Category: For A Good Cause

  • End of Summer Self-Care on Daytime Chicago

    End of Summer Self-Care on Daytime Chicago

    The kids are heading back to class, and it’s time to take a deep breath. You’ve got all the back to school essentials for them, and now its time to take care of YOU! 

    Now, let’s just say not EVERYONE is getting a break from the kiddos when school starts. Let’s once again give a shout-out to our teachers! I ❤️ this partnership with Lubriderm and AdoptAClassroom.org. Teachers can register at www.lubridermclasssweeps.com to win $200 towards supplies for the 22-23 school year. Lubriderm is giving the cash prize to over 900 winners. That means $200 for over 900 classrooms. If you’re a teacher or know one, please encourage them to register at www.lubridermclasssweeps.com

    Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Free
    PRICE: $8.00
    SHOP: Mass Retailers
    • Replenish and moisturize dry skin with Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Free
    • Fortified with Pro-Vitamin B5 and skin-essential moisturizers, the fast-absorbing formula leaves users with a clean, non-greasy feeling that lasts for 24 hours

    While you’re at the drugstore, go ahead and grab a mask, momma. These face masks by Burt’s Bees are some of my favorites and such a deal at $2.99. I’m obsessed with the Calming Sheet Mask with Rose. It seriously takes my whole being down a notch. 

    Burt’s Bees Face Masks
    PRICE: Starting at $2.99
    SHOP: @Burtsbees.com
    • Five minutes or less to refine tired skin.
    • Relax and rejuvenate tired, stressed skin with the complete set of Burt’s Bees single use masks, including three facial masks, one lip mask and one pair of eye masks.
    • Ingredients like Charcoal, Clary Sage and Meadowfoam Seed Oil leave your skin soft and invigorated in just one treatment.

    If taking a break for a mask isn’t your jam, we got you covered. You just need a dose of Vitamin C (Tonya’s fave) to brighten up the summer’s damage. I brought on Lumene’s SPF a while ago and we ooohh and awed. Now, let me introduce you to the Valo Artic Cocktail. She’s even so pretty to look at!

    Lumene Valo Arctic Berry Cocktail
    PRICE: $24.99
    SHOP: @CVS
    Replenish even the driest skin with this unique bi-phase hydra-oil.
    A replenishing blend of Wild Arctic Cloudberry and Cranberry Seed Oils with a cocktail of Vitamins C, B3 and B5, Omega Fatty Acids and Pure Arctic Spring Water, for perfectly hydrated, radiant and velvety smooth looking skin.
    Free from Parabens, Formaldehyde Donors and Mineral Oil
    Wild Arctic Cloudberry
    – Source of natural potent Vitamin C and Ellagitannins
    – Skin brightening & energizing properties

    If you’re a mature mom like me, you’re mood and skin may be acting a bit odd these days. Sound familiar? While I can’t suggest anything for your mood swings, I’m obsessed with this Chicago Based skincare brand. Suki is so clean and also so calming if you’re peri-eh-hem, meno-cycling like me.

    Suki MenoCycle
    @amazon and Sukiskincare.com
    For celebrating your skin and embracing what’s next. Our MenoCycle Collection was designed to treat the hormonal changes and hot flashes experienced by women in perimenopause and menopause. 

    And if you’re looking for the next level (HELLO AMY), you can always splurge on a therapy mask to work at a cellular LED level. This should get your skin plump and pretty in no time and even work on your teenager’s acne! 
    Use WGN30 (30% off of the LUSTRE ClearSkin RENEW Pro Facewear) 

    LUSTRE ClearSkin RENEW Pro Facewear Mask
    PRICE: $475
    SHOP: @Lustreclearskin.us
    • LUSTRE ClearSkin RENEW Pro Facewear Mask is the first and only flexible and wireless LED therapy mask available on the market
    • It’s made of flexible silicone to adhere to the face and includes built in eye protection and an adjustable strap for comfort. 
    • The mask itself features three different light sources (blue, red, infrared) that work to address blemish prone, uneven, and dull skin revealing visibly clearer, fresher, and softer looking skin – naturally
    The LUSTRE ClearSkin RENEW Pro Facewear Mask is fully customizable though the LUSTRE app (available iOS & Android) allowing the user to control what light source they use and the areas they wish to treat. This allows the whole family to use the mask – an investment for the full family. 

