Summer Legs and Keeping Up Appearances

I bet you were thinking that this was a post about leg lifts, squats, and lunges. 

Nope. 

It's about skin. Leg skin and feet skin, to be exact. Let me let you in on a secret: highly groomed women discomfit me. Or maybe it's more accurate to say that I discomfit me in the presence of such women. I mean, I'm sure that the objective for said women's attention to personal grooming has nothing to do with me and my comfort. But I digress. 

I'm not particularly scruffy, it's just that being well groomed is a never ending battle. My feet look awesome today - smooth, nails painted. And next week.... Ugh, chipped polish. A little rough around the heels. And let's not even talk about shaving (at least not yet). In my mind, having a good hair / outfit / makeup / smooth legs / attractive feet type of presentation is the equivalent of the man at the circus who spins all the plates at the same time. And damn, parenting toddlers and infants is already like herding cats. The complexity of these mixed metaphors is itself an accurate portrayal of the reality, I think. 

And despite the pink background on this blog, I am not a "girly girl."  I would rather drink a cocktail and read a book in the bathtub than exfoliate, depilate, or any other -ate. Unless it is just plain eating, and if that's the case, then I'll take my calories in liquid form, as per above.

I know what you're thinking, "Mary, this is not a gender issue. You are just lazy." Yes, yes, I am that, too, and I admit it. 

So I ask:

What's a busy, slightly lazy girl to do?!

Well, I've discovered a few inexpensive and relatively quick, easy ways to keep up appearances.

Skip the lotion and go straight for the body cream. Lotion and body cream are both composed of water and oil; their difference lies in the proportion of each. Body cream has a higher content of oil, and therefore is a more concentrated (read: effective and longer lasting) moisturizer.  Smooth some on your legs, arms, and feet after every shower when pores are still dilated from the warm water.

Use petroleum jelly (also known by the most common brand name Vaseline) on the roughest, driest spots. While body cream is an emollient (meaning it moisturizes and smoothes), petroleum jelly also effectively traps moisture within the skin and prevents it from evaporating.  Smooth it on elbows and knees. Spread liberally on rough feet, put on pair of socks, go to bed and awake the next day with significantly softer feet. A small tub of the stuff is around a dollar at the grocery store, so go wild.

Use a pumice stone every day for a few seconds in the shower, concentrating especially on the heels. It may take more time at first, especially if your feet are very dry and cracked, but once things are under control this is all it really takes for maintenance.  And don't spend much on a pumice stone; find them at the dollar store for a dollar (surprise!). Replace as necessary, when you start to notice decreased efficacy.

Use a scrub before shaving your legs (just rub, rinse, and then go ahead with your regular shaving cream). The salt or sugar grains exfoliate the skin and the oil in the scrub moisturizes it. The result is a closer shave and smoother, softer skin. You can easily make scrubs from in the kitchen ingredients (check out these recipes) or buy it pre-made. I recently won a scrub from this company in a giveaway (which it turns out, is owned and operated by a former college mate, small world!), and it is the best scrub I've ever tried. For real.

Keep a cocoa lotion bar handy for quick fixes. A lotion bar is a solid, concentrated, quick way to deliver moisture and protection to irritated skin. Rub the bar over the effected area and the warmth of your skin melts just the right amount of emollients onto the spot.  I think we have all had the experience of realizing at the last minute that our hands or knees or elbows or heels are super dry and/or ashy. I keep this lotion bar in my bag for just such moments.

Help Me

Today's post is part product review, part plea for assistance. I know, I know, it's a departure from my usual role as adviser to the stars (that's you).  But I need help. The problem is this: my hair has fallen and it can't get up.

I've never had naturally voluminous hair, not by any stretch of the word. My hair has a very fine texture, tends to be a bit on the oily side, and there isn't tons of it. And now, I am in the midst of that trial called postpartum hair loss. So I am coming to you for tips, tricks, and product suggestions on how to add volume. And to share with you one product that has given me a bit of a boost.

The other day, I saw this volumizing powder and after Googling it in the store aisle (the reviews were decent) decided to get it and give it a try. In case you aren't familiar, a volumizing powder is sprinkled on the roots of dry hair and massaged in with the fingertips. The motion causes the powder to become sticky and tacky, and it lifts the roots of the hair from the scalp. 

