Listerine Takes You Inside the Mouth

Don’t we all love a good mouthwash? That sparkly clean feeling you get helps you to feel fresh for longer and protects your teeth and gums from bacteria and decay. Oral health is something that cannot be neglected and a mouthwash is a must to eliminate the unwanted tiny creatures residing in your mouth. The only thing that may discourage me from using mouthwash is the strong, burning feeling I get when I use it. Instructions on the bottle usually tell us to swish the mouthwash around in our mouths for 30 seconds, but at times this can be quite uncomfortable.

Enter Listerine Total Care Zero.

After a regular drill of brushing and flossing my teeth, I gave Listerine Total Care Zero mouthwash a try. This amazing mouthwash tastes mild, minty and very fresh unlike other mouthwashes in the market that leave an intense burning sensation for a long time after spitting it out. I have absolutely no problem gargling with it for even longer than the 30 seconds. This makes it a user-friendly product that you would love to use everyday for a fresh and clean feeling.

Here are the amazing benefits of Listerine Total Care Zero:

• It fights germs

• It powers through plaque

• It prevents Gingivitis

• It keeps teeth naturally white

• It protects against cavities

• It provides long lasting fresh breath

 

The remarkable highlight of Listerine Total Care Zero is that it is completely alcohol free. Now you can include a good mouthwash in your morning routine without worrying about the presence of alcohol in it. For more information and updates on Listerine Total Care Zero you can visit their Facebook page.

You can also watch their 360 view ad on YouTube using Google Cardboard. The Google Cardboard is an amazing gadget that allows you to view 3D videos which become amazingly realistic and lifelike. We became completely submerged in the video and feel that it’s a brilliant way of getting the message of Listerine across. I’ve had a difficult time tearing my children away from the Cardboard!

Click here to view the video in English and here for Arabic.

If you are unable to watch in 3-D, click to watch the video below:

Click here for more information about Listerine.

– Sponsored article

A Review of Tuesday in Love: the Breathable, Peelable, Halal Nail Polish

How excited were we when Tuesday in Love, a Canadian company specializing in water permeable nail polish were kind enough to send us some of their gorgeous nail polish colours to try out and review! It didn’t take long for me to sit down with my very close friend and beautician Sonja Morgan from Skin Deep, and try out their beautiful shades.

We loved the colours; Cotton Candy, (YOLO) You Only Love Once and Applause, with the topcoat on the far right.

Coverage

Firstly, what we noticed was that overall the nail polishes provided great coverage. They went on very nicely and gave decent cover in one coat. The colours are funky, bright and young. Perfect for young girls and teens. We were pleasantly surprised to find that there was no strong chemical smell emitting from the nail polishes (unlike Inglot, which has a very strong smell).

Brush Size

The brushes are quite small and hence ideal for smaller nails and for painting neat edges.

Solution

The red solution was the thinnest and the pink was quite thick. The blue (we would describe it as Air Force Blue) was a smooth solution, whereas we tend to find that usually blues are quite thin. The colours had quite a nice sheen to them, and the nails appeared to be evenly coated, covering over imperfections and ridges. The solutions were opaque and just a minimal amount is needed on each brush.

We felt that they took a little longer to dry, but this can be an advantage as it is very forgiving; it is quite easy to correct any mistakes. The red was the only one which we felt really needed two coats.

The topcoat went on opaque, but dried as clear.

Bottle Size

We felt that the bottles are a great shape. They are smaller than others you will see on the market and very young and hip looking. The bottles are very easy to carry around, similar to Chanel bottles in fact. They are solid, and not tapered hence they are not easy to knock over.

To remove, simply peel off!

Removal

The most amazing thing about the Tuesday in Love nail polishes is that nail polish remover is simply not required. The solution, once dried, is completely peelable, and comes off in one piece.

The Halal Factor

One of the most important aspects for many Muslim women is that this nail polish is water permeable, and therefore halal. For those who are not already aware, Muslims must perform ablution for prayers five times a day, and the water must touch every part of their body. Regular nail polish does not allow one to do that and blocks the water out. Tuesday in Love is great for those who want to wear a nail polish temporarily – just for a lunch date, for example, and then peel it right off.

