#how to make vegan skin care products

[black-lake]

astro observations 6

Heyyy, here's another observation. ☆ This is a lighthearted one, I hope so. I've done so many hard aspects/healing observations ik, and so lets have fun with this one! This post focuses on the ascendant and physical traits, but anything that comes to mind really. 🦚 🦚

Highlights: ascendant, virgo, gemini, leo, aquarius, pisces, all risings, moon, saturn, neptune, uranus, pluto, celebrity ascendants, degrees.

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🐉 If something happens to your teeth or jaw, check your Saturn transits or solar return. You may get braces or aligners during a significant saturn aspect transit. Check the transits if any bones you have start acting up. You may feel like getting cosmetic treatment, surgery or anything of that kind. Stepping up your aesthetic game. I got my aligners during multiple saturn conjunction transits, a pain in all aspects of life lol, wasn't expecting less from it. It's a good time to break and restructure solid things in general, in your life, body, and mind, it will have a lasting effect.

🐉 If you have ascendant-pluto aspect transit or in your solar return, especially ascendant conjunct pluto, you may change many things in your looks/aesthetics. You could fix something you wanted to fix in your appearance, change your wardrobe, your style, dye your hair, or go through a major glow up. You could also change the way you express yourself and show up to the world. Any aspect of your ascendant will undergo some kind of transformation, even the way you view yourself.

🐉 Virgo risings are easy to spot for me, they have small features that are defined but soft, think Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Chris Jenner, Kurt Cobain, and Emma Chamberlain (which I believe is a virgo rising not approved, but the vibes are strong). They kind of have a perfect look yet they don't care about it, cuz idealists ya know. They are effing beautiful. They want to appear natural, remember. Sometimes I notice they talk about doing the least to their appearance and keeping their natural hair/beauty, even tho it is so evident that they take good care of themselves and that takes effort and time. But they also do it effortlessly. If you compliment their natural beauty you are a keeper. Never tell them they're trying too hard, ouch. They care about using natural/vegan products, and encourage others to do so. Again Mercury influence does give off a swag vibe, wether in how they dress or appear, cool girl next door, fast talker, intelligent af, sweet but honest, hard worker. They dress in a professional, comfortable and clean way.

(I can't decide, but it might be my fav rising, y'all win).

🐉 Gemini risings look much like Virgo risings, their features are small and elf-like. But they are harder to spot imo. They have morso a fluid look, not giving too much feminine nor masculine energy or mannerism. They can be soft, but can be many other things at once. Their skin looks youthful. They have charming smiles. They are easy to spot not in the face but with how much long and flexible their body is, especially hands and feet lol. (trust me I'm a Gemini rising, hypermobility at its finest). They move kind of effortlessly fast. Their vibe is childlike, dechated, swag, quick, nonchalant, noncommittal, and intelligent. They can and want to change their aesthetics, but the quick wit and youthfulness are always there. Their fashion style is casual, trendy, may like to wear silver jewelleries and chains. The way they match their clothes and create completely different looks everytime makes them trendsetters. They dress in the way they want to talk, like their communication influences their style. They move their hands a lot and they may get compliment on their hands. 

🐉 Leo risings of course, with the typical hair like a lion's mane, thick and beautiful. But I noticed it doesn't have to be that, there's just something striking about it for no reason sometimes, like the hair is brown but never boring brown, it's shiny or has many shades in it, either way it catches attention. They have noticeable and gorgeous smiles. With the Leo Aquarius axis, their looks can be very individualistic, like there isn't something particular in the face that give it away, their features are simply just them. But with the Sun influence, it brightens an aspect of their physical looks, like bright hazel eyes, natural sun-kissed highlights or skin, warm complections. They like to appear confident and in charge. They want to be seen for whatever they value. They dress in a glamorous, colorful way, depending on other placements of course. e.g. Blake Lively, Vanessa Hudgens, Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez.

🐉 Other risings that are easy to spot for me are Capricorn, the sharp jaw, bone structure, big straight teeth, and prominent collarbones. Their model-like features and calm unbothered aura makes them trendsetters. Aries, very bold but in a youthful and childlike way (whichever is dominant depends on other placements), athletic bodies, something masculine about them. They dress in colorful or sometimes just dark clothes. The way they match clothes makes them different, bold trendsetters. Scorpio, the darker hair and shadows in their face, their gaze, overall intense vibes. They can have the dark aesthetic look, tights, skirts, bold makeup. The way they give off the idgaf look and also their sultry energy makes them trendsetters. Cancer, round face, full feminine bodies, dimples. They dress comfortably, baggy clothes and comfy fabrics, light-colored clothes, feminine dresses that compliment their bodies. They can be trendsetters with the naturally cute vibes they have, but if other outer planet aspects support it, like uranus and neptune.

🐉 Now Aquarius and Pisces risings are tricky, sometimes I get them right sometimes I'm surprised to find out. Aquarius can have a distinctive look and features that are just simply them, so it would be hard to guess based on just that. The hair, face shape, spaced-out and bright eyes, distinctive features, lean body and sometimes brighter skin can stand out. But again rather than features, it's the vibe and mannerism that I notice right away, they can be unconventional in the way they dress. They of course set the trends with their originality. It's so easy for me to spot aquarius placements in general, but rising is tricky. They appear intelligent and friendly, sometimes rebellious and too individualistic or both. They have an innocent and nonchalant charm. 

🐉 Pisces risings are somewhat easier to spot, because their features tend to be noticeably dreamy, watery, big and again very spaced-out eyes, even looking high lol. Can have downturned, sanpaku eyes or a striking eye color. They have milky smooth skin and small teeth. They give off a flirty yet innocent look with their slow but smooth expression. They kinda look like they've been daydreaming for the past 7 hours. Now the way they present themselves is the tricky one for me, even the way they dress, it can be changeful and meld into other inner placements. Like they might dress boldly if they have aries or fire somewhere, or dress casually and trendy if they have air. Whatever they dress like, it's always unique and inspiring. Major trendsetters because they give off an immaculate and irreplaceable vibe. They can also look like anyone's dream, or create their own dream appearance that becomes iconic, especially if they have neptune-ascendant aspects. 

🐉 The harder ones to guess for me are Sagittarius and the Venusian risings, Libra and Taurus. I don't know whether it's because I don't have these signs in my chart or that I haven't met many venusian people in general. Taurus risings have this natural earthy beauty, that doesn't seem to age. Their face has a glow, full lips, healthy looking skin, naturally beautiful hair, distinctive face shape. Their style is comfortable but luxurious. They choose their fabrics with attention. Natural expression, giving the I don't have to try hard. For Libra they tend to look kind, treat people well and smile a lot I noticed. They again don't seem to age. They have balanced features that just work well together and create a beautiful look. They like to dress in a girly and classy way. They want to appear likable, so they look like they're extra, trying hard. Not the type to create trends but follow them but won't go unnoticed. Sagittarius risings dress in whatever way makes them feel free, positive and alive. Their style can have bright colors, flowy clothing, suits that are never boring, and accessories. They have unique hairstyles and hair colors and they change their style a lot.

🐉 A reminder that you won’t look 100% your Ascendant ever, other placements and aspects do influence the look a great deal. Sometimes the ascendant isn't even apparent in your physical look or expression because other placements are dominant in the mix, especially if you have planets conjunct or oppose the ascendant, major aspects to personal planets, or you have a stellium in a different sign. Your venus and mars and their degrees are especially important. e.g. Kendall Jenner gives me strong Scorpio vibes in the way she expresses herself and dresses, even though she only has sun in scorpio but has Aries moon and ascendant, and a lot of sagittarius. She has venus conjunct pluto and venus, pluto, and mars 10° in the 8th house so scorpio and pluto is the dominant energy for her. Her style is a mix of scorpio, capricorn and aries. She has a minimalistic but polished style, prefers daker/neutral colors (scorpio sun and capricorn mc at 8°). But she still has the aries and sagittarius playful influence, yet not as strong. Even her house gives me strong capricorn and scorpio vibes and a bit of aries. 