The picture on the left is how my hair looks after a wash and air dry, no products or blowdryer or combing or anything. The picture on the right is air dried hair with volumizing powder. The difference isn't huge, but it's something. And I think that, with a little practice, I could achieve even greater heights. The lift effect is also fairly long lasting, and can be easily reinvigorated with a bit of fingertip action at the roots.

And another thing that I do appreciate about this product is how easy it is to create updo's once it's in your hair. The fine texture of my [unaided] hair makes it almost slippery, if that makes any sense. With the powder in place, ponytails are perkier and bouffants are.... bigger, less whispy.

In summation, this product is no magic bullet, but it's something. And that's something. And I would love to hear from you. Does anyone out there relate? Does anyone have any suggestions? If you do,  please leave them in the combox. They will be greatly appreciated!

Quick Takes

Seven bits of this and that today...

I usually find beauty products that I like, and then stick with them for a long time. But recently I decided to venture out of my comfort CoverGirl LashBlast zone and try NYC Big Bold Curl mascara. I've given it a fair shake and I'm not lovin' it. The wand is so big that it inhibits application, and I can't help but feel that it's wrong to put the caterpillar look alike so near my eye. The mascara itself goes on very "wet," and leaves my lashes too clumped together. I found that it helps to pull out the wand, and then wipe off some of the excess. Still not as good as my LashBlast. 

caterpillar via 

One product that I have been loving is moleskin. My new shoes have been rubbing the back of my heels, and this awful sounding product has been the solution. I've been using the generic brand from the grocery store, and it has made a world of difference!

I recently wrote a guest post for another blog. Check it out here.

I was drinking my coffee this am, and decided to tight roll my pants. Hmm. I don't know what I think.

What's that? You want to know where that sweet snood is from? I made it from an old sweater, and you can do it, too!

Has anybody out there ever had a case of "Blogger's Panic?" More than I would care to admit.

And that's a wrap. Have a great weekend and go see Jen for more takes!

How to Look Expensive: Respect Your Coloring

It's time for another How to Look Expensive! I hate to speak in negatives, but this one is actually more about what not to do (or at least give serious thought to before doing), specifically in the area of altering skin and hair color.

I'm a firm believer that God has created each of us with a beauty all our own, a beauty that mysteriously resonates with our own personality and individuality. As I've gotten wiser (which, funny enough, has coincided with my getting older), I've come to realize that we as women often do things that actually sabotage this beauty. We usually don't do it on purpose. We may not recognize that we have our own beautiful features to play up. Or we may see someone else and want to imitate her expression of beauty. Or maybe certain physical attributes have symbolic values that we have bought into (what, blondes really don't have more fun?!). Whatever the case, I'm here to tell you that to look the most polished version of yourself, especially while on a budget, you need to recognize what God gave you, and respect it.

The two areas where we get it wrong the most are altering skin tone and hair color. Let me explain. In our culture it is all the rage to be tan. And if you can get a tan, good for you, it probably looks great on you! But if you are very fair, and easily burn in the sun, embrace your light skin. It probably complements your hair color and your eyes. Repeatedly trying to get a tan naturally will just leave you...  red. Not a good look. And artificial tanners will more often than not leave you orangish, or at the very least an off shade of "darker."

Christina Aguilera. Hmm. I wonder if that tan is natural?
Images via here and here.

And now, the bigger issue, hair color. First of all, changing your hair color can cost lots of dollars initially and over the course of time. It is one of those things where upkeep is an absolute necessity to avoid looking raggle taggle.  I know some women who dye their hair at home, and it looks great. If you are one of these women, maybe you are in the wrong line of work (that's assuming you aren't a hair stylist!). In my own personal experience of many, many home dye jobs (I'm a glutton for punishment), the end result can be hit and miss. Why? Because with a box dye it's hard to achieve a look that is natural. To look natural, you need highlights and lowlights that mimic what occurs when hair is exposed to light.

And not just any color works for any person.  Each of us has either cool or warm undertones to our skin, and most people may be classified as a dark cool or warm or light cool or warm, depending on the  intensity of color that occurs in hair, eyes, and skin. It's very important to stay within either the cool or warm spectrum, and your range of intensity on this spectrum.

And finally, to get even more pessimistic on you, I have found (from personal use) that even many of the "cool" hair color box kits (ash blond, cool brown, etc, etc) eventually fade to... brassy. Brassy is a reddish "warm" color that flatters the skin tones of pretty much no one in the entire human race. So, just because you get the color right at the start, it may not last through very many washes and days in the sun.

