Seasonal Allergies and Dryness: Eyes

I suffer from some allergies and dryness due to seasonal changes. My eyes are the victims this year, some other years it's my skin, others it's my lips. From speaking with friends and co-workers this seems to be more common than I previously thought. Here are a few steps that I'm taking to help improve my symptoms.

What are my symptoms?

• Incessant weeping eye corners (especially my left eye)
• Stinging and burning
• Sensation there's sand in my eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Dark circles

Old cosmetics

• I've been going eye makeup free except for some Neutrogena mascara I just bought
• cleaned out my makeup bag to make sure that it's fresh and clean
• threw away all eyeliners and mascaras so only very recent eyeliner and mascara is included (1 month or less)
• wiped my eyeshadows with a wipe soaked in alcohol (these are sold near electronics and cameras in shops; by the way, use a fresh wipe per shadow, else you're spreading germies and colors!)

Cleanup

• soaked all my tweezers and cosmetic-dedicated pencil sharpeners in warm soapy water (dish detergent) then rinsed them and poured 91% alcohol over them, and let them air dry
• washed all my face and eye makeup brushes in warm soapy water (face wash)
• threw away my old eyelash curler and am looking to buy a replacement (I see you WalMart!)
• washing my eyeglasses with dish soap and warm water on a weekly basis, in-between wiping with alcohol wipes. Washing all my microfiber eyeglass wipes to make sure they're fresh

Gentle skincare
As my skin gets drier and more sensitive this season (as always) I'm focusing on:

• making sure I remove all makeup prior to going to bed
• Washing my pillow sham often
• exfoliating the dry flakes of skin using gentler products
• no primer, no special treatment moisturizers, just a simple easy moisturizer
• no special eye care except a gentle moisturizer
• scheduling professional skin care appointments
• using a dedicated face cloth to pat dry after washing

If my eye symptoms get worse, I'll schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to see if there is a micro-scratch or something that needs some steroidal eye drops or antibiotics (which I'll need a prescription for).

Keep in mind that some people think their sensitive eyes are natural and they apply a prescription and keep using their cosmetics as normal. Sometimes it's the cosmetics that aggravate a sensitive eye. It's a case of the egg or the chicken.

Make your decisions wisely,  tailored to your own needs. Keep your health and well being #1 over any fads or trends. And remember, you are beautiful because you are you. What society thinks of beauty is mostly airbrushed on a magazine page. Pie in the sky.

Additional resources and Info

• How often to replace your cosmetics
• Sensitive eye cosmetics suggestions (La Roche Posay, by Jezebel)
• Sensitive eye tips and tricks (by Bobbi Brown, by Paula's Choice)
• Tips for dry eye sufferers (Huffington Post)

Winter Nail and Hand Care

No matter what awesome shade your nails are painted, if you have wintry hands, you gotta get real and deal. The Chicago area winter has been unreasonably harsh, and my hands are feeling and looking it! It's time for my emergency hand care treatment.

I went to my Ulta to stock up on hand emergency care products:

• a cuticle oil pen (This time I am trying a Sally Hansen one, but all of them are equally good)
• a moisturizing treatment (I got the Sally Hansen Complete Care Extra Moisturizing 4-in-1 Treatment)
• gardener care hand cream (This time I'm trying out baume du Jardinier by Le Couvent des Minimes)

The Tools

• a teaspoon or packet of sugar
• creamy hand soap
• hand cream (not lotion)
• warm water
• a clean washcloth or hand towel
• cuticle cream, lotion, or pen
• a moisturizing treatment for your nails

The Process

Pick about ten minutes out of your day (during lunch hour, prior to going to work, or after coming home) of uninterrupted time.

Take off any rings, bracelets, and watches and roll up any sleeves. I sometimes take off my nail polish too.

Begin by gently sloughing off dead skin cells. Add about a teaspoon of brown or white table sugar to some creamy hand soap (liquid or bar) in your hand and adding some warm water (never cold or hot). Begin massaging gently both hands by using the pads of your fingers and soft part of your hands. Be gentle but thorough! You might even want to use a soft, old toothbrush or an old nail brush (make sure they're soft!)

Because the skin is typically already sensitive from the cold, be extra careful. Add more water if the sugar is too scratchy.

When rinsing use tepid or warm water, never hot or cold. You'll feel the sugar melting away. Make sure you rinse clean.

