Category Archives: BEAUTY

Clarisonic Mia: week three report

Three weeks into the Clarisonic experiment, I can really see the difference in my skin.  The Mia is truly justifying the investment.  My troublesome skin is beginning to clear when nothing else seemed to help.  I credit this device.Regarding my skeeves, Annie recommended spritzing alcohol on the brush head to freshen it.  For more major cleanings, the brush head should be removed and left to dry.  Don’t forget to spend some time along the neck and hairline; these often neglected areas need attention.  You can even give the ears a once around. 

 

I’m starting to see what all the fuss is about.

Clarisonic Mia: week two report

For the past fourteen days I’ve faithfully used the Clarisonic Mia twice a day.  I’ve experimented with different face washes with decent results.  I particularly like the way the vibrating brush converts non-foamy cleansers into more effective make-up removers.The Clarisonic Mia runs through a minute cycle and automatically shuts off.  One interval isn’t enough, and I almost always go twice around.

It does have an addictive quality, and I can see how this product has a cult following.  The buffing action leaves skin smooth and soft.  Though I wouldn’t consider the results drastic.

I’m already getting skeeved by the brush.  You have to be extra vigilant about keeping it clean, or it really defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? 

Clarisonic Mia: week one report

After struggling with persistent skin issues recently, a trustworthy and glowy-faced friend recommended the Clarisonic face brush.  Having owned the “Classic” and “Mia,” she recommended the less expensive and more portable Mia, arguing the expanded features of the Classic cannot justify the added cost.A week ago, I received my very own MiaClarisonic claims the vibrating and rotating brush removes six times more makeup than traditional cleansing.  I concur with this claim; my face passes the white towel test after using the Clarisonic.  Without question, skin is cleaner and makeup is thoroughly and gently eradicated.  The mild humming exfoliation feels like a mini facial massage.  The brush works with virtually any cleanser and the waterproof design makes it shower-friendly.After the first few uses, smoother skin emerges and texture noticeably improves.  Makeup glides on skin.  Breakouts have improved, but this isn’t a magic machine.Consider the following drawbacks.  The initial investment is around $120.  The replacement heads are pricey (2/$40).  And who needs another gadget that requires an outlet to charge?  It is easy to over do it and cause irritation.  Twice a day might be too much for some, even with the sensitive brush.

I look forward to experiencing what the Mia has to offer in week two, and I promise to share it with all of you.  xox, DC

 

October 2011 Horoscopes

Libra

Happy Birthday Libra!  A cardinal sign, Libras are made of air and positive energy.  Libras appreciate beauty and are often quite lovely themselves.  This month has you overspending, but thinking you got a bargain.  Get realistic with the shopping.  Give wisely.  Mind your belongings and protect them from theft.  After several weeks of difficulty communicating, the charm and charisma returns in October.  Use it to mend relationships.

Scorpio

Scorpio enjoys an exceptional October full of celebration and fun.  The fall energizes you and your already potent magnetism will have others on their knees.  Typically Scorpios aren’t that chatty, but the usually introverted turn extroverted this month.  For the most part, existing relationships are peaceful and new ones begin with magical attraction.

Sagittarius

October will be fairly mellow for Sagittarius.  Spend time making arrangements for an upcoming trip.  Socially busy Sags meet new potentials for friendship and love.  Professionally, circumstances look positive with indications of a raise or new offers. Seize opportunities.

Capricorn

Capricorns are torn between competing interests and energies this October.  Will work or family claim your attention?  After the full moon, it will be all about family and later the focus will be on friends.  You’ll be at your most energetic and lively towards the end of the month.  Work often causes stress, but October will bring moments of relief.

Aquarius

This will be a big month for you career-wise Aquarius.  People notice, so don’t get too showy about your accomplishments.  Put your nose down and keep working and see more recognition before the end of the year.  Expect time-wasting delays with any trips planned around mid-month.  Have your car serviced; maintenance will keep you from getting stranded on the side of the road.

