Why I take my own nail polish to the salon...

What the heck is Glyoxal?  I recently asked this question after having a body scan done.  It's essentially like having a "fingerprint" of the body and its imbalances.  Glyoxal showed up as one of my "Top 10 Toxin Stressors".  What I found out was very interesting to me...

Turns out Glyoxal is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and nail polish.  It's a Formaldehyde Releaser.  It's a FRAGRANCE INGREDIENT.  It scores a whopping 10 in the EWG database. (1 being safest and 10 being most toxic.)

One of the first things I teach people when learning to switch to safer products is to avoid products with "fragrance" as an ingredient because dozens of toxic chemicals can legally be hidden behind that one word.  Did you know that 80% of personal care products have never been tested for human safety?  

Here's what the Environmental Working Group has to say about Glyoxal...

'Glyoxal is an antimicrobial preservative that works by forming formaldehyde in cosmetic products.  In the U.S. approximately 20% of cosmetics and personal care products contain a formaldehyde-releaser and the frequency of contact allergy to these ingredients is much higher among Americans compared to studies in Europe.'

Well, this makes complete sense to me since partnering with Beautycounter, a company on a mission to educate, advocate, and get safer products into the hands of everyone.  1400 potentially harmful ingredients have been banned in the European Union.  In the United States that number is only 30.  People have no idea that their products they use every single day are making them sick.  The fact that my body scan showed Glyoxal as a top toxic stressor to my body shows me that I've had way too much exposure to it.

Over the past year I've switched all of my skincare and make up over to Beautycounter.  I'm now throwing ALL of my toxic nail polish out and only using safer nail polish from now on.

Will making a change make a difference?  Yes.

With our skin being our largest organ, when we apply products to our bodies, those ingredients go directly into our bloodstream within 26 seconds.  Day after day and year after year, those toxins can add to our chemical body burden and over time can manifest in dis-ease.  So how fast can we clean up those toxins?  REALLY FAST!  Check out this short video that proves just HOW fast toxic chemicals can enter....and leave the body: 

So what can you do to help reduce you and your family's chemical body burden?

• Become familiar with EWG.org and get the EWG Healthy Living App and start scanning your personal care products.  
• As you run out of things, start switching them out to safer options.
• Swap out the worst offenders first (highest on the toxicity scale).
• Stop buying products with the word "fragrance" as an ingredient.
• Share this important information with others.

What are the safer brands I've switched to?

• Beautycounter skincare, body care, and makeup
• Côte Nail Polish
• Zoya Nail Polish
• Schmidt's Deodorant
• Schmidt's Deodorant for sensitive skin (no baking soda)
• Seventh Generation Detergent and Cleaning Products
• Wool Dryer Balls
• Fluoride Free Toothpaste
• Tooth Whitening

Start you teens off right!  One of the first things young girls like to experiment with is NAIL POLISH.  When we know better we do better!  Here's a promising article showing how teens toxin levels plummeted after switching to safer products:  http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2016/03/potentially-toxic-chemicals-plummet-teens-after-switching-safer-cosmetics

Who's with me?  Are you going to start making changes?  Are you going to start taking YOUR OWN nail polish to the salon with you too?

Meet Beautycounter+

Beautycounter+ launched recently which may be the most exciting thing to happen to this company yet.... 

What's new?  Xavier Ormancey is the new head of product development and had a big hand in bringing Beautycounter+ to life.  He came to Beautycounter from Paris after spending over 20 years with Chanel, Loreal, and Roche Posay.  With his experience for developing luxurious products that perform, and Beautycounter's Never List... Beautycounter Plus was born!

So what is this brand new line of products all about and how do you use them?

This is a collection of targeted treatments formulated with safer ingredients to enhance your daily skincare routine.  Here are the 3 new collections (9 products total):

1.  BRIGHTENING COLLECTION + VITAMIN C

Infused with antioxidant-rich Vitamin C to awaken dull skin, this Beautycounter+ collection helps reduce the appearance of age spots for a brighter, more radiant complexion.  This collection offers THREE never before seen products.  This citrus-scented Brightening Face Oil has 7 natural oils including omega-rich marula oil for intense hydration, avocado oil which is rich in vitamins A, B, D and E for intense moisture, and black currant oil which is rich in anti-inflammatory omegas 3 & 6.  Vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone, The Brightening Face Mist has Vitamin C that helps reduce the appearance of age spots while lime pearl extract gently promotes a brighter complexion. Kakadu Plum is rich in vitamin C and this powerful antioxidant in the mist that helps boost luminosity and refine the skin’s surface.  This nutrient-rich white Brightening Facial Mask instantly revives skin.  Polishing kaolin clay deeply cleanses and revitalizes while vitamin C helps minimize dark spots for a more even complexion and radiant glow.

