Beauty

It happens to all of us. We all know that we should wash our face before we go to bed; especially if we have make-up on. Yes there are those lucky few whose skin is beautiful whether or not they are religious about washing.

So, here’s a little shortcut for those nights when you need a fast, gentle face-wash so you can hop into bed lickety-split.

The Ultimate Cleansing Cloths were developed for the most sensitive baby skin, and also make a wonderful make-up remover. Extra thick cloths soaked in a no-rinse; hypoallergenic solution they are the perfect solution to clean your face before bedtime. Dermatologist-tested.

In addition to removing the dirt and oil that has accumulated over the day, gentle moisturizers will hydrate skin leaving it perfectly soft for the pillow that is calling your name.

What’s new and fashionable on the Internet this week? Well …

StyleBakery introduces us to the Winkee — for cleavage coverage without a tank or cami. I can see how this would be useful, but I’m not sure I could actually wear it.

Manolo the Shoeblogger takes issue with Project Runway’s use of “iconic.”

But, whatever. The Manolo quibbles, as the obvious intention was to produce the piece that could be creditably sold by the Levis Company, something much more achievable than “iconic”.

No one recaps Project Runway like the Manolo — if you’re not already reading him, start today.

Carly Cais, at FashionTribes, dishes about celebrity style on a real person budget. On her must-have list: red dress with black belt, footless tights, thigh-high boots, and animal print ballet flats, all at prices you can totally afford.

Finally, the girls at Omiru: Style for All answer the age-old question “What do I wear on a date?” Useful whether you are 22 and single or 40 and married, really.

Banana Republic Monogram silk geo-print kimono-style dress, $148.00.

One way to simplify your morning is to rely on basics. The simplest basics are jeans and a tee; toss on a jacket and some great shoes and you’re ready to go!

Until the day you realize that you’ve worn the same outfit for weeks on end. Then you’re just in a rut.

This winter, break out of the rut with one simple piece: add a dramatic necklace to your jeans-and-tee uniform. Choose a fantastic bib shape, like the one pictured here, or opt for a simple strand of big beads. Go for color and texture; you want your jewelry to pop.

Consider your neckline; if you wear primarily crew-neck tees, look for longer necklaces. A choker length is good with button-up shirts and scoop necks, while a bib necklace works with everything. But feel free to break the rules — I am partial to a choker with a crew neck tee, because I like the way the layered necklines work together.

A dramatic necklace can take you from day to night; pair with your jeans and tee for lunch with friends or with your LBD for cocktails and dinner. For day or evening, keep the rest of your outfit simple — let the necklace be your statement.

J. Crew bubble necklace, $150.00. Available in three colors.

Just the words “dry, cracked skin” are enough to make us girls reach for the lotions and potions. And as the weather turns colder, dry skin becomes a common problem for most of us. When choosing lotions, creams and ointments, personal preference is important along with choosing effective products that leave skin hydrated and healthy.

Most lotions and creams contain one or both of the following agents, an oily agent and a watery agent. Most of the time, creams and lotions vary based on the amount of these two agents, or “phases” as they are commonly referred to by formulators.

Some creams or lotions can contain most of one phase and almost none of the other. Or, these agents can exist in equal amounts. In many cases, the ‘feel’ of a lotion or cream may run from very oily to not oily at all. It all depends on the relationship of the two phases. For instance the Ultimate Baby Ointment and the Elasticity Oil are two Noodle & Boo products that are oil-based (no water). The Balm has both oil and water but has a higher percentage of oil than the Super Soft Lotion or Lovely Body Lotion which are light daily moisturizers for the whole body.

Unless some unusual medical condition exists (such as Psoriasis) most skin damage occurs because of dryness. In the winter, the air lacks the same humidity as in the summer. The atmosphere contributes to dehydrating the skin at a faster rate during this time.

