For killing wife during St. Paul Bible study, man gets 33-year prison sentence

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Corinna Woodhull believed she could help her husband, just like she’d turned her life around and helped so many others.

“She thought she could save him, that her love would help them build a life together,” her mother said in court Friday.

Corrina Woodhull (Courtesy photo)

She flushed his drugs down the toilet, but he didn’t stop. When Woodhull’s family retrieved her belongings from her car, they found divorce papers.

“She knew it was time to walk away and that’s why she’s dead,” said Linda Castle, Woodhull’s mom.

Robert Castillo, 41, admitted in March to the second-degree intentional murder of Woodhull in St. Paul during a Bible study at his sister’s home. On Friday, he received a prison sentence of just over 33 years.

Woodhull, 41, was a mom of five. “She had a very kind heart, she was very soft with her heart,” Castle said after court. “But she was loud and vibrant because she wanted the world to hear her and that I think they did.”

‘Don’t let me die’

Castillo’s sister told police they hosted Bible study at her home in the 1000 block of East Maryland Avenue in the Payne-Phalen area every Tuesday night. On the evening of March 21, 2023, the couple was sitting on a couch when Castillo whispered something in Woodhull’s ear. After she shook her head “no,” Castillo pulled out a hunting knife and stabbed her multiple times, according to the criminal complaint. She was pronounced dead at Regions Hospital.

Woodhull’s last words were, “Don’t let me die,” according to the complaint.

“These were to people she was surrounded by who loved and cared for her as they celebrated fellowship, but it wasn’t to her husband because her husband is the man who killed her,” said Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Dan Rait. “What has always bothered me most about this situation is the fact that (Castillo) has a history of hurting people who care about him” he said of his past convictions.

Castillo’s last memory as a free man was from the early morning of March 21, 2023. He got high with a friend and ingested so much “he doesn’t recall what happened afterward,” said his attorney, Mark Austin, in court Friday.

Speaking in court, Castillo apologized to his stepchildren and Woodhull’s family and friends.

“I’m taking full responsibility for my actions, even if I don’t recall anything that happened that day due to my … drug-induced psychosis,” he said, adding that he’s struggled to forgive himself for taking the life of his wife and best friend.

Domestic violence help

Help is available 24/7 through the Day One hotline by calling 866-223-1111 or texting 612-399-9995.

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49ers at Vikings picks: Week 2 matchup brings early test to Minnesota, and the vibe is bleak

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Members of the Pioneer Press sports staff who cover the Vikings forecast Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium:

DANE MIZUTANI

49ers 31, Vikings 24: The physicality that the 49ers bring on both sides of the ball will prove too much in the end. If the Vikings are able to keep it close, however, it will provide some good vibes heading into the next month.

JOHN SHIPLEY

49ers 24, Vikings 17: Opening on the road against the Giants last week, the Vikings looked awfully good. The Giants looked awful, and it’s unclear how much of that was because of the Vikings. Maybe half? If the Vikings pull this one out, we’ll all have to reassess.

CHARLEY WALTERS

49ers 38, Vikings 10: The NFC’s best team has no weaknesses. The Vikings’ defense is spirited, but still gets overpowered in the home opener in Minneapolis.

Smooth and glowing skin starts with these top face scrubs

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Which face scrub is best?

If you want radiant, smooth skin with a healthy, youthful glow, add a facial scrub to your skin care routine. Exfoliating regularly offers compelling benefits like a more even skin tone, increased circulation and the cleansing of clogged pores. It also removes dead skin cells, stimulating cell turnover and encouraging new, plump skin to replace fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes.

The Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Exfoliator is an excellent choice for those seeking an organic, all-natural facial scrub that’s also effective. This gentle microdermabrasion sugar scrub can be used in several ways and is packed with high-quality botanical ingredients like organic aloe vera, manuka honey, walnut and vitamin C.

What to know before you buy a facial scrub

Decide if you want a physical exfoliant or chemical exfoliant

Exfoliants fall into two categories: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants include facial scrubs, which use granules to literally scrub dead skin cells, oil, dirt and grime from your skin. Chemical exfoliants, like peels and acid serums, dissolve dead skin cells at the skin’s surface and within the skin. Some products incorporate both physical and chemical exfoliating agents.

Look for highly effective ingredients

Some ingredients excel at exfoliating skin. If you’re using a physical exfoliant, make it a priority to find a facial scrub with skin-friendly, gentle ingredients like jojoba beads, poppy seeds and pumice. These ingredients moisturize your skin while they exfoliate it.

Excellent natural ingredients for chemical exfoliants include pomegranate, pineapple and papaya. The star line-up of chemical exfoliants consists of acids that ramp up cell turnover. These include salicylic, lactic, glycolic, mandelic, lactobionic and malic acids.

Take your skin type into account

As with any skin care product, you should always consider your skin type when shopping for a facial scrub. Look for exfoliating products that contain the following ingredients.

