Tag Archives: beauty trends

What’s in my shower?

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imageI love my shower, not to mention my bath. I’m usually a two-per-day person, taking either two showers or a shower in the morning and a bath at night, simply because I like to feel clean.(One of my idiosyncrasies is that I don’t have breakfast until after I’ve showered because I like to feel fresh while eating.)

With that confession behind me, let’s talk about what’s in my shower right now:

Two facial cleansers: I’m alternating between Skyn Iceland’s Glacial Face Wash and Boscia’s Tsubaki Cleansing Oil Gel. It only takes a pea-sized amount of Skyn Iceland’s product to work itself into a luxurious, gentle, creamy not-quite-foam.  It includes willow bark for stressed skin and I haven’t had a blemish since I began using it. Prior to that, I’d been having stress-induced breakouts in my chin area. The Tsubaki oil is more moisturizing and I use it when I’m removing makeup. I love the way it slides on my skin — it feels like a lovely facial.

A deep-pore cleanser: I genuinely love Soap & Glory’s T-Zone Detox Scrub. It’s tingly and cooling and gets down into my pores, cleaning out all the sebum and debris that causes breakouts and dulls skin.

Body cleansers and scrubs: I love products that make my bathroom and me smell scrumptious. Right now, I’m alternating between Vitabath’s Cucumber & White Tea for a subdued scent and Pacifica’s Indian Coconut Nectar, a longtime favorite, for a stronger, exotic and sultry effect. When I feel the need to exfoliate, I reach for Bath & Body Work’s Sweet Magnolia & Clementine Body Scrub. 

Shampoo and conditioner: I keep brassiness out of my blond hair with AG Hair Care’s Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo and Conditioner, the most effective anti-brass products I’ve found. When I want some sassy bounce, I reach for Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Foam Wash and Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner. 

Cleansing tool: To make sure my face gets the deep cleaning treatment it needs and that my products work to the best of their abilities, I wash with the Foreo Luna Facial Cleansing T-Sonic Brush. I prefer it to Clarisonic-type brushes because the silicone “fingers” seem more sanitary and less damaging to my skin.

Shower puff: I never use a washcloth in my shower. I prefer to use the netting scrubbers I buy in bulk at Rite Aid. One side is netting and the other is a loofah.

Until next time, keep things clean!

 

Keeping a journal: Life is in the ‘dash’

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At the end of everyone’s life, there’s a dash; one that links their year of birth and date of death. That simple little dash represents a lifetime of experiences, from first dates to last dances, from youthful optimism to middle-age crazy, from cradle to the grave.

I thought I knew my grandmother, my father’s mother. She was a constant in my life, particularly during my college years and beyond. What a character she was, by turns generous and selfish, kind and cruel. The only girl among six brothers, she was named Lady Iola because her mother wanted her to be addressed like royalty. Perhaps that went to her head, because she lived life her way, taking no prisoners and making no apologies.

Lady Iola was daring, bold and vivacious. She was a flapper girl and a scandal in her small South Carolina hometown. She bobbed her hair, she went to wild parties, she rode down Main Street standing on the running board of handsome boys’ cars. She tinted her cheeks with red crepe paper when makeup was forbidden. And she married my handsome grandfather not once, but twice.

IMG_0389All of these stories she shared with me, and I thought I knew her well. She lived into her 90s, growing more tempestuous and demanding as the years went by. She had a tongue that could soothe in one moment, cut you to the quick in the next.