  • Celebrate Black-Owned Beauty on Suncoast View

    Celebrate Black-Owned Beauty on Suncoast View

    February is Black History Month and a fabulous time to celebrate some of my favorite black-owned beauty brands. Today on Suncoast View I shared three brands that are driven by science, nature, and results and fastly becoming some of the most sought after hair and skincare.

    Mielle Organics is a black-owned beauty brand started by registered nurse Monique Rodriguez. Her background in science and focus on health from the inside out inspired Monique to share her regimen of healthy, tailbone-length hair with the masses. Mother, Entrepreneur, Black, and a Beauty Icon.
    Mielle Organics, the fastest-growing black-owned, and women-led global beauty brand announced the release of its new Sea Moss Collection this holiday season. The beauty brand is celebrating the new year with an initial in-store release of the new collection in select Target locations across the U.S. The new product line will also be available in select CVS locations in late January and additional retailers in 2022. The Sea Moss Collection will include five new products promoting the benefits of sea moss and anti-shedding inspired by naturalistas who are often affected by shedding due to stress, illness, aging, postpartum hair loss, and more. The soft launch of the new collection sold out online in less than 72 hours.

    Annagjid “Kee” Taylor is another bright star in the hair game. She is the owner of Deeper Than Hair – Philly’s 1st natural hair care salon and creator of the Shear Genius hair products. Her First Class to Jamaica Black Castor Oil is one of the most versatile products for all hair types. It’s known to promote hair growth, moisturize dry hair, eliminate dandruff and itchy scalp, strengthen thin hair, and prevent hair breakage to improve the overall health of your hair. Kee is certainly busy as a salon owner and entrepreneur but has even found time to write a book. All Hair is Good Hair tells the story of 10-year-old learning to love her natural God-given hair.

    Aforé Beauty Founder Dr. Julius Few MD is a board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon with offices in Chicago and Los Angeles. Dr. Few is both an inspiring mentor for the next generation and a premier provider of age-defying products, surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. His life’s work is to provide natural-looking results by strategically blending cutting-edge surgical, non-surgical treatments, and quality products that enhance results from home.
    Using Dr. Julius Few’s innovative Four-Dimensional Beauty approach, Aforé condenses the best in clinically-validated, proven formulas into simple skincare regimens. Formulated, tested, and prescribed by Dr. Few, Aforé was ultimately designed to deliver natural beauty to every skin type and tone.








  • Mindful Beauty on AM Northwest

    Mindful Beauty on AM Northwest

    Are you looking to be more mindful with your beauty and self-care purchases in 2022? Well, you’re in luck since more and more beauty brands are opting in for cleaner and greener products that multi-task without compromising results. Whether you’re looking for winter skin relief, a quick soothing mist, or even some zen aromatherapy, STG has you covered. Today we visited our friends at AM Northwest in Portrland to share some skin hydrating and mindful beauty products.

    The Healer:
    ALAFFIA WHIPPED SHEA BUTTER & COCONUT OIL
    PRICE: $14.00
    SHOP: @Target
    • Deeply nourish your dry skin with Alaffia Whipped Shea Butter & Coconut Oil. The extra-emollient formulation is unscented and designed to nourish, soften, smooth, and protect your skin.
    • Alaffia’s Shea Butter & Coconut Oil is sustainably grown and produced in West Africa with fair trade and unrefined shea butter and ethically sourced coconut oil.
    • Traditional handcrafting methods ensure protection of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that deeply nourish the skin. This delicate coconut shea butter whip is crafted with the most sensitive skin in mind.
    • No sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no synthetic fragrance, no artificial color, no mineral oil, and never tested on animals 