You can take a look at their halal certificate on their website. The company even give you instructions on how to test the ‘halalness’ of the product yourself.

Longevity

We felt that this was a disadvantage for Tuesday in Love. The nail polishes are not very hard wearing, and tend to chip and dent even when a topcoat is applied.

Price

At just over $12 per bottle, Tuesday in Love is quite competitive and even a touch cheaper than their rival Inglot.

Conclusion

Overall, we loved the nail polishes and feel that they are great for casual wear especially for younger girls and teens. The brush and bottle sizes are tailor-made for smaller hands, the colours are young and vibrant, and the ease of application and removal are perfect for girls who go to school and want to wear nail polish on the weekends.

The nail polish emits a soft sheen, rather than a high gloss finish, so for adults we recommend Tuesday in Love for casual events, and not necessarily for formal wear. I would definitely use Tuesday in Love nail polishes simply due to their stunning colours and peel-ability. You can’t really go wrong!

 

Have You Heard of ‘Liquid Gold’? This could be your Secret Weapon.

Our latest beauty writer, the blogger behind Beauty Chronicles was born in Jeddah. She is a business graduate and has been blogging about makeup, skincare, beauty, fitness and lifeystyle on her blog for almost a year. We are happy to announce that she’ll be writing for Jeddah Blog regularly on beauty-related issues. Make sure to subscribe to the blog to receive automatic updates in your inbox.

In her first guest post, she writes about a hot new product called Argan oil. You’ll not only be amazed to hear about the benefits of Argan oil, but she goes further by telling us where it is available. If you’ve tried Argan oil or have a question for her, do leave a comment at the end of this blog post.

In recent years, an incredible oil called Argan oil has become such a hot commodity that New York Times termed it as “liquid gold”. After its recent popularity, Argan oil has been subjected to numerous researches, and proven studies show that the benefits of this honey-coloured oil with hazelnut flavor is quite impressive.

Pure Argan oil is made from the kernels of nuts from argan trees. Generally argan oil comes in two grades: Culinary and cosmetic. The culinary version tastes like a smokier sesame oil and is exceptionally good for internal organs. The cosmetic grade offers benefit to the largest organ of human body, the skin.

The oil’s amazing curative properties have been revered for centuries. Pure argan oil if taken internally, has been shown to fight cancer, cardiovascular diseases and many inflammatory disorders. When applied externally, it can heal from scars to infections, from hair frizz to stretch marks.

Let us take a closer look at how this liquid gold proves to be a miracle worker from beauty to health.

Benefits for Skin, Hair, and Nails

Pure Argan oil’s proven and observed benefits for hair, skin, and nails are extensive .It is also called a dry oil because it gets easily absorbed, and it regulates the pH balance of the skin, which in turn protects against sun exposure. It also reduces skin inflammation, and it controls and reverses skin disorders such as eczema. It can heal from scars to infections, from hair frizz to stretch marks. By restoring the skin’s hydro-lipid layer – the layer of skin responsible for softening, nourishing and protecting skin – argan oil is an exceptional skin tonic.

Here are a few more amazing benefits of argan oil relating to different skin types, hair and nails benefits.

Dry Skin

It nourishes and moisturizes dry, scaly, flaky skin and protects against infection. Mix a few drops in your moisturizer or apply directly twice a day to soften the skin and keep dryness at bay.

Oily Skin

Argan oil is very moisturizing yet it also great for healing. For oily skin, it can regulate sebum production to keep the skin’s natural oils at a healthy level. With regular use, the skin will no longer feel too oily. Mix a few drops of argan oil into your favorite toner, and a few spritz of it will give you the benefits without being too oily.

Irritated/Itchy Skin

Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It can protect the skin from allergens that may cause itchiness, and it can also heal up any blemishes and inflammations. Mix a few drops of Argan oil with chamomile cream and apply to relieve itchy skin.