Then pat gently with a clean washcloth or hand towel, leaving some moisture behind. Apply the cuticle cream or oil, and massage well into the cuticle. Take your time.

Follow with your hand cream. Spread evenly all over the hand (top, bottom, between fingers, and nails) and massage in gently. Take your time. The best part is these couple of minutes you spend giving fingers, cuticles, hands, and wrists a lovely deep massage.

Then just rest. Don't touch anything that would otherwise cause you to make you wash your hands and lose all that creamy goodness.

You'll notice that the cream will slowly absorb and your hands will look soft but dry. Sometimes there's a need to follow up with another round of cream. It's up to you. Just remember to massage thoroughly and then give it time to soak in, undisturbed.

Usually, by the time I'm done applying the hand lotion and cuticle cream, my hands already look a lot better.

That's when I apply a moisturizing nail treatment, like the Sally Hansen one I bought at Ulta today. One coat dried up in seconds and made my purpley-pale nails look a lot more pulled together and shiny.

Tips

• For hand creams, look for words like hand salve, hand treatment, or gardener's treatment. However, if you know you're allergic or sensitive to particular products, it pays to stick with what you know and/or to read ingredient lists carefully.
• Look for products made specifically for chapped, dry hands and cuticles. These products come in small tubes or tubs. These fine products are a world of good for dry, chapped, inflamed hands and cuticles. 
• It's easy to forget to wear gloves when going out in winter, because we're always in a hurry. But even a few seconds of frigid air can dry up delicate hand skin. Any kind of glove is better than no gloves at all. They keep moisture in and the elements out!
• If a product is too thick or hard to blend/melt into the skin it's probably not the right product for you. Always keep your receipts for returns, and experiment by buying sample sizes (cheaper to try).
• Always look for creamy hand soaps, the clear stuff is too harsh unless you're working with oil and grease all day!
• Please try to avoid nervous habits such as biting nails or nipping at cuticles. If a cuticle is hanging, just use a nail clipper or cuticle clipper--disinfect before and after, and be gentle.

Ok so that's my process to restore and keep wintry hands in somewhat presentable state. Hope it works for ya, and stay soft!

Skincare and Makeup for Harsh Winters

I've been noticing that my skin is screaming "help" at every opportunity. So I had to revisit my skincare and makeup routine to help accommodate how my skin is reacting to the harsh weather conditions where I live.

It's been a much harsher late autumn/fall season in Chicagoland this year, compared to the past two years. Icy weather and snow, plus plenty of chilling wind has left me wishing I could leave during winter to warmer shores.

Skincare:

• Using a good, gentle cleanser (Cetaphil foaming) year round makes taking care of your skin a breeze. For me it's really important to wash around the ear, hairline, and chin/neck area very carefully.
• On weekday evenings, I alternate using a facial scrub (that I'm trying to finish up) and my Clarisonic Mia. Otherwise flakiness and oil blend into congestion. 
• Because my skin tends to be oilier during the day, I try to stick with a basic, non-oily/non-comedogenic moisturizer during the day like the Murad Energizing with SPF or the Cetaphil basic lotion. At night I exfoliate and follow up with a big goop of the Cetaphil moisturizing cream and a nice facial massage with the pads of my fingers.
• I always take off all my makeup at night using cotton pads and cotton tips soaked in eye makeup remover and then soaked in water to follow up and rinse out nooks and corners. 
• I really like the lightweight Clinique's All About Eyes roller because it cools down and soothes the eye area. The Clarins contour balm is also nice.

Hair:

• I am using restorative shampoos (Ouidad oil shampoo, Biolage Delicate, and B&B Mending) and good conditioners on those days that I wash my hair. I have begun spacing out my shampoos because too much washing over-dries sensitive scalps and hair.
• No heat styling. I air dry my hair, and make sure my head is covered if it's unusually harsh out or just plain windy.
• No hair color treatments. I'm growing my natural hair out--making me see so many more greys than I'd like, but the texture is also much better than for the hair that still has hair color on it. Plus, up-keeping hair color is so darn expensive.
• Lighter application of more moisturizing hair products. I've switched full time to two products that I've been slowly adding into my routine (Ouidad moisturizing hair gel and Ouidad moisture lock). They are milder and have noticed better hair condition and styling speed.

