Categories
Lifestyle

These Are The Shower Habits It's Time To Ditch

Showering is—and should be—a daily habit for most of us, and everyone has their own routine. Some people can’t live without washing their hair each day while others chose to skip a day or two, and the differences continue on from there.
However, did you know that some of the most common shower habits might not actually be that healthy? Believe it or not, some of the things you do every day while taking a shower could be affecting you in ways you’ve never thought of.
Check out this list to see if your shower habits are doing you more harm than good.

1. Washing Your Face

Without a doubt, it’s easier and less messy to wash your face when you’re already in the shower. However, despite the convenience, it’s actually not good for your face. The water that you shower in will typically be much hotter than what you’d wash with at the sink, and the high temperature can make your skin dry out very quickly.

HealthyWay
istock.com/D-Keine

Those with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea may also find that washing their face with hot water can cause excessive redness and irritation—it could even burst a blood vessel in your face if you wash too aggressively. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face in the shower, particularly if you have acne-prone skin or rosacea.

2. Not Washing Your Feet

You might be thinking that your feet make contact with plenty of water while you’re in the shower, so there’s no real reason to actually bend down and give them a proper wash. You’d be wrong, though.
Even if you’re not prone to smelly feet, think about how sweaty your feet can get throughout the day. Not only that, but if you’re known to walk around the house or outdoors without socks or shoes, you never know what you might be picking up along the way.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Nipolbe

There’s no excuse for just letting the soap suds run down to your toes anymore—imagine what you’re bringing into your bed every night without giving those feet a good wash.

3. Not Washing or Replacing Your Loofah Regularly

Be honest, how long has the same loofah been hanging in your shower? Months? YEARS? As it turns out, that can be terrible for your health. This video demonstrates why:

Consider treating yourself to a new sponge or loofah the next time you’re out, or create a cute and convenient place to hang the one you have for air drying.

4. Using a Soap Dish

Yes, that built-in soap dish is there forever, but using it for its intended purpose actually isn’t that good of an idea. The majority of people don’t use bars of soap these days but, for those who do, be aware that leaving a bar of soap in one spot could be encouraging bacteria to grow on it—bacteria that you’re then going to spread over your entire body the next time you lather up.
Gross.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Valdis Putnins

 
If you have reasons for resisting the switch to liquid body wash, try finding a wire soap dish or one that has holes in the bottom so any remaining water can drain away once you’re out of the shower.

5. Using Scented Soaps

Yes, those soaps that make your bathroom smell like a tropical rainforest or a freshly-made vanilla cupcake do transport you to a place of olfactory luxury while sudsing up, but those very fragrances could be doing a number on your skin at the same time.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Juanmonino

Anyone who notices their skin seems particularly irritated after a shower should look to their soap as the first culprit. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin very easily, so it’s best to use something unscented to keep your skin in the best shape. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the scent of your soap mixing with the scent of your perfume to create “questionable” smells.

6. Showering in Hard Water

Some people may not even know how to tell if their water is considered hard, but figuring it out and taking steps to adjust it could save your hair and skin from a lot of damage.


Hard water is defined by its high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can end up making your skin break out or cause a layer of buildup on your hair. Those with dyed hair may even find that hard water strips the color out of their strands, or at least causes their tint to fade a little quicker.

HealthyWay
istock.com/_ultraforma_

If you’re unable to add a water softener to your shower, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine to remove any buildup caused by those pesky minerals.

7. Avoiding Cold Showers

Most people wouldn’t even dream of standing in cold water for more than a second, let alone taking an entire shower in water that’s anything less than steaming hot.
Still, cold water showers can actually be really beneficial for your skin and hair, and you only need 30 seconds under a cold stream to see a difference. A quick blast of cold water is said to improve your immune function, [linkbuilder id=”3967″ text=”increase your metabolism”], and increase the amount of stress you can tolerate.

HealthyWay
istock.com/ArtShotPhoto

 
In addition to speeding up your metabolism, a study done in 2009 suggests that regularly taking a cold shower could even help you lose weight over time.

8. Using Old Razors

For most of us, old razors aren’t something we thoughtfully replace on a regular basis. Instead, they just sit in the shower until we finally cave and get a new one. Razors, whether you’re buying replacement heads or the kind that are entirely disposable, are surprisingly expensive—so why throw one out after a certain period of time if it still seems to work?

HealthyWay
istock.com/timbudd

Well, just because a razor is shaving off your unwanted hairs doesn’t mean it’s doing so effectively. If you notice that your skin gets red and inflamed after you shave, it’s because the blades are dull and it’s time for a replacement.

9. Leaving Your Razor in the Shower

Remember how leaving your wet bar of soap in your dingy old soap dish makes it a breeding ground for bacteria? The same thing goes for your razor. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in your razor that make perfect spots for bacteria to hide, and the problem will only get worse when the razor is sitting in a warm, wet environment.

HealthyWay
istock.com/nicalfc

If you don’t actually want to store your razor outside of the shower, at least make sure that you hang it up when you’re done using it so it can air dry.

10. Over Exfoliating

Giving your skin a gentle scrub every now and then is a good idea, but doing so every day could actually be causing damage. For anyone who doesn’t know, your skin actually exfoliates itself by renewing every 27 days or so.

HealthyWay
istock.com/knape

Anyone who chooses to exfoliate their skin every day is aggressively going after fresh skin cells, which can make your skin red and irritated as a result. It’s best to let some dead cells build up on the surface of your skin before reaching for your favorite scrub so that, you know, there’s actually something there worth exfoliating.

11. Washing Your Hair Daily

If you notice that your hair always looks damaged and feels dry no matter what you do, it’s likely that your shower water is too hot and you’re washing your hair way too often. Unless you’re someone who likes to work out every single day, you really only need to wash your hair a few times a week at most—and those with curly or extremely coarse hair should try to cut that down to once a week.

HealthyWay
istock.com/HMVart

For anyone who says that their hair is too oily to go without a daily wash, it could be the daily washing that’s causing that greasy sheen. Washing too often dries out your scalp, which makes it produce more oil to compensate. If you want to start shampooing less often, try using dry shampoo on your roots every other day. One of our favorites is Living Proof Dry Shampoo.

12. Skipping Your Shower Post-Workout

If you like to work out late at night or in the morning before you head off to work, you may decide that you’re too tired or pressed for time to squeeze a shower in. However, working up a sweat can leave bacteria on your skin that will get trapped against you if you choose not to rinse it off afterwards.
https://twitter.com/MichaelaW1111/status/997914381294952453
This could lead to a skin infection or, at the very least, some minor irritation or redness. Not to mention that you’d be going to bed or heading to work a sweaty, stinky mess.

HealthyWay
istock.com/iammotos

Remember, just because you can’t smell you doesn’t mean others can’t smell you. At very least, take some time to wipe that sweat off with a clean washcloth or hand towel, or, better yet, just change your clothes. Throw some body wipes in your gym bag for a quick refresh on-the-go.

13. Reusing Dirty Towels

The logic seems solid: If you only use your towel when your body’s clean, how could your towel possibly get dirty?
This isn’t exactly the case, though. Yes, it’s alright to use your towel two to three times before you finally give it a wash, but that’s only if you hang it up to air dry after every single use. Just like your loofah, dead skin cells can cling to your towel and, when you don’t let it dry properly, there’s a big risk for bacterial growth.

HealthyWay
istock.com/joshblake

Using the same towel for a week or more at a time could mean putting yourself at risk for bacterial skin infections—plus, they can eventually start to smell pretty bad.

14. Rubbing Towels on Your Skin and Hair

We can guess with relative confidence that you reach for your towel right after getting done with your shower, but there are a couple of different ways that people towel off.
Some choose to just wrap their towel around themselves and wait to air dry while doing other things—putting in contacts, applying moisturizer, brushing their teeth—while others immediately start to wipe that water away.

HealthyWay
istock.com/GlobalStock

As it turns out, rubbing a towel against your skin isn’t the best thing for it, and dermatologists actually recommend that you use a patting motion to dry your skin. For anyone with long hair who likes to wrap their towel around their head like a cocoon, know that doing so could be damaging your locks, as well. Instead, use a microfiber hair turban and a wet brush to protect your hair from damage.

15. Skipping the Moisturizer

It can be pretty tempting to go lounge around after you’ve gotten out of the shower, and it’s easy to get sucked into things like reading a book or watching television before you finally start to get ready. However, you’re doing your skin a disservice if you don’t apply some moisturizer right when you get out of the shower.

HealthyWay
istock.com/triocean

Moisturizer is absorbed just a little bit better when your skin is nice and warm, and you’ll also want to replenish any moisture your skin lost from being in that hot water. Also, just like you shouldn’t be rubbing a towel on your body, don’t scour your face when drying it, either.

16. Bathing in a Dirty Tub

Alright, so a bath definitely isn’t the same as a shower, but we have a reminder for those of you out there that take them.
Clean your bathtub every once in a while!
It’s a chore that few like doing, but it’s an important one. If you’re going to be sitting in a tub full of water for any period of time, you want to make sure that there’s nothing mixing in with your soak that you haven’t added intentionally.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Vitali Laurentsik

This is especially true if you share a bathroom with other people—you might like your roommates, but you don’t really know what they could’ve tracked into the tub.

Categories
Lifestyle

These Are The Shower Habits That You Need To Ditch

Showering is—and should be—a daily habit for most of us, and everyone has their own routine. Some people can’t live without washing their hair each day while others chose to skip a day or two, and the differences continue on from there.
However, did you know that some of the most common shower habits might not actually be that healthy? Believe it or not, some of the things you do every day while taking a shower could be affecting you in ways you’ve never thought of.
Check out this list to see if your shower habits are doing you more harm than good.

1. Washing Your Face

Without a doubt, it’s easier and less messy to wash your face when you’re already in the shower. However, despite the convenience, it’s actually not good for your face. The water that you shower in will typically be much hotter than what you’d wash with at the sink, and the high temperature can make your skin dry out very quickly.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Choreograph

Those with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea may also find that washing their face with hot water can cause excessive redness and irritation—it could even burst a blood vessel in your face if you wash too aggressively. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face in the shower, particularly if you have acne-prone skin or rosacea.

2. Not Washing Your Feet

You might be thinking that your feet make contact with plenty of water while you’re in the shower, so there’s no real reason to actually bend down and give them a proper wash. You’d be wrong, though.
Even if you’re not prone to smelly feet, think about how sweaty your feet can get throughout the day. Not only that, but if you’re known to walk around the house or outdoors without socks or shoes, you never know what you might be picking up along the way.

HealthyWay
istock.com/EasyBuy4u

There’s no excuse for just letting the soap suds run down to your toes anymore—imagine what you’re bringing into your bed every night without giving those feet a good wash.
 

3. Not Washing or Replacing Your Loofah Regularly

Be honest, how long has the same loofah been hanging in your shower? Months? YEARS? As it turns out, that can be terrible for your health. This video demonstrates why:

Consider treating yourself to a new sponge or loofah the next time you’re out, or create a cute and convenient place to hang the one you have for air drying.