    The Multi-Purpose Mist:
    Mario Badescu’s VEGAN Facial Spray with Aloe, Adaptogens and Coconut Water
    PRICE: $9.00SHOP: @Ulta
    • Hydrate thirsty, sensitive skin with a rejuvenating blend of Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, Coconut water and Adaptogens to support skin elasticity and to protect against free radicals and dark spots. • The brand created this spray after they heard loud and clear how much their consumers believe in clean skincare. Going forward all new products are taking this clean approach into account – making sure every launch is as effective and as clean as possible• Vegan, cruelty-free and free of: Dye, Fragrance, Parabens, Phthalates, Silicon, Sulfates and Mineral Oil.  
     • They believe in having an option for everyone, and hoping that with clean products such as this spray, consumers will find something that speaks to them and addresses their specific skincare needs. 
    • How to Use: Mist onto face, neck, or hair as needed. Use it to infuse more hydration before or after applying moisturizer, as a pick-me-up on the go, or post-makeup application to give skin a dewy finish. If product gets into eyes, rinse well with water. 

    The ULTIMATE Hair Remedy:
    RAHUA HYDRATION HEROES
    PRICE: $152.00
    SHOP: @Rahua.com
    Brand Mindfulness
    • Intensely hydrates each strand to quench thirsty hair
    • Smooths and softens coarse, thick, and curly hair
    • Glide comb through hair with ease
    • Provides UV defense for photoprotection
    • Prevents breakage
    • Restores moisture and brings luster to damaged hair
    • Blocks humidity, tames frizz
    • Smooths and softens
    • Enhances shine

    The Serum:
    ORPHEUS Resurrection All-in-One Serum
    PRICE: $130
    SHOP: @Amazon
    An ancient botanical concentrate, our Resurrection All-In-One Serum transforms the overall complexion and texture of even the most tired and stressed skin. With our Youth-restoring Orpheus Flower Cell Peptide Complex®, it plumps skin from within, stimulating natural collagen synthesis and activating DNA repair for a replenished, radiant appearance.
    A silky, lightweight formula supercharged with anti-wrinkle peptides, advanced form of vitamin C, Niacinamide, super moisturizing Snow mushroom extract and wild indigo – a unique anti-stress adaptogen botanical that calms and de-stresses skin, reducing redness and inflammation. Skin’s elasticity increases as the length and depth of wrinkles visibly decrease, for youthful, ‘reborn’ skin.

    The Mood:
    Not all candles save pups and work to fight cancer. Indigo Wild is a clean brand making ZUM candles with a passion and a purpose


    ZUM GLOW Candles by Indigo Wild
    PRICE: $15.50
    SHOP: @Indigowild.com 
    At Indigo Wild, we pour our passion for aromatherapy, natural ingredients, and essential oils in to our premium line of Zum products for body and home. Zum Glow Candles are made with paraffin-free soy wax and essential oils for a clean, aromatherapeutic burn.

  • Clean and Green Beauty on WGN’s Daytime TV

    Clean and Green Beauty on WGN’s Daytime TV

    Are you looking to live a cleaner-greener life? Maybe you’re not ready to go all-in vegan but switching up other aspects and actions can be super easy and make a big impact. STG is back in Chicago on Daytime TV to share some fun ways to keep it clean and green from brands that are making serious strides to clean up their products for our health and planet!

    The FACE! For some reason, we are programmed to think we need to use super strong ingredients and chemicals to get results with our skincare. NOT TRUE! Some of the most potent ingredients come from plants and nature. Like Pure Retinols in Bliss and the healing and toning clays in Sand & Sky.

    BLISS Youth Got This
    SHOP: @Ulta
    In 2021, Bliss became the first mass and drug skincare brand to receive B Corp Certification. This certification confirms that Bliss meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
    · Bliss packaging and formulas are created to consciously minimize the impact on the planet. The brand has an official partnership with TerraCycle to ensure that all packaging is 100% recyclable and to redirect packaging from landfills. Through the Bliss Recycling Program, consumers can now send in all Bliss personal care products and packaging to be recycled for free.
    · By prioritizing waste reduction initiatives, Bliss saved more than 340,000 square feet of single-use waste and an additional 900 lbs of unnecessary packaging waste from being generated in 2020 alone.