🐉 Another example is Ariana Grande, she doesn’t dress so much like a Capricorn rising. She has taurus venus in 4th, libra moon, neptune and uranus conjunct ascendant, scorpio MC with pluto 10th, mars 8th, and cancer sun and mercury. All of this influences the way she dresses, but the venusian signs, cancer, scorpio, neptune and uranus influence is strong. Let's break it down. Her style is comfortable and girly, oversized sweaters and heels, pink and lavender colors (taurus venus in 4th, sun and mercury in cancer, libra moon). Flirty dresses, short skirts and knee-high boots, wanting to appear sexy in her video clips and many of her looks, her social media having a dark aesthetic, (scorpio MC, pluto 10th and mars in the 8th). The way she expresses herself is very known to the public, the iconic long high ponytail and long boots style being her brand which many people try to copy (neptune conjunct ascendant at 0°). Again her aesthetic is distinctives and unique (uranus conjunct ascendant at 0°). Her style wouldn’t be a big deal if she didn't have major outer planets influence. Now the capricorn ascendant still comes out in the way she works extremely hard, cares about her money and reputation, is professional with people, knows how to lead and make good business decisions. And of course, her face shape, sharp long jaw, prominent teeth and collarbones scream cap rising. 

🐉 Moon conjunct Saturn can give downturned or sleepy eyes. Now this is especially true if there are other earth placements, especially moon, or other strong saturn aspects. Wise looking eyes, mature look, commanding respect because they earned it, they likely went through a lot. Grounded and down to earth, trustworthy, hard working and serious. e.g. George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Emma Chamberlain, Timothée Chalamet. 

🐉 Moon conjunct/opposite Jupiter is a great manifestation aspect. Of course if you are aware of it, work on it, and develop it continuously. But there are other manifestation aspects I noticed. Jupiter and Neptune aspecting NN, Mercury conjunct/opposite Jupiter/Saturn/Uranus or Neptune. Venus aspecting Moon/Jupiter/Neptune especially conjunctions/oppositions. Sun or moon conjunct/opposite Jupiter/Saturn. Pallas or Vesta conjunct/opposite inner planets or Neptune and Uranus. Doesn’t mean that individuals with these aspects get things easily, it just means that if you are conscious and make efforts things are very possible. 

🐉 One aspect I wish I had is Mars or Mercury conjunct/opposite Uranus and Neptune. The artistic talents these aspects give, man it's a huge blessing if you have it, work with it. Two magical and colorful outer planets (neptune and uranus) joining your mind and body personal planets (mercury and mars) is a huge blessing imo. Could give talents in dancing, performing, writing, acting, inventing things, many varieties. And actually it makes the individual multi-talented. I do have mars square both uranus and neptune, and mercury sextile neptune, but the conjunctions are so powerful. 

🐉 A cardinal sign at 0° is an important placement. I heard Pam Gregory once say that a 0° of a cardinal sign and within two degrees of both sides (28°, 29° mutable and 1°, 2° cardinal) is on the world axis or a critical public point. How this will manifest depends on the planet and the house it's in. I have a 0° aries Mercury in the 11th and I find it fascinating to observe because when I think about it, it already went through Pisces the last sign of the zodiac and 29° the last degree of the cycle, it ended both the sign and degree cycles and it's completely new, it's really interesting!

🐉 You won't feel like the planet acts completely like the sign it's in. The 0° doesn’t just have the fresh energy of the sign but the wisdom of the previous sign and remembers it vividly, because the cycle wrapped not long ago. It's not like "new" and "unadvanced" at all. It has an important thing to share with the world, but it's on a new journey of discovery with the sign it's in. So in my case, it needs to develop the qualities of that sign (aries) in order to share the wisdom it already possesses (pisces) with the new attitude it has (aries). I felt like I grew into my 0° aries mercury eventually, saying exactly what's on my mind without hesitation. At first it felt like my communication style wasn't discovered yet, I would hesitate, until someone pisses me off then I go off on them lol. My words become honest and cut throat. But it does feel like I have some of that pisces mercury energy sometimes, speaking with metaphors and symbols, being compassionate, talking softly, and in two minutes I'm already screaming, like fight me lol. The aries energy can act on impulse when angry, I can cut people off if they hurt me, thinking I don't need no one, this is where we work to develop the sign. 

🐉 The way I think about it in general, 0° of a sign means that just before you were born, the planet already ended a 29° cycle of the previous sign. You gained wisdom through trials and errors and now have the new energy of the current sign. You have to share what you learned with the world. In the 0° cardinal example, and within two degrees both sides, it's more public, like the information can spread widely. It should develop and use the assertive energy of the cardinal sign the planet is in (aries, cancer, libra, capricorn) and initiate action somehow. Keep in mind that you will have similar energy with the mutable 28° and 29° (gemini, virgo, sagittarius and pisces) since it's almost already the end of a cycle, it's like going through your final test, so time to use and share your talents and knowledge. The difference here is with the 28° and 29°, you need to use the energy of the sign the planet is in fully and wisely. But with the 0°, 1°, and 2°, you need to develop the new energy as you go and share what you already know using that new energy. Now of course the sign the degree represents should be taken into consideration, e.g. with 28° embodying cancer energy (a caring, nurturing but assertive way), and 29° embodying leo energy (confidently ruling and shining). With 0° you have a lot of freedom to embody and create your own values, still working with the sign it’s in. 

[ceasarslegion]

i wanna hear! what was the "honest answer"?

you were the first who asked so you get the story <3

I've had an influx of new followers lately so for those who don't know, I used to be the ops manager of a Kiehl's store between uni and my current job. Which means I know a lot about skincare and no, it's not all a scam like the internet would have you believe. It depends on a lot of factors what skincare works best for you, but i at least recommend cleanser for basic hygiene and sunscreen for skin cancer protection for everyone regardless. But that's a different post.

So one day, the store manager was busy in the back room and I was the only other person in, which meant I had to be on the floor making sales that day. Not a huge deal, because I was acting manager as the one with the most seniority on the floor so I could tell snippy customers to piss off. So this one guy comes in, I greet him, he's all friendly with me and he just asks "I can't find any animal byproducts in your products, so I'm curious why you don't list yourselves as vegan."

He was being friendly, non-judgemental, and framed it as a curious question, so I saw no reason to lie to him. "Oh, one of our serums has lanolin and a moisturizer has honey in it. So not a huge deal."

This, apparently, was a huge deal. He started going off about how hypocritical we were and how we're complicit in the slaughter of innocent animals for profit. Screaming so much I had to kick him out and slap him with a store ban.

For those who aren't aware: lanolin is a skin oil sheep produce to keep their wool moisturized and unmatted, and the way its collected is washing it off of shorn wool and from the skin of sheep that don't have wool to moisturize. The sheep don't care, they don't notice the difference. It is not taken from them if they have wool. It's just bath time and getting a haircut for them. I actually recommend lanolin products for people with hyper-dry skin because it's a miracle ingredient considering it can moisturize and unmat waterproof curly wool, so imagine how good it is for dry skin. And honey is, well, honey. It's hubris to think you COULD abuse bees.

[ovaruling]

last night, during the street outreach, we had a woman come up to us, incredibly agitated that the undercover footage we were showing of slaughterhouses and dairy, egg, and fishing industries was visible to children.

two of the activists had brought their healthy, intelligent, wonderfully well-adjusted vegan children, who have both previously seen the footage with their parents and asked questions and received honest answers.

and i approached her to ask her—if she cared so much about the welfare of children, as she claimed, why was she not boycotting these industries?

if you are against child labor in any real way, you WOULD boycott industries that require labor in slaughterhouses, meat-packing facilities, fisheries, egg farms, dairy farms, fur and wool farms.

because guess who makes up a significant portion of that labor? CHILDREN. illegally and legally both, depending on the state or regional laws.

i’ve seen it with my own eyes at slaughterhouses, up close—i’ve seen children no older than 12 made to haul the dead bodies of pigs, still bleeding. i’ve seen them working in those farms.

there are innumerable minors “employed”—or enslaved—to animal agriculture and the resultant slaughterhouses and meat-packing and chick-grinding and animal skinning. PTSD doesn’t even begin to cover what these children come home with. to say nothing of how unsafe these jobs are—would anyone like to look into how many injuries and outright limb amputations are caused by slaughterhouse work each year? cuz it sure isn’t zero.

do you think Big Meat insures their workers and pays for medical bills and a pension when these incidents occur? how much do you think they care about safety code violations? the USDA and ASPCA approved slaughterhouses i’ve seen in person are in violation of at least 40 codes, minimum.

and let’s talk about the field farming of the immense amount of food required to sustain the animals imprisoned within these industries—lest we forget, most of the world’s food and calories go to feed these animals, not us.

and guess who they rely on most to farm that animal feed.

these industries will ALWAYS find a way to use children for their labor, because it’s cheap and it’s easy. they will NEVER stop using child labor. ever. it doesn’t matter how many laws are “in place”—these places will always get away with it bc they literally cannot exist without extensive and wildly cheap labor. you cannot invent an animal agriculture that won’t find a way to silently exploit minors for cheap labor.

these businesses are at the top of the capitalist heap—it’s a business that, once again, cannot exist without human slavery on a large scale, with much of that burden resting on children and immigrants (particularly women, btw).

if you actually care even a little bit about child labor, really, one of the most effective things you can do is to boycott animal product industries.

