Ruby Review: A Beauty Army clickR Acne Spot Serum Review

Posted on August 31, 2012 by clickR

 

If there’s one thing we know (besides how to ditch derma drama) it’s that the troops over at Beauty Army know what they like when it comes to beauty and tell it like it is. So we were over the moon when they gave it a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Here’s what they had to say about out on-the-go blemish eradicator.

“I really surprised that this actually worked! i got my sample and was skeptical because a lot of typical drug store brands like clean and clear and neutrogena all have products like this but i tried them and those don’t work!” – Cindy Addonizio

“I loved this product! it does exactly what it says on the packaging. my expectations were surpassed. if you havent already tried it you need to! it works wonders!” – Gloria Valverde

“This is thing is amazing. I received this a month ago but just used it on a blemish yesterday. There’s no sign of it today. Definitely buying when I run out.” -  Rada Jumroon

“I don’t have acne, just the rare little blemish here and there. I used it to quickly dry up and remove 2 blemishes, but the most impressive was when I used it on my husband’s back and shoulders! It was easy to apply and worked very well to dry up his body acne and reduce redness overnight. A nice tool to have in your armory!” -  Kelly Godfrey

“Used this as soon as it arrived as I had a blemish on my cheek. Perfect timing. Love the ease of application and did not dry my skin out. Seemed to go away rather quickly. The only thing I am not too keen about is the applicatior. While so easy to use, it touches the skin each time u use it. But I don’t mind too much as long as it works.” -  Jennifer Eddy

If you’re not part of the Beauty Army troops you should get on it! Sign up here.

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Dorm Room Workouts

Posted on August 28, 2012 by clickR

Newsflash, the “Freshman 15” is an elective, not a requirement! We get it, you’re busy adjusting your new found independence; no Mom & Dad means balanced meals are optional and exercising isn’t the first thing on your mind. But, being on your own also means being the creator of your future – so take control and let those unwanted pounds know you’re not interested with these easy dorm room workouts.

Your desk isn’t just for studying.

Shape your arms with a challenging variation of the standard push-up. With your desk up against a wall, place your hands on the edge a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your feet on the ground, back flat and chest in line with the edge of the desk. Slowly lower your chest down, bending at the elbows until you’re about 6 inches from the desk. Push your body back up to the starting position. Try to work your way up to 3 sets of 15.

Burn off that late-night snack

Need an energy boost? Instead of reaching for food, opt for a quick cardio blast by alternating 3 sets of 20 stadium runs and 20 jumping jacks. For stadium runs, start with hands on the floor and feet shoulder-width apart. Use a thrusting motion to bring your right knee into the chest. As the right foot goes back to starting position, raise your left knee. Be sure to have a slight bend in the elbow and keep your abs tight.

Get six-pack..of abs.

Tone your tummy with the help of your textbooks. Lay face up on a mat or towel with knees bent and feet on the floor. Hold your heaviest course book directly over your head with both hands. Keeping your abs tight, slowly lift your head and shoulder blades off the towel, lifting the book in the air. Hold for 1 second then slowly release, working your way up to 3 sets of 20.

It’s bedtime, but you’re not going to sleep just yet.

Sculpt your arms from the comfort of your bed by doing dips. Sit on the edge of the bed with your hands next to hips. Move your hips in front of the bed, bend your elbows and lower a few inches while keeping your butt close to the bed. Don’t sink into the shoulders or lower past 90 degrees. Push back up and repeat for 3 sets of 15.

Get off your butt.

Use your desk chair as a prop for shaping your backside with these squats. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and squat down slowly as you sit back on your heels. Lower as far as you can while keeping your knees behind toes and not going below 90 degrees, then return to starting position. Try putting a chair behind you and act like you’re about to sit down, pulling up before actually sitting. Do 3 sets of 10. Want an extra challenge? Use an explosive jump to get up from the bent position and you’ll burn more calories.

Now get some music going and get your sweat on!