It is during this period that creams or lotions with an oily feel come to the rescue and provide a covering that slows the escape of moisture from the exposed surface allowing re-hydrating from below. Oil-based lotions and creams have an ‘occlusive’ function in that they cover the skin and allow healing like a band-aid. These creams and lotions may also contain additives which have proven to provide softening and soothing properties to the skin.

If you suffer from dry skin from head-to-toe, the ultimate luxury we offer is the Elasticity Oil applied just after your shower and before you dry off.

For seriously dry cracked skin on hands and feet the ultimate ointment is excellent. Since it is an oil-based product it will leave skin oily and is recommended for overnight skin therapy.

For dry skin that needs a little tender loving care to keep it in tip-top shape during the winter months, The Balm is “the bomb.” Wonderfully rich it dries quickly and leaves skin supple. For best results it should be used after you shower as well as after every hand-washing.

Happiness is well-hydrated skin . . .

by Sarah Skarda

Like most women I have an ideal routine for my day, including a skin care regime. However, the reality of being able to keep my routine is not so predictable. I juggle so much in my day with two little ones, plus the always-wonderful unexpected events that come up. It seems like there will always be something I have to compromise. Usually, the “something” is my personal care.

On that note, the one step I cannot go without is applying my daily eye cream. I may not fit in the planned pedicure, but I will not sacrifice my “Eye Doctor” by Origins at a mere $28.50 (not bad when compared to other leading brands).

The eye area is so important to keep hydrated. There are no sweat or oil glands in the eye area so it is impossible to hydrate naturally, by drinking water. Like most gals, I want to grow old gracefully and I know I do have some control to make it happen! Since eyes “tell all,” eye skin care is critical.

The skin in the eye area is as thin as an eggshell. That is why it is very important to treat this area with the utmost care and gentleness. Too much pulling on your eye will wear out the elastin and in time your skin won’t bounce back. To apply your eye cream use your ring finger in a gentle tapping motion, in a C-like shape, from the brow bone down and under the eye on the highest point of your cheek bone. Also, wearing eye cream will noticeably improve the application and the payoff of your eye-shadow.

Happiness is taking time for your thirsty eyes . . .

On a whim, I entered and won Miss Sonoma County when I was a 17 year-old senior in high school. Just like most girls that age, I was insecure with my looks and almost a little embarrassed that I actually won. As I prepared for Miss California (which I didn’t win), I was scheduled to be photographed by a fairly well-known photographer. As I went through make-up and as the photographer set-up to take my picture, I was nervous. I’m not sure what I said, but I must have alluded to the fact that I wasn’t “that pretty.” I’m sure I was looking for reassurance.

Instead of telling me what I wanted to hear, “oh you are so pretty,” he told me what I needed to hear, and it has stayed with me, and is “the best” beauty advice I have ever received. Here is what he said:

“There is always going to be somebody who is prettier than you and there is always going to be someone who is not as pretty as you. Furthermore, beauty is subjective and what is pretty to one is not to another. Instead of focusing on whether or not you are attractive by social standards, focus on the inside.”

Yes, it may sound cliché, but as an impressionable teenager I took it to heart. After all, he was a “famous photographer.” He went on to say, “if you define yourself by how you look you will never be secure. Rather, define who you are by what you believe in and what you stand for.”

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” Coco Chanel

Actually, these are a few of Sarah Skarda’s favorite things! Sarah is a freelance make-up artist (and mother to 2 beautiful little boys) who came up through the ranks at MAC Cosmetics and has always had wonderful suggestions in how to make even the most time-starved woman feel beautiful.

Here is what she had to say:

There are a few make-up staples that I cannot live without. I don’t have very much time but, like most gals, want to look as polished as possible. So, I have a “must have 3 list” for those who don’t have more than 5 minutes to apply make-up in the morning.

Number one! Find the “perfect bronzer” for your skin, not too orange and not too red. Red will give the skin a grayish payoff that will look dirty and the last thing you want is for someone to lick their finger and rub your cheek the way your mother used to in order to get dirt off your face! The bronzer I use for my skin tone and LOVE is Golden Bronzer by MAC. Bronzer gives that wonderful sun-kissed look but won’t make you too blushy or rosy. Apply bronzer with a large powder brush and stroke downward in small strokes towards the jaw on the cheek bone (no more of the 80’s streak line blushed look ladies). Also, apply in the T-zone and on the neck. Bronzer is something that you use to look polished, alive and “natural, not noticeable.”

