Beauty brand creates hand sanitizer amidst pandemic

In these few chaotic months, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc throughout the world, damaging lives, economies, and resources.

One important resource that we've been short on is hand sanitizers. People are using them more than ever, and some people seem to be hoarding them. Hand sanitizers are running out everywhere, especially online where they sell out as soon as they hit the market.

Luckily, hand sanitizers are not difficult to produce and many businesses have stepped up and taken the matter into their own hands. There are countless distilleries switching gear to producing hand sanitizers instead of liquor. As manufacturers continue on this route, our supply may finally meet demand.

Today, we received news that the makers of CHI and BioSilk have created hand sanitizers with 77% by volume natural denatured alcohol and organically grown aloe vera from the CHI Organic Gardens. For the official launch, CHI is donating $1 million worth of their hand sanitizer to the cities of Houston & Tomball, TX.

The new CHI Organic Gardens Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer and the BioSilk Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer with Soothing Aloe Vera are both available for purchase at chi.com. Order some hand sanitizers if you need them, but don't order an excessive amount. Washing hands is more effective so there is no reason to stock up on an unusable amount of hand sanitizer. We want everyone to be able to order some and have some when they need it.

CHI Organic Gardens Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer and BioSilk Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer with Soothing Aloe Vera contain 77% by volume natural denatured alcohol along with Aloe Leaf Extract that is soothing and maintains moisture. The formula also has glycerin and a lemon-citrus fragrance. It will come in four sizes: 25oz, 12oz, 6oz and 2oz.

The creators of CHI & BioSilk are working on production of two more hand sanitizers made with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and glycerin and is working on antibacterial hand soap.

Camel milk for skincare?

Camel milk is one of 2020's trending ingredients for skincare.

Camel milk contains a balanced blend of skin-repairing nutrients like proteins, natural alpha-hydroxy acids, and beauty vitamins like C & D. Topically, it is said to help to moisturize, nourish, and restore sensitive skin. There are claims that it even reduces unpleasant sunspots and acne marks. Camel milk, not unlike other types of milk, is loaded with lactic acid, an AHA that can slough away dead skin cells. It can also help increase the skin’s production of ceramides, assisting with moisture retention and a brighter, more even skin tone. There are also unverified claims of camel milk assisting with collagen production and protecting the skin from free radicals and other forms of oxidative stress.

We recently came across Elina Organic's Sahara Soufflé, an organic, cruelty-free & handmade hydrating face mask that features real camel milk. It is massaged over wet skin and left on for about 10 minutes. ⁠It feels nice and moisturizing, but we'll have to wait to report on the long-term effects, if any.

Sahara Soufflé ingredients: Camel Milk, Cera Alba, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot seed) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape seed) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower), Extracts of Tremuella (Snow Mushroom), Phosphilipids Leuconostoc (Radish) Root Ferment, Lactobacillus, Cocos Nucifera (coconut), ocopherol (Vit E), Epigallocatechin Gallate, Boswellia Serrata Gum Extract, BHT.

Honestly Margo - Mother's Day Gift Ideas

As Mother's Day approaches, we want to highlight a wonderful mother-daughter brand: Honestly Margo. The brand was founded by a teenager and her mom in 2013. Honestly Margo's first product was the Aromatherapy balms that help to relieve stress, headaches or minor sinus aches. Now, in 2018, the business has seven different products to offer beauty consumers.

Their newest product is the Roller Girls Roll-On Lipgloss that leaves a beautiful crystal clear finish, and shows off the natural tint of the lips with a bit of pop!

Created with a purpose to inspire young girls and women, and make them feel beautiful at the same time, Margo and Irene wanted to make products with good-for-you ingredients that are paraben-free. Many of the products are comprised of four ingredients or less, which emphasizes the "good for you" aspect of the beauty line.

Instagram to follow: Pharm2Philly

If you are a foodie, Philadelphia is a must visit destination. Philadelphia, the country’s first and only World Heritage City, was ranked number one on Lonely Planet’s list of 10 best places to visit in the United States. Philadelphia is a city with history, culture, new developments and find dining. Follow @pharm2philly on Instagram to get a details for the best eats.

Le Tote clothing subscription

Yes, another monthly subscription service. There's makeup, clothes, groceries, coffee, shaving kits, etc. What's next? The trend of the decade is subscription services, so of course I have to hop on.

How is the service advertised to work? Le Tote styles your tote based on your input. Then, you can change items and decide what ships. Le Tote will send your tote to your door with free 2-3 day priority shipping. Wear your clothing and accessories out and about, for as long as you’d like. Keep the pieces you love for up to 50% off retail and return the rest.

The number of items in each tote depends on what membership plan you have—Le Tote offers both clothing and accessories options. You can change your plan at any time, and if you ever want to add extra clothing or accessory items, you can pay a one-time fee to get another item in your tote.

They offer women’s clothing and accessories (jewelry, bags and scarves) for rent. Le Tote has thousands of on-trend and classic styles—for the workday, the weekend and everything in between. There are also maternity styles if you’re expecting. They carry hundreds of brands like Calvin Klein, Vince Camuto and French Connection, and our sizes range from 0-16 (XS-XXL).

By rating your items, they learn your style and size, and make better suggestions. If something doesn’t fit or isn’t quite right, be sure to share your feedback so they can make each tote better than the last.

I've just signed up to the service. Expect an update and review soon!