Q -Too?

I did an informal poll today...I asked 5 of gal pals, if they could name the one brand name beauty product, that they all use every day. I then asked everyone to pull out their mascara, lipstick and blush to see if there was any product consensus---None. Zilch. Nada.

So, what is the one beauty product everyone uses everyday??? Q-Tips Cotton Swabs. Has there ever been a better gizmo for gently cleaning up make up misfires? I think not.

A while back Revlon came out with an, "eye makeup remover pen".
Of course I had to try it, immediately. It made sense that it was pre moistened with something liquid...I just didn't imagine it to be Crisco. Well, it seemed like a good idea, at the time.

I recently received another "Sneak Peak" from TotalBeauty. 4 decorative boxes, whose contents were not immediately obvious. What were we peeking at??? Q-Tips new launch, of pretty, tidy boxes, that are designed to be left on your bathroom vanity.

Oh.

How was I going to Blog about Q-Tips??? Ultimately, with respect.. From babes in our mother's arms, to babes in our Dolce and Gabanna dresses, has any product been more consistently reliable? Have you ever purchased the anemic, generic offerings, with 50% less cotton at the tip? They should come with a warning label, that includes puncture statistics.

Yes, Q-Tips, are Bloggable. The boxes are attractive, the downy cotton tip is effective for eye makeup application and clean up and in a pinch, they are marvelous for cleaning your ears.

xox,
Dd

Not Fade Away

Do you remember the shampoo's of your youth??? I can remember competing for shower stall space, with half empty bottles of Breck, Flex, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Wella Balsam and the first Clairol Herbal Essence Shampoo, (which was dark emerald green and had an intoxicating floral smell). Ultimately, they all did the same fine job---rinse, lather and repeat, repeat repeat.

In my teens and twenties, I graduated to the modestly more expensive Pantene line, though I never once came close, to replicating the glossy, silken manes of their commercial lore. All in all, no better, no worse.

My first upwardly mobile salon style shampoo, was Nexxus Humectress. It's rich texture and coconut essence, deeply hydrated my hair, leaving it lush and bouncy. I was and easy convert, but I am also notoriously fickle, so I only periodically reunited with Humectress.

If you color your hair, (and who doesn't)?, your hair care needs change too. Particularly in the summer months, when the sun and more frequent washings suck color from your hair, like a medicinal leech.

I jumped on the opportunity to try the Nexxus Dualiste Color Protection and Intense Hydration system. At 5 weeks into my color cycle, it couldn't have arrived at a better time. Nexxus Dualiste, promises 40% better color protection, (over 10 washes), and employs a new technology that minimizes fading, (specifically, preventing water molecules from entering and dye molecules from escaping the hair shaft). In addition to Hydration, Dualiste is also available in Volumizing and Anti-Breakage formulas.

Dualiste shampoo and conditioner, has a unique, 2-sided pump, that delivers equal parts of the moisture and protection. At first whiff, I was transported back to my Humectress days, since it is also infused with coconut, honey and Vitamin E. Aural deja vu!!! I love it.

Step 3 was the Dualiste Leave-In Spray, which aides in the color protection and hydration as well as protecting against heat damage. Results??? Luscious to the touch and easy to style. If it can keep me in the color game for the next two weeks, it will be worth every penny.

I know there is a whole, next tier of up market shampoo's and conditioner's waiting for me to try, but I have never been able to make that leap. With results this convincing, what's the point??? I feel good about spending a little more on Nexxus, because I can see and feel the value...A year ago?...maybe. But today, I am not going to risk literally, pouring money down the drain. E tu???

xox,.
Dd

Spin Baby Spin

You've got to love modern dentistry...Between sealants, fluoride treatments, white fillings and drilless technology, today's kids are oblivious to the previous generations suffering---alright mine.

"Drill Baby Drill", was not coined by Sarah Palin. No, it was the mantra of Dr. Lawrence Kuhn, of Bayside, Queens. Long before I reached chronological double digits, I already hit that milestone in cavities. My trophy year was 18...he must have counted some that were developing in my wisdom teeth, though they did not make their debut for another 12 years.

The only silver lining to my oral trauma, was that Dr. Kuhn was a thoughtful provider of nitrous oxide. (Thankfully, there was a "no smoking" policy in the waiting room, lest the office would go up like a flame broiler). While Dr. Kuhn was busy grinding my enamel to parchment paper, I was happily floating out the window, with a pool of saliva on my chin.

The result of my childhood maiming, was countless adult visits to the Endodontist and their friends that specialized in crowns and bridges. Had my husband realized that my mouth and its maintenance, was the financial equivalent of a condominium, he would have rightly demanded a pre-nup.