Pisces

Considering a long-distance relationship?  Give it a shot, but they rarely work out.  Try to relax; this October should be mellow.  The stressful money situation resolves itself.  Traveling for work is a possibility.  Office chaos creates anxiety; leave yourself some breathing room so you don’t go bonkers.  Pisces have the tendency to over-commit.

Aries

Sometimes superficial Aries gets deep and introspective this October.  This will be a period of self-improvement and growth, especially around the 11th.  Good friends make for fun times this month.  Find a party.  Professionally, Aries catch a buzz.  The payoff will be lucrative.

Taurus

Taurus likes to tinker around the house and enjoys adding little decorative details.  Think through plans for home improvement or you may end up in over your head.  Always so industrious, would it kill you to slack off this month?  Don’t worry; you’ll still get plenty accomplished.  Enjoy a flutter of praise sprinkled throughout October.

Gemini

October brings the potential for some bad fortune, so don’t test your luck with the traffic police.  Coworkers will annoy you this month as well.  Gemini has little patience for stupidity.  Even though it feels like work, review investments and retirement accounts with an eye towards the long term.  Gemini reconnects with friends who provide opportunities to party.  Have fun, but don’t be dumb.  You may bump into an old lover – don’t fall for it.

Cancer

October should go smoothly if Cancers mind their budgets.  Get others to pick up the tab this month.  Unattached Crabs keep your eyes open for potential matches.  Perhaps a roll in the hay ride?  Those eyeing pregnancy look to the new moon.  Step up at work; you are under the microscope.

Leo

Gadgets break leaving Leos technologically crippled in October.  You still find time for enchanting evenings with loved ones.  Leos shine at work.  Seize new opportunities in this area.  Be patient with your desire for recognition.  This is not the time to consider new business ventures, especially side gigs out of the home.  Those job hunting Lions should send resumes on the 12th or 13th.

Virgo

Virgos should continue to integrate healthy habits for stress relief.  A getaway with your special someone will help you relax.  Take a break and gain some perspective and almost all relationships will benefit.  The cool weather has Virgos cleaning out their closets and heading for the resale store.  Don’t shop there or you’ll end up with more closet clutter.  Check old pocketbooks for forgotten stashes.

Are we over ombré?

For the last few years, many ladies have been rocking the ombré hair as seen here on Lily Aldridge.  This low maintenance style actually looks better as it grows out with darker roots and lighter tips. Transitioning from solid root-to-tip color towards gradual dark-to-light makes a lot of sense for fall.  Summer’s highlights can appear a little harsh against fairer skin.  It never hurts to freshen and revise your presentation every season.Ombré mimics the hair’s natural darkening as the Sun retreats and most of us head indoors.  This look feels right for this time of year, no?When executed correctly, the color shift should be subtle and without clear lines of demarcation like Mz. Simpson.  It should not look like the tips of your hair were soaked in a bucket of bleach à la Teyana Taylor.  Some may argue that ombré is so over, but this inexpensive alternative to pricey and high maintenance highlights ain’t going anywhere.  This modern and easy color option flatters most folks.At the moment, Giuliana Rancic is the unabashed poster girl for this trend.  She’s been repping this look for a hot minute.  We agree her extensions are about six inches too long though, right?  Desperate much?Those who want to crank it up a notch, consider a gradient of red hues or working a strong bang into the mix.

nap time

Have you been pissy, fat and accident-prone lately?  Consider this…

1) Inadequate sleep can make you fat.  Studies show that chronic sleep debt is linked to increased appetite and energy expenditure.  Some argue that Americans aren’t gluttons, but instead just really, really tired.2) Sleep deprivation can make you psycho suggest studies from Berkeley and Harvard.  Lack of sleep can cause distortions, erratic emotional responses, and unpredictable behavior.

