Beauty Balm

                           


                                  ONE  OF THE BEST NEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS




Maybe you've noticed one of the newest beauty products on the market.  It actually crawled in under my radar and onto the shelves without attracting my attention.  A sales person at the Body Shop first introduced me when I said I was looking for a tinted moisturizer. " Try this,"   She held a small tube marked BB. "It's Beauty Balm" I then recalled seeing ads for it but they had failed to pique my interest.   So many products .. so little time.  She must have read my mind.  "Just give it try. It's  a bit different from what else is out there.  
 I smoothed some over my face and checked the mirror. My skin  had that luminous glow I'm forever in search of.  Best of all it didn't look like I was wearing makeup

Beauty Balm, I think originated in Asia . It is a combination of primer, color, moisturizer and  sunscreen.    It is light and impacts a nice healthy look when you chose the right shade (go lighter rather than darker). It's inexpensive.  Maybelline's, which I tried next was under $10.  I then moved on to Cover Girl (also good )and L'Oreal which  is marketed for mature skin and is a little more moisturizing  than the others.  However it didn't impart as much color.

On a trip to Sephora, I found that they too had hopped on the Beauty Balm bandwagon with everyone from Benefit to Dior hawking their versions. I decided to be extravagant and try a high end balm.  After taking a good look at my face the salesperson returned with a jar.  This BB was a water based gel and was one of several from a line I  had never heard of, Dr. Jart.  The product was rather thick and not easy to apply.I was skeptical,but she was convincing and I had a train to catch so I put another  $35plus tax on my credit card and took it home.   If  there was a glow, I couldn't see it and the gel like texture wasn't to my liking.     Back it went no questions asked.  For now I'm sticking with  the drug store brands .
The balm is a great idea for those of us who like to think we really don't need foundation but look much better with it.  Foundation? Me?  Of course not! Just a little BB Balm. 


Cheers,

Barb

HOW TO LOOK GREAT IN A DRESS

Dresses made a major resurgence a few seasons back and being a fan of one step dressing I welcomed their return. However they've been a disappointment. They look great on the rack and I grab armfuls to try on, only to find that when I do their attractiveness vanishes. They just hang and are not at all flattering. Many friends my age voice the same opinion and it got me to thinking.

Back in the nineties and late eighties, dresses were the mainstay of my wardrobe and I recall no problem with the fit. So what's different? As I stood in the dressing room fussing with a dress tugging at the hem, lifting it at the shoulder, and tying the belt in different places, I suddenly knew; it needed shoulder pads. I'm not talking those mammoth Dynasty ones here just a moderate pad that helps give a garment shape and affects the way it fits and hangs. As we grow older most of us, despite time spent at the gym and maintaining a constant weight still tend to get a bit round shouldered which can throw our bodies out of proportion. A shoulder pad can work wonders. Why do you think they never banished them from men's wear?

THE SECRET TO BRIGHTER EYES

Well at last I've found them. For the past few years I've been intrigued by the mention in numerous articles of ROHTO eyedrops. Top models are quoted as saying that they are the secret to their bright eyed look. The drops can be counted on to do the trick no matter how they partied the night before. Just a couple of squirts make eyes whiter and brighter.
I have sensitive eyes, the kind that tend to be red around the rim whether I've partied or not. As I've gotten older they've gotten drier and become even more sensitive. They look like my mother's. She suffered from the same problem and was a big consumer of Visine
I scoured the shelves of several drug stores looking for them to no avail. A stop at Sephora was met with a horrified "We wouldn't sell anything that you actually put in your eyes." Further research found that ROHTO eye drops were manufactured in Japan and not available in the US. I stopped looking
Then one day when I was sorting out the available eye drops at my local pharmacy there they were, a standout in an attractive oval acrylic and green container. 5$ on the counter and they were mine.
And yes they do work. My eyes feel refreshed, they look clear, the whites a blue white with nary a speck of red. "Turn around bright eyes"