    Sand & Sky
    SHOP: @sandandsky.com
    As a clean beauty brand with locally sourced botanicals, Sand & Sky makes it a mission to tread lightly at every step of the journey. From bush to bathroom, the brand is committed to protecting the environment and giving back to local communities while creating clean skincare that works.• Clean skincare with no sulfates, silicones, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, and mineral oils, among other common nasties.   
    • All Sand & Sky packaging is 100% recyclable. The brand is also committed to using recycled materials in packaging wherever possible, with a target of less than 5% virgin plastics by 2022. 

    Lips are a hot or rather chapped topic this time of year. We’ve talked about Lanolips for moms and babies before but nothing is as clean for lips on all of us. It simply heals with “above medical grade” Aussie lanolin and so many other natural skin soothers

    Lano Fruity Babies Trio
    PRICE: $13.59
    SHOP: Exclusively @target
    – Lano is an Australian clean beauty brand that does not use petrolatum, parabens, artificial fragrance,  mineral oil, sulfates,  PEG’s or animal cruelty.
    – Has 101 uses! They can be used to help with extremely dry and chapped lips, skin patches, cuticles, and more.
    – The trio includes the three best-selling 100% natural flavors – Strawberry 101 Ointment, Coconutter 101 Ointment, and Minty 101 Ointment.- Lanolips uses ultra-pure grade Aussie lanolin (above medical grade).
    – 101 Ointment offers a safer, more effective, and 100% natural alternative to common petroleum-based balms.

    Body care is notorious for using synthetic dyes and fragrances and the packaging tends to be larger and also fills up landfills. But not Pangea. This passionate body care line is pure and sustainable. They keep it clean from soil to skin! 

    Pangea Organics
    SHOP: @PangeaOrganics.com
    • Pangea is a prestige collection of skin and body care products furled by rich, plant-based bioactive ingredients and 100% sustainable packaging, 
    • Pangea’s mission is to bring consumers the first plant-based and sustainable collection of formulas from soil to skin within plastic-free packaging that is fully recyclable aluminum bottles that are recyclable, renewable and compostable. 
    • Every innovation is packed with highly concentrated formulations with each ingredient — from Canadian Pine to Egyptian Geranium to Moroccan Cedar — telling a personal story of Pangea’s Founder’s travels.

    And last but not least, there simply is nothing like Enviro Cloth. It basically does it all. Eliminates over use of paper, cleans without harmful toxic sprays, and may be the best makeup remover cloth we’ve ever used.

    Norwex Enviro Cloth
    PRICE: $18.99
    SHOP: @Norwex.biz
    *Norwex’s EnviroCloth is kind to the environment and your wallet. This microfiber wondercloth only uses water to remove up to 99% of bacteria from just about any home surface – which means you don’t have to use any harmful chemicals when cleaning your home. 
    *The EnviroCloth is made from 70% recycled materials, and because they’re reusable, they’ll end up in your laundry – not a landfill.  
    *The BacLock technology in the microfiber self-purifies within 24 hours, so you can use these over and over again before washing.

  • Clean Up Your Beauty on WGN Daytime

    Clean Up Your Beauty on WGN Daytime

    Chicago has a brand new lifestyle show on WGN called Daytime, and I got to drop by to share some of my favorite clean beauty finds. Check out our segment if you’re looking to spruce up your beauty routine without all that animal testing, added plastics, synthetics freagrances, harsh chemicals…well, you get the drift. AND we tested each and every product out to make sure it delivers on efficacy while keeping it safe for you and your family.

    This could be the best hand soap you’ll ever use, and we know you’re using a ton of it right now. Plus, it’s fun to make and has nothing synthetic and pure plant-based. We’re OBSESSED!


    Hello Foaming Hand Wash Starter Kit
    PRICE: $8.99

    SHOP: @Hello-Products.com
    Includes 1 refillable glass bottle + 1 foaming hand wash tablet
    • One tablet makes 8 fl oz of glorious foaming hand wash – just add water
    • Rocks plant-based ingredients and all-natural fragrances
    • No artificial fragrances, dyes, harsh preservatives, SLS/sulfates
    • Available in two friendly scents: aloe + sea mineral and lavender + eucalyptus

    Tonics and toners are all the rage, but most of those skincare spritzers are loaded with synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Go back to the basics with the amazing skin balancing powers of this uber clean brand of Witch Hazel.

