National Men’s Grooming Day
Men don’t get that much attention when it comes to beauty. So let’s give them this day to observe.
Founded and sponsored by American Crew, National Men’s Grooming Day is celebrated yearly on the third Friday of August since 2007 by men who want to incorporate style and better grooming practices into their routine. Grooming simply implies that you take pride in your overall appearance. In today’s day and age, we are more “seen” than ever before.
With Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, men are inevitably exposed to world everywhere. It doesn’t mean you should always look perfect but a little grooming can’t hurt, ask the NY Yankees roster. But if you’re like the Boston Red Sox roster then there’s products for you too.
So why not help men battle all of their skincare and grooming issues, including dull skin, razor burn, dry and chapped hands, and a dirty mouth for sure.
Now time for a little history. During the Ice Age, a heavy beard often caused frostbite when water vapour from a man’s breath froze in facial hair. Men used sharp rocks and shells to shave off the longer hairs.
In 10,000 BC, men of the ancient period used products made from natural item to groom themselves unlike today where there’s a variety of tools to use.
Ancient Egyptians used scented oils to soften their skin, cover up body odour and protect themselves from the desert sun and sand. Ingredients included almond oil, aloe, cedar, chamomile, lavender, lily, marjoram, myrrh, olive oil, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sesame oil and thyme.
In 1680, the world’s first straight razor was manufactured in the British steel city of Sheffield.
So why not celebrate by pampering yourself.
Make sure to use the hashtag #MensGroomingDay when posting on social media.
Ulta is having some amazing discounts on selected items plus you can get $10 off your $40 purchase with coupon code: 790210.
Try out a Harry’s trial set for FREE! 
For bearded men: 🧔🏻🧔🏼🧔🏿
Enriched with Squalene and Avocado Oil, this beard oil moisturizes and conditions not only your hair, but also the skin underneath that is commonly forgotten in all beard styles. Vitamin E helps reduce common beard irritations, like flakiness and brittle hair, while promoting healthy hair growth and a smoother, less itchy beard. With daily usage, this quick absorbing beard oil will leave your beard tamed and back to its natural shine. Not to mention the fragrance blend of sandalwood, Jasmin, and cedarwood. We cannot show you how to grow a beard / mustache / sideburns, but we can sure take care of what you got.
Handcrafted in Switzerland, Baxter of California Combs are the ideal men’s grooming tool to help you shape, tame and untangle your beard.
Protect Your Skin From The☀️ (sun)
Now that summer is almost over, you’re probably thinking you don’t need sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US which is why it’s important and necessary to apply sunscreen. Sunscreen is an effective protective agent against damage from the sun’s powerful rays for all ages, genders, and skin types; lessening the chance of developing skin cancer. It is recommended to seek shade during the brightest time of the day which are between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (or 2pm).
According to dermatologists, sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. There are two types of UV rays known as UVA and UVB rays. These rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Both UVA and UVB rays are carcinogens (cancer-causing).
• UVB has a B for “burning” – these rays are the ones most commonly associated with sunburns when skin is exposed to sun.
• UVA has an A for “aging” – these rays beams cause fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. They are most commonly associated with skin aging that cause wrinkles and potentially skin cancer (although less than UVB) after repeated exposure. UVA rays have the ability to pass through glass. UVA rays make up more than 90% of all UV radiation, and penetrate clouds and glass, year-round.
AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends using a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen that offers protection against both types. The suggested SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be of at least 30 and must be reapplied every 80 mins if in water or every 2 hours if dry.
Even if you have darker skin or tan rather than burn, skin cancer is non-discriminatory and can be diagnosed for any age, gender, or skin type. The great news is that sunscreen can now be found in some cosmetics. This was not the case years ago but because it is more important now to apply sunscreen, certain brands have included sunscreen in their products.
For face: There are now many facial moisturizers that contain sunscreen, and this is adequate for regular daily use if the majority of your day is spent indoors and/or out of direct sunlight.