I can hear you thinking, but what about... Yes, I know, there are some celebrities who can seemingly rock any color. Remember, these women have an entourage of hair, makeup, and lighting people (and dollars) devoted to making them look amazing. And let's not even get started on the use of photoshop. That being said, we do see the occasional celebrity flub that is either catastrophic, or just plain unflattering.

Courtney Cox is a dark cool naturally. The photo on the right is truer to her natural coloring. Looks better, don't you think?
Images via here and here.

So what am I going on about here? I guess just a long winded word of caution about how altering your coloring can effect your appearance. It can be done, and it can definitely be done well. Just make sure you take into account your budget and your starting point, primarily whether you have cool or warm coloring, and how light or dark your coloring is. Not sure what name to put on your natural look?  I wrote a post almost a year ago about coloring, but I think this post is better, both more exhaustive and clear on how to determine one's coloring.

Beauty Under a Buck

Cosmetics can be so expensive, and if your makeup budget isn't big, finding new products can be daunting. Recently, my sister-in-law told me about the e.l.f. Eyeshadow Primer, and I had just seen it here, so during a visit to Target I made my way to the cosmetics aisle. Alas, the primer was out of stock, but I did come away with two other very inexpensive items that I would recommend.

The first is the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip ($1), which comes in six shades. It is described on the e.l.f. website as:

a multipurpose, on-the-go whipped highlighter packed with Vitamin E to instantly brighten and soothe skin with no greasy after-feel. Ideal for using on your cheeks, lips, eyelids or anywhere you would like a radiant pop of shimmering color. 

Maybe you are like me, a minimalist when it comes to makeup, and have never used highlighter before. If so, this might be a good intro product. The purpose of highlighter is to highlight the areas that the sun would kiss first, literally the higher points of the face. I applied it just below my eyes / just above my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose. It was subtle and not too "shimmery." [A little bit intimidated by blush and highlighter? Check out this great video tutorial for a natural look] I also applied it on my eyelids while I was already wearing black eyeliner and mascara. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it looked really nice, more pearly than pink on my lids, and was subtle enough to be an appropriate day look. I would caution against wearing  it on the lips; it was much too light, or atleast the shade I tried (Lilac Petal). I was initially skeptical about a product that claimed it could go "anywhere" (and it shouldn't), and I  wouldn't say it really "pops," but I think it's actually better that way. Two thumbs up.

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The second product is the e.l.f. Essential Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Black Bandit, also $1. In the words of e.l.f.:

Instantly brighten eyes with e.l.f. Cosmetics shimmering metallic liners that put the spotlight on eyes. The smooth formulation glides on effortlessly without tugging at the delicate eye area. Choose from an assortment of 9 vibrant shades designed to add depth, definition and a special sparkle to create a very glamorous look! Pencil includes a convenient sharpener cap for easy use!

I am not a sparkle and shine kind of girl when it comes to makeup, so I was pleasantly surprised with this product as well. The color glides on easily, doesn't run or smudge unless you want it to (important for ladies like me who have naturally dark under eye circles), and is subdued enough for day wear (at least in the shade I purchased). I haven't tried the sharpener cap yet, but I will keep you posted on how that works out. This is a reliable and inexpensive product to have in the makeup bag. Again, two thumbs up!

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Scent of a Woman

You may remember that I believe every lady needs a signature cocktail; I also believe that perfume is a rite of passage and each woman needs a signature scent.  Perfume, according to the ever elegant Coco Chanel, “is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. . . . that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” If it is not enough that the high priestess of style has spoken, consider that attention to personal aroma is a gift we give to those around us. Read on for some fragrance facts and how to's on choosing and wearing a signature scent.

In women's fragrance there are four common categories of scent which are based on the concentration of perfume oil they contain. The higher the oil concentration, the stronger the scent and the longer it will remain. From greatest concentration to lowest, they are:

Perfume (or Parfum): 25% or higher

Eau de Parfum: 15-18% 

Eau de Toilette: 10%

Eau de Cologne: 5% 

Another factor to bear in mind is that perfumes are comprised of three fragrance notes, a metaphorical reference to musical notes that stand individually and combine harmoniously to form the whole.  In reference to fragrance, these notes are referred to as top, middle, and base notes and describe the progressive olfactory impression the scent makes. The notes, in a nutshell: 

Top: initial scent that dissipates within minutes

Middle (or Heart): scent that becomes apparent within 15 minute of application and may last an hour

Base (or Deep): scent that becomes apparent 30-60 minutes after application and comprises the longest lasting impression, up to a day.

