Bobbie Brown does it. So does Benefit,Nars and a host of others. What I'm talking about are those two in one products a cream formula color stick marketed to be used on lips and cheeks. I'm all for it. There's nothing like paring down the amount of cosmetics you tote around to make you feel like a natural beauty. However there's but no need to rush to Sephora to add another product to an already burgeoning collection. We already have multiple use products tumbling out of our makeup drawers and bags. It's just a matter of using a little creativity
A lipstick can easily duplicate as a blush, in fact many makeup artists have long used it as such. The trick in to have well moisturized skin at the site of application. It's also vital to blend well.
Concealer is probably your most versatile product. Nix the eyeshadow base the makeup consultants will tell you is a must; concealer applied with a brush works just as well. And here's a confession: I substitute concealer for eyeshadow itself on a regular basis. When used along with eyeliner and mascara, it gives a natural look that works well for daytime.
The possibilities for double uses are endless. When my daughter was in college she made her own tinted moisturizer be mixing a small amount of foundation with moisturizer. And speaking of moisturizer never ever discard or give it away. what wrecks havoc with your face will be heaven for your feet!
Cheers,
Barb
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, February 23, 2009
GET A CONCEALER THAT REALY WORKS!
My cache' of concealers is considerable. Chanel shares space with. Maybelline, CoverGirl and others. None provide that flawless look I'm seeking. I either appear washed out, have that dreaded raccoon look, or my under eye shadows are still in evidence. My skin is fair and most cosmetic advisers take one quick look and present me with their lightest shade.
Not too long ago I finally hit on the right color. Wandering through Sephora, I found a concealer that had a great consistency and good coverage.(Amazing Concealer) They were out of the light shades so on a whim, because it was one of those things that I just had to have, I tried the medium. Bingo! There was great coverage without the hint of a shadow and there was a slight touch of pink that added instant brightness. I had found that elusive FLAWLESS!
Too many of us pick a shade lighter than our foundation or skin when the answer actually is something just a bit darker that covers what we're looking to cover. I recently read that Bobbie Brown recommends brushing a bit of bronzer over the undereye area to warm it up before applying concealer. I haven't tried it but I've sworn off those the paler shades for good.
Amazing Concealer is hard to find and expensive although it does last for about a year. A less costly alternative is L'Oreal Visable Lift Eye. It's not as thick as Amazing Concealer but I've used the medium( 178 )shade with good results.
Not too long ago I finally hit on the right color. Wandering through Sephora, I found a concealer that had a great consistency and good coverage.(Amazing Concealer) They were out of the light shades so on a whim, because it was one of those things that I just had to have, I tried the medium. Bingo! There was great coverage without the hint of a shadow and there was a slight touch of pink that added instant brightness. I had found that elusive FLAWLESS!
Too many of us pick a shade lighter than our foundation or skin when the answer actually is something just a bit darker that covers what we're looking to cover. I recently read that Bobbie Brown recommends brushing a bit of bronzer over the undereye area to warm it up before applying concealer. I haven't tried it but I've sworn off those the paler shades for good.
Amazing Concealer is hard to find and expensive although it does last for about a year. A less costly alternative is L'Oreal Visable Lift Eye. It's not as thick as Amazing Concealer but I've used the medium( 178 )shade with good results.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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
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
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Michelle Obama's Style Trick
Michelle Obama appeared Tuesday night looking elegant and comfortable in a simple purple silk jersey dress (I'm guessing about the fabric) I don't know who her stylist is or even if she has one but it was the perfect choice for her curvaceous body. Accessorized with a wide black belt it was flattering and sexy with out being clingy.
I know from experience that a woman with an hourglass figure runs the risk of looking broad in the hips in such a dress. The only way to avoid that pitfall is simple, but not widely known. I stumbled upon the solution after spending an inordinate amount of time in front of the mirror performing all sort of contortions. The trick is to raise the waistline of the dress an inch or so above the natural waistline so that the fabric flows over the hips rather than jutting straight out, which emphasizes them. In Michelle's case the dress was belted just a bit above her natural waistline defining it.
She looked great, a woman confident in her body and in her dress. I'll be watching her wardrobe choices closely.