4. Using a Soap Dish

Yes, that built-in soap dish is there forever, but using it for its intended purpose actually isn’t that good of an idea. The majority of people don’t use bars of soap these days but, for those who do, be aware that leaving a bar of soap in one spot could be encouraging bacteria to grow on it—bacteria that you’re then going to spread over your entire body the next time you lather up.
Gross.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Valdis Putnins

 
If you have reasons for resisting the switch to liquid body wash, try finding a wire soap dish or one that has holes in the bottom so any remaining water can drain away once you’re out of the shower.

5. Using Scented Soaps

Yes, those soaps that make your bathroom smell like a tropical rainforest or a freshly-made vanilla cupcake do transport you to a place of olfactory luxury while sudsing up, but those very fragrances could be doing a number on your skin at the same time.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Juanmonino

Anyone who notices their skin seems particularly irritated after a shower should look to their soap as the first culprit. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin very easily, so it’s best to use something unscented to keep your skin in the best shape. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the scent of your soap mixing with the scent of your perfume to create “questionable” smells.

6. Showering in Hard Water

Some people may not even know how to tell if their water is considered hard, but figuring it out and taking steps to adjust it could save your hair and skin from a lot of damage.


Hard water is defined by its high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can end up making your skin break out or cause a layer of buildup on your hair. Those with dyed hair may even find that hard water strips the color out of their strands, or at least causes their tint to fade a little quicker.

HealthyWay
istock.com/_ultraforma_

If you’re unable to add a water softener to your shower, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine to remove any buildup caused by those pesky minerals.

7. Avoiding Cold Showers

Most people wouldn’t even dream of standing in cold water for more than a second, let alone taking an entire shower in water that’s anything less than steaming hot.
Still, cold water showers can actually be really beneficial for your skin and hair, and you only need 30 seconds under a cold stream to see a difference. A quick blast of cold water is said to improve your immune function, [linkbuilder id=”3967″ text=”increase your metabolism”], and increase the amount of stress you can tolerate.

HealthyWay
istock.com/ArtShotPhoto

 
In addition to speeding up your metabolism, a study done in 2009 suggests that regularly taking a cold shower could even help you lose weight over time.

8. Using Old Razors

For most of us, old razors aren’t something we thoughtfully replace on a regular basis. Instead, they just sit in the shower until we finally cave and get a new one. Razors, whether you’re buying replacement heads or the kind that are entirely disposable, are surprisingly expensive—so why throw one out after a certain period of time if it still seems to work?

HealthyWay
istock.com/timbudd

Well, just because a razor is shaving off your unwanted hairs doesn’t mean it’s doing so effectively. If you notice that your skin gets red and inflamed after you shave, it’s because the blades are dull and it’s time for a replacement.

9. Leaving Your Razor in the Shower

Remember how leaving your wet bar of soap in your dingy old soap dish makes it a breeding ground for bacteria? The same thing goes for your razor. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in your razor that make perfect spots for bacteria to hide, and the problem will only get worse when the razor is sitting in a warm, wet environment.

HealthyWay
istock.com/nicalfc

If you don’t actually want to store your razor outside of the shower, at least make sure that you hang it up when you’re done using it so it can air dry.

10. Over Exfoliating

Giving your skin a gentle scrub every now and then is a good idea, but doing so every day could actually be causing damage. For anyone who doesn’t know, your skin actually exfoliates itself by renewing every 27 days or so.

HealthyWay
istock.com/knape

Anyone who chooses to exfoliate their skin every day is aggressively going after fresh skin cells, which can make your skin red and irritated as a result. It’s best to let some dead cells build up on the surface of your skin before reaching for your favorite scrub so that, you know, there’s actually something there worth exfoliating.

11. Washing Your Hair Daily

If you notice that your hair always looks damaged and feels dry no matter what you do, it’s likely that your shower water is too hot and you’re washing your hair way too often. Unless you’re someone who likes to work out every single day, you really only need to wash your hair a few times a week at most—and those with curly or extremely coarse hair should try to cut that down to once a week.

HealthyWay
istock.com/stock_colors

 
For anyone who says that their hair is too oily to go without a daily wash, it could be the daily washing that’s causing that greasy sheen. Washing too often dries out your scalp, which makes it produce more oil to compensate. If you want to start shampooing less often, try using dry shampoo on your roots every other day. One of our favorites is Living Proof Dry Shampoo.

12. Skipping Your Shower Post-Workout

If you like to work out late at night or in the morning before you head off to work, you may decide that you’re too tired or pressed for time to squeeze a shower in. However, working up a sweat can leave bacteria on your skin that will get trapped against you if you choose not to rinse it off afterwards.
https://twitter.com/MichaelaW1111/status/997914381294952453
This could lead to a skin infection or, at the very least, some minor irritation or redness. Not to mention that you’d be going to bed or heading to work a sweaty, stinky mess.

HealthyWay
istock.com/iammotos

Remember, just because you can’t smell you doesn’t mean others can’t smell you. At very least, take some time to wipe that sweat off with a clean washcloth or hand towel, or, better yet, just change your clothes. Throw some body wipes in your gym bag for a quick refresh on-the-go.

13. Reusing Dirty Towels

The logic seems solid: If you only use your towel when your body’s clean, how could your towel possibly get dirty?
This isn’t exactly the case, though. Yes, it’s alright to use your towel two to three times before you finally give it a wash, but that’s only if you hang it up to air dry after every single use. Just like your loofah, dead skin cells can cling to your towel and, when you don’t let it dry properly, there’s a big risk for bacterial growth.

HealthyWay
istock.com/joshblake

Using the same towel for a week or more at a time could mean putting yourself at risk for bacterial skin infections—plus, they can eventually start to smell pretty bad.

14. Rubbing Towels on Your Skin and Hair

We can guess with relative confidence that you reach for your towel right after getting done with your shower, but there are a couple of different ways that people towel off.
Some choose to just wrap their towel around themselves and wait to air dry while doing other things—putting in contacts, applying moisturizer, brushing their teeth—while others immediately start to wipe that water away.

HealthyWay
istock.com/ShotShare

 
As it turns out, rubbing a towel against your skin isn’t the best thing for it, and dermatologists actually recommend that you use a patting motion to dry your skin. For anyone with long hair who likes to wrap their towel around their head like a cocoon, know that doing so could be damaging your locks, as well. Instead, use a microfiber hair turban and a wet brush to protect your hair from damage.

15. Skipping the Moisturizer

It can be pretty tempting to go lounge around after you’ve gotten out of the shower, and it’s easy to get sucked into things like reading a book or watching television before you finally start to get ready. However, you’re doing your skin a disservice if you don’t apply some moisturizer right when you get out of the shower.

HealthyWay
istock.com/triocean

Moisturizer is absorbed just a little bit better when your skin is nice and warm, and you’ll also want to replenish any moisture your skin lost from being in that hot water. Also, just like you shouldn’t be rubbing a towel on your body, don’t scour your face when drying it, either.

16. Bathing in a Dirty Tub

Alright, so a bath definitely isn’t the same as a shower, but we have a reminder for those of you out there that take them.
Clean your bathtub every once in a while!
It’s a chore that few like doing, but it’s an important one. If you’re going to be sitting in a tub full of water for any period of time, you want to make sure that there’s nothing mixing in with your soak that you haven’t added intentionally.

HealthyWay
istock.com/Vitali Laurentsik

This is especially true if you share a bathroom with other people—you might like your roommates, but you don’t really know what they could’ve tracked into the tub.

Categories
Lifestyle

These Are The Shower Habits That You Need To Ditch

Showering is—and should be—a daily habit for most of us, and everyone has their own routine. Some people can’t live without washing their hair each day while others chose to skip a day or two, and the differences continue on from there.
However, did you know that some of the most common shower habits might not actually be that healthy? Believe it or not, some of the things you do every day while taking a shower could be affecting you in ways you’ve never thought of.
Check out this list to see if your shower habits are doing you more harm than good.

1. Washing Your Face

Without a doubt, it’s easier and less messy to wash your face when you’re already in the shower. However, despite the convenience, it’s actually not good for your face. The water that you shower in will typically be much hotter than what you’d wash with at the sink, and the high temperature can make your skin dry out very quickly.
Those with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea may also find that washing their face with hot water can cause excessive redness and irritation—it could even burst a blood vessel in your face if you wash too aggressively. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face in the shower, particularly if you have acne-prone skin or rosacea.

HealthyWay
Getty

2. Not Washing Your Feet

You might be thinking that your feet make contact with plenty of water while you’re in the shower, so there’s no real reason to actually bend down and give them a proper wash. You’d be wrong, though.
Even if you’re not prone to smelly feet, think about how sweaty your feet can get throughout the day. Not only that, but if you’re known to walk around the house or outdoors without socks or shoes, you never know what you might be picking up along the way.
There’s no excuse for just letting the soap suds run down to your toes anymore—imagine what you’re bringing into your bed every night without giving those feet a good wash.
HealthyWay

3. Not Washing or Replacing Your Loofah Regularly

Be honest, how long has the same loofah been hanging in your shower? Months? YEARS? As it turns out, that can be terrible for your health. This video demonstrates why:

Consider treating yourself to a new sponge or loofah the next time you’re out, or create a cute and convenient place to hang the one you have for air drying.

4. Using a Soap Dish

Yes, that built-in soap dish is there forever, but using it for its intended purpose actually isn’t that good of an idea. The majority of people don’t use bars of soap these days but, for those who do, be aware that leaving a bar of soap in one spot could be encouraging bacteria to grow on it—bacteria that you’re then going to spread over your entire body the next time you lather up.
Gross.
HealthyWay
If you have reasons for resisting the switch to liquid body wash, try finding a wire soap dish or one that has holes in the bottom so any remaining water can drain away once you’re out of the shower.

5. Using Scented Soaps

Yes, those soaps that make your bathroom smell like a tropical rainforest or a freshly-made vanilla cupcake do transport you to a place of olfactory luxury while sudsing up, but those very fragrances could be doing a number on your skin at the same time.
Anyone who notices their skin seems particularly irritated after a shower should look to their soap as the first culprit. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin very easily, so it’s best to use something unscented to keep your skin in the best shape. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the scent of your soap mixing with the scent of your perfume to create “questionable” smells.

HealthyWay
Maria Thundu

6. Showering in Hard Water

Some people may not even know how to tell if their water is considered hard, but figuring it out and taking steps to adjust it could save your hair and skin from a lot of damage.


Hard water is defined by its high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can end up making your skin break out or cause a layer of buildup on your hair. Those with dyed hair may even find that hard water strips the color out of their strands, or at least causes their tint to fade a little quicker.
If you’re unable to add a water softener to your shower, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine to remove any buildup caused by those pesky minerals.

HealthyWay
Getty Images News / Christof Koepsel

7. Avoiding Cold Showers

Most people wouldn’t even dream of standing in cold water for more than a second, let alone taking an entire shower in water that’s anything less than steaming hot.
Still, cold water showers can actually be really beneficial for your skin and hair, and you only need 30 seconds under a cold stream to see a difference. A quick blast of cold water is said to improve your immune function, [linkbuilder id=”3967″ text=”increase your metabolism”], and increase the amount of stress you can tolerate.
HealthyWay
In addition to speeding up your metabolism, a study done in 2009 suggests that regularly taking a cold shower could even help you lose weight over time.

