Apricot kernel oil.
Jojoba oil.
Marula oil.
Sweet almond oil.
Apricot oil.
Marula oil.
Jojoba oil.
Flaxseed oil.
Evening primrose oil.
Grapeseed oil.
Jojoba oil.
Argan oil.
Grapeseed oil.
Rosehip oil.
Pomegranate oil.
Hemp Seed oil.
Jojoba oil.
Moringa oil (not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin).
Aloe Vera oil.
Jojoba oil.
Hope this helps guide you!
It’s also worth mentioning that our VREA products are formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients (meaning they will not clog pores and are perfectly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin as well). Our products are 100% VEGAN and LEAPING BUNNY CERTIFIED CRUELTY FREE as well. Thank you for being on this journey with us!
]]>Since GALentine's Day is almost here (and we’re Huge fans of Galentines Day), we want to make celebrating you & your friends a little easier with a round-up-list of Galentine's Day ideas. Sure, this “holiday” is entirely made-up, but it’s a great opportunity to celebrate your friendships in all their forms.
Galentine's Day came about thanks to a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, where Leslie Knope (a fictional character) gathers a group of her closest gal pals for a brunch full of waffles and love. “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it, breakfast style,” Leslie says in the episode. “Ladies celebrating ladies.” The episode was naturally called “Galentine's Day”.
So here are some ideas:
Grab some nail polishes (HOT TIP: trending colors this spring are soft lilac, canary yellow, hot pink & sky blue). Also grab a pair of (chilled) VREA eye masks, some snacks, drinks, get some candles going or a diffuser (for aromatherapy), turn on the girls-playlist and have yourself a Galentine's for the books!
If 2020 brought anything to us in terms of viewing behavior, it was binge-watching. Grab the snacks, the wine or mocktails, fire up the popcorn, get a few cozy blankets ready and push PLAY. Some of our favorite movies are: Clueless, Legally Blonde (1, not 2), The Other Woman, Devil Wears Prada, Pretty Woman, Along Came Polly, The Proposal and 50 First Dates.
Planning a dinner always seems to be more difficult with everyone’s schedule and such, doesn’t it? So why not do brunch instead? Mimosas, catching-up time, a plate half-full with veggies (because we love taking care of our gut), how could the day possibly start any better?!
Literally one of our favorite things to do because the two go really well together. Loading up on Resveratrol won’t turn us into overnight Picassos, but you’ll have a heck of a time doing this.
You can go to a class, or you can "host" one in your home or outdoors. Listen to music, get the body moving and the blood pumping. Friends who work out together, stay together.
If you haven’t gone karaoke yet, you are missing out!
Karaoke parties are prime for creating amazing memories.
Purchase your own microphone and karaoke set, or go to a karaoke club. Either way, it’s looking like an amazing time ahead for you and your friends.
Lastly… in a digital world, physical mail has become a luxury. How would you feel if You got a care package from a friend? Pretty amazing, right? If you can do that for a friend this year, here are some ideas: throw in some herbal tea, a box of VREA eye masks (of course!), a candle, bath bomb, a coloring book or mindfulness cards, and of course a note of love.
Share the gift of good, hydrated skin, by gifting your friend(s) a box of VREA eye masks. You know they’ll LOVE IT & right now when you buy ONE box, get a second box FREE. Offer ends Wednesday, February 9th.
]]>But while the sun giveth, the sun taketh away too. And in this case, the sun comes with very harmful effects to us: from retina damage caused by long-term unprotected exposer to the ultraviolet light, to heat exhaustion, sunburns, heat rash, skin cancer and wrinkles/aging.
Which makes you wonder… does the "bad", outweigh the "good" when it comes to exposure?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide.
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.(According to the skin cancer foundation.org)
When you see VREA, I want you feel good.
I don’t want to scare you today! But truth is that I must put this on your spectrum, because as a licensed esthetician and big (I mean HUGE) skincare aficionado, I see how many of us don’t take these stats seriously (or are simply unaware of them). Melanoma sounds like the big, bad wolf that’s far removed from us & we’ll never cross paths with him, and I think it’s because of this misconception, that the numbers are so high.
1. Use sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. Apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every 2 hours of after swimming or sweating.
Worth mentioning here that the higher SPF value works only to extend the time of the protection, but it does not provide significantly more protection at a particular moment. In other words, the difference between an SPF 30 and an SPF 50 isn’t the amount of protection, but the length of time you could be protected from sun burn.
A sunscreen with SPF 15 will protect you from 93.3% of UVB rays. SPF 30 will protect from 96.7% UVB absorption, SPF 45 correlates with 97.8% and SPF 50 with 98% of UVB rays. UVB rays have shorter wavelength and are associated with skin Burning). No sunscreen provides 100% protection.
(Comprehensive Review of Ultraviolet Radiation and the Current Status on Sunscreens NCBI study)
2. Use sunscreens labeled as Broad Spectrum, which means that they’re able to provide UVB as well as UVA protection. (UVA rays have longer wavelength and are associated with skin aging).
3. Use sunscreen year-round, even indoors. UV rays are able to penetrate through the clouds, through windows, windshields, and clothing as well. In addition, the rays are reflected by sand, water, snow, ice and pavement which means that year-round, you are at risk. When thinking of the sun, think UV, not heat.
4. Use sunscreen on children and test them out first by applying the product on the wrist.
5. Wear a hat or visor with a wide brim, so it covers the entire face, years and neck.
6. Wear sunglasses that are designed to block UV radiation.
7. When going out on walks or in an environment where you know you’ll be exposed to the sun for a longer period of time, wear long sleeves & pants, made from fabrics that are rated with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The higher the UPF rating, the greater the sun protection.
8. Keep in mind that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10AM and 2PM, so proceed accordingly & during those hours, try to seek shade.