2.  PLUMPING COLLECTION + PEONY

Formulated with powerful peony and jasmine, this Beautycounter+ collection restores and firms moisture-depleted skin.  This line is designed to give skin a more toned look and youthful appearance.  The Plumping Facial Mask has deep cleansing kaolin clay, peony root extract which helps plump skin and restore elasticity, konjac root smooths the appearance of fine lines by absorbing water in skin for a firmer appearance, and rye seed to improve skin structure and soften expression lines.  This alcohol free Plumping Face Mist has peony root extract which helps to plump skin, rye seed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and apple fruit extract which has astringent properties to help tighten and lift the skin. This Plumping Face Oil in this collection has 7 natural oils including jasmine oil helps which boosts hydration with a subtle floral scent, and argan oil which helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. This oil was previously known as "Hydrating" in the regular Beautycounter collection. 

3.  BALANCING COLLECTION + CHARCOAL

Infused with activated charcoal and ylang ylang, this Beautycounter+ collection gently refines oily, uneven skin.  This nutrient-rich kaolin clay Balancing Facial Mask purifies and balances, absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities. Activated charcoal powder minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, polished appearance while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation.  It also contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates and smooths skin’s surface. This alcohol free Balancing Face Mist is like no other product EVER.  It has charcoal powder which is highly absorbent and rich in natural minerals to help balance and purify skin, kaolin which is a soft clay that effectively absorbs excess oil, and wild rose extract which is rich in vitamins A and C, and also helps reduce redness.  This lightweight Balancing Face Oil is a blend of seven natural oils that moisturizes, smooths, and helps even skin tone.  It has softening meadowfoam seed oil which restores balance, while wild chamomile calms and soothes skin.  This mask is previously known as "charcoal mask" in the regular Beautycounter collection and this Face Oil is previously known as "Balancing" in the regular Beautycounter collection.

I have tried this ENTIRE line and I AM IMPRESSED.  It is absolutely luxurious.  These products smell amazing.  The mists are so fine and even when applied.  These new masks are EVERYTHING.  The Face Oils have always been my "liquid gold" and now having one with Vitamin C is making me do my happy dance.

Tips for use:  These Facial Masks can be used as needed 2-3 times per week.  The Face Oils can be used daily alone or under moisturizer.  The Face Mists can be used daily to prep skin, set makeup, and refresh skin throughout the day. You can "multi mask" too (see pic below) which means use the Plumping Mask on cheeks to plump...and the Charcoal Mask on t-zone to absorb excess oil, for example.  You can taylor them to your needs!

The ultimate Multi-Tasking is "Multi-Masking"!  I used the #1 Brightening + Vitamin C on my entire face to treat dark spots and #3 Balancing + Charcoal on my T-Zone to shrink pore size!  

Who's ready for a girl's day with MASKS, MISTS, and MIMOSAS?  Click here to shop:

Why are these products SAFER?

----> Our Facial Oils has passed Beautycounter’s Ingredient Selection Process. They are formulated without synthetic or mineral oils.

----> Our Facial Mists have passed Beautycounter’s Ingredient Selection Process.  They are formulated without silicones or sulfates.

----> Our Facial Masks have passed Beautycounter’s Ingredient Selection Process. They are formulated without artificial colorants or synthetic fragrances.

MINI SPA SETS ARE HERE TOO...

JOIN MY "Happy WifeStyle Beauty" FACEBOOK GROUP NOW to get in on a super fun community that's all about aging gracefully, living clean, and all things beauty!  Use this link to Join:  http://bit.ly/JoinHWSBeauty or click the link below.

How to get 4 of my Favorite Beauty Products for FREE!

Ok you guys, if you've been on the fence about switching to safer beauty products, this deal is too good to pass up.  The best part is, I know that some of these deals can make your head spin so I'm going to break it down for you and tell you exactly how to get ALL FOUR of these items for FREE.  First I'll tell you each deal separately because you can shop them separately....or all together and get all four.  

Deal # 1:

Until February 28th, when you spend $150 on Beautycounter products you get the EYE CREAM and LIP BALM for FREE.  ($78 value)

Deal # 2:

Add in the Band of Beauty Membership ($29 but this COUNTS toward that $150!!) and get the SOOTHING FACE OIL for free:

Band of Beauty Membership is kind of like Nordstrom rewards....for $29 you get all of this for a year:

• Free Shipping on any order $100+
• Free gift - this month it is the SOOTHING FACE OIL ($68 value)
• 15% product credit on your next purchase

Deal # 3:

Special additional deal from ME....When you place an order of $55 (before tax and shipping) or more using my link, between now and 2/28, I will send you a FREE CHARCOAL CLEANSING BAR. ($24 value)

Like I said, you can take advantage of any or all of these savings!  If you want to take advantage of all 3, here's what to do.  I'm a visual person, so this breakdown will help you see the awesome savings....plus the charcoal bar freebie that isn't even listed here!