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Ruby Rap: What Women Want

Posted on August 21, 2012 by clickR

Fact: According to a recent study by NPD 86% of women look for skin care properties in their makeup; specifically cosmetic product that even skin tone, hydrate, protect from the sun and are oil free.

Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst, of The NPD Group says; “It can be said that makeup products with skincare benefits create a perception of ‘more bang for the buck,’ and consumers may believe they are getting more value.” But are you really? Or does the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” apply here?

Fact: Achieving a flawless even skin tone that is perfectly hydrated and protected from the sun starts with serious skin care, and multitasking cosmetics enhance a good skin care.

So, what we’re saying is; stop wasting your time (and $$) browsing the cosmetic aisle. Hop over to the skin care section and let’s have fun with skin care. …and yes skin care can be fun!

Do you fall in the category looking for even skin tone? Odds are this is your concern; 76% of ladies in NPD’s study named this their #1 concern. Check out these products:

clickR Hot Face Mask: Heals and calms inflammation by gently flushing capillaries of irritants creating an even complexion, while simultaneously smoothing and nourishing skin without clogging pores.

clickR Pearl Wash: Our go-to cleanser for a for tightening pores and evening skin tone. Tea Tree Leaf Oil Extract settles moody skin with a touch of astringent and antiseptic mojo that sweeps away sun-damaged skin and impurities.

More concerned with oil-free hydration and sun protection? We got that covered too!

clickR Day Brilliant Lotion w/SPF 15: This oil-free daily moisturizer shields you from sun and environmental assault. This silky UVA & UVB protector doesn’t stop at blocking damage—it uses precious ingredients to create smoother, more energized, less blemish-prone skin.

clickR Stop-Time Night Cream:  A night cream sleeping beauty would be jealous of; it tones and smoothes, disinfects and moisturizes while also repairing damage to reveal radiance overnight.

Got tired eyes? Get rid of them, whether it’s from hi-tech overload or a late night, tell your concealer to make way for Magic Eye Cream!

clickR Magic Eye Cream: Stimulate cellular circulation and oxygen absorption, improve elasticity and shrink eye baggage, and reduce line depth.  Hello, fresh face!

Now we’re curious, do you look for skin care properties in your cosmetics? Which properties are most important to you?

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Ruby Review: USA Love List Loves clickR

Posted on August 17, 2012 by clickR

Just like the Bruce Springsteen song, clickR was born in the USA.  And when USA Love List caught wind of it a romance began. They were so smitten with clickR they wrote us a love letter. We’re often told us how effective our products are, but it’s rare to be appreciated for being effective and being made in the USA . This review certainly made our heart go pitter patter.

“ClickR Skin Care’s Vanishing Mist is designed to ward off blemishes hydrate and heal. My first thoughts truly doubted this would happen in one product, especially a toner. I am now a believer… the Vanishing Mist makes it happen.

I was most surprised by how soft and fresh my skin looked. This claim was what made me the most skeptical as skin clearing products are typically so drying. Not only does this mist not dry skin out, it actually hydrated my face. I wanted to highlight that point by showing you my skin free of any makeup directly after using the wash and mist. I was surprised and delighted with the results.

The hydration was smooth and dewy. I actually skipped moisturizer and used the Vanishing Mist. It was so smoothing that it doubled as my primer. My skin looked supple and fresh. Shine is also minimized with the mist.

The Daily Dermabrasion Wash was sent to us with the Vanishing Mist. It is equally as fabulous but I expected that — it was the mist that took me by surprise.

The wash feels gentle. The exfoliating properties aren’t rough, you can feel it dissipate while it smoothes the skins surface instead of continuing to rub a grainy product onto skin that has been smoothed and cleansed. It removes makeup entirely. Vitamin E, panthenol and oat kernel extract are infused to provide anti aging, healing and hydration.”

To read the full review and check out other amazing American made products click-R over to USA Love List!


