I’ve spent most of this week suffering at the hands of various allergens in the air. And also whining about my scratchy, sore throat, fatigue, congestion and itchy eyes.
Wish you were here!
So about five minutes ago, when I realized it was time to write Fashion Friday, I came up with another one of my brilliant ideas.
Thank you, Blair Warner.
I don’t have the energy to search all over the internet for fashion finds right now. Sure, I have a lot of questions in my Fashion Friday File and I’ll get to them someday. But today is not that day.
I’m going to let y’all do most of the work today because I am the Tom Sawyer of the blog world.
I want to know the best piece of beauty and/or fashion advice anyone ever gave you. And I don’t want to hear things like “It’s what’s on the inside that matters”. Blah, blah, blah.
We know that. The inside is the most important thing. I’m looking for shallow, superficial beauty tips that have changed your beauty regimen.
I’ll share three pieces of beauty advice that personally changed my life.
1. A tan makes everything look better. It’s part of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
You can’t fight science.
Many of y’all have commented or emailed to inquire about what kind of self-tanner I prefer. I use Neutrogena in a medium shade. Sure there are other brands that cost more and might be a little better, but I have always been happy with the Neutrogena. It gives me a good glow and I can buy it at HEB.
I also like Jergens Natural Glow to maintain some good color because I can just put it on like moisturizer and not worry as much about streaking and lines.
2. Never underestimate the importance of plucking your eyebrows.
My mama hounded me for years about tweezing my eyebrows but I completely ignored her. What does she know? My eyebrows look great and aren’t at all bushy.
This is a picture of me my junior year in high school.
I should have listened to my mother.
In the future whenever Caroline doesn’t want to listen to me, I will show her this picture to serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of not listening to your mother’s beauty advice.
And on a side note, even if permed bangs looked darling on Meg Ryan in the last scene of “When Harry Met Sally”, doesn’t mean they work for everyone.
3. A good mascara is worth its weight in gold.
Which wouldn’t actually be very much.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is a good mascara is invaluable.
I recently made the best mascara discovery of my life.
It has a rubber-bristled brush that’s different than other mascaras so it’s like using a fine tooth comb on your eyelashes. It defines and separates each lash in a way that defies logic and convention.
So dear internet, it is your turn. Spill the beans with your best beauty advice.
And have a great Friday!
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I love LashBlast, too. Love.it.
Okay – fashion stuff that works for me…. Right now, it would have to be my obsession with vaseline on my feet. Each night, my husband will rub vaseline on my feet and then put my socks on for me. I sleep like that until midway through the night (I always wake with them off:) If I didn’t do this, my feet would look horrible and dry from wearing sandals all summer. This keeps my feet soft and smooth
Fashion advice. Know your figure. Really study it. Find clothing that suits, and never veer. I tried the tunic-top idea last summer, and looked…ghastly. I saw a photo of myself and almost died. Who didn’t tell me? Everyone! I prefer Polo, and high-quality denim. Together, the classic look just works!
I’m with Maryanne – wear clothes that fit. I came to understand that I can never hide my boobs and hips with too big clothing, to just wear my size.
A good concealer is also worth its weight in gold. I like Bobbi Brown….lasts a LONG time and doesn’t look pasty. Perfect for those nights where the little ones keep you awake (wait, I mean every night…)
My other advice. Try everything on. All different styles and even different sizes. You’ll be surprised what fits and looks good. Never stop trying….
I think my best piece of fashion advice was last week on this blog. I have been wearing the wrong bathing suit for my body for about 3 years now. Oops!
I agree wholeheartedly with the eyebrow thing. Also, at least once you should have them done properly by someone who knows what they’re doing. Then you can follow the guide, as it were.
You know that stuff about if you feel confident you’ll look confident? The reverse is also true: If you look confident/sexy/polished you’ll feel that way. Getting dressed nicely in the morning goes a long way to getting things done that day.
Oh, and speaking of allergy season–pick a scent. ONE scent. I know there are hundreds of wonderful ones out there, but if you use the strawberry shampoo with the baby powder deodorant with the satsuma body lotion and top it with white musk…most people’s noses will be confused and some of us will have serious breathing problems. Pick one thing you want scented and buy unscented everything else (including laundry detergent/fabric softener). I’m sure everyone who reads this blog knows this, but if you could let the people in the mall know?
Buy good jeans. This is the one area that I can’t be cheap and try to buy what’s on sale. A good pair of jeans will not only make you look fabulous, but they last for a loooong time.
And accessories make the outfit. I am not a jewelry person at ALL, but I have found that when I take the time to put some on, I get more compliments about how nice I look.
I think that keeping my face moisturized is important. I’ve recently been using the Dove face moisturizer. I like that it doesn’t weigh my face down and it soaks in quickly.
I can summarize it all in one word – SPANX.
GO buy some – NOW!
Have a great weekend!
I’ve been trying waterproof mascaras and can’t find one I like. Do you use this one in the waterproof brand?
My best advice is don’t be afraid to mix foundation colors to get the right one for you. I always seem to be in between shades, so I buy a couple and mix my own.
Ann Taylor Trouser Jeans. ‘Nuff said.
I put on Blistex EVERY. NIGHT. without fail before I go to bed. It makes my lips really soft & they never get chapped. And, I’ve been told they’re very ‘kissable.’ Sorry for tmi, but hey–I want my lips to be kissable lips!
regular pedicures
Always wash off your make-up before going to sleep.
Use a good moisturizer every day.
Keep your nails polished with a neutral color. They will always look good no matter the length!
Preparation H.
I learned about this several years ago and have found it to be one of my favorite beauty finds.
Originally advised to use it under eyes to eliminate puffiness, but have found as the years rolled across my body, this little tube will do so much more, such as erase ‘sheet face’.