3) The American Academy of Sleep Medicine proved that sleep deprivation makes you sloppy.  A person’s driving ability, math aptitude, and general response time significantly diminishes when overtired.4) Sleep deprivation is torture.  At least the Russians, British, and the U.S. have used sleep deprivation as an interrogation technique.  While not every country has defined the practice as “torture,” those that have suffered through imposed sleep deprivation describe it as worse than restrictions on food or water.5) Not sleeping enough can make you vulnerable to illness.  Sleep deprivation causes our T-cells to decrease, and inflammatory cytokines to rise.  A weaker immune system leaves us open to colds, flu, and a whole lot worse…Take care of yourself this fall by extending the sleepytimes whenever possible.  Bright-eyed bitches wake up less hateful, look better, and conduct themselves more competently.  Imagine what a better world this would be if we all had the luxury of a solid nine hours.

Roller Girl

For some of you, the words “hot rollers” may bring you right back to Lucy Ewing on Dallas. For a couple decades, most ladies have forsaken their hot rollers in favor of a curling iron.  This means many of you have never experienced the unadulterated joy of hot roller head.

I prefer hot rollers because the curl lasts longer.  Once I get my hair rolled, I wrap a scarf around my head and put on my face.  This gives my ‘do time to set.  Once the rollers have cooled, there are many different options for finishing the hair.  Try a sleek, sculpted retro vibe like January Jones.  Go big and bouncy like Farrah, or loose and tousled like GiseleOr better yet, bust out a Bardot-style beehive with volume and texture.

Give hot rollers a try.  You might be surprised what this simple and inexpensive tool  can do to amp your look.  Read the reviews carefully and select a set that gets super hot super fast.

Are you over-exfoliating?

Went to the high priestess of skincare again today and realized I’ve been over-exfoliating.  I attributed the downturn in my skin’s appearance to tremendous stress.  A demanding life taxes the skin for sure, but I shoulder partial blame as a result of my over zealous exfoliation routine.  Too frequent or vigorous exfoliation can cause inflammation and over-active oil glands.  This extra oil paired with extra stress results in extra unhappy skin. 

I learned my lesson, and I’m taking it easy.  The wise and generous Joyce Bunch of La Boe Salon hooked me up with an amazing array of products like Facial Cleansing Gélee, a Fortifying Toner, an incredible Daily O2 Optimizing Creme, an ALA Eye & Neck Lifting Creme, and a Calendula Crème for day.  After applying the products as advised, my skin already feels more balanced and less aggravated.

If you are experiencing a breakout resurgence, reevaluate your routine.  What worked at twenty years old may need some tweaking at thirty.  If you find yourself layering one harsh product over another and working a physical exfoliation program too, it might be doing you more harm than good.  Try dialing it back a bit and see if your skin doesn’t positively respond.  

Local Beauty: LaBoe Salon

As some of you know, I’ve been stuck on the buckle of the Bible belt for much of the summer on account of some personal tragedy.  It hasn’t been easy or fun, but one special lady certainly brought a little sunshine to some very cloudy days. The very talented Joyce Bunch owns a reputable salon in Morristown, Tennessee called LaBoe.  Picture Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias and you are almost there.  Kind-hearted with a gentle touch, Joyce breaks out some cutting edge treatments in this little town.  For example, have you ever had a cold saline jet peel?  Very enjoyable. Now most of you might count your lucky stars that Morristown, Tennessee isn’t on the travel itinerary for this year.  However, you too can enjoy a little LaBoe goodness.  She produces a top-notch and reasonably priced beauty line.  Check out www.laboesalon.com for an excellent array of potent products.  Free from fragrance and artificial color, Joyce keeps it real and focuses on results-oriented skincare.  I’d put her glycolic face cream up against any prestige brand.  The LaBoe skincare line comes in generously sized containers that make you feel like you are getting two for one.  

If you live in east Tennessee and you aren’t at the Cracker Barrel right now (don’t get mad, I heart okra too) you must visit Joyce Bunch for a little derma-TLC.  For those geographically far-flung, get on these products.  Your friends will be dying to know your skincare secret.