Live In Full Bloom With These Spring Essentials — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”
Here comes the sun! Now that spring is officially here, it’s time to harness all that hopeful optimism so that we can grow and blossom like the wildflowers all around us. We’ve got spring cleaning to do, beauty regimens to update, fitness goals to conquer, outdoor adventures to enjoy, family vacations to plan, and memories to be made. To help you hit the “refresh” button and get in the spring spirit, I curated a list of essential products for today’s episode of CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin.” You can watch the segment by clicking here — and keep on reading to learn all the in-depth details about the items seen on air!
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro
Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, so why not reenergize and rejuvenate your complexion? To do so, check out the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro ($199 on Sephora.com), a high-tech skincare gadget that utilizes the LED light therapy to minimize visible aging signs along the entire eye region.
Like its predecessor, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro, this FDA-cleared, hands-free, wearable device treats the eye area with just the push of a button. Designed for daily use, it features a built-in shut-off feature so that the lights automatically power off upon the completion of a 3-minute treatment. But make no mistake about it: the new-and-improved model more than deserves the “Max” in its name!
For starters, the SpectraLite EyeCareMax Pro covers a larger surface area, so that it can more effectively target all the “trouble” areas around th eyes — from crow’s feet to the elevens (the vertical lines in between brows), the upper eye lids, the delicate under eye zone, and the brow bone area (where sagging commonly occurs). Moreover, it includes 96 LED lights (as opposed to the previous model’s 80) that emit light in 4 wavelengths (one more than its predecessor thanks to the addition of an amber wavelength). The device, then, emits light in the amber, red, deep red, and infrared wavelengths in order to stimulate collagen and elastin production, boost cellular renewal, promote circulation, reduce redness, and soothe inflammation.
With continued use, you’ll notice improved skin firmness, a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, more even skin tone, and improved skin texture.
Lottie London Makeup Essentials
Now that winter has come to a close, we can ditch the dark and moody makeup in favor of lighter, bouncier, more playful looks. You can update your makeup bag by picking up some of Lottie London’t latest launches.
First off, we don’t want to sashay into spring with dark under eye circles that make us look tired and gaunt so, to keep your eye area bright and perky, pick up the new Lottie London Bright Bounce Undereye Brightening Corrector ($7.98 at Walmart.com). Available in two shades — Light and Deep — this creamy color corrector utilizes peach-y pigments that neutralize the purple hue that plagues so many of us. The corrector is meant to be applied prior to concealer and, in fact, helps to prep the eye area so that your concealer won’t crack or crease. Moreover, the formula is infused with moisturizing brightening botanicals like cherry seed oil and licorice root extract, so it goes beyond color correction to really illuminate skin.
Much like a tan, we associate freckles with time spent frolicking in the sun, with vacays at the beach — and, much like with a tan, the safest way to actually attain a new splatter of freckles is not to forgo SPG but, rather, to go the faux route. Enter the Lottie London Freckle Tint ($7.98 at Walmart.com), which lets you add as many freckles to your complexion as you desire! To use, you just dot the temporary tint onto your cheeks and nose using the liner-like applicator, dab each dot with your fingers or a sponge, then set with loose powder.
And to keep your makeup going strong on hot and humid days, reach for the Stay Matte AF Setting Spray ($9.98 at Walmart.com). The alcohol-free setting spray features skin-balancing niacinamide and green tea extract to keep shine at bay while leaving skin feeling comfortable and hydrated — never tight or dry.
Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer & Butter Dream Team Face Palette
The sun is shining bright, and we want our complexions to exude an equally inviting warmth and radiance. For a natural-looking glow, reach for the new Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer ($16.99 at H-E-B stores). This lightweight liquid bronzer is infused with illuminating microminerals that impart a subtle radiance, giving skin a lit-from-within effect. You can apply the bronzer over bare skin for a minimalist look, use it under your foundation when using an underpainting technique, apply it over your foundation to contour and warm up the skin, or mix it with your foundation or CC cream to give it a dewier finish. The options are endless!