For those of you with too much elasticity in your skin to relate, let me explain.
Sheet Face: Lines, creases, dents even mono grams that appear on your skin after you sleep.
Unfortunately as of late I have found the need to use this on arms, legs and collar bone to flatten an increasing number of rumbles on my unforgiving flesh.
Use: Preparation H comes in ointment or cream, use ointment. Dab a bit on all facial or body areas the need ironing when you rise. I have seen results in as little as 15 minutes, but times may vary. After your pharmaceutical press proceed with your normal beauty regime.
Enjoy!
Well, I don’t know if I have any advice, per se, but I DO want to share some products that I love. They both come from Origins.
First, I’ve been using Eye Doctor for about 10 years now, and I’ll never stop using it. You put a little bit of the cream all around your eyes, and not only does it instantly refresh tired eyes and make you feel more awake in the morning, it’s also supposed to diminish dark circles and lines over time. And since I’ve been using it for over 10 years, I really do think it works!
Second, Never a Dull Moment Skin Brightening Face Polisher – RUN to the nearest Origins and buy it NOW!!!!!!!! It is a fabulous exfoliant (is that the right word?) for the face that smells good, feels great, and really does polish the face. I wish someone had told me years ago about what a difference exfoliating makes on your skin, because I had NO IDEA!
Sunscreen! Especially if you live in the hot, sunny south…
Having trouble posting
I hope this is not a second submission!!
Here goes…
Preparation H.
I learned about this several years ago and have found it to be one of my favorite beauty finds.
Originally advised to use it under eyes to eliminate puffiness, but have found as the years rolled across my body, this little tube will do so much more, such as erase ‘sheet face’.
For those of you with too much elasticity in your skin to relate, let me explain.
Sheet Face: Lines, creases, dents even mono grams that appear on your skin after you sleep.
Unfortunately as of late I have found the need to use this on arms, legs and collar bone to flatten an increasing number of rumbles on my unforgiving flesh.
Use: Preparation H comes in ointment or cream, use ointment. Dab a bit on all facial or body areas the need ironing when you rise. I have seen results in as little as 15 minutes, but times may vary. After your pharmaceutical press proceed with your normal beauty regime.
Enjoy!
1. Use water in a variety of ways. Drinking lots of it during the day helps to make your skin more taunt, but I don’t think that you should become taunt due to waterlogging yourself.
2. Showering is helpful if you want to be remotely attractive. (There’s that water again!)
3. Be comfortable with who you are, then the clothes won’t matter so much. If you don’t feel right in your skin, ain’t nothing you put on it going to make you feel as if you’re looking your best. Fortunately for me, I had this attitude and Mr. Right wanted me despite my lack of fashion sense. (No water in this tip, unless you count that he actually asked me out and we went to a place where we had water served to us at the table.)
Skirted swimsuit bottoms are a divine sign that we women have been forgiven for Eve’s transgressions.
Best fashion advice I ever received: Get your colors done! Years ago my mom, my sister, and I had our colors done, and we each received a little book of swatches of colors that are good for our skin and hair coloring.
Years later I still have that little book, and when I stick with clothing in those colors, things always look good.
I’ve been wanting to find a better mascara — I’ll check that one out.
I used to think wearing shoulder pads would add to looking “bulky,” but I found that, being heavier in the hips and abdomen, it really helped balance things out (within reason — probably most people should avoid the football-pad ones). I also didn’t realize that anything big at the wrist (ruffle or puffy sleeve — out of style now but “in” in my teens) added to the hip line til I saw that mentioned in a book, but it’s true.
Beauty advice from me would be kinda like marriage advice from a certain former president.
But I would say one thing: Lorraine Massey’s book Curly Girl changed my life. If that doesn’t sound too shallow. I have loved my naturally curly hair ever since.
Spanx are my best friend.
And in the spirit of Steel Magnolias, “That looks like two pigs fighting under a blanket.” In response…”I haven’t left the house without lycra on these thighs since I was 14.”
You are so right. A good mascara is definitely worth its weight in gold. And I felt like I had made a purchase of some valuable piece of jewelry when I bought my newest mascara. It’s pricey but so worth it. It’s called FiberWig, and you can get it at sephora.com or on ebay (cheaper). It is almost like putting on fake eyelashes, and when you wash it off, it comes off in flakes rather than huge racoon smudges.
Haha. Blair Warner. Shows my age that I didn’t even have to think hard about that one. Nice throwback to the Facts of Life, my friend.
I love Jergens self tanner. Props to Michelle, my neighbor, for turning me on to that one.
I love any makeup made by Stila. You have to get it at Sephora, which isn’t a chore to me. I LOVE that store.
I don’t think anyone has mentioned perfume – my fave is Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely. It is light, clean smelling, and very non-grandma (which, in my opinion is a very good perfume requirement).
Drink water. I gave up all forms of refreshment except for water about a month ago (I have never been a caffeine addict, so no, I wasn’t coffee/coke deprived). Smartest thing I’ve ever done. I feel better and my skin looks FAB.
Use sunscreen. I am from the “lay out on the roof on a sheet of aluminum foil and slather baby oil all over you” generation. I am paying for that now. I now have makeup with sunscreen in it and am careful to apply sunscreen if I’m going to be outside. I am constantly putting it on my kids when we’re outside, too. No sunburns for them.
Love the perm, Big Mama. I had a similar one when I was in middle school.
I have real sensitive skin, so I love Dove soap and Aveeno moisturizer. I wash my hands constantly since I have three kids, so the moisturizer is a must for me in the winter time.
One thing I use in the make-up department and LOVE is the Mary Kay facial highlighting pen. I have dark circles under my eyes that no amount of sleep will get rid of. It’s not a concealer but reflects the light. Use sparingly.
Does anyone use a mineral powder foundation? Do you like it?
