Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Products To Help Ease Your Social Distancing Woes — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”

Don’t let yourself fall into the quarantine blues! We may be practicing social distancing and find ourselves physically apart from many of our loved ones, but that doesn’t mean we need to feel emotionally distant from our friends, co-workers, and extended family members: we can connect with them via Zoom, Facebook, FaceTime, and email. And while we may not fully be able to return to our regular routines, we can establish new ones within our current realities. Right now, we are contributing the most by staying at home, following all necessary health precautions, and taking the opportunity to learn new skills and to bond with with our kiddos and partners (family cooking sessions, board game nights, and impromptu dance parties in the living room are all fun ways to come together). Most important, we need to work on staying healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yes, these are very uncertain and anxious times, but taking it one step at a time and focusing on the positive will get us through this.

In my latest “We Are Austin” segment, which I filmed from home, I chatted a bit about some ways in which you can practice self-care, keep yourself and your kiddos entertained, and stay healthy and positive during these trying times. Check out the segment above (or click here to view it on CBSAustin.com) and keep on reading for information on all the products seen on air.

SHEAMOISTURE MORINGA & AVOCADO POWER GREENS RECONSTRUCTOR

Pampering yourself at home during these anxiety-ridden times might feel indulgent—  especially if you’re looking through your Facebook feed at the exhausted faces of the health care workers at the front lines or reading an anecdotal account of someone who contracted Covid-19 and is now battling for his/her life. But here’s the thing: while you can and should stay informed, while you should feel compassion for the ill and pray for their swift recovery, while you must acknowledge and celebrate the tireless efforts of health care workers and first responders, you should also give yourself permission to take a mental break from the news coverage and the social media frenzy surrounding the current pandemic. Right now, the best way to contribute is by following the CDC’s advice to stay home — period. Yes, it’s a sacrifice — especially as days turn into weeks — but it’s a small sacrifice if it means saving lives, right? So don’t further exacerbate your anxiety by reading every single grim headline for the better part of the day. Instead, try to stay hopeful and positive by setting new goals for yourself, staying physically active, practicing some mindfulness rituals (meditation, journaling, and gratitude lists all do wonders), and by practicing self-care.

Now, self-care comes in many forms, but never underestimate the power of a spa-like experience at home. It can not only relax you, but it can help you feel more confident and hence better able to face adversity. So give yourself permission to pamper yourself! You can start with the new SheaMoisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Reconstructor ($11.99 at CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walmart stores), a nutrient-dense hair treatment designed to moisturize, fortify, and smooth dull and dry curly strands.

The mask is formulated with fair trade shea butter, as well as avocado oil and moringa oil. Avocado oil’s power lies in its high concentration of oleic acid and mononunsaturated fats, which allow the oil to effectively penetrate the hair shaft (as opposed to simply sitting atop strands), thereby hydrating hair from the inside out and fortifying strands. Similarly, moringa oil is packed with oleic acid so that it, too, can deeply penetrate strands and heal them from the inside out, plus it contains vitamin A, zinc, and iron, which are key to maintaining healthy hair and stimulating hair growth. Both avocado and moringa oils also benefit the scalp, helping to alleviate dryness and stimulating hair growth.

These two powerhouse oils, then, are married with a mixture of power greens comprised of kale, matcha, and green algae extracts. Kale, for its part, is rich in vitamin A, which helps to produce healthy sebum, thereby keeping the scalp moisturized and flake-free. It also contains vitamin C, which protects hair against free radical damages and prevents breakage. In addition, it contains phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like iron and calcium that help to maintain the hair’s health and elasticity. Matcha, meanwhile, has unparalleled amounts of the super antioxidant known as EGCG which, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, helps to keep the scalp soothed and balanced. The large amount of vitamin E in matcha also helps to improve the scalp’s health, boosting circulation and in turn leading to improved hair growth and more resilient, stronger strands. Lastly, the green algae known as spirulina is touted for containing a mixture of minerals and vitamins that promote hair growth. In other words, this treatment is a superfood extravaganza!

To give your hair some TLC, simply shampoo your strands and apply the SheaMoisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Reconstructor section by section, massaging it onto your scalp and then working it through the lengths of your hair. You can then place your hair inside a shower cap, set a timer for 10-15 minutes, and rinse once the buzzer goes off. After the first use, you’ll notice your hair is silky soft and delightfully frizz-free, plus it will boast up to seven times more shine! 

HELLO PRODUCTS TOOTHPASTE TABLETS

If you’re getting a little crabby after days and weeks at home, you may find yourself snapping at your significant other over mundane minutia —  small things that you’d normally brush off without a second thought. You might, for instance, throw a tantrum if he or she is squeezing the toothpaste tube haphazardly, rather than working gingerly from the bottom to extract every last bit of product. And a glob of toothpaste on the bathroom sink? That just won’t do in already tense times.