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Ruby Tips: Roommate Etiquette 101

Posted on August 14, 2012 by clickR

Living with a roommate is sort of a rite of passage. At some point in time, everyone has to deal with a roommate and unfortunately at times, the drama that comes along with it. Whether is in the dorm where you are pre-paired or your first place where you have to choose a housemate, here are some tips to help keep the peace.

Treat your roommate/housemate as you wish to be treated. This should go without saying, but for the sake of reminding us all, we are saying it.

Think twice before living with your best friend. In a perfect world it would be like having a giant slumber party every night, but in reality it’s not. Unless you and your best friend both live your lives exactly the same way, it’s going to be pretty impossible to keep your friendship resentment free. Think about it, it’s much easier to tell an acquaintance to unclog their hair from the shower drain than it is to drop the hint for the 50th time to your bestie. Think about whether or not you want to risk your friendship if it turns out you and your BFF can’t live together in perfect harmony.

Are you a match? If you’re choosing your roommate, think about how their lifestyle matches up with yours. From experience, living with someone who works the opposite hours as you, isn’t the best idea. Ask a few basic questions: When do you both like to sleep? How much do you both of you like to clean and to what level? How do you spend your weekends? Do you both want to spend extra time together hanging out every week?

If you can’t pick your roommate, try your best to be respectful of your roommate’s/housemate’s schedule.

Set boundaries. Its wishful thinking to assume things will naturally fall into place. Set boundaries re: acceptable behavior with your roomie asap. Will you share milk? How long is it ok to have overnight guests? However mundane it may seem, it’s better to figure it out before someone gets annoyed.

Be considerate of each other’s space. Do not sit on your roommate’s bed without permission; do not enter your housemate’s room without permission, knock before opening a closed door. All things that are common courtesy but often forgotten and can make all the difference.

You don’t have to be buddy-buddy, just because you live together doesn’t mean you have to become BFF’s. With that said, excluding one roommate while including all the other roommates in something is rude (barring it being an activity they can’t participate in, like having some of your mom’s awesome peanut butter fudge when they’re allergic).

Talk it Out. If something is bothering you, say something right away! Keep it simple and don’t beat around the bush or let your anger simmer for days (or months). Whatever you do, never leave notes or emails. Being passive aggressive only fuels the fire. Talk it out!

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Sure everyone has little quirks that can get on your nerves. I had a roommate that never took the trash out, even after we talked about it. But ya know what, at the end of the day it went out and I’ve lived to tell the story. Most of the things you are mad about really don’t matter at the end of the day (even though they really seem like they do.)

Got the ground rules down? Good. Have you lived with a roommate and survived to tell the tale? Share your tips and stories below in the comments!

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Breakfast of Champions: What to Eat to Jumpstart Your Day

Posted on August 10, 2012 by clickR

Earlier this week we rapped about the importance of eating breakfast. But what you eat for breakfast is just as essential as eating it in the first place!  We know it might be the last thing on your morning to-do list, but eating the right thing for breakfast refuels your body and  jump-starts your day.

So what should be on your breakfast menu? These fab four:

Whole grains: Whole grains pack carbohydrates are the body’s main energy providers and the lower the GI the better. Foods with a low glycaemic index release their energy slowly throughout the morning, if consumed at breakfast for example, keeping you full until lunchtime. Read: whole-grain rolls, bagels, hot or cold whole-grain cereals, low-fat bran muffins, crackers, or Melba toast.

Low-fat protein: Studies have proven that eating some form of protein for breakfast enhances concentration and memory. It also increases learning and performance ability and it has been shown that children who eat breakfast and protein in particular, perform better at school, whilst adults perform better at work. Read: peanut butter, lean meat, poultry or fish, or hard-boiled eggs.

Low-fat dairy: Milk is another form of protein and is often considered a food in itself. It is essential that children drink plenty of milk whilst they are growing up for strong and healthy bones and teeth. Read: include skim milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheeses, such as cottage and natural cheeses.