Oh, how could I forget?? AAAHHH!
Aquaphor lotion. Put it anywhere and miracles happen. Especially on flip-flop wearing feet.
I recently started using that mascara also and I love it too! I can’t believe I’m on the same page as our resident fashionista!
My tip is about hair. Head and Shoulders. I have always had really nice hair and everyone stops me to ask what products I’m using and that’s it. Head and Shoulders. I think they are right that a healthy scalp makes healthy hair.
Ditto on some earlier miracle in a box …
Spanx (All year round)
Vaseline on the feet AND elbows (since I was 14)
Spanx .. just can’t say it enough
These comments are too funny!
I agree with Sarah N…Spanx are the best. I just bought some maternity spanx. I clearly remember not too long ago you mentioned the maternity spanx in a fashion friday and wrote, “why do you hate your unborn child so much?” I thought to myself that I have to buy some when I have my next baby. I love my baby, but a woman with child needs all the help she can get. Priorities!
Also, having your colors done is important. My mother did mine (courtesy of Color Me Beautiful) when I was 3. clearly again, PRIORITIES.
Love aquaphor. I use it mostly in the winter on my kids; they get terrible dry skin. After bath, we lotion up then put on aquaphor. They have the softest skin now! It’s great for dry, cracked heels and elbows too.
I try to hang out with people who are considerably less attractive than me. Then I look great!!
Oh, I kid. My friends are all gorgeous and skinny and make me green with envy.
I’m a firm believer in Neutrogena Tanning products. They’re inexpensive and they really work. I’ve tried the pricey stuff and never liked it as much.
And until I get my post-baby body in decent shape, Spanx is my new best friend. The only thing that ticks me off–have you seen the chick who invented them? S-K-I-N-N-Y. The world is cruel.
Good perfume. I wear Ralph Lauren’s Romance. And I get many, many compliments.
So, to sum it all up: tan it, suck it in, and spray it all down.
My husband works for a big make-up company so I get to try a lot of great stuff really cheap. My favorites are a sunscreen for day (spf 25) that doubles as a mosturizer. Recently started using the Mineral Powder foundation and LOVE it. Very quick and very even. Great mascara is key. And an everyday lip color that doesn’t make you look scary. All of this is good, but the best is some sleep.
Straight coconut oil on my face. My face is, obviously, the most visible part of my body. Wouldn’t want to put something on it that wasn’t, you know, pure and basically edible.
all I know is that it feels really good, my skin is very soft, and it’s not too greasy. It’s also a natural antiseptic to fight acne.
Maybelline Lash Stylist is the BOMB! It has a little comb rather than bristles, and defines E.V.E.R.Y. lash. I didn’t know how long my lashes actually were until I used them!
Dove Frizz-Ease is nice too. I don’t have frizzy hair, more the straight as a stick variety. But it keeps the hair smooth during the winter when everything is so dry and staticky. (Is that even a word?)
Neutrogena tanning foam works great, but is a lot of effort. Dove’s Energy glow body wash and Energy Glow lotion is great for giving you that sunkissed look without the orange look that sometimes comes with the other stuff.
Bare Escentuals. Nothing even compares to the magic found in that stuff. Every zit..poof..GONE. Every wrinkle…Poof..hidden. Dark circles will be conquered in seconds. This is the best stuff EVER!!!!! It stays on your face all day and goes on so easy that you can do it without even using a mirror. LOVE IT!
Never underestimate the power of waxing your upper lip. EVEN if you don’t think you need to…believe me, you NEED to.
Your skin care regimen should always include your neck and hands. You took the time to take care of your face, so make sure your neck and hands look just as beautiful!
Believe it or not, I participated in the Miss TAMU pagent my jr. yr. I ended up just being an alternate, but it was an incredible experience and invaluable for honing my self presentation skills. Our contestant coordinator gave us some make-up tips and she is basically who taught me how to apply my eye shadow (my mom wasn’t all that beauty concious). So, since that time, along with some tips from Carmindy, I have been perfecting my eye-shadow technique and using a shade of brown as a base to define the crease/bone area and then highlight and color around that. Also, a Carmindy tip that has changed my life was putting a little bit of your highlighting shadow around the inside of the eye next to your nose… somehow, it helps make them pop.
Also… your “worth it’s weight in gold” comment. That’s actually a lot these days. The price of gold hit all-time highs back in March. It has come down a little, but right now it’s trading at around $880/oz. Ok – that’s enough investment nerd talk.
Another beauty thing is what my husband tells me. He is one of the best judges of what looks good on me (clothes wise). He is much more visually a-tuned to what looks nice on the female form than I am. SO, I pick things out that are consistent with the styles, and then bring them home and do a fashion show for him. He picks out his favorites. I have come to value his input (to a certain extent, you understand) and have begun to see things the way I think he does when it comes to shape and fit.
Enough for my novella…
Have a grand day ladies. I look forward to reading the other comments.
Okay, I’m actually taking notes as I go through the comments! Mascara- check. Concealer- check. dark circle eraser- check. (Although I just noticed that I wrote CoverGirl LushBlast instead of LashBlast…because even the occasional Lush needs a blast). I’ve been wondering about the mineral makeup. Does it stay on? Because I need me so 16 hour coverage.
Currently, I use the Maybelline Superstay Silky foundation. It’s half foundation/half lotion with sunscreen, and it really does stay put for 16 hours. Plus it feels really smooth and silky on your face. Just be warned that it goes on darker than it looks in the bottle, so you may be trying a couple to get the right shade. I’m wearing classic ivory right now, and I’ve never been an “ivory” in my life.
The other thing I can’t live without is sesame seed oil! Neutrogena has a great sesame seed oil. Get an old hair spray bottle pump, clean it out, and put it on the sesame oil. Then spray it all over at the end of your shower, before you dry off. It’s light, it smells fabulous, and your skin will glow! Say goodbye to dry skin forever with this stuff!