9. Don’t forget about the lips - protect them with an SPF lip balm.
10. Don’t forget about the back of your hands either. Use sun protection on the hands and consider UV driving gloves when driving.
11. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that increase skin's sensitivity to UV rays, read labels carefully and use extra sunscreen as needed.
When my Instagram community told me they wanted the first VREA product to be a concealer, I knew in my soul that the product would HAVE TO HAVE sun protection. Especially when the skin around the eyes is most delicate, most sensitive, it’s first to show signs of aging and… the options for eye area sunscreen are dismal at best.
I’ve tried bringing my face sunscreen over the eye area, and when I’m not screaming throughout the day because my eyes are burning out of my head, I have to deal with a texture that makes it very difficult to keep makeup looking decent. Plus, most mineral sunscreens (which are most suitable to sensitive skin and more sensitive areas) leave a white cast residue.
The 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 took YEARS to develop.
Because sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter drug, the channels were very complicated. I worked with the best of the absolute best in the United States to bring my vision to life, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish. There is no product like this on the market. Period.
- Alexandra (founder | CEO)
Product highlights:
● Mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection & it’s considered most suitable for sensitive skin.
● Formulated with Non-nano Zinc Oxide (particles that aren’t small enough to penetrate the skin).
● Broad Spectrum protection, offers UVA and UVB protection.
● No white cast formulation. Remarkable breakthrough for darker skin tones. Tested in flash photography as well – no flashback.
]]>One of the greatest tips of all time (yep, we said it!) as it pertains to building confidence, is making AND KEEPING small commitments or promises to yourself on a daily basis. From committing (or promising to yourself) to drink 8 glasses of water, to bigger things.. bottom line is that keeping promises to yourself on a habitual basis (read: daily), will contribute greatly to your overall self confidence.
The act of making a goal and keeping it, is what fortifies your confidence, it makes you feel incredible, and when you’re on a roll… you’re on a roll!
That’s one of the goals of our monthly WELLNESS Challenges that we’re doing. That, and trying to insert feel-good / think-good / look-good nuggets into your hectic schedule. We know you have a lot going on, and support you in everything you do. But burn-out is a real thing, and most of us are great at caring for others, not as great at carrying for ourselves. Which is why VREA is here to help care for you. Mind, body and spirit. We love you, and hope you'll enjoy February’s daily (& easy don’t worry) challenges.
Print this calendar & put it on your fridge – when it’s “in your face” believe me, you’ll be more likely to see it, get reminded of this amazing goal we have together and most importantly – DO the challenges.
Happy February!
]]>Playing around with different flavors will not only keep things fun and interesting, but keep your tastebuds engaged and further away from the siren-calls of Dr. Pepper.
For all recipes, combine the ingredients in a large glass carafe or pitcher, cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
And if you really want to JOOJ things up, you can use sparkling water instead of flat. Taste buds say what?!?!
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1 lemon (sliced)
2 fresh lavender sprigs or 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
For an added oomph, use sparkling water instead.
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1 cup cantaloupe
1/2 lemon (thinly sliced)
5 fresh mint sprigs
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
3-4 small slices watermelon
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1 tangerine (peeled & sliced)
1 nectarine (sliced)
5-6 fresh basil leaves
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 lemon (thinly sliced)
4 fresh lemon verbena sprigs
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1 red apple (thinly sliced)
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 allspice berries
The flavor will take a few hours to set in for this recipe.
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
4 fresh strawberries (cut)
1/2 kiwi (sliced)
1/2 lime (sliced)
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1/2 lemon (thinly sliced)
1/2 orange (sliced)
1/2 cup cucumber (sliced)
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1/2 lemon (thinly sliced)
2 slices fresh ginger root
1/2 tablespoon ground turmeric
2 liters water (+ optional ice)
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger root (minced)
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
Few lemon slices if the taste is too intense for you.
And since hydration is best tackled inside AND out, pair up your home-made flavored-water, with the most juicy, hydrating & nourishing eye masks you’ve ever used, and turn this moment into an experience! Your own SPA at home!
The Eye Goals eye masks are formulated with 3 molecules of Hyaluronic Acid, to hydrate across all layers of the skin (not just the top like many masks out there do). And PRO TIP: put a pack in the fridge the night before, and get ready for an epic experience in the morning.
]]>During the winter months it’s more critical than ever, to pay attention to our skincare habits and routines. Why? Because the blistering cold, the biting winds and chills, the snow, the rain, they can cause serious dryness, flakiness, redness, inflammation and in some cases even more serious skin conditions.
If you want your skin (not just your mood) to be happy and glowing, then this is the blog for you. Consider avoiding these mistakes (like you would avoid the plague) and you’ll be the educated, wintertime skincare guru we know you are (or want to be).
And/or… washing the skin too aggressively.
In dryer/cooler air, your skin will benefit most from a cream-based cleanser, which is more likely to hydrate. Being gentler will also help protect skin’s natural moisture barrier and keep it from drying. Expecting a lightweight/foaming cleanser used in the summertime to do the heavy-lifting moisturizing (which ALL skin types need more of in the winter), is the first and most common mistake around.
Conventional wisdom had us thinking that because skin gets drier this time of year we should exfoliate more often, as to remove the flakiness. But this is when the skin starts especially getting stripped of water and moisture, so we have to be extra careful with it and treat it as we would sensitive skin. And what’s one of the first things you don’t do with sensitive skin? You don’t over-exfoliate it. This time of year, excessive exfoliating will only sensitize the skin. Stick to once-twice per week (tops), and consider gentle (ideally enzymatic) exfoliators.
UVs are here year-round, on rainy and cloudy days as well and they’re sneaky and able to penetrate through clothing and windows as well, meaning that there’s never any downtime and you should apply sunscreen on a daily basis, and even if you’re staying home.
