Brands and products I love
By Carla Snuggs

When the year began, I had no idea that we’d be living during a pandemic and that the words quarantine, lockdown and “reopening America” would be a normal part of my vocabulary.  Life goes on even if we have to adjust to a new normal. I am continuing to do what I love and of course I love sharing some of my fave products tried by myself (or contributors) throughout the month of May. 

Alignmed

Alignmed makes the world's best and easiest posture apparel. Their product's core science is made of NeuroBands which are sewn into the garments. Those bands drape over the shoulders, over the postural muscles and down the spine. They stimulate nerves and muscles, and increase blood vascularity. These traits invigorate the upper torso to perform at an optimum level while the bands also pull the shoulders back to correct posture. That in turn opens up the airways to allow more oxygen to flood your system. Their leggings are amazing! Imagine regular tights that are laced with variable stretch, strategically placed material to invigorate, support the glutes, accentuate the curvy lower body, and instill a feeling unlike any other. Shop: Alignmed.com

The Women's Collective Box

A brand-new subscription box that has recently launched,  The Women's Collective Box, which aims to deliver "happiness" and "inspiration" to your door during this difficult period of “social distancing” and working from home. It was founded by Rashelle Whiteharris, a mother of three, and contains unique products made by female entrepreneurs. 5% of all proceeds go towards helping women entrepreneurs take their ideas to the next level so it’s a great way to support small businesses and encourage future economic growth right now when it’s very much needed. Items in the SPRING 2020 box are a small indulgence for women who juggle it all and include a pair of artisan handmade earrings, an all-natural clay face mask, a vegan leather wallet, a minimalist planner and a custom soy candle made exclusively for The Women's Collective Box. Shop Womenscollectivebox.com

Suitably

I recently put Suitably's 24/7 Blazer and Keynote Dress to the test and was blown away by how comfortable and flattering the pieces were. The Founder, Annabel Gatto, is a female entrepreneur who wanted to create a new kind of workwear brand that would provide all women with access to high quality workwear they can feel confident in. To further this mission, Suitably has partnered with Dress For Success to donate returned, in good condition garments, to working women in need. If you're on the hunt for new workwear or shopping for a some pieces that you'll look polished in for an important Zoom meeting, I highly recommend Suitably! 

Actsyl-3

Traction Alopecia is the horrific resulting side affect of many years of sporting weave, intricate braided hairstyles and wigs.  The realization of seeing your hairline recede overtime can be devastating. Actsyl-3 is an easily applied restorative hair growth serum “specifically designed to address hair loss in women” promoting stronger fuller hair follicles, blocking DHT and promoting overall hair health on your road to recovery! 

Fast absorbing, non-greasy with a light and pleasant fragrance, Actsyl-3 has been formulated to target “3 areas of treatment,”; blocking DHT (the hormone responsible for hair loss), improving follicle thickness and health and activating hair stem cells. The Actsyl-3 serum contains Redensyl (3%) and Capixyl (2%) – two revolutionary ingredients proven to help regrow hair - and key peptides to strengthen hair roots and improve scalp health all without affecting hormones, making its use safe for women. I saw new fuzzies in about a week and my scalp is beginning to heal! Shop Actsyl.com

MoonMag. Magnesium Cream

Magnesium is a skin care mineral miracle and provides instant relief for muscle, nerve pain and is a great sleep aid. If you follow a keto lifestyle, you may greatly benefit from transdermal magnesium creams and balms for pain relief, whether that be muscular, headaches, migraines, insomnia, restless legs, back pain or sports strains. Magnesium applied topically helps reduce pain and improve overall quality of life and makes the Keto diet easier.. People often quit because of the side effects of missing major electrolytes like magnesium. Our Magnesium Pain Relief helps with muscle cramps, twitching, muscle soreness, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, nervous tension, PMS symptoms, supports bone health, and mental health as it helps restore magnesium levels. Our magnesium relief creams provide a unique blend of potent Magnesium Chloride with organic butters and oils like Shea Butter, Cacao Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Vit E oil. Our highly-sought after products have legendary transformative powers on the skin, body and mind. Clean + effective probiotic skincare made with superfoods to restore you from the outside in. Try:  Vital Vortex Magnesium Relief Creams, Moon Magic Vegan-Friendly Magnesium Relief Cream,  Supernova Extra Strength Magnesium Relief Balm (Vegan). 