Makeup:

• A more moisturizing foundation can help prevent flaking and irritation during intense winter weather, for me. I alternate between my Clinique City Block 25 and Mac Matchmaster SPF.
• A lighter touch of powder just where needed helps keep the skin moist from the other ingredients, without looking cakey or too oily on those particular areas.
• I add some blush and bronzer to help give a healthy glow when otherwise I might look a little peaked due to the harsh cold weather and stark/grey environment.
• Eye makeup can be lighter on days where a formal look isn't required, giving skin a well-deserved break from the irritation of harsh weather conditions. I find that a lighter application of eyeliner, primer, and mascara makes my eyes less likely to water during the day.
• Lips tend to get dry and cracked if not well moisturized. I pply a moisturizing lip product (eos or Clinique chubby sticks) as often as possible. I try to stay away from products containing petroleum derivatives or menthol because they're irritating on me.

Style

• It's important to keep a positive mindset even when the weather is harsh and uninviting. Keeping up one's exercise routine, or continuing mild, low impact activities help keep one healthy both in mind and body.
• I try bright colors that suit me rather than the traditional greys and blacks. It's gloomy enough outside!
• Adding a variety of breathable layers allow mobility and the appropriate look for the activities on my schedule that day.
• I don't neglect outwerwear and hands. I want to be comfy and warm without looking frumpy (enough blimpy down coats already! grr!).
• I apply a non-greasy lotion and/or cuticle oil to keep hands and fingers moisturized.
• This is the season to enjoy wearing lots of boots, booties, and other great shoewear that helps get some traction on slippery roads and walkways. I'm loving my growing collection of Doc Marten booties with fluffy but stretchy socks inside.

There are lots of other things that I'm considering to help stay warm and comfortable even in incredibly uncomfortable and uninviting weather.

Like drinking lots of green tea and matcha tea lattes. They're soothing and hot, and I love using my Delonghi at home :D

Continuing my recent practice of taking warm (not hot) baths. I'll need to add lots of moisturizing ingredients (shea, oatmeal, and even expired milk). I find that warm baths help my mind perk up and my thought process to relax, as well as relax tense shoulders and neck. Especially with nice smelling candlelight around me and soothing music. Gotta defrost my bone marrow and mood!

Soaking up lots of favorite body oil, moisturizer, or body butter. Great way to use up stuff I've been unintentionally gathering in the cabinet under the bathroom sink all year!

Buying some new, toasty pjs. I have no idea what happened to my old ones, but I definitely need long sleeve and comfy, stretchy apparel for lounging around the house, walking the dog, and going to sleep in.

As always, it's important to remember to drink plenty of water. Our body is straining against the harsh weather conditions, so lots of water helps not only stay moisturized, but also clean up the system of used materials. Digging in to lots of soups and continuing to add healthy fats and oils (fish, nuts, and avocados) to my meals is also another priority to keep in mind. Plus, I love plain baked sweet potatoes, delicious.

Whatever the temps where you are, I hope you are staying healthy and happy. Have a great late fall and early winter season :o)

Fall 2013 Nails and Makeup Trends

I was wondering what trends and colors are hottest this season, so I looked up some usual suspects to get a good idea. There's quite a few vibrant looks and quite a bit of sparkle going on. There's a little bit for everyone methinks.

Here's a roundup of the hottest trends:

• NARS Cosmetics Fall 2013 Collection focuses on amethyst and grey with a fresh peachy pink blush
• Urban Decay Holidays 2013 Collections focus on metallic jewel and purple tones with grey another metals
• Sephora's The Glossy, Inspiration section features deep, electric blue, purple, grey, and black. Statement eyes or statement lips are very hot right now. Gradient lip colors are hot as well.
• Bazaar Magazine's Fall 2013 Makeup Looks include cat eyes, orangey shadows, prune shadows, grey shadows, the full range of red lips, and metallic/shimmering/sparkling eyes.
• Glamour Magazine's NY Fashion Week's Fall 2013 Looks include sparkling metallics on eyes or nails (or both), subtle glitter, and bubble gum pink lips
• Elle Magazine's Hottest Hues for Fall include burgundy, copper, olive/khaki, indigo, and holographic hues.

Seasonal Style for Fall

Not only does our skin typically change a little as we move from hot, sunny summer to cooler, perhaps watery, autumn, but we also need to keep in mind the colors and looks that are most fashionable this season! It's difficult being a gal I tell ya!

What I'm doing lately is looking at a lot of websites, blogs, and window shopping as my sources of inspiration for colors, styles, and looks.