And if you’re looking for a face palette that you can take on every weekend getaway and spring vacay, but which you’ll also reach for on a near-daily basis, look to the Butter Dream Team Face Palette ($18.99 at H-E-B stores). This all-in-one face palette features everything you need to pull off fresh-faced looks for spring festivals, beach and lake getaways, days at the park, and more. The palette contains six cream-to-powder Butter formula bronzers, blushes, highlighters and powders that glide onto skin easily and are both blendable and buildable.
And since Physicians Formula always prioritizes healthy skin, both products feature an exclusive blend of skin-nourishing murumuru, cupuaçu and tucumu butters, so they soften and hydrate skin while adding the color and warmth you desire.
Essential Elements Hydration Sticks
Did you go into January with very ambitious fitness goals, only to put them on the shelf due to the uninviting winter weather? Well, now is the perfect time to revisit those objectives and commit to a more active lifestyle. And, as you do, remember to stay hydrated both during and after your workouts — not just by consuming plenty of water but by replenishing all the electrolytes you’ll be losing as you sweat. One easy (and tasty!) way to do so is by picking up the Essential Elements Hydration Sticks.
Each powder stick contains replenishing electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium that help the body more efficiently absorb water, along with 1500 mg of apple cider vinegar (itself a great source of electrolytes) and 800 mg of buffered vitamin C (which allows the body to digest higher doses without any stomach upset). You simply pour a packet into your bottle of water and drink!
To try all the available flavors, pick up a Variety Pack, which features 24 single-serving hydration sticks in a mix of Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Yuzu-Lime, and Watermelon-Cucumber flavors. Visit EssentialElementsNutrition.com
Richard’s Rainwater
Water is the driving force of all nature — without water, there is no life. And yet the world is facing a freshwater crisis that’s being compounded by both pollution and climate change. Higher temperatures mean an increased demand for water, and and yet long periods of drought can often mean less available surface water and groundwater. Conversely, flash floods (which are becoming more common) can result in microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, chemicals and agricultural or industrial waste contaminating the drinking water supply. How dire are things? Well, according to one study conducted by University of California Irvine researchers using NASA satellite data on aquifier changes from 2003 to 2013, over half of the world’s major aquifers are being depleted faster than they are being replenished. Subsequent studies have unearthed similar results. And yet there are some ways to mitigate the water scarcity crisis — and harvesting rain water is chief among them.
Enter Richard’s Rainwater, an Austin-born brand of bottled, renewable, sustainable water. It all started when in 1994, company founder Richard Heinichen installed a whole-house rainwater collection system in his home. Soon enough, he’d created what’s affectionately known as Tank Town, an area in Dripping Springs, Texas, that houses 20 pastel-colored reservoirs to catch, purify and bottle rainwater. By 2002, Richard’s Rainwater became the first company in the nation to receive licensing to bottle and distribute rain water. Since then, the company has expanded its reach by partnering with facilities in Mississippi and New Orleans in order to harvest more rain water therein.
What makes rain water ideal as a drinking water? Well, the rain captured is 100 times cleaner than the strictest bottled water standards — even before the company purifies it. Every drop of water is captured before it hits the ground and becomes contaminated, so there’s no need to add chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and ammonia, which are found in traditional bottled water. Moreover, rain is a naturally sustainable resource so it’s a much more ecological alternative. And there’s much less waste involved! Most bottled water is filtered using reverse osmosis, and yet this process can result in a lot of wasted water; conversely, Richard’s Rainwater uses a closed loop process that allows for clean water with virtually zero waste.
Not only is it sustainable, but Richard’s Rainwater is simply delicious — you’ll notice how smooth and pure it is the moment you take a sip! And if you prefer your water with bubbles, the brand offers a delicious sparkling water too!.
You can find Richard’s Rainwater at Whole Foods Market, Amazon, and select H-E-B and Sprouts stores.
Visit RichardsRainwater.com to learn more!
Best Day Brewing Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer
From hiking to fishing, boating, biking, and camping, sunny and warm spring days practically beckon us to hit the great outdoors and enjoy nature in all its grandeur — and, naturally, to punctuate these glorious moments with a refreshing beer. But what if you love the taste of a great beer but don’t necessarily want to feel the lethargy and brain fog that can accompany even the tiniest bit of alcohol consumption? Well, then Best Day Brewing is exactly what you’re seeking.