[blubushie]

i think the reason so many people think they are against leather is that they don't distinguish between leather and exotic pelt production. one is taking advantage of the resources we already have while the other unnecessary wastes them

Oh no vegans and ARAs just think it's like. Morbid or something to wear something else's skin. I call it respecting the sacrifice of the animal and not letting any part of it go to waste.

They KNOW this shit comes from cows. But wearing cow skin is disturbing to them. Cow's gonna die anyway. So you're sacrificing the lives of countless fish to save the hide of one cow who's still gonna die, except its hide will rot instead of being put to use. Fucking wasteful.

Tbh there's a common thing of fish not being considered "worthy" of life though. Look at betta bowls, goldfish bowls, fish being given away as rewards at carnivals. A lot of people consider fish more on par with insects in the compassion department despite their intelligence and ability to feel pain and socially bond. And vegans/ARAs MASSIVELY show their hand and morals when they buy pleather knowing the environmental impact is has on microplastics in the ocean, but I guess the life of a few thousand fish aren't more important that the life of one cow who's gonna die anyway ay?

They bitch about the biggest impact to the environment? It's pollution. You're not polluting shit when you take an animal's hide and tan it and make it into a vest or shoes or what have you. But pleather? The entire production process is pollution.

But vegans don't care cuz they don't have to think about it. That's pretty par the course. "Plant food is humane" while ignoring the pollution from pesticides, the billions of animals killed every year from combine machines like deer and foxes and wildlife, to pesticides, to the people like me who are hired to shoot wildlife what feed on plant crops so it can reach THEIR tables.

Miss me with that "It's grown to feed livestock too." I was a stockman and all the cattle and sheep I ever drove were free-range grazed.

How's that soy taste, lads? Cuz it's watered in blood. Let's also ignore the human fucking slavery of avocado plantations, of quinoa farms, how the people who work the land to grow your food are kept indentured and paid so little they can't even afford to buy the fucking food they grow to export to you tarts. Where's your compassion and decency there, ay? You'll protest against dairy calves being taken from their mums cuz dairy cattle have zero maternal instinct and will sooner crush their own calves than raise them but you're silent on Nestlé? Modern slavery in the modern day doesn't get a word of protest from your bleeding hearts ay?

[lauralot89]

Big Long Nail Care Post

I got into nail painting during the pandemic, partly because I was bored in lockdown but mostly because washing my hands constantly was making my terrible hangnails even worse, and I figured if I was painting my nails, I'd have to pay attention to my hands and that would help me stop going all Black Swan on my cuticles.

Anyway, I have amassed more knowledge than anyone needs about nails, polish, and nail care, so hopefully this information is of use to somebody.

Natural Nail Care

Cuticles

Image taken from Dipwell.co

The cuticle is dead skin that builds up at the base of your nails. It exists to cover the opening where the nail emerges from your skin, to protect against infection. However, if too much skin builds up on the nail, it can become inflamed or snag on objects, peeling back and damaging the living skin it's attached to. To prevent this from happening, you remove the cuticle by pushing it back or cutting the dead skin away.

Cuticle Remover

A cuticle remover is a solution that helps to soften the cuticle skin, making it easier to remove. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is available in pretty much every US drugstore, but there also are vegan cuticle removers and homemade recipes. For some people, just soaking their nails in warm water is sufficient to soften the cuticle.

Pushing Back Cuticles

After softening the cuticles, use either the flattened end of an orange stick or a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticle. Apply gentle pressure and do not jab the tool into the base of your nail. Use small back and forth motions until the cuticle is removed. This process may look torturous, but because the cuticle is dead skin, you don't feel anything.

This is hard to describe in text, so here's a video:

NAIL CARE ♥ PERFECT CUTICLES

Cutting Cuticles

Cutting cuticles is a controversial decision. Because the cuticle exists to protect against infection, cutting too far and causing an open wound is a health risk. If you choose to cut your cuticles, be aware of the risk. Make sure your cuticle nipper is washed before use, and wash your hands before and after cutting. If you accidentally cut yourself during the process, wash the wound and apply an antiseptic.

How to ACTUALLY Cut Your Cuticles

NAIL TRANSFORMATION | how I CUT CUTICLES at HOME | Basic Tools ONLY

Nail Oil

Nails that are hydrated are less prone to breaking or peeling, whether at the cuticle, the free edge, or anywhere in between. Nail oil can be purchased ready made, or you can use jojoba oil. Many jojoba oils come with a dropper, or you can buy an empty twist pen, fill it with oil, and refill it once you've emptied it. If you find jojoba oil on its own is too runny to work with, mix it with a small amount of Vitamin E gel.

As with all skincare products, test for a reaction on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin before using.

To use nail oil, apply a small amount to the base of the nail. Rub it around the nail base, across the nail itself, into the sides of the nail, and under the free edge of the nail. Repeated as needed.

If you are wearing nail polish, apply the nail oil at the base and sides of the nail and under the free edge.

Nail Shaping

Nail Clippers

If you are not trying to grow out your nails, using nail clippers to cut them is fine. If you are trying to grow your nails, filing is better than clipping because the pressure that the blades of the clipper put on your nail can cause the nail to snap lower than intended.

Nail File

Glass nail files are preferable over emery boards, as they last longer and are less rough. Nail oil needs to be applied before any sort of filing so that the file does not crack the nail or split the layers of the nail. File your nails in one direction at a time rather than back and forth so there's less risk of breakage.

Do NOT file your nails after a shower or bath. Water seeps between the layers of your nail and they are more prone to splitting.

How to FILE and SHAPE your nails like a BOSS

How to File and Shape Your Own Natural Nails

How to Shape Natural Nails Squoval, Oval, Round, Almond, Coffin

Nail Buffers

Unless your nails are very thick, do not buff your nails. Buffing the nail means sanding down the top layers of your nail plate, making it thinner and more prone to breakage and splitting.

If your nails are ridged, look for a smoothing base coat to fill in ridges. If your nails are stained from dark polishes, do not buff or whiten your nails. Use a base coat before applying polish. Look for a base coat that prevents staining.

Why yellow nails DON'T MATTER / Don't whiten your nails

Nail Growth

Nail hardeners do not help your nail grow; they actually make the nail more prone to breakage by making the nail plate stiffer and more likely to snap rather than bend when stressed.

Nail oil helps the nail stay hydrated and flexible, which makes it less likely to break. A non-hardening nail polish can also help protect nails without making them too rigid.

If your nails are very brittle or will not grow at all, seek medical advice.

How to GROW YOUR NAILS FAST*!!! (actually helpful information)

HOW TO GROW LONG NAILS *tips for healthy & strong nails* | Ep. 3

Nail Problems

Sudden changes to your nails should be examined by a doctor. While some issues with nails, such as ridges, can be related to age, skin conditions such as eczema, trauma to the nail matrix, or other relatively harmless causes, some issues can be signs of serious underlying conditions. Your doctor will be able to advise how to treat any changes to your nails and whether you would benefit from biotin vitamins or other treatments.

7 fingernail problems not to ignore

Ridges in Nails

7 Causes of White Nail Spots (And When to Be Concerned)

5 Causes of Thin Peeling Nails and How to Care for Them

Nail Fungus

Broken Nails

Depending on the severity of the break, a broken nail may need to be filed or cut down to the breaking point. For less severe breaks, the nail can be patched until the break grows out.