I'm also trying to switch my skin-care and makeup products are little, where there's some wiggle room, to see if I can optimize how my skin and makeup look this season.

I'm changing my moisturizer to a CeraVe cream instead of a lotion, which is more intensely moisturizing. The particular product has a little dimethicone, so I'm keeping an eye out for any impromptu breakouts (I usually break out a lot after using silicone based skin products). *crosses fingers*

I'm also changing up my eye look to a thicker pencil eyeliner, a clump free Cover Girl mascara, and a mix of sheeny bronze and deeper gold shadows (no sparkles please). I really like the foil like look of those colors, and I think they go well with my coloring. The key for me is perfecting the darker color detail (perhaps a burgundy or aubergine) in the outer corner, as well as blending the outside well into the brow bone's highlighter.

I really like mixing neutrals in my apparel with a pop of color. Some of my favorite looks are a short dress with thick leggings in a similar or monochromatic color. I really like wearing one bright piece every day like in bright blue, hot pink, or lime green. I always mix in more muted or neutral apparel pieces and accessories. A bright coral with brown is lovely. I like the juxtaposition and calming effect of the hot pop and the neutral complements. Lucky for me, I'm detecting a lot of bright blue, brown, leather accents, and animal patterns this autumn. All things that I really like!

Can't wait to play around with my closet standbys to create some fun combinations. I did add three pairs of slacks and a few cardis just for good measure. They make great workwear separates and can help out more casual outfits have a little extra style.

Adventures in Sunless Tanning

Ok, this is a sort of rant, sort of n00b experience in spray tanning. Not a direct reflection on the product, but rather, my particular experience. Which, hopefully, will never be repeated again. This is a direct quote from an email I sent my mom:

I bought a can of sunless spray tan from Ulta, and I tried it last night. I exfoliated the crap out of my legs first. 
Well, this morning I woke up with orange legs. So, I exfoliated the crap out of my legs again to make it go partly away. Then I used a pumice stone to scrub the crap out of my feet, ankles, and knees. 

Never again! The little can went into the trash bin. My legs are really raw now, so I keep putting my St Ives intensive healing lotion on. Bloody hell.

xD

In Search Of: Soft and Glowing Summer Legs

There are two things that summer legs should be...well, according to lil ole me: smooth and glowing. Yet, in my yearly search for the perfect leg routine, I find that there are as many tricks to getting there as there are pitfalls! I'll typically experiment and finally get on the right path...but usually by September when it's time to cover back up! :S

This year, I've begun my search a little late, but none the less in earnest. My first step was to go for smooth.

I decided to let go of my Venus Embrace, which wasn't working at all for me, and go back to men's razors--this time I went for Schick's Hydro 3. A great little razor and much more economical than the fancier five bladed razors or even the Venus Embrace line.

To help me get smooth legs I've also adopted dry brushing prior to taking a shower, a good scrubby body wash in the shower, and a good moisturizer for after the shower. The added bonus to exfoliating prior to shaving is that it makes it easier for your razor to get a closer shave! Less shaving as a result. I like it!

Although I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop's body butters for my legs--I've been obsessed with pink grapefruit and satsuma for years!--there are a variety of lighter formulas that can replenish the skin after scrubbing and shaving, the sun and any other harsh elements--like air conditioning, sports, or mosquito bites!

I've also rediscovered sunless tanning moisturizers. These days, products don't smell as artificial and offensive as they used to. Though it pays off to exfoliate well prior to each application to help discourage flakey skin and odd stripes and streaks.

I've also gone back to getting regular pedicures and manicures. Having a more consistent regimen has helped me enjoy the warmer weather and show off my legs more often--though, far from perfect, I'm thankful they're both there to hold me up!

So this summer, there's a lot one can do to show off one's legs. From scrubs, to brushes, to shaving and other hair removal, to sunless tanning moisturizers and other treats. It's like your very own version of a spa treatment in the comfort of your own bathroom. Plus, it's fun to rediscover old favorites and try new products. Summer is all about YOLO and good times. I'm ready!