Cheers,
Barb

WHAT TO TAKE TO FLORIDA

I 've been on hiatus for a while but now I'm back and intend to be posting weekly.
A reader wrote to ask what tips I may have to help spiff up her look for a Florida vacation without spending a bundle.
Look no further than your nearest Target! First head for the sun care department and pick up a sunblock made for babies. It works well on our delicate skin too and you can be sure it won't sting eyes or irritate.
Next head for accessories. They have a great selection of broad brimmed straw hats that will give even more protection besides giving you a touch of elan. If you don't need prescription glasses pick up a pair of over sized sun glasses. Instant glamor with out a hint of makeup. Why do you think celebrities go for this look.?You may want to pick up one of their cloth hobo style beach bags to sling over your shoulder while you're there. They are roomy, lightweight, stylish and inexpensive.
Next stop jewelery. What you're looking for is a chunky turquoise necklace in a short to medium length. It can dress up a tee shirt, look great peeking out from the collar of a white shirt, maybe worn open with a cami underneath. It also dresses up a plain black shift. If you only buy one thing this summer this should be it. Just make sure it isn't too delicate. At our age bold jewelry looks great and makes a statement You'll be surprised at how many colors this shade can work with and how stylish you'll look,
Final stop, cosmetics. Revlon Renewist is still my favorite lipstick, It's moisturizing , gives a little gloss and stays on better thn most. Coral Fixation is a great color for those warm climates
Neutrogena has a new automatic eye pencil that goes on smoothly and lasts. Try it in pewter. It's less harsh than black and in flattering to all eye colors. If you're in a rush just underline the lower lid from the corner to the mid eye point. You'd be surprised how that can define the eye.

For mascara try CoverGirl's LASHBLAST Get the waterproof one even if you're planning on staying land locked and you won't have to worry about smudges.
That's it. Just remember to stand up straight,lift from the rib cage and smile!

Barb's Best Lipstick Buys

There's good news for those of us looking for ways to tighten our economic seatbelt. When it comes to slashing your beauty budget there's no need to look further than your drugstore or mass market retailer.(read Walmart)
In recent years the quality gap between department store brands and those of the mass marketers has narrowed considerably. Where you will find a major difference is in packaging and the the absence of the over eager and pushy beauty consultant. While it's nice to flash a fancy lipstick case or pressed powder compact it's even better to save upwards of $15. As for the beauty consultant, I've already done the leg work.
When I need a quick beauty fix I've long headed for the drug store cosmetic aisle. Those of you who follow my blog know that I've found plenty of bargains there among them two lipsticks that have my Repeat Purchase Seal Of Approval.

Revlon RenewestLipcolor is one . Its Pro-Collagen Moisture Care claims to instantly boost moisture by 80% while reducing the appearance of fine lines. It glides on, stays on longer than most and leaves your lips noticeably moist and smooth with just a hint of gloss. It also contains an SPF 0f 15 and comes in 24 shades. I love Raspberry Rush so much that I've just purchased my third tube. It's only downside is the case which is clear plastic and would never be mistaken for a high end brand. At under $9, just let your gorgeous lips speak for themselves.

Rimmel London also has a winner in their Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick, The colors here, 30 of them, are more intense but they too are soft, smooth and feel good on your lips. They claim the color is locked in for up to 8 hours. I'd say a bit less but it did pass my two hour ballet class litmus test. At under $5 it's a beauty bargain! The color selection is great and the case passable!
Cheers,
Barb

HELP FOR STRESSED SKIN

A while back a friend rhapsodized about the powers of a Nivea Creamy Oil (no longer in their product line) and of course I had to try it. About a half hour after rubbing it into my skin, I stood before my husband with arms and decollete smooth,glowing and craving a compliment. He reached out, touched me and quickly pulled his hand away. "What's that sticky stuff?"

