The Clock Stops Here...

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Lisa Topham RN, BSN; Turning Back the Clock Needle in Hand

Lisa Topham RN, BSN Director of Split Rock Asethetic Institute
                                                                    203-831-8029


Back in November, I had the opportunity to attend an evening seminar with Lisa Topham RN, BSN at her satellite office in Greenwich, Ct. I sat rapt, with a room full of women, as Lisa filled us in on all the latest fillers, including what has become the star of her anti-aging arsenal, Bellafill the five year filler.  Lisa, is an aesthetic perfectionist, and having practiced nothing but the art of anti-aging with injectibles for the last 30 years.  Suffice to say, she has seen and done it all.  What we couldn't take our eyes off, was the screen of Before and After's that documented all she can achieve, non-invasively. It was nothing short of remarkable!  (Click here to read my original post).

There comes a time in every woman's life, when she starts noticing the visible signs of aging; fine lines, wrinkles, loss of collagen volume and sagging jawlines. Ever notice how great you look with a tight towel turban post shampoo? All of a sudden, everything is where it used to be! Nothing crazy, just a slight uptick, but it does seem to shave the years off.

Where Lisa has seen the biggest growth in her business, is with busy, women who don't want to set the clock back 20 years, but just want to look fresh and youthful. A whole other sector is of more mature women, who will not undergo plastic surgery, PERIOD.   Their goals are realistic. Nothing will achieve more visible and long lasting results than a full or partial facelift, but they are comfortable with doing the next best thing, having Lisa Topham evaluate the areas that can be dramatically improved, without a scalpel.


                                                       Before                                    After

50 year old patient, treated with Bellafill, Restalyne (nasal fobial area)
and Restalyne Silk in her lips

Notice the improvement in overall youthful volume; the lifted cheekbones, jawline and upturned mouth. Gone are the deeper lines forming from her nose to her lips. Also attractive? The addition of a tasteful amount of lip filler, nothing cartoonish here, but a simple addition of the lost volume in her natural lip area.

Not only is the patient thrilled with her subtle, beautiful results, with no downtime, but her husband is also very pleased...who said men never notice anything? Granted, there is some bruising associated with injectibles, but short of vanity, unlike a surgical recovery, there is nothing to keep you from pursuing normal activities.

After attending Lisa's seminar, I decided to have my own consultation with her. We had a thoughtful conversation and I told Lisa my areas of concern. She then took pictures and posted them on her computer, so she could show me which areas of my face she thought needed attention and what exactly she could do to improve them. Depending on your budget, you can prioritize which areas to address first, or if available to you, achieve all your goals at the same time.
                                               
                                                     Before                                    After      
Results were achieved with Bellafill
( interestingly, my upper lip looks fuller in the After's.
That my Lovelies is nothing more than liner and gloss)

What bothered me most, was my jawline. Gravity, mother effer time, was weighing me down, and up until recently, nothing short of a scalpel could address it.  Lisa felt confident, that Bellafill would give me the correction I sought.  By adding volume to the outer portion of my cheekbone and lower face, she successfully lifted and tightened my jawline.  The after pictures were taken 3 weeks later and since Bellafill also stimulates natural collagen production, my results have only improved in the subsequent 2 months.

I could not be happier with my results!

I am sharing them with you, because I truly believe a picture is worth a thousand words. I am not saying I would never go under the knife...who knows how I will feel in the future. Iit's possible, however,  to achieve lovely, natural looking results without anesthesia, discomfort, swelling and downtime, I'm down.

In addition to Botox, Bellafill, Restalyne, Restalyne Silk and other fillers, . Lisa and her team also perform Ultherapy, and have lasers that diminish sun damage and spider veins. Her latest??? Microtox, a diluted Botox solution, that, "shrink wraps" the neck!  I have the feeling it's going to be hotly requested...necks, can be a nag.

So my Lovelies, for those of you who live in the East, I am delighted to share this treasure of a resource with you.  Lisa sees patients at both her Greenwich office at 116 Mason St. and at Split Rock Aesthetic Institute in Wilton Ct. Appointments can be booked at the same number 203-831-8029.  When  you book your appointment, please let them know you were referred by DivaDebbi.

For those in other states or countries, I do recommend the website called RealSelf.com. Actual patients rate and refer Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists who specialize in a wide spectrum of procedures. Always do your homework on any practitioner, and whenever possible, take advice from someone whose results you can see for yourself. This is also not the place to penny pinch...you do get what you pay for and generally you pay for experience and a stellar reputation.

We are a generation of fit, fabulous women. If taking advantage of modern anti-aging techniques helps make your biological age better align with the age you feel, so be it.  If you choose to age naturally and live a healthy lifestyle, so be it, as well.