March Favorites

Here's a rundown of items I've relied on this March to help me feel and look pulled together and presentable for work, personal life, and travel:

• Bumble + Bumble Mending shampoo and conditioner - helps tame the winter frizzies from the root on up
• Ouidad Curl Quencer moisturizing styling gel- helps w dry ends during winter, not as crispy of a finish as the humidity control gel
• Weleda wild rose deodorant 
• Bvlgari Rose Essentielle perfume - I've fallen back in love with rose perfumes, after a decade!
• Not Your Daughter's Jeans Skinny jeans in a bright blue or brown - I am wearing these out! ha!
• Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater products--all of them!
• Bath and Body Works Cashmere Glow and Pink Chiffon are great moisturizers to kickstart my brain on a wintry kind of Spring workday morning
• NARS longwear eyeliner in Via Veneto and Larger Than Life mascara -- two new holy grail products for me. Worth every very expensive penny.
• CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion -- my new holy grail moisturizer

Favorite Damaged Hair Care Products

Seeing how we're almost out of the harsh winter weather, many people are already planning on treating their tresses so they're in their best shape for spring and nicer weather.

There's a variety of products out there to target damaged and sensitized hair in winter. Here's a list of some my favorite products:

• Bumble and Bumble mending shampoo ($29) and conditioner ($32)
• Pureology super smooth shampoo ($27) and conditioner ($29)
• Matrix Biolage Delicate Care Shampoo ($
• Ouidad deep conditioner
• Ojon

Don't forget that sealing the cuticle with cold water after rinsing out 60% of your conditioner helps keep hair smooth and soft. Some folks also like to rinse the hair with apple cider vinegar and water, then seal with cold water. It's supposed to remove any buildup.

It's also a good practice to use a detoxifying shampoo and deep conditioner on a periodical basis to help clean the slate, as it were.

Here's to happy, moisturized, smooth Spring hair!

Good Buy: Crepe Blouse

I don't know about you, but I HATE cotton blouses/shirts for work (or any time). I just feel constricted, restricted, and immensely uncomfortable.

I tried some wonderful, solid sateen (with Spandex) shirts from Kohl's 212 Collection last year, which were comfortable and looked ok at a conference I attended for a week, but then proceeded to become misshapen (boxier than when they went in) once laundered and were a big disappointment.

So I went back to an old standby, crepe blouses. I used to LOVE crepe blouses from Sears when I first started working full time in 2001. They are easy to wash and dry (wash quickly by hand with a gentle detergent or put in the washer in delicate setting, then to dry just hang them on a hanger and re-style so it dries unwrinkled).

However, finding crepe blouses at a good price point and which would provide me a good fit became a challenge. Before I was able to find any these days, I sure had to look around. Luckily Old Navy just started carrying a good selection for $19 a piece with their spring arrivals. I saw them on their website yesterday, and about an hour and a half later I was at my nearest shop buying three (pink, white, green). I may end up buying more.

The texture is soft as silk, the fabric is very thin and malleable under a variety of layers. The collar pops out and provides a polished look. The colors are soft and fit perfectly with the mint green and other pastels out there right now.

As an added bonus, these fold or roll incredibly small in luggage, so you can take them on a tripn then hang them on the back of the bathroom door while you shower so they de-wrinkle.

I consider crepe shirts very versatile wardrobe staples. I'm so glad to have found these particular ones at Old Navy--but I'll keep looking for additional ones now that the weather is warming up (or soon will be, supposedly!).

I couldn't help myself and I wore one already today, layered with a merino v-neck sweater and skinny twill pants in a rather chilly office. I still look polished while retaining mobility and comfort. I call that a win!

Now, for my next challenge, economical and good quality merino v-necks and cardis. Wish me luck!

Spring's New Arrivals

Can you feel the excitement in the air? Stores are welcoming their Spring arrivals and folks are checking out what the next couple of months are going to look like, clothes-wise.


Even though the weather isn't cooperating in our area, so some of these lighter weight fabrics and bright colors will seem very odd at first, we can be sure the weather will eventually cooperate.

I am spotting some neon yellow, bright oranges and reds, tan, grey, navy, stripes, flowy textiles, and eyelet fabric. Some of the cuts are baggier for tees, with dolmen sleeves and tee cut-offs that remind me a little of the 80s. As do the neons and brights.

There's also a little bit of floral patterns going on. Subtle or all over. I've seen blouses, dresses, and even shoes with intersting, soft floral repeated patterns. I tend to favor items with rose, peaches, and reds but there's some great combinations out there to favor everyone's favorite colors.

I really like some of the pinks, oranges, peaches, and pale hues that go well with, well what's usually known in this neck of the woods as Easter pastels--though for those of us merely celebrating the change of seasons, rather than a religious holiday, we can also indulge by brightening up our attire.

