Tag Archives: natural oils

SPRING Perk Me UP!

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 Spring is a time of renewal and refreshment and that is exactly what the Spring Runways offered with mid length skirts flirting with pointy tailored flats and beauty’s heavenly ethereal glow featuring cheeks flushed with the perfect pinky blush and countered definition all perfectly balanced with a sun kissed touch of bronze. After our long winter’s chilling temperatures, it is time to lift your spirit, draw light back into your face and refresh your look for a fresh take on new beginnings!

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As the Beauty Editor and Columnist for CAKE&WHISKEY, we’ve joined talents to encourage us all to reach for our dreams and balance the juggle with a touch of cake and a goblet filled with whiskey.

Slide6 * Highlights: Can often be expensive, aggressive, repetitive, and time consuming. Welcome “Bio Lights”(www.biolightscolor.com), created by Rick Wellman, Co-Owner and Color Director of Patrick Melville Salon & Spa Slide4  This fresh launch biodegradable highlighting technique, is fast, easy and natural (no aluminum & it’s Green!), helping to create a soft blended effect to your highlights and low lights so there’s less upkeep, maybe 2x/year. They simply last longer. TRANSLATION-thats time and money back in your pocket!) 

SO much love for Rick Wellman, Biolights and the Patrick Melville Salon team! The light and dimension truly woke my 8 months pregnant face right up. GORGEOUS!

SO much love for Rick Wellman, Biolights and the Patrick Melville Salon team! The light and dimension truly woke my 8 months pregnant face right up. GORGEOUS!

* Schwarzkopf “Essensity Lightening Powder“: Gone are the days of ammonia based highlights, with zero odor and zeroammonia, this developer nurtures your hair as it brings life to your locks! Truly! My hair has it’s curls restored and my scalp is thanking me. After aggressive color treatments, you will FEEL the difference.

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Kevyn Aucoin-Celestial Bronzing Veil, Chanel-Eyeshadow Quad #537 (Lumieres Facets), Arcona-Eye Dew, Philip B.-Lavender Hair and Body Shampoo, Dr. Dennis Gross-Alpha Beta Glow Pad, Jamie Wolf-earrings

* Eye Dew: In the spirit of Spring/Summer Weddings.  Arcona’s “Eye Dew” is an absolute “I DO!” Refresh the delicate skin around your eyes and brighten with this super hydrating formula. Rebalance your eye area from winter’s gusts with liquid crystals creating holographic light diffusors, plumpers, all while repairing the skin from fine lines, puffiness and circles. This antioxidant rich formula is a staple of mine and a celebrity client favorite!

* Jamie Wolf: “Symphony in C Earings #4 ($220)  Pop art and metal trends seen on the runway translate from night to day for a really fresh take on the trend. I love these earings for a quick pop of drama and light around the face. A subtly fabulous statement of awesome. Jamie’s designs are inspired by her 10 years as a dancer with the NYC Ballet and are influenced by the timeless femininity found in the finest of details.

* Kevyn Aucoin: Nothing says Spring more than the look of soft contours! Draw focus to your cheek bones while defining your nose and jawline for a slimming effect all while giving your skin a fresh glow. Try: Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial Bronzing Veil in “Tropical Days-Warm Bronze”.

* Phlip B.: “Lavendar Hair and Body Shampoo” reinvigorates your spirit with the soothing essential oil and botanical cleansers from top to bottom.

* Lavendar: Shadows & Pastel Makeup is all the rage this season. The heaven sent ethereal look straight from the runways is easy to accomplish with a sheer yet sophisticated pastel shadow, pinky cheek and cherub kissed lip! (www.stylebistro.com) Try: Chanel Eye shadow quad: Limited Edition “Lumieres Facettes #537 transports this season with the luminous lavender greys, golden ivory, rosy apricot and chocolatey brown. (www.chanel.com)

* Nude is in!: This season’s trend elongating your fingers after being stuffed in winter’s gloves revealing a fresh take on the sophisticated nude mani with glossy finishes for an elegant effect. Deborah Lippmann (www.deborahlippmann.com) Fashion Nail Polish-“Naked”- free of parabens and sulfates, her formula strengthens our nails as you wear the semi-sheer taupe shade. (nail photo www.glamour.com)

* Dr. Dennis Gross “Alpha Beta Glow Pads”:  For face and body-add some sun safely and give your skin a refreshing boost. This is the perfect on the go-gym bag essential revealing smoother, firmer, revitalized and glowing skin with Vitamins A & D! 