So it's actually $344.10 worth of product for only $150!  All the items above will be automatically added to your cart as you qualify for the freebies....EXCEPT the Charcoal Bar, that will come as a special gift from me.  To claim that, just forward your order confirmation to shannon@happywifestyle.com and I will send it to you!

If you have any questions at all, or need recommendations for the items to purchase to qualify for the freebies, I'm happy to help.  The skincare, body care, kids line, baby line and cosmetics are all so amazing!  But I have my favorites so just ask if you need help with your skin type, colors, etc.

As always, you can shop with confidence as Beautycounter has a 60 Day, no questions asked return policy!

Still nervous to try Face Oils?  Don't be!  Here's a short video explaining why our oils are so different, how to use them, and why they are such best-sellers... (the Soothing Oil that is free is the same as Lustro Oil # 1 in the video.)

This Eye Cream that is free right now is from our anti-aging line and is what I use daily.  I LOVE this eye cream and have tried SO many high end brands and this one is the best! It's made with wild algae and caffeine to reduce puffiness, appearance of fine lines and dark circles!  I used to have those tiny white bumps under my eyes and this is the first product to ever get rid of them completely!

Also, this charcoal bar is not like other charcoal bars you may have tried.  It has just the right amount of charcoal in it to purify....but not too harsh and drying like other charcoal bars can be.  It also has green tea and coconut oil it in to leave your skin clean, bright and beautiful.

It's a great time to switch to safer.  You can get so many freebies for your entire face with this offer!  These products are free from toxic ingredients, carcinogens, allergens, and hormone disruptors....all in the GREEN (the safest zone!) by Environmental Working Group! 

Enjoy and here's to a safer 2017!  Learn more HERE about why I made the switch to safer skincare and makeup!

Remember, this offer is good until February 28, 2017 at 11:59pm PST or while supplies last.

NEW Desert Sunrise Collection!

Introducing the Desert Sunrise Collection...

I get so excited when Beautycounter launches all NEW safer products!  Today we launched a new Limited Edition Palette of shimmering eyeshadows/blushes and lip glosses, inspired by the Palm Springs Desert Sunrise.  Makes me even more excited for the warmer weather....

Last year, everyone loved our "Makeup Mondays" where you got a free gift with purchase on Mondays!  Well, TODAY ONLY, when you purchase the collection set, you get a FREE All Over Eye Brush ($25 value) that is the perfect addition to this gorgeous palette.  I use the eye brushes and it makes all the difference.

They are offered separately too.  The two limited edition Winter palettes were so popular that they sold out quick.  This one has two brand new eyeshadow shades in it:  Khaki (a golden olive) and Bark (a metallic copper)  The lip glosses from Beautycounter are simply my favorite lip glosses.  They are the perfect consistency, smell amazing, and I don't have to worry about harmful chemicals being absorbed into my skin!  Meet the two brand new shades Beeblossom and Coralbell....one even has a touch of golden shimmer!  I'm so excited to buy that one!!

I'm definitely grabbing this collection today for myself and can't wait to play with different looks.  Here's a peek at the different looks you can create that can take you from day to night!  I just LOVE that we have Christy Coleman, red carpet make up artist to the stars, as Head of Creative Design at Beautycounter!  Yep, she uses all Beautycounter make up for all of her shoots!  

View fullsize

It's the perfect opportunity to switch to safer cosmetics.  Our Ingredient Selection Process ensures safer and cleaner products that work beautifully.  Safer ingredients....Better Beauty.

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Videos + Tutorials:

Want to know the full story of our Desert Sunrise inspiration? Watch Christy share why she loves the California desert and how the new shades capture its glowing morning light in this short video.

Get the Looks:

See how Christy brings two gorgeous, desert-inspired looks to life using the Desert Sunrise Palette. To complete each look, finish with lip gloss!

Desert Flower Video Tutorial:

Christy’s Tip: Pair Coralbell with Desert Flower for a bold contrast to Khaki.

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Desert Jewel Video Tutorial:

Christy’s Tip: Pair Beeblossom with Desert Jewel for a soft complement to Pinot.