8. Using Old Razors

For most of us, old razors aren’t something we thoughtfully replace on a regular basis. Instead, they just sit in the shower until we finally cave and get a new one. Razors, whether you’re buying replacement heads or the kind that are entirely disposable, are surprisingly expensive—so why throw one out after a certain period of time if it still seems to work?
Well, just because a razor is shaving off your unwanted hairs doesn’t mean it’s doing so effectively. If you notice that your skin gets red and inflamed after you shave, it’s because the blades are dull and it’s time for a replacement.

HealthyWay
Getty Images Entertainment / Craig Barritt

9. Leaving Your Razor in the Shower

Remember how leaving your wet bar of soap in your dingy old soap dish makes it a breeding ground for bacteria? The same thing goes for your razor. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in your razor that make perfect spots for bacteria to hide, and the problem will only get worse when the razor is sitting in a warm, wet environment.
If you don’t actually want to store your razor outside of the shower, at least make sure that you hang it up when you’re done using it so it can air dry.

HealthyWay
Getty Images

10. Over Exfoliating

Giving your skin a gentle scrub every now and then is a good idea, but doing so every day could actually be causing damage. For anyone who doesn’t know, your skin actually exfoliates itself by renewing every 27 days or so.
Anyone who chooses to exfoliate their skin every day is aggressively going after fresh skin cells, which can make your skin red and irritated as a result. It’s best to let some dead cells build up on the surface of your skin before reaching for your favorite scrub so that, you know, there’s actually something there worth exfoliating.

HealthyWay
Getty

11. Washing Your Hair Daily

If you notice that your hair always looks damaged and feels dry no matter what you do, it’s likely that your shower water is too hot and you’re washing your hair way too often. Unless you’re someone who likes to work out every single day, you really only need to wash your hair a few times a week at most—and those with curly or extremely coarse hair should try to cut that down to once a week.
HealthyWay
For anyone who says that their hair is too oily to go without a daily wash, it could be the daily washing that’s causing that greasy sheen. Washing too often dries out your scalp, which makes it produce more oil to compensate. If you want to start shampooing less often, try using dry shampoo on your roots every other day. One of our favorites is Living Proof Dry Shampoo.

12. Skipping Your Shower Post-Workout

If you like to work out late at night or in the morning before you head off to work, you may decide that you’re too tired or pressed for time to squeeze a shower in. However, working up a sweat can leave bacteria on your skin that will get trapped against you if you choose not to rinse it off afterwards.
https://twitter.com/MichaelaW1111/status/997914381294952453
This could lead to a skin infection or, at the very least, some minor irritation or redness. Not to mention that you’d be going to bed or heading to work a sweaty, stinky mess.
Remember, just because you can’t smell you doesn’t mean others can’t smell you. At very least, take some time to wipe that sweat off with a clean washcloth or hand towel, or, better yet, just change your clothes. Throw some body wipes in your gym bag for a quick refresh on-the-go.

HealthyWay
Getty Images News / Justin Sullivan

13. Reusing Dirty Towels

The logic seems solid: If you only use your towel when your body’s clean, how could your towel possibly get dirty?
This isn’t exactly the case, though. Yes, it’s alright to use your towel two to three times before you finally give it a wash, but that’s only if you hang it up to air dry after every single use. Just like your loofah, dead skin cells can cling to your towel and, when you don’t let it dry properly, there’s a big risk for bacterial growth.
Using the same towel for a week or more at a time could mean putting yourself at risk for bacterial skin infections—plus, they can eventually start to smell pretty bad.

HealthyWay
HGTV

14. Rubbing Towels on Your Skin and Hair

We can guess with relative confidence that you reach for your towel right after getting done with your shower, but there are a couple of different ways that people towel off.
Some choose to just wrap their towel around themselves and wait to air dry while doing other things—putting in contacts, applying moisturizer, brushing their teeth—while others immediately start to wipe that water away.
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As it turns out, rubbing a towel against your skin isn’t the best thing for it, and dermatologists actually recommend that you use a patting motion to dry your skin. For anyone with long hair who likes to wrap their towel around their head like a cocoon, know that doing so could be damaging your locks, as well. Instead, use a microfiber hair turban and a wet brush to protect your hair from damage.

15. Skipping the Moisturizer

It can be pretty tempting to go lounge around after you’ve gotten out of the shower, and it’s easy to get sucked into things like reading a book or watching television before you finally start to get ready. However, you’re doing your skin a disservice if you don’t apply some moisturizer right when you get out of the shower.
Moisturizer is absorbed just a little bit better when your skin is nice and warm, and you’ll also want to replenish any moisture your skin lost from being in that hot water. Also, just like you shouldn’t be rubbing a towel on your body, don’t scour your face when drying it, either.

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16. Bathing in a Dirty Tub

Alright, so a bath definitely isn’t the same as a shower, but we have a reminder for those of you out there that take them.
Clean your bathtub every once in a while!
It’s a chore that few like doing, but it’s an important one. If you’re going to be sitting in a tub full of water for any period of time, you want to make sure that there’s nothing mixing in with your soak that you haven’t added intentionally.
This is especially true if you share a bathroom with other people—you might like your roommates, but you don’t really know what they could’ve tracked into the tub.

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Wellbeing

8 Trusted Home Remedies That Will Only Make You Worse

We all have our go-to remedies that we reach for when we need them, but did you know that certain home treatments could be hurting more than helping?

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Obviously we can’t run to the doctor’s office for each and every little thing that happens to us, and it’s usually these small afflictions that have us searching for a quick and effective home remedy. But don’t assume that natural always means best—or that it works, either. We may not be doctors (and you should consult yours for personal medical advice), but there’s good reason to believe that these home remedies might be making your ailments worse.

Breast Milk

Let’s make one thing clear—we’re in no way saying that breast milk isn’t the magical, milky powerhouse for your kids that everyone says it is. What we are saying, however, is that it’s not a great idea to use it for everything else that could be going on, such as putting breast milk on your child’s pink eye, skin rash, or open cut.

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According to Sarah Yamaguchi, MD, an OB-GYN at Los Angeles’ Good Samaritan Hospital, breast milk could take things from bad to worse in the right situations. “Breast milk can transmit infectious diseases such as HIV, and pumped breast milk, if not stored properly, can be contaminated and can actually introduce bacteria into an already infected area,” Yamaguchi says. Instead, make sure you keep any infected areas clean and dry, and just save the breast milk for babies’ stomachs.
According to WebMD, if you or your kid gets a cut or scrape, you can prevent infection by taking these steps: Wash your hands, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze until bleeding stops, rinse the wound with water to remove dirt or debris, clean around (not in) the wound with a soft washcloth and mild soap, use an antibiotic cream or ointment, and, if needed, bandage it.
When it comes to which ointment to use, Anne Marie McNeill, MD, PhD, writes that Polysporin is preferable to Neosporin, because it is less likely to create an allergy in the patient later in life since it does not contain neomycin.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polysporin-Antibiotic-Ointment-Without-Neomycin/dp/B000GCNDE2″]Polysporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment, $8.47 from Amazon[/link-button]
McNeill also recommended Aquaphor or mupirocin to keep wounds “soft,” pointing out that it’s a myth that wounds need to “dry out” in order to heal.
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Aquaphor is not an antibiotic, but a formula made of 41 percent petrolatum that allows oxygen to flow and helps protects the skin from moisture loss, making an ideal healing environment for a wound. It is free of fragrances, preservatives, and dyes and can be used on rashes, minor cuts and scrapes, friction and minor burns, cracked skin, and chapped lips.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Aquaphor-Advanced-Therapy-Ointment-Protectant/dp/B0107QPFBU”]Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, $9.46 from Amazon[/link-button]

Activated Charcoal

Most health enthusiasts have probably heard about the benefits of using activated charcoal as part of a health routine, and maybe some of you have even tried it yourself. People are taking it in pill form as part of detox regimens, adding it to mud masks, and even using it in its powder form to naturally whiten their teeth.

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Although any of these things may not be harmful every now and then, too much charcoal isn’t good for you. Some of its most common side effects after ingestion include constipation, nausea or vomiting, and black discoloration of the stool—that last one may not be dangerous in its own right, but it would definitely be alarming, to say the least.
“It is plain dangerous because it can cause life-threatening intestinal obstructions and severe dehydration,” says Svetlana Kogan, MD, a physician and author. For a similar detoxing effect, just drink plain ol’ water and try to eat a more nutritious diet.
Don’t like tap water? Fine. Get something to filter it through, like this Brita Filtered Water Dispenser, which is large enough to hold 18 cups of water so you won’t be running out anytime soon. The BPA-free filter is supposed to reduce chlorine taste and odor, copper, mercury, and cadmium impurities in tap water. This one comes with a spigot for easy pouring.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Brita-Filtered-Dispenser-Standard-Filter/dp/B01LY5FX4E”]Brita Extra Large Filtered Water Dispenser, $33.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
If you’re looking for some non-charcoal tooth whitening, check out Crest 3D White Glamorous White Whitestrips, which use hydrogen peroxide to make your chompers shine.
It’s the only at-home tooth bleaching product to receive the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so you don’t have to feel guilty at your next dentist appointment.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crest-Glamorous-Whitestrips-Whitening-Treatments/dp/B001OOLLVS”]Crest 3D White Glamorous White Whitestrips, $34.69 from Amazon[/link-button]

Vitamins

Most people take some sort of daily vitamin, and doing so isn’t inherently harmful. But vitamin supplements are definitely not an ideal solution for giving your body everything it needs. You should be doing that with your diet.

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Assuming that you eat a pretty balanced diet with plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, you’re already getting in everything that you should. Taking a daily multivitamin can become dangerous when you’re giving your body too much of any one particular supplement because you’ve already gotten enough of it naturally.
Yes, too many vitamins really can be a bad thing—for example, consume too much vitamin D and you could be causing issues with your heart and liver, whereas an excess of vitamin B6 can cause nerve toxicity. Believe it or not, too much vitamin A could actually cause an overdose that could kill you.
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If you think you might be lacking in any particular vitamin or mineral, consult your doctor before you supplement on your own.
One thing you don’t have to consult your doctor about? Eating more fruits and vegetables. This is among the best health insurance we have, and it need not be drudgery. If you’re short on ideas for how to enjoy foods that fall out of the standard American diet (SAD, appropriately), check out this beautiful, creative Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking cookbook featuring tasty vegan entrees like Smoky BBQ Veggie Burgers or Thai Quinoa “Meatballs.”
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Minimalist-Bakers-Everyday-Cooking-Plant-based/dp/0735210969″]Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking, $23.79 from Amazon[/link-button]
Can’t get into veganism? Fine. That’s no reason for not enjoying the full spectrum of produce options.
If you’re at a loss for how to enjoy veggie-centric cooking, Bon Appetit editors recommended Deborah Madison’s The Greens Cookbook, which apparently “created a revolution in cooking when it first appeared in 1987.”
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Recipes include Mexican Vegetable Soup with Lime and Avocado, Artichoke and Fennel Stew, Wild Mushroom Ragout, Charcoal-Grilled Leeks, Red and Yellow Pepper Tart, Goat-Cheese Pizza with Red Onions and Green Olives, Blueberry Cream-Cheese Tart, and Brazilian Chocolate Cake. Now our mouths are watering. Vitamins who?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/The-Greens-Cookbook-Deborah-Madison/dp/1906502587″]The Greens Cookbook, $24.47 from Amazon[/link-button]

Licking Wounds

It’s just a natural reaction—you get a quick paper cut, and your finger goes straight in your mouth as if it were pulled by a magnet. Mothers might even use their own spit to wipe something off their child’s face or clean off a scrape, because what’s the problem? You gave birth to them!