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“READY, Set, JET”: Ski Chalet Mademoiselle

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This might be our last storm! Spring has officially arrived, yet the chill and flurries in the air indicate nothing of the sort. Jump into winter’s chill, ski those slopes with abandonment and travel like a pro-chic and stylish with ALL your necessities and then some.  New innovations in skincare travel packs and amazing multi-tasking hair care and cosmetics aide you to simplify and customize your vacation beauty with ease.

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CAKE&WHISKEY: Winter 2014 Beauty Edition

You’ve booked your last minute ski vac a and are bound to race the slopes as a Ski Chalet Mademoiselle! Here’s your quick pack guide of winterized travel beauty essentials.

As the Beauty Editor and Columnist for CAKE&WHISKEY, a new launch women’s entrepreneurial newsstand magazine, we’ve joined to encourage us all to reach for our dreams and balance the juggle with a touch of cake and a goblet filled with whiskey.

 

 

DESTINATION SKI CHALET

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With winter’s last push it would be a shame not to indulge in a warm fire and wintery escape into the mountains. So, with yet another storm on the horizon, we quickly traveled to one of my favorite destinations where we could sip some champagne by a cozy fire, jump on some slopes or simply wind the day away in a spa like setting.

If you are taking advantage of our amazing winter snow let’s make sure you have all the essentials to transcend dry, chapping temps, while maintaining effortless beauty.

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My Winter’s “My Must Have Travel Items” just in time for one last winter celebration!

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Laura Mercier “Colour To Go” (limited edition), Sensai 38 celcius Mascara, Nardo’s Natural “Face Stick”, Nest “Passioflora”-Body Cream, Philip B. “Russian Amber Travel

SKI CHALET MADEMOISELLE:

* Laura Mercier’s “Color to go’- Cool Eye, Lip, Cheek Palette: A one stop shop for everything face. This travel friendly compact comes equipped with three eye shades of suits-us-all colors that can go from natural, to defined and smokey in a second. Bronzer, Blush and Lip can take this face from dawn till dusk with ultimate style and perfection. (if you are lucky you can still grab this one online- Limited Edition!)

* SPF: Nardo’s Natural SPF 30 Face Stick UVA/UVB-protection-tuck this handy stick in any pocket for an SPF refresher on-the-slopes.

* Mascara: Kanebo Sensai 38` Volumising Mascara-long lasting, length enhancing delicate formula that removes only with a warm water. Fool proof on the ski slopes, great for looking polished even through a facial, and fabulous for no fuss excursions!

* Hair Care: Philip B –“Russian Amber Traveler” –  luxuriously indulgent moisturizing duo with the “Imperial Shampoo”,“Conditioning Cre’me”, and a “Dry Shampoo”. The scents are warmly intoxicating and will whisk you away with its paraben/phthalate free formula!

* Fragrance: Nest “Passiflora Body Cream” – wonderfully intoxicating luxurious body cream with passionflower, lily, hyacinth and lush green notes providing the ultimate mood elevator.

* Fabulous warm Aviator hat -Sensibly warm and equally glamorous!

* Alexander McQueen -Skull Print Chiffon Scarf – The ultimate travel statement.

* Ray Ban -“Large Metal” Aviator sunglasses

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Defrosting by the fire

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“READY, Set, JET”: Sunny Beach Damsel-HAIR CARE & FINAL TOUCHES

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Your all-inclusive guide to beating winter’s bluster while traveling in style with the EXACT must-have trending HAIR CARE AND FINAL TOUCH items designed to help you travel light, compact, and complete! Jump winter’s chill like a pro-Travel chic and stylish with ALL your necessities and then some…do it this way and you’ll never turn back to the bulk of over packing again!

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CAKE&WHISKEY: Winter 2014 Beauty Edition

 New innovations in multi-functioning items brings “TRAVEL SIZE” to a whole new level. Simplify your routine and customize your vacation beauty with flawless ease.

You are ready to sink your feet into the sand and your bag is almost complete to whisk off as the Sunny Beach Damsel you are. Add these finishing touches to ensure you are traveling light, yet complete, which is essential to maintaining your flawless beauty.