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Here's my first attempt at the "Desert Flower" look...I go on the light side because I like a natural look and I LOVE it!  It looks so pretty.  My eyes look bigger and brighter.  I never knew how to do my makeup, especially eyeshadow before using Beautycounter and watching Christy's tutorials....they work ...she makes it so anyone can achieve these looks.  I'm thrilled with this palette!

Beautycounter for Target

It's HERE!  Beautycounter has partnered with Target and will launch in stores on 9/12/16 for a limited time.  But you might want to hurry because when it's gone.... it's gone.

I wanted to let you guys know the inside scoop because as you know I'm a Manager Consultant for Beautycounter so I can help you guys save the most by giving you some extra tips!!  

I have made the switch to safer skincare and makeup this year and LOVE how these products perform just as good as my old products.  ...and trust me, I was a "product junkie".  The problem was, I learned that the products I was using weren't safe.  SO MANY of the products we use every single day are full of toxic chemicals that are making us sick. 

I love that Beautycounter has a "never list".  That means that there are 1500 toxic ingredients that Beautycounter will NEVER put in their products.  Ever.  The Beauty industry is one of the most unregulated industries we have, especially in the U.S.  It's up to us to educate ourselves and switch to safer.  Here's a short video that will give you more info about the Target launch and the products that will be offered.  With ingredients like coconut oil and charcoal....this is super exciting!  CLICK ON PIC BELOW FOR VIDEO:

Click here to watch this short video about the Target launch!

Here's the scoop:

---> This is a very limited edition line of some of our most popular products, mostly from our skincare line, and a couple from our makeup line.  

---> You can shop these items in Target stores or on Target.com online.  Want to see if the Target near you will be offering Beautycounter?  Click HERE to check by entering your town.

---> These products are designed exclusively for Target but are the same exact formula as the original line, just in smaller sizes, which keeps the cost down.  This makes it the perfect time to try out some of these amazing safer skincare and makeup options!

---> Target will be carrying individual products, along with a few gift sets.  What's one of my favorites they'll be offering?  This set of our best selling purifying Charcoal Bar and this Nourishing Face Oil is simply a "must try".  This particular Face Oil was designed specifically for Target.  I LOVE BC's Face Oils...they are absorb beautifully.  I also use this Charcoal Bar on a daily basis and it does not dry out my skin.  It just makes it clean, clear, and bright!

Gift Set - $36 at Target, also sold separately.

---> Like I said, these products are smaller in size than the one's available on Beautycounter's website, so they are perfect for travel!  I will be picking some up myself for my upcoming trips!  I'll also be grabbing some of my favorite Rosewater Mist for my purse because this one's the perfect size for on the go!

Tips on how to save more and get the best deals:

---> When shopping online, you'll notice it says spend $20 and get a $5 Gift Card.  Want to get that same deal in stores?  You can with this tip:  text the word BEAUTY to 827438.  

---> With each Target purchase, there will be a coupon code inside the products offering a FREE gift with purchase when you shop at Beautycounter.com anytime before December 31, 2016.  These free items will be changing often and can be redeemed by entering the promo code at checkout online on Beautycounter.com..  They are kicking it off with a free Lengthening Mascara!  You can check out this amazing mascara here.  I use it every day and I LOVE it.  This mascara was three years in the making to make it safe and high performing. 

---> Curious about the many other skincare and makeup options we offer?  Browse the FULL Beautycounter Line here.   If you ever have any questions about products I use myself and recommend, feel free to reach out to me at shannon@happywifestyle.com.  

We, as Beautycounter consultants, are so proud that these amazing products are being introduced to the masses through being sold at Target stores.  Our mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone and this will help that mission.  But like I said, when it's gone, it's gone.  They ordered a certain amount of each item for each store and will not be restocked.  If you try and fall in love with Beautycounter and want to continue using the skincare and makeup, I appreciate your future business!  You can always ensure you're shopping through me if you shop through this website under SHOP....or go directly to HappyWifeStyleBeauty.com.  I truly appreciate it!  I offer my customers up to date information, offers and goodies:)

Purifying Mask at Target - $30  BEST SELLER!

Cleansing Balm at Target - $30 (multi-purpose.... oil cleanser, make up remover, and hydrating mask!  BEST SELLER!  Comes with this amazing muslin cloth.)

P.S...

- Want to make a difference?  This Target partnership indicates the growing awareness of consumers who are looking for safer products, and we need people like you to help us spread our message.  My team is expanding and I would love for you to become a Beautycounter Consultant in time to take advantage of the busy fall selling season. Now more than ever is the perfect time to consider the Beautycounter business opportunity and I would love to help you get started.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.  Feel free to reach out to me at shannon@happywifestyle.com

The full line available at Target Stores and Target Online.