That was it for me even though my dermatologist had advised that my severe dry skin would best be remedied with a combination of oil and lotion. It was also why I was a bit hesitant to try Dove's newest entry in the moisturizer market. DOVE CREAM OIL.Blame it on the chill in the air or the dryness in the house but in fall my skin yearns for more moisture. Despite fastidious use of sunblock summer's stronger rays still have a way of sneaking in and leaving their imprint on skin. Mine seems dryer and rougher and so I decided to give Dove a try.
My head still wrapped in a towel I applied it right after showering. It has a silky texture, smoother and thinner than Nivea's. By time I shook out and combed my hair it was completely absorbed and I was even able to pull on my ballet tights and leotard with out thinking they were being moisturized too! Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Cheers,
Barb

TIPS FOR THINNING HAIR

As my friend Lyn tells it she was crouched on the floor of the shower stall, naked save for reading glasses, and counting her hairs that were caught in the drain. Normal hair loss is anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day and in the United States more than 30 million women experience some accelerated hair loss as they age.
According to Marcy Holmes,a Nurse Practitioner and certified menopause technician, hair loss in women is caused by a multitude of factors from stress, genetics and hormone imbalance to drugs, thyroid system disorder and nutritional deficiencies(especially iron or vitamin A). Hair loss caused by medical conditions or stress is often treatable and reversible. The bad news for the rest of us is that hair loss is a normal part of the aging process and heredity.
Hair is an intrinsic part of our feminine identity and it's departure, even in women who are not vain, can be traumatic. However there are a multitude of ways to cope with thinning hair aside from wigs, extensions and Rogaine.
1. Go Shorter I've been a fan of long hair ever since reading Rapunzel and for years, with just a few unhappy detours, I kept it somewhere between chin and shoulder even when that was no longer my most flattering length. However recently and reluctantly I've gone a bit shorter but not so short that I can't pull it back for ballet.
With thinning hair a short(chin length or above) cut works best but you don't want to go too short and risk looking scalped. Also very short hair tends to put more focus on your face which may not be what you want to do. Bangs either straight down or side swept can help soften the look while disguising a receding hairline
2. Layer it Short or long layers can cover a multitude of sins, but if the the hairdresser brandishes a razor, run. You want blunt cut layers that will give the illusion of thickness. And remember a good haircut is worth what ever it costs
3. Color it I know that many women are nurturing their gray locks but permanent or semi permanent color thickens the hair shaft and adds body.
4. Forget the daily shampoo. Go easy on the washing. According to WedMD, fine hair gets dirty faster and people with fine textured hair need to shampoo more frequently, even though fine hair breaks more easily. Avoid this catch 22 by using dry shampoo in between washings. The powder will also add a bit of thickness and body.
5. Use a volumizing shampoo, conditioner, and mousse.
6. Avoid putting high heat directly onto hair. Blow drying should not be a problem but flat irons and curling irons can cause damage and breakage. Also avoid volume building products containing paraffin, which is beeswax. It can build up and result in hair breakage
7. Tease - just a little. Don't think beehive or Dynasty or any of the other big hair horrors. Just gently back comb the underneath hair along the part and then smooth over with the top hair and spray very lightly. This method which I learned from my hairdresser, gives the appearance of volume and a flattering lift.
8. Flip your head upside down, give it a shake, brush it, spray lightly, let it dry for a minute and then flip it back.
9. My instant look thicker trick- Tuck your hair behind your ears and secure with a bobby pin on either side,hidden underneath. Add bold earrings and your good to go.
Cheers,
Barb

Does Olay Filling and Sealing WrinkleTreatment Work?

The ad is provocative. Olay Regenerist Filling and Sealing Treatmentt promises to reduce the appearance of those spikes fanning from the corners of our eyes and help fill in those annoying lines between the nose and mouth. I was skeptical, especially when I read the small print which said not the equivalent of a surgical procedure.
Olay was announcing right up front, don't even think it's Botox as opposed to another vendor who used the teaser Better Than Botox? Fool that I was, I actually put down $100 and purchased that product a few years back and returned it a few weeks later. However Olay has a good reputation and the outlay was only$17. at Rite Aid, so I decided to try it.