I have a few…
I brush my whole body with a dry brush every morning. It helps with lymph drainage and detoxification and you will be amazed to see the difference in your cellulite. Furthermore it leaves the skin silky smooth and incredibly soft. No need for body lotions.
I also use coconut oil on my face, have my eyebrows waxed and never wash my face before my hair, since the harsher chemicals from the shampoo will them invade your clean, open pores, causing acne, etc.
Have your bras fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. Far too many women are wearing the wrong size or type of bra.
And something happens to a woman’s knees after 35. Believe me, it’s not nice! So keep them covered in public!
My advice would be to try Bare Minerals products. Someone told me about it last October and I went and purchased me some because I was not happy with my current make up look and I would usually not wear any *gasp*. It takes me all of 10 minutes to put on and I love the natural-only-better look I get. Since October my skin is better and rarely do I not wear makup.
Growing up my mother always said, “Never leave the house without something on your face.” And she usually meant lipstick. Red lipstick. None of that neutral colored stuff that’s been in style lately. What’s the point? Lipstick is supposed to give you some color, so let it!
The best advice I ever got was moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Every morning and every night! I use an Aveeno moisturizer with SPF in the mornings, and a soft Clinique one at night. Love it!
Years ago, I read fashion advice based on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She never wore a pattern bigger than tip of her little finger. Solids are slimming.
Sunscreen saves your skin and could save your life.
Buy one good outfit versus 10 so so outfits.
My one product I cannot live without is Mary Kay’s nouri-shine lip gloss. It makes my lips super smooth and soft, way better than any chapstick type product ever did. I have like 6 colors, even clear for those days when I’m not wearing any other make-up.
Ok love the comments!Spanx LOVE THEM!!! Mary Kay micro derm abrasion kit!Worth every penny!!!!! My wrinkles dissapear,and you can do it at home!How great is that.The best advice from Stacy and Clinton that I have ever hear is wear clothes that fit properly Not what size the tag sayes!Ladies tend to get hung up on the tag size and not what fits well.Clothes are all made differently.
DONT wear Spanx to a wedding when it is 115 degrees outside and humid enough to melt your makeup off.
It won’t matter that they make you look better, the extra layer will make you so uncomfortable you will end up going to the bathroom and taking them off and shoving them in your purse. Either that or you are going to vomit and I don’t think the bride would appreciate that.
1. I was told in middle school by my best friends mother to always wear lipstick and earrings because you never know when you will meet your husband. That stuck with me!
2. That same wise woman has another truism: Tan fat is better that white fat!
3. After showering, rub a little baby oil on your legs–to moisturize and make them shiny.
4. I love the Chanel advice–maybe I was reminded of it on this blog even–but to remove one item before leaving the house. I take that to mean like a piece of jewelry–not your shirt or pants! It means to not overaccessorize!
5. I’ve always thought that a pretty bracelet–especially a gold bangle looks so pretty and feminine.
Do not hang out with people who can afford blue peels and botox if you cannot. You will always look old and haggard around them. I know from experience!
A few years ago my three teenage daughters convinced me to put the “mom jeans” to rest. I cannot thank them enough.
My dad’s sisters all have absolutely fabulous skin – few wrinkles and that moist, dewey look – and they’re all 70+. In hoping that I someday will be fortunate enough to be their age and look that good, several years ago I asked what their secrets were.
1. Drink lots of water.
2. Moisturize daily.
3. Mascara and lip color are must-haves.
1. Coconut Oil – It is the only “moisturizer” I use on my face. It’s pure, natural and edible. It’s also anti all the bad stuff: bacterial, viral, septic. And it doubles as protection from the sun.
2. Waxing – lip and brow. I can maintain with tweezers most of the time but I having it done in a salon is a real treat. I love getting a fresh wax! It makes me feel so much more at ease with my face – especially
in bright outdoor sunlight.
3. The Buf Puf. I’ve recently re-discovered it and my skin is so soft! No need for exfoliating products when I have these handy. I use the extra gentle one on my face and they make a body puff that I use everywhere else. I LOVE THESE!
4. A foot file. Dude. A good foot file is invaluable – especially in the summer. Dry, cracked feet make me feel trashy, even if my face is freshly waxed.
I gotta get the nasties off the feet!!
5. CoverGirl LipSlicks in Cutie. I’m a junkie, and I cannot live without it.
That was five, but I couldn’t narrow it down.
And also just for fun, I’ll leave you with a quote from the best show ever:
“I would rather live jobless on a beach somewhere living off of a large inheritance than work at one of these jobs.” Michael Scott
Amen to that brotha.
Here are a couple that I’ve heard and taken to “heart”. If you haven’t had a compiment on your hair in three to six months, then it is time to change it. When you wear small earrings, it makes you look bigger, but when you wear big earrings, it makes you look smaller. And finally, never leave the house without mascara, lip gloss, and earrings.
I definitely agree with an earlier comment about something Carmindy mentioned.. using a lighter/highlighter in the inside corner of your eyes does wonders! i get so many compliments on my eyes when i do that. crazy!
Nexus has an amazing pre-flat ironing spray. it helps with frizz/fly aways and helps “contain”. smells great, too!
Caress – Tahitian renewal body wash. amazing. very summery body wash with light exfoliants.
Schick intuition razor – just try it. cuts about 5 minutes off your normal shaving regimine.
love!
I agree about the Bare Minerals advice- I used to have a lot of complexion issues but since I started using their products I’ve been much more clear and it looks really natural.
My best fashion advice is: don’t buy something for the sole reason that it’s cheap or expensive. Just because something is cheap does not justify the purchase, and just because it is expensive does not necessarily mean it fits well or looks good.