Some of the lighter colors are celebrated in really comfortable lighter fabrics and in more feminine shapes, like peasant blouses, tanks, camis, and lacey pieces to layer away with.

I like some of the open knit sweaters I've been spotting, though the shapes are a little too loose on me without a belt or some other way to cinch in my waist.

Cropped cardis, no matter how cute, still don't look good on me. But I'm very glad to see an early return of maxi dresses and skirts rather than leaving those until later in the summer!

I also enjoy seeing a return of safari type cargo jackets and skinny jeans. The colors are khaki, green, and gunmetal grey but there are great accessories in pink, peach, coral, cream, turquoise, and blue that brighten the tone a little.

I see lots of cute flats as well, which will hopefully replace Uggs and flip flops.

Hope your local shops are also stocking up on new seasonal items. It's fun to hope ahead or think ahead what the warmer months can bring us.

Spring Travel Essentials

Depending on your location, Spring time can feature rain, chilly weather, wind, and other precipitation. In my neck of the woods, we experience all those weather patterns in the same day! Therefore, while traveling it's important to pack solid standbys that can help keep you look updated and keep your skin in top condition.

Here's some essentials I recently threw together for my own travel kit:

• gentle cleanser (I use CeraVe foaming)
• day to night moisturizer (I use CeraVe moisture lotion)
• a good primer for your skin type (Clarins makes a great one, but so do brands like Neutrogena)
• a good foundation for your skin type (I like Revlon's ColorLast cream)
• blush to help keep your cheeks rosy past late hours and long flights/travel (Benefit's fine-one-one is great)
• some powder or blotting papers to put the kabosh on oilies (I like Neutrogena)
• a salmon hued concealer to hide undereye effects of late nights and early mornings (Maybelline DreamLumi in radiant works for me)
• a very large water bottle continuously refilled with potable water (Rubbermaid makes a great, no leak one!)

When traveling, I personally try to keep my kit to the bare minimum so it fits in that (in)famous quart baggie.

Color cosmetics can help add a little trend to your classic standbys. It's a good idea to check out the cosmetic counters prior to a trip to 1) stock up on any essentials you're running out of, and 2) so you can see what colors you need to keep your look up to date. You might need to invest in a couple of items that can be added to your long-term collection.

As an example of trends for this spring, I'm seeing (Bazaar's The Best Makeup Looks From Spring 2013 Fashion Week) a lot of peaches, pinks, fuchsia  indigo, green/teal, light turquoise, and orangey/poppy reds. 

The reds, pinks, peaches, and orange can be great colors to play around with on the lips and nails--usually  products that are plentiful and economical, to add that extra oomph to your look.

Meanwhile, gold, peach, and pink can be great for eyes and most everyone already has these colors at hand. Speaking of hand, peach and pink are lovely manicure colors since they don't show chipping as much as darker colors.

Indigo, green, and turquoise can be fun accents on the eyes--eyeliners, outer corner shadow, or deep blue mascara.

Don't forget to use accessories to your advantage when you don't  want to try an unusually bright makeup look. Accessories take up little room when packing and can make a huge difference with your look when traveling. A simple, easy-to-pack wardrobe for your carry-on can go a long way when adding some bright scarves, bangles, and earrings. Statement necklaces are still in, too.

Scarves can become a blankie, keep your neck and shoulders warm so you don't get an ache, and be bunched up to make a pillow to take a nap. They also add a great extra dimension to your look without having to go all out with accessories. They're very versatile depending on how you tie them.

I am planning on using an indigo and teal/turquoise themed wardrobe on my next short trip. I don't have that many accessories in that color scheme, but it's not a problem because I like to let the bright colors of the clothes I wear speak for themselves. My look otherwise can stay relatively simple--a.k.a. less to pack! Besides, with less accessories, I won't have to worry about making the security sensor beep while I go through it!

Wherever you travel to this spring, may your luggage be light and may good times follow! Cheers!

