The cosmetic contact lens market has grown exponentially with the rise of social media and the advancement of lens technology. With a predicted CAGR of 9.92%, it seems more and more people are getting into the craze. Lenses are a great way to breathe some new life into your look without doing anything permanent.
Even though contact lenses are primarily used as an alternative vision aid to glasses, tons of people get cosmetic contacts for purely aesthetic purposes. Of course, getting a quick eye consultation is still essential to ensure you are using safe lenses that fit your eyes properly. Once you’ve got that out of the way, there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your style.
A guide to buying colored contacts
When searching for the perfect lenses, you must first decide how long you will wear them. Are you planning to have extended periods wearing your lenses? Will you be using them more than once?
These initial questions will help you narrow your options. You can choose between daily contact lenses and monthly ones. A disposable contact lens is more cost-efficient if you’re only going to use it once, but you’re better off with extended-wear ones if you foresee multiple uses.
Buying online is a great way to see various brands, styles, and prices easily when looking for colored contacts. If you want tons of variety for events, you may want to look at something like Dailies Colors. This comes in four colors in a box of 30 or 90 disposables. Just make sure you get your pairs from a reputable platform. After all, you don’t want to end up irritating your eyes and even risking blindness.
An excellent way to check a brand or retailer’s legitimacy is to check their selling policy. Contacts Direct requires buyers to have a prescription before purchasing lenses, even if they are just for cosmetic purposes. This is because they are still classified as medical devices. This type of platform also allows you to get a year-long subscription if you prefer a steady supply.
Cosmetic lenses to try out
The main range you will likely want to start with is realistic contacts, as these already make a difference in your look but don’t feel like such a drastic change. Because there are already so many “natural” hues in the eye color spectrum, you should already have a lot of options to play around with. Realistic contacts are also trending, already boosting your look and easily paired with different accessories.
If you want a more out-there look, you can use vibrant colors or costume lenses that visually manipulate the sclera or retina. Thanks to innovation in the cosmetic lens industry, all manner of shapes, colors, and patterns are available now. This makes creating variety in your look easier without sacrificing comfort and safety.
Styling your contacts
Starting with the most drastic shift, you can quickly go for a full-on costume if the occasion calls for it. Cosplayers often opt for scleral lenses, which cover the entire surface of their eyes. The original medical purpose of these was to provide moisture to alleviate dry eyes, but their coverage makes for the perfect cosmetic application. This would be the way to go if you ever want to look like an alien or an anime character.
You can also lean into the many hair trends of the summer and match them with the right contacts to elevate your entire aesthetic. Ash and mushroom-tone hair with layered highlights are making a real comeback, so you can pair this with emerald green or royal blue contacts. Think of how each color brings out your skin’s warmer or cooler tones, making for the perfect aura whenever you go out.
Makeup can also do wonders. If eyes are the windows to the soul, dressing the awnings up can make it more inviting. You can play with your eyeshadow and lips to create pops or stick to a monochrome look that you can then contrast with a different-colored lens. Just make sure you avoid putting eyeliner too close to the inside rim of your eyelids when wearing lenses, as this can make you more prone to infection. Close and cover your eyes well if you use a setting spray, as this tends to adhere to the surface of lenses.
There’s a timeless charm in adorning your home with fresh flowers, and what better way to do so than by “shopping” your own garden? This is something I learned from my good friend Eddie Ross, years ago! Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, your outdoor space can be a treasure trove of blooms waiting to grace your indoor vases. Here’s why you should consider picking from your garden for your next floral arrangement:
Embrace Seasonality
One of the joys of gardening is experiencing the rhythm of the seasons. By picking flowers from your garden, you can create arrangements that reflect the time of year, whether it’s the vibrant hues of summer or the muted tones of autumn. Seasonal blooms not only add visual interest but also connect you to the natural world outside your door.
Personalized Touch
When you gather flowers from your garden, you’re not just selecting generic stems from a store; you’re curating a bouquet with personal significance. Each bloom carries memories of nurturing and care, making your arrangement a reflection of your gardening journey. Whether it’s a favorite rose bush or a cluster of wildflowers you stumbled upon, incorporating these elements adds a unique touch to your home decor.