So why risk the extra stress? Instead, minimize the risk for potential friction by scooping up some of Hello Products’ new Toothpaste Tablets, available in Activated Charcoal and Antiplaque + Whitening flavors. Each reusable tin contains 60 round toothpaste tablets formulated with peppermint, tea tree oil and coconut oil to remove plaque, control tartar, whiten teeth and freshen your breath. To use, you simply place on tablet in your mouth, chew it using your front teeth until it develops a paste-like consistency, then reach for your toothbrush and commence brushing. Once you’ve brushed for the recommended 2 minutes, you simply rinse, spit, and smile!

These constitute a plastic-free alternative to traditional toothpaste tubes, so they’re an eco-friendly alternative to traditional oral care products and they’re formulated with natural antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients rather than potentially irritating chemicals. Another bonus: since each tablet is single use, there’s no risk of cross-contamination.

Each 60-tablet tin retails for $8.99 at ULTA and Walmart stores

UNWASH DRY CLEANSERS & CHARCOAL DETOX SCALP SCRUB

Ask most fitness enthusiasts about a beauty product they need in their gym bags, and dry shampoo will likely be in their top 3. After all, when there’s no time to shower after a cardio or weight lifting session, there’s nothing like dry shampoo to soak up all that dirt, sweat and oil, giving strands new life, boosting volume, and adding texture. And while we may not be hitting up our yoga studios, boxing gyms, or dance classes, most of us are striving to remain active — whether it’s by going for a quick jog in our neighborhoods or by streaming a virtual yoga session or HIIT workout on our computers — all while working from home, taking care of the kiddos, and tidying our homes. Dry shampoo, then, is just as important now as ever. So when you need to refresh your mane, reach for a dry shampoo from Unwash, a brand that’s revolutionizing the way we approach hair care.

Unwash uses simple, clean formulas and cationic cleansers that act like magnets, attracting and removing dirt without disrupting the hair cuticle. Unwash products, then, challenge the harsh cycle of shampooing and conditioning that so often strips hair of essential oils and nutrients, providing a much gentler, safer, fuss-free alternative.

The brand offers a number of top-notch dry shampoos, including the Unwash Original Dry Cleanser ($9 for 1 oz. bottle and $24 for 3.3 oz. bottle, available at ULTA.com), which contains volcanic ash to absorb excess oil at the roots, as well as vitamin E and panthenol to soften strands.If you have curly strands, you’ll love the new Unwash Curls Dry Cleanser ($25 at ULTA.com), which refreshes hair while giving curls more definition. Whereas many dry shampoos can weigh down curly strands or leave the scalp feeling dry and itchy, the Unwash Curls Dry Cleanser manages to remove excess oil and dirt while giving curls the moisture they need to stay bouncy and shiny.

And, if you’re in spring cleaning mode, why not apply that to your beauty regimen and consider a detoxifying scalp treatment? The Unwash Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub ($29 at Unwash.com) contains charcoal powder to naturally absorb any toxins, build-up, and debris lingering on the scalp. It also contains castor oil and coconut oil, both of which have antibacterial properties, and herbal extracts like peppermint, tea, tree, and ginger to invigorate the scalp. You can apply the scrub to wet hair, massaging it onto the scalp, then follow up with your regular ‘poo and conditioner or you can use the scrub as a replacement for your cleanser.

DOLCE & GABBANA DOLCE SHINE EAU DE PARFUM

There will be stormy days when we have to create our own sunshine, when we have to make the decision to stay positive, to count our blessings and to look for light and hope wherever possible. Since fragrance can have such phenomenal mood-lifting powers, there’s nothing like a perfume that exudes joy and optimism to help you adopt a sunnier perspective. Enter Dolce & Gabbana’s new Dolce Shine Eau de Parfum ($122 at Macys.com), a solar and floral scent that combines notes of juicy mango, bright jasmine, and sun-drenched blond woods.

The latest addition to the Dolce family, Dolce Shine was inspired by that magical moment between winter and spring when the first rays of sunlight start bathing the gardens in the Amalfi Coast. The hope that the fragrance exudes is perfectly captured by its uplifting packaging — from the soft, sunny yellow hue of the bottle cap to the matching outer box.

Simply put, Dolce Shine is sunshine in a bottle — and we can all bask in its warmth and beauty as often as we need and whatever the forecast holds.

AVON SKIN SO SOFT BUG GUARD COLLECTION

It’s important to go outside and get some sunshine and fresh air whenever possible—even if it’s in your own neighborhood or your own backyard. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D and get that heart pumping by going on a bike ride or even a brisk walk. Want to do something more low-key? Then grab the kiddos and teach them about gardening or pick up some sidewalk chalk and have the whole family create a fun art project on the driveway or the backyard fence.  You can even make going outdoors an adventure by going camping in your own backyard — tents and all! When you do, make sure to protect everyone from pesky bugs with the Avon Bug Gard collection – available at Avon.com. It includes a vast array of DEET-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic sprays and lotions that protect against mosquitoes, gnats, sand flies, and deer ticks.

The Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Insect Repellent Towelettes ($9 for 8-pack at Avon.com) are the epitome of convenience when you’re on the move. Each travel-friendly pouch can easily be tucked into your pants’ pockets, belt bag, or clutch, so you can smooth onto exposed skin when needed.

You can also protect skin against UV rays and insects with the Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 SPF 30 Lotions ($8.59 at Avon.com), available in a sheer color or in a disappearing blue color. Both of these lotions are non-greasy and feature soothing and conditioning vitamin E and aloe, so they soften the skin while protecting it.

Kids will get a kick out of the Cool ‘N Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion version of the sunscreen since it has a Smurf blue color that’s fun, but which disappears as you work the lotion onto skin.The kids, then, get to feel like they’re in a Blue’s Clues episode but moms don’t have to panic since that blue hue will disappear quickly — and without staining clothes in the process.

Another thing I love about the Bug Guard collection: unlike most insect repellents, which have a pungent odor that borders on offensive, these actually have a very pleasant, light, fresh smell. You won’t dread applying these insect repellents nor will you be longing to take a shower just so you can wash away the smell. Instead, you can focus on having fun outdoors — just as it should be!

SUMMER’S EVE FRAGRANCE FREE CLEANSING CLOTHS

Dry shampoo isn’t the only thing you need to feel fresh after a quick sweat session! With many of us juggling working from home with homeschooling our kids (or helping them with their distance learning plans), our schedules might just be even more demanding than usual. If you find yourself streaming a yoga or barre class during your lunch break — or while your kiddo is taking a nap — then you’ll need to freshen up and get back on task within minutes of finishing your workout. You can do so with ease thanks to the new Summer’s Eve Fragrance Free Cleansing Cloths ($1.99 at leading retailers nationwide and Amazon), which are balanced to a woman’s natural pH and are free of potential irritants like dyes, parabens, and fragrances. Each individually wrapped cloth will cleanse and remove odor-causing bacteria, so you can feel comfortable as you go about your day.

And, since each cleansing cloth is individually wrapped, once we return to some semblance of normalcy and start venturing on little road trips and weekend getaways, you can make sure to pack a few of these in your purse, belt bag, or backpack so you can refresh after a bike ride, a morning hike, an outdoor concert, or anywhere the day takes you!

SWIGSAFE 16 OZ. PARTY TUMBLER

Can you recite just how many ounces of water you drank yesterday? And how many ounces are really in that glass of wine? Spoiler alert: if you have Olivia Pope-sized glasses that can cover your entire face, you’re probably consuming way more than the recommended 5-ounce wine serving.

The fact is most people don’t realize how much liquid they’re consuming throughout the day – whether it’s water, coffee, wine, or beer. Luckily, you can change that with SwigSafe ($34 at SwigSafe.com), a 16-ounce tumbler equipped with a latched lid and easy-to-read measurement icons.

Made from Eastman Tritan plastic, each BPA-  and BPS-free SwigSafe tumbler is spill-proof and shatter-resistant, plus it features a wrist strap for easy transport. You can use it as a water bottle and keep track of your daily H2O intake or you can use it to be more cognizant of your alcohol intake and thereby help guard against binge drinking,

Not only does it help you portion out your drinks, but it keeps them secure thanks to the latched lid, so you don’t have to worry about your rambunctious kiddos or pets knocking your beer glass over and making a mess.

And once we can safely resume going out to different events and bars with friends, you can bring along your SwigSafe to help you remain mindful of your alcohol consumption and to help prevent anyone from tampering with your drink via the latched lid.

DESIGNER SHADES FROM SMARTBUYGLASSES.COM

To soak up the sun in style, visit SmartBuyGlasses.com, where you’ll find an incredible array of sunglasses from over 200 of the world’s best designer eyewear brands – among them Tom Ford, Gucci, and Ray-Ban— all at unbeatable prices.

Right now, I’m obsessed with Arise Collective, a socially conscious brand specializing in stylish, relevant, and sustainable eyewear. They recently partnered up with WWF Australia, to help protect the Great Barrier Reef through their Reefcycle collection, which consists of sunnies made by upcycling deadly commercial gill nets found in the Great Barrier Reef. So with each purchase, you’re helping to save marine life and clean up the ocean!

Each pair comes with a 24-month warranty and a hassle-free 100-days return policy, plus free shipping.

As if that weren’t enough to make you want to visit SmartBuyGlasses.com right now, consider this: the website features really helpful technology such as a Virtual Try-On feature that allows you to gauge how different frames will look on your face. The technology uses a brief selfie video to create amazingly realistic 180-degree imagery so you can truly assess whether a pair of sunglasses looks good on you. And, if you wear prescription lenses, you’re in luck: SmartBuyGlasses.com is equipped to work with the Lens Scanner app (available in the App store and Google Play store) so that you can scan your lenses and have SmartBuyGlasses.com utilize your prescription when fashioning your next pair of shades. Smart, right? They don’t call themselves SmartBuyGlasses.com for nothing!