Acne

Yes, it can also be used for acne control! When used in moderation it can control the overproduction of sebum which causes acne, and soothes down the inflammation caused by acne. And guess what? It can also heal those ugly acne scars if you are dealing with post acne pits. Mix in a few drops of this wonder oil with Aloe Vera gel and massage it into the skin. You will feel refreshed while the oil also does its work. Just be sure not to go overboard for oil application. Once a day is sufficient.

Ageing

Argan oil is perhaps highly acclaimed for its anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties. It stimulates renewal of skin cells, defends the skin against free radical damage, cell degeneration and dryness, and it also boosts elasticity while smoothing wrinkles and lines. Mix a few drops of argan oil with honey and apply for 20 minutes and wash off with warm water. It’s a great anti-wrinkle mask. And massage a few drops of oil once a day, to keep the skin wrinkle free.

Sun Damage

The antioxidant rich oil and special compounds called triterpenoids in the oil protect the skin from UV light and restores skin.

Eczema and Psoriasis

Argan oil is also very beneficial for treating eczema; it helps to alleviate symptoms related to eczema, addresses allergies that trigger eczema. It also helps to deal with inflammatory symptoms related to psoriasis.

Hair

Argan oil also has amazing hair restorative properties, it is highly beneficial from improving everything from split ends to dandruff. It can repair damaged hair. Argan oil moisturizes instantly, and prevents split ends while restoring shine. It is an amazing frizz tamer. Create a mixture with one parts of argan oil with two parts of olive and castor oil, use twice a week and see your hair getting thicker, healthier and shinier. Create an easy leave in frizz tamer by mixing a few drops of argan oil with water and store in a water bottle; a few spritz on wet hair works as a great leave in and frizz tamer.

Scalp protector

It keeps the scalp in healthy condition and well nourished. It can also combat dandruff, keeps the roots of hairs hydrated and protected.

Nails:

Keeps nails strong and healthy and restores natural shine while easily resolving brittle nail problems. Strengthens nails and cuticles

Health Benefits of Argan Oil

Now, let’s take a look at the health benefits of Argan oil.

• Argan oil being high in anti-oxidants especially Vit E and made up of around 80 percent unsaturated fatty acids, is particularly effective as an anti-inflammatory agent. When taken orally it helps to decrease inflammation throughout the body.
• Argan oil also acts as a heart promoting agent, it helps to lower down cholesterol and it also aids to stimulate circulation.
• Researches show that argan oil can also help to relive arthiritc and rheumatic conditions, because it dramatically boosts the blood flow. And it is very effective in easing the arthritic pains.
• Argan oil can stabilize blood sugar. It helps to treat diabetes and hypertension. Argan oil is able to fight insulin resistance, it can also prevent obesity related health issues and it also aids in lowering blood pressure.
• Argan oil is made up of a unique combination of two rare plant sterols (schottenol and spinasterol)which is not found in any other oil. The combination of these sterols has shown results to stop malignant cancer cells from spreading.
• Argan oil increases the production of pepsin (the protein that stimulates digestion)in the stomach which aids the digestive process, culinary grade argan oil encourages a healthy digestive system.

HOW TO USE ARGAN OIL

As a food source, the oil is delicious. In Morocco, it is eaten with bread, couscous, salads, and more. You can also try making “Amlou,” – the Moroccan equivalent of peanut butter. Simply grind roasted almonds into pure Argan oil and enjoy the rich taste of this healthy alternative to your favorite nut spread. You can consume up to 1-2 tablespoons of argan oil each day in order to take advantage of its therapeutic or preventative properties.

Many cosmetic companies feature argan oil as a primary ingredient in creams, lotions, shampoos and facial masks, but pure argan oil used alone is also a wonderful option.

In case you have any nut allergies, test argan oil before using. There have been a few cases where it has caused an allergic reaction. You can always test the oil on the inside of your arm to make sure that you do not react to it, and ingest a small amount for oral intake to check reaction and if you are nut allergic its better to avoid taking it internally.

PURCHASING ARGAN OIL

Raw argan oil can have an unpleasant “nutty” flavor, but you can purchase refined argan oil that has undergone a steam process to “deodorize” the oil. The oil slathers on thick, but absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, smooth and supple..