Not long before her death, Lady Iola gave me something special: her combination scrapbook and journal. In those pages, I discovered a woman I’d never known. Inside the book were vintage Valentine’s Day cards from boys she’d known and loved, well-read letters from friends and beaus, and photographs I’d never seen: my grandmother as a young bathing beauty, a flapper, a World War II single mother, a 40s glamour girl. There was even a card from my grandfather mourning the death of a premature baby, which was a sorrow she never shared. I read the pages and mementos time and again, discovering new secrets, new facets of the woman I thought I’d known so well. I was proud and honored that she’d shared such private memories with me. IMG_0387

Reading my grandmother’s journal prompted me to build a journal of my own. For me, it’s a record of my past — a way to go back in time to relive moments, some happy and some less so. It’s the story of triumphs and failures, of memories tender and terrible, of friendships won and lost, of good boyfriends and bad breakups. Like my grandmother, I’ve saved cards and letters, remembrances of people who wandered into my life for a short time as well as those who entered and stayed. There are trinkets too: a dried homecoming mum, ribbon still attached, from the first boy I ever dated; tickets to the Broadway play I attended with a college beau; tickets to my first college football game; playbills from shows attended with my husband.

What will happen to my journals? Perhaps they’ll go to an as-yet-to-be-born grandchild. Perhaps they’ll go to my daughter. I hope whoever reads them is as entranced as I was by my grandmother’s journal, for they’ll tell the story of a woman who was more complex, more unique and, yes, more interesting than she might have sometimes seemed — a woman who was loving but flawed and who lived a rich life during the dash.

Amazing in April: Monthly favorites in makeup, music and more

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 All I can say is, “Thank goodness the first four months of 2016 ended on a high note!” I’ve just returned from a wonderful cruise that reset my attitude and snapped me out of a two-month funk (more on that later, because it had a definite impact on my music favorites for the month). But first, let’s talk about my beauty loves for April:

  • Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation — The gorgeous pop-of-color packaging caught my eye. But as a foundation connoisseur, I have to say my first Josie Maran foundation is a winner. The Argan Oil-infused formula provides great medium to full coverage and leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. It also provides just the right amount of radiance without veering into greasy.
  • Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara — If you’re looking for inky-black lashes with major volume, give this a whirl. I prefer “dryer” mascaras, so I liked the formula better after using it for a few weeks.
  • Benefit Cosmetics Cheekathon Blush and Bronzer Palette — This value-packed bundle includes four full-sized pans of Benefit’s best-loved blushes, as well as the beloved Hoola bronzer. Although the packaging is somewhat bulky, it’s still a great take-along for extended vacations.
  • Giorgio Armani Maestro Liquid Summer — This is a cult favorite and I can see why. It truly is like summer in a bottle. I use it two ways: mixed with my regular foundation for an all-over bronze look or as a bronzy liquid contour. It is pricey, so if that’s a concern, Perricone MD’s No Bronzer Bronzer is a good alternative.
  • Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Primer with SPF 35 — A great combo product that did right by me on the beaches of the Caribbean. I remained burn-free and clear-skinned.
  • Givenchy Memoire De Forme Pop Up Jelly Blush in Rose Extravagent — A cream-verging-on-liquid blush in a cute little pot that provides a long-lasting, moisturized glow. Don’t let the color scare you — it’s intense! But on the cheeks, it provides a natural, rosy flush of color.
  • Surratt Beauty Prismatique Eyes in Style Eyes — These convenient pots include a matte cream shadow in one compartment and a shimmering topper in another. Style Eyes is described as an ambiguous heather. I’d say it’s a dusky purple-mauve that provides an air of elegance. It pairs well with Nars’ new Dominique Audacious Lipstick, which is a deep pink-lilac. img_0781
  • Lipstick favorites, pictured clockwise from top left: Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Oh Miley!, a bright strawberry red; Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Dusty Pink, a muted nude rose; Tarte Lip Sculptor and Lip Gloss in Renegade, a rich, gleaming berry rose.

Movie favorites: “Joy,” starring Jennifer Lawrence as a struggling single mom working to bring her innovative invention to market (Amazon.com, Netflix); “The Witch,” a creepily enthralling film about witchery in the Puritan era (theaters); “Nothing Left Unsaid,” an engrossing documentary about the lives of Anderson Cooper and his fascinating mother, Gloria Vanderbilt (HBO On Demand).