And if you want to protect from UVAs and UVB rays, air pollution, AND blue light damage (from the smartphone, TV, laptop, tablet, and anything else you have around), try the 4-IN-1 Concealer SPF 30. It’s an eye cream in a tube, formulated with powerful active ingredients at their researched levels of performance + broad spectrum (mineral sunscreen) SPF 30, pollution and blue light protection. It glides on like a dream, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
I’m struggling hard with this one, won’t lie! Not for my face, because hot water never touches this face, but for the rest of the body. Fact is though that hot water does a tremendous job at removing natural oils from the skin, contributing greatly to dryness and dehydration. First step here is to go cooler on the temperature, then go in with your face serum and body lotion while the skin is still damp. That’s the big trick to locking in moisture and preventing evaporation, which is very common in the winter months. P.S.: This applies to the water we’re washing our hands with, too.
K, first thing: Not all alcohols in formulas are bad. There are certain types known as fatty alcohols, which are especially beneficial for skin. Examples you’ll see on ingredient labels include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol – most of them serving as product stabilizers, texture enhancers, emollients and emulsifiers.
However - if you see SD alcohol, denatured alcohol or (less often but still possible) isopropyl alcohol in formulas, especially in the first 5-6 ingredients on the label list, just know they run the risk of drying the skin, potentially disrupting the skin barrier and even making breakouts worse.
It’s also worth mentioning that no matter the type of alcohol, if alcohol is the main ingredient in a skin care product, that IS a problem!
In terms of fragrance, while it may appear as just one ingredient on the label list, fragrance can be made up of HUNDREDS of different ingredients (whilst only “fragrance” is listed on the label). Fragrance (synthetic as well as naturally derived) is a leading source of sensitivity in cosmetics and we highly recommend avoiding it, especially this time of year.
Worth knowing that VREA Cosmetics products are Fragrance-Free (and they don’t smell like they could use fragrance either, you know what I mean?!)
In cooler temperatures moisture is a MUST, regardless of skin type. That includes those of us with acne-prone or oily skin as well. If you are prone to breakouts, use products labeled non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic. If you have oily skin, the key ingredients will be hydrating ones (i.e. Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Urea, Seaweed, Sodium PCA, Butylene Glycol, etc.)
Now more than ever, you skin will need a more rich/moisture-focused moisturizer.
Cozy scarves and beanies are go-tos, but did you know that many knitted or other winter fabrics can cause skin irritation? To avoid this, consider wearing items made from breathable materials like cotton, linen or polyester, and layering them instead.
And P.S. If something is touching your face today, it should be washed before having it touch your face again tomorrow. We don’t often think of the frequency with which we wash the winter accessories, but we should!
When it gets cold outside, it seems that more often the lips and hands get a lot of love (as they should), whilst nobody seems to care about the feet. Aww…
An amazing thing to do is: apply a thick moisturizer (think Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc.) then put on a pair of socks to trap in that moisture. It's a dreamy duo. And if you want to pamper yourself, exfoliate and try a foot mask beforehand moisturizing too.
In the last minute, your eyes have made around 240 quick movements called “saccades” (French for “jolts”) and in your waking hours today, you’ll likely make around 200,000 of these movements.
Reason for sharing this is because constant blinking, squinting and movement, adds weight to an area that is already the most fragile and most prone to dryness and damage, plus the first to show signs of aging. Let’s not forget that our eyes keep moving during sleep as well (yikes!).
While some folks argue that eye creams are just “overpriced moisturizers”, it’s important to know that many eye creams are formulated specifically to adapt to this area and tend to be a little thicker. Think of it this way: body lotion could have the same ingredients as a facial moisturizer (at label level), but what would that body lotion do if applied onto the face? Over a period of time, it would likely wreak havoc for many of us. From irritation, to pore-clogging issues like breakouts, to milia.
If you’re not using an eye product in the warm months, you most definitely should consider using one in the cold months.
Our favorite thing to do this time of year, is use the Eye Goals eye masks, squeeze leftover formula from the pouch and apply that to the brow bone, the 11s (those vertical lines between the eyebrows), lip lines and the rest on the neck and chest. Live your life for about 15 minutes (they're non-slip, so you can literally do whatever you want or need to), then remove them. Tap excess product gently into the skin, and follow with an eye cream. Especially for those of us with dry skin and/or dry eye area, this will be legendary!
Heating systems can literally suck the life (aka humidity) out of air, making it even drier, and your skin will suffer as a result. Take care of your skin by addingmore moisture in the home with a humidifier. Also consider moisture boosting plants as well (like Areca palm, Rubber plant and Peace lily). The more moisture in the air, the more that air will share its moisture with your skin.
Thanks for being here and checking out the post. VREA loves you (and your beautiful skin)!
]]>With that said, allow me to share some inspo for 2022. I highly encourage you to adopt these habits with me. They’re easy and I broke them down as simply as possible, with suggestions on how to incorporate them as well. Hope you’ll find the value in reading. I love you!
If you’re like me and absolutely despise gyms, running, and other iron-man-like exercise, consider… dancing to your favorite songs for 20 minutes every day. Or going on a brisk 30-minute walk; that will do the trick too. It doesn’t have to be hard-core, simply get that beautiful body of yours moving.
Supplement that by parking your car further from your go-to locations and taking the stairs when you can instead of the elevator. Work on your laptop while standing up, or have a small pedaling gadget underneath your desk.
A few minutes of physical activity every day, will help you maintain healthy bone mass, healthy joints and muscles, control weight, inflammation in the body, and more.
Every cell, every tissue and every organ in the body needs water to thrive. That includes your skin. We’ve been told that eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily is what will do the trick, but that amount has never been medically substantiated. And since not every body is the same, the 8 across the board seems like it may not work for everyone.
My favorite way of going this, is by drinking half my weight in fluid ounces. My weight oscillates 1-3 lbs on a consistent basis. Right now I’m at 142 lbs. 141 ÷ 2 = 71.
