Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Looking Forward To – Witnessing the total eclipse of the sun in only 8 days! NASA has some really great eclipse material on their website with everything from tracking the total eclipse path, to eye safety and eclipse parties and events so you can enjoy this rare natural phenomena to the fullest.

2. Having Fun with Eclipse Astrology – If you enjoy astrology, you’ll love this video from Kari Samuels on what this upcoming Leo Eclipse may mean for you. She has a delightful take on the meaning and impact this very special eclipse. Even if you don’t buy into any of that astrology hoo-ha, you may still enjoy the video as Kari gives some really good tips on how you can use this natural event to turn inward, using this event as the perfect metaphor to set new intentions for yourself to step into the life your soul intended.

3. Quote I’m Integrating – “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott

4. Radical Thought I’m Having – If I were going to enjoy the gift of inventing myself, who would I be?

5. Recipe I’m Recommending – This is one of the most delicious GF, low-sugar desserts I’ve ever made! It was super easy. I used a springform pan and subbed coconut oil for the butter (so it’s also dairy-free) when making the GF graham cracker crust. Incredible!

6. Traveling with Dietary Restrictions – Next time you’re traveling and looking for an allergy friendly (or just super healthy) locally-owned restaurant, visit a vegan or raw food restaurant. Even if you don’t normally eat vegan or raw, these restaurants are always dairy-free and often have a large gluten-free and corn-free menu selection.

7. Free Bronzer or Blush Offer Ending Soon! – Get a free Infused Glow Bronzer or Infused Mineral Blush with any order through this Sunday! Just add the free bronzer or blush of your choice to your cart and use coupon code BORB17 during checkout!

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Experience I’m Integrating – I’m returning to “reality” this week with my energies aligned, my head empty and my heart full after a six day meditation retreat in the Netherlands. <3

2. Quote I’m Integrating –“How do you become a butterfly?  You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”  – Trina Paulus

3. Bark & Cream are Back! –  Many moons ago we offered a two loose eye shadow shades, “Bark”, a  perfect taupey, matte brown shade widely known as THE BEST BROW FILLER EVER and a wonderful overall neutral shade and “Cream”, the ideal creamy, matte white base shade. I’m excited to announce that we just released these two makeup bag staples in the pressed, refill format, renamed as “Elevation” and “Vellum”. Check them out here!

4. Buyer Beware – Amazon is overcoming the entire US retail market with a selection, shipping and convenience that can’t be beat… but you may not always be getting what you’re paying for. We have experienced first-hand retailers of Afterglow products attempting to sell EXPIRED Afterglow product on Amazon. Amazon has ignored and not responded to all of our attempts to warn them that other retailers are selling expired Afterglow product on the Amazon platform. Amazon has instead chosen profits over their customers’ well being. Be aware that the quality and stability of the products that you purchase on Amazon may not be what you’re expecting when you buy a brand from a random 3rd party retailer. If you must purchase on Amazon we suggest you ONLY do it through the brand that is shipping directly to your door via the Amazon website. Stories of counterfeit, fraudulent, bootleg and expired product being sold on Amazon are rampant and we’re not the only brand affected. The iconic shoe maker Birkenstock is also fighting back against Amazon degrading their brand’s quality and customer experience. Read more here.    

5. Following the Money –  Whenever there’s a radical statement or shift in allopathic medical or nutritional opinion always follow the money before you make an about face. Recently, The American Heart Association made a statement that coconut oil is bad for you. Their motivations for suggesting that known highly inflammatory oils such as canola oil and corn oil are “healthier alternatives” may not be as unbiased and scientific as you might expect from the AHA. The Food Babe breaks down the background and hidden agenda here and medical doctors Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Mercola and Dr. Axe disagree with the AHA and maintain that coconut oil’s healthy. On a lighter note… so does comedian JP Sears.

6. Movie I’m Recommending – During my recent stay in the Netherlands, a number of people remarked to me about how shocked they were during recent trips to the US, to discover how much sugar was added to everything in the US diet. The engaging and funny documentary, That Sugar Film, explains how hidden sugar in your SAD (Standard American Diet) could be affecting your health. Get the DVD from Netflix or watch it on Amazon Prime and pass it on.