How to Fix a Broken Nail With A Tea Bag! | natural nail repair

Fixing My Broken Nail | Featuring Orly Nail Rescue Kit | Following SimplyNailogical Routine

Fix a Broken Nail with Household Items! | Nail Repair Hack WITHOUT a Tea Bag

Nail Polish

There are three main formulas of nail polish: solvent-based, water-based, and gel.

Solvent-based polishes, also called oil-based polishes, are the standard nail polishes you find in most stores. They consist of pigments suspended in an oil or solvent base. When the base dries on the nail, the pigment is left behind. These polishes are the easiest to find and to use.

Water-based polishes suspend their pigment in water rather than a solvent. They do not have the strong odor associated with traditional polishes. However, they can be difficult to remove. I would recommend using a water-based peel-off base coat with water-based polish for easier removal.

Gel polishes do not dry with exposure to air; instead, they need to be cured with a UV light. Gel polishes are known for their durability and are often used in salon manicures because they will last for a month or more. Removing gel polish is a long process that involves soaking the fingertips in acetone, which can leave the underlying nails thin and brittle.

I have never used gel polish, but here are two video tutorials:

DIY Gel Nails! how to do gel nails at home

Apply & Remove Gel Polish Perfectly At Home

Types of Nail Polish:

Base Coat: Typically clear, this polish goes on your bare nail to help the polish adhere and last longer. There are various types of base coat depending on your needs: Long-lasting base coats, smoothing base coats, peel-off base coats, stain-blocking base coats, and more.

Creme: The most common type of a nail polish, a creme polish is an opaque colored solvent.

Jelly: Jelly polishes are colored but translucent.

Glitter: A clear or jelly base with glitter suspended inside.

Holographic: A polish containing holographic pigments or glitters which refract light and create a rainbow effect.

Clear: A colorless nail polish. Often used interchangeably with a top coat, but not all clear polishes are top coats.

Topper: Also separate from a top coat, a topper is intended to be painted over a creme polish. It may contain glitter, confetti, or other decorative elements.

Top coat: A hard clear coat that protects the paint underneath from damage and chipping. A quick dry top coat will surface dry within minutes, allowing you to go about your life without ruining your nails so long as you don't dig them into something. Get yourself a quick dry top coat, it will save your life.

Most top coats have a glossy finish, but there are matte top coats as well. Matte top coats typically have a mattifying effect without protective qualities, so you may want to apply a matte top coat over a regular top coat.

Note: Because quick dry top coats harden with exposure to air, the polish will become thicker the more it is used and the more air gets into the bottle. This is true of all polishes but happens especially fast with quick dry top coats. For this reason, I recommend buying a nail polish thinner.

13 Black-Owned Nail Brands to Shop Now and Forever

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Other Products

Nail Polish Remover: Typically containing acetone. Water-based polishes may require their own specific removers.

Nail Polish Thinner: Used to thin nail polish and make it easier to spread.

Clean Up Brush: An angled brush that is dipped in nail polish remover and used during the painting process to remove any polish that got on the skin or in the cuticle. You can use a q-tip or regular paintbrush for this purpose, but the bristles of a clean up brush will be less damaged by acetone exposure than a regular paint or makeup brush.

Striping Tape: A thin tape that is laid on the nail to help keep lines straight and even when painting stripes. Can then be removed or left on as a decorative element.

Nail Vinyls: Stickers that are placed on the nail temporarily during painting and removed while the polish is still wet. They may be used to paint the white edge of a French tip manicure, or they may be used to make a more intricate design.

Nail Powder: A nail polish alternative that is buffed into a base coat. Typically a gel base coat is used.

Striping Brushes: Very thin brushes used to paint fine details on nails.

Dotting Tool/Bobby Pin: Used to create small circles on the nail.

Stamper/Stamping Plate: A silicone stamper that lifts a nail polish design off an etched metal plate and transfers it to the nail.

Makeup Sponge: Can be used to more densely pack glitter polish onto the nail. Can also be used to create a gradient effect with different polishes on the nail.

Painting Your Nails

Begin by rubbing the nail plate with rubbing alcohol or pure acetone. Do not use a nail polish remover containing a moisturizer. The purpose of this step is to dry out the nail plate to help the polish adhere, so moisturizers defeat the purpose.

Apply a base coat. Leave a small gap between your nail plate and your cuticle where there is no polish. Once the base coat is touch-dry, apply as many layers of your main color as needed. Once finished, apply a quick dry top coat. The top coat will be fully dry in roughly twenty minutes and surface dry very quickly.

Note: Clean up mistakes as you go! Polish on your skin becomes harder to remove and stains more the longer it dries. Make sure that you paint the tip of your free edge with the base coat, top coat, and at least one coat of your color. Doing this helps the polish to adhere and makes it less likely to chip. You can do this on short nails as well, you will just need to clean the surrounding skin with remover once you've painted the tip. If you get the polish in your cuticle, you can clean that up with the brush as well. To help your manicure last, avoid submerging your hands in water for extended periods. Use gloves when washing dishes.

DOs & DON'Ts: Painting your nails | how to paint your nails perfectly

How to ACTUALLY PAINT NAILS 101

Paint Your Nails PERFECTLY on the Other Hand!

Mind-blowing opposite hand nail hack NO ONE KNEW

Short Nail Painting Hacks You DID NOT KNOW

8 Easy Tricks to Make Your Manicure Last!

10 Easy Nail Art Designs for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide!

And lastly:

Fake Nails

I have never worn fake nails, acrylics, silk wraps, polygel, etc. I am of no help here.

[losing10kgs]

30 Day Thinspo Challenge All In One Because I’m Bored And Trying To Prevent Cravings

1. 175cm tall, 54kg, BMI is 17.8

2. 5’9. I like this height, but I wish I were a little taller.

3. Kate Moss. Any explanation needed?

4. What everyone will say. And how much it will fuck up my metabolism permanently.

5. I have been stuck like this for YEARS, I want to be skinny so bad. And yes, I am doing it for me

6. No, not really. If I ever get really bad cravings, I just chew a heap of food up and spit it out (disgusting, I know, it’s so bad 😭)

7. Yes. I think mum suspects something’s wrong, but dad doesn’t care. Or if he does, he hasn’t mentioned it.

8. 2 minute side plank, 25 left lifts per leg, 50 side-lying left lifts per leg, 25 hip thrusts, 25 Russian twists with a weight, 50 butt-kicks and mb 20 or so squats if I’m up to it. I’m not very fit, I mostly just do walking.

9. I’ve had someone point out after a lost a bit that I was doing it for attention, though that didn’t actually make me feel all that bad.

10. Pizza. And crisps. And chips.

11. Don’t think I have one, tbh. I just scroll on Pinterest or twitter until I come by one I like the look of.

12. A lot of apples, and eggs. Lots of safe-foods, too, which I think definitely sets me back a bit.

13. Very unhealthily I’d say.

14. At LEAST 48 kg. Just until I don’t have to see a psychologist for ADHD meds, because she has to weigh me and if my weight gets too low, she’ll tell my mum.

15. No. I don’t eat a lot of meat in general, but I haven’t cut it out. I rlly like a good few other animal products, so I don’t think I’d ever get away with a vegan label.

16. About three or nearly four years ago

17. I’m guessing so.

18. Chocolate or garlic bread.

19. I actually am not sure. I didn’t eat much of it beforehand either.

20. Again, don’t really have one. I’m starting the ABC diet, though, so I’ll see how that goes.

21. I only really wearing baggy clothes bc I’m quite trans, but as far as I know: a medium in shirts and a UK 28 in pants. Idk

22. I’m at my lowest weight currently.

23. To The Bone didn’t help.

24. I’m not either of them, so not very highly.

25. I tried so hard to, but I don’t think I have a very active gag reflex because it never really worked.

26. I will look fanTASTIC! Honestly, though, it’d probably worry a few people, but that’s the plan.

27. Depends on whether or not I’m with friends. If I see my friends eating, then I’ll want to eat, but if they’re lot with me, I’ll either try to ignore it or (again) chew it then spit it out.

28. Yeah, why not.

29. Don’t have one. I actually think all sizes are lovely, just not on me, but everyone says that so what does it matter.

30. 10 facts:

1) I was born a girl but I don’t think I am one, which is mostly the reason why I’m doing this.

2) My ribs poke out quite clearly but I’m fairly sure that’s because I’ve got a wide ribcage 😭.

3) Skins is one of my favourite TV shows.