So I try to drink 71 fluid ounces of water on a daily basis. That’s about nine glasses of water.
And if you need help with reminders throughout the day, there are plenty of apps to help with that: My Water: Daily Drink Tracker is one of them, as is: Water Reminder – Daily Tracker.
I remember when I was a little girl, my mom would push on my back and tell me to straighten up. She used to say “Alexandra Crina, you don’t want to be a hunched old lady one day” lol! Eastern European moms, you know!? When she said my first and middle name, she knew she’d get my attention, thinking I was in some sort of trouble. But the truth is that she was right. Good posture not only prevents aches, spinal deformities (from prolonged bad posture) and can reduce stress on the ligaments, but as I learned later in life, it also contributes to demeanor and overall self-confidence as well.
There are 2 things I’ve done to help get me in the habit of carrying good posture: 1) I got myself a posture corrector support brace from Amazon which I wear around the house, and 2) I have 3-4 calendar alerts in place (on my phone), that pop up at specific times throughout the day, reminding me to sit up straight. Done and done!
For YEARS I’ve been talking about the power and influence good sleep (as well as longer sleep) has on us, our bodily, and our mental health as well. Solid sleep doesn’t just give you more energy, it also contributes to your hormonal health, your healthy eating goals, your heart health, blood pressure, stress management, daily performance and more. We have a blog up with tips for better sleep - and it’s in fact the first blog I’ve ever written for our website. I encourage you to check it out, and in this new year, start going to bed a half an hour earlier than you normally do. Even if you can’t fall asleep right away, re-training your mind and body to begin the resting process earlier, will eventually pay off on the long term.
Since the topic of sleep is really important, I wanted to share one more challenge/GREAT habit to have in 2022, and that is to cut down on your exposure to blue light at night. The blue wavelengths from your phone, tablet, TV, lights, etc. – have the most powerful effect on your sleep-wake internal cycles and will essentially keep you awake when the body should be winding down.
The fist thing I’ve done, was to set a reminder on my phone to turn my screen red. Both iPhones and Androids have this ability, you just have to Google how to do it. Starting at 7PM, my alert pops up, I triple tap the side of my phone and now my screen is red. While more research is needed, the current evidence points out that red light at night doesn’t disturb your inner body clock. I’ve also purchased a few red light bulbs and red light salt lamps from Amazon and those are the only lights I have on past 7 PM (aside from the TV light because, nobody is perfect :D).
It’s also important to know that initial studies have shown that prolonged exposure to blue light on a daily basis can also affect the look and health of our skin, highly likely resulting in premature aging, which is why both the 4-in-1 Concealer SPF 30 AND the Eye Goals eye masks offer blue light protection from sustainably sourced Malagasy Butterfly Ginger. Some of you may remember when Jeremiah and I went to Madagascar… well, that wasn’t just for the culture, it was also because of this ingredient we’re sourcing from there. And I have to tell you… seeing first-hand the hardship and economic status of Madagascar, I am incredibly grateful and proud to be able to ethically and sustainably contribute to jobs in their country too.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I grew up with the taste and love for bread, creamy sauces on everything, fried foods, and with the hectic schedule I’ve had over the past 21 years since I started working – junk food as well. I’ve made excuses after excuses throughout the years, from being too busy, to… It’s the weekend, or it’s a Holiday, or.. I “deserve” a “treat”… and while occasional “indulgence” is perfectly alright, it’s the everyday habits that we’ll see and feel as we get older. And I WANT to be healthy, I WANT to have energy, and I WANT my skin to look its best. The leafy greens provide the water, the fiber, the folate and all the other good vitamins, minerals and nutrients we need to thrive, perform at our very best and look our best as well.
My challenge to you? Make sure that at least ONE meal a day in 2022, is predominantly green veggies. We can do it!!
One of my resolutions in 2022 is to meal prep. I haven’t done it in years and I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never quite done it consistently. If you saw the blog post (we emailed it) about the TIPS & TRICKS TO KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS then you know that new habits have to start small, if they are to be sustainable. So the way I’ll go about it, is by committing to meal prepping once a month. Every second Sunday of every month, my calendar reminder will go off (I’m obsessed with using my calendar, can you tell?) as early in the morning as possible, so I have time to make it happen throughout the day.
Meal prepping will save you time and money in the long run, but it will also allow you to “stay on the wagon” so to speak, so I don’t fall into the “no time” trap throughout the week, and make less than fortunate eating choices. I highly encourage you to meal prep more often in 2022.
And hey, on this note, let’s prep our Vitamins for the week as well, so we don’t forget.
Gabby and I sent an email on the first of the month, talking about how much of this “new year, new you” messaging we keep seeing out there, and in that email I said this: “The world is promoting acceptance yet is still critiquing ‘flaws’” – and it’s true, don’t you think? The pressures of social media and society and very much alive and well, so this year I encourage you (if you’re not doing it already), to go dark at least once a month. Pick one day every month, where your phone will stay on the nightstand, charging in its little glory, and you won’t touch it till the evening or (ideally) next day.
It’s hard, I know… but if you leave it on “Do Not Disturb”, only your “Favorite” contacts will be able to call you in case of emergency, so you can rest assured that nothing is happening, and you can go about living your merry life.
Oh and.. if you’re new here and haven’t signed up to get our emails and texts, believe me when I say that we are a WELLNESS-driven company, so you won’t get only “salesy” stuff from us. You get tips, and inspirational ideas and so much more, I really hope you can sign up. Sign up here.
The reason I’m promoting this, isn’t just because life is always better and more interesting with new experiences in play, but it’s also a critical element to keeping our brains healthy. This year for me, will be learning more Spanish. My mother in law is from Mexico, and Romanian (my native language) is one of the five romance languages, so there’s no excuse for me to not be more fluent in Spanish.