Television favorites: “The Amazing Race,” always a favorite (CBS); “Mercy Street,” about the lives of nurses and doctors in Civil War hospitals (Amazon.com), “Game of Thrones,” which is back with a vengeance and a fast-moving plot (HBO).

Music: As I mentioned, it’s been a rocky year thus far. I lost two friends to cancer and a dear mentor two weeks ago to a freak head injury. My playlist, for those reasons, might have been a bit darker than usual. Album-wise, I’ve been listening to tried-and-true classics: “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” by Derek and the Dominoes, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and Carole King’s “Tapestry.” As for singles, I’ve been into Prince’s “Purple Rain” and “Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man,” Sam Smith’s “I Know I’m Not the Only One,” and “Take Me to Church” by Hozier.

Remember, strength is beauty. Hold your head up, smile and look to the future. – Ronda

Hello, it’s me: Answering your questions

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Let’s talk makeup, skin care and more

 

Hello, friends! I’m just back from a cruise vacation and am easing my way back into the real world. My April favorites blog will go up soon, but I thought I’d take a few moments on a rainy Sunday to answer the questions I’ve received here and on Instagram. Some are about makeup and others are more personal, so this will be a mix of both. Diving in …

Q. How did you get into makeup and skin care?

A. Not to be a downer, but a lot of it was driven by my battle with cancer. I’d really never paid that much attention to skin care until chemotherapy, which was hard on my skin.  At first, I was on a skin resurrection journey. I made a New Year’s resolution to never go to bed without cleansing and moisturizing. When I saw what a difference it made, I added other products into the mix. By the way, I’ve kept that resolution. I’m even a little superstitious about it, so I do my routine every night without fail.

Q. Are you really over 50? Why don’t you have wrinkles?

A. Yes, I’m really over 50. I’m 56, in fact. And I’m not wrinkle-free! I do have a few fine lines, but nothing horrifying. Part of it is good genes; the rest I credit to being committed to good skin care. Morning and night after cleansing, I use a toner, a serum, a moisturizer, a neck- and chin-firming cream, an eye cream and a lip balm.  At night, I add a sleeping oil (Sunday Riley’s Luna). I also use targeted beauty masks several nights per week and always use sunscreen. About twice per year, I get some additional help in the form of Botox at the corners of my eyes, as well as a very tiny bit of filler to make my bottom lip symmetrical.

Q. What is your advice for women with aging skin?

A. Adopt and stick to a skin-care regimen.  Exfoliate. Have facials. Wear sunscreen every day and stay out of the sun when possible. Too much sun is incredibly aging. The same for smoking, so stop. And drink in moderation, because too much alcohol speeds up the aging process by causing wrinkles, loss of collagen and elasticity, dehydration, redness and puffiness. Oh, and wear sunglasses to keep from squinting.

Q. Are you married? Any children? Do they read your blog?

A. Yes, I’m married and we have two adult children. My husband is a newspaper editor. He’s much quieter and more private than I am. I never meet a stranger, which both horrifies and amuses him. Our daughter Elizabeth recently earned her PhD and decided to give back by working with Teach for America for two years. Our son James graduated from college several years ago and works for a pharmaceutical company. As for reading my blog: No way! Every once in awhile, my husband checks out the makeup looks on my Instagram page and tells me if he sees one he particularly likes or dislikes, but that’s about it. Elizabeth has perfect skin — even and poreless. Her makeup routine is limited to BB cream, blush and neutral eye looks. Every once in awhile she humors me by letting me do her makeup. James just thinks I’m his wacky mom.

Q. If you could only use one brand of makeup for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A. I started to say MAC because they have such a huge catalog of products, but I would have to go with Marc Jacobs. The quality is exceptional and I’d need my favorite Le Marc Lip Creme lipsticks at hand. Clara and Slow Burn are my current crushes.