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Well, the problem comes down to bacteria, which can be introduced into an open wound through saliva, and it can take a simple cut and turn it into something much worse.
“Our breath and saliva have tons of bacteria which can contaminate the wound and lead to an infection,” says Kogan.
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So, what are you supposed to do in a pinch? The best option for anyone who doesn’t have access to a medical kit is to just find some fresh water. Whether you’re in an office building or in the park, there’s bound to be a water fountain or bathroom nearby that you can use to rinse out a cut in a hurry.
It’s also never too late to become That Person Who Carries A Water Bottle Everywhere. You’ll likely be healthier and more hydrated if you invest in something like this BPA-free water bottle from Embrava—and, of course, you’ll have some emergency wound-splashing liquid on hand at all times.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sports-Water-Bottle-Friendly/dp/B00RTLWCCM”]Embrava Premium Water Bottle, $19.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

Burn Remedies

Whether you’ve burned yourself on a hot pot or accidentally touched your ear with a flat iron, getting burned is never fun, and the healing is usually painful. We’ve all been there—the burn seems like it’s only going to hurt initially, and then the searing pain starts to sink in.
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There’s not much you can do to treat it other than putting the area under running water, so many people turn to things they have on hand, particularly what’s in their kitchen. This goes for a lot of other small ailments, too.
Sure, avocados can be good for softening hair and, yes, manuka honey can be used for a variety of different things, but food items shouldn’t be used to treat bodily injuries.

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One common burn treatment that Kogan often has to dismiss is using raw egg whites to treat burns—even when organic, raw eggs contain tons of bacteria that should never be introduced to damaged skin. Instead, stick to water and over-the-counter pain relievers.
To treat a minor burn at home, first run it under cool (not cold) water for 10 to 15 minutes, until it’s no longer as painful. Wash it gently with soap and water. Then, cover it with a thin layer of ointment, like Vaseline petroleum jelly.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vaseline-Petroleum-Jelly-Original-Ounce/dp/B004AI8VG8″]Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, $9.50 from Amazon[/link-button]
Follow that up by lightly taping or wrapping the burn with a sterile, nonstick gauze, like these non-adherent pads from Dynarex, to protect the wound from chafing.
(Don’t use a material with fibers that can get stuck in the burn.)
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Non-Adhering-Gauze-Pads-100-Pack-Sterile/dp/B003U44842″]Dynarex Non-Adherent Pads, $8.98 from Amazon[/link-button]

Mouthwash Gargling

Although it’s come to light that mouthwash might not be as great as many of us believe it to be, plenty of people still use it in their daily oral hygiene routine. Some people even step up their usage when they’re sick and gargle with it in the hopes that it’ll help speed their recovery along.

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We get the logic: Mouthwash often contains alcohol, and alcohol kills bacteria and viruses, so it’ll kill your cold, right? Wrong. If your throat is already inflamed from a cold or flu virus, adding mouthwash to the mix is the last thing you should do.
“Gargling inflamed tonsils with mouthwash is actually very irritating to the area and does not have any effect on potential strep throat,” says Kogan.
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The simplest and most effective solution is to drink plenty of warm liquids to soothe inflammation in the throat and try to get as much rest as possible.
Your best bet is to do what your mother always told you to do: Gargle with warm salt water. According to Penn Medicine, this can be a good way of loosening the gunk in your throat, alleviating pain, and killing bacteria. The great part about this is you don’t need a prescription or a fancy, colorful, exotic salt. Just pick up a big container of regular table salt like this option from Morton, and you’ll be keeping sore throats at bay and your meals more flavorful.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/MORTON-Iodized-Supplies-Cooking-Essential/dp/B015FDIPSU”]Morton Iodized Salt, $0.89 from Amazon[/link-button]
If you need something stronger for the pain, go for an option that will numb out the area, like this Chloraseptic Max Strength Sore Throat Spray.
(It tastes like wild berries! Not that you will care as you’re grimacing through every swallow.)
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Chloraseptic-Strength-Protection-Pharmacist-Recommended/dp/B011TTTRCW”]Chloraseptic Max Strength Sore Throat Spray, $5.68 from Amazon[/link-button]

Kava

Kava is a root that’s usually found on various South Pacific islands. Often the root is powdered and taken as a tea, but it can also be found as an extract that can be added to other things. It has been recommended that kava can be taken to soothe anxiety, and some even compare the effects of the herb to those of popular prescription anxiety medications.

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One study even showed that taking the herb could, in fact, moderately decrease anxiety levels. Still, though, the study advised that taking kava should be a short-term solution, as it’s one that could cause side effects that aren’t worth only moderate anxiety improvement.
One of the biggest risks of long-term kava use is liver damage, although it’s not known whether kava itself causes liver damage or if it’s the use of kava in conjunction with other medications.
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Still, it’s worth noting that 30 cases of kava-related liver damage have been reported in Europe, and consumer advisory for the supplement was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002 because it poses a risk for potential liver failure.
If you’re looking for some relief from your nerves without the possible liver damage, you might try picking up a daily chamomile habit, which some research has suggested can act as an anti-anxiety treatment (although, the study referenced involved capsules of chamomile extract rather than tea).
Still, the ritual of tea-drinking as a nightcap might be the opportunity for extra relaxation and mindfulness you need to sleep through the night. People seem to love this Twinings of London Pure Camomile tea (at least, 80 percent of nearly 7,000 reviewers gave it five stars).
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Twinings-London-Camomile-Herbal-Count/dp/B00XA8VDD2″]Twinings of London Pure Camomile Tea, $3.50 from Amazon[/link-button]
Hate tea? Fine. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends incorporating exercise as a way to manage your stress and decrease anxiety, and you don’t need anything but your body for that.
If you’re interested in learning more about the hows and whys of your anxiety, check out My Age of Anxiety by Scott Stossel, who explores the history of anxiety and its treatments while reflecting on its effects in his own life.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/My-Age-Anxiety-Dread-Search/dp/0307390608″]My Age of Anxiety, $8.14 from Amazon[/link-button]

Castor Oil

Castor oil has many uses; it’s most commonly used as a natural laxative. Not only that, but many pregnant women use it as a way to speed up the birthing process when they’re desperate to bring their babies into the world.

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While doctors are fine with using castor oil for constipation, just say no when it comes to delivering a baby. “Castor oil may help if you are constipated and need to pass a bowel movement, but it’s not going to help you go into labor and tastes awful,” says Yamaguchi.
So, are there any safe ways to start the labor at home? Sure, there are plenty of things people swear have worked for them—being intimate, eating fast food, walking around a lot—but the truth is that there isn’t one thing that’s guaranteed to work for everyone.
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Oh, and for constipation? Castor oil is fine, but you can also try drinking prune juice or just increasing your overall fiber intake.
The reviewers of Amazon seem to have had good results with Smooth Move Tea, a caffeine-free herbal blend whose name has probably tipped you off to its laxative effects.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Smooth-Move/dp/B0009F3PJE”]Traditional Medicinals Organic Smooth Move Tea, $22.17 from Amazon[/link-button]
If you want to take the fiber route, a great addition to your diet would be Bran Buds, the benefits of which OB-GYN Jen Gunter, MD, has evangelized about in a blog post directed at women looking to keep their vajays A-okay.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kelloggs-All-Bran-Breakfast-Cereal-Excellent/dp/B06XBTBLBB”]Kellogg’s All-Bran Buds, $4.44 from Amazon[/link-button]

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Favorite Finds Wellbeing

These Are The Shower Habits That You Need To Ditch

Showering is—and should be—a daily habit for most of us, and everyone has their own routine. Some people can’t live without washing their hair each day while others choose to skip a day or two, and the differences continue on from there.
However, did you know that some of the most common shower habits might not actually be that healthy? Believe it or not, some of the things you do every day while taking a shower could be affecting you in ways you’ve never thought of.
Check out this list to see if your shower habits are doing you more harm than good.

1. Washing Your Face

Without a doubt, it’s easier and less messy to wash your face when you’re already in the shower. However, despite the convenience, it’s actually not good for your face. The water that you shower in will typically be much hotter than what you’d wash with at the sink, and the high temperature can make your skin dry out very quickly.
Those with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea may also find that washing their face with hot water can cause excessive redness and irritation—it could even burst a blood vessel in your face if you wash too aggressively. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face in the shower, particularly if you have acne-prone skin or rosacea.

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The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends limiting face washing to two times a day, or as soon as possible after sweating, to prevent irritation of the skin. If you are going to wash your face in the shower, turn the temperature down to lukewarm and wash only with your fingertips (anything else is too rough), using a non-abrasive cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol, like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Daily Face Washing. (Get the formula for normal to oily skin, as their dry-to-normal formula contains alcohol.)
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01N1LL62W”]CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $13.29 from Amazon[/link-button]
The AAD also recommends applying moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy. Give this Christina Moss Naturals facial moisturizer a try. The alcohol-free formula is good whether you have fine lines, patchy texture, normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, and it’s made with no harmful chemicals.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Facial-Moisturizer-Ingredients-Moisturizing-Anti-Wrinkle/dp/B00G0EJYFW”]Christina Moss Naturals Facial Moisturizer, $25.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

2. Not Washing Your Feet

You might be thinking that your feet make contact with plenty of water while you’re in the shower, so there’s no real reason to actually bend down and give them a proper wash. You’d be wrong, though.
Even if you’re not prone to smelly feet, think about how sweaty your feet can get throughout the day. Not only that, but if you’re known to walk around the house or outdoors without socks or shoes, you never know what you might be picking up along the way.
There’s no excuse for just letting the soap suds run down to your toes anymore—imagine what you’re bringing into your bed every night without giving those feet a good wash.

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If you do struggle with funky dogs, consider giving them a regular soak in something like this Tea Tree Oil Therapeutic Foot Soak from Purely Northwest to help with odor as well as with calluses and thick, discolored toenails.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Epsom-Toenail-Fungus-Athletes-Stubborn/dp/B00H7KTEZ8″]Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, $13.16 from Amazon[/link-button]

3. Not Washing or Replacing Your Loofah Regularly

Be honest, how long has the same loofah been hanging in your shower? Months? YEARS? As it turns out, that can be terrible for your health. This video demonstrates why:

Consider treating yourself to a new sponge or loofah the next time you’re out, or create a cute and convenient place to hang the one you have for air drying.
Alternatively, nix the loofahs and sponges altogether and invest in a good set of washcloths, like this 100 percent–cotton AmazonBasics set of 24. You can use a new one every time and, once the week is up, put all your towels through a wash cycle using hot water to ensure that all the bacteria has been eliminated.

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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Cotton-Washcloths-24-White/dp/B010S5VXKC”]AmazonBasics Cotton Washcloths, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

4. Using a Soap Dish

Yes, that built-in soap dish is there forever, but using it for its intended purpose actually isn’t that good of an idea. The majority of people don’t use bars of soap these days but, for those who do, be aware that leaving a bar of soap in one spot could be encouraging bacteria to grow on it—bacteria that you’re then going to spread over your entire body the next time you lather up.
Gross.