Amen to good fashion sense.
Sixteen years ago, I read an article on how to lose 10 lbs. instantly. Blush – lighter shade on top of cheek bone, darker shade in the crevace below (make a crevace line if your cheeks are full). It worked. Can’t change this habit for fear of gaining 10 lbs.
moisturizer and chapstick.
My mama always said Fat looks better tan.
I’m with you on the mascara. I don’t care if I go out in pajamas and my hair all crazy, I WILL be wearing mascara. I take it camping. I think woodland creature appreciate the effort.
My other favorite fashion advice is to wear high heels. It makes you look taller, and also walk with better posture and look thinner. There are comfortable heels out there, you just have to find them!
My mama always said Fat looks better tan.
I’m with you on the mascara. I don’t care if I go out in pajamas and my hair all crazy, I WILL be wearing mascara. I take it camping. I think woodland creature appreciate the effort.
My other favorite fashion advice is to wear high heels. It makes you look taller, and also walk with better posture and look thinner. There are comfortable heels out there, you just have to find them!
Wear heels, whenever possible.
There’s nothing like using an eyelash curler to maximize the power of mascara. If you have eyes that are on the small side (as I do) you need to curl your lashes everyday even if you skip the mascara. Although I would never recommend skipping mascara– see all mascara comments above– they are true. The only gals who should skip the eyelash curler are the ones blessed with long, thick, full, naturally curly eyelashes.
This post makes me want to go home and play “beauty parlor” to try out all these tricks!
Best Advice – when you find a bra you love (is comfortable and fits you well) – buy every single one in the store that is your size because you will never find that bra again. I foolishly negleted to do this and they stopped making the bra and I regret it many years later!!!
Aveda’s Light Elements Smoothing Fluid is liquid gold for my naturally messy hair–not quite straight, not quite wavy. I run a pea-sized amount through my hair before it dries. It keeps my hair smooth and frizz-free whether I blow dry it straight or wear it wavy. And best of all, it makes it shiny without looking greasy!
I’m taking notes here, too. Great stuff!
Since I manage a plastic surgery practice, I hear all kinds of beauty “advice” from patients – some great, some not so much. (The advice from the boss is ALWAYS good.) There are a few things I have found valuable.
Spanx! Like others commenting here, LOVE them. Even blogged recently about my love affair with them. But in the Texas heat, one must decide between looking good, and you know, surviving.
Sunblock. Non-negotiable. Fortunately I inherited great skin, but it is also quite fair. After about 15 minutes in the sun, I burn badly. Never been able to “lay out” and get a tan, but now I’m glad. My skin doesn’t look its almost 50 years of age. AND the patients we see here who have practiced sun avoidance for years look much younger than they are. Before I get off my soap box, tanning beds are from the evil one. The incidence of skin cancer increases monumentally with that type of exposure. Just say no.
Aquaphor (also mentioned here in the comments) is a pharmaceutical AND beauty wonder. Everyone I work with carries a tube at all times. Great for chapped lips, dry hands and feet, or any scrapes. I also put it on the area below my eyes at night before bed. Helps keep that very fragile skin hydrated and taut.
Vitamin C is necessary for the production and maintenance of collagen and elastin, those things that keep skin looking plumped and wrinkle free. Using a good topical preparation is optimal since the body processes ingested Vitamin C too quickly for the skin to benefit. The best on the market is SkinCeuticals. Check out their web site at http://www.skinceuticals.com
Botox – if you can afford it, DO! But be sure your injector is a trained physician, preferably one who is plastic surgery or dermatology residency-trained. Non-physician injectors can be quite dangerous, and I’d prefer my dentist just work on my teeth, not my wrinkles!
This was fun. Thanks, Melanie!
I personally think most women don’t wear enough bright colors. I see WAY too much black, brown and gray. Of course, those are important but I think a black suit with a jewel-bright colored shell looks so much better than one with a white or neutral shell. Just brightens up your face. Everyone will look better in different colors, but don’t be afraid to choose those bright colors!
And, I would love to use a self-tanner that made me look as good and golden brown as I did in high school when I had an authentic tan, but every time I try to use them (even the ones mentioned above) they look awful on my feet and hands. Anyone have any suggestions about that?
I think it has already been said, but..
WEAR YOUR SIZE. Don’t try to squeeze into something smaller just because you prefer the number on the tag. You look MUCH better wearing your own size.
This one is for nursing mothers. Go to Babies R Us and by their store brand breast pads (especially for baby). They are super absorbent and yet they don’t show through any of your shirts…a wonderful fashion tip for a new mommy feeding on demand who wants to leave the house without fearing leakage and obvious “there’s something in my bra other than my boob” marks.
We get busy with kids and while we get busy, we’re getting older. Every once in a while you should (privately) take stock in a well-lit, magnifying mirror. As we age, strange things happen and you don’t want those chin hairs to sneak up on you!
Shaving is for legs and under-the-arm-areas. Anything else must be plucked or waxed… ie. bikini lines, eyebrows, etc.
Just a little side-note ~ my mother shared this little tid-bit with me when I came home one day from Jr.High and tried to shave an arch into my eyebrows (to avoid the pain of plucking). She quite literally could have had a coranary when she walked into the bathroom… think Mommy Dearest and the wire hangers :O)!
i have one link for you.
i know. i’m obsessed.
http://www.theconsumerlink.com/DrPepper/detail/TCL+SWSHGLSSDRPP+-4/11
I agree with Deidre and the vaseline thing. I put vaseline on my feet at night, throw some socks on and in the morning my feet are ready for flip flops. No cracked, dry feet. My other tip is for the eyelids. I use Benefits Cosmetics fy eyes. It’s a little jar of cream that you put on your lids before applying eye shadow and it keeps everything in place – no creases in your shadow no matter how hot and humid it gets outside. It’s a miracle!