7. Our Grand Prize Love Letter Winner #10 – This Love Letter winner was inspired by our Infused Mineral Foundation.  Check out the product that inspired this week’s Love Letter winner here. Thank you  Katie T.! XO

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Video I’m Digging – Trying times are forcing us to wake up and employ tools to discover empowering solutions. Check out this fascinating interview Dr. Tatiana Irvin and Suzette Faith Foster, author of Calling Back Your Power, as they discuss “Enlightened Solutions for Your Medical Insurance Uncertainty”.  

2. Quote I’m Integrating – “We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims.” – Buckminster Fuller

3. BYO Poo – Natural hair salons are still few and far between. I bring this natural shampoo & conditioner to all my hair appointments.  I’ve found that most hair stylists are very open to using the products I bring. I simply tell the stylist I’m working with that I have allergies and prefer to use products that I know are good for my sensitive skin.

4. Recent App I’ve Downloaded – Do you ever wonder what you say when sleep talking? This app will record any nocturnal chattering.    

5. Radical thought I’m Having – I am already whole.   

6. Guiding Myself to Sleep – If you’re struggling to get to sleep, pop in those ear buds and try a free guided meditation for sleep on YouTube.    

7. Our Grand Prize Love Letter Winner #9 – This Love Letter winner was inspired by our most popular and versatile Infused Mineral Blush shade, Tickle. Check out this Infused Mineral Blush shade that inspired this week’s Love Letter winner here. Thank you Deb! XO

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Video I’m Digging – Do this one thing to avoid one of the biggest diseases that affects humanity.   

2. Quote I’m Integrating – “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell

3. Hidden Health Clues in Your DNA – If you have your 23andme DNA report, you can now run your data through this free genetics tool, provided by Dr. Rhonda Kirkpatrick, to read more detailed information about how your specific gene expressions may influence your health and nutrition concerns.

4. Recent Purchase I’m Loving – I found the perfect hack to getting the best night’s sleep without being disturbed by the noisy neighbors. After going through many failed attempts at white noise iPhone apps, I’ve fallen in love with this natural white noise machine. Its creates white noise with fans instead of electronic sounds. 

5. Radical thought I’m Having – I am enough.

6. Be the first! – We are bringing back our best selling eye shadow shades Bark (now called ‘Elevation’, possibly the most perfect neutral taupe brown ever) and Cream (now called ‘Vellum’, a gorgeous creamy white) in a new pressed eye shadow version. They will be available in a short two and a half weeks! If you want to be the first to know when these beauties are back in stock AND receive an exclusive 20% off  coupon code for these eye shadows, email us before the release date to be added to the wait list!

7. Our Grand Prize Love Letter Winner #8 – Thank you for the Love Letter Gloss amor Reese A.! We are working on an amazing new lip gloss formula that we know you will love as much as our classic Hydra Gloss. We hope to exceed your expectations with the latest edition of our lip gloss coming very soon!

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Podcast I’m Recommending – Listen to this incredibly insightful interview with Esther Perel, renowned relationship expert and the author of Mating in Captivity. Esther and Tim discuss what it means to be in a fulfilling relationship as the needs and realities of modern life collide with primal instincts.  

2. Quote I’m Integrating – “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” – Unknown

3. Just a Reminder – Adequate levels of Vitamin D are crucial to health, beauty and disease resiliency. Our indoor lifestyles and constant use of sunscreen mean many of us are well below the healthy range for this life preserving, critical vitamin. For years I had disastrously low vitamin D levels myself. My first step to fixing my vitamin D levels was learning my baseline so I knew where I was and what I needed to do to raise my vitamin D levels to a healthy range. During my annual exam, I asked my gynecologist test my levels. This is an easy way to monitor your D levels and address it if needed with the consistent guidance of your health professional.

4. Travel Hack I’m Loving – Next time you travel, leave the shaving cream at home. Your hair conditioner will easily double as a moisturizing shaving lotion. Try it!

5. Radical thought I’m Having – Step into the question and find your strength in that question.

6. Recovering Stolen Nutrients – Did you know that your prescription medication could be depleting your body of its natural stores of vitamins, minerals and hormones?! This depleting effect could be the source of unexplained side effects when taking prescription medication. The book Drug Muggers sheds much needed light on what supplements you may need to focus on when taking certain drugs to maintain optimal health.