Now, this is the most important part of the whole page. It is really important to get actual high-quality oil. Unfortunately, there are many companies/vendors who take advantage of consumers by replacing argan oil (in part or in whole) with low quality based oils and create a cheaper version with more quantity. Be careful, cheaper versions will not have the benefits of argan oil. Rather than skimp on quality, it would be better to simply skip argan oil as a whole.

A low-quality oil will not give you the same oil benefits as it will not have the same concentration of nutrients. You get what you pay for. It is definitely worth it to be wary and read labels carefully. When selecting argan oil, look for the percentage of argan oil that is present, and whether it has been cold-pressed. Stay away from unknown random options.

A few of the good options for argan oil are

1. Josie Maran Argan oil. This is 100% argan oil available at Limited Editions, Sephora website.
2. Acure argan oil. 100% argan oil available at soap.com, they ship internationally.
3. Now Foods Argan oil, available at iherbs.com, they ship internationally.
4. Life-flo Pure Argan Oil, available at soap.com , they ship internationally.
5. The Body Shop Wild argan oil, available at Body Shop outlets.
6. Ogx Smooth Hydration Argan Oil & Shea Butter Moisture Restore Weightless Oil. This is a mixture oil and not pure. It is not very promising compared to pure oil, but it is the least expensive version to try. Available at Nazih stores in KSA and at soap.com. International shipping.

Beauty Chronicles is a Saudi-based blog about beauty, health and market/sale updates.

Manna Hair Salon

Your hairdresser is almost your best friend. She sees you when you are not at your best, she hides your imperfections and highlights the positives. A good hairdresser knows your hair better than you do, and once you find ‘the one’ you won’t want to experiment with any others. There are a few great hair salons in Jeddah, and Manna Center in Rawdah is considered to be one of them. Our mystery shopper visits the salon and reports back on her experience.

After visiting the Manna Hairdressing Salon last year, and coming away with such a great haircut, I was determined to go back again this week. I knew I would be well taken care of, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the amazing new salon they have constructed and I was blown away by the sheer professionalism and outstanding customer service being given in Manna.

Not only was I lucky to find Nawal, the same lady who expertly cut my hair last time (and did an amazing job yet again), but from the first moment I walked into the salon I began to feel pampered and relaxed. Once you check in at reception, your abaaya is taken and you are handed a white coat to wear on top of your regular clothes. You then walk past glass trickling water giving a wonderful cooling effect in this hot weather, and pass by the most interesting innovation I’ve seen recently – a cafe within the salon! It makes absolute perfect sense and I wonder why I haven’t seen anything like it before. A trip to the salon usually requires a certain period of waiting, and what a perfect way to fill the time, than with coffee, cupcakes, croissants or sandwiches. Even better if you’re spending time there with friends. It’s also quite common here to be waiting for a family member or a driver to collect you from the salon, but this time was not difficult to pass in their lovely environment.

So after waiting for the colour to sink in, you are taken to the sink to have your hair washed – pretty normal, right? Well, not in this salon ! You take a seat next to the sink and instead of having to awkwardly tip your head back to be washed, the seat lifts you up and back so that you are pretty much horizontal and very comfortable. The icing on the cake is that the chair you are sitting in is a massage chair. So all the while the ladies are checking the colour, giving it 5 minutes more, shampooing your hair you are receiving this spectacular massage from lower to upper back. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the shampoo lady gives you the most relaxing scalp massage with hair conditioner washing away any tiredness or tension from your day.

It goes without saying that Nawal gave me a clean and efficient cut in no time. After paying the cashier, your receipt and white coat is exchanged with the abaaya lady, who returns your abaaya, leaving you free to head home after a most relaxing and pampered evening.

Manna is situation on Aba Al Khail Street in Rawdah District. Travelling West on Rawdah St. turn right after the Danube, take a u-turn and then a second-right turning. Expect to pay around SR150 for a haircut, SR300-400 on highlights. Complete beauty treatments available eg manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, party and bridal makeup.

Phone: 012 6066627 –  6066628 – 6061917

Opening timings: 10am-10pm

Location: Aba al Khail Street, Al Khalidiyah District.