Learn a new language, sign up for a dance class or a creative writing workshop. Learn some painting or photography techniques. Take a cooking class, play an instrument or take up knitting. Whatever soothes your fancy, make it a point to add something new to your portfolio of skills and I can promise you that you’ll not only expand your personal reach, but you’ll feel really empowered in the process too. The mental work of learning something new, can also slow the signs of aging and could even delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Work, kids, life… there will always be stress, and “busyness”, and demanding circumstances, but for YOUR wellbeing and the wellbeing of all your relationships as a result… you simply MUST make time for yourself on a weekly basis.
I’m running VREA Cosmetics, I’m running the social media platforms for Alexandra Potora, and I’m assisting Jeremiah with 2 of our other businesses as well. I’m a full-time caregiver for my mom, take care of Chloe (my Scottish Fold kitty) and my friends and other family. I have many friends with multiple children, and I’m the daughter of a single, working mother. I can truly wrap my head around the time-consuming facts of life, but the only time you’ll catch me not doing self-care things will be when I’m six feet underground. Every week I schedule an hour when nobody else exists. I catch up on my housewives, with eye masks on, a face mask on, moisturizing gloves/socks for my hands/feet, while sipping on tea and eating snacks. I’m also proactive about masking throughout the week, even if that’s during calls, cleaning the house or working on blog posts (like right now). I put a few drops of lavender essential oil in my shower every night, I try to go on daily walks by the beach where I take my shoes off and ground myself into the sand... Point is, self-care on the daily is life-changing, even if it’s the most minute thing. And then once a week, really dedicate time to it and indulge in this wellbeing.
How will your self-care look like? Is it a bubble bath? Watching a show with your skincare layered on? Exercising? Whatever it may be, dedicate uninterrupted time to it. And nothing else exists.
Thank you so much for reading this and thank you for being part of the VREA family! I hope 2022 will bring all your hopes and wants to reality.
- Alexandra (Founder | CEO)
HAPPY 2022 from Alex, Jeremiah & Gabby, aka you VREA family!!
We wish you health, happiness, prosperity, laughter, love and everything else in between that will serve you, empower you and push you forward.
Our plan this year is to bring you six (6) new shades of the magical 4-In-1 Concealer (or “sorcery” how some of you amazing friends have called it), PLUS a new skincare product that will blow you away. When you see it, it will make so much sense! And let me just say that in the consumer study that we did for it last year, the product got insane feedback for moisturization, complexion brightening, and improved skin hydration just to name a few. Furthermore, Gabby, me and Valerie our brilliant chemist who created the formula – we have been using it everyday and literally crying over how good it is. You’ll be in AWE. Join the email + text family if you haven’t already, for real time preview magic coming.
Today I wanted to share with you some exquisite tips to help accomplish your New Year Resolutions. Because we all make them, right? Just about?
Estimates say that roughly only 8% of Americans who make NY Resolutions are actually successful in achieving them.
So why are so many of us unable to achieve our resolutions? The reasons could be many: It could be that the resolutions are unrealistic to our lifestyle and therefore hard to implement and follow-through. Maybe we’ve set out goals not because WE want them, but because we “should” do them – so, by virtue of them not being genuine, the commitment is low.
They could be superficial and unspecific in nature, so it’s hard to find a starting point to commit to. Or maybe it’s because we have way too many resolutions in the first place, it gets overwhelming and follow-through decreases.
Some of the most popular global resolutions are: exercising more, losing weight, getting organized, saving money, quitting smoking and reading more.
Whatever your goals and aspirations may be, that’s only for you and you only to quantify and “judge”, but we’re here to help provide some tips and inspo to make it easier to bring them to life. Hope you will enjoy!
Don’t just say “I want to lose weight”. A resolution about losing weight is not specific enough, which means it won’t be that easy to monitor and accomplish. Be specific. How much? And how? For me personally, my "specifics" look like: I want to lose 6 lbs by dropping soda, rice and lowering my calorie intake to 1,400 calories per day and exercising for at least 15 minutes, 3 times per week.
You see? That goal is targeted, it’s very specific and a plan is involved.
Know this: vague goals can’t be successfully measured and they won’t yield the wanted results. Be specific with what you want and outline the steps that you think are needed to get you there.
Overzealous resolutions may seem inspiring, but the odds of achieving them will likely fall flat in no time.
The difficulty of achieving unrealistic goals will lead to stress and frustration and ultimately… failure.
If you’re a single working mother with 3 kids and only part-time help, yet think you’ll be able to hit the gym for an hour and a half every day… we’d like a puff of whatever you’re puffing on, because it's obviously great! You may WANT to strive for that, but a more realistic goal would be to get yourself there for at least 30 minutes twice a week. Start small and build up. If you find that it’s easy and seamless to keep to your resolution and you’ve been hitting the mark for 3 months straight, you’re ready to upgrade. Till then… don't burden yourself!
Being super specific with your goals AND making sure they’re realistic, is half the battle and we’re loving this journey for you.
Typically, folks who write down their goals are far more likely to achieve them, compared to those who don’t and only make mental vows.
Add a layer of fortitude to your resolutions, by bring them into the physical world. You can do that by creating a vision board, or sharing them with your friends and family – which is also a good way to build accountability, especially in the age of social media. So write down your specific resolutions and keep that note handy.
Now, we’d also like for you to limit your resolutions to 4. Max. And prioritize them, with #1 being the most important resolution on your list and the first one you want to tackle. To help you out, we’ve created a pdf that you can print straight from here. It’s got columns to list your resolutions by order of priority, and several rows for you to write the steps you need to accomplish them. That will be really helpful to keep things in perspective. You can see it below.