Q. What product do you have the most of?

A. Definitely lipsticks. I have lots of them, ranging from the nudest nudes to fiery reds. I have very pigmented lips, so I didn’t start wearing lipstick regularly until I was in my 30s. Now, I see lipstick as a form of self-expression. Plus, I think my lips are one of my best features.

Q. What is your favorite lipstick?

A. That’s hard, because I have so many! I’ll cheat a little and give you one from each color family. Nude: Whisper by Nudestix. Light pink: Penelope Pink by Charlotte Tilbury. Bright pink: Clara by Marc Jacobs. Coral: MAC Vegas Volt. Purple: Dominique by Nars. Muted red: Lost Cherry by Charlotte Tilbury. Traditional red: MAC Red.

Q. If you could use just one makeup item, what would it be?

A. As much as I love lipstick, I’d have to choose mascara! It makes a huge difference.

Q. Your recent photos look different. Have you had work done?

A. No, and I’d tell you if I had. I’ve lost just over 20 pounds and it is evident in my chin and jaw line. I was worried that losing weight would leave me with sagging skin along my jaw and on my neck, but so far so good. I’ve been using Algenist’s Firming & Lifting Neck Cream.

Q. How have you lost the weight? Are you on a particular diet plan?

A. No plan, just healthy eating. I drink a fruit smoothie for breakfast; have a salad, soup or Lean Cuisine meal for lunch; and dinner is a small steak, chicken breast or fish with a vegetable. Ice cream — and particularly Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate — is my weakness, but I’ve replaced it with sherbet. I’m not on a diet. I’ve made a permanent lifestyle change.

Q. Where do you get the quotes you post on your Instagram page?

A. From friends, from random internet searches, from other people’s Instagram feeds. I love quotes and clearly others do too because they get a lot of likes and seem to inspire people. Sometimes they reflect the way I’m feeling and other times they don’t. I just choose quotes that appeal to me and that I think others will relate to.

Q. You review a lot of products. Are you paid for it, or do you get the products free?

A. No, not paid. And I wish! Nope, and I’ll tell you if I write a sponsored post.

Q. Do you have pets?

A. I do! Two cats live with me: rescue kitties named Otis and Bea. They are siblings but Mama Cat apparently slept around because I’m sure they have different dads. Otis is a black and white “moo” cat and Bea is a gray tabby. I love them to pieces! My husband works in another state and our old man is with him — Sparky is a 16-year-old orange cat.  I would love to have a dog, but I travel a lot and that would not be fair.

Q. Who is your favorite makeup artist?

A. I like Lisa Eldridge’s work and watch her YouTube videos for tips. Her looks are always clean and wearable. Also, Wayne Goss has great, practical advice and reviews.

Q. Do you have a YouTube channel?

A. Not yet. I plan to start one as soon as I learn to edit videos.

Q. Who are your beauty icons?

A. Marilyn Monroe, because she just had an incandescent glow. And Elizabeth Taylor was so beautiful. On a more contemporary note, Scarlett Johannson.

OK, that’s it for now. If you have any questions, send them to me here or on Instagram. I’m Makeup_Plus_50. -Ronda

Boho dream: Festival beauty and fashion

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Coachella, the spring music festival, is headed into its second weekend in Indio, California, which means I’m in the midst of rhapsodizing over the bohemian, pseudo-gypsy and hippie-esque outfits celebrities in the crowd are wearing.

I’m a huge fan of 70s fashions. I love going onto Pinterest to check out old photos of Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks, Julie Christie and other 70s icons who made hippie look chic. The outfits at Coachella are mere imitations of the originals — and in many cases cost thousands more. Regardless, they’re a lot of retro fun!