Now that you know some of the basics, we come to the question of choosing the scent that's right for you. Perfumes are marketed to project a certain image - Chanel N5 is classy, Gucci Guilty is sexy, etc., etc. This knowledge may make you feel different, but it won't change the objective reality of the scent, so try to see beyond the marketing. Visit the perfume section of a beauty or department store. Based on what you know about the intensity and longevity of each category of fragrance, ask directions to what best fits your needs.  Use the tester to spray the paper strips the counter provides, and take a whiff to get a general impression. Don't sniff more than three or four, because your sense of smell will be overwhelmed and fatigued. Choose one you like, and spray it on your wrist and behind your ears. To get the best sense (pun) of the fragrance, wait a few hours so you can experience each of the notes. Trust your instincts. And those of your significant other or an honest friend.

Once you've chosen a scent, don't forget to be mindful of the venue. For everyday [work] wear, apply a little lighter than when going out. If your signature scent is very intense, consider applying it to your calves (as weird as that may sound). The greater distance to neighbors' noses might be what civility requires!

Bonus Track: Check out the fragrance wheel below to see how the perfume industry classifies the various scents found in perfumes. You don't really need to know this info to choose a signature scent, but it never hurts to have a vocabulary to communicate likes and dislikes!

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7 Quick Takes: Miscellany Edition

Today's 7 Quick Takes are a true miscellany, a bit of this and a bit of that. Enjoy!

1

Well, the Mayans predicted that my 30th birthday would mark the end of the world. They were wrong. Maybe they didn't get the memo that 30 is the new 20.... 

2

While we are talking numbers, January 5 is my 5th anniversary. Amazing, but time flies when you're with the love of your life.

photo by simple heart photography, bokeh added

 3

Enough about me, check out this pic of my dad, mixing plaids like a boss:

The key to making it work - the unifying blue in each of the prints and the hat.

4

As the Christmas season begins to wind down, you might be thinking about putting away the decorations. Every year I hear the tip about taking a pic of them to make next year's decorating easier. This year I finally did it! We went away for the holidays, so the decorations were minimal, but here is a little peek:

5

So I bought this NYX Chic Red lipstick for Christmas because it looked like a true red: 

However, it was more of a very deep pink when applied. I tried it on several different occasions in the hope that I was just seeing things; I wasn't. It was less than $4 at Ulta, and the color is nice and long wearing, so not all was lost. If anybody out there has a tried and true red, please let me know!

6

I had another post planned for today, but I haven't done a 7 Quick Takes in so long that I changed my mind. Stay tuned for the original post - Scent of a Woman. I'll put it up some time tonight or tomorrow.

7 

Thinking about starting a new blog in the new year? Check out my posts on the writing process and some tips for taking the ever awkward outfit pics.

Have a great weekend!

7 Quick Takes

So I'll be joining Jen again this week for 7 Quick Takes...

1

I hope that everyone has had a great week, and that the holiday hangover from Thanksgiving wasn't too bad! For me, it's always so hard to see visiting family go. If you need a bit of cheering up, check out....

2

This link. It is a virtual makeover tool. Just upload a photo of yourself and go crazy. I was laughing out loud (or is it aloud?) as I tried hairstyles on my virtual self.

3

In the combox of Wednesday's post, a dear reader asked for a pic of my little lips in all their be-lipsticked glory (not as strange as it sounds). I aim to please, so here we go.

4

I am wearing Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cha Cha Cherry (I didn't use a filter on this pic, so the color is fairly accurate). See, even little lips can do it!

5

I am also wearing Audrey Inspired Everyday Eyes and CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones in Refined Rose. It was a rough night with the babe, so a little extra color was needed!

6

For my quick takes quote I usually choose something a little more profound, but I'm rolling with a theme here... So from another thin lipped woman, I give you, "Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.  That, or a kick-as# red lipstick."  (Gwyneth Paltrow)

7 

On a completely different note (or is it?), I came across this other quote that made me smile, "A puritan is a person who pours righteous indignation into the wrong things.”  Thank you, as usual, Mr. G. K. Chesterton.

Have a great weekend my sisters and friends!