All of this brings me to the present day. I am on a bi-annual cleaning schedule, that was conceived with "prevention" in mind. Unfortunately, I rescheduled my appointment so many times, I was 4 months overdue. The Hygienist at my Dentist's office, is disarmingly sweet and perky. In reality, she is a Cavitron wielding warrior.

My normally friendly dentist, came in to review the triage...Maybe it was the blood splattered wall, maybe it was her request for a sling, but for some reason, I wasn't feeling any love. Clearly, he was peeved that I fell off the prevention wagon.

My penance, was to up my commitment to three cleanings a year and a promise to fill my prescriptions for enamel building toothpaste and a gum rejuvenating rinse...and use them.

While I was getting my prescriptions filled, I perused the oral care aisle and spied the Crest Spin Brush Swirl. Why not upgrade my manual toothbrush with a little more ooomph??? It promised 20 x the cleaning power of a traditional hand held toothbrush and cost only marginally more. $50 bucks later, I left the drugstore with new resolve and couldn't wait to give it a swirl.

Well, I loved how it gently massaged my gums and my teeth actually did feel cleaner. The only glitch??? Neither the head nor the batteries are replaceable and it is only recommended for 3 months use. This has got to be the least green product on the market.

What can I tell you? 100 years from now they will find a few million of these gizmos in a land fill, intact, lying next to bricks of silver amalgam fillings. Yes. I am feeling a little guilty about it, but really...haven't I suffered enough???

xox,
Dd

Sometimes Less Is More

I have been holding out on you...I actually discovered this marvelous eye liner several CVS runs ago. Awhile back, I Blogged about Benefit's BAD Gal Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. It had everything I wanted---a glossy, rich black color, a gel like consistency, that was budge less by day, but remover friendly. I also didn't want to have to tug, unnecessarily around my uppers or lowers...you know how we are always being cautioned about caring for our "delicate" eyelid areas. I wasn't mad for the $20 price tag, but I had never found anything at the mass level that met all my fussy demands.

Sometimes, (as in the case of a good foundation) you really are paying for a better product, not just sleek packaging and marketing. Sometimes, not.

I am so enamored, with N.Y.C.'s New York Color Union Square Eyeshadow quad, that I didn't think twice about picking up their N.Y.C. Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil...I'm a pushover for product under $4.00 bucks...can you blame me??? While I was splurging, I also bought the Dual Pencil Sharpener for 99 CENTS!!! This thing sharpens the end of any type of pencil, (lip, brow, eye), slim or chubby, to a point as sharp as a Marmot's tooth. Love that!!!...and for $3.99, who cares if you hone it like a Ginsu knife everyday??? The Eyeliner is also available in 5 shades besides black, and you might actually wear 3 of them.

So--- What's the verdict??? After 4 weeks of highly satisfied use, a return trip to pick up another for a spare, and recommending it and receiving great feedback from colleagues, friends and my sister Loren, I couldn't hold out on y'all for another nano.

Sometimes less is more. Next time I will tell you what I bought with the $16.00 I saved.

Happy Fireworks!!!

xox
Dd

Listen Sister...

My sister Loren called last night...She enjoyed reading about my chipmunk streaked legs, that resulted from a self tanning misadventure. Loren, who is fair and casually freckled, always burned before tanning. In our teens, we would come home from Jones Beach and while I spent hours admiring the contrast between my Lilly white rear and my walnut hued thighs, Loren would be applying cool, aloe compresses to skin that looked like raw chop meat. Needless to say, she never developed the affection I have for a tan, because she never got to have one.

Loren is a patient of a well know Manhattan Dermatologist, Dr. Diane Madfes. She couldn't wait to tell me, that Dr. Madfes is now a great fan of, Neutrogena's Sunscreen with SPF 55 and she was going out to buy it immediately. "Uh huh", I mumbled between stifling a yawn. Frankly, she might as well been discussing pork belly futures.

"Yes, she thinks it's perfect for everyday use. By the way...what number SPF do you use???

"Whaddya mean???... at the beach"?

"No, no. Everyday. What SPF do you use everyday"???

Drum roll---long pregnant pause, "Uh, none???

"OH MY GOD, I know you know better". "You spend a fortune on your skin and neglect it in the most basic way". "I don't understand you". She's right,
I do know better.