I’m a bit too old to head off to Coachella, despite the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger (who’s older than I am) was hanging around at the event last weekend. Still, I was moved to create some wearable versions of boho fashion this week. Unlike some Coachella attendees, I wasn’t inclined to try out face painting; I kept my makeup much more wearable. As for hair, I tried my version of a head wreath via a simple under-$5 headband from Amazon.com. I’m growing my hair out a bit and sometimes it looks super. At other times, wrangling with a headband is necessary.

I’m also a bit old for some of the barer, wilder Coachella fashions. If you try, though, you can find age-appropriate bohemian looks at Urban Decay and from brands such as Free People. All it takes it a bit of careful editing and the knowledge that you’re going for an homage to hippiedom, not full-on Woodstock.

With that said, here is my first look. I’m wearing a Free People tunic. I don’t often choose bold prints but this one worked for me. The star, though, is the lipstick: a Laura Geller Love Me Dew lip crayon in Cranberry Glaze. My eyeshadow is also from Laura Geller. I used the gorgeous navy and periwinkle tones from her The Wearables palette.

The next festival-inspired look I attempted was softer and more monochromatic. I’m loving this spring’s eyelets, laces and pastels. A look in my closet would reveal that I go for solids in my shirts and slacks, although my summer maxis feature colorful prints. In any case, this look features shimmering champagne eyes courtesy of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow Couture Palette and muted lips courtesy of Make Up For Ever’s Artist Lip Blush.

 


No matter what your inspiration, you’re not too old to try it. If you can still rock a look, go ahead and rock it. You won’t be able to wear it the same way you wore it at 20 or even 30, but there’s always a way to adapt it to your age, body shape and persona. So go out there and have fun with fashion and makeup, no matter how old you are. You only live once!

The Liebster Award

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IMG_0418Thanks so much to the wonderful BeautyliciousStyle for nominating me for the Liebster Award. It’s for new bloggers and is a great way for us to get exposure, reach out to new subscribers and generally expand our horizons. Without further ado, let’s get to the questions she’s asked me to answer:

Q. What is your favorite season for makeup and why? 

A. I started to say spring, because I love the reemergence of corals and pinks and lavenders, but in actuality I prefer winter. I’m a pale-skinned lady, so I love contrasting that paleness with lipsticks and blushes in plum, burgundy and red. I also like the opportunity to use golds, silvers and other shimmery eye looks during the winter, although I use moderation because I’m 56. How did that happen, by the way?

Q. What is your favorite makeup/fashion brand? Which do you have the most of or do you want to have the most of in your collection? 

A. I’m a big fan of Marc Jacobs Beauty and in particular of the Le Marc Lip Creme lipsticks. I have about 10 of them and they never fail me. The formula makes my lips look fuller and juicier, and I’m all for that! I also enjoy Natasha Denona’s eyeshadows — incredible depth and payoff — as well as Guerlain’s Kohl Kajal eyeliners. They smudge so effortlessly and perfectly!

Q. What are your future plans for your blog? How far in advance do you plan? 

A. I would love to build my readership among older women, primarily because so many give up or lose interest in cosmetics as they age. For that reason, I want to focus on both skin care and makeup, because even the most expertly applied and expensive cosmetics can “fail” if the canvas — the best skin possible — isn’t there. As for planning in advance, I’m terrible at that! I am a former newspaper reporter and editor, so I’m used to thinking and writing on the fly.

Q. What is/are your favorite springtime fashion and/or makeup items? 

A. I am completely into this year’s warm-weather fashions. Perhaps it’s the 70s in me, but I love the lace I’m seeing everywhere. I also love the bohemian looks that come into play during festival season. For example, I so enjoy checking out what the younger generation is wearing right now at Coachella. Of course, women my age can’t wear most of those items, so I adapt the looks to fit my lifestyle.

As for spring makeup, I very much enjoy the corals, roses, pinks and — this year — the greens and subtle blues. Oh — and peach! I love rose gold and peach tones. The new Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette is lovely, although I wish it had more variations on the peach tone. There are a lot of browns mixed in!