    Dickinson’s Pore Perfecting Toner
    PRICE: $6.99
    SHOP: @CVS
    This pore perfecting toner refreshes skin and refines pores, removing excess oil, dirt and makeup residue without overdrying. Its 100% natural formula contains no added fragrance or dyes. Our exclusive blend of witch hazel plant extracts creates its signature botanical scent and make it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin every day.• Paraben Free• Phthalate Free
    • Formaldehyde Donor Free
    Pore perfecting benefits tones pores, removes & balances oil, soothes & refreshes, helps depuff and dermatologist recommended.

    Let’s be clear, when it comes to the face you want something that works, doesn’t irritate, and is easy to use. We are loving everything about this new brand at Target, plus it’s super clean and lightweight.

    Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Moisturizer 
    PRICE: $16.99
    SHOP: @Target
    Hydrate, brighten and smooth skin with this multi-tasking vitamin C, oil-free moisturizer
    • Weightless gel formula delivers brightening actives and hydrators to balance skin (a must-have for combination and oily skin types!), while creating a smooth canvas to grip makeup
    • Brightening, antioxidant-rich ginger, vitamin C, and turmeric, paired with soothing aloe water and hydrating hyaluronic acid
    • Lightweight moisturizer leaves your skin radiant, even-toned, and smooth

    There’s a reason why Defenage is such a cult favorite among celebs and docs. The brand combines cutting-edge science with nature and the products deliver serious results. They also keep their formulas free of known toxins and ban all human and animal derived ingredients. 

    DefenAge® 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream
    PRICE: $184
    SHOP: @Defenage
    DefenAge® 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream, launched 9-1-2021, is formulated with enhanced clean beauty and safety standards in mind, and complies with DefenAge’s ban on any human- or animal-derived ingredients or media collected from living cells.
    • DefenAge’s 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream reprograms your dormant cells to create new skin cells from head to toe. 
    • DefenAge® 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream enhances visible firmness and cosmetic elasticity, addresses crepey skin, boosts long-lasting hydration and radiance, improves the look, softness, and textural feel of the skin on the elbows and knees, smooths and softens the skin on hands, and pairs well with body contouring procedures and skin rejuvenation treatments.

    Nail polishes have been cleaning up their act for many years, but Nails.Inc has really lead the way with a formula that adheres to the nail and stays so glossy. The colors are just fab too.

    Nails.INC Plant Power Plant-Based Polish
    SHOP: @SallyBeauty
    Keeping it clean and green, Nails.INC Plant Power nail polish is now available at Sally. All powered by Nails.INC’s revolutionary 73% plant-based formula, the vegan, cruelty-free, halal-friendly and ‘21 free’ polishes work overtime to be kinder and gentler on nails, with no compromise on color quality or wear time. Plus, each bottle is topped with an FSC-certified, 100% recyclable wooden cap. Be fearless. Available in new shades: Switch Off, Free Time Is Me Time, Mindfulness Mantra, Mani Meditation, Everyday Self-Care, Weekday Wellness, Detox on Repeat, U Ok Hun?, And Breathe, Clean To The Core, Time For a Reset, Eco Ego, What’s Your Spirituality?, Soul Surfing, Spiritual Gangster, Flex My Complex, Swear By Salutation, Zen Out Of Zen 

  • Happy National Beach Day 🏝

    Happy National Beach Day 🏝


    What better way to celebrate National Beach Day than with our friends in Sunny Florida. Today we shared all our favorite essentials to you hydrated, glam, and protected from the rays for all the fun in the sun you can handle.

    Have you seen the new summer accessory of 2021 that combines beach hat and glasses all-in-one? Oh and it has built-in UPF 50+

    Araya Visors
    SHOP: @MyAraya.com

    The sun is responsible for 80% of skin aging.
    Our visors carry a certified UPF 50+ rating and block 98-100% UVA/UVB rays.
    They offer eye health by shielding the cornea and retina from UV radiation.
    UV radiation weakens skin elasticity, causes hyperpigmentation or sun spots, and can lead to skin cancer. Women who are pregnant are at risk for developing chloasma of the skin, a darkening around the cheeks, upper lip, and eyes, due to the heightened levels of hormones. One serious sunburn in childhood can double your risk of developing melanoma.
    Araya visors are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and available in 5 unique and stylish custom colors. We offer three sizes and two band options.
    Our visors are shipped in 100% recycled kraft corrugated cardboard. Even our packing tape is made from eco-friendly kraft paper, which means the box is actually recyclable, unlike most packaging tape!