I know from experience that a woman with an hourglass figure runs the risk of looking broad in the hips in such a dress. The only way to avoid that pitfall is simple, but not widely known. I stumbled upon the solution after spending an inordinate amount of time in front of the mirror performing all sort of contortions. The trick is to raise the waistline of the dress an inch or so above the natural waistline so that the fabric flows over the hips rather than jutting straight out, which emphasizes them. In Michelle's case the dress was belted just a bit above her natural waistline defining it.
She looked great, a woman confident in her body and in her dress. I'll be watching her wardrobe choices closely.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Worst Beauty Bargain
Most Sunday mornings you'll find me and my youngest son David in Target. It's the perfect destination for us. The roomy aisles easily accommodate his wheelchair and his CCI dog, Ian. The wide array of products provide much to interest us both although I must admit my attention tends to sag when he insists we linger in the tool department more than a few minutes. He feels the same way about the makeup section, which is why I picked up what I considered an incredible bargain rather quickly.
I was checking out the Boot's07 display. I've never used their products but had heard good things about them. What caught my attention was a a full size eyeliner and mascara packaged together for $6.99. It was a no brainer. I dropped it into the almost full basket that David balances on his lap and headed for the checkout. I was already feeling that nice surge of anticipation that surfaces before trying a new product.
Boot's Amazing Eyes Pencil is the usual kind, point on one end, smudger on the other. It's described as long wearing and silky smooth. It went on smoothly without any tugging. However when I checked it out I realized it hadn't imparted much color. I applied it again pressing a bit harder and found that it did indeed tug. The mascara went on easily with out clumping and defined my lashes nicely. However in ballet class, my friend Maxine informed me I had a black smudge on my eye lid. I gave it another try the next day and this time I checked in the rear view mirror before I got out of the car for class. There it was again; a black smudge by the outer corner of my eye. Good I saved the receipt!
Cheers,
Barb
I was checking out the Boot's07 display. I've never used their products but had heard good things about them. What caught my attention was a a full size eyeliner and mascara packaged together for $6.99. It was a no brainer. I dropped it into the almost full basket that David balances on his lap and headed for the checkout. I was already feeling that nice surge of anticipation that surfaces before trying a new product.
Boot's Amazing Eyes Pencil is the usual kind, point on one end, smudger on the other. It's described as long wearing and silky smooth. It went on smoothly without any tugging. However when I checked it out I realized it hadn't imparted much color. I applied it again pressing a bit harder and found that it did indeed tug. The mascara went on easily with out clumping and defined my lashes nicely. However in ballet class, my friend Maxine informed me I had a black smudge on my eye lid. I gave it another try the next day and this time I checked in the rear view mirror before I got out of the car for class. There it was again; a black smudge by the outer corner of my eye. Good I saved the receipt!
Cheers,
Barb
Saturday, May 03, 2008
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
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
Thursday, April 24, 2008
BARB'S BEAUTY BUY OF THE WEEK
You are probably expecting an inexpensive but great product that can erase all the imperfections that keep us from looking like the models in those glossy ads. Sorry to disappoint but what this Best Buy will do is prevent future damage .Yes, I'm talking about sun block, a product I all but bathed in last summer and spent quite a bit a money on in the process.
The other day on a routine trip to Costco,while trying to restrain myself from buying numerous things I really didn't need, I spied Neutrogena Dry-Touch Sunblock. It has an SPF of 55 which is usually hard to find. Neutrogena, in it's various forms is the one sunblock recommended by every dermatologist I've ever consulted(except for those hawking their own products) .
UltraSheer Dry Touch contains Helioplex, a combination of avobenzone,homosalte and other ingredients that block those aging UVA rays, the ones responsible for wrinkles, twice as long as any other product on the market. Most sunblocks stop working after two hours. The product is quickly absorbed and unlike other heavy duty sunblocks I've tried, leaves no residue. It's waterproof, sweatproof and resists rub off. $13.99 buys two 3.fl ounce tubes which is packaged along with a lip moisturizer. Stock Up!
The other day on a routine trip to Costco,while trying to restrain myself from buying numerous things I really didn't need, I spied Neutrogena Dry-Touch Sunblock. It has an SPF of 55 which is usually hard to find. Neutrogena, in it's various forms is the one sunblock recommended by every dermatologist I've ever consulted(except for those hawking their own products) .
UltraSheer Dry Touch contains Helioplex, a combination of avobenzone,homosalte and other ingredients that block those aging UVA rays, the ones responsible for wrinkles, twice as long as any other product on the market. Most sunblocks stop working after two hours. The product is quickly absorbed and unlike other heavy duty sunblocks I've tried, leaves no residue. It's waterproof, sweatproof and resists rub off. $13.99 buys two 3.fl ounce tubes which is packaged along with a lip moisturizer. Stock Up!