Q. What is the weather in springtime like in the country you live in? What fashion items are must-have items where you live? 

A. I live in the deep south of the United States, so our springtimes are short. The weather goes from mild and pleasant to humid and hot far too quickly. When the weather starts to turn warm, I reach for my summer “uniform” of maxi dresses and sandals. I have a lot of each! I never wear shorts — always sundresses. I don’t own even one pair of shorts.

Q. Other than blogging, what activities/hobbies do you enjoy most? This applies to all year round. 

A. I’m a writer, so I keep a journal. A lot of people will be surprised at what they read about themselves — and about me — when I’m gone. I kind of think I’ll enjoy watching their reactions from wherever I am!

I love birds and wildlife and I work from home (I’m a writer), so I fill my feeders and sit outside to watch them flit back and forth. Also, although I probably shouldn’t, I put food out at night for the raccoon that meanders over from down the street. The couple on the corner rehabilitate raccoons and lets them out at night. Last night, I had two raccoon visitors at once.

I’m also an avid reader. I stay up on current events, probably due to my background in news reporting, and I read a lot of fiction too. I love gathering quotes and mixing them in with photos on my Instagram page. I find people really respond to the ones that touch on their experiences or situations. Oh — and I love music. I listen to a lot of southern rock and am a huge Rolling Stones fan.

Q. If you could only use five makeup items for your entire face, what would they be? 

A. Lancome Teint Idole 24 Hour Foundation, Cover Girl TruBlend Blush in Medium Rose, Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze, Benefit They’re Real Mascara, and NudeStix Lip & Cheek Pencil in Whisper

Q. What do you always have with you in your makeup bag in your handbag? 

A. I always, always have my Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder Foundation in Porcelain Girl; it’s perfect for spot touch-ups. Also, Visine for eye redness or dryness, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, a Bobbi Brown Beach perfume rollerball, a NudeStix Cheek & Lip Pencil in Whisper, a mini Too Faced Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black, Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Bitch Perfect, and a mini version of Josie Maran’s Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise.

Q. What is your idea of the ultimate beauty blog? What should it feature, show/tell its readers and what brands are you most interested in? What is most important to you when reading a beauty blog? 

A. The perfect beauty blog should be inclusive of women of all ages and backgrounds, contain a combination of makeup and skin care tips, feature honest reviews of both new and classic products, include both high-end and drugstore brands, and just be fun to read. I like it when bloggers inject a bit of their own personalities with favorite quotes, music and movie recommendations. Personality is important to me! I’d like to eventually get the opportunity to review products from skin-care brands such as Zelens, Sunday Riley, Mai Lindstrom and other top-shelf brands. Unlike the “big time” bloggers, I’m still paying for my products from my own pocket!

For the next Liebster Awards, I nominate:

Rougepout Beauty

Elegant Ageless Beauty

The Lavender Barn

 

 

 

Estée Lauder steps up its game

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The Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Palettes

I have to confess that I’ve always thought of Estée Lauder as a brand for older women. Not in a good way, but as a mecca for matrons who’ve put adventure and sex appeal in their rear-view mirrors. (For the record, I see some clothing brands, including Alfred Dunner, Coldwater Creek and Koret, the same way. Those are my mother’s brands. If you ever see me in their apparel, just shoot me. It means I’ve given up on life.)

In any case, I wore Estée Lauder’s Fresh Air Makeup Base in Ivory Mist all through college. Back then, it was the thing to wear because choices were limited. Later, after the cosmetics market exploded, Estée Lauder was eclipsed in my mind by newer, fresher, “modern” brands. It probably doesn’t help that EL’s foundations no longer work for me; even the much-lauded Double Wear doesn’t sit well on my skin.

Estée Lauder, though, is working to modernize its image, as evidenced by the signing of its face of the moment, the trendy and social-media savvy Kendall Jenner. It also has made its way to Sephora counters after years of anchoring department store cosmetic sections. That’s a smart move, because stores like Sephora and Ulta are the go-to spots for younger women shopping for beauty products.

