(Part 2) Top products from r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide

Hi, first off. I recommend checking out /r/SkincareAddiction. They know a lot about the ins and outs of products. But here's my little bit of wisdom; as someone (F23) who has been struggling with hormonal acne these past few months, I noticed the biggest increase in my skin appearance when I changed my diet. I started this elimination diet called Whole30 just over 2 weeks ago and have seen dramatic improvements in my skin this past week. You may not need to go on a 30 day cleanse, but I recommend cleaning up your diet as much as you can and then re-introducing certain foods to see if it triggers a breakout. Maybe try giving up things like dairy and sugar, and then bring them back after a few weeks to see if they may be throwing your hormones out of whack (because no doubt, your acne is a hormonal issue). Some bits about makeup and products; I stopped using a primer (Benefits POREfessional) and liquid foundation (Urban Decay Naked foundation). I don't know if these products were clogging my pores, but I feel better taking a break from them. I started to just use a set of Bare Minerals powders instead. I also use a micellar water to take my makeup off. Garnier SkinActive Micellar water (pink cap) works great, followed by a cleanser (CeraVe), toner (Thayers Witchhazel), and moisturizer (YesToCarrots Daily Moisturizer) -- this is my pm routine, as it involves makeup removal. In the morning, I use the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and follow up with EltaMd SPF 46 sunscreen. This sunscreen is specifically made to reduce current redness from past/present acne and protect you from the sun. You need to wear it everyday. Hope this all helps! And good luck. Having bad skin can really take a toll on your self-esteem, but just remember that it's never permanent!

Edit: added links

I also used to get UTIs pretty much every month for a 2-3 year period of my life. It was hell. My doctor kept prescribing me antibiotics, which I took so often I think the bacteria in my urethra became resistant. There was one time I was in so much pain for so long I took too much Nitrofurantoin (the antibiotic) that it wiped out the 'good bacteria' in my system and I gave myself a yeast infection... on top of my UTI :(.

I was taking concentrated cranberry pills and drinking my weight in water daily, but I was always on the verge of getting a UTI. I would get one any time I had sex with my partner or drank more than one alcoholic beverage in a day.

I was so frustrated and miserable and worried that this was going to be my reality for the rest of my life. It was my partner who actually dug deep on the internet and found D-mannose, which is a sugar that's used to promote a healthy urinary tract. I am not a homeopathic/alternative medicine person, but I was desperate and totally down to try a sugar pill or anything that might help. Apparently the way that the D-mannose sugar molecule is structured, it attracts and bonds really well with the kind of bacteria molecules that grow in your urinary tract and cause the UTI.

D-mannose has changed my life. I think I've gotten an actual UTI once in the last 4 years (and I was in Indonesia). I use it when I think I might feel one coming on, and also as a preventative when I know I'll be drinking a lot or when there will be an extended period of time when I'll be more at risk (e.g. camping). It's mind blowing to me that I suffered for so long and talked to my doctor every 3-4 months to try to figure this out and just kept getting prescribed antibiotics. It was a huge learning moment for me with medicine and doctors. I ask every doctor I see now if they know about D-mannose, and so far no one has.

I can't know if this works for everyone, but I try to share this story with any many women as possible, because D-mannose has helped me get my life back. It's also cheap, you don't need a prescription, and it's on Amazon Prime! (Also in Whole foods for double the price if you're not able to order online -- I haven't seen it anywhere other than health food stores, but hopefully one day). Here's the one that I order: https://smile.amazon.com/NOW-D-Mannose-500-120-Capsules/dp/B000JN4CR0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3NH0N6SBH0MH1&keywords=d-mannose&qid=1556468711&s=gateway&sprefix=d-manno%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-3&th=1

If this helps just one person I'll be happy! Hope the meds you got cleared it up for you :)

Late to this post, but I was like you and I was desperate to find an answer. Each time I'd go to the gynecologist, she'd say I had a yeast infection (although I never had itching or excessive discharge, but just painful sex and random burning). They'd give me diflucan, which would help for about 3 weeks, and then my symptoms would be back. After reading a post on some forum, last year, I started taking 3 acidopholus pearls a day, 1 garlic capsule, 1 cranberry extract pill and 2 pills of Candida Clear.

Things seemed to get better. Ultimately, I started to wean off of all of those and as I did, I figured out that what seemed to help me the best was the [Candida Clear] (http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Candida-Veg-capsules-180-Count/dp/B000E7R3FY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405210138&sr=8-1&keywords=candida+clear)


I haven taken two of those capsules a day for a year and my symptoms are sooo much better. I was even prescribed Cipro as an antibiotic for a UTI (I get those all of the time, too, yay...) and the yeast did not come back. My gyno was surprised.

I use a cuticle oil I got from julep on my nails but Essie makes one that Ive used before that I like.