Question for adrienne,
Or anyone else who can answer for that matter.
Where does one get their, “colors done?”
Hi everyone, gosh, this is GREAT and I’m taking notes too! I have 3 small little girls and have a hard time looking “polished.” I love the look of lipstick but it’s just so hard to control, ya know? It either makes your lips feel dried out or you feel like a clown. Ok so I got the best advice ever from Holly (Nothing But Bonfires.) The perfect – and it is perfect – berry lip stain EVER is Cover Girl LipSlicks in Daring. In the package, it looks really red and dark but once you have it on, it’s the most beautiful shade of berry. Holly explained it’s like when your lips are chapped and hurt but look just so beautifully pinky! That’s what it looks like on and it never feels dried out. Love it and wear it every day and have had many compliments!
Comment for Jennifer
When I had my colors done, and this was a long time ago, it was being offered at a store at the local mall – Casual Corner, I think.
I found some links which may be helpful:
http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/index.html
or here is a book from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Me-Beautiful-Carole-Jackson/dp/0345345886
Good luck!
Found you from your entry on PW’s site. My mom was completely invested in preventing my sister and I from growing up, and therefore allowed no plucking, shaving or makeup wearing. No pierced ears either – “if God meant for you to have pierced ears, you would have been born with holes there already”. We had to figure it out for ourselves and we are still both recovering
I had fun reading all those! I have to agree with wearing a bra in the right size and fit. And get measured at least once a year, if you lose or gain weight, it WILL make a difference in how things fit!
Also make sure you moisturize your face within the first 3 minutes of getting out of the shower, your pores are still open from the steam and will absorb much better!
shu uemura eye lash curler ..
it will change your life.. and i am not kidding.
tip: leave it in your car and let it heat up during the day. just becareful if you live in tx not to burn yourself (like let it cool off a little). or, use your blow dryer to heat it for like 5 seconds (again, check temp) and that too will change your life.
cetaphil products for your face.. again, absolutely life changing.
and the grand finale:
aquaphore – by Eucerin (who also is somehow realted to cetaphil)
chapped lips or chapped anything – this is AMAZING and will heal them the second you put it on. it’s great for blisters. don’t ever buy chapstick again.
I had a bra fitting, and it was amazing, you just stand there, and they go get the right ones!! I was FOREVER putting the straps back on my shoulders, (I have sloping shoulders) but not anymore!! And you feel younger when the girls are in the right place again!
Hanlie, what’s a dry brush?
oh, and Janet (JT), so that’s why you won’t hang out with me anymore!!
Just teasing!
If you wake up with puffy eyelids, slice a potato and put it on them. It really works.
I’m loving all of these comments! Here’s what I have to add:
1 – JEANS. Don’t be afraid to spend money on good jeans. Believe me, I am a penny pincher, but when it comes to jeans I splurge. Jeans that fit great and are high-quality will last a lot longer and look a lot better than the $50 pairs.
2- Aussie Flexible Hold Hairspray. It comes in a huge bottle, lasts a long time, and has just enough hold to last through the day without making your hair sticky and stiff.
3- Paula Dorf bronzer. All of her products are great, but the bronzer is my favorite. Just a little bit on the cheekbones and forehead will really bring your face alive and give you a nice glow.
4- Lastly, adding some bling to any outfit will make you stand out (in a good way) and adds a great finishing touch. I’m really into Forever 21′s jewelry lately – it’s inexpensive and very cute and colorful. Just be careful not to overdo it. I typically wear one big piece (a long necklace or a flashy, big bracelet) and leave everything else pretty understated. Going overboard and wearing too much flashy jewelry at the same time can result in that 80′s/trampy look. Please avoid!
Thanks Jane. You’re inspiring a haircut! I’ve been growing my hair for 3 years (my last one left me scalped) for Lock-of-Love, and since the only “compliments” have been about how long my hair is…I think it’s time.
Awesome post!
Hanlie is right – the body brushing is amazing for cellulite reduction, circulation & overall healthy skin. I typically use a dry nail brush or dry body buffer. Another tip ~ use a nail brush to ‘brush’ your wet skin w/soap before you shave. You will have the smoothest.legs.ever.
Emily is correct – the Shu Uemura eyelash curler is the best ever. You’ll never go back to the regular ones. You can order on the shu uemura website. They are about $25 & come with a case … best purchase you will make for your eyelashes!!
Clear masacra is awesome for grooming eyebrows and for those annoying hair ‘flyaways’. It will stick them down everytime & gives a great finished look to your hair after it is styled. No more flyaways!
My hairdresser gave me the best tip ever for smooth hands ~ keep some of the shine serum (john frieda, citre shine, etc) in your purse & use just a dab several times a day on hands to smooth any dryness away. you literally only need a dab, as it the consistancy of olive oil … but my hands have never been smoother. I typically put a dab on and mix it with lotion. I keep a small john frieda bottle of frizz-ease in my purse & keep refilling it w/the larger bottle at home. It’s amazing! Perfect for massaging on dry cuticles!!
Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar is the best stuff ever – you need to get the cloudy kind (that means is non-distilled) and you can purchase at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Central Market. Do a search for ‘benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar’ on the internet. It’s all natural and is a miracle cure. I dip a Q-tip in the bottle at night and dab on any blemishes. In the morning they are almost gone! It works soooooo well for any skin irritations and is supposed to be good for pets fur/coats too.
I’m sure I will think of more & post later.
Thanks for the all the tips girls – I’m headed to buy some of these items after work!! ?
A few months ago I started using the Oil Cleansing Method, and I’m hooked. Basically, you rub a combination of olive oil and castor oil into your face, then steam it off with a hot rag and wipe away. You only have to do it every few days – just wash with water in between! How easy is that?? My face looks younger and is the most zit-free it has been since junior high!