Monday, April 14, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
FOUND! The PRODUCT I'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR
It hard to believe that one could scour drugstore and high end beauty counters, not to mention Sephora and still be unable to find a finely milled pink powder that could be applied with a brush as a finishing touch after makeup.
Only pink, not coral, bronze or red gives that color that at a young age appears naturally. It lights up the face and brings it alive like nothing else, save vigorous exercise or sex can. In her later years my mother achieved it by combining three products together (don't ask). I wanted the same result from one.
I began to feel like an aging Goldilocks looking for that perfect porridge. At Este Lauder I discovered a bright pink pressed powder that looked great in the store but was far too matte when I tried it at home. Walking past the Bare Minerals display I stopped short when I spied a container of pale pink loose powder along side of which was a large fluffy brush. Certain that I
had found what I was looking for,I gave it a try only to find the result so sparkly that I felt ready to step out on the stage.
Then like a fairy godmother, Benefit appeared with a new product thrrrob which they bill as a"turned on" face powder. It is a bright pink pressed powder with just a hint of sparkle which I must admit gave me pause. But Benefit has never disappointed and now they've kept their record intact. I grabbed the accompanying brush with out a thought of who may have used it before and swept the powder lightly across cheekbones, forehead and chin. When I peered in the mirror I looked as if I had just finished a marathon or tumbled out of bed!
Cheers,
Barb
Only pink, not coral, bronze or red gives that color that at a young age appears naturally. It lights up the face and brings it alive like nothing else, save vigorous exercise or sex can. In her later years my mother achieved it by combining three products together (don't ask). I wanted the same result from one.
I began to feel like an aging Goldilocks looking for that perfect porridge. At Este Lauder I discovered a bright pink pressed powder that looked great in the store but was far too matte when I tried it at home. Walking past the Bare Minerals display I stopped short when I spied a container of pale pink loose powder along side of which was a large fluffy brush. Certain that I
had found what I was looking for,I gave it a try only to find the result so sparkly that I felt ready to step out on the stage.
Then like a fairy godmother, Benefit appeared with a new product thrrrob which they bill as a"turned on" face powder. It is a bright pink pressed powder with just a hint of sparkle which I must admit gave me pause. But Benefit has never disappointed and now they've kept their record intact. I grabbed the accompanying brush with out a thought of who may have used it before and swept the powder lightly across cheekbones, forehead and chin. When I peered in the mirror I looked as if I had just finished a marathon or tumbled out of bed!
Cheers,
Barb
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Quickest Way To Protect Skin From UV Rays
No, I'm not suggesting you sequester yourself indoors for the summer but I have found that getting myself equipped to face the morning sun on my daily power walk takes a lot longer than it used to. For years I just smeared some sunscreen over my face and felt virtuous . Always being a bit shortsighted I never gave a thought to anything below my chin. It was those glaring mirrors at ballet class that gave me my comeuppance when they reflected neck and arm skin that looked considerably older than that on my face. I tried to rectify matters by expanding my sunscreen coverage which also added several minutes to my departure time.
Now I've discovered a product that may help hasten it.
SunGuard is a laundry product that washes sun protection into clothing and helps block more than 96% of UV rays from reaching your skin. UVP,Ultra Violet Protection is similar to SPF ratings for sunscreen. Most light weight and light colored summer fabrics do little or nothing to protect your skin from those harmful rays. A white tee shirt has a UVP factor of 5. Adding just one packet Of SunGuard to a warm or hot water laundry load along with detergent will increase sun protection to a UVP rating of 30. while not changing the texture, color or breathability of clothing. One treatment provides protection for up to 20 washings. This product is recommended by dermatologists and bears the Good Housekeeping and Skin Cancer's Foundation seals. Sounds good to me!
Cheers, Barb
Now I've discovered a product that may help hasten it.
SunGuard is a laundry product that washes sun protection into clothing and helps block more than 96% of UV rays from reaching your skin. UVP,Ultra Violet Protection is similar to SPF ratings for sunscreen. Most light weight and light colored summer fabrics do little or nothing to protect your skin from those harmful rays. A white tee shirt has a UVP factor of 5. Adding just one packet Of SunGuard to a warm or hot water laundry load along with detergent will increase sun protection to a UVP rating of 30. while not changing the texture, color or breathability of clothing. One treatment provides protection for up to 20 washings. This product is recommended by dermatologists and bears the Good Housekeeping and Skin Cancer's Foundation seals. Sounds good to me!