Are you using a base coat when you paint your nails? I found that when I didnt use a base coat my nails seemed to be weaker and more flimsy. OPI makes a good nail strengthener called Nail Envy. A lot if the folk at /r/RandomActsOfPolish consider it their Holy Grail. Though I opted for Essie's Strengthener. It works really well for me.

I would also try to avoid using acetone unless its necessary, I only use it to remove glitters and harder to remove stuff since my nails seem to be sensitive to it. Then I follow with my cuticle oil.

Ive read somewhere that cutting your nails causes damage to them. Im not sure I believe that but I stick to using a glass nail file to keep them in shape and the length I like. Its easier for me to shape with the file.

There is more than one shape you can make your nails (disclaimer: I dont know how well the chart works on what nail shape works for your nails, I just thought it was a good starting point and neat :) ).

First, I'd like to introduce you to 2 different subs that have a lot of information about nail care/knowledgeable nail care gurus.

1. /r/RandomActsOfPolish
   
2. /r/PolishGauntlet
   
   Next, I second OPI Nail Envy. At my Ulta, it's $11.50, and it's amazing. My nails are longer and stronger than ever before. I recommend using the one for Sensitive/Peeling Nails, as seen here on Amazon
   
   Another thing that will help is a Biotin supplement. You can get it rather cheaply at Walmart or a local store, and generally only need to take one a day. This will make your nails and hair stronger and grow faster. It has also helped my face, in that I'm not breaking out as much.
   
   Finally, check out a cuticle oil. I love Lush Lemony Flutter, and Burt's Bees Lemon Butter in my opinion they both work about equally, the only reason I differentiate is due to whether I want to drive to Lush or just go to Walmart (basically a 20 minute driving difference).
   
   Mostly, have patience. It took me 6 months to get my nails completely destroyed (like 100x worse than yours) to wear they are now. Just be patient. :)

This won't fly with OP, but I wanted to comment in case this might work for you. I have excessive sweat in my underarms and have used prescription deodorant (Drysol), which dried me out severely (painfully). I have since done Botox treatment several times (thanks insurance), which is really effective. Happy to answer questions about that.

I have had really good results since with using SweatBlock wipes in tandem with my regular antiperspirant, since I moved cities and haven't found a doctor to resume Botox just yet. Great stuff.

I am also in the market. I was just looking at straighteners on Amazon and the CHI doesn't have the best reviews. I found one I'm going to try- it's the HSI straightener and it has rave reviews (over 11k and almost 5 stars) Amazon is selling the older model of it for $40 (marked down from $200) so I thought it would be worth a try and easy enough to return on Amazon if it doesn't work. I currently have a pro solia that does not straighten my waves. I'm like you- super course thick wavy hair.

EDIT- from what my hair stylist tells me, the CHI was good if you bought it a few years ago, but as they've gained popularity and mass produced, their products don't work as well.

EDIT2- Link

Unfortunately, the best way to prevent stains is to treat your shoes with a waterproofing spray before they get wet. Leather is actually pretty resistant to light cleaning. Try some mild soap (like hand soap or diluted dish soap) and an old toothbrush. Scrub the dark spots with soapy water, and then wipe them down with a soft cloth/paper towel. Once everything is completely dry, spray your shoes down with a non-silicone-based water-proofer and your shoes will be protected from further staining/damage.

Have you tried wearing something under your work tops? That way you won't have to wash them after every wear.

Also, you don't have to lie them "flat" to dry. You don't want to hang them because the weight will cause odd stretching but you can lie one over a chair, or on a rack like this.

But if you're going to spend money on dry cleaning, why not just buy some more tops instead? And check this time to make sure they hang be hung to dry or can be put in a dryer.

You can probably save space by getting a laundry rack like this one. I dry most of my delicates on one of these, and they usually dry overnight.

You can drape things strategically on there to make room for more items. I doubt your shirts have to be perfectly flat - they just need to be supported. I usually drape my shirts over 1 or 2 rungs on my laundry rack and they turn out fine. :)

omg LADIES WHO WEAR SHORTS, I can vouch for that Monistat stuff at the end of the article, 100%. Matter of fact, this article may have been where I first found out about it many moons ago. Anyways, PICK SOME UP next trip to Walmart (around the vadge stuff, you know). A tube will last you quite a while -- probably longer than I think because I tend to overapply out of paranoia that I'm missing the worst spot of them all, surely. I live in an awful, hot, humid place with theme parks, so I have run that stuff through the ringer and it is the best. Has never stained clothes, feels 1,000,000,000% comfortable and natural, lasts for hours ....okay fine I live in Florida. All Floridians with normal, touching thighs, have this on hand. Ugg I should copy and paste this to them so they'll send me some for free. God bless that purple tube. Don't look back.

