Well.ca / blog

Hey ladies, let’s take a minute to talk about something hush-hush. As a health and wellness store, Well.ca carries a range of feminine products, some of which we think you should know about.

The Diva Cup is one of our products that we just had to tell you about. To those of you who already use it, you may already be singing its praises. For those of you who’ve never tried one, the Diva Cup is a new way to manage your period. It’s a silicone menstrual cup that “carries” fluid, rather than absorbing it like typical pads and tampons. When inserted properly, it stops leaks and can be worn for up to 12 hours. Many of our customers tell us it’s perfect for active women like campers or cyclists. And because it collects versus absorbs fluid, it is reported that the chance of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome is decreased. It’s mess-free, pain-free, eco-friendly, AND it’s cost effective. One cup can last you multiple cycles and save you from disposing dozens of sanitary pads and tampons.

But don’t take my word for it -there are plenty of users who have something to say in our product review section.

“Oh My God…..I love my Diva Cup!!! No more pads or tampons for me! So easy, comfortable, and it works!!!”

“Great! I would recommend it to any of my female friends or family members. Way more convenient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly than tampons and never leaks!”

“The BEST invention ever made. Period.”

You can check out the Diva Cup and find more product reviews here.

Well.ca is offering free chocolates with purchases over $75, free chocolate! It’s really easy, only a three step process! 1) Consider which free chocolate you want. I’ve created the handy little cheat sheet below for your ease. 2) Fill your basket with $75 or more. 3) Type in the corresponding coupon code into the “Discount Coupon Redemption Code” Box in Step 2 of 3 of checkout!

Chocolate Available:

Ferrero Rocher Code:  ROCHER

Nestle After Eight Code:  AFTER8

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles Code:   LINDTMILK

Lindt Lindor Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Truffle Code:  LINDTNUT

Nestle Turtles Code: TURTLES - SOLD OUT

And Voila! Free chocolate! My personal favourite is Ferrero Rocher because I love the roasted hazelnut in the centre. But the Nestle Turtles sell for $15.35, which makes it a really good deal!  But make sure you get your favourite; codes expire April 11th so I’d get shopping now!

Winter has come and gone, but the spring allergy season has just arrived. Seasonal allergies are back again to preoccupy you with sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and wheezing. Pollen from trees, grass and weeds are swept into the air and inhaled by non-suspecting persons. This usually results in an over-reaction by the body’s immune system, causing them to experience such spring allergy symptoms. These spring allergies can be common in the spring to late summer but if your allergies flare up in the winter, don’t be so sure you’ll get away scot-free. Inside the house, allergens can be just as nasty.  Mopping and dusting from spring cleaning unleashes dust mites and mould into the air for more unpleasantness.

My mother always told me to take my Vitamin C to avoid getting allergies. But if that doesn’t work for you and you find yourself sniffing and sneezing, don’t worry!  There are plenty of allergy treatment options available. Allergy relief can be found using common allergy medication containing antihistamines and decongestants such as Reactine Allergy & Sinus. Nasal sprays like Otrivin are also available, which also moisturizes your nose to relieve irritation. And if it’s the eyes that’s bothering you, then reach for some allergy relief eye drops.

An alternative is to try natural remedies for allergies, some of which avoid side effects such as drowsiness. Ridgecrest Herbals Sinus Clear is a popular natural pick.  To see all of its’ ingredients and what they do, you can click here.

You could also use a neti pot, which has been a growing trend over the years. It may look like a normal teapot, but it uses saline solution to flush out excess mucus in the nasal passage, clearing it of congestion.  Something like SinuCleanse Neti Pot is used with a quarter teaspoon of Himalayan Institute Net Pot Salt, which is an all natural product that contains no additives.

Whether pill, liquid or spray, I hope you find the allergy relief you need to survive this lovely spring!

Since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many Canadians have been fearful about potential exposure to radioactivity.

As a result, Well.ca has noticed record sales for Thyrosafe, a Potassium Iodide tablet used to protect the thyroid against radioactive iodine released during a nuclear emergency.

Even in Canada, people want to be prepared in case we face a radioactive crisis, and many new customers have found Well.ca when searching for this product. However, in our office we could not stop thinking about those in Japan who are so much closer to the emergency.

While this product has generated a lot of sales for Well.ca, we want to make sure that we’re doing something positive for those who are impacted by the natural disaster.

That’s why we’ll be donating a portion of all proceeds from sales of this product to the Red Cross Japanese Earthquake Relief. We want to make sure that we are generous to those in need right now.