Aside from being specific and setting realistic goals, another key element in your success is to identify the benefits you’ll experience once you achieve your resolutions. Sit down and think for a moment. Why do you want to exercise more? Is it to reduce the risk for heart disease? Is it because it will help improve your self-esteem and gain you more energy throughout the day? Having the resolution benefits clearly identified and figuring out why you want to accomplish them/how you’ll feel once they're achieved, will create a more vivid imprint in your mind, that will help with the willpower you’ll need throughout the process.
Now, it’s also important to constantly remind yourself of your goals and the benefits associated with them. That includes calendar alerts and post-it notes in different places of the house pertinent to the goal. These reminders will help recapture some that initial desire and intensity, which will help you pushing forward.
After you identify the benefits of your resolutions and how you’ll feel once you achieve them, it will be wise to identify some the obstacles that might be getting in the way, as well as start identifying a couple of options to help you overcome those obstacles. For example, on days when the weather conditions don’t make it comfortable for you to drive to the gym, have a couple of videos at home, ready to pop in and workout to. So rather than dropping the ball all together because you can’t go to the gym, you can exercise at home. You were prepared and overcame the obstacle.
Planning ahead will help insure your success. In the pdf below, you also have columns to outline the benefits for each resolution, the obstacles, and more. It’s really exciting!
With the abundance of apps out there, you shouldn’t have a problem finding an app for just about any and every resolution that you have. And if there isn’t anything like what you’re looking for, maybe that’s the nudge to create your own.
The idea is that the more people and gadgets and tools and reminders you have in your corner, backing you up, the higher your chance of success will be.
This is very important because focusing on more than one in the same time can lead to “cognitive overload”, which will make it very difficult for your brain to properly handle all the moving elements. Focusing your attention entirely on one task will have a much greater chance of success, as opposed to shifting focus from one resolution to another and going all over the place.
My suggestion to you, is to start with one resolution until you achieve a benchmark you’re satisfied with. In other words, when the steps you’re taking to achieve that first resolution on your list have become so habitual that no interruptions will appear as a result of a shift in focus, then and only then, should you add a second resolution into the mix. As you’re continuing #1, you’re now tackling #2 as well. When #1 and #2 are on auto-pilot, you bring in #3 and so forth, going down the list but doing it strategically and methodically, and giving yourself a fighting chance to succeed.
Let me explain:
In order for us to materialize our resolutions we need willpower, right? Now – the brain cells operating the “willpower” are located in the pre-frontal cortex, which is the area right behind your forehead. That area of the brain is also responsible for our short-term memory, staying focused and solving abstract tasks.
This pre-frontal cortex is like a muscle. And like any muscle in your body, in order to handle the demand you want placed on it, it has to be trained. And if you haven’t been practicing consistent goal-keeping via willpower throughout the year, come January 1 you’re essentially asking this muscle to lift 300 pound weights without any previous training. You don't need me to point out that that’s not good.
Strong willpower is not necessarily a character trait. It’s only through constant exercise that we strengthen it. So don’t feel singled out. Like with anything, that muscle just needs conditioning in order to succed.
So how do we succeed? We start by taking baby steps. Small habits turn into successful long-term resolutions. That means breaking down each goal as much as you can, all the way down to the easiest and most simple tasks.
So if you haven’t been to the gym in a while but your resolution is to go 5 times a week, don’t start by going 5 times a week because you’ll fatigue and get over it in a hot second. Why do you think the gym is packed the first 2 weeks in January and then.... not!? So instead of going 5 times off the bat, start by going twice a week. Consistently. Do that for 3 months until it becomes a habit, then increase to 3 times a week. Do that for another month, then go to 4 times a week and so forth. You’re building strength and resistance, not killing yourself and getting worn-out. And that will help you not only reach, but keep your resolution.
If you want to have $5,000 in savings by the end of the year, figure out how to put away $97 per week. That could mean meal-prepping and/or cutting things out that are not vital to your health and wellbeing, and placing that amount in the savings account instead.
Whatever your goals may be, it’s all about those baby steps. Take the big picture and break it down into small polaroids. Just remember to identify these small steps before starting out.
As you take on one small step at a time, check it off your list of planned steps. The physical act of crossing something off and the visual image of seeing yourself doing all the to-do’s off your list, will create stimuli to help you nurture the willpower we talked about. Don’t forget to print out the checklist I did for you, it’s at the bottom of this post.
As life gets in the way and you’re tired, stressed, preoccupied and busy with everything else you have going on in life, it will be easy to let some things slide.
Consistency his key in changing mindsets and building new habits and without it, might as well throw out the window everything you’ve done so far. Even when it’s hard, you have to get up and do it. Maybe that’s when it will be good to keep that list of benefits handy... To remind you of the WHY you’re on a mission, why you want to keep to your resolutions, and how you will feel once you achieve them. Hold yourself accountable! You can start by having a calendar reminder pop up on your phone on a weekly basis, asking you to update your progress tracking list.
Rewarding yourself with things that make you feel good, will help increase your success rate. Think... buying yourself a little something-something that’s within your budget, a nice bubble bath or movie night. This will help encourage you and insure that you’re not depriving yourself too much in any aspect. Just make sure that the rewards won’t work against your goals if that makes sense.
No matter how many obstacles you could have foreseen and planned for, there will be times when you’ll fall off the wagon. The key is to (A) not stress yourself over it – it happens to every person on the planet, and (B) you have to immediately get back on track, and not create any more delays.
Obsessing over a slip up won’t help you achieve your goals. So don’t beat yourself up and just do your best. So today sucked. So what?! One bad day won’t overturn a week of good doing. Just go out of your way to make sure it won’t happen again for a while, that’s all.
When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, you’re more likely to miss the mark and get derailed from your goals, so stress-management is actually very important in the process of keeping your resolutions. Try breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, walking funny videos or listening to music that makes you feel good – whatever works for you. Every day, try to do something that puts you in a good mood. That will also be very important to your ultimate success.