4) My safe-foods are garlic bread, chocolate, carbonara, peanut butter, and Nutella - once again, it’s so bad.

5) This is probably the deepest I’ve ever been in an ED, and I’ve been doing this for years now, so it’s getting serious.

6) I take ADHD medication that reduces my appetite, and I’ve only recently started them, which I’m guessing it why my weight has been dropping more than usual. HOORAY

Can’t think of any more facts, I’m not that deep.

[meariluna]

I really wish I wouldn’t get told that a decision I make is wrong due to common beliefs that have not been deeply researched.

I recently went on a mostly fruit diet with no animal products because I want to heal my rosacea, which I discovered is linked to many autoimmune diseases, one of the most prevalent in my family is type 2 diabetes.

Upon doing research about skin problems and why they manifest, I came across information about the kidneys and poor filtration through the liver which leads to waste being taken out on the skin if your organs are not working together to remove the waste normally.

I did my research to understand what could work to finally heal my rosacea since it is so deeply misunderstood and judged. All my life I’ve been criticized because of it until I got older and stopped caring so much. But more than just aesthetic purposes, I want to heal my body from the inside out and it causes so much anger for me at times when I open up about these choices I’m making to better myself and I get told I’m not consuming enough protein or that I need to eat meat or eggs or whatever it may be that common media shares.

Our biology closely resembles frugivores, not carnivores. The only way we “safely” consume meat and animal products is by cooking, pasteurizing, or doing some sort of process to make it edible. That, to me, doesn’t make any sense. We get told to eat fruits and vegetables when we’re sick because they heal so wouldn’t it make sense to consume food we know to be healing most of the time?

How can we use it as medicine and then turn around and say “oh you can’t eat too much fruit because of the sugar” as if simple fruit sugar is equivalent to processed refined sugar… also, all our cells need sugar. Our body runs on glucose… which is sugar. Literally everything we consume gets transformed into glucose. Insulin gets released into the bloodstream to help transport glucose to our organs so we have energy and can function. So even foods that are low in sugar get turned into glucose… which again, is sugar. Processed sugar, like any processed food, is bad for you. It is not the same as eating raw fruit - the food the Earth created for us to consume. (Is it really that surprising that the food we can naturally consume is the most healing food for us? It’s almost as if our biology, which resembles frugivores in nature, is made for the consumptions of fruits. Amazing.)

This whole idea that protein is everything was not emphasized until the last 1000 years or so. Protein was not emphasized as the most important source of sustenance for all time. Fruits and vegetables were. There are entire cultures that thrive off of fruits and vegetables and do not struggle with the same level of disease as we do.

It’s so annoying that veganism or any sort of diet with a strong focus on fruits and vegetables gets criticized so much. I’m not pushing my choices on anyone and I wish their choices didn’t get pushed on me, especially coming from people who are currently struggling with health issues and are trying multiple protocols that are not working. It doesn’t make sense to take advice from someone else who is trying to figure it out and is not succeeding yet I’m being criticized personally for taking advice from sources who have healed themselves and others.

No one will know my body better than me. I have tried to get assistance from doctors and dermatologists. None of them have helped. Some have even made things worse by giving me medications that suppressed my symptoms for a few weeks only for them to come back stronger and then I got prescribed a more intense medication with tons of side effects. If I cannot trust in myself and intuitively listen to my body, then I will never heal. My body is my own. My choices are my own. Feel free to judge them when I am not around but keep your negativity to yourself. I’ve only being doing this for two days and I feel so much better, my digestion is better, and my rosacea is not flaring up. That cannot be a coincidence. Please stop listening to mass media and do your own research to heal your body and mind.

[topshopupusa]

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[yourtoradorasextendedwarranty]

No. You are anti science.

Ok so let me start this off by saying one thing very clearly. Far leftists are 100% anti science. They will deny facts right in front of their faces so long as it goes against their narrative, because they only thing they are even good at doing is gaslighting. And most of the time they are not even good at that.

What do I mean? Ok, so what have I seen or heard from Leftists (IE: People that worship the fact they are on the left) are as follows. And while not a comprehensive list, it's enough.

1-"All vaccines are safe and can't harm you"

2-"There is no differences between the sexes"

3-"There are no differences between physical races/ethnicities"

4-"Cat's can be vegan"

5-"Solar and Wind are actually better for the environment than anything else"

6-"Hormone blockers don't have side effects"

7-"Cow farts are killing the planet"

8-"The US and every 'White' Country are responsible for most/all the pollution on earth"

And I could go on. But let's address these shall we?

Vaccines are not a one size fits all. They never have been. Far leftists went from "I won't ever take Trumps vaccine" to "If you don't take Biden's vaccine you deserve to never get healthcare again and or deserve to be put into a wood chipper. Also we don't care if you are immunocompromised the "Vaccine" is perfectly safe. St. Faccui said it was safe for absolutely everyone." I'm sorry if you are like this, you are not "Pro Science". And on ONE person is "The Science". And if you believe otherwise you are a lunatic. Also, adverse reactions are a thing. No matter how rare they are some can lead to life long issues. And some can lead to death. That's just a fact.

There are a NUMBER of Differences between the sexes. And while I could write a BOOK worth of how, I'll stick with a few things. Immune Strength, Quick twitch muscle fiber, reproductive organs, hormonal influence on the body, fat retention, muscle building capacity, speed of development, etc, etc. *The list is long*

OK so this one is one of the dumbest ones I've heard, but let me explain something simple. Between melanin and MANY other variants genetically, we ARE different. Scandinavians are often extremely tall, Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese people tend to be very small. Then there is Sickle cell disease which is ALMOST exclusive to people with darker skin, more often much darker skinned people. WE HAVE DIFFERENCES. And the reason people are often scared to talk about this is because they are afraid that if they do talk about these things that it will lead to bigotry and racism. Except by pretending that all people from all places in the world are EXACTLY the same you are in fact denying science.

I'm not even going to go deep into this. SOME ANIMALS ARE JUST CARNIVORS! Cat's are one such animal. Stop being stupid because YOU chose something for your own life.

OK so I could BOOK this one as well but let me just say a few things. Battery tech has almost not advanced at all in the past 20 years. Every step we have made has been very.....minimal. However Solar panels only last between 5-8 years more often than not, and the amount of resources they take to make needs YEARS to offset how much carbon used to make them. This not also including the destruction of entire ecosystems due to the mining for the resources in 3rd world counties, which have also managed to pollute water reservoirs. No telling the amount of kids that die in the slave labor needed to mine all of this stuff. Or the long term effects on the natives of those lands. Same with wind. Except with wind, they need petrol to work. Specifically the lubes that keep the turbines working. And they don't last very long either. And when they break, much like solar panels, they can't be recycled. And the production of those needs 8-10 years to offset what it costed to produce them. Not to also discuss the amount of land decimated to put up both of them. Specifically bad with wind turbines that tend to kill avian life at a high rate, and when put into the water or on the water, they screw with the sonar of animals in the water that use sonar. Which has sadly killed a number of whales.

Hormone blockers actually have a metric shit ton of side effects. Though I guess you can more say effects. One of which, which is actually REALLY scary for younger people is Osteoporosis. Which is REALLY rare in people under 50. As often you develop it as you age. Except people that take blockers for long enough stop developing. That's the entire point in some cases. And here is what many of you LUNATICS don't seem to get. YOUR BODY needs he hormones it produces for you to develop properly. Your body does not just "Rebound" when you stop taking them. And when you take cross sex hormones, your body does not just "start development again", It has to actively fight it's own hormone production as well as your genetics meaning that there can be many medical side effects in general that can occur. But talking just about blockers your body does not just restart. Your hormones dictate a number of things. Brain development, bone development, immune health, height and weight determinates, as well as most of all your internals. If you pause your development, your body does not just pick up where it left off. If you take blockers for 2 years, you lose 2 years or almost 2 years of development. Many doctors have actually backed up all of this. Denying this makes YOU anti science.

This one is me just taking the piss as it were. Cows live off of what ever diet they have access to. However I have heard people, in no small numbers, say that we should reduce the number of cows. Not that we should change their diets. But that we should just CULL them. Despite the argument being "What they are being fed is producing more methane than usual. So it's fun to consistently hear from leftist that we should just kill a lot of animals.