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If you have reasons for resisting the switch to liquid body wash, try finding a wire soap dish like this stainless steel, vacuum-suction soap dish from iPEGTOP (or one that has holes in the bottom) so any remaining water can drain away once you’re out of the shower.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079M27SQZ”]iPEGTOP Soap Dish, $10.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

5. Using Scented Soaps

Yes, those soaps that make your bathroom smell like a tropical rainforest or a freshly-made vanilla cupcake do transport you to a place of olfactory luxury while sudsing up, but those very fragrances could be doing a number on your skin at the same time.
Anyone who notices their skin seems particularly irritated after a shower should look to their soap as the first culprit. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin very easily, so it’s best to use something unscented to keep your skin in the best shape. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the scent of your soap mixing with the scent of your perfume to create “questionable” smells.

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Try this Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, which is Fair Trade certified, made with organic oils, and fragrance-free.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronners-Pure-Castile-Liquid/dp/B000HK1OOY”]Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

6. Showering in Hard Water

Some people may not even know how to tell if their water is considered hard, but figuring it out and taking steps to adjust it could save your hair and skin from a lot of damage.


Hard water is defined by its high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can end up making your skin break out or cause a layer of buildup on your hair. Those with dyed hair may even find that hard water strips the color out of their strands, or at least causes their tint to fade a little quicker.

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If you’re unable to add a water softener to your shower, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine to remove any buildup caused by those pesky minerals.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kenra-Clarifying-Shampoo-10-1-Ounce/dp/B000Z8ESJG”]Kenra Clarifying Shampoo, $11.25 from Amazon[/link-button]

7. Avoiding Cold Showers

Most people wouldn’t even dream of standing in cold water for more than a second, let alone taking an entire shower in water that’s anything less than steaming hot.
Still, cold water showers can actually be really beneficial for your skin and hair, and you only need 30 seconds under a cold stream to see a difference. A quick blast of cold water is said to improve your immune function, [linkbuilder id=”3967″ text=”increase your metabolism”], and increase the amount of stress you can tolerate.

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In addition to speeding up your metabolism, a study done in 2009 suggests that regularly taking a cold shower could even help you lose weight over time.

8. Using Old Razors

For most of us, old razors aren’t something we thoughtfully replace on a regular basis. Instead, they just sit in the shower until we finally cave and get a new one. Razors, whether you’re buying replacement heads or the kind that are entirely disposable, are surprisingly expensive—so why throw one out after a certain period of time if it still seems to work?
Well, just because a razor is shaving off your unwanted hairs doesn’t mean it’s doing so effectively. If you notice that your skin gets red and inflamed after you shave, it’s because the blades are dull and it’s time for a replacement.

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Maybe this Preserve Shave 5 refillable razor made with recycled materials and an ergonomic handle will do the trick.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Preserve-Refillable-Recycled-Materials-Assorted/dp/B019Y366KQ”]Preserve Shave 5 Razor, $9.81 from Amazon[/link-button]

9. Leaving Your Razor in the Shower

Remember how leaving your wet bar of soap in your dingy old soap dish makes it a breeding ground for bacteria? The same thing goes for your razor. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in your razor that make perfect spots for bacteria to hide, and the problem will only get worse when the razor is sitting in a warm, wet environment.
If you don’t actually want to store your razor outside of the shower, at least make sure that you hang it up when you’re done using it so it can air dry.

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That’s an easy fix. Just get something like this OXO Good Grips suction razor holder, with a PVC-free suction cup and a hook that flexes to fit a variety of razor handle sizes.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Suction-Razor-Holder/dp/B00EU6HBDY”]OXO Good Grips Suction Razor Holder, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

10. Over-Exfoliating

Giving your skin a gentle scrub every now and then is a good idea, but doing so every day could actually be causing damage. For anyone who doesn’t know, your skin actually exfoliates itself by renewing every 27 days or so.
Anyone who chooses to exfoliate their skin every day is aggressively going after fresh skin cells, which can make your skin red and irritated as a result. It’s best to let some dead cells build up on the surface of your skin before reaching for your favorite scrub so that, you know, there’s actually something there worth exfoliating.

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When you do decide to scrub—after waiting an appropriate amount of time, of course—feel free to use this microdermabrasion face scrub and mask from Era Organics, made with manuka honey and walnut. The product claims to remove blackheads, minimize pores, buff away dull skin, and moisturize.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Microdermabrasion-Face-Scrub-Facial-Mask/dp/B018H32LHQ”]Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask, $17.87 from Amazon[/link-button]

11. Washing Your Hair Daily

If you notice that your hair always looks damaged and feels dry no matter what you do, it’s likely that your shower water is too hot and you’re washing your hair way too often. Unless you’re someone who likes to work out every single day, you really only need to wash your hair a few times a week at most—and those with curly or extremely coarse hair should try to cut that down to once a week.

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For anyone who says that their hair is too oily to go without a daily wash, it could be the daily washing that’s causing that greasy sheen. Washing too often dries out your scalp, which makes it produce more oil to compensate. If you want to start shampooing less often, try using dry shampoo on your roots every other day. One of our favorites is Living Proof Dry Shampoo, which eliminates oil, sweat, and odor without the use of silicone. Have color- or chemically-treated hair? Don’t worry! This is safe for you to use.
HealthyWay
Living Proof

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Living-Proof-Perfect-Hair-Shampoo/dp/B0170GOCVO”]Living Proof Dry Shampoo, $17.96 from Amazon[/link-button]

12. Skipping Your Shower Post-Workout

If you like to work out late at night or in the morning before you head off to work, you may decide that you’re too tired or pressed for time to squeeze a shower in. However, working up a sweat can leave bacteria on your skin that will get trapped against you if you choose not to rinse it off afterward.
https://twitter.com/MichaelaW1111/status/997914381294952453
This could lead to a skin infection or, at the very least, some minor irritation or redness. Not to mention that you’d be going to bed or heading to work a sweaty, stinky mess.
Remember, just because you can’t smell you doesn’t mean others can’t smell you. At very least, take some time to wipe that sweat off with a clean washcloth or hand towel, or, better yet, just change your clothes. Throw some body wipes in your gym bag for a quick refresh on-the-go.

HealthyWay
istock.com/iammotos

You might also consider carrying in your gym bag some Welmedix HomeCare PRO No-Rinse Cleansing Foam, formulated for the delicate skin of elderly people. The cleanser is pH-balanced and removes odor-causing bacteria anywhere on the body without stripping skin of its natural oils.
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rinse-Body-Cleansing-Welmedix-HomeCare/dp/B0744ZX2P6″]HomeCare PRO No-Rinse Cleansing Foam, $24.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
Apply this with disposable washcloths, like Member’s Mark Adult Premium Disposable Washcloths, which are alcohol- and latex-free and contain a nourishing formula made of natural botanicals, vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile for an irritation-free application. At 12 by 8 inches, these extra-large cloths will take care of your whole body.
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Members-Premium-Disposable-Washcloth-Carton/dp/B01KY22LFU”]Member’s Mark Disposable Washcloths, $27.43 from Amazon[/link-button]

13. Reusing Dirty Towels

The logic seems solid: If you only use your towel when your body’s clean, how could it possibly get dirty?
This isn’t exactly the case, though. Yes, it’s alright to use your towel two to three times before you finally give it a wash, but that’s only if you hang it up to air dry after every single use. Just like your loofah, dead skin cells can cling to your towel and, when you don’t let it dry properly, there’s a big risk for bacterial growth.

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Using the same towel for a week or more at a time could mean putting yourself at risk for bacterial skin infections—plus, they can eventually start to smell pretty bad.

14. Rubbing Towels on Your Skin and Hair

We can guess with relative confidence that you reach for your towel right after getting done with your shower, but there are a couple of different ways that people towel off.
Some choose to just wrap their towel around themselves and wait to air dry while doing other things—putting in contacts, applying moisturizer, brushing their teeth—while others immediately start to wipe that water away.

HealthyWay
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As it turns out, rubbing a towel against your skin isn’t the best thing for it, and dermatologists actually recommend that you use a patting motion to dry your skin. For anyone with long hair who likes to wrap their towel around their head like a cocoon, know that doing so could be damaging your locks, as well. Instead, use a microfiber hair turban and a wet brush to protect your hair from damage.
This turban is made of lightweight Aquitex microfiber, which will trap moisture in your hair while drying it gently in a way that minimizes frizz. Give that hair-frying hair dryer a rest!
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Aquis-Original-Patented-Hands-Free-Microfiber/dp/B0000UTUS8″]Aquis Microfiber Hair Turban, $20.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
For keeping your luscious locks free of hair tumbleweeds, you’ll want something like this Wet Brush Pro Detangle Hair Brush, which is ergonomically designed to give you a comfortable grip while you’re pulling away at those knots, wet or dry—whether they’re in a wig or extensions or hair growing from your scalp.
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XC03GK6″]Wet Brush Pro Detangle Hair Brush, $7.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

15. Skipping the Moisturizer

It can be pretty tempting to go lounge around after you’ve gotten out of the shower, and it’s easy to get sucked into things like reading a book or watching television before you finally start to get ready. However, you’re doing your skin a disservice if you don’t apply some moisturizer right when you get out of the shower.
Moisturizer is absorbed just a little bit better when your skin is nice and warm, and you’ll also want to replenish any moisture your skin lost from being in that hot water. Also, just like you shouldn’t be rubbing a towel on your body, don’t scour your face when drying it, either.

HealthyWay
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Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion, made with organic shea butter and vitamin E, is a vegan, fragrance-free moisturizer that’s also free from silicones, parabens, dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, PEG, petrochemicals, and nut-based ingredients. Your parched, sensitive skin will eat it up.
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Puracy-Organic-Moisturizer-Unscented-Moisture/dp/B00L9IWVIQ”]Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion, $13.29 from Amazon[/link-button]

16. Bathing in a Dirty Tub

Alright, so a bath definitely isn’t the same as a shower, but we have a reminder for those of you out there that take them.
Clean your bathtub every once in a while!
It’s a chore that few like doing, but it’s an important one. If you’re going to be sitting in a tub full of water for any period of time, you want to make sure that there’s nothing mixing in with your soak that you haven’t added intentionally.
This is especially true if you share a bathroom with other people—you might like your roommates, but you don’t really know what they could’ve tracked into the tub.

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Categories
Happy Home Lifestyle

Refresh Your Living Space With These Budget-Friendly Home Decor Finds

Redoing your home is a major undertaking, and tossing all of your old decor for everything new just isn’t in the budget for most people. But there’s no reason that revamping your home has to be expensive. In fact, some of the most impactful changes can be made with the smallest pieces.
We’ve found pieces that can liven up your space and even change the look of an entire room—all without breaking the bank.

Pillows Under $20

Pillows are perhaps the easiest and quickest way to add a pop of color and comfort to your space in seconds. Even though throw pillows can be surprisingly expensive, there are just as many affordable and stylish options out there.

Threshold Fringe Printed Throw Pillow ($20)

This fringed pillow from Target is a cute way to add texture to any space. The muted colors are perfect for laid-back boho vibes.