If you’ve been proactively working on your resolution for a couple of months but don’t see any results, the solution is not to give up, but to reassess the goal, then the plan, and if need be, make modifications. It’s perfectly ok to do that. Maybe the resolution was unrealistic to begin with, and there was no way for you to know that until you were in the middle of the fire. Resolutions are about becoming better versions of ourselves, not some unrealistic “perfect” image. So keep a pulse on your progress and increase or decrease the heat according to your results.
If your resolution involves self-restraint, like – not eating that fast food, not smoking that cigarette, not doing that shopping… well, all that restraint could reduce your blood glucose to levels that are less-than-optimal. So a glass of fresh orange juice (if OK with your body health) as simple as it sounds, contains natural sugar that will cause blood sugar levels to rise. The brain relies almost exclusively on glucose for energy, so it’s very important to always replenish those needs.
Hope this brought a lot of value and inspiration into your life and I’ll leave you with… BEST OF LUCK and wishes for LOTS OF SUCCESS in the 2022 and beyond. We love you here!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF
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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR
And just like that... 2022 is here!
If (like us) the first thing popping in your mind with the sentence above was Sex And The City, then we're definitely soul mates 😆.
The VREA January Wellness calendar is one of my favorites and I hope you'll enjoy it. We recommend saving the image in your photos album or(and) printing it and hanging it in view. The fridge is a good spot for it. Try looking a day or two in advance, to see what’s coming and be prepared to make that challenge happen.
The more challenges you complete, the better and more fulfilled you'll feel, I speak from experience. Definitely give them a try and see for yourself.
One of the biggest tips for self confidence I've ever learned, was that confidence gets built though the process of achieving daily promises to yourself, no matter how easy and simple they may be. Consistently committing to do something and following through, is the fastest and best path toward a more robust confidence.
We're all about that personal growth and (mental/physical/emotional) wellbeing and we're here to help you feel your best, look your best and live your best life.
Share which challenges you complete on instagram, tag us and use #VREAwellnessChallenge so we can see and celebrate you.
]]>To say that the 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 is a masterpiece, would be an understatement. This product is the quintessential hybrid of skincare and makeup. Many advertise things like “active skincare ingredients” and throw around marketing fluff like “using”, “formulated with” or “infused with”, but when it comes to formula efficacy, you should know that our hero skincare ingredients were formulated at their actual levels of documented performance. And that’s just ONE of the many things setting this product apart.
I’ve been using the concealer since we entered the formula stage, back in mid 2018. And a year into using it on a daily basis, I noticed that my (otherwise) severely dry and flaky eye area, was now looking more hydrated, more nourished, not flaky at all, and overall more bright. On paper I knew the product will achieve all these milestones, but seeing it in real life, was the A-HA moment! After ugly crying (because I couldn’t believe that after all the times people have said this formula would be almost impossible to achieve due to its level of complexity), I pulled myself together and realized that I MUST HAVE this type of hydration and nourishment on my eye area as much as possible, including days and/or evenings when I’m not wearing the concealer. And that’s how the eye masks came about. We took those incredible ingredients (blended to perfection) and went back to the formulating board, to bring them to life in a serum format.
3 years after beginning formulation, the 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 is finally available, and today I wanted to share with you 17 things you must know about this product + some application tips & tricks.
If you’re wondering why I chose to go with a tube in the first place, it’s because as a licensed esthetician, sanitation is a high priority for me and there’s not much terrifying me more in a concealer, than pulling out a wand, touching it on your skin, then dipping it back in the container and therefore introducing dead skin cells, bacteria, dust and God knows what else into the formula. EEKKK!
We know that the good-for-skin ingredients are active and formulated at their researched and documented levels of performance, but what exactly are they? Here’s a breakdown:
• Hyaluronic acid in 3 molecular weights works across all layers of the skin to (1) provide hydration, (2) support barrier repair function, (3) firm, (4) lift, (5) soothe skin, (6) protect skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor and (7) induce production of skin’s native hyaluronic acid. In other words, our tiniest molecules will talk with your skin cells and help them induce their own production of HA. Hyaluronic Acid is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it the perfect hydrator for all skin types. It’s a component of your skin tissue already, but its production decreases with age, and we’re here to make sure your skin hydration levels are healthy and boosted.
• Tripeptide - Micro Algae - Vitamin B5 blend improves texture and reduces the look of lines & wrinkles.
• Vitamin C from sustainably sourced Australian Kakadu plum (the world’s most potent source of Vitamin C) energizes tired-looking skin & improves luminosity.
• Sustainably sourced Butterfly Ginger extract from Madagascar, helps protect skin from blue light, air pollution and chronological aging + it leaves skin looking more luminous & the complexion more radiant. Whilst we confidently know of the negative effects on skin from pollution, there’s still more research to be done on how blue light affects the skin. What we do know so far however, is that initial studies show that prolonged (chronic) exposure to the blue light coming from your phone, laptop, computers, TV, tablet and more, can take a negative toll on the skin. I wanted to keep your skin protected as much as possible. Especially since the eye area is the thinnest, most delicate, and most prone to damage out of all types of skin on your body. Better safe than sorry, right?!
• Formulated with Non-nano Zinc Oxide (particles that aren’t small enough to penetrate the skin).
• Prevents premature aging by physically blocking the sun’s rays from the skin.
• No white cast + tested in flash photography as well: No flashback.
This portion was one of the biggest challenges we had in formulating the concealer. Zinc Oxide is a white powder. So how do we get this white powder to behave beautifully in an emulsion, glide seamlessly on the skin, provide the SPF value we were aiming for AND not leave any white residue or cause flashback? This formula is a real-life example of how miracles can happen through sheer human determination, because where there was no way at first, a way has been found. And it’s important to know here that we did not rely on the manufacturer of this product to test for the broad-spectrum value, even though we love and respect them. We actually took the formula to an independent facility with no affiliation or interest in the brand, to perform a non-biased and complete assessment, so you can rest assured that you’ll be indeed getting the specified SPF protection.