“I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it.” – Carrie Bradshaw
I’m back again so soon b/c I had to include this quote from my favorite Sex In the City character … the movie comes out May 30th & I’m so excited!!
Okay, so it’s not another beauty tip – but I’m sure the movie will be full of fashion fun … Carrie (SJP) always pushes the fashion limits & I LOVE it!!
My friends and I are having a movie night to go see it on the 30th & will be dressing as our fave character & drinking martinis b4 the movie. Should be entertaing for the other movie-goers! ha!!
Have you been reading my blog?
Because I’ve talked (typed, whatever) more times than I can count about TANNING and PLUCKING….
Hellooooo?
But – hey THANKS for the mascara tip, because I’ve been looking for a more user friendly brush for my daughter.
And sadly, the brush doesn’t exist that applies mascara all by itself….
Pedicures makes you feel good all over, even if you are wearing socks. But in the summer and spring, I love sandals– a pedicure makes sandals look good.
I don’t like to pluck my eyebrows, at all–so I prefer to spend $7 to have my beautician do it. She does a good job and it last for quite a few weeks.
Manicures are a waste of a Mama’s money–the last two I had were destroyed within two days of house cleaning, dishes and laundry.
I use the tanning stuff from Bath and Body works–not sure of the name, but it’s in a green tube.
Pedicures make…oops!
ok, one more, “it lasts”… yikes! I’ll have to stop picking on Jason Castro for his mistakes in English. I make enough of my own.
Hi there,
found your blog through google reader and quite enjoy it!
My best beauty advice is to not buy cheap make-up, unless of course you want to look cheap and they buy away!
Hair dryer to your eyelash curler. Heats it up and makes it work like a curling iron for your lashes. Obviously there is an art to this, you don’t want to singe your lashes off, but if you can avoid that, you will have fabulous lashes!!
I use Jergens Natural Glow self-tanner, but it’s really important to exfoliate well before applying any self-tanner to avoid streaks and help the tan last longer.
Before I use my eyelash curler, I hold it in front of the hairdryer for a few seconds and makes a huge difference.
Don’t EVER let your face tan. When you are MY age you will thank me for this advice, should you decide to take it.
I DIDN’T take my Mother-in-Laws advice on this subject when I was 22 or 23, and NOW I WISH I HAD.
Wrinkles and sun spots just aren’t all that becoming age at 50 something. Oh- – - they ARE becoming, becoming cancer.
You gotta love a spiral perm. I had one as well and am quite proud that my hair never fit in the school photo.
Toupee tape is essential to the wardrobe. It comes in a yellow box at Sally’s beauty supply and can be used to secure clothing to the skin. (Think gappy wrap shirts and dresses)
You never have to worry about your stuff hanging out or flashing your elderly neighbor unnecessarily.
Trust me. You’ll never safety pin anything to your bra ever again.
A college boyfriend once told me that regarding makeup, ” less is more!” I have really tried to abide by that since- I use Bare Minerals and a little eye makeup just because I don’t have alot of time in the am-
Also, Southern girls should never wear white shoes before Easter! That is a BIG fashion NO-NO!
My favorite beauty tip is to always use some sort of under eye cream before bed and before applying any makeup. I have been using eye cream for years and still have not even a laugh line around my eyes (I’m 30). My mom developed crows feet at 16, so that freaked me out a bit and I started using the stuff around the age of 14.
Another thing I do everyday is use a mild facial scrub to remove any dead skin cells.
Eyebrows: My eyebrows have become sparser and lighter and need a little color but since bifocals I can’t see how to use a eyebrow pencil very well. A great discovery I have made in my “old age” is Arbonne About Face Brow Wax. It comes with a brush to apply the tinted wax with and not only gives the color I need but also keeps the brows in place. I got mine on eBay for about half what you would have to pay on the Arbonne website.
I use the Jergens Natural Glow to help even out my farmer’s tan.
Not even kidding.
Works on flip flop streaks, too.
I don’t know if I missed this one or not but this is GOSPEL truth……Preparation H is great for under the eyes. Do some research and see for yourself. Try and get past the fact that you actually really know what it is for.
I second the plucking eyebrows idea. My Tweezermans (because TweezerMEN just sounds weird) go with me on EVERY trip or I swear I’d turn around and come back for them.
My tip: to aid in the eyebrow grooming, I bought a cheap super-duper magnifying mirror and stuck it to the lower corner of my beauty-shop size mirror. I can still use the big mirror and have a handy magnifier…
My mother loves to say that everyone looks good in red. I agree, but with this caveat: You need to find your own red, because not every red looks good on every woman.
One thing I forgot to add in my last comment… Neutrogena Sesame Oil is AMAZING! It’s great for splashing on before you step out of the shower, and my mom taught me to mix a few squirts of it with my body lotion for extra smooth skin. If Neutrogena is a little pricey for you ($9.99), the Equate brand is also good. I could tell a “slight” difference, but not enough to break the bank over. A little goes a long way, so you really get your money’s worth… lasts a long time.
Hmm. Beauty Secrets, there are some good ones here. Here are a few of mine:
1. Good skin is one of the best accesories. Hunt down whatever products work for your skin. Buy the best products you can afford. Keep your skin beautiful. (Especially eye cream!)
2. A good smile is another great accessory. Whiten your teeth. If you need braces and can afford to get them, go for it. It will be worth it. If you have already had braces, thank your parents and whiten them. Get the good stuff from your dentist if you can afford it.
3. A tan, already been said.
4. Wax eye brows and lip, already been said.
5. Be confident.
Some good product:
1. “Big Sexy Hair” hairspray.