Target

[link-button href=”https://fave.co/2jLRHbr”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

Slow Cow Embroidered Throw Pillow Cover ($12)

If you already have pillows that feel nice but you want to switch up their look, opt for a pillow cover instead. If you don’t already have a throw pillow though, you can find affordable inserts to fit the cover you like.

Amazon

[link-button href=”http://amzn.to/2sPscxa”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

World Market Ivory Fringe Indoor/Outdoor Lumbar Pillow ($20)

This neutral lumbar pillow is perfect for adding a touch of comfort and texture without any extra color. Toss it on your couch, armchair, or even your bed to amp up the coziness.

World Market

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.worldmarket.com/product/ivory-fringe-indoor-outdoor-lumbar-pillow.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn”] Get it from World Market [/link-button]

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Throw Blankets Under $30

Tossing a soft, drapey throw over your couch or armchair is another easy way to add an element of interest to your room. Both luxurious and functional, no living room really feels complete without a throw blanket.

Bourina Textured Throw Blanket ($20 to $25)

This textured knit blanket is soft and lightweight, perfect for when you need just an extra bit of warmth. Available in six shades, you can use it to add a pop of color to your room or (our preference) keep things neutral.

Amazon

[link-button href=”http://amzn.to/2CfQwMy”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Panama City Beaches Cotton Throw Blanket ($25)

If you’re looking for a patterned throw, this woven cotton one is not only beautiful but is also affordable. Perfect for draping over your shoulders on a cold night or even laying over the foot of your bed, it’s a blanket you’ll be reaching for all year long.

Joss & Main

[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/Ji5W”] Get it from Joss & Main [/link-button]

Threshold Chenille Throw Blanket ($20)

In need of something a little more chunky and warm for the colder months? This chenille throw blanket is ultra-soft and oversized and comes in multiple color options to coordinate with any room.

Target

[link-button href=”http://fave.co/2F64Ubq”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

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Knick Knacks Under $40

Small trinkets and decorative pieces are truly what make a space feel more lived-in and homey. Though people tend to pick up most of these items over time, adding even a small piece or two can really start to add some of your own personality and sense of style to your home.

Artificial Banana Plant ($37)

If you like the look of plants but are more of a black thumb, there are plenty of faux plant options out there that look realistic but don’t require any maintenance. This faux banana plant is great for adding a pop of color and is the perfect stand-in until you can grab (and care for!) a live one.

Target

[link-button href=”http://fave.co/2F3mtsq”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

West Elm Extra-Small Cross Base Terrarium ($19)

A terrarium is another great way to add a touch of green to your home without bringing in a full-blown plant. These globe-style options are not only beautiful on their own—they sit on a fun brass base for a unique look and the extra-small size is under $20.

West Elm

[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/zpwS”] Get it from West Elm [/link-button]

In The Company of Women Coffee Table Book ($25)

A great coffee table book not only adds visual appeal but can also provide you and your guests with some serious inspiration. You can go with something that’d be of general interest to everyone, like In The Company of Women, or add a book that relates to one of your personal hobbies or interests.

Amazon

[link-button href=”http://amzn.to/2EOaG21″] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

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Wall Art Under $75

Get rid of those asylum walls and hang some art up; it’s the quickest way to add a pop of color and texture to any room. Pieces can be expensive though, especially when they’re from local artists. To get a unique addition that won’t break the bank, check out these fun pieces—all under $75.

World Market Black & Blush Strokes Wall Art Set ($70)

This three-piece set can be hung together in any room for an interesting focal point, or hung separately in different rooms for strategically placed pops of color and pattern.

World Market

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.worldmarket.com/product/black-and-blush-strokes-by-lanie-loreth-wall-art-set-of-3.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn”] Get it from World Market [/link-button]

Urban Outfitters Lydia Macramé Wall Hanging ($60)

Who says that adding art into your home has to mean hanging up a painting? This handwoven macrame hanging makes a statement—put it up on any blank wall for an Instagram-worthy look.

Urban Outfitters

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/lydia-macram-wall-hanging?category=apartment-room-decor&color=012&quantity=1&size=L&type=REGULAR”] Get it from Urban Outfitters [/link-button]

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Rugs Under $300

Buying rugs on a budget is rough—they’re crazy expensive! And it’s hard to go too budget-friendly: The difference in quality between a cheaper rug and one that’s a little pricier is pretty evident. Thankfully, there are lots of rugs that sit right in the middle, offering good quality at a fair price. If you’re looking to freshen up a blah-feeling space or you want to change up the style altogether, invest in a new rug to switch things up.

Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Olga Gray Rug ($146)

If you’re going for the modern farmhouse look on a budget, this rug is for you. It’s available in a variety of sizes, so it’s easy to find an option to fit in whichever room you need it for.

Wayfair

[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/znFd”] Get it from Wayfair [/link-button]

Aliyah Pink Area Rug ($223)

A rug is usually the focal point of the room and that’ll definitely be true of this rug. These bright colors would be dreamy in a white-walled room with neutral furniture.

Joss & Main

[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/znOM”] Get it from Joss & Main [/link-button]

Project 62 Indigo Modern Lines Rug ($250)

This rug adds a little eye-catching detail without going overboard. Perfect for high-traffic areas, it’ll give any room a pop of color without the maintenance of a high pile rug.

Target

[link-button href=”http://fave.co/2sM8W3L”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

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Lighting & Lamps Under $80

Lighting plays a big role when it comes to the atmosphere in your home—anything too dim can make things feel bleak and depressing, while anything too bright can make you feel like you’re standing under grocery store fluorescents. The key is having different lighting options available so you can adjust the light during different times of day.

Rivet Minimalist Tripod Floor Lamp ($80)

A tripod lamp is an easy way to add a unique visual element to any room. It’ll give off the perfect amount of warm light for reading or watching a movie at home.

Amazon

[link-button href=”http://amzn.to/2EMPB8k”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Project 62 Modern Acrylic Accent Lamp ($40)

Forget your basic table lamp: With mixed materials and clean lines, this lamp mixes brass and acrylic for a stylish, sophisticated twist that’ll heighten the look of any room.

Target

[link-button href=”https://fave.co/2kBhCTI”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

Project 62 Geometric With Marble Accent Lamp ($35)

This lamp is basically a two-for-one because it’s almost a work of art on its own. Set it on a side table or your nightstand for a modern touch.

Target

[link-button href=”http://fave.co/2sSLiCS”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

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Ottomans & Poufs Under $100

Sometimes our couches and chairs meet our fashion needs but totally fail when it comes to function. There’s no need to go out and buy an entirely new living room set if yours isn’t quite as comfy as you’d like, though. In addition to tossing on some pillows and a cozy throw, adding a fluffy pouf or sturdy ottoman can really help you relax and, literally, kick your feet up.

World Market Gold-Printed Faux Cowhide Pouf ($70)

This faux-fur pouf will help lend a luxurious, bold look to your sitting area. It’s even firm enough to be used as a makeshift seat when you have extra guests over.

World Market

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.worldmarket.com/product/gold-printed-faux-cowhide-pouf.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn”] Get it from World Market [/link-button]

World Market Ivory Faux Flokati Stool ($100)

If you want something a little sturdier, this faux-wool stool gives the same bold look with the addition of wooden legs.

World Market

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.worldmarket.com/product/ivory-faux-flokati-stool.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn”] Get it from World Market [/link-button]

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Accent Chairs Under $200

If you’re really looking to change the look of your living or sitting room, adding in new furniture is your best bet. But it can be hard to justify spending the money on new furniture when there might not be anything wrong with what you have, especially when you see the high price tag on certain pieces.

Divano Roma Mid Century Modern Chair ($160)

The mid-century modern look is in right now and, thankfully, you don’t have to spend a ton to get it. This armchair is not only affordable but comfortable and stylish, too.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2J4sTGx”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Urban Outfitters Haylee Mono Rattan Chair ($150)

Think outside the box when it comes to accent seating! This woven rattan chair is simple but makes a statement with its cool, summery vibe.

Urban Outfitters

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/haylee-mono-rattan-chair?category=chairs&color=065″] Get it from Urban Outfitters [/link-button]

Threshold Hudson Swoop Arm Chair ($170)

For a simple chair with clean lines, opt for this sloped, wingback style. Sleek and stylish, it comes in 15 different colors and patterns to fit any style.

Target

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Side Tables Under $100

If you already have a coffee table, adding an accent table or two may have slipped your mind. They can be a great addition to any space, though: Just add a lamp, a plant, and some cute coasters and you’ve got a piece that works for your room.

Rivet Hairpin Wood and Metal End Table ($80)

Hairpin legs are currently on-trend, and an end table is the perfect way to work them into your decor. The metal legs combined with a wooden table top add an industrial, modern edge to any space.

Amazon

[link-button href=”http://amzn.to/2F0pLgd”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

World Market Glass Lorelei Accent Table ($100)

This brass side table makes a statement, whether you use it as a functional side table or not. Try setting it up in a corner as a unique stand for a cascading plant.

World Market

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.worldmarket.com/product/glass-lorelei-accent-table.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=2&from=fn”] Get it from World Market [/link-button]

Urban Outfitters Annette Marble Side Table ($89)

The beautiful combination of brass and marble add a lavish touch to any room. With a clean, simple silhouette, this side table easily fits in with any decor while still standing out.

Urban Outfitters

[link-button href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5339270/type/dlg/https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/annette-marble-side-table?category=tables&color=010″] Get it from Urban Outfitters [/link-button]

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Coffee Tables Under $200

A living room or sitting area doesn’t always feel quite right without a coffee table in the middle. Use it for game nights, to display coffee table art books, or even to kick your feet up on. Though they tend to be a more expensive item, the great news is that you can find one that looks nice and holds up well for less than $150.

WE Furniture Coffee Table (~$125)

If you have an angular sectional sofa, round things out with this brass coffee table. We especially love the glass top, which won’t take up too much visual space.

Amazon

[link-button href=”http://amzn.to/2EQ8cjE”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Sauder Canal Street Coffee Table ($148)

This coffee table is perfect for a more rustic style. The raised edge adds an interesting touch that makes it easy to hold photos or other decorative elements.

Target

[link-button href=”http://fave.co/2F4L8gk”] Get it from Target [/link-button]

Mercury Row Corona Coffee Table ($179)

For a more modern, angular look, this coffee table combines the look of wood and chrome for a piece that’ll easily become a focal point in your home. It’s also two-tiered, allowing you to use it both functionally and decoratively.

Wayfair

[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/zI7G”] Get it from Wayfair [/link-button]

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Categories
Favorite Finds Nosh

The Health-Conscious Kitchen: The Tools You Need for Making Healthier Meals

It’s no secret that eating healthier isn’t always an easy task. Not only do you have to squash cravings, plan out meals, and make more mindful trips to the grocery store, but you also have to take the time to get in the kitchen and cook. If it sounds daunting, we don’t blame you, but we’re here to say it doesn’t have to be as big of a challenge as you think. Take all of the stress out of preparing meals with these products designed with healthy eating in mind.