7. Our Grand Prize Love Letter Winner #7 – This Love Letter!  Check out our Infused Mineral Foundation that inspired this week’s Love Letter winner here. Thank you Pam S.! XO

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. A Light in the Darkness – Blind South Sudanese have created a massage clinic called Seeing Hands to offer locals and humanitarian workers relief during very tough times. I love what this group has done to provide blind individuals in war-torn South Sudan with healing skills and a career. Learn more about Seeing Hands here. Please share their mission and if you feel inclined to support them, check out their GoFundMe video and page.

2. Quote I’m Integrating – “You are the sky. Everything else… it’s just the weather.” – Pema Chodron

3. Just a Reminder – Take a walk in nature today… even if it’s raining.

4. Fascia is in Fashion – This simple tool might be the key to reducing or eliminating cellulite and relieving chronic pain by breaking up fascia and increasing circulation. I’ve used it myself to relieve lower back pain. As with any health tool, do your research and listen to your body. 

5. Radical thought I’m Having – What would it take to be more playful with everything I do?

6. The Beauty of Change – Spring: A lovely reminder of how lovely change can truly be.

7. Our Grand Prize Love Letter Winner #6 – This Love Letter!  Check out our Infused Calm Cover that inspired this week’s Love Letter winner here. Thank you Sara T.! XO

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Eating Healthy and Local on Vacation – I just spent 9 glorious days on vacation in the wettest place on earth, the gorgeous garden island of Kauai, Hawaii. I’m so glad that our room had a full kitchen complete with a blender and stove top so we could buy food at the markets in order to eat local and clean for most of our meals!

2. Making Traveling with Supplements Easy – Using these little guys is hands down the easiest way I’ve found to organize and efficiently travel with supplements. These are especially a must have for long trips!

3. Quote I’m Integrating – “What can you do to support other women to feel safe in your presence?” – Emma Clare Juniper

4. Creating Connection Around the World – I’m certain that 2017 will go down as ‘The Year of Sisterhood’. I celebrated International Women’s Day with my powerfully connected Awakened Dreamers meditation group. We sat in meditation at the same time with thousands of women from around the world in love and solidarity as part of Unity’s Synchronized Worldwide Sister Circles.

5. Radical thought I’m Having – The truth is always a gift.

6. Makeup Tool I’m Loving – I so love my sweet, open Eye Shadow Palette. I love the convenience of being able to swap out the five eye shadow shades to match what I need for a week or a trip’s wardrobe selection.

7. Our Grand Prize Love Letter Winner #3 –

A brush of Lustre on my lids
Each morning as I rise
Brings out a sense of confidence
And a twinkle to my eye
No longer fazed by busy days
For Lustre wears them well
Since finding one I truly love
I’ve bid other brands farewell
While some had left me lonely
When allergies came ‘round
My happy ever after
With Afterglow is found

-Anna L. 

Check out the Eco Eye Shadow Shade (Lustre) of Anna’s affection here.

Thank you for being!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Gracefully receiving and gifting compliments – When someone gives you a compliment it’s a gift. Why don’t we receive compliments as the gifts they are? How many times have you rejected a compliment by minimizing it or denying the amazing observation of an aspect that is YOU?  What would it take for you to gift and receive compliments with pure intentioned love for yourself and others?

2. Why Thinking You’re Ugly is Bad for You – This video. As women we can all participate in shifting this for every generation.

3. Diversifying my healthy lunch menu with – Nori! I’m always looking for a new way to mix up my lunch menu. I’ve found nori sheets (the same stuff your sushi rolls use) help me make the most delicious rolls with what I have in my fridge. I make a filling of the random veggies I have on hand, and dress it with avocado, ferments, chicken or fish if you eat meat, sprouts and a drizzle of toasted sesame seed oil and red onion. You can get nori sheets in the Asian food isle at many grocery stores or here online.

4. Quote I’m Integrating – “Cada patada en el culo es un paso ‘pa delante.” (Every kick in the ass is a step forward.)

5. Radical Thought I’m Having – I can reinvent the best version of me in every moment. I’m continuing to ask myself, “Who do I want to be in this moment? What is my most helpful response?”