Baby steps, sometimes that's the best way to approach a seismic shift. One of the things I usually don't like about sunscreen, with SPF over 15, is the chalky, white residue it leaves behind. I recently received a sample of Erno Lazlo's Total Face and Body Protection SPF 30and for a change, the sun index today was strong, so it was a perfect time for a debut. I make it a habit, every night, to use the same anti aging products on my hands, neck and chest that I do on my face. Today, I started anew, thoroughly "shielding, nourishing and hydrating" my hands.

To all good things, come to those who ignore and procrastinate??? I think so!!!
Erno Lazlo Total Face and Body Protection SPF 30 was silky, instead of chalky, absorbed quickly and had a vaguely beach, Coppertoney smell. Could that have been intentional? Breaking me in slowly??? I'd like to think so.

Tomorrow, hands and chest. At this rate, I will have the body thing locked up in a few weeks and for now Sister, that's as much as I can commit to. I know you have my best interest at heart, just like I had yours...I never skimped on that Solarcaine spray, now did I???

xox,
Dd

Happy Ending

I do love the look of a tan, but I am a long way from the baby oil and iodine days of my teens and the N.Y.C. rooftop tans of my twenties. A little sun is good for the soul and the bones, but a great self tanner, is even better.

The first self tanner I ever used was Clarin's Auto Bronzante Self Tanning Milk. You could confidently use Auto Bronzante and never have to worry about waking up tangerine. In the interim 20 years, I have tried dozens of sprays, mists, lotions and creams, all promising to provide an even, gradual, golden glow. Since most of them are still lounging in my vanity, I decided to shop at home, and chose one that applied as a clear gel. I didn't think twice about it, till my work pals, Angela and Naki, fell off their chairs laughing as I exited. Sure 'nuff, the back of my legs looked like two striped chipmunks, Chip and Dale...Funny??? Yes. Pretty??? Not so.

I realize, I am much better off, with tinted self tanner, so I could see exactly where the product is placed. I decided to go back and give Clarin's, my first love, a second chance.

I stopped into Sephora, where I was greeted like the class Valedictorian, returning to their Alma mater...hugs and smiles all around, laments about too much time spent away... Gee, it's nice to be missed and I was delighted to see that business was strong and familiar lines, had formed to check out.

First stop was Clarin's, but unfortunately, none of the self tanners were tinted. We moved on to Lindsay Lohan's, Sevin Nyne, which was recently launched. Sevin Nyne is a clear mist of Pina Colada. If you could live through the smell, it very well might simulate a tan...for me, all it did was stimulate my gag reflex. Lindsay Doll, stick to rehab...

Mia (my Sephora Beauty Advisor) and Mi, toured the aisles in search of a tinted self tanner...alas, on a Victory Lap, we discovered Lancome's Flash Bronzer, whose fine reputation, proceeds it. I'm happy and all set, until I hear those five little words, that always send a chill up my spine, "we are out of stock"...Uggggghhhhhhh. I know for sure, that they will call me when it comes in, but it is sweetly, pointless. On a beauty mission, I am a Navy Seal. Product will be found and purchased within O one hundred hours.

Next stop, CVS, where I hit pay dirt. I have always had great success with Loreal's Sublime Self Tanners. They don't smell cancerous and are extremely effective and well priced. How fortuitous, that they just launched, Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer, a new tinted lotion, that provides instant glow and illuminates with "micro-pearls". The color that develops is a healthy, golden tan, and for $8.99, I don't feel obliged to dole it out, with an eye dropper.

So, it all ends happily...kind of. I am sure it feels like summer somewhere. Those folks, are out playing golf and tennis, sailing, walking and enjoy other outdoor activities. They have a different agenda...sunscreens and should the need ever arise, I promise to Blog about them, too.

xox,
Dd

Imperfectly Perfect

This post party picture was taken, so y'all could see how my hair fared, through rain, mist, humidity and a night of dancing...Forget the hair for a second, let's all agree, there was A Lot of cleavage going on---Big hair and big bubbies...I am a 45 minute drive, from becoming the next Real Housewife of New Jersey.

I had received a Totalbeauty, "Sneak Peek", of Clairol Herbal Essences new, "Tousle Me Softly" hair collection. The promise, is hair that is frizz free, shiny, "tousled"... in other words, imperfectly perfect. I am not delusional...Jennifer Aniston was not going to step out of the shower, but if the wild violet and pomegranate infused shampoo and conditioner, could help my hair look intentionally messy, I would be way ahead of the game.

Next up was Tousle Me Softly Mousse, which promised loose, frizz free waves. At this point, I have already drank the Kool Aid, so I began drying and scrunching with abandon...Do you think Jon Bon Jovi was a scruncher too??? At this point, how much could it hurt to toss in a few spritz's of Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel., for a little targeted control, in case anything was getting rough around the edges.