Spiralizer

Veggie noodles have become super popular over the past year or so, and you can buy them in most grocery stores pre-cut and ready to cook. However, why pay extra money when you can easily get the same product at home with your own spiralizer? This option comes with different blades to make shapes like ribbons, or even just shorter noodles. Just slide in the blade for whichever shape you’d like, hook your veggie onto the handle, and give it a spin for fresh veggie noodles in minutes.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2GTFD5U”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Instant Pot

Planning ahead is one of the biggest keys when it comes to prioritizing healthy eating, and cooking in bulk is one of the best ways to ensure that you always have a healthy option available. Using a slow cooker is a great way to make a lot of food at once, but the only downside is that you really do have to plan ahead to make a meal—until the Instant Pot, that is. The Instant Pot is a slow cooker and pressure cooker in one, so it’s perfect to use on days when you want something to do the cooking for you, but didn’t plan ahead.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2IP9n0c”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Juicer

You probably have a store that sells fresh juice near you, but when even the smallest bottle is over $5, it’s an easy treat to pass on. Instead of thinking of fresh juice as an occasional treat, why not make it an everyday part of your health routine with a juicer? Simple to clean and use, this Breville juicer is super powerful and will get every last drop of juice out of your fruits and veggies so nothing goes to waste.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2GTZ3Yp”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Veggie Peeler

One of most painstaking parts of preparing fresh fruits and vegetables is peeling them. Whether it’s potatoes, apples, carrots, or kiwi, peeling is a time consuming task, and one that can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tools. This set of peelers will not only help you easily remove the peels from your favorite fruits and veggies, but can also help you cut them, too. Make your own matchstick carrots for salads with the julienne peeler, or create zucchini ribbons by running the regular peeler lengthwise down your zucchini.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2Hy6XDG”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Steaming Basket

You may find yourself turning to frozen vegetables in steamer bags to get a veggie on the table quickly, but steaming your own can be just as easy. Just put an inch or so of water in a pot, get it boiling, then put your steamer basket full of veggies in and let them cook until they’re just soft enough to poke with a fork. Not only is steaming veggies easy to do, but you can create your own favorite combinations to make getting those nutrients in a little easier.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2EFQ8UD”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Green Pan

Most people have a habit of tossing a little oil or butter into a pan before cooking. While a small amount of healthy fats isn’t bad, it’s something we can easily overdo. If your goal is to use less fat while cooking, a Green Pan can help you out. The pan is coated with non-stick ceramic, a non-toxic alternative to the traditional non-stick coatings found on cookware. Anything you put in is pretty much guaranteed to come out without sticking, so you can cut down on your fat intake without changing up your cooking method. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2GWMzLB”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Immersion Blender

One of the best benefits of cooking more meals at home? Knowing exactly what goes into the food that you’re making. However, there are still lots of things that we tend to buy pre-made at the grocery store, like canned soups, jarred sauces, and bottled dressings. You may think executing these types of recipes is reserved for more advanced cooks, but with an immersion blender they’re simple enough to make yourself. Blend your soups and sauces right in the pan, or make your own dressing or homemade mayonnaise in the included measuring cup.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2IPpI55″] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Air Fryer

Most of us have never thought of fried food as healthy, but the invention of the air fryer has really changed the game. The device circulates hot air in a special way that gives your food a fried texture without actually dunking it in oil—which means no oily smell, no oily mess, and no grease-laden food. You can even bake or roast your food in the air fryer, so it’s the perfect multifunctional countertop appliance for preparing a meal without turning on the oven.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2IPDJzE”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Bluapple

If you’re used to buying canned or frozen veggies and fruits, keeping the fresh stuff around can be somewhat difficult. Even if you do stock up on beautiful produce, you might not be used to reaching for it when you need a snack or side. Before you know it, half your fruits and veggies have gone bad before you got the chance to eat or cook with them. Enter the Bluapple device, which can extend the shelf life of your fresh produce by absorbing any ethylene gas it produces as it sits, preventing your produce from going bad so quickly. Each Bluapple lasts for about three months before the absorbent packet inside should be changed, and the starter kit will give you everything you need to keep your produce fresher for about a year.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2GT1GWs”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Color-Coded Cutting Boards

Cooking your own food tends to mean more prep work for you, and that means lots of slicing and dicing as you go. However, making healthier food isn’t just about doing the prep work yourself, but also making sure that you’re preparing your food safely. This cutting board set is color coded based on food group, so you’ll never cross-contaminate raw meat, poultry, or fish with your other ingredients, which ensures that your food is prepped properly. The cutting boards are also anti-microbial, so they’re easy to clean and sanitize when all the prep work is done.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2GT6cYR”] Get it from Amazon [/link-button]

Categories
Happy Home Lifestyle

Tips For Outfitting The Perfect Patio

A patio is the perfect spot for enjoying all that the warm weather months have to offer: balmy weather, bright sun, and days that finally last a little bit longer. But it doesn’t do you much good to have a patio if it isn’t ready for you to enjoy in comfort and style. Make the most out of the gorgeous weather by creating a patio that’s perfect for drinking, dining, and more.

Set the mood.

Creating a relaxing, inviting atmosphere in your backyard is more than just raking up the leaves and setting out a patio table. Use lighting and music to set the scene and give your patio a glow that’ll have you heading outdoors all spring and summer long.

Lighting

Brightech Ambience Pro Commercial Grade Outdoor Lights
A set of string lights can transform your backyard from a dark landscape to a glowy getaway in no time flat. These Edison-style bulbs are commercial grade and super sturdy, and will also complement a variety of styles in any backyard. Try draping them across your patio or even along your fence to light up your outdoor space.

Amazon

[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2LiYYfx”] Get them from Amazon [/link-button]
Set of 6 Decorative Lanterns
If string lights aren’t your thing and you prefer more of a classic look, a decorative lantern can add the same light while leveraging a different style. You can hang them from a small hook or lamp post, or even just set one on your patio table as part of a centerpiece. The best part? Although they give off the look of a classic, lit-from-within lantern, they’re actually lit with flameless LED candles, so you can set one out throughout the whole night without worry.
Amazon

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Tiki Torches
Whether you’re having a fun backyard barbecue or just want to cultivate more of a laid-back atmosphere, tiki torches are a creative way to infuse your backyard with both light and ambiance. As an added bonus, you can also fill them with fuel that contains citronella to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay while you relax outdoors.
Home Depot

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Citronella Candle
If you’re looking to add a nice glow to your backyard without going overboard on lighting, candles are the way to go. A three-wick candle is the perfect size to add an extra bit of light to an evening outdoors, all while putting a subtle scent in the air, too. Using citronella candles can also help keep you free of bug bites as you relax outdoors.
Amazon

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Temperature Control

Lasko Misto Fan
The best time to enjoy your outdoor space is during the warm weather months, but it can easily get a little too hot, which admittedly drives some of us back indoors. Don’t let a little too much sun ruin your backyard hangout. This fan not only produces a powerful breeze that’ll help keep you cool, but it also produces a fine mist that will reduce the air temperature in your backyard by up to 25 degrees. It simply hooks up to your garden hose and gives you three speed options that can be adjusted based on the heat.

Amazon

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AmazonBasics Patio Heater and Cover
Of course, you can always hang out on your patio during the winter months, but it’s definitely not as enticing. Harsh temperatures, biting winds, and icy weather conditions don’t always make it easy to even get outside, much less stay there. With the right heater, though, you can enjoy your outdoor space all year long. This standing heater is perfect for warming up your entire patio, and also comes with a protective cover for times when it’s not in use.
Amazon

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Music

Bose Soundlink Micro
The right music can make or break a backyard party, and some people even go as far as to set up entire sound systems in their backyards. However, if you don’t have the time or money to invest in an entire system, a good speaker can get the job done, too. The Soundlink Micro from Bose is a powerful, portable speaker that you’ll be able to hear loud and clear even when you’re outdoors. What’s even better is that it’s waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about sudden showers.

Amazon

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JBL Flip 4
If you’re looking for something with just a little more power but still without the hefty price tag of an entire speaker system, the JBL Flip 4 is perfect. It’s waterproof and compact, and also has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can keep it running for up to 12 hours. While it’s perfect for listening to music, it also features a built-in speakerphone that cancels out noise and echos, making it great for taking your next conference call from the comfort of your patio.
Amazon

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Set the scene.

Once you’ve got all the basics down, the fun really begins. Decorating your patio can be just as much fun as decorating the interior of your home, and it’ll encourage you to spend much more time in your outdoor space. When thinking about how you’d like your patio to look, consider how you’ll spend most of your time when you use it. From smaller family barbecues to larger garden party gatherings, with the right accessories you can transform your backyard into a space to host them all.

Rugs

If you thought rugs only belonged on the inside of your home, think again. Adding a rug to your patio is an instant way to make it feel more homey and cozy, while also adding a decorative element. Don’t worry, though, because these aren’t the standard rugs you’d throw down in your kitchen or living room—they’re rugs that can be used outdoors and are made with special weather-resistant, easy-to-clean material. When they get dirty, just rinse them with a hose and let them air dry. Here are some of our favorite neutral options for any outdoor space:

Lounge Furniture

Premium Edgewood Wicker 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set
Looking to get some rest and relaxation on your patio this summer? Try bringing the inside out with this wicker patio set, complete with a patio sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table. All you’ll need is a nice shady umbrella and you’ll have your own outdoor living space where you can kick back day or night.

Target

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If you’re looking for a similar patio set with a slightly more breezy style, check out this collection from World Market.

Dining Furniture

Gray San Sebastian Outdoor Dining Collection
If hosting countless backyard barbecues for your family and friends is your goal, having the right dining set on your patio is essential. This outdoor dining collection from World Market makes it easy to customize the look of your set as it offers both bench-style seating and traditional wicker chairs. Go with one style of seating for a streamlined look, or do half on one side and half on the other for versatility.

World Market

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3-Piece Bistro Set
If you have a smaller space, it doesn’t mean that patio furniture is out of your reach. This three-piece set is perfect for a smaller patio. The bistro-style trio comes with two chairs and a small round table, perfect for sitting outside to drink coffee or read a book.
Target

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If you want a few more seats but still don’t want to go with a large dining table, this cast aluminum 5-Piece Dining Set can seat four people, and has a table that’s large enough for dinner and drinks outdoors on a summer night.

Set the table.

Ikat Melamine Plate Set
You might go with a more neutral look when it comes to your standard dishes, but buying a dinner set for your patio is where you can have a little more fun. This four-piece plate set comes in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns, perfect for adding a little zest to your spring and summer barbecues. They’re also made with durable melamine, so they’re great for any outdoor gathering.