Fruits and vegetables: Eating the whole fruit, as opposed to just the juice, is beneficial for the body, due to the extra fiber contained in the skin, and so you could add grated or chopped fruit to your cereal or even prepare a fresh fruit salad. Don’t forget that smoothies made in the blender can be prepared with whole fruits too. Read: fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, 100 percent juice beverages without added sugar, or fruit and vegetable smoothies.

Together these fab four provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein and a small amount of fat — a combination that packs big breakfast punch and will leave you feeling full for hours.

And no, you don’t have to get all of these in there! Try to choose one or two (or more if you’re feeling ambitious!) options from each category to round out a healthy breakfast.

What is your favorite breakfast?

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Ruby Rap: 5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Breakfast

Posted on August 7, 2012 by clickR

We know you don’t want to hear it; neither do we; but your Mother  was right when she said breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Not only does it provide a needed energy boost essential for starting another day, but studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast (as opposed to the kind that includes fruity pebbles, we know bummer..) result in lower body weight and even impacts your long-term health.

First, there’s the energy factor. Your brain needs glucose from food – especially good carbs – in order to work well. No breakfast means a brain-energy slump by mid-morning. And that’s never good!

Passing on breakfast can lead to an increase in LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels, according to a study by researchers at the University of Nottingham in England. Who wants that? Not us.

People who eat breakfast get their metabolism humming bright and early. They tend not to consume as many calories during the entire day, so they wind up weighing less than those who don’t get the benefits of eating breakfast. So, in other words, going without breakfast means you likely will eat more throughout the day.

In addition to weight management, new evidence suggests that eating breakfast provides other positive health effects including:  Promoting heart, digestive, and bone health; reducing risk of metabolic syndrome; increasing physical energy; helping children do better in school by improving memory, alertness, concentration, problem-solving ability, test scores, school attendance, and mood. And to that we say Amen!

Finally, you may be jeopardizing your long-term health. The same University of Nottingham study found that those who skipped breakfast were more resistant to insulin. Insulin resis­tance increases the risk of developing diabetes.

Have we convinced you to heed your Mother’s advice, at least when it comes to breakfast? Visit Simply Breakfast for ever inspiring way to spice up your morning meal.  What’s your go-to breakfast?

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Ruby Review: Mom’s the Dealio Reporting for Duty

Posted on August 3, 2012 by clickR

When Beauty Army calls their troops into action, they always report for duty. Luckily for us, Mom’s the Dealio reported for duty proclaiming her love for our Acne Spot Serum!

“The sample I am most enjoying is the acne spot serum by ClickR Skincare. I have noticed a decrease in breakouts, and when I do get a slight breakout, this serum handles things quite nicely.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Read the full report here. And sign yourself up for Beauty Army here to get a clickR Acne Spot Serum sample all for yourself!

XOXO

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Fake It Till You Make It, 8 Tips for Looking More Awake

Posted on July 31, 2012 by clickR

Whether you spent last night working late, partying a little too hard or up all night with a newborn,  late nights and early mornings are a fact of life. And they usually leave us looking less than refreshed. So when turning in early just isn’t in the cards, use these tips to perk up your appearance. You’ll fool everyone (but yourself) into thinking you had a full 8 hours of blissful sleep no matter what time your head hit the pillow.

Start with the basics. The easiest way to refresh your complexion turns fast and easy; simply splash cold water on your face. The coolness constricts blood vessels, giving your skin a smoother, more toned look.

Get rid of the baggage. If your eyes are puffy, apply a cold compress for five to 10 minutes to decrease swelling. Don’t have that kind of time? Place ice cubes into a bowl of water, and splash your face a few times. This’ll increase circulation and decrease the puff. Known for its rich oil, avocados also work as great eye depuffers. Just lay one slice of fresh avocado under each eye and lay back for 15 to 20 minutes.

Ditch the Darkness. Awaken to dark circles? Take a potato and thinly slice it. Apply the slices directly beneath your eyes for 10 minutes, allowing the juice to seep into the darkness and fade it away (just don’t let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself). Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a skin lightener.