To my surprise, my hair did look tousled and messy, but good tousled and messy. Why not throw in a few spritz's of violet scented Flexible Style Hairspray and smooth any flyaway's around the hair line, with Finishing Touch Cream? I already have six products in my hair, (see previous Blog), but can still run my fingers through it. Extraordinary!

Best of all, I made the right choice. I might have made a sleek start, but the do would have been done in no time, had I gone the straightening balm and flat iron route. I have a feeling I will be making good use of the Tousle Me Softly hair collection this summer---The Farmer's Almanac is predicting a lot more you know what. At least my hair will be looking good and so can yours---take a look...you know what they say, "a picture, is worth a 1000 Blogs".

xox,
Dd

Penis Envy

Just for once, I wish I was a man. A carefree, ego less, being, with very few wardrobe concerns and even less hair worries, none of which are influenced by barometer or mercury. At the moment, I am seething with (penis) envy...There. I said it.

We have a wonderful party to attend tonight. After the death of the market in October, there has been a dearth of parties, even in Greenwich, which is notoriously social. Our hosts, are relaxed and fun loving and clearly enjoy entertaining. Invitations are coveted and no one declines. Even if your kid was having an appendectomy, you would be taking shifts with your spouse, "just to go and say hello". Alright... I would.

If you accept an invitation, I think you have certain obligations to your host; to show up and leave at an appropriate time, to be gracious and if there is a dress code, to follow it to the letter. Being a guest is a privilege and to do less, is in my opinion, is disrespectful. (Thank you Miss Manner's).

This is long winded way of getting to my beauty dilemma, shared by all the women who will be attending, and never once, entering the cerebellum, of the men, not even for a nano second. What to you do, about your hair, makeup, clothes and shoes, when you will be dancing under a tent, the temperature is cool, the humidity is high and tornado's continue to loom?

First, there is hair. 3 options: tie it back, beat it into submission, let it go.. Second, the makeup. Primers and waterproof everything or bare face and let it go. Lastly, attire. That adorable dress you bought in February, to wear to a, "great summer party"? Put it back your cedar closet, at least, for a few more weeks. Those gorgeous sandals you splurged on, because you were "only going to buy accessories" and they would "go with everything"? Keep 'em stuffed and cosseted in their little cloth cocoon, back in that cedar closet. If you wear long sleeves, it will eventually be hot and disrobing is not an option. If you wear no sleeves, it will be undoubtedly chilly until the food and drinks kick in.

I have a towel on my head and a few hours to figure it out. Tomorrow, I will let you know my battle plan and how it all fared. When it's all said it done, none of it will be worth worrying about, because it will be a sensational party and all of this worrying, will have been for nought--- I will be carefree, ego less and just one of the boys...

xox,
Dd

Low Brow Big Time

You all know, I had high hopes that The Real Housewives of New Jersey, would provide some mindless entertainment for a few Tuesdays. The only thing I got right, was the few Tuesdays.

Someone over at Bravo, obviously slipped on their thinking cap and decided to cut their losses pronto. The season "finale", came with the 6th installment. I never made it past the third.

The RH of NJ, made Carmela Soprano, look like Letitia Baldridge. No!!!... big hair, big "bubbies", big hubbies, big Botox, big cars, big teeth and big mouths, cannot best, tacky, tasteless and tedious. Your bad, Bravo.

I was hoping to feel some sense of simpatico, with this crew, since I am half Italian and in the end I did. To borrow a phrase from Theresa, I, "shkeeved".

That's all...

xox,
Dd

Beauty Duty Bound

At 2:00 p.m. today, I was still in my nightgown. I was prepared to stay that way all day, until a miraculous thing occurred...the sun came out. How many weeks can this go on? I am contemplating a bone density test---by now, surely, every bit of calcium and Vitamin D, has been leached from my bones. I am way past cranky, I am officially surly.

I owe the Totalbeauty team a review and Blog about two Loreal HIP, (High Intensity Pigment) products I received. What are the odds, that of the 5000 or more beauty items available, I already purchased them both??? This is where it gets tricky too. I am obliged to write about them truthfully. Take the HIP Kohl Eyeliner.

I purchased it two months ago, in the same navy color I was sent. I was attracted to the idea of "kohl", because it triggered memories, of an early obsession, with Madeline Mono's kohl eyeliners, that I used to save up to buy, at Gilliar's Drug Store in Great Neck. I had high hopes...I always do, but I wasn't prepared to be assaulted, by an applicator that was as sharp as ice pick. Fortunately, this could never have been tested on an animal. If it had, the howl might have prompted someone to give it a whirl on a human. Were they really recommending we line our delicate lids with an awl??? Apparently.