2. Rose Bud lip salve at Sephora.
3. Ice Shine Shampoo and Conditioner from Pantene Pro-V. It works for my hair.
4. Bullfrog sunscreen for your face if you are prone to acne. It is a gel and is supposed to minimize acne.
5. Goji Berries are supposed to ATTACK cellulite. They also have some other good antioxidents in them that are good for you. Google them, you will probably have to order them online or get them through a health food store. You just need to eat a handful everyday.
Fashion Advice:
1. Have one good little black dress, then go for color. You are beautiful and you should be noticed. If you are wearing black and you are standing next to someone in a bright vivid color, she will get noticed and you won’t. (This I read in “What Southern Women Know That Every Woman Should” get this book and read it, you’ll love it!). You will not see a ton of black in my closet.
2. Find the neckline and color that looks good on you and try to buy more of that. (V-necks and purple/pink/green for me)
3. Buy one really nice, expensive black bag. I have a black Coach purse and use it all the time.
Ok, that’s it. I can’t think of anything else.
When you have to shave the bikini area..to avoid razor burn and itching. Put dove solid deorderant w/ 1/4 moisturizer where you just shaved when you get out of shower. It doesn’t burn at all and soothes that tender skin area.
Taking beauty or fashion advice from me, might be a bit scary during my present state of momdom. But, I’ll throw my advice out there, too!
#1 I think I am the only one on the planet that likes this stuff, but I like Lip Finity. You know the lipstick you paint on, and it literally stays on forever. I use it often. It enables me to look presentable, and I can kiss my babies mercilessly without worry of getting lipstick on them. I put it on in the morning and don’t think about it again until I take it off with eye-makeup remover at night. Then, I coat my lips in Burt Bees chapstick and call it a night. Burt keeps my lips from drying out due to the harsh chemicals in Lip finity.
#2 When I am not wearing lip finity, I love CO Bigelow’s ultra mentha lip shine from Bath and Body Works!
So correct about the tan… makes that back of the leg cellulite look so much better, doesn’t it?
Disagree about the LashBlast… just got it and it’s GREAT as far as making your lashes plump out, but it flakes.
I consider well manicured nails an important accessory. I have 4 children, so I do tons of laundry and dishes and bathroom cleaning. I am never without a pair of long, yellow rubber gloves when I do housework that involves water. It protects my manicure, and helps my hands from getting chapped in the winter. Also, my mother constantly reminds me to put sunscreen on my neck and hands. I’ll probably harass my daughter about that too!
Thought of another…
This came from a friend who was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader for five years. (I figure those girls know all kinds of beauty tips and tricks!)
Since my hair is dark brown (almost black), I also have very dark eyebrows. If they are a bit unruly, it really shows against my fair skin. My friend taught me to spray some hairspray on my eyebrow brush and quickly style the brows. The hairspray sets the brows just like it does hair, and they stay put all day!
A padded underwire bra looks better than a boob job. I see proof of this every day at the gym.
I don’t really have much advice. But your #1 made me laugh- I have a friend who always says, “tan fat looks better than white fat.”
I use apply 1 coat of clear cover girl mascara before my regular mascara, and it does wonders. Not only does it lengthen my lashes it already seperates them so it prevents clumps. And you will use less of your regular mascara.
Since we are on the topic of mascara, the other day I dropped my wand on the ground, so I picked it up and washed it off and then stuck it back in the tube to do my other eye and it was like a brand new tube! So I would suggest this when you notice your mascara a little dry, it will stretch it a little longer.
Lastly, Orgins Make a Differnce it by far the best hand cream I have ever found, and I have tried alot. It is a little pricey but lasts me about 6 months!
And Origins Body Souffle is the best mosterizer, stays on all day and in the summer heat it won’t sweat off!
i really enjoy your blog.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Happy Mother’s Day! And though I’ve already commented on this post, I’m back to invite you to my blog to hear my kids sing The Mama Song. Bring a tissue and please, forgive my technical shortcomings.
I LOVE all this advice!! I bought several new items this wknd: Neutrogena Sesame Oil; Lashblast; Aquaphor lotion; Pantene ice shampoo/conditioner. So far, I’ve tried the sesame oil in the small travel spray bottle after the shower ~ it works soooooo well!! Excited to try all the other tips.
Anyone have recommendations on a good toner/astringent for use after washing & before moisturing? I have yet to find a good one.
~ any advice on good tips for applying eye make-up for someone who never learned a technique?
What about something to strengthen WEAK nails?
While, I’m at it
Oh – i have another piece of beauty advice! Something I’m going to do in a couple of wks. Find a salon that does eyelash dying!! It’s about $15-30 and for the summer it is AMAZING! Your eyes will pop and you won’t have to wear anything but a bit of clear mascara for 6 wks!! They use dye that is safe for the lashes. If you go to the pool in the summer & don’t want to mess w/mascara, this is sooooo worth it.
Thanks Melanie for this brilliant idea to share beauty tips!!
A question, where does one purchase coconut oil for the face and sesame oil for the body? Sprouts? Also, I don’t really get the “brush the body before the shower idea”, what kind of brush are you using and do you just do this dry before showering? Thanks ladies, love the tips!
Jill,
You can get the coconut and sesame oil at walmart or your local drugstore. They are in the health and beauty asile. (Usually on the bottom shelf if you’re in my walmart). I LOVE my sesame seed oil.
Actually Big Mama, gold is worth about $1,000/ounce right now!! It’s time to cash in.
Fashion Fridays are a highlight at the end of my work week! I feel like I’m shopping with friends!
Loved all the comments and helpful hints on make-up. Took notes. I’ve actually had a younger gal in my office ask for make-up advice. I feel just like Carmidy!
BEST fashion/beauty post ever! That photo pushed you past the others! LOL
I am totally going to try that mascara – if it comes in waterproof.
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