February Favorites

I've been relying on quite a few new and usual beauty and self-care favorites to get me through the duldrums this February:

• St Ives coconut triple moisturizing and/or energizing citrus body wash + intensive healing body lotion
• Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector
• Bath and Body Works peppermint mocha or fresh balsam triple wick candle 
• Naked 2 Palette
• Lancome Le Crayon Khol eyeliner - rediscovered favorite
• Burt's Bees lemon cuticle cream - can't live w/o it this winter
• Maybelline Dream Lumi touch highlighter in radiant -- for those dark circles!
• Weleda Wild Rose Natural Deodorant

January Favorites

Throughout January I've relied on a good amount of beauty and self care items that have made it a little easier to survive the wintry weather:

• Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 mixed with CeraVe PM Moisturizer
• Revlon ColorStay whipped creme foundation
• EOS Honeydew flavor
• Burt's Bees lemon butter cuticle cream
• St Ives intensive healing body lotion
• St Ives coconut triple moisture body wash
• Boilage delicate care shampoo
• Hugo's Naturals fizzy bath balls
• IKEA tealights -- because candlelight always softens a harsh winter!

Nail Polish for the Holidays

I used to paint my fingernails bright red for the holidays when I was in high school. These days, I usually don't pay as much attention as all that, because I don't have many get-togethers to plan for--usually it's just two work-related parties and perhaps, a dinner with my parents before they head out on a month-long cruise.

This year, however, serendipity has brought me together with a really gorgeous orange-y red that's just perfect for the season. It's by Revlon Colorstay, and it's called cayenne.

Whenever I look at my  nails, while wearing cayenne, I think of a roaring stone hearth in a snowed in cabin. Or Mexican spiced hot chocolate. Or a sultry sip of gluhwein. Or the orange glow of an early-afternoon sunset.

I'm very into dark browns, oranges, and yellow-orange this season. This polish suits both the holidays and my penchant for orange! Double win! :o)

Bath Time Favorites

Last year I began a hot baths practice to help with the chills and winter mood. With experimentation  I've found a variety of bath bombs, salts, and essential oils which I can add to make the experience that much more enjoyable.

A simple bath could very well just entail epson salts and a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest. There are also essential oils that one can blend to one's own needs/likes. There are also a variety of milks, gels, salts, and other solubles to help make bath time special. There's something for every budget and taste, really.

Here are some favorites that help make my bath time that much more special:

from my Things I Love Pinterest board

• Lush bath bombs (cinders, butterball, and twilight are my faves)
• Hugo Naturals fizzy bath bombs (grapefruit/orange and rose/sandalwood are my faves)
• Thymes frasier fir votive candle
• Bath and Body Works three-wick candles (hot chocolate, leaves, fresh bamboo, and fresh balsam are my faves)
• Ikea glimma unscented tealights and glass votive holders (galej and glimma) 
• White bamboo terrycloth bath robe
• bamboo bath mat
• Aura Cacia essential oils (bergamot, lavender, geranium, grapefruit, frankincense are faves)

To keep things soothing, I turn off the lights, light as many candles as I think are appropriate, and tune my laptop to my ambient music station on Pandora.

I sometimes bring a book, or my Kindle to read. I sometimes use a face product to help my skin detox or a hair masque to help re-hydrate my tresses. I've also tried drinking a soothing tea or warm lemon water afterwards as I read in bed and get settled in for a good night of sleep.

There are as many ways to get ready to sleep as there are people. These little practices have been a good, new way to help me be kinder to my old bones.

Trending: Earthy Neutrals

For some reason this year, I'm sensing that earthy neutrals are going to replace the much-loved greys of years past.

I've been noticing I've lingered a little longer over tans, creams, olives, browns, linens, and khakis both at stores and within my closet. I've decided I need to restock some taupe closet staples, such as a nice cardi and dressier tee shirt for work--still to be found.

What are your fashionable spidey senses telling you this season?

Skincare and Makeup for Late Summer Into Fall

My skin is experiencing its usual reaction to the change in season. Although outside it's still pretty sunny and warm, and nights are barely cooler, I'm well into my yearly oilies and breakouts attack.

Gently, My Dear
This year, rather than spend way too much money on a dermatologist, like last year, who anyway prescribed the same type of products available over the counter, I am going to go gentle into that good...er...fall night.

Gentle means:

• no scrubbing
• no acids
• no drying products
• no pretty much anything

One of the things I've learned over the past several years is that, at least for my easily-irritated skin, the gentler the cleanser and moisturizer, the better off the skin. It's a good thing I just  caught myself and my skin at the onset of my annual attack, so I can take care of business.

What Did I Do Wrong?
I recently tried out two "troubled skin" cleansers which may have unbalanced my skin: Mario Badescu's Botanical Facial Gel cleanser and Murad's Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser. I should know better, by now, to steer clear of treatment washes. I've also used on and off Murad's Skin Perfecting Lotion--a potential other irritant.