New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion week…  Did you know all the 2011 spring fashion trends are spawning from these shows right NOW? To keep you ahead of the game, I’ve brought you the latest beauty trends hot off the runway.

Vivid Colours

Boy are they bright! Sweeps of bright colour on eyes and lips ruled the runways. You can use an eye pencil like the super-staying Milani Liquif’eye Metallic Eye Liner in Aqua to draw yourself a winged tip, or Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Coral to make the perfect pout. For a more wearable every day colour that’s still on trend, rim your eyes with a jewel tone, like Turquoise Jewel from Maybelline Expert Wear.

Hot Tips!

This is the modern version of a French Manicure. Paint the tips of your nails a bright eye popping colour. Orange was the colour to talk about this season, and was seen everywhere in bold solids. You can try Sally Hansen Hi-Definition Nail Polish in Three D. For a cooler trend, try a calm minty green colour like Revlon’s Nail Enamel in Minted.

Nude & Neutrals

Nude, neutrals, pink and beige are right on trend this season and are some of the most wearable colours! Nude nail colours like In the Buff from L’Oreal Paris Pro Manicure will make your nails look natural but chic. And for the eyes, Maybelline’s Eye Studio Quad in Sunset Seduction gives a nice selection of neutrals to choose from.

Spring’s here, so what are you waiting for? Try these trends today!

It’s that time of year when people are itching to get away. Whether the occasion is Reading Week, March Break, or just the old February Blues, it’s nice to get some sunshine after living with so little for so long.

If you are planning an escape over the next little while, you should think about bringing the following accessories along for the trip:

• Going to the beach for some fun? Waterproof cameras like the Kodak Sport Single Use Camera are a great way to capture the moment without worrying about damage.

• You never know who you’ll meet on vacation! Get this Black Tie Beauty make-up case for convenient application on the run.

• Always on the go? Keep your hair looking great with Klorane’s Oil Suppressing Dry Shampoo and keep your hands clean with Purell Hand Sanitizer.

• Don’t forget to protect yourself from those UV rays. Get Nivea Sun Balm for your lips and some Ombrelle to protect your body.

• And finally, if you’re the kind of person that has trouble sleeping while traveling, take a look at Mack’s Dreamweaver Contoured Sleep Mask, which comes with a pair of earplugs!

For those of you who are leaving, I hope you all have a fantastic vacation!

If you’re sticking around Ontario, relax and enjoy the Family Day long weekend :) We sure will!

To be honest, I don’t usually think about my toothpaste. When the current one runs out, I usually walk over to the designated shelf and I grab one at random. But there’s a growing trend of people purchasing natural toothpastes on Well.ca. So, what is it?

Natural toothpaste is manufactured by various companies and range greatly in type. Many avoid some or all of the following ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, dyes and artificial flavours. You can also find organic toothpaste, vegan toothpaste, or gluten free toothpaste at Well.ca.

Fluoride in toothpaste is the main ingredient used to clean your teeth and fight plaque and cavities. Most people have used fluoridated toothpaste such as Arm and Hammer Enamel Care. Those who use fluoride-free toothpaste are wary of swallowing fluoride, which many believe can be harmful to young children. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste is a great example of fluoride-free toothpaste. But not all users of natural toothpaste dislike fluoride. Some believe in its power to slow tooth decay, but are wary of sodium lauryl sulphate, or SLS (which is the foaming activator) and petroleum dyes. You can get sodium lauryl sulfate free toothpastes, such as Dr. Ken’s Maximum Care Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste. There are so many types of natural toothpaste, so it’s important to do your research!

What do you think? Will you continue to use fluoridated toothpaste? Would you give SLS-free toothpaste a try? If you’re not familiar with any natural toothpaste brands, have no fear, click here to browse natural toothpastes. For more green and natural oral products, like mouthwash, toothbrushes, and dental floss, you can check out Well.ca. (Plus, top tip! I read somewhere that Jennifer Aniston brushes her teeth in the shower to save water! What a great idea!)

You may have missed the boat shopping online this Valentines but it’s never too late to spring a splendid surprise on your loved one. I don’t know about you but to me a special surprise is appreciated any day of the year! Whether it is a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates, just tell ‘em that you care.

Surprise for him

Have him try something new and shave the old fashion way! Shaving with a brush and mug has the additional benefits of giving a more comfortable and hydrating shave. How does it work? Hard shave soap is whipped into a lather in a mug by a small-handled brush. For a new experience, gift him Natural Grooming by Herban Cowboy Shave Soap and the Organic Grooming by Herban Cowboy Shave Brush.