Best Day Brewing is a new line of non-alcoholic craft beer that’s built around the philosophy that life is full of great moments that deserve great beers, but don’t always call for booze. After all, you want to stay alert during those outdoor activities! Best Day Brewing’s full-flavor, full-body, full-aroma craft beers will satisfy even the most persnickety beer enthusiast’s taste buds — all without any alcohol to slow you down. And while these beers are rich in flavor, they’re low-calorie, low-sugar and low-carb, so you can indulge guilt-free.
Best Day Brewing offers three non-alcoholic brew options: a light and crisp Kolsch, a classically hoppy West Coast IPA and a rich and fruity Hazy IPA. You can find Best Day at H-E-B, Whole Foods Market, Spec’s and Total Wine stores.
Chinola Liqueur
Spring calls for lively and fruity cocktails, which are a breeze to make with Chinola, an all-natural passion fruit liqueur handcrafted in the Dominican Republic that capture’s the fruit’s perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Each bottle of Chinola contains approximately six fresh passion fruits.
If you love a bubbly brunch but want a change from traditional Mimosas, try making a Chismosa instead! “Chismosa” is the Spanish word for “gossiper,” and you can be certain that this effervescent cocktail will give everyone plenty to talk about! To make, simply pour 1 ounce of Chinola into a champagne flute, add 4 ounces of sparkling wine, and gently stir.
And if you’re hosting a casual lunch, try adding Chinola to your lager for a refreshing and tropical spin on the Shandy.
Ready to step up your spring cocktail menu? Visit Chinola.com and use the promo code “Celia” to enjoy 20% off plus free shipping on your purchase of 2 bottles or more.
The Influencer Initiative Toys
If there’s something the movie Big taught us, it’s that no one understands what constitutes a great toy better than a kid. The Influencer Initiative put this knowledge to use with its brilliant array of toys from kid influencers Along Came Abby and Boss Baby Brody. The toy collection contains dough activities, magnets, cards, and wooden play sets designed to help build fine and gross motor skills, cultivate sentence-building and word-building skills along with basic math, help understand spacial relationships, and inspire self-confidence through imaginative play and creative expression. And they’re 100% kid-approved — the Instagram videos of 6-year-old Abby and 5-year-old Brody at play will leave you wanting to scoop these up for your own littles. After all, you want to keep the kiddos entertained and away from screens whenever possible!
Designed for children ages 3 to 8, these Influencer Initiative toys range in price from $5.99 to $17.99. You can find them on TheInfluencerInitiative.com and— news alert! —they’re coming to Walmart stores soon!
Not only are these toys affordable, creative, educational, and engaging, but they help to make the world a better place: 10% of the profits from each sale are donated to qualified non-profit organizations such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and The Hunger Project.
BabyQuip Baby Gear Rental Service
Traveling with babies can be a logistical nightmare. Can you take the stroller as a carry-on item or do you need to check it? And what about that baby swing your little loves so much? Or the sound machine they need to get through the night? Not only is it difficult to determine what to bring along, but lugging all that baby gear through crowded airports and train stations (or packing it in a van!) can present its own set of challenges. Luckily, you can minimize travel-related stress with BabyQuip, a company that rents and delivers clean, quality baby gear including cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, baby bouncers, and other essentials. Their mission is to help families pack light and travel happy, and they offer baby gear rentals in over 1400 locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia and beyond.
To prepare for your next adventure, visit BabyQuip.com (or download the app), select your travel dates and destination, and search for the baby gear you’ll need. You will then find a list of Quality Providers in that area, and you can view the items they have available for rent, the daily rental fees for each item, their reviews, and more. Once you’ve located the items you wish to reserve, you simply add them to your cart and check out. Your Quality Provider will then work with you to coordinate delivery details – whether that involves dropping off a stroller at the airport or setting up a crib at your hotel before you arrive. Talk about convenient! It’s no wonder BabyQuip has received over 30,000 5-star reviews!
And because safety and cleanliness are top priorities for BabyQuip, all baby gear is cleaned and sanitized after each rental and before every new rental.
Rental fees vary depending on the item, location, and Quality Provider but some start as low as $4/day!
Through April 12th, visit BabyQuip.com and use the code WEAREAUSTIN for $20 off rental orders of $100 or more. The offer is valid for first-time users.