I need to carefully review the ingredients and determine what's irritated my skin.

Where to Start?
I need to get gentle stars in my gently revised (get the pun? heh!) skincare toolkit: a solid cleanser (which I kinda have already) and a gentle moisturizer. Plus a solid skin disinfectant for the acne flareups.

I am running out of my trusted CeraVe foaming face wash, and finding it in stores lately has turned similar to spotting a unicorn. At Target at lunch today I decided to try Neutrogena's Ultra Foaming Gentle Daily Cleanser (I've never seen this before!). At $8.99 for 12 fl oz, it's a total celebrity death match candidate for my CeraVe foaming, which is usually $11.99 or above for 12 oz. I'll cross my fingers and hope the Neutrogena cleanser works.

I am also going to look for a good, oil-free moisturizer which doesn't sting. This particular combination, plus which doesn't break the bank, is another unicorn spotting expedition. I've had some success with Juice oil-free moisturizer--which I grabbed at Whole Foods--so I may go that way again if I shop around a little. The bottle runs at around $28 for 2oz, ouch. Right now I'm using my serious skin care emergency ration of Atopalm intensive moisturizing cream. At night, I find a little bit all over serves an intense dose of moisture and healing balm qualities to unbalanced skin. I dab any excess on my cuticles.

What to do about active breakouts, spots, and hyperpigmentation (aka, acne scars)? I'm using Thalgo purifying extracts dotted and massaged onto the affected areas. However, for those painful and red irritations that take some serious elbow grease, I bought today the Target generic (Up & Up) 10% benzoil peroxide spot treatment--a dup for the Neutrogena On the Spot treatment. I also bought an elf concealer brush ($1) to help dot this treatment several times a day: after morning regime, on top of makeup during the day, and after makeup removal at end of day.

Other Tips
Should my skin begin to look dull or be in need of some exfoliation, which it undoubtedly does, and since the benzoil peroxide tends to flake and dry skin, I can use my Mia Clarisonic with sensitive skin head with a light touch or just add some raw sugar to my facial cleanser and use my fingertip pads. As odd as it may seem, the raw sugar's larger crystals seem to do less damage, especially as they melt in lukewarm, never hot, water. I will also make a point to splash my skin with cool, not cold, water at the end of cleansing and prior to moisturizing, to close up pores.

I will also watch in the shower to make sure hair cleansing products don't go on my face, and to make sure the water temperature is not excessive. I will also pull out a dedicated washcloth to use to pat dry my face rather than use my body towel.

Making Up is Hard to Do!
It's no wonder I'm having difficulty with my favorite powder foundation and tinted SPF lately.  It's best to use a light hand when applying cosmetics, even though the skin is irritated and one would like to hide it under layers of concealer and foundation. I need to let my skin breathe as much as possible. I'm using the interval until it improves to play around with eye shadow colors and gradients. And eyeliner! I'm playing around with pushing dark eyeshadow into the lashline to replace or supplement eyeliner. I'm also trying out flicks at the outer ends to perfect my sucky cats-eye. Meanwhile, I can pull off golds and corals into more jewel toned looks as the weather gets cooler.

Let's see if I can get my skin back in top form with these little tricks and these lighter makeup tactics.

Late Summer Nails

natural sienna

This August, to celebrate the hottest month and the brightest sun rays, I decided to go bronze with my toes and finger nails.

For toes I've opted for Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Nail Color, Natural Sienna. It's a deep bronze with a hint of rose gold shimmer. It's a rich color that reminds me of the jewel tones of spicy India.

It suits darker skin tones, as well as tanned skin tones. I like the contrast between my peachy summer skin and the richness of this hue. The light metallic shine adds an extra dimension.

For finger nails I've opted for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Raisin the Bar. It's a bronze rose gold that has become one of my favorites.

raisin the bar

I think both of these colors work well together. They're in a similar family and have a light metallic sheen to them that create a lovely monochromatic or matched look for toes and finger nails.

Along with these two colors, I use Sally Hansen Insta-Grip Fast Dry Base Coat and Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat.

A great plus is that these two bronze family colors go well with a darker wash/indigo jean that I've started wearing again, from Levi's Denizen (at Target).

I think I'm already transitioning into an early autumn/Indian summer! Yikes, where has summer gone?!