Can be used to gently massage and help de-puff the eye area (without squeezing product out). BONUS POINTS if you use the tip to massage over the eye masks. It’s an EXPERIENCE, I can’t even tell you!
And what I love even more about this tip, is that it can be easily wiped clean. Sanitation complete. Some folks will use it to distribute the product, others will use their finger, sponge or makeup brush. There’s no right or wrong way, it’s purely up to you and what will look best on YOUR skin.
PRO TIP: The concealer tube can be placed in the fridge for a few minutes up to a few hours, to enjoy a chilled experience. We made sure the formula is ultra-stable and withstands freezing cold (as well as tropical temperatures). Just imagine the start of a new day, it’s early in the morning, you may be feeling tired, and you may even be a little puffy. Using the tool to gently massage then applying a cold concealer on top … Mind blown! Where have you ever seen that before?!
And it’s important to know this here:
As the FDA writes on their website: “There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term ‘hypoallergenic.’ The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean.”
There’s so much work that needs to be done in the cosmetics regulation industry in the US, but we’ll tell you why we wanted to target this and what it means to us. At VREA, the term “hypoallergenic” means that we are actively formulating with ingredients that will not trigger allergic reactions. Every individual is different of course, but we are doing everything possible to be mindful about this when formulating.
We formulated to accommodate all skin types on the dermatological spetrum, but again – experiences will be different. Super dry, and super flaky skin types and very mature skin too, may generally have a harder time not just with this product, but any product that’s not specifically formulated for them. Which is why the eye masks are so critical for those specific skin types and/or conditions and will make a world of difference with consistent use. Since I suffer with chronic dry eyes, I know for me I have to use the masks at least 2-3 times per week. But let me tell you, after a few weeks, the improvement is undeniable. And trust me when I say that as we grow, our product portfolio will expand. It’s really important for me to know that everyone everywhere, will be able to enjoy the benefits of VREA.
I’m an immigrant to America. English is my second language, and I immigrated here as an adult. And I came alone, with no family or friends. I came here over 19 years ago, and I brought my mom in 2015. Being able to give back (in the form of creating American jobs) to the country that adopted me and has given me opportunities I could have only dreamed of before, was very important to me and I am really proud to say that the 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30 is formulated AND manufactured in the USA.
And that doesn’t mean just synthetic fragrance/perfume. We avoided essential oils and other fragrance-driven ingredients that for many, could irritate the skin.
• We do not test our finished products on animals.
• We have not tested any of our ingredients on animals at any stage of development.
• We are not using any suppliers that test on animals and hold declarations of compliance from all our suppliers and manufacturers.
• We are not and have not engaged a third party to animal test our products or ingredients on our behalf.
• We do not sell in countries that require animal tests (Ie: mainland China) and choose to “miss out” on sales, because we believe in this ethically.
There are only 2,116 companies in the world (at time of this post) that hold the leaping bunny seal and VREA Cosmetics is proudly one of them.
And if you’re wondering… when companies say their products are CRUELTY FREE, that generally refers only to the final product not having been tested on animals. Nothing else (as mentioned above). Being Leaping Bunny Certified is the true cruelty-free label you want to check for.
We’re a “bootstrapped” company, funded solely by my husband and me with our life savings. We don’t take a salary and everything VREA makes, goes back into the company. Because of the titanic complexity of this concealer formula, each shade has its own individual formula. Think of it like this: pigments have to be used in different amounts to render the desired shade while offsetting the powder nature of the Zinc Oxide, but then the SPF value also has to be maintained and the experience/finish has to ultimately be/look the same across all the different shades. We’ve got all the shades to perform the same, but they all had to be treated very individualistically. Since we’ve been paying for everything ourselves, finances allowed us to come out with six (6) initial shades (the ones voted on in the surveys by you) and since launch, we’ve taken all incoming sales and used that toward the development of the next six (6). I’m actually really proud to work toward having our little indie small business, offer twelve (12) shades of concealer in its first year. For a formula of this magnitude, this is truly an accomplishment.
PERFORMANCE WISE:
Very little goes a long way with this concealer. The formula can be described as a medium-level-coverage. I didn’t want something really heavy looking, but didn’t want something “sheer” coverage either. This is perfectly in the middle.
A small dot may be plenty for lightening the under eye area, while still maintaining a very natural appearance. For darker under eyes or if you simply want a “full-face”, you can apply more and/or apply little at a time until the coverage is exactly what you’re looking for.
We have found there to be no creasing for combination, normal and dry skin, and there’s very little to no creasing for mature, overactive and oily skin. For mature and oily skin, you can set the undereye with a very light, dust of translucent powder.
Please keep in mind that as with all SPF products, mixing a sunscreen with other liquids or using a wet sponge, runs the risk of altering the SPF value. I personally use a dry beauty blender to tap into the skin and love it.
I’ve been hearing this so much and believe it or not, it had never crossed my mind to use it as a foundation until y’all have been telling me you do that. It’s so BRILLIANT, my mind was blown. We’re seeing that especially for combo and oily skin, this tends to be a dream. Remember again that mixing sunscreen with other products could impact SPF value and yes – I will absolutely work on a foundation or CC product in the future. We’d just have to get into a financial place with VREA where we can afford creating a wider shade range off the launch pad.
A lighter shade is also ideal for brightening and eye area and defining contour lines or highlighting the collar bone. Will put together a post soon with all the DOZENS of tricks you could do with a concealer, mostly the pro artists know of them.
I hope you’ll feel proud of your VREA 4-In-1 Concealer SPF 30. A lot of time, science, care and mindfulness went into it. There’s truly nothing else like it on the market! I want to thank you for your incredible support of our small business and can’t wait to continue growing and developing with YOU at the forefront. You are everything to VREA!
- Alexandra (Founder | CEO)
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