Surprise for her

Maximize indulgence by enjoying some special suds while you relax in a foam bath,using Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Foam Bath. It has a fresh lavender scent and plus, the bubbles are fun to play in!

Surprise to Share

Warm up together with Cocoa Camino’s yummy-licious array of indulgent cocoa products.  They have products for those who love dark, sweet, or even spicy chocolate.

Want more ideas? Check out some of our friends from the Style Collective! See what these style fashionistas, beauty gurus and trendy moms have to say about their ideal Valentines gifts:

• Get a dose of the latest beauty trends with Michelle @ BeautyEditor.ca .
• At Home With KimVallee gives you the daily dish on stylish living and easy entertaining tailored for busy women.
• Need advice or a review on that new eyeliner? Your answer is ChickAdvisor.
• Avoid the outbreak that is Regifting! Check out Gifted for original gift ideas.
• Follow Janine geeking out on the best beauty products @ BeautyGeeks.
• I Want I Got has everything to do with shopping, fashion and Toronto!
• Coco & Lowe are social media socialistas with fashion flair. Check them out!
• Learn what it takes to be the It Girl @ I’m the It Girl
• Hang out at The Style House and get comfy! You can spend hours on there!
• Read about what you want and how to get it in What Women Want
• Last but certainly not least, the people who know how to cook up a good meal! Check out the Sweet Potato Chronicle.

Hey hey, it’s nature news time again! This time, we check out Boswellin Serrata! Boswellin, from the Latin Boswellia Sacra, is also known as Indian Frankincense, which is an extract of a tree that is also known as “shallki.” “Shallki” is a deciduous tree found in the dry, hilly regions of the Arabic peninsula. The trunk is tapped to collect the resin, similarly done to our maple trees. The resin is a milky gum that coagulates with contact with air.

Boswellia is a unique natural anti-inflammatory, and current uses include treating asthma, colitis, and Crohn’s Disease. One of the active components is Boswellic acid. This is thought to be useful towards the development of healthy joints. The resin can be used externally as an ointment for healing sores and is believed to have anti-arthritic properties. It can also reduce body weight when taken internally. Ancient medical texts from India claim it was used to treat arthritis, diarrhea, ringworm, and pulmonary diseases.  Boswellia side effects do exist, however they are rare and include diarrhea, nausea, and skin rashes.

You can find Boswellia extract in products like Lakota Joint Care Formula which offers relief and comfort for those with joint pain. For a vegan and Canadian alternative, you could try Now Foods Flex Mobility.

So there you have it, check it out at Well.ca!

Halitosis, aka bad breath can be a common problem for all of us.  From the onions in your sandwich to the coffee from your morning routine, food and drink can be a major culprit of halitosis. Don’t wait for somebody to offer you a mint; be proactive about your own oral hygiene and try the following easy tips:

• Brushing your teeth is the foundation of oral hygiene which we are all familiar with.  But you can tweak your daily routine and brush your tongue, gumline, and the inner sides of your cheeks. You can even find some toothbrushes that are designed to clean your tongue like Colgate Max Fresh Toothbrush.  Pair that with Crest Extra Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste and you’re set.
• For the extra vigilant, a tongue cleaner is a handy device that can be used anywhere. The Mansfield Tongue Cleaner is a great Canadian product.
• Food can get stuck in between your teeth and cause bad breath. Floss after meals to avoid that annoying piece of lettuce stuck in-between your two front teeth. Something like Oral-B Essential Floss would work, or if you’re like me and have a dental brace, you can use a toothpick like Gum Soft-Picks, which comes with a traveling case so you can carry it around effortlessly.
• Eat a piece of fruit after a meal. This tip was given to me a couple years ago and I still use it today.  I usually eat an apple or a pear after a meal to get those fruit and veggie servings, but it plays a dual role to freshen my breath.
• Pack some gum or mints. This is essential! VerMints offers some all-natural breath mints that are also a great low calorie candy for the mid-day slump.
• Use mouthwash. Try Crest Pro Health Mouthwash in the morning and before you sleep to decrease bad breath.  If you need a stronger on-the-go option, try TheraBreath Plus Extinguisher Spray.
• Pay your dentist a visit! Although it can be daunting for some of us, I love the feeling of clean teeth after a visit to the dentist.

For more oral care products, you can check out our site! Hopefully this will give you a  few ways to fight bad breath. Thanks for stopping by!