This Viral Royal Tulip Polish Gave Me Baby-Smooth Skin in Under 5 Minutes
I have read the same beauty stories you have. In fact, maybe I've written some of them. I know that there are many well-regarded body exfoliators to get soft, smooth, silky skin. I know that exfoliating is meant to be a full-body practice. I know that if you're truly a devotee to the temple of soft skin, like most beauty enthusiasts are, you should be scrubbing, sloughing, and dry-brushing all over, all the time.
But I don't like to. And the simple reason for that is: I am lazy. Exfoliating your body feels like exercise. The other reason is that most body exfoliators are unpleasant, and leave behind an oily residue that makes me feel like I need to shower again. The very popular, very trendy brown sugar-type body exfoliators also feel like something I could make in my own kitchen and thus, are a waste of money to buy. But (you must have known there would be another 'but' in there), there is one body exfoliator I like using.
Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Petal Polish is a really nice body exfoliator that makes me feel like I'm maximizing my limited time in the shower. It boasts not just one type of exfoliator (physical, via sea salt granules), but three (14 percent alpha hydroxy acid and pomegranate enzymes). The salt granules don't have sharp edges, and the exfoliator mix lifts and scrubs off dead skin and hyperpigmentation (meaning it does great things for mosquito bites and acne scars). I like that the granules are fine and are noticeable, without being too in-your-face (sort of like Keanu Reeves). And I really like the base of the exfoliator—it's a cream, made of hyaluronic acid—as well as the brand's proprietary tulip complex (made from actual, imperfect tulip bulbs) that transforms into a fluffy, not-too-rich lather when you add water. The combination leaves my skin feeling moisturized and soft (and, most importantly, clean) at the same time.
The brand's founder, Kim van Haaster, also has a real love story that I like telling people because it sounds like something out of a Canadian Lifetime movie—Canadian, because the Lifetime movies are better there (ask any native). She was living in New York, working in beauty, and went on a trip to Ibiza with her girlfriends, when she met a man in a club. As Usher sings, they fell in love in this club, and the man turned out to be a fourth-generation tulip farmer. Haaster then created her brand based on the tulip waste byproduct she observed at his family farm. Currently pregnant with sensitive skin to boot, she recently discovered that Bloomeffects' Royal Tulip Polish is gentle enough for her skin, and, she promises, even for your face and hair. I haven't tried it on my face and hair yet, but I do get a kick out of using the tulip-decorated wooden spoon that comes with each jar. And the super-soft skin after application, of course.
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Hamilton Spectator
22 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Mole Mobile is coming to Hamilton on Aug. 3
The Mole Mobile is coming to Hamilton. Melanoma Canada recently announced that the Mole Mobile will set up at Fortinos at 65 Mall Rd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. According to the Mole Mobile webpage , the Mole Mobile is the first mobile skin cancer screening unit in Canada. The tour around the country features two Mole Mobiles providing Canadians access to dermatologists and screenings in Canadian cities where wait times drag despite the prevalence of skin cancer. According to the press release from Melanoma Canada, melanoma and skin cancer are one of the few cancers with rising incident rates in Canada and across the world. 'Skin cancers are the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men over 49 years of age and are among the most common cancers diagnosed in youth and young adults. If detected, early melanoma and skin cancers are largely treatable,' said the press release. Until October, the Mole Mobile tour is set to bring certified Canadian dermatologists to communities across British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. The tour will also be stopping in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines on July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, respectively. For more information on the Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines Mole Mobile cancer screening stops and other Ontario stops, check out the project's website . Démar Grant is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. Reach him at dgrant@ . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Women over 50, read this: 10 health problems you should have on your radar — and what to do about them
Health risks for females typically increases even further after menopause. Feel like you're a young 50? While many older Canadians report feeling younger mentally and physically than their age, once you hit 50, certain health issues can sneak up on you — no matter how good you feel. 'As we age, our cells naturally wear down, as do the systems that repair them. It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' explains Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the "Codependent Doctor" podcast. 'This makes us more vulnerable to things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, even if we've lived a healthy life until this point.' While this is the case for everyone, being a woman comes with a few extra health risks. 'After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which increases the risk of heart disease, autoimmune conditions, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis,' Downey adds. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Knowledge is power, the old adage goes, so we're digging into the 10 different health problems that should be on your radar if you're a woman over 50 — plus how to stay on top of them. 10 health problems every woman over 50 should know — and what to do about them 1. Vision problems Vision changes are a known byproduct of getting older, but lower estrogen levels after menopause can also affect your eye health and lead to a need for glasses or a stronger prescription, reduced night vision and even a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration. You can stay on top of your eye health by having regular eye exams. Even if you have no vision issues, it's recommended you get an eye exam every two to three years if you're under 40, and every two years if you're over 40. Once you hit 65? Optometrists advise a yearly visit to stay on top of your ocular health. And of course, if you notice any sudden vision changes or physical changes to one or both of your eyes, head to the eye doctor as soon as possible. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is more common in men than women, but don't let that keep you from scheduling a hearing test. Around 54 per cent of Canadians aged 40 to 79 have mild hearing loss — but it can be quite sneaky. A lot of people who suffer from it don't even notice an issue. You may feel like your ear is a bit clogged or only have trouble hearing in noisy places. Even if the symptoms aren't impacting your daily life, it's important to have your hearing checked if you're over 50 or notice a change. It's not just age that can cause hearing loss; injuries, illness and certain medications can mess with your hearing, too. 3. Heart disease According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease and stroke is the number one cause of premature death of women in Canada. Even more concerning? A whopping 89 per cent of women don't know their unique risk factors, many of which increase with age and/or menopause, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and seeing your doctor or pharmacist for regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring can help you keep your ticker healthy. 4. Osteoporosis Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and one in three women break a bone due to the condition, according to Osteoporosis Canada. Your sex and age aren't the only risk factors; family history, certain medications and your diet also play a role. Engaging in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and not smoking can help you reduce your risk. If you've ever fractured a bone, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are post-menopausal, ask your doctor about screening. 5. Autoimmune diseases When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the odds are stacked against women. Around 80 per cent autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in women — and the risk of developing one increases after menopause, according to Downey. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid diseases. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can overlap with other conditions, and there's no single definitive test for all of them, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice new symptoms, see your doctor for appropriate testing. 6. Cancer A whopping nine in 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 — and aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. While this is true for males and females, there are some cancers that only or predominantly affect females, including cervical, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Lung cancer, which once mostly affected men, is now affecting more women. Family history, age of your first period and number of pregnancies are just a few of the factors that affect a woman's risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. 7. Obesity About 65 per cent of Canadians are overweight or obese, most of them between ages 40 and 69. Slower metabolism less activity and hormonal shifts — especially during perimenopause, which causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds — are contributing factors. Staying active and eating well can help, but if needed, there are other tools available that may be worth discussing with your health-care provider. 8. Vaginal dryness Vaginal aging is a thing. As we — and our vaginas — get older, lower estrogen levels cause our once moist and flexible vaginal tissues to the become drier, thinner and less stretchy. Whether you're having sex or not, treating vaginal dryness is important because if left untreated, it can lead to symptoms like irritation and microtears, which can in turn increase your risk of infections. Vaginal dryness can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. If those don't work, your health-care provider can prescribe topical estrogen, which is available in Canada in cream or tablet form. 9. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Female anatomy — and having the urethra and anus in such close quarters — is to blame for females experiencing far more UTIs than men because it makes getting bacteria from one opening to the other a lot easier. After menopause, the risk increases due to skin irritation and tears from vaginal dryness and a decrease in good vaginal bacteria, which lets the less helpful bacteria grow. UTIs can lead to infections higher in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys, which can have serious complications. Treating vaginal dryness (see above) can help reduce the risk of UTIs. If you suspect you have a UTI, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. 10. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, but it's most common in women over 50. That said, don't pass it off as a regular part of aging, as it can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Along with lower estrogen levels which can affect vaginal and urethral tissues, pelvic floor damage from giving birth, UTIs and certain medical conditions and medications are a few potential causes. If you're suddenly leaking urine, even if just a little, don't hesitate to reach out to your health-care provider.