Sensitive skin: gentle chemical exfoliants with lactic acid
Normal/combination skin: mild physical exfoliant agents, glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Oily skin: salicylic acid and charcoal
Dry skin: moisturizing ingredients like lactic acid, jojoba beads, poppy seeds and pumice

What to look for in a quality facial scrub

Scrubs designed for your face

You should never use products intended for use on your body to exfoliate your face. The skin on your face is more sensitive and oilier than the skin on your body, so you should only use products specially formulated for your face.

Plant-based or synthetic facial scrubs

If using an all-natural face scrub formulated solely with plant-based ingredients is a top priority for you, carefully research every ingredient contained in any facial scrub you consider. Doing so may take some time, but your peace of mind is well worth the investment.

Fragrance or fragrance-free facial scrubs

Fragrances, both synthetic and natural, can cause reactions in people who are sensitive to fragrance. These reactions can range from headaches to full-blown allergic reactions. On the other hand, some people aren’t bothered one bit by fragrances and enjoy them. If you’re in the former category, stick to facial scrubs that are fragrance-free to be on the safe side.

How much you can expect to spend on facial scrub

The price of facial scrubs is low compared to many other skin care products. You can find a high-quality facial scrub for as low as $15. Facial scrubs top out around $30, but most don’t cost this much.

Facial scrub FAQ

Is using a facial scrub necessary?

A. Exfoliating your face with a scrub is important and very beneficial. It serves three purposes. First, exfoliating encourages healthy cell turnover by removing dead skin cells to reveal new ones. Second, by eliminating dead skin cells, a facial scrub refines the appearance of pores and makes them appear smaller. Third, exfoliating allows skin products to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.

How often should you use a facial scrub?

A. You should never go overboard with how often you use a facial scrub. Two to three times per week is sufficient. Exfoliating more often risks irritating your skin, which can cause more harm than good.

What’s the best facial scrub to buy?

Top facial scrub

Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub & Face Exfoliator

What you need to know: With the ability to be used as a facial scrub or mask, this product exfoliates, moisturizes, minimizes your pores and removes blackheads.

What you’ll love: This gentle microdermabrasion sugar scrub gently exfoliates your skin to banish dirt and grime to reveal healthy, glowing skin. You can also apply this non-toxic scrub as a facial mask that minimizes the appearance of spots, fine lines and wrinkles while balancing your skin tone. The paraben- and alcohol-free formula contains high-quality botanical ingredients, including organic aloe vera, manuka honey, walnut and vitamin C.

What you should consider: Some users say the granules weren’t fine enough and that the scrub left a film even after rinsing with water.

Top facial scrub for the money

Clinique Seven Day Scrub

What you need to know: This exfoliating cream with fine granules clears and refines your pores, along with de-flaking your skin, to produce a polished complexion.

What you’ll love: You can use this fragrance-free scrub regardless of your skin type, as it’s suitable for regular, dry, combination and oily skin. Buyers praise this scrub for leaving their skin smooth and soft.

What you should consider: A few buyers felt the scrub lacked enough granules to exfoliate effectively.

Worth checking out

Fresh Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash

What you need to know: A clinical study showed that this facial scrub refined skin texture and removed impurities for most participants.

What you’ll love: This exfoliating face wash is formulated with sugar crystals and real strawberries and boasts powerful natural ingredients. Grapeseed oil delivers hydration, strawberry and black currant extracts nurture a healthy-looking complexion, and a blend of white sugar crystals softens and smooths the appearance of your skin.

What you should consider: Some buyers report a lack of exfoliating power and an artificial smell.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Transform your skin care routine with the best Drunk Elephant products

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Which Drunk Elephant skin care product is best?

Drunk Elephant is a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand dedicated to all-natural, pH-balanced skin care. Though more expensive than average skin care, it can leave a long-lasting, positive effect on skin. The philosophy of this brand is that when you strip products of six specific harmful chemicals and fragrances, you’re left with balanced formulas that help perfect the look of skin in the present while providing anti-aging effects over time.

If you are looking for an all-natural, age-defying moisturizer with vital nutrients and proteins that replenish the skin, the Protini Polypeptide Cream is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a Drunk Elephant skin care product

Ingredients

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a product that will be directly applied to your skin is the ingredients. Located on the side of the packaging, the ingredients will tell users if the product contains chemicals or substances that won’t benefit their skin type. Drunk Elephant is very transparent about the ingredients used in its products and does its best to formulate them without chemicals and skin-harming ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, fragrances and SLS. It’s still a good idea to be aware of each ingredient going on your skin.

Formulas

Products formulated as creams will typically be oil-based. These products tend to provide a smooth application but take longer to absorb into the skin. Depending on the ingredients, they are extensively moisturizing and can benefit those needing to repair dry or damaged skin. These products can leave streaks and are usually white.

Water-based products are typically lighter and safer for use on oily and combination skin types. This type of product has less chance of clogged pores and build-up on the skin; however, it does not deeply moisturize as well as a product that uses a creamy formula. These products are typically colorless and absorb quickly into the skin while hydrating.