Cheers, Barb
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Shrink Wrap That Sagging Skin
I know that headline reads like an ad for a product in the back of a cheap magazine but there actually is a proven way to restore youthful firmness to sagging skin on the arms, legs and abdomen. Now I sound like an infomercial! But if you're like me, as swimsuit time draws near you start to look at those areas with a more apprising eye and until recently there wasn't much you could do to improve matters.
So what's changed? Laser technology is exploding. You may remember that last November I had my face resurfaced by an ActiveFX lazer, one of the newest and most powerful ones on the market. The results were extraordinary and for the first time in my life I have porcelain like skin.
There are now a number of so called skin tightening systems on the market. However the gold standard is a combination treatment using Infrared Skin Tightening followed by Fractional Skin Resurfacing and can be applied to any part of the body. Before you say WHAT? I'll try to explain in less technical terms.
Infrared light has been proven to tighten loose or wrinkled skin by causing immediate collagen contraction and long term collagen stimulation. As a result skin tightens and fine lines and wrinkles even disappear over time. Infrared Skin Tightening treats the deepest layer of skin 1-3 mm beneath the surface. There is no downtime and the recovery is immediate.
Fractional Skin Resurfacing uses a nonablative (non damaging) fractional laser to deliver energy to the upper and middle areas of the skin, stimulating collagen production in these layers and creating a smooth even toned and even textured surface. When used together all three layers of the skin are treated and there is virtually no discomfort.
Scott Wells M.D. a plastic surgeon in New York City and Great Neck, NY who has pioneered this ground breaking method of treating damaged skin calls it Skin Refabrication.(trademark). It is especially effective when used in conjunction with liposuction. Many women while delighted to have the fat removed are sometimes less than happy with the sagging skin that they're often left with. The results when the two procedures are used together is nothing less than amazing. This is also the solution for those who are not overweight but whose skin, in spite of hours spent at the gym, has that less than firm look or whose slack belly skin announces their motherhood. It is recommended that four treatment be administered in a series of one a month.
Most amazing of all is that this even works on areas for which it was once believed nothing could help such as knees and elbows.
Beam me up Scotty!
Cheers,
Barb
So what's changed? Laser technology is exploding. You may remember that last November I had my face resurfaced by an ActiveFX lazer, one of the newest and most powerful ones on the market. The results were extraordinary and for the first time in my life I have porcelain like skin.
There are now a number of so called skin tightening systems on the market. However the gold standard is a combination treatment using Infrared Skin Tightening followed by Fractional Skin Resurfacing and can be applied to any part of the body. Before you say WHAT? I'll try to explain in less technical terms.
Infrared light has been proven to tighten loose or wrinkled skin by causing immediate collagen contraction and long term collagen stimulation. As a result skin tightens and fine lines and wrinkles even disappear over time. Infrared Skin Tightening treats the deepest layer of skin 1-3 mm beneath the surface. There is no downtime and the recovery is immediate.
Fractional Skin Resurfacing uses a nonablative (non damaging) fractional laser to deliver energy to the upper and middle areas of the skin, stimulating collagen production in these layers and creating a smooth even toned and even textured surface. When used together all three layers of the skin are treated and there is virtually no discomfort.
Scott Wells M.D. a plastic surgeon in New York City and Great Neck, NY who has pioneered this ground breaking method of treating damaged skin calls it Skin Refabrication.(trademark). It is especially effective when used in conjunction with liposuction. Many women while delighted to have the fat removed are sometimes less than happy with the sagging skin that they're often left with. The results when the two procedures are used together is nothing less than amazing. This is also the solution for those who are not overweight but whose skin, in spite of hours spent at the gym, has that less than firm look or whose slack belly skin announces their motherhood. It is recommended that four treatment be administered in a series of one a month.
Most amazing of all is that this even works on areas for which it was once believed nothing could help such as knees and elbows.
Beam me up Scotty!