Eco-Friendly Option
Opting for flowers from your garden is not only convenient but also eco-friendly. You’re reducing the carbon footprint associated with commercial flower production and transportation. Plus, you have full control over how your flowers are grown, ensuring they’re free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Tips for Creating Stunning Arrangements
Now that you’re inspired to shop your garden for vase-worthy blooms, here are a few tips to help you create stunning arrangements:
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and heights. Mix blooms of varying shapes and sizes to add dimension to your arrangement.
- Consider Foliage: Greenery from your garden can serve as the perfect filler for your vase. Incorporate leaves, branches, or herbs to complement your flowers and add visual interest.
- Don’t Forget the Vessel: The right vase can elevate your floral arrangement. Choose a container that complements your flowers and fits the style of your home decor.
- Refresh Regularly: To prolong the life of your arrangement, change the water every few days and trim the stems at an angle. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures your flowers stay fresh longer.
Next time you’re in need of a floral fix, step outside and explore the botanical wonders in your own backyard. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply brightening up your living space, shopping your garden for vase-worthy blooms is a sustainable and soul-nourishing choice.
The sun affects your home in many different ways. Some of them are beneficial, but others can cause damage. Of course, you can’t control the sun. So what can you do? Staying on top of home maintenance is a massive help, from flooring treatments to refreshing the paintwork.
Grimy Buildups in Water
Plant life thrives in the sun because sunlight and water help it create food. It’s a very complex system, so we go into it here. However, what you need to know is that plant life and other microorganisms can take over your home if left unchecked. This is particularly bad for water features like ponds, gutters, and even swimming pools. Hire a pool cleaning service to ensure things like algae and leaves are removed, and power washes the gutters now and then.
Fading Carpets and Wood
Over time, the sun can cause colors to fade. This is noticeable when you remove a picture from a wall! This isn’t usually a concern because you can always just paint the walls once more. But what about expensive flooring such as carpets and wood? The sun will cause these to fade, too. Shading, such as curtains and blinds, will only go so far. Wood and carpet fluorocarbon carpet protector treatments will help prevent the sun from fading the colors of your precious materials.
The Sun Affects Your Home Lighting
Of course, the sun allows light into your home. A home flooded with natural light has many benefits. For example, the heat can help lower utility bills, and a brighter home has wellness benefits. SAD lamps are a great holistic approach to anxiety relief. But natural light is better. Because of this, 80% of people want more natural light in their homes. There are a few things you can try to make better use of natural light. Skylights and glass doors will help.
Cracked and Peeling Paint
Heat from the sun can take its toll on the walls of your home. Over time, exposure to the sun will cause wallpaper to peel and paint to crack. Wallpaper isn’t anything to worry about. However, cracked and peeling paint is potentially hazardous. Paint before the 1980s could contain lead, and this is deadly if ingested, especially to children who like to eat it since lead tastes like sugar! However, even modern peeling paint can cause issues such as particles you can breathe in.
Antibacterial Properties of UV Lighting
There is another well-founded argument for increasing the amount of natural light in your home. Most people aren’t aware that UV rays (natural or artificial) are antibacterial. In fact, most water treatment plants use UV rays to clean drinking water. This makes the case for flooding your home with natural light. The kitchen and bathrooms, in particular, will benefit the most from this. This means that the sunlight you let in can actually help keep your home free from germs.
Summary
Grimy buildups in water, such as in swimming pools, are just one way the sun affects your home. Natural light from the sun is a big help in homes, including creating a sense of wellbeing. And the UV rays from sunlight also have antibacterial properties for a germ-free home.
Cinco de Mayo, is a day celebrated with vibrant colors, lively music, and, of course, delicious Mexican cuisine and cocktails! As we gear up to honor Mexican culture and heritage, what better way to elevate your festivities than with two iconic cocktails infused with the authentic flavors of Mexico? Let’s dive into crafting the perfect Spicy Margarita and Classic Paloma using Ripe Bar Juice – guaranteed to spice up your Cinco de Mayo fiesta!