• Choose a non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide if you have acne-prone skin or if you experience skin irritation with other chemical-containing sunscreens. Consult your doctor if sunscreens cause persistent significant skin irritation, or if you believe that you have a sunscreen allergy.
• There are now several powder-based products containing mineral sunscreens that can be applied over moisturizer or make-up. Tinted (skincolored) products are available.
For lips: lip-balm containing SPF30 is recommended.
For body: UVA/UVB (broad spectrum) coverage greater than SPF50 is recommended
• lotion, cream, gel is recommended over spray
• consider using SPF30-50 UV-blocking articles of clothing as an alternative to sunscreen.
This infographic provides more information on sun protection.
I like to use Ocean Potion which I purchased in TJ Maxx. It has a pleasant smell and is smooth during application. This sunscreen is available in retail stores such as Walmart, Stop n’ Shop & ShopRite or online retailers such as Etailz.com, Amazon.com, Jet.com & Walmart.com.
To read more on sunscreen click here
National Lipstick Day 💄
In celebration, here’s a little history on lipstick:
According to the book “Read My Lips: A Cultural History of Lipstick,” Queen Schub-ad of Mesopotamia made a paste from white lead and crushed red rocks to color her lips, from there she created a lipstick. It made its way to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Somehow it survived through the Middle Ages and Italian Renaissance.
In 1927, French Chemist, Paul Baudercroux invented a formula he called ‘Rouge Baiser’ considered to be the first kiss-proof lipstick. Ironically, Rouge Baiser was long-lasting that it was banned from purchasing after being considered too hard to remove.
In the 1930’s another element of lipstick formulas’ was invented by cosmetic company Max Factor. The lip gloss!
By the 1950s, chemist Helen Bishop invented a new version of long-lasting lipstick called ‘No-Smear Lipstick‘.
In 1973 Bonnie Bell introduced, ‘Lip Smackers’, flavored lipstick. These became an instant hit for the younger consumers.
In modern times, the variety of colors and formulas of lipsticks available are outstanding. According to a survey, on an average, women in U.S. spend more than $3500 dollars on lipstick in their lifetime.
National Lipstick Day is an annual event that falls on July 29th. As of 2016, award-winning beauty blogger, entrepreneur and International Businesswoman, Huda Kattan was named the modern-day founder of National Lipstick Day. Lipstick wearers like to celebrate this day by purchasing a new shade of lipstick or just wear an old favorite.
Check out these smoochy deals👇🏼
Note: not ALL lipsticks listed on Ulta offers are cruelty free!
Free lipstick??
Certain stores and brands are giving away free lipstick or offering great deals such as Urban Decay, Huda Beauty, Anastasia Beverley Hills, ColourPop, Target and Macy’s.
“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” -Coco Chanel 💋
Tarte Cyber Sale
This sale is up to 70%
Tarte one week only sale
National Ice Cream Day 🍨🍦
National Ice Cream Day falls on the 3rd Sunday in July.
Did you know? In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month making National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in July.
Fun fact: In the United States, the Quaker colonists opened the first ice cream shops in New York and other cities during the colonial era.
Celebrate this day by applying some ice cream inspired makeup using #NationalIceCreamDay in social media.
National Lollipop Day 🍭
Lollipop shaped brushes
Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Sale Must Haves
Sales, who doesn’t love them?! It’s like Christmas in July. I picked out some can’t miss out beauty finds. Grab ’em before they’re gone.
A two-piece set by HOURGLASS featuring everything you need for gorgeous, voluminous lashes and lips. The set includes Caution Extreme Lash Mascara and Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss in exclusive, limited-edition Spark
Jumbo-size Moisture Repair Shampoo (16.9 oz.): a shampoo that restores hair damaged by chemical processing, color or heat styling.
– Jumbo-size Moisture Repair Conditioner (16.9 oz.): a conditioner that detangles and conditions to leave hair hydrated, strong and manageable.
– Travel-size Treatment (0.5 oz.): an award-winning, revolutionary hair product that created the buzz on argan oil.
