Ever since Mandy let us in on her beauty secret for soft and clear skin (i.e. cod liver oil), I've been scouring magazines and the internet to find out all I can about vitamins, supplements and other healthy items that all help you look your most beautiful! 
 
It came as a surprise to me that so many of the vitamins I see every week in the grocery or drug store are also very beneficial to your skin, hair or nails. What's great about these supplements is that they are multi-purpose and have advantages besides making your hair or nails nice and strong; often they help keep your body in tip top shape as well! Remember that some of these supplements are a stand in for getting the vitamin or mineral from food. I like to try and eat all my vitamins naturally but I'm not always so on the ball (especially when it comes to Omega 3s or any fatty acid) so a supplement provides me with everything I need, so I'm not up until midnight making enough salmon to last me the week. 
 
Of course, like all health related matters, it's always best to consult a physician before taking anything and to make sure you are taking the recommended dosage. 


1. Biotin (C$8.99) is great for keeping your hair (including eyebrows and lashes) and nails strong and healthy. In fact, a biotin deficiency can cause nail breakages or hair loss. You can also find biotin in swiss chard or liver.

2. Cod Liver Oil (US$28.44), as seen on Beauty Editor, is amazing for keeping your skin hydrated, soft and supple!

3. Milk Thistle (C$17.49) is used primarily to maintain a healthy liver but also said to help improve skin's appearance by reducing redness, inflammation and softening the skin.

4. Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement (US$43.00) helps to reduce blemishes and also helps to promote healthier skin in the long term. 

5. Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplement (C$79.00) promises fortify hair and nails with a combination of vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidents. 
 

1. Zinc supplements (C$3.99) are part of making your inside healthy (metabolizing proteins and fats, working to maintain the immune system) but also aid in making your outside healthy too! It's said to contain antioxidant properties to help slow down the aging process and also help to generally give you clearer skin. You can also find zinc in foods like oyster, lobster and many red meats. 

2. Perfectil Platinum (US$80.00) has a cult following in the UK, this supplement is made for mature skin to keep it looking youthful and glowing. It contains collagen and herbal extracts to regenerate and protect your skin. 

3. I first heard about Perfect Skin (C$38.98) after watching this video where it received rave reviews. (Sidenote: Also check out this video about a diet for glowing skin) It's anti-inflammatory and clears your skin. The name pretty much says it all!

4. Meiji Amino Collagen (US$39.00) is a powder that you stir into a liquid, being collagen it helps to improve the skin's elasticity and prevent wrinkles. 

5. Grape seed oil (US$8.67), among many other oils, is high in alpha linoleic acid. It is chock full of antioxidants for your skin. Topically, it's also a great item to have for any DIY beauty projects you might be doing since it's so moisturizing. 
 
Do you take supplements, vitamins? What do you think of adding a powder or capsule to your diet?