    If you’re bringing the kiddies with you, I AM OBSESSED with this SPF for the little ones. It’s so easy to apply so less fighting while applying


    MDSolarSciences KIDCreme SPF 50
    PRICE: $35.00
    SHOP: @MDSolarSciences.com

    This gentle, emollient unscented and water-resistant crème is perfect for children’s delicate skin and provides powerful broad spectrum protection. Mineral KidCrème is creamy, easy-to-apply and goes on silky smooth. Finally, a mineral sunscreen perfect for little ones (and the whole family!) that is quick to apply and feels great. The mineral formula won’t run into or sting eyes, even when swimming or sweating, which means more smiles and longer days at the beach. No more squirming or running away from the sunscreen tube. Simply shake, slather, and go!

    Packing the cooler? For the same price as that plastic bottle of infused water, you could bring on some ultra-hydrating and YUMMY coconut cans baby!

    Once Upon A Coconut
    PRICE: $21.99 for 12 Pack
    SHOP: @onceuponacoconut
    .com
    Two varieties and a third coming. Legend has it, coconut water was made to tame the most ferocious of thirsts. Turn the page to a new chapter of hydration inspired by hot sandy beaches and cool ocean breezes of land far, far away. This water was destined to be perfected by the coconut. Once Upon A Coconut is the coconut water brand with a purpose. Once Upon A Coconut comes in two delicious varieties – Pure and Sparkling + Energy. Once Upon A Coconut is different from other coconut waters on the market because it’s made with young coconuts instead of mature, making it more refreshing with a sweeter flavor filled with potassium, calcium, and magnesium (all electrolytes).

    Beach babes are sunkissed and care-free so no one needs all that makeup. Just a little tinted SPF please and your trusted waterproof mascara and maybe liner

    BIÂN Tinted SPF 30
    PRICE: $60
    SHOP: @TheBoxByDrAva.com

    Sunscreen is essential. The number one cause of skin issues and aging is sun exposure, and the best way to protect yourself is with good sunscreen. BIÂN SPF 30 Tinted Daily Sunscreen is luxurious and can be used all over the body, combining superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ protection with all-day oil control, gentle hydration, and age-defying antioxidant benefits.
    BIÂN SPF 30 Tinted Daily Sunscreen was hand picked by Dr Ava Shamban to be the featured as THE ONLY SPF in The Box By Dr Ava Summer 2021.
    BIÂN SPF30 Tinted Daily Sunscreen was formulated by Plastic Surgeon Julius Few, MD, to be a hydrating sunscreen with a natural tint, making it great for use as a makeup primer.


    JOAH Beauty Lash UPrising Waterproof Mascara
    PRICE: $9.99
    SHOP: www.joahbeauty.com

    Join the lash movement! Revolutionary high impact waterproof mascara with volume-maximizing brush precisely coats and conditions each lash for fierce volume, length and lift. Balloon Air Powder Complex delivers weightless volume for all-day comfort.
    • 90% saw full volume and instant lengthening effect*
    • 93% saw lifted lashes*
    • 87% saw no fallout and loved their lash look*
    • Free of parabens and phthalates; cruelty free

    Getting too hot? No worries do as the jet-setters do and spritz with benefits

    Codex Beauty Antu Radiance Mist
    PRICE: $65
    SHOP: @CodexBeauty.com

    An invigorating spray that soothes and revitalizes skin. Packed with the AntüComplex™ formula, as well as AHA-rich Mombin Plum and Mango, this refreshing radiance spray gently exfoliates and re-hydrates skin, and is clinically proven to refine the appearance of pores. Antü radiance mist is designed for all skin types and is especially great for dull, dry, tired, or uneven skin.