Mikey’s Pizza Pockets

If you choose a Gluten Free and Lactose Free Diet for health or lifestyle reasons – Mikey’s latest pockets are the perfect hand held addition to your lifestyle.  Not all products with gluten free and lactose free labels are good for you or taste good. Created by Michael Tierney, a classically trained chef, Mikey’s pockets meet the high standards required to deliver on taste without compromising on ingredients or nutrition.  The two new varieties join Mikey’s popular Pepperoni Pizza and Cheese Pockets to give consumers a variety of tastes for lunch, dinner and in-between snacking, while Egg & Cheese and Egg, Ham & Cheese pockets provide a delicious, convenient breakfast option. All Mikey’s Pockets provide great taste in convenient frozen hand-held meals, use recognizable ingredients and are free from six of the top allergens. Shop: Eatmikeys.com  

CHI Aloe Vera with Agave Nectar Haircare Line

CHI’s Aloe Vera with Agave Nectar Haircare Line is a 7-piece collection providing solutions to enhance definition, moisturize, and maintain frizz for smoother styling.The best part? Many of the items in the line are 95% natural!

The collection features a special blend of Aloe Vera and Agave Nectar paired with a Super Hydration blend and a low pH. This will moisturize, protect and care for curls while helping to define, create and maintain the natural curl pattern of each strand. The formula locks in moisture to guard against humidity and provide easier maintenance of curly hair. Inviting your natural wave pattern to show off its shape, benefits are maximized to intensify moisture and retention and increase elasticity and definition.

The line’s star ingredient, Aloe Vera, contains a vast amount of essential nutrients and vitamins which offer excellent conditioning properties and protection to delicate tresses while soothing dry skin and scalp. Utilizing the benefits of amino acids to improve elasticity and strength, this natural humectant retains hair moisture, locking it in to reveal smoothness and reduced frizz.

Agave Nectar helps to prevent future damage and brittleness and fortifies weak hair strands resulting in tamed hair with lustrous, shiny results. The line’s formula is completed with the addition of Silk and a Super Hydration Blend, a unique mix of specially selected amino acids and vitamins that provide exceptional moisture and performance benefits.

With CHI Aloe Vera, you can now customize your products to create the perfect cocktail to quench your curls!

• CHI Aloe Vera Oil  95% Natural

• CHI Aloe Vera Humidity Resistant Leave-In Conditioner   95% Natural

• CHI Aloe Vera Curl Enhancing Shampoo   92% Natural

• CHI Aloe Vera Detangling Conditioner   95% Natural

• CHI Aloe Vera Moisturizing Curl Cream   94% Natural

• CHI Aloe Vera Control Gel   94% Natural

• CHI Aloe Vera Curl Reactivating Spray   95% Natural

Saints & Sinners 

Get the Ultimate Blowout from Saints & Sinners utilizing the Velvet Divine Styling Potion®, a unique, humidity resistant styling potion that conditions, eliminates frizz, adds shine, seals ends and smoothes flyaways, and Illuminati Divine Shine Holographic Serum® – a holographic treatment serum that provides brilliant humidity-resistant shine, smoothes frizz and protects color. Mix two parts of the Styling Potion and one part Illuminati. Apply with a wide tooth comb then blow-dry and style.  Both products are cruelty-free and made WITHOUT gluten, parabens, phthalates, iron oxides, mineral oil, synthetic colors, nut ingredients and palm oil. All Saints & Sinners products provide luxury performance, no bad stuff and is cruelty free. Shop: Realsaintsandsinners.com

Green Miracle

Packed with organic ingredients and certified gluten-free, Green Miracle boosts the immune system and nourishes the body through high-powered antioxidant and phytonutrient ingredients like barley, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, matcha powder, chicory root, cordyceps, açai, and much more. With a unique blend of enzymes and organic fruit and vegetable blends, Green Miracle does way more than your typical green drink from the gym or juicer! The light vanilla flavor blends well with virtually any liquid! Shop: Green Miracle  

What were some of your favorite products you tried in November! Leave your suggestions below!

Disclosure: Press samples were provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and honest review.