Anyway, other than its Heat Wave highlighter, which became a cult hit a few years back, Estée Lauder hasn’t been high on beauty gurus’ hot-product lists. But here’s some  good news: I impulsively purchased two items from the company’s latest roster of products. Both are from the Bronze Goddess Collection. The first is the Summer Glow Eyeshadow Palette and the second is the Summer Glow Multi-Palette. One has found favor with me; the other not so much. Let’s talk about the disappointment first:

  • The Summer Glow Eyeshadow Palette, $45 on sale at Nordstrom, is gorgeous to look at. It features six shadows, two neutral mattes and four shimmery but not glittery shades that range from pale rose to taupe brown. The standout is an unexpected pop of aqua. Sounds great, right? The problem is that the colors are prettier in the pan than on the lid. The payoff isn’t the best. I expected the shades to be bold and be beachy, but they’re pastel in reality. I’m going to try them with a wet brush to see if I can get better, more intense results.
  • The Summer Glow Multi-Palette, $45 on sale at Nordstrom, is the better of the Summer Glow entries. It features a highlighter in a golden shade, a blush that’s a warm rosy tint with a touch of shimmer, and a satin-finish contour that is actually more of a bronzer than a contour powder due to its warmth. I like this palette — it’s tagging along on my upcoming vacation — but I recommend it with a caveat: It’s really best suited for fair-skinned girls. While the highlight is universal, the blush and highlighter may be too pale for those with darker skin to bother with.

All in all, these palettes are promising steps forward as Estée Lauder courts younger buyers. The company has also just released a suite of products aimed at younger women in its new “The Estée Edit” line. These include the Flash Photo Powder, which I’ve tried and like, as well as a pore-vanishing stick and kohl eyeshadow.

4 reasons you should never sleep with makeup on 

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Don’t be tempted to sleep in makeup.

I’m always shocked by the number of people who tell me they don’t wash their faces before going to bed. I confess to having committed this grievous sin in my college days but, then again, I did a lot of foolish things in college. But that’s a story for another day …

Listen up, ladies and gents, you should never, ever, ever go to bed without (at a minimum) cleansing and moisturizing your face. Here’s why:

  • During the day, bacteria builds up on your face. Think about it: Your skin attracts general pollutants, dirt and grime. And then there are the oils it produces, not to mention the germs it amasses when you touch your hands to your face or use your phone.
  • Pillow smush. Most people move around in bed while sleeping, and at night that includes burying our faces into our pillows. If you’re wearing makeup, all of that smushing just grinds makeup, germs and dirt deeper into your pores. Pillows are breeding grounds for bacteria anyway, so don’t magnify the problem. In addition to cleansing your face, wash your pillowcase at least one per week in very hot water to eliminate germs from skin oils, hairspray and other products that make it less than clean.
  • Clogged pores. Makeup, oil and sebum love to burrow into your pores. This can cause not only breakouts but enlarged pores. I don’t know about you, but I want to avoid sink holes on my chin and nose areas. Your skin needs to breathe and repair itself at night. Makeup, dirt and grime prevent it from doing so.
  • Broken eyelashes. If eyes are the window to the soul, who wants their soul to have tattered curtains? Sleeping in mascara makes lashes stiff, brittle and prone to breakage. Let your lashes breathe — and go a step further by using an eyelash conditioner to keep them soft and nourished.

My heroes! Four skin care must haves

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It’s a given that I love the creativity that comes from playing with makeup. But I wouldn’t have as much fun ‘painting’ without a smooth canvas. That canvas is good skin, and good skin doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, trial and error.