– Ceramic Paddle Brush: a brush for all hair types made with high-quality materials and ionic and ceramic properties that combine cutting-edge construction with a comfortable, effortless experience whether you’re styling your own hair or someone else’s.
A flawless trio of Laura’s favorite skin-perfecting bestsellers for primed and perfect skin.
Foundation Primer primes skin for a natural finish and helps your makeup last longer, too. Translucent Loose Setting Powder mattifies, reduces and controls shine and sets your makeup for 12 hours. Secret Brightening Powder for Undereyes sets and brightens your undereye makeup.
– Travel-size Foundation Primer
– Travel-size Translucent Loose Setting Powder with Velour Puff
– Full-size Secret Brightening Powder for Undereyes
A three-piece set that features everything you need to set your makeup look for 16 hours of just-applied wear.
– Bounce + Blend Makeup Sponge
– All Nighter Setting Spray (8.11 oz. jumbo-size and 0.1 oz. travel-size)
A set of ultra-luxe makeup essentials that includes Pretty Rich Diamond Light Eyeshadow Palette, filled with dazzling colors. The set also includes Rich & Dazzling High Shine Sparkling Lip Gloss in Raisin The Roof and, for the richest lashes possible, Better Than Sex Mascara.
A trio of skin-revivers with coconut water that work together to boost radiance, promote elasticity and help hydrate skin. Includes a full-size Hangover Good in Bed Ultra-Replenishing Hydrating Serum, full-size Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray and travel-size Hangover Replenishing Face Primer.
A limited-edition set of full-size nude lip products, GEN NUDE Matte Liquid Lipcolor in XYZ (cinnamon beige) and GEN NUDE Radiant Lipstick in Crush (soft neutral pink) plus a double ended lip brush for perfect application.
A trio of full-sized Liquid Eyeshadows by Stila in iconic shades to create a long-wearing, lustrous eye look. Shades are in Kitten (shimmering vibrant nude pink), Jezebel (shimmering rose gold) and Twig (shimmering warm chestnut brown).
A rose ritual set that delivers petal-soft perfection to your face and lips from start to finish. Beloved for its luxurious, artisanal products, Fresh® combines natural ingredients—rose, sugar and soy are its most iconic—with modern technology in order to make each and every product thoughtful and effective. The set includes Soy Face Cleanser, Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, Rose Face Mask, Rose Deep Hydration Cream and Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen.
A two-piece set featuring a facial oil and roller to help hydrate skin and ease the effects of aging.
– Full-size Emerald Cannabis Sativa Deep Moisture Glow Oil (1 oz.): a THC- and CBD-free facial oil where deep oil meets flash absorption to calm your skin and sooth irritation and environmental stress.
– Jade Roller: a facial roller that can help to improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness, ease facial muscle tension and help your products absorb better.
A set of three bestsellers by Living proof to cleanse, condition and style, all while turning up the volume of your hair.
A lip-perfecting set featuring everything you need for a polished, pretty pout.
A pretty, pink and purely feminine eau de parfum that will warm your heart and make you feel like royalty.
Frida Collection at Ulta
The Frida Kahlo collection was released on July 6th in honor of Frida’s birthday.
The Frida Kahlo collection includes a 12 eye shadow palette, Frida Canvas Blurring Primer, Frida Heart of Gold Liquid Illuminator Highlighter, Frida Brow Master Palette, Frida Perfect Cheek Duo, Liquid Lipstick in four shades, Frida Brush Set, Frida Flower Headband, and finally, the Frida Cosmetic Bag. The best part, the items range between $10 and $30.
“Frida Kahlo continues to be an iconic and inspirational figure and it is such an honor to have created a collection that captures her passion, free spirit and unapologetic approach to self-expression. This collection proves that bold is beautiful and we hope it will empower our guests to express themselves with the same confidence that Frida embraced.” said Monica Arnaudo, the senior Vice President of merchandising at Ulta Beauty.
Available online now, in stores on July 21st!