Spicy Margarita Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- 1-2 slices jalapeño
- Ripe Bar Juice Spicy Margarita Mix
- Ice
- Tajín or salt (for rimming, optional)
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with Tajín or salt (optional) by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into Tajín or salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño slices to release their fiery flavor.
- Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top off with Ripe Bar Juice Spicy Margarita Mix for an extra kick.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
- ¡Salud! Enjoy your Spicy Margarita and the fiery spirit of Cinco de Mayo!
The Spicy Margarita embodies the bold flavors of Mexico with its perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Ripe Bar Juice’s Spicy Margarita Mix adds an extra layer of complexity, making it a must-have for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Classic Paloma Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Ripe Bar Juice Classic Margarita Mix
- Club soda
- Ice
- Grapefruit wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the glass.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top off with Ripe Bar Juice Classic Margarita Mix, leaving some room at the top.
- Fill the remainder of the glass with club soda.
- Give it a gentle stir to marry all the flavors.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
- ¡Viva México! Savor the refreshing taste of the Classic Paloma and raise a toast to Cinco de Mayo!
The Classic Paloma is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that embodies the essence of Mexican hospitality. With Ripe Bar Juice’s Classic Margarita Mix, you’ll experience the authentic flavors of Mexico with every sip, making it the perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.
So, as you prepare to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with friends and family, shake things up with these flavorful cocktails featuring Ripe Bar Juice. Let the festivities begin, and may your Cinco de Mayo be filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of delicious drinks! ¡Salud y felicidades!
Finch Home & Co is teaming with Furniture Sharehouse and Rye Country Day School students to host a small furniture and accessories drive this Saturday from 12PM – 3 PM at RCDS (Cedar Street) in the parking lot! If you’ve been holding on to smaller, apartment-sized items such as kitchen tables and chairs, lamps, small rugs, tables, gently used sets of bedding, kitchen accessories, and items, we’d love to help get it to families in need in Westchester County!
DESIGN STUDIO: www.finchhomeco.com
www.finchandco.com
INSTA: @finchandco_home
In a world where hustle and bustle seem to be the norm, finding moments of tranquility and comfort becomes increasingly vital. Enter Quiet Culture, a beacon of serenity and style in the realm of sleepwear.
At the helm of Quiet Culture is Tawnya Quiet, a visionary who embarked on a remarkable journey of reinvention at the age of 59. Rather than settling into the comforts of retirement, Tawnya chose to pursue her decade-long dream of reshaping cotton poplin pajamas. Recognizing a gap in the market for sleepwear that seamlessly blends style, comfort, and functionality, she set out to redefine the sleepwear landscape.
The result? Quiet Culture—a mesmerizing collection of luxe restwear that transcends traditional boundaries between sleepwear and everyday attire. Tawnya’s vision was clear: to create sleepwear that not only looks and feels exceptional but also elevates the way we perceive rest.
Quiet Culture’s products embody the essence of comfort and sophistication. Crafted from premium materials and designed with meticulous attention to detail, each piece exudes an aura of relaxation and refinement. From cozy pajama sets to luxurious loungewear, Quiet Culture offers a curated selection of garments tailored to elevate your downtime experience.
From the soft, breathable fabrics to the thoughtful design details, each Quiet Culture garment is crafted to blur the lines between sleepwear and daytime attire. With versatile silhouettes and chic finishes, these pieces are as functional as they are fashionable, allowing you to embrace comfort without sacrificing style.
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over rest, Quiet Culture stands as a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the simple moments. With its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance, Quiet Culture invites you to embrace the art of relaxation and indulge in the luxury of quiet moments.
Quiet Culture’s sleepwear isn’t just reserved for the bedroom—it’s so elegantly designed that it seamlessly transitions into daywear for any occasion. Whether you’re running errands, lounging by the pool, or dressing up for a fun outing with friends, Quiet Culture’s garments exude sophistication and style.
So whether you’re out and about or enjoying a leisurely day at home, let Quiet Culture be your go-to choice for refined relaxation. With its effortless charm and understated sophistication, Quiet Culture sleepwear is the epitome of versatile elegance, perfect for any occasion. To view the entire collection, visit their website HERE!