A Little Bit of Luxury (or Lipstick 101)

Want to change your look, but don't have money for a shopping spree or a trip to the salon? Try lipstick. Seriously. You don't wear lipstick, you say? Even better, more bang for your buck, so to speak! What's that? You think you look clownish in lipstick? Your lips are too big? Your lips are too small? Don't insult me with that one, you don't know small lips until you have met me, or at least my upper lip... Okay, okay, just hear me out. I'm new to the lipstick game myself, but I've tried it, and I love it. Let me give you a few basic pointers, and then give it a go, please. It may make you feel different. It may be the key to adding a bit of glamor to your holiday get ups without breaking the bank.  Just try it. You be the judge.

First, pick a color. It doesn't have to be too matchy - matchy with your outfit. A better rule of thumb is to stick with something that flatters your natural coloring. If you have cool coloring, go cool. Warm coloring, go warm. If you're new to this, and nervous, choose a color that is just a bit darker than your natural lip color (give your lip a little bite to actually see what this color looks like).

Next, exfoliate those lips. There are lots of suggestions on how to do this, some involving Vaseline, coffee grounds, and other such ingredients. My favorite way to go is to use a bit of white sugar - just gently rub on wet lips. In 20 seconds you will have soft lips and a sweet taste in your mouth!

Now, moisturize. Use a moisturizing lip balm on those babies. I like Smith's Rosebud Salve, but whatever you have will work.

And apply. There is some debate out there about whether to line or not. In my brief experience with lip stick I have not used liner. From what I've read, the pros include prevention of "feathering", or lipstick bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth, and the ability to give greater definition to your lips. Giving definition to lips via liner went scarily awry in the 90's; just be aware that this is a fine line to walk (I can't help myself). If you decide to go this route, choose a liner in nude or in a color very similar to the lipstick you plan to use. You can either apply the lipstick straight from the tube or with a brush. A brush gives you greater control and you use less lipstick, so it lasts longer. I use the one from my Sephora brush set (great Christmas gift from my sister in law, Nicole, once upon a time). There are inexpensive options out there, such as this one from e.l.f ($3), or this one from Sonia Kashuk ($6.99).  Apply evenly over lips, staying within God's boundaries (i.e. don't draw a new pair).

Blot with a tissue. Perfect lips! I will leave you with a few budget lipsticks to try. I have the first one on the list, so I can vouch for it. The others have received consistently high reviews and seem to be great options in the budget category.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($6.99)

Revlon Color Burst Lipstick ($7.49)

e.l.f. Essential Lipstick ($1)

e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick ($5, no parabens, preservatives or chemical dyes)

NYX Round Lipstick ($3.99)

Maybelline NY Color Sensational Pearls Lipcolor ($7.49)

Audrey Inspired Every Day Eyes

The other night I watched the 1954 classic Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn.  I have always been drawn to Audrey's seemingly effortless grace and beauty.  I think the reason that Audrey captivated the world (and still holds it captive), is that she embraced simplicity and enhanced her best features.  She didn't try to be Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor. Her aesthetic choices (clothes, makeup, hairstyle, etc.) highlighted her best physical features, and the simplicity of these choices made room for her unique personal vibrancy.  Though most of us don't have the benefit of a working relationship with the likes of Hubert de Givenchy, or a 20" waist, I'd like to think that as women, as a sort of birthright, we all have some share in this mysterious allure. So let's not fret that we don't have the best features of this or that person, but find our best features and celebrate them in a way that allows our inner and outer beauty to shine.

Now, must of us ladies have uniquely gorgeous eyes. In Sabrina, Audrey wears very simple eye makeup that really accentuates and emphasizes her eyes. Lately I have been using a version of this look as my go to "everyday eye." The application only takes about two minutes.

1. Eyeliner: Draw a line from the inner corner of the eye to the outer edge, beginning thin and getting slightly wider gradually to the outer edge. I use Maybelline's Define-a-Line in ebony black.

2. Mascara: Apply two coats to the upper lashes. I use Lash Blast very black.

3. Apply under eye concealer, if necessary. I always have under eye circles (everyone has blood vessels around their eyes, but some of us have thinner skin than others, hence the area appearing darker perpetually), so I use Cover Girl Smoothers Concealer Stick. Just smooth under the eye, and blend a bit with your ring finger (because it applies less pressure). I keep my CG concealer in the refrigerator; it seems to provide greater coverage for a longer period of time when applied at a lower temp, plus it feels nice!

And there you have it, the Audrey inspired every day eye! This post doesn't seem complete without some eye candy (pun intended) of Audrey herself:

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