The paste like product comes in a narrow tube with a small tip on the end which is used as the applicator. The instructions say to dot a small amount onto the wrinkle prone area There was a time not too long ago when that would have meant my entire face but thanks to the Active FX laser, that's no longer the so. You then smooth the dots into a fine layer to fill the wrinkle. It works in two ways first it penetrates into the wrinkle surface to reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth and length; then at the surface it creates what they call a micro bonding network???that seals in moisturizer to regenerate the skin's appearance and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

And you know what ?It works! You won't see a dramatic difference but the look of lines and wrinkles actually are diminished. I looked carefully in all different types of light using a magnifying mirror. The lines above my lips and between my eyebrows that I had filled in were softer and less noticeable.
They do advise that you pay special attention when applying makeup over the filler-sealer so as not to disturb the treated areas. I'm going to keep this product. I can't imagine using it everyday but for a special occasion it will be nice to have on hand!

Cheers,
Barb

Butter Them Up!

My mother couldn't be described as frugal but one thing she never ever wasted was moisturizer. If the facial cream she purchased failed to work on her face she didn't consider returning or giving it away. Instead she used it on her legs which were perpetually dry. (This was back in the 1950's when few women used moisturizer below their neck) I've inherited those lizard limbs and am game to try any new product that may smooth away those scales.
There's been a lot of buzz about the benefits of shea butter. I tried it once in its pure form (beyond thick, almost solid) but found it difficult to apply over a large area. Now there are tons of products containing it. The key is finding one that lists it among the the first three ingredients. SEPHORA has come out with a cream that does just that. BODY beurre fondant super supreme body butter is as creamy and easy to spread as whipped butter. It's easily absorbed and has a pleasant scent. Many moisturizers I've tried don't have much staying power. Not so with this product. I applied it at night after showering and my skin still felt extra smooth and well moisturized in the morning. No scales in sight!

Does Smashbox Have Another Hit?

Well that depends on who is using it. Let me start out by admitting that I was a reluctant Smashbox user. I heard great things about their primer which is applied under foundation but didn't buy it. Much as I like looking good I don't want to devote too much of my time to the process . I strive to keep my required beauty products to a minimum and thus try to avoid any two step procedure.
Then my daughter Joan,also a beauty product junkie, gave me a sampleof the primer. Yes it does make a difference. Lines are diminished and makeup goes on more smoothly. It also makes thin skin look thicker. I save it for evenings out or those occasions such as meeting someone I haven't seen in a while, which raises the looking good stakes!
Then I heard about Smashbox's latest product, a blush that goes on over bare skin and adjusts to your complexion. It's said to give a natural,fresh from a run, flush. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Any product that even hints of natural speaks directly to me. Even as beauty products clutter my drawers and spill out of my medicine cabinet I try to kid myself that my looks are almost natural.
At Sephora I actually snatched the small tube filled with clear liquid gel out of the twenty something sales assistant's hand. I smoothed a generous amount over my cheeks and looked in the mirror. I had that healthy pink natural looking flush but interspersed were dots and patches of bright pink. I knew immediately what had happened and looked in dismay towards the sales assistant. "It's making my age spots darker. " Lets try a little less," she suggested. In my eagerness I had put on a large glob . She removed what was on my face and applied it more sparingly. The pink spots were not as bright but were still visible. I've had the same trouble with self tanners. My skin tone is just too uneven.
On the way out, after buying a new lip gloss to lift my spirits, I picked up the blush again. It's not for me but it's still a great product and if I were to bet I would say it's destined to become an even bigger hit than the primer.
Cheers, Barb

Guess Who's Courting Us?