Skin type

Purchasing the right product and formula for your skin type will ensure that your skin remains hydrated as needed. People with dry skin should consider a cream formula. When applied to dry skin, this formula will deeply hydrate. Lightweight water-based formulas may not moisturize as effectively if a user has extra dry skin.

People with oily skin should consider an oil-free, lightweight, water-based skin care product. This will lessen the chances of the pores getting clogged and the skin looking extra shiny. If you have oily skin, avoid heavy products containing many oils.

It’s trickier for people with combination skin types to find products that match their needs. This skin type does well with hydrating formulas that are oil-free. Users with this skin type will experience oil in their T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and can use different types of formulas accordingly. To find the right product for you, test a few different formulas.

Those with sensitive skin should avoid chemical fragrances. Drunk Elephant doesn’t use sulfates or parabens in its products, making them safer for use on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation. If a product is particularly good for sensitive skin, it will likely be mentioned in the product description.

What to look for in a quality Drunk Elephant skin care product

Cruelty-free

Most brands have adopted a more natural, eco-friendly way of life, including a reduction of animal testing on products. Just because a product claims to be natural and organic does not mean it is cruelty-free. Drunk Elephant has run an entirely vegan and cruelty-free operation since opening their doors in 2013. To make sure an item is not tested on animals, look for a PETA-approved bunny, a leaping bunny, or the words “not tested on animals” directly on the packaging.

Mission

Drunk Elephant is committed to using only ingredients that directly benefit the skin’s health. They source ingredients based on biocompatibility, meaning the product is effective without affecting the skin’s physiology and causing a negative reaction. Drunk Elephant uses an ingredient elimination philosophy. Less is more for the maximum results in skin care. They run a campaign called #BareWithUs where users can post selfies of themselves after using their Drunk Elephant skin products to promote confidence in one’s own skin and beauty. A few of their products directly support the International Elephant Foundation.

Skin smoothies

Skin smoothies are unique to the Drunk Elephant brand. A skin smoothie is a specific skin care routine put together by the experts at Drunk Elephant to aid whatever skin problems you’re trying to target. This idea got its smoothie name because you add ingredients to a smoothie to benefit specific regions of heath, just as you should do for your skin. Each different skin smoothie has a different purpose.

Because the products are silicone-free and biocompatible, they mix easily and absorb into the skin. The only product in a skin smoothie that does not absorb into the skin is its sunscreen, as the zinc used sits on the face as a protective barrier against the sun. In the skin smoothie glossary section of the Drunk Elephant website, users can find out what products mix and for what purpose.

How much you can expect to spend on Drunk Elephant skin care products

Drunk Elephant products range in price depending on the quantity and ingredients of the products. You can find less-expensive skin care products for around $18, midrange products for $40, and high-end products with added benefits for your skin for around $140.

Drunk Elephant skin care products FAQ

How do I know when these products expire?

A. On the bottom or the side of the products container there will be a small jar graphic. Inside this jar will be a number. That number will specify the time that the product can be used effectively before the ingredients expire. For example, if the product that you purchase says 12 inside of the jar graphic, that means that the product expires after 12 months and should no longer be used. You can also find the expiration date in the product FAQ on the website listing.

How do I know how much I am paying per ounce for the product?

A. To know how much money you’re paying per ounce and to discover if it is a good deal, divide the price by the number of ounces the product contains. For example, if a product is $40 and it is four ounces, then you are paying $10 per ounce of the product. This is important to know when comparing the product to similar products when trying to find the best deal.

What’s the best Drunk Elephant skin care product to buy?

Top Drunk Elephant skin care product

Protini Polypeptide Cream

What you need to know: Protini’s formula restores skin and provides a youthful appearance. It reduces signs of aging, fine lines and sun damage.

What you’ll love: This product contains an abundance of proteins and nutrients to replenish the skin barrier and is formulated at a 4.0 pH. Its 100% free of essential oils, silicones and fragrances, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free with proceeds supporting the International Elephant Foundation.

What you should consider: It’s difficult to get the cream out of the dispenser for some users.

Top Drunk Elephant skin care product for the money

Lippe Balm

What you need to know: This product contains an antioxidant-rich blend of avocado and mongongo nut oils, tripeptide and sea fern algae. The formula is buttery and absorbs while leaving a lasting shine.

What you’ll love: This product plumps while providing hydration to the lips and softens coarse lips with vitamin C and green tea extracts. You can use this product under your eyes to prevent crows’ feet and soften the cuticles.

What you should consider: There isn’t much product for the money, and it runs out quickly.

Worth checking out

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

What you need to know: This product uses retinol and peptides to restore bounce within the skin and brighten it. It evens the skin tone without causing redness and irritation and improves the skin’s texture.

What you’ll love: The ingredients replenish essential lipids and moisture while antioxidants fight environmental stressors. This formula is lightweight, and proceeds benefit the International Elephant Foundation.

What you should consider: In rare cases, this product has been known to cause burning on those with extra-dry skin.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.