With that in mind, I wanted to share four of my skin-care heroes. One I’ve just discovered and the other three are products I simply can’t live without. Here are the details on each:

– You’ve heard me rave about this before: Sunday Riley’s Luna Night Sleeping Oil. This is one of the rare products that actually makes an overnight difference. It brightens, smooths, clears up any red spots or acne — yes, at 56 I still get the odd ‘spot’ now and then — and is just my all-around ‘holy grail’ of skin care. Here’s how Sunday Riley describes it:

“Luna Sleeping Night Oil contains high-potency, purified-grade lactic acid to instantly correct dullness, plump the look of lines, and exfoliate the skin. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation, imperfections, and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthy-looking complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, it helps to clarify and correct the appearance of imperfections for immediate, smooth radiance.” Whatever. It works.

– Living in the deep south requires special skin-care strategies, especially in the summer months. Whoever described my beloved city of Columbia, S.C., as “the screen door to Hell” was onto something. From June into October, it’s humid and scorching — two of makeup’s deadliest foes. Makeup setting sprays such as those from Skindinavia and Urban Decay are terrific, but I recently found a spray that one-ups them. It’s Liftra by Dr. Jart and in addition to setting makeup in place, it also has skin-firming properties. Here are the details:

“Liftra™ Contour Fixer is a setting mist that forms a thin film over the face to visibly lift and improve elasticity. It shrinks over time and provides a tightening effect—immediately lifting the appearance of skin and creating a smoother, firmer-looking complexion. The light water ampoule formula gently clings to skin, is quickly absorbed, and provides a finish without stickiness. Great for use throughout the day to refresh sagging skin or as a setting mist after makeup, it replenishes volume by supporting natural collagen synthesis, while a hyaluronic acid complex instantly replenishes moisture and maintains elasticity.”

– Biologique Rechercher’s Lotion P50 Original 197o is a game-changer for me. It’s not really a lotion at all; it’s a liquid toner that not only exfoliates my skin but has helped me get rid of stubborn milia beneath my eyes and other small under-the-skin bumps that were impossible to express. A word of caution: This stuff is strong. So strong that it seriously stings. I worked my way up to “Original 1970” by starting with the less intense “Lotion P50 W 1970,” the gentlest version in the line. This product can be difficult to find. I order it from Shop Rescue Spa.

– Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital is a little gem that does wonders for my eye area. I combine it with Clinique’s new Pep Start eye cream and get great firming/moisturizing results. I’ve never had eye bags, but like every woman of my age I have a few fine lines. When I added Blue Plasma Orbital to my routine, they almost immediately diminished. Warning: It has a fishy smell. It doesn’t bother me and goes away quickly, but it does trouble some users.

A word to the wise

No skin-care product is a miracle worker. The right products can delay the effects of aging if you start using them early. Once wrinkles have set in, they can improve but not eradicate the problems. No matter where you are in the aging process, it’s important to start a skin-care routine immediately and stick to it religiously. That means every morning and night, day in and day out. There are no shortcuts and no second chances!

Get cheeky with it 

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Benefit Cosmetic’s Cheekathon Palette

Sometimes bundled products are worth it and sometimes they’re not. This one falls on the worth it side: Benefit’s new Cheekathon Blush and Bronzer Palette, featuring the company’s top-selling cheeky products. Here’s what you get:

  • 0.32 oz Dallas box o’ powder blush in Dusty Rose (full size)
  • 0.25 oz Dandelion box o’ powder blush in Baby Pink (full size)
  • 0.28 oz CORALista box o’ powder blush in Coal Pink (full size)
  • 0.17 oz Rockateur box o’ powder blush in Rose Gold (full size)
  • 0.28 oz Hoola matte bronzer (full size)
  • Natural-bristle brush

These products are some I’ve purchased separately and hit pan on –several times in the case of the perfect Hoola bronzer — so springing for the set was a no-brainer for me. The cost of the palette is $58. If purchased separately, the total for all of the items would be $145. The CheekathonBlush and Bronzer palette is a limited edition, so don’t dally too long.