Cheers,
Barb
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Beauty Product Rebellion
I've made up my mind and I won't be swayed. From this point on I will never purchase any two step beauty product be it mascara or anything else. Ditto for the primers that are flooding the market to be used prior to applying foundation. I am also swearing off the double blush application as touted by a Bobbie Brown sales associate. She swirled a cream pink blush over the apples of my checks and then addressed my cheek bones with a swipe or two of bronzer. Yes, I looked rosy cheeked and healthy and my cheek bones appeared more prominent that they usually do but it is nothing I would ever do at home.
Multiple products and numerous application steps remind me of a good friend who has since moved on to a place where adornment is unnecessary. When earthbound, her face while never shouting makeup, always looked great. Of course I had to learn her secret and she was happy to share it. The process involved layering and mixing three different foundations and two concealers for starters and then moved on to multi step processes for eyes,lips and cheeks. It ended with brushing a pale pink powder over her entire face with a big fluffy brush. As much as I admired the finished product, I didn't posses the patience or own the fluffy brush(which she insisted was key), to even try to replicate it
There are increasingly a ton of tricks and products available to seduce us in our efforts to present a more attractive facade. It's easy to be tempted especially if we compare ourselves with celebrities who spend hours being styled,buffed and Botoxed to within an inch of their lives. As vain as I may be, I'm still not willing to spend an iota more time than I already do applying cosmetics. Time is precious and there are too many other more interesting and rewarding ways to use it.
I'm still a beauty product junkie and will be forever on the lookout for that perfect product that will help transform or cover whatever is bothering me, the only criteria being that it's quick and easy to apply.
How much time to you spend putting on your makeup? I'd love to know!
Cheers,
Barb
Multiple products and numerous application steps remind me of a good friend who has since moved on to a place where adornment is unnecessary. When earthbound, her face while never shouting makeup, always looked great. Of course I had to learn her secret and she was happy to share it. The process involved layering and mixing three different foundations and two concealers for starters and then moved on to multi step processes for eyes,lips and cheeks. It ended with brushing a pale pink powder over her entire face with a big fluffy brush. As much as I admired the finished product, I didn't posses the patience or own the fluffy brush(which she insisted was key), to even try to replicate it
There are increasingly a ton of tricks and products available to seduce us in our efforts to present a more attractive facade. It's easy to be tempted especially if we compare ourselves with celebrities who spend hours being styled,buffed and Botoxed to within an inch of their lives. As vain as I may be, I'm still not willing to spend an iota more time than I already do applying cosmetics. Time is precious and there are too many other more interesting and rewarding ways to use it.
I'm still a beauty product junkie and will be forever on the lookout for that perfect product that will help transform or cover whatever is bothering me, the only criteria being that it's quick and easy to apply.
How much time to you spend putting on your makeup? I'd love to know!
Cheers,
Barb
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Help For Those Age Spots
My colleague At GIRL-WOMAN-BEAUTY- BRAINS BLOG has found some help for those age spots that plaque most of us as the years pile up. This is a woman as obsessed with concealers as I am, so she knows of what she speaks. While she found several that worked on her face,they failed to camouflage the spots on her hands, which she refers to as sun spots. (a much kinder term that I intend to adopt ) .
Truthfully,I was always more concerned with my face but know that many women feel otherwise especially when spring rolls around and it's time to take the gloves off.
Girl-Woman - recommends Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation to make your hands appear spotless and ready for viewing. It comes in a wide range of shades and is transfer resistant. This concealer also contains SPF30 to help put the breaks on any future sun spots targeting your hands.
Cheers,
Barb
Truthfully,I was always more concerned with my face but know that many women feel otherwise especially when spring rolls around and it's time to take the gloves off.
Girl-Woman - recommends Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation to make your hands appear spotless and ready for viewing. It comes in a wide range of shades and is transfer resistant. This concealer also contains SPF30 to help put the breaks on any future sun spots targeting your hands.
Cheers,
Barb
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Lip Color With Staying Power
Any color I put on my lips has a tendency to do a quick disappearing act so I've long been on the lookout for lip color that lasts. Yes I know there are some out with staying power but they leave my lips feeling parched.
Now the people at Good Housekeeping have to come to the rescue. At their renowned Research Institute they recently tested ten of the latest long lasting lip colors.
After applying the lip colors in the lab,volunteers ate a buttered bagel, sipped a hot drink and kissed the back of their hand. An expert then recorded the amount of transfer color. The testers then wore the products for the rest of the day without reapplying and then rated them on comfort look and wear.