Just be well.  I'm fairly certain, judgement causes wrinkles :)...

xox,
DD

Fashion Blogger: Get the Look

Fashion Blogger: Get the Look

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Review: Glow Airbrush Tanning Studio

\\
Glow Hamptons
760 Montauk Highway
Watermill, NY 11976
631-726-0811



Glow
14 Rye Ridge Plaza #220
Rye Brook NY
914-305-1999
I've noticed a trend on the last few Girl's trips I've been on...Everyone arrives with a full on tan. While I arrive milky as a baby's bottom, they are kissed by the sun before we have hit the first lounge chair.   So what's the story?

The missing link here was that my friends were pre-gaming; a day or two before departure, they were going in for full body air brush tans. Rational? You arrive looking rested, and end up taking in less damaging sun, since the pressure is off to get some color. Of course having a faux glow does not preclude wearing appropriate sun screen, but any additional color is like a cherry on a sundae.

My friend Janice always arrives with a gorgeous caramel glow. I knew she would be the perfect person to ask. "I'm going to Glow in Rye Brook. Come with me!"

Done.

Art Imitating Life

Art Imitating Life

Monday, February 22, 2016

Review: Revlon Colorstay Gel Eyeliner

Revlon ColorStay Gel Eyeliner
$10.49


I'm not a fan of black eyeliner by day, but it's hard to deny the drama of how liquid black eyeliner looks at night, or maybe it's just that as of late, I am a bit smitten with the fabulously adorable Adele.




The problem with liquid liners, is that they can look harsh and dated.  As well, unless you have the steady hands of a neurosurgeon, it can be a nasty piece of business to apply. Traditional gel liners are an option, but no matter how deftly I dip the brush in the pot, I always end up with too much product and not enough eyelid to put it on.

I had made a note of Revlon ColorStay Gel Eyeliner, since it won a coveted Allure Best of Beauty Award in September of 2015. It is conveniently packaged, with the brush preloaded into the top of the applicator. Lovely to have it tidy and all in one unit; no need to rifle through 20 or so brushes in search of the one intended for eyelining.

Brill, actually...

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Ready for Prime Time






As I scraped to the bottom of my 4th HourGlass Mineral Veil Travel Primer, I realized, I might have to rethink this strategy.  I love the HourGlass Primer, I do, but I have yet to make the leap to the $52 full size bottle.  Instead, I dribble along at $18 a pop.

This week TotalBeauty did a roundup on the 10 Best Drugstore Primers. I like TB's roundup's, because they are based on the the aggregates of scores provided by readers who provide feedback.  I rarely take the time to write reviews on websites like Sephora, MakeupAlley or TotalBeauty, but I'm ever grateful for those who do.

Nothing really struck my fancy from the drugstore lot, so I dug a little further and found a another TotalBeauty roundup that was not predicated on my price, the 11 Best Primers. I was fascinated to see that Maybelline's Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, for $6.99 was better rated than my beloved HourGlass Mineral Veil, despite being 7x less expensive.

Ummmph.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Review: Osmosis Curling Mascara

Osmosis Curling Mascara
$22


Nearly 8 years in, I have the stats to prove that my best read posts are ones that feature recognizable brands.  Still, I can't help wondering on occasion if I'm passing up the opportunity to sample something really special, that I can share with you.  Does it really matter if it's not available in a place fashioned from brick and mortar?  How much are we all buying via the Internet anyway?

Plenty.

Thus, Osmosis Curling Mascara peaked my interest and I agreed to try it...and what a lovely product it is! Firstly, it really does curl...I know this because I used it without an eyelash curler. So nice when I product actually do what it purports to. Secondly, it creates the cleanest flush of clump free lashes I've ever seen.  My first thought? Doll lashes! And that was with just the first coat!

Fashion Blogger: Daisy Does It

Fashion Blogger: Daisy Does It

10 Tips for Gorgeous Hair from Celebrity Stylists



This old dog is always looking for new tricks!  Loved, loved, loved this round up from Self.com from celebrities pro stylists, for Red Carpet fixes to simple solutions for everyday. 

My faves??? 2,4,6 and 10.  Take a peek...

1. Use a hair mask before you work out. (To this I would add also use a hair mask when you will be visiting a steam room)

“Did you know the salt from your sweat can actually dry out your hair? If you apply the OUAI Treatment Masque before your workout, the ingredients push moisture into your strands and seal it in before the salt has a chance to dry your hair out. The heat from your workout will allow the mask the work deeper, then all you have to do is rinse and go!” – Jen Atkin, founder of OUAI and celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Khloe Kardashian and Jessica Alba 

2. Moisturize your hair color twice a day.

“My golden rule for all my balayage and hair color clients: Every time you moisturize your face, also apply a few drops of light hair oil like Number 4 Fluoro5 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil from the middle of your hair to ends to keep it hydrated and silky.” – Chad Kenyon, celebrity colorist at The Benjamin Salon in Los Angeles who applies hair hue to Abigail Spencer and Elisabeth Moss

3. Fake a fuller ponytail by doubling up.

“Fake thicker hair by stacking two ponytails close together, on top of each other in the back of your head.” – Jet Rhys, owner of Jet Rhys Salon in San Diego who has styled Faith Hill and Julia Rober