As the Beauty Columnist for  CAKE & WHISKEY, a new launch women’s entrepreneurial magazine, encouraging us all to reach for our dreams and balance it all with a touch of cake and a toast of whiskey… Here’s the specifics from “My Must Have Travel Items” beauty spread from our Winter Beauty Edition (Jan-March 2014). I took the challenge to break away from a hectic schedule to escape the wail of winter. My destination: St. Thomas to set sail to the British Virgin Islands. Today’s focus, HAIR CARE for the BEACH escape!

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Off the Coast of the BVI’s! Desperate to sink our feet into the blonde sandy beach.

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You are almost ready to go, your bag is set with all of your beauty and skincare essentials, now for some simple HAIR CARE solutions and finishing touches you’ll be off! If sun, warmth, sand and fun are built into your destination let’s make sure you have all the essentials to transcend in-flight drought to jumping into the sun and fun on the beaches, while making an effortless transition to night time elegance.

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TODAY’S FOCUS – HAIR & FINISHING TOUCHES

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* Eugenia Kim –straw beach hat (glamorous sun cover) * Robert Marc- Cat eye sunglasses * Stylish Scarf (for in flight comfort and stylish sun cover) * Kiki De Montparnasse-sleep mask (oh so diva!)

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Cricket, Philip B, Elnett, Nest

HAIR CARE:

* Philip B. “Escape Travel Kit”-this all-in-one set completes the luxury of fine bathing with an essential oil based “Lavender Hair and Body Shampoo”, “Lightweight Deep Conditioning Cre’me Rinse”, “Lovin’ Handy and Body Cream”, and “pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist” all infused with fruit and plant extracts to truly treat, replenish, strengthen and moisturize-a captivating spa-like experience!

* Cricket “Ultra Smooth Conditioning Comb”-Fight frizz with argan, olive and keratin oils. Repair and smooth hair with each brush through!

* Elnett “Satin Design Hairspray (Travel Size)-Loreal’s most amazing hair spray that never looks plastered and always has movement with a natural touch for those pesky, humidity prone, fly aways. This travel size will last you more than one trip.

* Bobby pins & Invisible hair elastics

FINISHING TOUCHES:

* Nest “Amazon Lily” –eau de parfum-Sample your favorite fragrance or take this as the unique opportunity to try something new and exciting! Nest’s handy travel roll on’s will whisk you away to the beautiful memories of your beach escape or as a great reminder as you sink back into the daily grind. Amazon Lillies, tangerine, lime and white musk dare you to dream of the exotic.

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Super Chic Shades and a Hat keep you cool, sun proof, and celeb styled! Nest “Amazon Lily Roll-on Fragrance”, My CAKE&WHISKEY!

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“READY, Set, JET”: Sunny Beach Damsel-SKIN CARE

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Never turn back to the bulk of over packing again! New innovations in skincare and handy travel packs, plus amazing multi-tasking cosmetics aide you to simplify your routine and customize your vacation beauty with flawless ease.

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CAKE&WHISKEY -Winter 2014 Edition
www.cakenwhiskey.com

Traveling light, yet complete is essential to maintaining your flawless beauty. Embrace all-in-one ravishing products to help lighten your load!

As the Beauty Columnist for CAKE&WHISKEY, a freshly launched women’s entrepreneurial magazine, encouraging us all to reach for our dreams yet balance it all with a touch of cake and whiskey, (some days, it may be a  SHOT of whiskey...) Here’s the expanded version of “My Must Have Travel Items” from the Winter Beauty Edition (Jan-March 2014) as I took a break from winter’s storms.

Today’s focus: SKINCARE and the BEACH !

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Flip flops, anyone? Count me in. I’m tired of drudging through the winter gusts and the nostalgia of my trendy winter coat has all but worn off! With perfect timing I was fortunate to escape the receptive snow storms to soak in the St. Thomas sun and sail the British Virgin Islands.

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British Virgin Island Breeze

If sun, warmth, sand and fun are built into your destination let’s make sure you have all the essentials to transcend in-flight drought to jumping into the sun and sand. Protect, Perfect and Rejuvenate your skin all while traveling like a star!

TODAY’S FOCUS-SKINCARE

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 These innovative, must-have, multi-tasking, do-it-all travel savvy items can be easily packed to simplify yet enhance your beauty into one seamless bag of Brilliance.

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Courtesy: SkinCeuticals, Dr. Dennis Gross, Natura Bisse

SKIN CARE:

* SkinCeuticals-“Physical UV Defense Sunscreen” SPF 50-paraben and chemical free providing broad spectrum protection!