All had zero color fade and lasted 11 hours. Among the top three performers L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lip Color was number two after Channel
Of course I had to check it out and made a special stop at Rite Aide. I spent a bit of time picking out the color bearing in mind advice from the book How Not To Look Old which says we older gals do better to stick with pale pink (being blond I had always veered to the more earth or coral tones which might have been a mistake.) So I picked Azalea, a medium pale pink. The product comes in an attractive mirrored case, but I was dismayed to discover that this one like the Maybelline I had previously tried was a two step process.
I still felt compelled to give it a try. The color is applied with a wand and has to dry for two minutes. It went on more smoothly but had that same stiff feeling as the Maybelline as it dried However this is then topped by a clear super moisturizing gloss applied in stick form. It immediately alleviated the stiff feeling and managed to keep my lips feeling moisturized all day.
By evening they were still pink, if not quite as shiny as they were in the morning. I may have to try this one again but in a brighter shade. I'm still not sold on the virtues of pink but do intend to check out the shades recommended in the book. I'll let you know. Meanwhile I can't believe I'm spending so much time thinking about lips!
Cheers,
Barb
Now the people at Good Housekeeping have to come to the rescue. At their renowned Research Institute they recently tested ten of the latest long lasting lip colors.
After applying the lip colors in the lab,volunteers ate a buttered bagel, sipped a hot drink and kissed the back of their hand. An expert then recorded the amount of transfer color. The testers then wore the products for the rest of the day without reapplying and then rated them on comfort look and wear.
All had zero color fade and lasted 11 hours. Among the top three performers L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lip Color was number two after Channel
Of course I had to check it out and made a special stop at Rite Aide. I spent a bit of time picking out the color bearing in mind advice from the book How Not To Look Old which says we older gals do better to stick with pale pink (being blond I had always veered to the more earth or coral tones which might have been a mistake.) So I picked Azalea, a medium pale pink. The product comes in an attractive mirrored case, but I was dismayed to discover that this one like the Maybelline I had previously tried was a two step process.
I still felt compelled to give it a try. The color is applied with a wand and has to dry for two minutes. It went on more smoothly but had that same stiff feeling as the Maybelline as it dried However this is then topped by a clear super moisturizing gloss applied in stick form. It immediately alleviated the stiff feeling and managed to keep my lips feeling moisturized all day.
By evening they were still pink, if not quite as shiny as they were in the morning. I may have to try this one again but in a brighter shade. I'm still not sold on the virtues of pink but do intend to check out the shades recommended in the book. I'll let you know. Meanwhile I can't believe I'm spending so much time thinking about lips!
Cheers,
Barb
Friday, February 08, 2008
My Addiction Ruined My Skin
For twenty five years I ran almost everyday. Winter winds battered my face, summer sun baked it. This was back in a time when sunscreen had yet to boast a high profile . I pounded the pavements because I, who had lived to age forty with out ever being in the least athletic, had discovered that I could put one foot in front of another, move forward at approximately ten minutes a mile and with the resulting endorphins surging through my body, feel better than I ever had. I never gave a thought to my face until I arrived at age 60 with sags, line and much discoloration.
Recently I received a sample of Pure Cloud Cream from skyn ICELAND, a company whose skincare line is designed to treat the effects of stress on the skin. Pure Cloud Cream boasts among its ingredients Sodium hyaluronate a powerful moisturizer, Biosheric Complex a proprietar blend that delivers vital nutrients of Iceland's natural resources, oat extract an anti irritant, and hydolyzed rice protein said to preserve healthy collagen.
I used it after a long, cold and windy walk and found it extremely soothing. There was absolutely no burning or tingling and it was quickly absorbed leaving no residue, just satin soft skin. Pure Cloud Cream is also recommended for women who have had laser or cosmetic surgery. Oh, if only I had it back in November when I underwent both.
This product also contains peptides which are said to help relieve skin irritation and discomfort by stimulating the release of endorphins. I know that peptides do lots of good things for our skin but I'm skeptical about their ability to release endorphins. My skin felt better but that endorphin high, my drug of choice, never kicked in!
Recently I received a sample of Pure Cloud Cream from skyn ICELAND, a company whose skincare line is designed to treat the effects of stress on the skin. Pure Cloud Cream boasts among its ingredients Sodium hyaluronate a powerful moisturizer, Biosheric Complex a proprietar blend that delivers vital nutrients of Iceland's natural resources, oat extract an anti irritant, and hydolyzed rice protein said to preserve healthy collagen.