It's none other than DOVE and just as in their previous ad campaigns they are using real women not professional models in their ads. This time they are promoting their new Pro-Age line, aimed at women over 50. Just wait until you see these women. They are nude, but discretely posed. However in full view are their age spots, wrinkles and fat rolls and a prouder, happier group of women you would be hard pressed to find. Their smiles leap off the page. True beauty is about acceptance and loving yourself and they certainly epitomize those qualities. What a lesson for us all. I found the ads so inspiring that I quickly exited to my local drug store to check out the products.
The line is extensive including skin and hair care products all especially formulated to enhance and treat our special needs. They contain super moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and olive oil.
I picked up a tube of their hand cream said to promote faster cell turnover along with nourishment and protection for even tone and texture. Then I glanced at the body moisturizers of which I already have an extensive collection. However I am always on the lookout because I have yet to find one that says THIS IS IT! My criteria is a product that will erase or camouflage for a day or so those vertical lines on my arms that shout "old lady". Not all older women have them. My informal survey tells me they are more prevalent on slender women who have had, and are now paying for, their day in the sun. Those lines do not seem to affect our more well padded friends as much. Anyway Dove has a regular moisturizer and also one for extra dry skin called Creamy Oil Moisturizer. Of course I had to buy it and tried it as soon as I got home. No matter that there was dinner to cook and phone calls to be returned. I have my priorities. The product is thick and creamy and was absorbed more quickly than I expected. My lines were nowhere in sight. However this had happened with other creams as well so I didn't get too excited. The litmus test would be how my arms looked the next day. You guessed it the first thing I did was check them out. The lines were back but much less visible. After a quick shower I applied more of the moisturizer and made it all the way through ballet class with out a line in sight.
Dove's Pro-age models and all ROCKS
Cheers, Barb

Who's A Babe Over 60?


Okay so babes and 60 are not exactly synonymous but times are changing. Sixty is no longer what it was when our mothers reached that milestone. As a group we are healthier, more active and vibrant than any previous generation and as the Boomers join our ranks, the stereotype of the little old lady,frail and bent with tightly permed white hair will be put to rest. We're redefining what 60 and over looks like
That being said,what is a Babe?
A Babe is a woman who maintains her sensuality throughout her life.
She abhors helmet hair,obvious makeup,and anything that screams "matronly".
A Babe does not own a pair of plain white cotton underpants.
She would rather arrive at a party with wet hair than don one of those plastic rain bonnets.
A Babe in comfortable in her skin and has developed her own sense of style. She incorporates elements of current fashion but isn't a slave to it.
She is determined to look attractive and enjoy each stage of life.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GAP?

The financial pages report that the Gap(Old Navy, Banana Republic) is sinking fast. Evidently the young demographic that they are geared towards has elected to take their credit cards else where.
Over a year ago they tried to buoy business by establishing a new division called Towne and Forth. Maybe the name was their first mistake. It certainly gave no hint as to what they were selling. I for one thought it was men's wear. So I was surprised to see an ad for them in MORE magazine featuring attractive, smart looking dresses with sleeves no less, stylish but not matronly. I looked forward to checking them out but they never opened in my part of the country.(Long Island, NYC)
Boomers grew up with the GAP and if the population I encounter on my frequent visits is any indication,many still shop there and also at Banana Republic searching for updated tee shirts, jeans and workout wear. However those basics are in short supply. The Gap is still courting the teens and twenty somethings with Abercrombie style knock offs. Banana Republic in its latest collection looks like an Ann Taylor wannabe but a shade more boring. Judging from the overstocks, this tactic is not working. The Boomers, the first wave of which joined our over 60 group last year is the fasting growing demographic in the nation, They clutch a good handful of disposable income and are hungry for the kind of good quality, casual clothes that will fit their active lifestyle. It's a natural for the GAP
They would do well to take another look at Towne & Forth and try to remedy whatever happened there. Maybe a lack of advertising? As for their original Gap and Banana Republic stores, do a test market with some stylish, well cut basics for the Boomers and the rest of us, keeping in mind that we don't buy boring.
Cheers, Barb