4. Remove excess product buildup with this handy trick.

“Simply run an alcohol-free hand wipe through your hair a couple of times. Not only will it remove excess product, but it will also freshen up the hair, removing odors without having to shampoo.” – Johnny Lavoy, PRO Beauty Tools celebrity hairstylist whose client roster includes Ariana Grande and Chrissy Teigen

5. Create beachy waves while you sleep.

“Lightly spritz dry hair with a salt spray like Rockaway from R+Co or a moisture mist like Oribe Foundation Mist. Twist hair into four flat Princess Leia buns (one above each ear, one at each side of the nape) and go to sleep. The style is super comfortable to sleep on and you can wake up and shake loose effortless beachy waves!” – Michael Angelo, founder and creative director of Wonderland Beauty Parlor who has worked with Brooklyn Decker and Susan Sarandon

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Dupe Review: Hard Candy Cheeky Tints

Hard Candy's Cheeky Tint's
$6.00
Exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com


Gel blushes and sheer tints are definitely having a moment. I'm a fan of the concept.  I find powders drying and creams vanishing.  The challenge with gels is that coverage can be uneven and streaky and there is no easy fix.

I fell in love with Perricone MD's No Blush Blush and recently reviewed it. There is only one shade but it's mine to the tee.  I'm not a huge believer in "one size fits all cosmetics", so you might be out of luck. Less lovable was the $33 price.

When my friends at DNA PR emailed me about the launch of Hard Candy Cheeky Tints, nicely available for $6 and in 6 shades, I asked to receive samples in the hopes of find a possible "dupe" for No Blush Blush.



I received 3 Cheeky Tints Sheer Blush Gels; Goddess (bronze), Geisha and Surfer Babe.  The closest match to No Blush Blush would probably have been Diva (um...), second from right, but hey, if the consistency and staying power were right, I can be a sport and buy one myself.

The best news is that Cheeky Tints do provide a natural, streak free flush with great staying power.  The color does have a lot of pigment, so you may want to consider choosing a lighter side. I combined Goddess with Burts Bee's Radiance Body Lotion and created a rather fabulous tinted bronze moisturizer that looked stunningly natural.

All in all, a terrific buy, and a decent dupe.  What other pricey product is  Hard Candy a great dupe for???
I have no clue. But I will be checking out other items and of course, I will keep you in the loop...

xox,
DD

Blogger Closet: Happy Valentine's Day!

Blogger Closet: Happy Valentines Day!

Blogger Closet: Old School

Blogger Closet:  Old School

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Gig

Gig

Gig by divadebbi featuring a green sweater

The New Nude

The New Nude

My Mascara Lately; One to buy, one to skip, one to try


Long time DivaDebbi readers, know I am always on the hopeful quest of finding a "got it all" drugstore mascara; volume, length, clump and flake free.  Oh yes, and cheap.


Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
$23

Rimmel London's Super Curler 24 Mascara
$8.99. Less anywhere besides CVS in Greenwich Ct.

I was down to the dregs of my beloved, Holy GrailToo Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and happened to be doing a CVS run. I find the whole drugstore mascara gig to be a confusing mess...not only are there a dozen brands, but each brand offers a dozen iterations of their own mascara.  Pretty much, I throw a dart.

I'm not adverse to using an eyelash curler...it's as ingrained in my routine as brushing my teeth, but I thought I'd try Rimmel's Super Curler 24.

Every time I try a new one, I'm always optimistic that I might just have found, "the one". I won't say that Rimmel's Super Curler 24 failed on that front; I could see the curl, but the formula was limp and my lashes looked thin and spidery. By the days end, my eyes were red and itchy and if I had more time between getting home and going out, I would have removed all of it and started again, which would have been a first...

Back to CVS for you...

Friday, February 5, 2016

Genius: Sephora's Virtual Artist App

I
Sephora's Virtual Artist App

For the last several years, my dear friend Linda Levy, has dreamed of finding her perfect shade of red lipstick. She's tried dozens in vain.  I have also tried to aid her cause by donating every sample of red lipstick that comes my way via blog review samples, goodie bags or Sephora VIB Rouge perks.  Alas, nada.

When Linda arrived the next day, with the perfect red lip, I couldn't wait to find out how she achieved it...

She finally decided she was going to make good on her promise to carve out some time and ask the experts at Sephora to help her find the shade that has always alluded her. She did and two brilliant things emerged; 1) They have technology in store that when applied to your face, analyzes your skin tone. With that hurdle out of the way, scientifically, it then can match you with the ideal shades for your foundation, blush and lipstick. 2) If you download Sephora's Virtual Artist App on your phone and allow access to your camera, you can experiment and see yourself in real time, with lipstick in every shade of the rainbow.  I was mesmerized!

Happy Year of the Monkey!

Happy Year of the Monkey!

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