This was her link to it

If you are peeing blood clots, I would suggest getting medical attention immediately. Putting it off will only cost you more, as the worse it gets the more your kidneys will suffer, and kidney intervention is much more expensive than an office visit + antibiotics.

HOWEVER, for future reference, there is a supplement called D-Mannose which is an excellent cure/preventative for UTI's (it is essentially a highly concentrated version of what you find in cranberry juice) https://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-D-Mannose-Powder-3-Ounce/dp/B000HCMK90/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467939990&sr=8-1&keywords=d-mannose, and only costs about $15 . Now, being in the healthcare field, I am not what you would consider a 100% Naturalist in terms of medicine, but I have used it myself and have found it to work successfully on beginning-mid stage UTI's. There is evidence-based research that supports its use, and more and more it is looking like a viable alternative to antibiotics.

EDIT: fixed some typos

I use this one https://www.amazon.com/HSI-Professional-Tourmaline-Straightener-Straightens/dp/B001MA0QY2 it's pretty cheap and pretty amazing. I have 3b super curly hair and I usually only have to brush my hair dry and run it through once to get it as straight as it will go. And as everyone said heat protectant! But I have never seen people mention the heat setting, I use the HSI one at 350° or lower and it only takes one glide through and I have had no damage at all to my curls.

Get on Amazon and get yourself some OPI Nail Envy. It has worked wonders for my nail!! They're significantly stronger and keeps them the proper white color. My nails used to stain very easily and it's definitely helped with that as well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00178TVXG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1405489488&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

Hey! This might not work for you, but I also had a BO problem where my regular deodorant wasn't doing anything, so based on internet recs I started using this Thai crystal stick right after I got out of the shower, and it completely eliminated my problem. Apparently it creates an unfriendly chemical environment for bacteria.

It's important to completely clean your underarms in the shower before applying the stick, because although it prevents bacteria, it is not a smell masker and can't help you if you're already smelly. I have an anti-bacterial body-wash which I scrub under my arms in the shower, but maybe the sulfate-free soap suggested elsewhere in this thread would be good? I'm interested in trying it.... Anyway, after I get out of the shower I wet the stick briefly under the tap and then apply to my pits, which dry quickly. I also put my reg deodorant on top of it.

Thai crystal I've only found online, but I have seen other crystal deodorants (roll-on type) in drugstores, which I've tried and do the job too (I prefer the solid form though). this one

Edit: I feel a moral responsibility to mention the aluminum controversy. It's a whole box of worms which may or may not be an unfounded scare.... I am thinking of maybe trying this Milk of Magnesia as an alternative, but I'm not in any rush.

You might have some luck checking out /r/SkincareAddiction! Chemical exfoliation can be amazing (and is what I use for much of my body), as can physical exfoliation! For physical, I use Japanese exfoliating shower towels (like this), and for chemical, I use Stridex in the red box! I have acne all over my body, sooooo I use Stridex pads everywhere.

If you have UTI issues or sign of infection I would 100% recommend taking D-Mannose , a supplement that takes the bacteria in your bladder/urinary tract and flushes it out the next time you pee. It CHANGED MY LIFE. I’ve had lifelong chronic UTIs (since before I was sexually active) and this is legitimately the only thing I’ve ever taken that has helped (that’s not antibiotics). Just take a couple before bed for a few days and see if it helps! I only take it now if I feel burning when I urinate and it immediately clears it up. Good luck:)

I read somewhere Alka Seltzer helps. (I have tried it) It works wonders!!

Also AZO makes a uti pill. That also has worked wonders for me. Instant relief!

Put this stuff on at night. You'll never need another thing. It's fucking amazing. I worked in a position where I was constantly washing my hands so they'd get cracked and bleedy and this is literally the only thing I've ever found that really worked. You put it on at night because it feels a little weird. I only had to use it like once a week when I needed it.

Bike shorts work great, but when it's too hot for the extra layer I use Monistat Chafing Gel. When rubbed into the skin, it feels like a really silky powder. It's not sticky at all.

Almost everyday now! I started using an exfoliating washcloth thing in the shower. It's like a loofah but it dries out easily between showers and can be washed without falling apart.

I use the Schick Quattro bikini trimmer. It works fairly well, is easy to use, and wasn't really expensive either!

Azo pills can mask the symptoms. They're magic. But they turn your pee bright orange. Make sure you don't get the cranberry preventative ones. Any drug store should have them.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

here

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

You don't have to completely shave if you're uncomfortable with hair! Get an electric razor like this and just trim. (:

Very true. Here's a link to purchase ($14) for those who can: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-He-That-Controlling/dp/0425191656

I second the use of Candida Support it is not strong enough to kill yeart but it weakens it so your body can control it. You should also use consentrated probiotic pills Probiotis each pill has 10 different bacteria from 3 different family's of bacteria. Acidophilus alone wont cut it. Finally Stop eating Kefir and Kombucha, at least for the time being. Both are SCOBY's , Symbiotic cultures of Bacteria and Yeast. Your pumping you system with more yeast. Finaly help your system expel the weakend yeast enzymes yeast make sticky biofilms to protect the colonies. These Enzymes will help break them down so the candida support and probiotics can do there jobs.