China, India, and Africa have been not only not reducing their emissions. They have actually switched to using a lot of coal. And their emissions have only spiked over the last several years. It's not even remotely close. Meanwhile the US, UK, and most other Euro nations, have greatly done a lot to reduce emissions over time. If you think "The West" is the issue when it comes to your climate alarmism, then you are SORELY mistaken.

[vezlayfood1]

Vegan Products for Beginners: Tips, Brands, and Nutritional Insights

Introduction to Vegan Products

Hey there! Have you ever wondered what all the buzz about Vegan Products is? Well, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of vegan products, which are items that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Veganism isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifestyle choice that prioritizes compassion and sustainability. Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned vegan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about vegan products.

History of Veganism

Early Beginnings

The roots of veganism can be traced back to ancient civilizations that advocated for non-violence towards animals. However, the modern vegan movement began in 1944 when Donald Watson coined the term “vegan” and co-founded the Vegan Society in the UK. This marked a significant shift in how people perceived and practiced plant-based living.

Evolution Over the Decades

Since the 1940s, veganism has evolved from a niche dietary choice to a mainstream movement. The rise of environmental awareness, animal rights activism, and health consciousness has propelled veganism into the spotlight, leading to a surge in demand for vegan products.

Types of Vegan Products

Food and Beverages

Plant-based Proteins

Gone are the days when vegans struggled to find protein sources. Today, plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan offer delicious and nutritious alternatives to meat. Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have revolutionized the market with their meat substitutes that mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat.

Dairy Alternatives

Whether it’s almond milk in your coffee or cashew cheese on your pizza, dairy alternatives have made it easier than ever to enjoy creamy, delicious products without the guilt. Oatly and Daiya are just two of the many brands offering fantastic dairy-free options.

Personal Care Items

Vegan Skincare

Looking for cruelty-free beauty products? Vegan skincare brands like The Body Shop and Herbivore Botanicals ensure that you can pamper your skin without harming animals. These products often feature natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your skin and the environment.

Haircare Products

Vegan haircare is another booming industry. Brands like Lush offer shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are free from animal-derived ingredients and harsh chemicals.

Clothing and Accessories

Vegan Leather

Say goodbye to leather made from animal hides. Vegan leather, often made from materials like polyurethane or innovative alternatives like pineapple leaves (Piñatex), offers a stylish and ethical option for fashion lovers. Brands like Matt & Nat lead the way in chic, sustainable vegan accessories.

Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp are making waves in the vegan clothing industry. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also incredibly comfortable and stylish.

Household Products

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your home can be ethical too! Vegan cleaning supplies from brands like Seventh Generation and Method ensure that no animals are harmed in the process of keeping your space spotless.

Home Decor

Vegan home decor is an emerging trend, with products like cruelty-free candles, plant-based paints, and sustainable furniture gaining popularity among conscious consumers.

Benefits of Using Vegan Products

Health Benefits

Nutritional Advantages

Vegan products often pack a nutritional punch. Plant-based diets are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and overall health.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By choosing vegan products, you’re not just being kind to animals but also to your body.

Environmental Benefits

Lower Carbon Footprint

Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By opting for vegan products, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change.

Conservation of Resources

Producing plant-based foods requires fewer resources like water and land compared to animal agriculture. This means that choosing vegan products helps conserve vital resources and promotes sustainability.

Ethical Benefits

Animal Welfare

One of the primary motivations for many vegans is animal welfare. By using vegan products, you contribute to reducing the demand for animal exploitation and cruelty.

Human Rights Considerations

The vegan movement also intersects with human rights issues, advocating for fair labor practices and the ethical treatment of workers in the supply chain.

Challenges of Vegan Products

Accessibility and Availability

While vegan products are becoming more mainstream, they may still be hard to find in some areas. Rural or less-developed regions might have limited options compared to urban centers.

Price Differences

Vegan products can sometimes be more expensive than their non-vegan counterparts. This price disparity can be attributed to various factors, including production costs and market demand.

Mislabeling and Greenwashing

Not all products labeled as “vegan” are truly vegan. Some companies engage in greenwashing, using misleading claims to appear more eco-friendly than they are. It’s essential to research and verify product labels to ensure authenticity.

How to Identify Authentic Vegan Products

Reading Labels

Become a label detective! Look for clear indications that a product is vegan. Ingredients lists and allergy information can provide clues about the product’s contents.

Recognizing Certifications

Vegan Society Trademark

The Vegan Society Trademark is a reliable certification that ensures a product is free from animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals.

PETA-Approved Vegan

PETA’s certification is another trusted mark that guarantees the ethical standards of vegan products.

Top Vegan Food Brands

Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat is famous for its plant-based burgers that taste incredibly similar to beef. Their products are a fantastic way to enjoy familiar flavors without compromising on your values.

Oatly

Oatly offers a range of oat-based dairy alternatives, from milk to ice cream. Their products are delicious, sustainable, and perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

Tofurky

Tofurky provides a variety of plant-based meats that are perfect for everything from sandwiches to holiday feasts. Their products are a staple in many vegan households.

Daiya

Daiya specializes in dairy-free cheeses that melt, stretch, and taste like the real thing. Their products are great for anyone craving cheesy goodness without the dairy.

Top Vegan Personal Care Brands

The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a well-known brand offering a wide range of vegan and cruelty-free skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

Lush

Lush is renowned for its handmade, ethical cosmetics. Their vegan products are fresh, fragrant, and perfect for pampering yourself.

Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals combines natural ingredients with luxury skincare. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in eco-friendly materials.

Top Vegan Clothing Brands

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney is a high-fashion brand committed to sustainability. They offer stylish, cruelty-free clothing and accessories made from innovative materials.

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat are pioneers in vegan leather goods. Their bags, wallets, and accessories are not only chic but also environmentally friendly.

Vaute Couture

Vaute Couture focuses on creating high-quality vegan fashion. Their products are designed with both ethics and aesthetics in mind.

Incorporating Vegan Products into Your Lifestyle

Transitioning Tips

Making the switch to vegan products doesn’t have to be daunting. Start small by gradually replacing non-vegan items with their vegan counterparts.

Meal Planning with Vegan Foods

Meal planning can simplify your transition. Explore vegan recipes, plan your meals for the week, and make a shopping list to ensure you have all the ingredients you need.

DIY Vegan Personal Care Recipes

Why not try making your own vegan personal care products? There are plenty of DIY recipes online for everything from face masks to shampoo.

Debunking Myths About Vegan Products

Nutritional Deficiencies

One common myth is that vegan diets lack essential nutrients. However, with careful planning, you can get all the nutrients you need from plant-based sources.

Taste and Texture Issues

Many people believe that vegan products don’t taste as good or have a strange texture. Thanks to advancements in food technology, this is no longer the case. Many vegan products taste just as good, if not better, than their non-vegan counterparts.

Limited Options

The notion that veganism limits your options is outdated. The market is brimming with a variety of vegan products that cater to every need and preference.

Future Trends in Vegan Products

Technological Advancements

Technology is playing a crucial role in the vegan industry. Innovations like lab-grown meat and advanced plant-based proteins are set to revolutionize the market.

Emerging Markets

Veganism is gaining traction worldwide, with emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America showing significant growth in vegan product demand.

Innovations in Food Science

Food science continues to push the boundaries, creating vegan products that are more delicious and nutritious than ever before. From cultured dairy to plant-based seafood, the future looks bright.

Vegan Products and the Economy

Market Growth

The vegan market is experiencing exponential growth. As more consumers embrace veganism, the demand for vegan products continues to rise.

Job Creation

The growth of the vegan market has led to job creation in various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing to retail.

Economic Impact

The shift towards veganism has a positive economic impact, promoting sustainable practices and ethical business models that benefit society as a whole.

How to Support the Vegan Movement

Advocacy and Awareness

Spread the word! Share information about the benefits of veganism and vegan products with your friends and family.

Supporting Vegan Businesses

Put your money where your mouth is by supporting vegan businesses. This helps promote ethical practices and encourages more companies to adopt cruelty-free methods.

Personal Actions and Lifestyle Changes

Every small change counts. Whether it’s adopting Meatless Mondays or switching to vegan skincare, your actions can make a big difference.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Vegan Food Products offer a plethora of benefits, from health and environmental advantages to ethical considerations. While there are some challenges, the growing market and increasing accessibility make it easier than ever to embrace a vegan lifestyle. So why not give it a try? Start incorporating vegan products into your daily routine and be part of the change for a better world.