When all is said and done, I can forgive pain, if in fact, the "loose powder did glide on velvety-smooth" and stayed put. Instead, I ended up dotted with nit sized, navy freckles. Removing them, without having to start my makeup over from scratch, required the delicate skill of a neurosurgeon.

Better things can be said for HIP's Presso Lip Gloss. Cleverly, two lip glosses are packaged together. You can either use them individually, or squeeze the tube together to combine them. The colors are flattering and have a slight iridescent glow to them. Best of all, the applicator didn't hurt!
That's always a plus. It actually fits comfortably, on the contours of your lips. It did take me 45 minutes to figure out how to open it, but I may be in the minority here.

I know my Mother is tssk tssking as she is reading this Blog. On the one hand Mom, I did use common sense and did not continue putting a sharp object near my eyeball. Believe me, I didn't forget the golden rule, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all", but like I said, it's tricky. My fingers are simply tied. Would I have kept this tale awl to myself? Absolutely, (and Loreal would have probably preferred it), but they asked and I answered...yup, I am Beauty Duty Bound and I take my Blog seriously, ya know???
First do no harm...

xox,
Dd

When the Moon is in the Second House...

I am not handy and have never aspired to be, though if your a gal who knows her way around tongue and groove pliers, you have my deepest respect and admiration.

The other day, I found myself, tibia deep, in shower water that was at a complete standstill. Yuk. What could be the problem??? I have heard of the term, "gallbladder sludge", I just couldn't figure out how it found its way into my bathtub. Or perhaps, the soy and olive oil in my beloved Dove Body Wash, had triggered the problem?

If I could find it, I wouldn't know what to do with a plunger, so while I was out buying Mr. Plumber, I started thinking, I might be better off with a body wash, that doesn't have the consistency and ingredients of mayonnaise. Amazingly, in a flash of beauty kismet, I arrived home to a package that included, a new body wash, that will hit the shelves within the next week or two...Love that!!!

What's in a name? Well for starters, if I like it, I am more inclined to try it or buy it. I always thought Tone was a great name for a soap, so why not a Body Wash?. Tone's Blueberry Antioxidant Body Wash, with vitamins A, E and blueberry extract, looked cheery, (much needed, since it now rains Monday through Friday) and it will be very well priced, ($3.99 for 18 oz.)

No one would ever confuse me for a, "morning person". Given my druthers, the American work day would begin at 11:00, but alas, I am in the minority here, so I participate in morning rituals, despite catatonia.

The next day, I opened my new, Tone Blueberry Body Wash, and was instantly awakened by a sweet, pungent "blueberry" fragrance...ooooooooh, did I goof here??? Actually, not. Once the rich, antioxidant infused wash, met the pouf and a little H20, it diffused into a creamy, fresh smelling lather. It left my skin feeling like silk and rinsed clean. I used less moisturizer and was told I smelled, "delicious". 16 hours later, I still felt like a newborn.

I prefer a sludge less morning, don't you? Blueberry Tone, also promises radiant skin and I think it will live up to its billing. Maybe I will luck out and get radiant, toned pipes as well---here's hoping for a little more beauty kismet...it's my favorite kind of lucky.

xox,
Dd

Life Lessons We Can All Learn From

I don't think I am alone, in my obsession with Bernie Madoff. I simply, cannot wrap my head around how anyone could knowingly hurt so many people, simply so he could regularly afford $2000 trousers. It's troubling. My heart particularly goes out to his elderly victims, who are now bankrupt and struggling to make ends meet. I promise, I am not blaming them, BUT, somewhere, deep inside, there had to be years of ignoring that inner voice, that said, "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is".

Which brings me to the Lifestyle Lift. Have you ever seen this infomercial? You would remember, because it is virtually impossible to turn off.

I am a sucker for all things, "before" and "after". I give the producers of Lifestyle Lift infomercial, huge props, for not making the women take their before (mug) shots, after rolling out of bed. They mostly feature, middle class women in their 60's, who realistically, are not looking to lop off 20 years, but would appreciate help finding their chins. The Lifestyle Lift, promises to achieve this, ("though individual results may vary"), in less than one hour, with local anesthesia, all performed, of course, with a, "Board Certified Plastic Surgeon". The "afters" look superb, but let's face it, they probably would not include the Schnauzer's in the infomercial, to begin with.