I think /u/pizzaplanet is right, those look like suede. The beeswax technique works great on canvas, but I think it would severely damage your shoes. I would recommend using a spray made specifically for suede shoes. You can find cheap versions, like this Kiwi Suede Protector on Amazon for about $5.

Anything like this is good.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0031RJXCK/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1408849857&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YOSI6U/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/191-8205608-4771065?fp=1&pc_redir=1427576748# Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but this double-sided fashion tape is $12 for two tins of 36 strips each (so 72 total) on Amazon.

I tried every antiperspirant on the market and nothing works. I found this last year and it works crazy good!

Also available on Amazon. I'm singing its praises right now, too - I spend a lot of time cutting down cardboard boxes and my hands are not pleased, but Working Hands has done wonders for me.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YOSI6U/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/191-8205608-4771065?fp=1&pc_redir=1427576748#

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft gave me back my life. I think every woman should read this book.

Formaldehyde-free OPI product, specifically for soft peeling nails.

Recovering nail/cuticle biter, and I work in the kitchen. My nails are in bad shape. This seems to be helping.

http://www.amazon.com/Thai-Deodorant-Stick-Stones-America/dp/B000AN1JEI
here's the link to the product, maybe the reviews will help. I got mine from amazon a while ago because I'm obsessed with online shopping, but they also have it at kroger around here as well as more specialty stores (like whole foods or whatever).

I live in the midwest and used this from May-now, and definitely saw some really hot days. You only really get stinky if you don't shower daily/get really sweaty and re-wear the same shirts multiple times.

Deodorants simply work to reduce stinky pit smell; antiperspirants usually use aluminum salts to kind of plug up the sweat glands in your pits to decrease the amount of moisture that comes out. It's what our bodies have evolved to do, so I figure why mess with that? Obvs it's up to you to decide, and if you try the stone and don't like it, you can probably find some hippy to give it to :P

Anyway, hope that helps!

[edit: also one of the reasons I thought about the stone was that I kept staining the pits of my shirts with the traditional antiperspirants I was using, which sucked! I haven't had that issue at all with the stone]

My face reacts badly to every sunscreen I've tried besides this: EltaMD. I believe what I'm reacting to is Avobenzone, a common "chemical" sunscreen ingredient. This stuff is "physical" sunscreen.

I had that for awhile. It occurred most noticeably after I took the course of antibiotics prescribed for it. It was like you described - very mild sensation of UTI, not awful, but enough to make you notice it all day. So I took these cranberry pills once a day, and also used this D-mannose powder. I'm not sure which one worked because I was doing them both, but the UTI went away completely after a week of doing those. And whenever I thought I felt it coming back, I'd just take a cranberry pill and it'd disappear. I haven't had it since, and I'm not taking the pills anymore.

And this is the part I'm hesitant to say because there's absolutely no scientific evidence backing this up, but I stopped eating the sausage meat from McDonalds. Because both of the times I had really severe UTIs, I'd had sex and gotten a sausage biscuit from McD's the next morning. I'm pretty sure it's a mental thing, but I can't eat sausage biscuits from there anymore.

Honestly...I don't. I'm very fortunate that my family doesn't really get angry like that. I dated a couple of guys, one especially, who had a bit of an anger problem (not terrible, just...he'd get super pissed and give me the silent treatment). And that didn't last for this and other reasons. Now I avoid men (and women) who are like that. Fortunately I don't encounter them often. I will not allow myself to be the emotional weightbearer in a relationship again, and I will not expose myself to such anger.

It's not your responsibility to help him. It is not your responsibility to train yourself not to anger him. It is not your responsibility to just forget the past after he gets angry while he's getting angry. Anger escalates. Someone with an anger problem is not perfect in every way (we all have our faults, don't get me wrong, but anger is a particular characteristic that is...very not good). It is not your responsibility to walk on eggshells every time you are around him...this is exhausting and prevents you from having a healthy relationship with your partner and yourself (and potentially everyone around you, because all the energy you put into not breaking the eggshells is less energy you have to put towards your friends, fun activities, life in general).

​

Think about your fights. Think about how you feel during those fights. Is your body tense and your stomach hurting? Do you want to worry about being like that much/all the time for however long this relationship lasts?

https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-He-That-Controlling/dp/0425191656

The author of this book has a couple others that may be of some help to you.