The Art of Concealment. Never underestimate the power of concealer. Mix a drop of eye cream with a yellow-based concealer and apply below your eye area to conceal dark circles, create light reflection, and perk up the appearance of tired eyes. Apply the mixture from the inner corner of the eye to the midpoint beneath the eyeball, then feather it out, blending away any obvious demarcation lines.

Cue the Curls. Curl your lashes. It helps open up your eyes making you appear more alert. Aim the curler as close to the lashline as possible and give a good 10-second squeeze. Then go over the outer lashes again.

Blush Up. Go for a peach cream blush over pink for a quick pick-me-up. Peach tones brighten skin and take the focus away from dark undereye rings and cream formulas leave a slight dew on cheeks, like a ‘flush of youth. Dab color on the apples of your cheeks, and blend well.

Brighten Up. Avoid dark eye shadows; they will cast the entire lid in darkness – which clearly we’re trying to avoid at all costs. Instead opt for flesh-toned hue instead to even out skin tone, then top it with a sheer shimmery shadow, applied from lashline to crease.

Whiteout. Not that kind of whiteout, but that too does erase mistakes! Use white eyeliner on the inner, lower rim of your lash line is a classic makeup artist trick to brighten the eyes. If pure white makes you feel a little Halloweeny, go for a very pale pink, ivory, or even silver.

And voila! You’re looking more bright eyed and bushy tailed already. Now get yourself some caffeine and consider a few minutes of meditation to refresh your mind and you’re ready to conquer the day!

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Ruby Rave: Caffeine for Your Body, Mind and Soul.

Posted on July 27, 2012 by clickR

Let’s face it, we love our caffeine. After all,  “America Runs on Dunkin’ ”doesn’t it? Or maybe it’s American sustains on Starbucks if you’re going by its sheer number of locations.  Truth is, we don’t simply love caffeine; we’re obsessed with it.  But does that buzz boast benefits? In the past 60 years, researchers have conducted more than 21,000 studies on our favorite stimulant. That’s an average of one new study a day through all of those decades; and the verdict is…..surprisingly yes! It turns out caffeine in fact does have a positive impact on your body, mind and soul. Grab yourself a Venti and let’s talk caffeine.

Your Brain

Soon after your first sip, caffeine begins to work its magic by causing the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that stimulates the area of your gray matter responsible for alertness, problem solving, and pleasure. “You have that feeling of being activated, sharper, and on the ball,” says Lovallo. “And you can also experience a mild mood-elevating effect.” All of which goes a long way in explaining why no matter where you are in the US a cup of coffee is always within reach!

Your Heart

Adenosine helps blood vessels relax; but once caffeine infiltrates the receptors that line vessel walls, your arteries constrict, causing your blood pressure to rise. In fact, research has shown that blood pressure may increase by as much as 10 points in nonhabitual drinkers. Yet when Harvard researchers tracked the coffee intake of more than 128,000 people, they determined that drinking more than six cups of coffee a day didn’t boost the chance of developing heart disease. And last year, scientists at Brooklyn College found that men who drank 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a 53 percent lower risk of dying of heart disease than those who never took a sip.

Your Muscles

Because caffeine revs up your central nervous system, it slightly increases your heart rate and breathing rate, both of which help prepare your body for peak performance. Caffeine may also have a direct effect on your muscles. Here’s how: Calcium must be released within a muscle fiber in order for that fiber to contract, and caffeine may block the adenosine receptors attached to muscle fibers, triggering electrical activity that prompts bigger bursts of calcium. “The result is a stronger muscle contraction,” says Terry Graham, Ph.D., a professor of human health and nutritional sciences at the University of Guelph, in Ontario.

Now we’re not endorsing a caffeine overload. Like most things enjoy it in moderation because while it does boast benefits too much of a good thing usually turns sour. What’s your favorite way to enjoy your caffeine?

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