This Thursday's New York Times Style section, (which yes, I read online), ran a feature on the "branding" of face lifts, like the Lifestyle Lift and it's kin the Quicklift. I read it, still trying to find out how these procedures are achieved. No such luck. Part of the reason that over 100,000 women have undergone the Lifestyle Lift, since 2001, is no doubt cost. Even if you travelled to a third world country for a lift, your expenses would still top the $4000-$5900 Lifestyle Lift costs, once you threw in travel expenses.

I did a little online research and discovered that only 37% of those who have this procedure are satisfied with the results. I guess that means that another 63,000 people are a wee cranky. What do you get for your money? An appointment with a non-medically trained salesperson, who will show you a video and inform you, you are a "perfect candidate". You will next, be booked for surgery, without your ever having consulted with the scalpel wielding fellow, (who might also be using fish hooks and bob wire) and give a non-refundable $2000 deposit, (maybe a pair of dove grey cashmere Kiton pants for Bernie). Oh, and on your way out, don't forget your pre-stamped scripts for antibiotics and narcotics. Whoops!!! Allergic??? Who knew???!!!.

So, let's hope we have all learned a thing or too from Bernie. Judging by pictures of Ruth, (Bernie's spouse and accomplice), I'd say she got her nips and tucks the old fashioned way...for $20,000+ with a fine Park Avenue surgeon. Ruthie knew it all along..."if it seems to good to be true, it probably is", and now we do too.

xox,
Dd

Girl Tech

One of the all time smartest, beauty promotions ever created, is a, "Gift-With-Purchase". This nugget of marketing genius, was hatched by none other than the legendary Estee Lauder. Wildly successful and frequently copied, women have been enjoying their freebies, for the last 50 years, without feeling like they spent an extra dime, (maybe because they spent an extra $20).

Sometimes, those gifts felt like they packaged all the left over discontinued lipsticks, Brick-a-Brac, Blood Money and Iced Tea with all the long forgotten shadows, Aqua Net, Lovely Lilac, and Meadow Grass. In other words, all the dogs.

In my teens, I became addicted to Clinique's 3 Step skin care program...The gorgeous Cleansing Bar , the size of a babka, came wrapped in it's own mint green house. The liquid Clarifying Lotion, acted as the exfoliant, and came in different numbered strengths... some of my happiest beauty memories were of experiencing that first tingle and glow. The icing, was Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion , which had the color and consistency of a good cake batter...Loved it bad.

I never knew whether my sister Loren knew, that her 3 Step, was actually a 6 Step, and more so when "we" used it twice a day. I do remember, that whenever it was Clinique gift time, I would prey for a 3 Step bonus, in hopes of having my own stash and that my prayers were often answered. As a form of payback, I sometimes gifted back, the spectacular Black Honey Lip gloss to my unwitting benefactor...boy, am I ever a class act, don't you think???

Today, I received an email from one of my contacts at Estee Lauder. EL, is encouraging us, to share this generous promotion, with out readers. This smartly packaged promotion, allows you to choose the best moisturizer for your skin type, as well as a gloss, lipstick, eyeshadow stick and 8 shadow quad, in your choice of cool or warm tones. In addition, every gift comes with a sample of Aerin Lauder's Private Collection, Tuberose and a chic, white and black cosmetics bag.

This offer is worth over $100, and it is yours, free, with any purchase of $39.50 or more. This limited offer ends of June 14th. Both gifts include gorgeous, wearable colors---you will want to use, not a single barker in the bunch...I swear.

O.K., so I double dipped on my sister's 3 Step, a long time ago...
doesn't mean you can't trust me now. See for yourself...go to EsteeLauder.com. Today's Gift-With-Purchases, have come a long way, baby. I think Mrs. Lauder would have loved, all of the new media. Your gift is just a click away
xox,
Dd

Rainy Days (and High Humidity), Always Get Me Down

100% Humidity...I don't care who you are, you are going to have a bad hair day and if that includes an event of any importance, strategy, worthy of a Camp David retreat.

Thursday night, was the annual Mets Foundation benefit at Richards in Greenwich Ct. Those in attendance, have the opportunity to meet and mingle with their favorite players and bid on unique live auction items...you throw out the first pitch, I have five minutes to gather up all I can at Harry Winston. You say tomato, I say tomahto...

Suffice to say, there wasn't one man in the room, including those with casaba domes, who listened to the forecast and altered their plans an iota. I on the other hand, had major decisions to make...Before the apocalypse, I had planned to wash my hair and use new products from the Sebastian Flaunt Collection , but with the humidity index at 100%, flaunt might have turned into fluff and I was taking no chances...