* Skin Ceuticals-“Hydrating B5 Gel”-all in one moisture that is sure to keep your skin perfectly hydrated in any humid climate.

* Natura Bisse’-“Essential Shock Eye & Lip Treatment”-My in flight rehydrating cocktail built to nourish your lips, mouth area and delicate eye. To die for!,

* Nardo’s Natural-“Lip Volume Moisurizer”-infused with collagen & Vitamin B12.

* Dr. Gross Skincare: “Alpha Beta Glow Pads” for Face & Body– Continue the repairative benefits while enjoying sun and fun. The anti-aging, exfoliating and self-tanning towlettes make it so easy. Body pads minimize shaving (score!) and any bumps we sensitive gals may tend to get while delivering the perfect tan extending sheer color.

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Courtesy: Nardo’s Naturals

 

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eHOW Style: Facial Brush Cleansing Systems to Remove Blackheads

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Vanessa Elese and eHow Style: Facial Brush Cleansing Systems to Remove Blackheads

What is it with Blackheads! They creep up right after you swore you just looked! It’s not fair….Let’ make it right. With these handy gadgets of your choice you can optimize your cleansing routine resulting in a flawless, glowing, poreless and a Blackhead-Free complexion. Try it out. Don’t just take my word for it. You will love the results you feel after your very first trial.  

Here’s a little insider advice– when starting an exfoliating program it is best to follow your Unique face- jumping into a daily routine might be a bit much for some skin types, so start with a 2x/week schedule then gradually build from there. The results will speak for themselves! Your moisturizers and serums will become more effective not to mention your makeup which will glide over your skin! Just wait and see! 

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eHOW Style: Home Remedies to Smooth

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Smooth, exfoliated and moisturized is the path to camera ready hands. With a few home remedies you can create your own luxurious moisturizing scrub. Keep in mind you can use your favorite essential oils to make a perfectly tailored blend that is Uniquely You! Have fun, enjoy a great remedy that you can keep sink side for an in-the-moment treat!

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eHow Style: Too Cool For School

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“eHow Style” Video

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Vanessa Elese and eHow Style: Removing Highlighter Ink From Skin

When any type of pen or ink, highlighter ink in this instance, is accidentally marked on your skin, what you have essentially done is stained your skin. With a few simple steps the pains of a leaky pen or your toddler’s struggle with a highlighter can safely and easily be removed! You’ll be surprised what household product I use in this video!

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Happy Mother’s Day!

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bfd 13a Whether it was as an infant suffering for attention or as a toddler urging to show her your latest and greatest with the supreme urgency to celebrate it… “Right Now”, or the withered phone call longing to just to hear her voice, somehow she imparts you with renewed strength (it must be true, you CAN conquer the world). Mom’s have a special place in all of our hearts. Some are lucky to have one or even luckier to have more than one…whether they be natural, adoptive, honorary, celebrated legacies, or extensions thereof, Here’s to ALL Moms!

 

* Under Eye Resilience is Key!

A Mom’s work is never done. Sneak in a little at-home beauty pit stop with these eye masks, the key to quickly reinvigorating those tired eyes. Try gifting these handy little eye treats and see her smile. It forces Mom to kick back in a mini spa treatment. Relax and Enjoy!

– Shiseido’s “Benefiance: Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask” is a fabulous 15-minute beauty rejuvenator. Packing retinol to help gently resurface superficial lines, hydrating properties to plump and protect, as well as alleviating dark circles, jump start your eyes with these little sensations! You’ll feel refreshed in mere minutes. I love these and love using them on clients! Try placing the eye masks on while you are getting ready, apply your eye makeup and remove when finished. The patches will catch makeup fall out leaving you bright eyed and super moisturized. Whether lying down for a quick nap, or continuing the multi-tasking run, these under eye sheets adhere and will stay put while you are on-the-go!

 

* Treat Mom to a Personalized Manicure Compliments of You!

Mani/Pedi’s built to last: Sally Hansen’s “Salon Insta-Gel Strips” are a one-stop shop to a professional mani, that looks fresh each day. Built to last up to two weeks, this handy little at home system can ensure a spotless mani and is a fraction of the price of a spa gel manicure. Have fun and do your nails together! With the incredible colors and designs, you’ll have a blast. Mom’s always love their children’s handy work…BUT if it’s a real stretch…go ahead, grab your wallet, spring for the spa!…

 

* A Fresh Pucker is Always Something Nice!