[uncloseted]

I'm not body shaming when I ask this but do you think ariana grande is suffering from some form of eating disorder? She's clapped back last year saying she's at the healthiest she's ever been but it's hard to deny her weight loss has visually aged her and she has signs of someone suffering an ed (e.g. how the skin sits around her mouth and neck). Again no hate and good for her if she really is at her healthiest but visually it's showing the opposite

So first things first I want to say that I have a really soft spot for Ariana. I don't really listen to her music or anything, and I know she's been ✨problematic✨, but I've liked her ever since her Victorious days and I think she's really talented. So nothing I'm about to say is coming from the position of being a hater. I also want to be clear that I think other people's health statuses aren't really our business, whether that's neurological/"mental" health or something else, and I don't think artists are obligated to tell their fans about their health struggles. Health is something that's so personal and so emotionally complicated, and I think if people do talk about it, it should be on their own terms when they're ready to do so.

In terms of her appearance, I think that the bleach blonde hair with no eyebrows that she has for her role as Glinda in Wicked probably isn't helping the perception that she looks old. She also (reportedly) stopped getting Botox and fillers around 2018, which may be contributing to her looking older than other celebrities who get those kinds of treatments.

All that said- and I'm trying to tread carefully now- I think it's apparent that she's lost weight over the past year or so, whether intentionally or not, and I wouldn't be surprised if an eating disorder is the cause of her weight loss. I think the insistence that she's the "healthiest she's ever been" suggests that the weight loss she experienced isn't caused by another health issue (like hyperthyroidism or cancer), so it seems like a neurological health issue like an eating disorder would be the most likely cause.

And that kind of makes sense. Ariana Grande has a collection of traits that are common risk factors for developing an eating disorder. She's incredibly driven and probably a bit of a perfectionist, she's been in the public eye since she was 16 and has constantly heard comments on her body throughout that time, being petite is part of her brand, she has hypoglycemia, she's vegan, and she's been through quite a bit of trauma. It makes sense to me that all those things combined could lead someone to develop a restrictive eating disorder. I think very few women who are in the public eye like that have a normal relationship with food. In the video where she's addressing the concerns about her weight, she even has a little pop up that says, "you have talked a lot about [my body] over the past decade or longer so I'd like to join in this time." Plus, the whole donut licking, "I hate Americans" controversy she had has always seemed to me like a product of disordered eating, although that's pure speculation.

In terms of claiming that she's the "healthiest [she's] ever been" I know I've heard that same kind of defense of weight loss from people whose eating disorders manifest as being obsessive about eating healthily- a lot of the time for people who are vegan. She mentions in the TikTok that at her previous weight, she was "on antidepressants and eating poorly", so she may truly believe that she's the healthiest she's ever been due to her diet being the "cleanest" it's ever been and no longer taking medication. She may not be able to see that her weight loss is potentially dangerous to her health. In that same TikTok, she says that, "you never know what someone is going through, so even if you're coming from a loving or caring place, that person is probably working on it or has a support system that they're working on it with," which makes me think that maybe she does know her weight is a problem and has a team who are helping her with her recovery.

All that said, at the end of the day, I think she's right. We don't know what other people are going through, and speculating isn't helpful, even when it's under the guise of expressing concern. I think talking as much as we do about celebrities' bodies, especially the bodies of celebrities who are minors, causes a lot of harm to their perceptions of themselves. If she does have an eating disorder, thousands of people commenting on her body isn't going to convince her to seek treatment. It's just going to make the problem worse, and so I feel a little weird even answering this question and contributing to the conversation. And you never really know what a person's health status is just by looking at them. A lot of people who "look" healthy have invisible illnesses, and a lot of people who "look sick" are perfectly healthy. But equally, I think it's important that people understand that that kind of thinness isn't just a body type that some people have, and it's not healthy to be underweight for your height and bone structure. I think this idea that some people are just naturally super underweight and healthy feeds disordered eating behaviors in its own right and makes it harder for people to acknowledge that they need help because their health is in danger.

[homeremediestube]

Peanuts: A nutrient-rich and versatile snack with many health benefits

Peanuts are a type of legume that is native to South America. They are one of the most popular snack foods in the world, and for good reason. Peanuts are packed with nutrients and have been linked to a number of health benefits.

**Nutritional value of peanuts:**

Peanuts are a good source of:

* Protein: Peanuts are a good plant-based source of protein, making them a good choice for vegetarians and vegans. One ounce of peanuts contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

* Healthy fats: Peanuts contain mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. Monounsaturated fats can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats can also help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

* Fiber: Peanuts are a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Fiber can also help to improve digestion and regularity. One ounce of peanuts contains approximately 3 grams of fiber.

* Vitamins and minerals: Peanuts contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and niacin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function. Potassium is important for blood pressure regulation. Niacin is important for energy metabolism and skin health.

**Health benefits of peanuts:**

Peanuts have been linked to a number of health benefits, including:

* Reduced risk of heart disease: The healthy fats and antioxidants in peanuts can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel health. A study published in the journal *Circulation* found that people who ate peanuts or peanut butter at least five times per week had a 14% lower risk of death from heart disease than those who did not eat peanuts or peanut butter.

* Improved blood sugar control: Peanuts have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes them a good snack option for people with diabetes or prediabetes. A study published in the journal *Diabetes Care* found that people with type 2 diabetes who ate peanuts or peanut butter as part of a healthy diet had lower blood sugar levels and less insulin resistance than those who did not eat peanuts or peanut butter.

* Weight management: Peanuts are high in protein and fiber, both of which can help you to feel full and satisfied. This can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss over time. A study published in the journal *Obesity* found that people who ate peanuts or peanut butter as part of a low-calorie diet lost more weight and body fat than those who did not eat peanuts or peanut butter.

* Cancer prevention: Some research suggests that peanuts may help to protect against certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer. A study published in the journal *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention* found that people who ate peanuts or peanut butter at least twice per week had a 27% lower risk of developing colon cancer than those who did not eat peanuts or peanut butter. A study published in the journal *Breast Cancer Research and Treatment* found that women who ate peanuts or peanut butter at least five times per week had a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not eat peanuts or peanut butter.

**How to incorporate peanuts into your diet:**

Peanuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or salted. They can also be used to make peanut butter, peanut oil, and other peanut products. Peanuts can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Here are some tips for incorporating peanuts into your diet:

* Add a handful of peanuts to your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt.

* Spread peanut butter on whole-wheat bread or crackers for a healthy snack or sandwich.

* Add peanuts to salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries.

* Snack on peanuts instead of unhealthy snacks like chips or candy.

* Make your own peanut butter at home using raw peanuts and a blender.

**Conclusion:**

Peanuts are a nutritious and versatile snack food with many health benefits. They are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Peanuts have been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, weight management, and cancer prevention. Peanuts can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, making them a healthy and convenient food choice for everyone.

[aussenskin]

Will Sunscreen Cause Acne?

Welcome to Aussenskin, where safe skincare is our utmost priority. We take immense pride in offering you our organic Australian-made Vegan SPF50 sunscreen with added hyaluronic acid—a product designed to provide superior sun protection without compromising your skin's health. Today, we'll tackle a common concern: whether sunscreen can cause acne. Join us as we debunk the myth and shed light on how the right sunscreen can actually benefit acne-prone skin.

The Myth Surrounding Sunscreen and Acne

It's not uncommon to come across claims that sunscreen can cause or worsen acne, leaving many individuals hesitant to use it regularly. However, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and understand how sunscreen works in relation to acne-prone skin.

Understanding the Importance of Sunscreen

Before delving into the connection between sunscreen and acne, let's emphasize the significance of using sunscreen. Sunscreen is an essential component of any skincare routine, regardless of skin type or concerns. It shields your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Safe skincare practices involve incorporating sunscreen into your daily regimen, ensuring your skin stays protected and healthy.

Sunscreen and Acne-Prone Skin

Some individuals with acne-prone skin may be wary of using sunscreen due to concerns that it could clog pores or exacerbate breakouts. The reality is that not all sunscreens are created equal, and some formulations may be more likely to cause issues for acne-prone individuals. However, it's essential to find the right sunscreen that suits your skin's needs.