I used it after a long, cold and windy walk and found it extremely soothing. There was absolutely no burning or tingling and it was quickly absorbed leaving no residue, just satin soft skin. Pure Cloud Cream is also recommended for women who have had laser or cosmetic surgery. Oh, if only I had it back in November when I underwent both.
This product also contains peptides which are said to help relieve skin irritation and discomfort by stimulating the release of endorphins. I know that peptides do lots of good things for our skin but I'm skeptical about their ability to release endorphins. My skin felt better but that endorphin high, my drug of choice, never kicked in!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
A Different Type of Eyeliner
Anytime I'm in Rite Aid to pick up a prescription I reward myself with a quick foray through the beauty section. My particular store appears to pay scant attention to that department and it often looks neglected. Still being an optimistic sort I'm always hopeful that they've cleaned up their act and I'll find something new.
The other day I noticed for the first time a display of eye liners by a manufacturer called Styli-Style. I took a quick look at the colors. None called out to me but then I happened on something I'd not seen before; a flat edged eye pencil.
Eyeliner is the one product that I can't do without but I've yet to perfect the application. The line I draw is either too thick or too thin, so I'm forever on the lookout for a product that will do the job with a minimum of skill. Just maybe this was it. I took a second look at the colors. There was space for over a dozen but most of the bins were empty Neither gray nor olive, two of my favorites, were anywhere in sight. I settled on Dublin and hoped it wouldn't be too bright.
It wasn't and this morning I put my eyeliner on in record time. I really like the flat pencil. It's easy to use and makes getting the right thickness a cinch. They also had a flat edged sharpener which I didn't buy at the time but is now on my list!
Cheers,
Barb
The other day I noticed for the first time a display of eye liners by a manufacturer called Styli-Style. I took a quick look at the colors. None called out to me but then I happened on something I'd not seen before; a flat edged eye pencil.
Eyeliner is the one product that I can't do without but I've yet to perfect the application. The line I draw is either too thick or too thin, so I'm forever on the lookout for a product that will do the job with a minimum of skill. Just maybe this was it. I took a second look at the colors. There was space for over a dozen but most of the bins were empty Neither gray nor olive, two of my favorites, were anywhere in sight. I settled on Dublin and hoped it wouldn't be too bright.
It wasn't and this morning I put my eyeliner on in record time. I really like the flat pencil. It's easy to use and makes getting the right thickness a cinch. They also had a flat edged sharpener which I didn't buy at the time but is now on my list!
Cheers,
Barb
Sunday, February 03, 2008
The Easiest Way Not to Look Old
There's a new book out, How Not to Look Old. I haven't read it yet but I have read and heard plenty about it. The author, a former editor of Glamour offers a myriad of valuable tips such as shortening your skirts and cutting bangs in order to project that youthful image many of us aspire to.
Clothes, hair and makeup visually define who we are and hint at our age. But there's another important factor in the equation; one that shouts old no matter how well you've nailed the perfect skirt length or lip color and that's posture and bearing. If you don't pay attention to them, all else is for naught.
Just look around any mall and you'll see what I mean. As we age osteoporosis and the force of gravity conspire to cause many of us to bend at about a 25 degree angle from the waist. We just sort of pitch forward. Some of us may be a bit hunched in the shoulders or our necks may have shortened . I realize I'm not painting a pretty picture here but as I said, look around and you'll see what I mean. If you're focused on achieving that youthful look, it's something that must be addressed .
The solution is simple; make a concerted effort to straighten up. The most effective way is to lift from the rib cage which may over time, have taken to resting on your stomach. Try this first standing sideways in front of a full length mirror. You'll notice that as you lift the rib cage,your shoulders drop and your chin raises a bit; your lower back lengthens and flattens as does your abdomen. Now practice walking in this position. It may take a little practice but keep at it and soon it will become automatic.
This is a trick I learned from my mother who even at 85 did not want to look like an old lady and never did.
Cheers, Barb
Clothes, hair and makeup visually define who we are and hint at our age. But there's another important factor in the equation; one that shouts old no matter how well you've nailed the perfect skirt length or lip color and that's posture and bearing. If you don't pay attention to them, all else is for naught.