What to do about my lank locks??? I took a two prong approach. First I sectioned out long bangs and washed and conditioned them in the sink and blew them dry. Then I scoured under my vanity, in search of talcum powder, which I located next to a set of hot rollers, last used in the late 80's. Next, having recently read about saving oodles on pricey high end Dry Shampoo's I instead, massaged talcum powder into my roots, to absorb oil and add lift. Remarkably, my hair looked terrific.

This morning, I woke up to a similar forecast and hair that was not getting another reprieve. Perfect time to try out Sebastian's Liquid Gloss, tiny drops of a silicone infused shield, formulated to resist humidity, and boost gloss and shine. As well as, Trilliant, a spray that delivers thermal protection against heat styling, styling polymers for volume, glycerin for anti-frizz and mica glitter for added sparkle. My hair dried quickly, delivering smooth, full locks, that were shiny and smooth to the touch...despite the rain, it was a great hair day, all day.

So now I know, if you've got it, flaunt it...and now you know too. For the record, I could have worn a beekeeper's veil and no one would have noticed---all eyes where on the guys with the baseball caps... Maybe they were having a bad hair day, after all...

xox,
Dd

The Times, They Are A Changin

When I got home from Florida, last Sunday night, my husband tried to slip in a casual remark. "Oh, by the way, I never gave the Times our new credit card number, so they stopped our subscription". "What"??? I gasped in horror. "I won't be able to function in the morning. What will I do, while I am having my coffee"?, I wailed. "You will read it, online, on the computer, like the rest of America".

Hmmmm...Maybe he is on to something...These days, my N.Y. Times does weigh less than my local Pennysaver. "Just think, when your lap top arrives, you will be able to read the times in bed, with your coffee". Hmmmm...another valid point---no risk of schmutzing up my bedding with news print. "You'll adapt, I promise".

Naturally, I was skeptical. I am a creature of certain twenty year habits, aren't you??? Monday I fantasized about my revenge..."Oh by the way Dear, I replaced your Schick Quatro with a straight edge and I bought you a shaving mug". Probably wouldn't go over too well---agreed?

But, as the week wore on, I did begrudgingly adapt. I held my ground with the Sunday Edition and gratefully accepted his offer to make coffee and run out and buy it. What I didn't realize, until I saw it resting on my place mat, was that I had already seen, the Sunday Style section...I read it online. On Saturday.

Will I tell him he is on to something??? Not likely. (C'mon, am I the only one who would rather stick knitting needles up their nose, then admit their spouse is right)? I will mention it via Blog, Facebook and yes, Twitter...The Times, they are a changing and so am I.

If he wants to know how I am adjusting, he will have to, "read it, online, on the computer, like rest of America". After all, what's good for the goose...

High Spirits

Well I finally got my day(s) in the sun---you know I have been whining endlessly about the demise of Spring, in the Northeast. After my Blog about my misadventures in a spray tanning booth, my darling pal Mayde took pity on me, texting two words, "book now", and so it was done...I was Boca bound and we did some "wining" of a different sort.

Mayde, is a N.Y., transplant, via marriage. Thankfully, it hasn't hampered her cutting edge style an iota. I can always count on her to enlighten me about something new and I try to do the same in kind. We dined and shopped in Del Ray and Boca, (where no signs of recession is in evidence) and new boobs and Botox, are worn like pave diamond, merit badges.

We lunched with her adorable daughter Phoebe, and got manicures, at Tipsy a combination nail salon and wine bar. Hehlooooooouu...., is this not genius??? Don't you want one too??? Spotless, relaxing, good music, great technicians, late hours and wine. There is nothing wrong with this equation...except, that they are not yet dotting the landscape like Dunkin Donuts. I chatted with the elegant owner, who graduated medical school, but opted instead, to open Tipsy, (which has two other Florida locations), with her three siblings. She is seriously, looking for investors to franchise, so if you are interested, call Beth Nyguen at 561-338-1095 and don't forget to tell her who sent you...

On Friday night, Mayde's son Morley, was playing in a championship Little League game, for the Del Ray Padre's. Having spent, at least, a quarter of my life in bleachers, I had no problem going to root them on. Let's start by saying, it's a lot more fun watching baseball, in shorts and flip flops, then a fur lined parka. Maybe it's the weather that is feeding the party spirit, but boy, those Boca Babes have us beat...We arrived to a full spread of charcuterie, fine cheeses, stuffed grape leaves, breads, and spreads. Too bad all that was missing was some wine to accompany it---or not...