Non-Comedogenic Formulas

The key to avoiding acne breakouts while using sunscreen lies in choosing non-comedogenic formulas. Non-comedogenic sunscreens are specifically designed not to clog pores, making them ideal for acne-prone skin. Our Aussenskin sunscreen is formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients, ensuring it won't block pores or contribute to acne breakouts.

Look for Oil-Free and Lightweight Formulations

Acne-prone skin tends to be more sensitive to heavy or greasy products. To prevent potential breakouts, opt for oil-free and lightweight sunscreen formulations. These types of sunscreens are less likely to feel heavy on the skin and won't add excess oil that could contribute to acne.

Patch Test New Sunscreens

If you have concerns about trying a new sunscreen, perform a patch test before applying it all over your face. Apply a small amount of sunscreen to a small area on your forearm or jawline and wait 24 to 48 hours. If no negative reactions occur, you can confidently use the sunscreen on your face.

Sunscreen itself does not cause acne. The key to safe skincare for acne-prone individuals lies in choosing the right sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight. Our organic Australian-made Vegan SPF50 sunscreen with added hyaluronic acid is a perfect choice, as it is designed to provide superior sun protection without clogging pores or contributing to acne breakouts. Embrace the importance of sunscreen in your daily skincare routine, and you can enjoy clear, healthy, and protected skin under the care of Aussenskin. Here's to a lifetime of safe skincare and confident beauty!

[seouloftokyo]

How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly

Applying sunscreen might seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is that many of us are doing it wrong without even realising it. We've all been there, hastily slathering it on while rushing to catch those glorious sun rays. It's about time we slow down and learn how to do it right. After all, when it comes to sun protection, it's not just about having your bottle of SPF – it's about using it correctly.

Choose the right product.

Picking the right sunscreen is the first step towards effective sun protection. Ensure that the product you choose is broad-spectrum, implying that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or higher. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of the sun's UV rays, which means it provides significantly better protection. Read the labels carefully and choose a product that ticks all the right boxes.

Apply to all sun-exposed skin areas.

Many people often overlook areas such as the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet when applying sunscreen. These spots are equally susceptible to harmful UV radiation and should not be neglected.

If you have thinning hair, a dab on the scalp or wearing a hat is necessary to prevent sunburn. Even if you don't think the sun is strong, UV rays can still cause harm to the exposed scalp, leading to a risk of skin cancer.

For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a spray sunscreen. Spray sunscreens offer the convenience of easy application, making sure you get even coverage on all those tricky spots.

Bear in mind that every little action matters when it comes to the care of your skin. Even if you're just running a quick errand, lounging on the beach, or working near a window, integrating this vital step of sunscreen application into your everyday skincare regimen can noticeably lessen your risk of skin damage. Even on overcast days, up to 80% of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin, making consistent application crucial. Always read the label for reapplication instructions, as swimming or sweating can wash away the product.

At Seoul of Tokyo, we are committed to offering you the best in Japanese and Korean beauty products, empowering you with quality choices to maintain and enhance your skin health. Stay protected, and let your skin thank you. Shop now!

About the author:

Seoul of Tokyo is the leading distributor of Skin care products across South Africa. They have been known for offering skincare products since 2020. They aim to provide the best Korean and Japanese skincare products from highly reputed South African brands. Moreover, they share their experience with skincare products and the latest trends in the skincare market. Their products are made with high-quality ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. They also offer a variety of vegan and cruelty-free products.

[mybodyliberation]

Why These @boots Budget Friendly Vitamins Are Also Period Friendly

We know its cozzie lives and all that, but we still need to make a way to support our bodies during our cycles.

And that means not only hunting down the best bargains but also having the best quality products and its awesome that we can rely on Boots for just that.

Recently I popped into my local Boots to stock up on some period friendly vitamins, advantage card in hand and determined to utilise the 3 for one deal.

The first thing I grabbed for was B Complex, retailing at £1.99, did you know that when it comes to your cycle B Complex it can help combat fatigue and low mood? During our menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations and your bleed can lead to deficiencies, B complex can help you top up your essential B vitamin levels. This can also be done through diet.

Next up was the Boots Good Gut Live Bacteria, this particular product also targets skin and hair support. But there are certain bacteria that assist with the levels of estrogen moving throughout your body. And as your estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout your cycle, supporting it is incredibly important. By having live bacteria, you're ensuring a diverse microbiome and that helps support that body during detoxification.

And last but most certainly not least, Omega 3. I go for the vegan option due to allergies, but Omega 3 actually help to tackle inflammation in the body and inflammation can contribute to pain levels. Two types of Omega 3s are important in the reduction of inflammation and that's, EPA's and DHA's.

There's even a study that suggests that Omega 3's can help regulate periods for PCOS suffers which is MAJOR. I'll link the study here and hope it may be helpful for my PCOS babes:

I hope this was helpful and let me know how you get on with your on period friendly vitamins and supplement routine. Don't forget to check in with your doctor or care providers first.

And, let me know if you'd like me to do a part two on this because we definitely deserve affordable choices when it comes to period friendly vitamins and supplements!

*sources www.avogel.com www.provenprobiotics.com www.vivaeve.com

[artforsimps]

Do vegans think we’ll just make a big grave yard for animals that died at old age? Do they think we’ll rip up forests and dig individual graves for each animal on earth with a head stone? They’d love that. They already don’t have a problem with habitats and rainforests being ruined for agave and whatever vegan “alternative” is popular. They don’t even bother with the cruelty of humanity being abused to produce their almond milk and raw sugar and chocolate

When do we stop farming? We make enough food to feed everyone on earth as is the only thing stopping us is the price. When we stop farming animals there won’t be leather that will last decades compared to fast fashion coats that rip within a single year of ownership. We won’t have wool either. What will they feed their precious rescue animals? Or should they be let loose to rip up some wild animals for fun? Loose dogs probably cause more harm to farm animals than the fucking butcher. A dog will get in the pen running around ripping out fur until they find one weak enough that they can tear into. They won’t even eat it. It’s entertaining for pets. The farmer is forced to kill the dog so it won’t get loose again because the owner won’t discipline it. Sure the dairy industry has its faults it produces green house gases and there are bad farmers but the same goes for the vegan food industry. who’s going to root for the vegan calling for the starvation of species and supports pets which literally kills hundreds of animals a year. When should vegans stop the death of animals? It’s part of a natural cycle. We’re born, we work, we eat, we die and mushrooms eat us. Animals are born they make milk they have kids they die we eat them then we die. Our pets eat meat and they can’t eat anything other than that and live off of it. Eating vegetables would make them slowly starve to death. A pet would eat their dead owner out of desperation we can’t just feed them every dead person on earth they’d get sick and die. By regulation and rules around raising and eventual humane slaughter we reduce suffering. Meat is a way of life.

Don’t even get me started on how vegans appropriate cultural foods as alternatives or hop onto whatever knew food is cool and claiming they invented it or how exclusionary it is for people with allergies or eating disorders or the fat phobia and entitled-ness or the wealth gap from how expensive their appropriation makes everyday food.

Mug you wnat to reduce harm to animals raise them yourself so you aren’t the one creating a demand for abuse or sorce your products through your own research. If you wnat happy chicken eggs raid happy chickens they’ll lay as much eggs as they are wel taken care of. Take. A class on how to butcher humanely without drawing it out. Use every part of the animal. Leather can last shears longer than plastic. Sheeting wool in the summer prevent heatstroke on sheep and creates sustainable clothing or even wall insulation. Milk can make cheese and butter to use as fat in cooking just like animal fat can be used kn cooking without needing to grow large plots of land for oil. Properly rendered tallow can moisturize the skin and be used for soap. Tools made form bone get stronger with age. Thousands of cultures have used bone tools for centuries for a reason. Plastic lasts for ever but breaks in a week. Bones are found thousands of years after the animal dies just imagine how long it could last after being processed into a tool. We have tools named after the use of bone as a material form how will it works like bone folders. If you want to be sustainable be sustainable but don’t creat an entire hierarchy of something as important as food to feel good about yourselves. It’s behind pay walls, it’s inaccessible to people with multiple allergies or eating disorders. Grandma and grandpa can’t raise a hoe and sow corn to survive winter. Don’t tell people they should starve because they can’t afford to and aren’t physically able to reach your “moral” high ground.

Build a fucking homestead and leave us alone