Target

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Aqua Pacific Acrylic Highball Glasses Set
We recommend having a set of durable glasses in your home to bring out just for outdoor use. These acrylic glasses are not only beautiful and festive, but are also way less likely to break than glass if you drop them, so you can have fun during your party instead of worrying about accidents.
World Market

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Set Of 6 Indoor/Outdoor Placemats
When you really want to go the extra mile for an outdoor dinner, placemats are always appropriate. That said, you’ll want an option that’s weather-resistant and easy to clean when it comes to eating outdoors. These round placemats will add the perfect pop of color to your table and can be wiped clean easily once the festivities are over.
Bed Bath & Beyond

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Categories
Collective Exclusives

What’s In Our Bag: Yoga Bag Edition

Packing your bag for a yoga class looks much different than packing for a spin class or a gym sweat sesh. Not only do you need to bring your mat, towel, and shoes, you also need a bag that makes it easy to do so. Most yogis want their practice to be as minimalistic and simple as possible—and for their bags to mirror this. Fortunately, it is possible to bring along the items you need without feeling weighed down. Here’s what’s in our bag for yoga class:

Perfect Yoga Duffel

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There’s no denying that a strategically packed gym bag is a huge part of workout preparedness, and the same holds true for yoga. The Everywhere Duffel from lululemon has plenty of internal pockets to house your essentials and convenient straps to secure your yoga mat to the top of the bag, so it’s easy to carry everything you need all at once. It even has a heat-resistant pocket for storing hair styling tools, so you can bring everything you need to get ready for the day or a night out after class.
 

lululemon

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Quality Yoga Mat

A great yoga mat can make or break your experience. Finding a quality mat will keep your poses steady instead of slippery. This Manduka mat is super dense and plush without being too soft, offering you tons of support and protection during your flow. The material also repels sweat to help keep your mat nice and clean.

Amazon

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Yogitoes Skidless Mat Towel

Whether you’re taking a hot yoga class or just doing yoga outdoors on a hot day, there are times when even the most skid-proof mat will get a little slippery. Don’t think you need to invest in a whole new mat, though. Instead, keep a mat towel like the Yogitoes Skidless Mat Towel in your bag so you can quickly wipe down your mat or place the towel on top of your mat before returning to your flow. The bottom of the towel is lined with silicone pads to keep it in place, and the top is made of absorbent fabric that’ll help wick away sweat to prevent slipping.

Athleta

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Wet Bag

We all know hot yoga classes end with sweat-drenched clothes. With this wet bag, your sweat can stay in one place instead of spreading all around. Although you’ll have to remember to pack another outfit, keeping a wet bag in your gym duffel will make it easy to keep your sweaty clothes contained until you can throw them into the washing machine. It’s also a great accessory to have if your gym has a pool or sauna.

Bed Bath & Beyond

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Yoga Accessories

Yoga blocks are a simple way to incorporate support into certain poses. They’re not too large or heavy, making it easy to stash one in your bag for class. The cork material makes these particular blocks a little more sturdy than the standard foam option. Plus, having your own blocks means you know they’re properly sanitized after use, so you never have to worry about whether they’re clean or who used them before you.

Amazon

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Hand Towel

Even if hot yoga isn’t your thing, you can still get a little sweaty after holding a particularly difficult pose. The smallest bit of sweat can make your yoga mat slippery, which is why it’s a great idea to keep a hand towel in your bag. You can use it on top of your yoga mat to add a little more stability when your hands get sweaty, or just keep it nearby to wipe the sweat off of your face and hands.

Amazon

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Yoga Mat Cleaner

Yoga mats aren’t always cheap, and even if you’re the only person using yours, it’s still important to make sure it’s sanitized regularly. The best time to give it a wipe down is right after you’re done using it, so it’s a great habit to keep a bottle of cleaner in your bag to make the task as simple as possible. This spray uses gentle, plant-based ingredients to help disinfect your mat, including lavender essential oil, which will also give it a fresh, calming scent. It comes with a microfiber cleaning towel to help absorb any extra product, leaving your mat clean and dry for the next time you need to use it.

Amazon

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GoodWipes

Just like your yoga mat needs to be wiped off when you’re done using it, freshening yourself up after a workout is also important. We’re not just talking about putting on some deodorant or fixing your ponytail, either—letting sweat linger on your skin can clog your pores and allow bacteria to build up, causing breakouts and rashes. If you don’t have time to take a shower before you leave the gym, keeping a few GoodWipes in your bag is a perfect alternative that’ll help cleanse your skin and leave a fresh scent. They’re alcohol-free and pH balanced, so your skin will be moisturized and clean in one swipe.

Amazon

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adidas Women’s Adilette Comfort Slide Sandal

Sure, you can wear your favorite pair of sneakers to the yoga studio, but why not go with something that’s a little simpler to take off and put on? These slides are simple and comfy, perfect for completing a casual post-gym athleisure look. Keep in mind that these slides do run a little large, so order the next size down if you tend to buy between sizes.

Amazon

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Categories
Fresh Fashion Lifestyle

20 Wardrobe Staples You'll Need This Spring

When those blustery winter days finally come to an end, it’s truly something to celebrate. Gone is the season of snow, ice, and single-digit temperatures. We can finally get out of our heavy coats and be comfortable leaving our homes again. If you don’t have a good set of spring basics, switching out your winter wardrobe for warm-weather pieces can be a struggle.
Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or need to build up your wardrobe, we’ve got all the spring essentials you need to make the transition.

Jackets

Though the temps do warm up when spring rolls around, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need an extra layer from time to time. For those days when a bit of chill is still lingering in the air, keep a lightweight jacket close by to warm up or stay dry.

Denim

A denim jacket is a great essential to have on hand for any season because it can easily be paired with pretty much anything. They’re especially perfect for spring, though, because they add a layer of lightweight warmth that won’t make it feel like you’re still lugging around a winter coat. You can easily incorporate a denim jacket into your look for the whole day, or throw it on or off when you need to.

Utility

A lightweight utility jacket is the perfect touch to any spring outfit. They’re effortlessly stylish and offer a few different options when it comes to how you style them. This particular jacket has snap closures and a high collar for times when you really need to keep the wind out, along with roll tab sleeves to stay cool and comfortable.

Rain

If there’s one item you need to have when spring rolls around, it’s a rain jacket. Unexpected rain showers are a pain to deal with, and this option from ethical fashion brand Everlane is classic and lightweight, perfect for carrying with you or keeping in the car. It’s also the perfect length for keeping your outfit dry with snap closures to help keep the rain out.

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Tops

Gone are the days of heavy sweaters and thick flannel (sometimes much to our dismay). Instead, spring is a time for fun colors and light layers that you can build up when you need to.

Basic Tee

If you’ve been looking for a classic, lightweight shirt, Madewell’s Whisper Cotton Crewneck Tee is perfect. From the first wear, it’s feels like a shirt that you’ve had for years: incredibly soft, airy, and drapey. It’s also available in a range of neutral shades that’ll pair perfectly with any outfit.

Denim Button Down

A good, light denim shirt is an essential piece to have in your closet, especially when spring rolls around. The long sleeves offer a little warmth on chillier days, but the fabric is typically lightweight so you won’t feel weighed down. You can roll the sleeves up for a more casual look or wear them down for something more classic.

Eyelet Top

Whether you’re heading to an outdoor party or taking a stroll around your local zoo, this eyelet top is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. Casual yet polished, it’s a simple shirt that still makes a statement with the eyelet detailing. Pair it with jeans and flats for a day out or with dressier pants and a heel for a stunning outfit to wear to the office.

Bell Sleeve Top

Spring is all about light pastels and breezy, flowy silhouettes, and this light blue top is the perfect embodiment of the season. Bold and feminine, the bell sleeves add a dramatic touch while the white stripes give it classic look, making this shirt an unexpected upgrade of the standard striped button-down.

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Bottoms

It’s not truly necessary to switch between different pants for winter and spring, but there are certain styles that tend to make more sense when the weather is warmer and brighter. Switch from heavy corduroys and knits to lighter and brighter fabrics this season.

Dressed Up Jogger Pant

Whether you’re running weekend errands or it’s a more casual day at the office, these upgraded jogger pants are the perfect way to look comfy yet put together. The front pleats give them a dressier touch, but the stretchy waistband and cuffed ankles will keep you cozy all day long.

Casual Boyfriend Jean

These will be your new favorite warm-weather jeans with the classic style and cropped ankle. Cuff at the ends for a retro yet contemporary vibe, and pair with a simple t-shirt and sneakers or strappy sandals to look and feel cool and relaxed.

White Skinny Jean

Most people don’t reach for a white jean during the winter months, so spring is the perfect time to incorporate them back into your rotation. If you’re worried it’s a style you can’t rock, we can pretty much guarantee this mid-rise version from Old Navy will flatter everyone.

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Dresses

When the sun is out and the weather is warm, dress season is truly back in session. Winter dresses are great with layers, but spring dresses are brighter, bolder, and made to stand out on their own.

Midi Dress

If you need a dress that’s perfect for an outdoor spring event, this eyelet midi dress is the one. The design is simple yet stunning, giving off a flowy spring vibe that can still be dressed up. It’s available in seven different colors, so everyone can find an option that’s perfect for their next party.

Knit T-Shirt Dress

For more casual days, a t-shirt dress is a great option to have in your closet. The material is soft and comfortable, keeping you cozy all day long while offering a slightly fitted look for effortlessly chic style. Wear it alone or pair it with a denim jacket and baseball hat for a cool, relaxed touch.

Floral Dress

Spring is all about the florals, and this fun flowery dress is perfect for any occasion. Especially on cooler spring days, the long sleeves and knee-length hem will help keep you stay comfortable in any setting. The tiered bell sleeves are a feminine touch that’ll make this dress a gorgeous go-to.

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Accessories

The right accessories are important for any season, and spring is no exception. From hats to shield from the sun to the perfect bag to tote outdoor-event essentials, accessories for spring should be cute and functional.

Hat

A Panama-style hat is a classic that’s perfect for spending the day outside, whether it’s at the beach, in the park, or even just at a backyard barbecue. The style is simple and can be paired with virtually any outfit, adding a cool and casual touch to your style.

Scarf

This lightweight scarf is perfect for days when you need a scarf but don’t want to bundle up in a heavy knit option. It’s a great everyday scarf that can be worn all day long or just as a little extra protection against the wind when you need it.

Bag

No one wants to lug around a huge bag at an outdoor event, and this adorable tassel bag is perfect for holding only the essentials while still giving you the room you need. It also has a long strap to make carrying it all day easy—either over your shoulder or as a crossbody.

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Shoes

When it comes to transitioning your wardrobe from winter to spring, it’s truly all about the shoes. Tuck those heavy-duty boots back in your closet until next season and get ready for sandals, strappy booties, and fun sneakers.

Slide Sandal

A simple sandal is the perfect option for a casual day, but many of us need an upgrade from our $2 pair of flip flops. These slides go with virtually everything, whether it’s a flowy dress or a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. They’re also available in a few different colors so you can find a pair that’ll work with your wardrobe.

Spring Bootie

Booties aren’t just for winter, but the pair you’d wear when there’s snow on the ground might feel a little too stuffy for spring. These eyelet booties are the perfect taupe gray to go with any outfit, and the cutouts give them an airy feel that’s perfect for warmer weather. The low heel also makes them a comfortable option for any outdoor or indoor event.

Block Heel Sandal

Spring weather means the return of strappy sandals, but we don’t just mean flats. These block-heeled sandals can be worn casually or with a dressier outfit, perfect for a day at the office or attending an outdoor party. The heel is also just the right height to keep your feet comfortable all day long.

Fashion Sneaker

Spring showers tend to sabotage plans of wearing fancier footwear, so having a good pair of sneakers on hand for rainy days is crucial. These classic adidas sneakers are a go-to for any spring weather conditions and are perfect for anything that requires a more casual shoe, whether it’s running errands or just hanging out in the backyard.

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