Just look around any mall and you'll see what I mean. As we age osteoporosis and the force of gravity conspire to cause many of us to bend at about a 25 degree angle from the waist. We just sort of pitch forward. Some of us may be a bit hunched in the shoulders or our necks may have shortened . I realize I'm not painting a pretty picture here but as I said, look around and you'll see what I mean. If you're focused on achieving that youthful look, it's something that must be addressed .
The solution is simple; make a concerted effort to straighten up. The most effective way is to lift from the rib cage which may over time, have taken to resting on your stomach. Try this first standing sideways in front of a full length mirror. You'll notice that as you lift the rib cage,your shoulders drop and your chin raises a bit; your lower back lengthens and flattens as does your abdomen. Now practice walking in this position. It may take a little practice but keep at it and soon it will become automatic.
This is a trick I learned from my mother who even at 85 did not want to look like an old lady and never did.
Cheers, Barb
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
FASTEST MANICURE EVER!
Sally Hansen (if such a person actually exists) is a woman after my own heart.
As much as I like to look good, life is too filled with other more compelling possibilities than sitting for upwards of twenty minutes to have my nails done. As a result I do mine my self and when time is really at a premium settle for polishless nails and hope that they escape notice. Last summer my nails got an upgrade when my gal Sal came out with a great product called Natural Shine Instant Nail Polish which I wrote about here. I loved it but it came only in clear and a barely nude color that needed a couple of coats .
Now Sally's done it again with an updated version that comes in several colors. This product is aptly called Color Quick and is a fast dry nail color pen that provides,as it says on the packaging, a Manicure in Minutes. Sally doesn't lie. You just click the top of the pen to dispense the color to the brush attached to the end. By the time you finish the last nail, the first one is dry.
As a bonus it boasts your nail's health because it contains anti oxidant Vitamins A& E to condition them and UV protection to keep the color fresh!
Cheers,
Barb
As much as I like to look good, life is too filled with other more compelling possibilities than sitting for upwards of twenty minutes to have my nails done. As a result I do mine my self and when time is really at a premium settle for polishless nails and hope that they escape notice. Last summer my nails got an upgrade when my gal Sal came out with a great product called Natural Shine Instant Nail Polish which I wrote about here. I loved it but it came only in clear and a barely nude color that needed a couple of coats .
Now Sally's done it again with an updated version that comes in several colors. This product is aptly called Color Quick and is a fast dry nail color pen that provides,as it says on the packaging, a Manicure in Minutes. Sally doesn't lie. You just click the top of the pen to dispense the color to the brush attached to the end. By the time you finish the last nail, the first one is dry.
As a bonus it boasts your nail's health because it contains anti oxidant Vitamins A& E to condition them and UV protection to keep the color fresh!
Cheers,
Barb
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Channeling My Inner Witch
I never imagined I'd be one of those women concocting a beauty potion in her kitchen but there I was one night last week doing just that.
It all started when I received a sample of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil which listed as ingredients olive oil and vitamin E. I liked the sample and then started to wonder would a homemade version work as well? Of course I had to try.
I used a small, maybe a one ounce beauty sample jar and filled it almost to the top with extra virgin olive oil. A search reveled a lack of vitamin E capsules but I did find a big jar of Omega-3- fatty acid capsules that I figured would do just as well if not better. I pierced one and emptied its contents into the olive oil and as I did inhaled the smell of fish. Not to be deterred from being the next Estee Lauder (I think she started out in the kitchen too) I made a quick foray into my bedroom where I grabbed a purse size bottle of Joy and shook exactly three drops into the mixture. It did the trick and I've been using it not only as a cleanser but as a moisturizer too.
Try it yourself!
Cheers, Barb
It all started when I received a sample of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil which listed as ingredients olive oil and vitamin E. I liked the sample and then started to wonder would a homemade version work as well? Of course I had to try.
I used a small, maybe a one ounce beauty sample jar and filled it almost to the top with extra virgin olive oil. A search reveled a lack of vitamin E capsules but I did find a big jar of Omega-3- fatty acid capsules that I figured would do just as well if not better. I pierced one and emptied its contents into the olive oil and as I did inhaled the smell of fish. Not to be deterred from being the next Estee Lauder (I think she started out in the kitchen too) I made a quick foray into my bedroom where I grabbed a purse size bottle of Joy and shook exactly three drops into the mixture. It did the trick and I've been using it not only as a cleanser but as a moisturizer too.
Try it yourself!
Cheers, Barb
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