With the latest introductions of fabulous colors, come the lasting and moisturizing versions primed to stay put. Here’s some of my favorite colors sure to dazzle for hours of fun.

–Guerlain’s “Rouge G” comes in 4 new sensational Limited Edition Spring shades, “#72 Rose Innocent” is one of my favorites! The lipstick radiates brilliance with the ruby powders reflecting light and plumping the lips with an ultra smoothing effect. The beautiful packaging includes a mirror tastefully built into the side of your James Bond-esque super lipstick case.

*Take a moment to have the lipstick monogrammed just for Mom, she will truly feel like a star! Try your local mall for those personalization shops, that can add that added special touch.*

 

Nothing is more moving than a note telling her how much you love her! Mom’s never hear it enough….or so I hear…“Yeah, Loud and Clear, MOM!”

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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It’s Crack Prevention 101…

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– Lips:  try Aquaphor Lip Repair (www.drugstore.com) for the lips.  It’s super-moisturizing and can even be rubbed around noses and cuticles.

– Body:  try bathing with Aveeno Active Naturals Soothing Bath Treatment (www.walgreens.com).  Try this all natural oatmeal bath two times a week and really linger in relaxation to help heal your skin.  Moms!  What a nice treat!  Pat dry with a towel.

* On-the-go:  Try my favorite moisturizing bathing wash for your quick paced lifestyle: Eucerin Calming Body Wash “Daily Shower Oil” (www.soap.com).  Infused with omega oils, this cleanser treats dry skin with lasting moisture and never leaves an oily residue. Fragrance and soap-free, sensitive skins will rejoice! Also, try lathering this on a loofa for dual action cleansing moisturizing and exfoliation.

– Hand/Body Lotion: elephant for mailer

* Eucerin “Plus Intensive Repair Enriched Lotion” both relieves dry, stressed and itchy skin. You know how much I love all-in-one products, so here’s a great body lotion that helps exfoliate and nourish your skin with alpha hydroxy. The non-greasy and fragrance free formula compliments any winter regimen!

* Back to Naturals: Customize your Body Lotion to your favorite scents. At home you can create the perfect combination of  1 cup Sweet Almond oil, 1/4 cup jojoba oil with few drops of lavender and rose (to taste) to calm and protect sensitive skin.  For a nice make-at-home-body-oil which smells great too and makes you feel ultra-feminine. Insider tip: stick with the concentrated PURE essential blends of these oils. Oils cut with other ingredients don’t pack the same holistic punch. (www.vitacost.com)

* Overly Parched?  I love to rotate my days with a little Emu Oil.  This holistic remedy not only treats dry skin and increases elasticity, it also heals it! This stuff is even reported to soothe psoriasis and eczema and scar reduction.  It works!  Jump out of a moderate temperature shower and apply sparingly. (www.montanaemuranch.com)

– Face Wash:

* Aveeno-“Ultra Calming Foaming Cleaner” is moisturizing and healing and a good one for roseacea/psorasis, with a natural calming agent similar to Chamomile. Lift away impurities while sustaining gorgeous hydrated skin! Love the bubbly foam. (www.drugstore.com)

* Cetaphil “Gentle Cleanser”. Dye, soap, and frangrance-free, this cleaner is for the most sensitive of skins, helping to retain moisture too! (www.drugstore.com)

– Face Moisturizer:

* Try Philosophy’s “Hope in a Jar”.  If you like this, you can get it on HSN/QVC for killer prices.  Purchase the original formula as this will help heal, treat and promote skin turnover (www.sephora.com).  “Hope in a Jar” is free of those chemical irritating ingredients often found in our moisturizers, yet offers protectant antioxidants and exfoliating properties and preps the skin for a sustainable glow!  Whipped like your favorite sweet treat, this is a luxurious staple for me.

* Korres “Wild Rose 34-Hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream” moisturizes, brightens and contains wild rose oil (super healing and restorative) as well as vitamin C.  This is a “FREE” formula!  Check out the label to be wowed with the natural ingredients and smell the jar for the most soothing natural scent of rose.  To die for!  This is a great cream and I hope you like it as much as I do! (www.sephora.com)

KEEP ME POSTED WITH YOUR RESULTS!!

P.S.   Water is an essential need for hydration both inside and out.  Make sure you drink your daily requirement.  Also, try a humidifier to help combat itchy skin as well as ensure sinus relief.  Moisture in the air maintains healthy sinuses as well as radiant skin and hair.

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