Mayde, came equipped with, "The Wine Cube", available exclusively at Target. The Wine Cube, is an innovation that will earn its place, alongside all the biggies: electricity, the Constitution, cell phones and Google. We will scratch our collective heads and wonder, "how did we ever live with out it"??? What exactly is it? Portable, potable, perfection...wine, in a box. No, not of the 64 oz. Thunder bird variety, think Pinot Grigio in a resealable juice box. Also available in 8 packs: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz. Let me assure you, The Wine Cube, brought a whole new meaning to cheering in the stands.

Believe me, when they add the sippy straws and reverse those old fashioned Blue Laws, in N.Y., I am all over this and the first round is on me. N.Y. we have got a lot of catching up to do...

xox,
Dd

The Cutting Edge

How is it possible, that one day after having a great hair day, you will inevitably, wake up sprouting some mean spirited cowlicks??? This is always when I get the itch, to do a little D-I-Y trimming. It is of little consequence if the sharpest object within reach is a callous razor or a poultry shear, the horse has already left the barn.

Racked with guilt, I always 'fess up my transgressions to Billy, my Hairstylist. Pro that he is, he smiles, nods and says, "not too bad", though I know he is wondering if I also take matters into my own hands, when I get a cavity...

Bangs continue to rage on this summer, so I was delighted when I received an email from one of my P.R. contacts, with tips from Celebrity stylist, and Nexxus Creative Director, Kevin Mancuso, on bang maintenance.

Here are Kevin's tips, for getting a great "bang" for your buck:

Prep Hair:
* Wet hair shrinks, so only trim completely dry hair
* Use the fine-toothed end of a styling comb to separate the section you want to
trim and pull it to a point in the center of your face. Clip excess hair aside.
* Twist the gathered hair 3-4times (the twisting hides imperfections)

Trim Locks:
* Use a pair of sharp thinning shears, with a squared-off tip. Holding scissors
at an angle, "point trim" small amounts of tips, until you reach the desired
length.

Style Locks:
* Apply a heat styler, like Nexxus Heat Protexx, to protect locks
from excess damage and blow-dry bangs with a large round brush.

* For wispy bangs, apply a small amount of a medium-hold texture
lotion, like Nexxus VerasStyler, to palms of hands. Gently rub
palms together and run fingers through bangs, for added definition.

* For blunt bangs, apply a smoothing creme like Nexxus Sleek Style. Use a flat iron on fringe, to enhance sleekness to the style.

* Finish either style, with a misting of Nexxus Comb Thru, to
prevent fly-aways and static.

Thanks Kevin!!!, You took the guess work, out of the guess work and provided some great tips, to stretch the time between appointments and maintain healthy hair.

I for one, will be pasting these instructions to the inside of my medicine cabinet. Oh, and Billy thanks you too...

xox,
Dd

The Ugly Truth

Miss June/Naki

Whoa Boy! Though you might be skeptical, my, "Mean Girl", phase, didn't last much past the 7th grade. That is why I feel squeamish, writing about a Max Factor Total Beauty, "Sneak Peak", that I hated. Bear in mind, mine is just one opinion and my Matthew Fox may not be your Brad Pitt and vice verse.

I was looking forward to trying some Max Factor products for two reasons: It is not sold at CVS, so I have never bumped into it in my travels and the legendary, Pat McGrath, has a creative role at Max Factor. Pat McGrath, is responsible for collaborating on dozens of fashion shows, during each season. She is amazingly innovative and internationally respected, so my expectations were high.

I knew I was in trouble immediately, when I opened my tube of 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper and pulled out a wand as fat as a turkey drumstick, much like Cover Girl's Lash Blast, in fact, they looked so much alike, I did a double take. Too bad, neither of them doubled my lashes...

Next up, was Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Pin-up Pink.. I can't remember if it was Joan Crawford or Bette Davis, in, "Whatever Happened to Sweet Baby Jane", who favored opaque, cotton candy lipstick, but let's just say, I wasn't, "Pretty in Pink".

Maybe this color was not meant for a brunette and would fare better on a blond. I brought Pin-up Pink to work and persuaded my porcelain skinned, blue eyed pal, Krista, to give it a whirl...Equally scary, we looked at each other in wide eyed horror. Swab, swab and onto my friend Naki, another blond, but with olive skin and amber eyes. Naki is the only girl I know, who would look adorable, dressed as a Playboy Bunny on Halloween, except without Pin-up Pink lipstick. Who can, where this shade??? I'm still working on it---but at least, I've got it narrowed down to the right occasion...

xox,
Dd