6. Natural Makeup Product I’m Loving – The unseasonably warm weather has inspired me to break out my favorite shade of Organic Infused Glow Bronzer, Exotic.  In celebration of the warmth… I’m applying liberally! This is an amazing shade if you’re pale to medium skin toned and looking to naturally add more true warmth and sunny highlights to your complexion.

7. Love Letter Winner #2 – Here’s our second grand prize winner of our Love Letter contest. Thank you Christina!

❤️ Love at Fist Sight ❤️
Infused with botanicals,
you blend right in.
Allowing MY beauty
to shine from within.
And, your natural sunblock?
Well, it’s a No Brainer!!
For, I live in the desert?
And SPF keeps me saner.
I ❤️ you, Organic Infused Foundation!
My heart and face are yours!!!

– Christina

Check out the love of which she writes here.

Thanks for staying present!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics

Hey Beautiful!

Here’s my list of little treasures I’ve uncovered recently that are making me happy, healthy, and more beautiful inside and out this week. Please note that some of the links below may randomly be affiliates. Enjoy!

1. Addressing Dry Lips from the Inside – I’ll be the first to admit that a lip balm will not cure your chronic dry lips. I say this even though we make an amazing, luxury organic lip balm. Regardless of the brand, lip balm simply soothes the superficial manifestation of your dry lips… but it doesn’t cure it. I’ve noticed that since I went on my hormone shifting diet guided by the amazing online program, Cooking for Balance by Magdalena Wszelaki, all my “dry issues” have disappeared. I attribute this to eating more healthy fats and healing my gut, which has allowed me to fully absorb more nutrients.

2. Podcast That’s Inspiring Me – Dear Sugar: How Do I Find The Courage To Be My Own Guide?

3. Falling in Love with Hemp – If you haven’t started using hemp hearts (aka hemp seeds) and hemp milk as an upgraded, healthy alternative to dairy and nut milk, they are worth trying. Gluten-free, sugar-free and nut-free, hemp hearts and hemp milk are mild in flavor and their benefits exceed the benefits of many other proteins. In fact, hemp’s a complete protein, and provides more digestible protein than eggs, cheese and meat. They are insanely nutritious and rich in Vitamin E, healthy fats and minerals. If my comment about being “dry on the inside” resonated with you, you may be interested to know that they’re also an excellent source of essential fatty acids including the perfect balance of Omega 3, 6 and GLA. Even though hemp is associated with its medicinal cousin, marijuana, commercial hemp has undetectable amounts of THC and is legal to consume in every state in the USA. I get my hemp milk from Whole Foods and my organic hemp hearts for my smoothies and salads here.

4. Quote I’m Integrating – “Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror.” – Byron Katie

5. Radical thought I’m Having – It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

6. Feeling the Love – Every year we hold a Love Letters Contest asking you to write a love letter to your favorite Afterglow product for Valentine’s Day. The first 100 thoughtful entries automatically win a full size product. We choose ten love letters that kept us blushing to win $100 gift certificates. We love hearing your stories and seeing your beautiful creativity shine through. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  We will be announcing the winners and their letters over the next few weeks. Here’s the first winner…

7. Love Letter Winner #1 –

Dear Shortcake (under eye concealer),

You are my love, my light for the darkness under my eyes. All those late nights up doing homework or sick from Celiac, you are right there to comfort my tired eyes. My eyes brighten as soon as you touch my skin with your silky presence. So soft, gentle and beautiful.

My days brighten when I know I can count on you, my shortcake, to put the light on the dark so my preschool students are not scared.

I can also count on you to be easy on my eyes and prevent me from getting sick. You are not like the other concealers, oh no, you don’t hide your ingredients and you are faithful all day helping me look my best. Other concealers boast of natural ingredients but you don’t have to boast. The proof is immediate, right when you are under my eye.

I know being gluten free, like me, we will always be great together in any kind of weather. I tell my gluten free group about you because I know they would love you like I do. I shout out to the world how much I love you because I want everyone else to know how lovely you are.

My shortcake, I can never do without you. One day without you would be miserable which is why I keep you close to my makeup bag. You will always be near me and I near you.

Shortcake, thank you for holding my hand through the darkness under my eye. Thank you for lighting up my life.

With much love, 

Christina Griffin aka Your Valentine   

Check out the love of which she writes here.

Thanks for staying present!

Love & Light,

Kristin
CEO & Founder | Afterglow Cosmetics