Number two! Get your favorite mascara. Use a black mascara to thicken your lash-line and to define your lashes . . . personally I never use any other color. My favorite mascara ranges from the typical $8 mascara from the local drugstore to my trusty Lancome Definicil Mascara. ALWAYS replace your mascara every 10 weeks, if you use it daily. Not only can you get an infection, but it dries out and becomes flakey and clumps your lashes together. Having a new mascara makes your application process easier and FASTER! Apply an even layer on your lashes and try to separate the lashes by using very small back and forth movements. If you get mascara on your skin while applying it, let the mascara dry completely, then flake it off with your fingernail. NEVER try to get mascara off when it is wet.

Number three! Find a great gloss that you are comfortable with, both in color and shine. Some of my girlfriends hate gloss because their hair sticks to it or they just don’t like the thicker texture and look. In that case, find a tinted lip moisturizer to substitute for gloss. The reason I say a gloss is a “must have” is because it is one thing you can re-apply without the use of a mirror, there are many colors to choose from, and it dresses up a natural and virtually makeup-less look. I LOVE the juicy tubes by Lancome or Lip Glass by MAC. Try a reddish hue for the holidays and your friends will think you took forever to get ready! Apply directly on or use your fingertip to smear it on. Usually brands will sell wonderful sets for the holidays at reduced prices.

Now is the time to “buy and try” for your new years, “new look” resolution.

All recommended products available at Nordstrom.

Senior writer for Celebrity Baby Blog and Mommies With Style, Nancy Johnson Horn was 30 weeks pregnant when she requested Glowology products to review. She was a perfect candidate to review our line as they are developed to be 100% safe for pregnant and nursing moms.

Here’s what she had to say, “Heading into my 30th week of pregnancy, my ankles are getting more swollen every minute. And my feet are getting so dry! What can I do to fix this?

Well, Noodle & Boo, very well known for taking care of the sensitive skin for the playground set (also a celeb fave for their kids) recently started a line for expecting mamas called Glowology. They sent me two products to review, The Balm and the Elasticity Oil. Both are organic and I’m in love with them!

The Balm ($24 for 6.5 oz) actually moisturizes my feet and feels wonderful. You can also use it on your hands. Made with oh-so-rich organic shea butter, sunflower oil and with a blend of billberry, lemon, orange, sugar cane and sugar maple extracts, it smells amazing (but I like that it works!) It also kept the moisture in for hours (something the other lotions I’ve used just don’t do). Treat your feet to this, whether you’re pregnant or not! I do not let it out of my sight!

I’m also using their Elasticity Oil ($42 for a 4 oz bottle) to nourish my itchy belly and bust. You can also add it to your bath. This heavenly oil contains sunflower and jojoba seed oil, with a little honey, calendula (to calm the skin) and grape seed oil (to soothe). Also smells delicious and works well!

Noodle & Boo also have some other great products in their new line, I’d love to try. Check out the Perfecting Creme ($62) - to reduce stretch marks and the Afterglow Gel - to firm and slim the skin.”

Glowology products are availabe at Neiman Marcus.

Happiness is being so close to meeting the little person of your dreams . . .

Juli B - San Francisco is a lifestyle and luxury blog . . . a new fav of Harper’s Bazaar . . . has this to say about Glowology’s Perfecting Creme for stretch mark control:

glow on.
proclaim your radiance. the noodle and boo glowology perfecting crème ($62) is the prod to keep you feeling like your old self. or young self, for that matter. this 3.5-ounce tube squeezes out nothing but goodness. collagen synthesizers and fibronectin (we don’t know what it is but sounds good) helps to reduce stretch marks. also great for the pregger ones. available at neiman marcus.