Elle
15 hours ago
- Elle
I Tried the At-Home Hydrafacial Celebs Swear By—and It Changed My Skin
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Facials are usually one of the first splurges to go when I tighten my purse strings. But even with fewer trips to the esthetician, my skin has stayed clear, healthy, and hydrated thanks in large part to BeautyBio's GLOfacial tool. The at-home device combines pore suction with hydration to provide a deep, nourishing clean—in my opinion, it's the next best thing to a professional Hydrafacial. In-office treatments can run $200 to $300 per session, so this $199 device essentially paid for itself after just two uses. After months of testing—and conversations with skin care experts—I can confidently say it's one of the few TikTok-viral products that actually lives up to the hype. Keep reading for my full review, plus insights from dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, and licensed esthetician Daphne Chantell del Rosario on the device's key benefits and how to safely use it. BeautyBio's GLOfacial hydration facial tool uses a similar vortex suction mechanism to the trademarked Hydrafacial machines found in dermatologists' and aestheticians' offices. When pressed against the skin, the treatment tip delivers a gentle cleansing solution to loosen pore-clogging debris, then lightly suctions it away. Think of it as a two-in-one vacuum mop for your pores. As an added bonus, the GLOfacial also offers blue light therapy, which has been shown to target breakout-causing bacteria and prevent future flare-ups. This suction-less setting can double as an acne spot treatment, giving you even more bang for your buck. Begin by removing your makeup and cleansing the skin, just as your facialist would. Then, prep your device by filling the treatment chamber with water and the included GLOfacial concentrate. The chamber is marked with handy fill lines to help you get the right ratio. Before applying the device to your face, test it on your palm to get the solution flowing. Skip this step, and you risk the suction leaving behind tiny hickey-like marks. 'It's important to be cautious with pore cleansing devices, especially at home. If not used properly, they can cause injury to the skin,' advises Dr. Garshick. Slight redness after treatments is normal and should fade within a few minutes to hours. The GLOFacial offers three intensities. Start with the lowest setting and increase as needed. Hold the device upright in one hand and your skin taut with the other, using short, upward strokes to maintain constant suction. Keep your touch light and avoid long strokes that pull the skin downward. Note that the device will beep and pause if it's tipped over too far. I've found I need to tilt my head to get the right angle for harder-to-reach spots. The device comes with two treatment tip sizes. I like to start with the larger tip along my cheeks and forehead, then switch to the smaller head to tackle my nose, chin, and other targeted areas. Don't be afraid to refill the chamber mid-treatment—you may need to do it more than once during a full-face session. Once you've finished admiring all the gunk in the waste chamber, empty it and clean the device thoroughly. Let everything dry completely before reassembling. The BeautyBio GLOfacial isn't a device you'll reach for daily. Like professional Hydrafacials, experts recommend using at-home hydration tools every four to six weeks. That said, more frequent spot treatments can help reduce congestion, particularly in stubborn areas like the chin and nasolabial folds. Del Rosario also recommends incorporating the BeautyBio GLOfacial between professional treatments to prolong that post-facial glow. 'My clients are seeing fewer breakouts, more even tone, and that healthy, hydrated glow—it's quickly become a must-have in their skin care routine,' she tells ELLE. BeautyBio's GLOfacial device can safely be used without the $45 GLOfacial Concentrate, but water alone won't deliver the same deep clean. As one BeautyBio employee once told me, it's kind of like using a carpet cleaner without any solution: technically possible, but you're not really getting the gunk out. According to Dr. Garshick, the concentrate 'infuses the skin with salicylic acid, which further unclogs pores and helps prevent future blemishes.' It also contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump. In the name of research, I tried swapping in other acne face washes and salicylic acid-based products. So far, I haven't found anything that works quite as well. With all the so-called 'professional-grade' skin care tools on the market, I was admittedly skeptical that this gadget would be worth the $199 splurge. But now, it's one I regularly recommend to anyone looking to treat dry spots and breakouts simultaneously. It's easy to use and delivers immediate results—no need to be a skin care whiz to wield one. The brand also suggests changing the treatment tips every few months to maintain proper suction, so you might as well toss a replacement set in your cart while you're at it. It's worth spending a little extra to get the best results. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan, New York and Englewood, New Jersey. She is also a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Daphne Chantell del Rosario is a licensed esthetician and makeup artist based in Los Angeles.