Fashion Flash

On behalf of all of the wonderful bloggers who contribute to Fashion Flash, we wish you a very Happy New Year, with much good health, joy and happiness in the year ahead. This weeks topics include:

• How to travel in style
• Help finding your best colors
• Tips on how to succeed with your resolutions

In case you missed my earlier posts on my RoC Skincare giveaway, the contest runs December 31st,  until 11:59  Eastern Standard Time. Click on my post for your chance to win 12 fantastic RoC Skincare products and a $200 Visa gift card. 

Please click here to read all of our posts, the last of 2014, more to follow...

Much love,

xox,
DD

Mary Mary Quite Contrary

Mary Mary Quite Contrary by divadebbi featuring suede shoes

Mary Katrantzou fit flare dress / Gianvito Rossi suede shoes / Marc Jacobs satchel handbag / Press / Philip B body cleanser, $33 / Women's Clothing - Luxury Fashion - ShopBAZAAR

Review: Conair Pro Infiniti Spin Brush

Conair Pro Infiniti Spin Brush
prices range from $53.99-63.99 

OMG Lovelies!!! Conair's new Pro Infiniti Spin Brush is a total game changer.  I will never be without this dryer again.  If you have ever dreamed of having salon like results at home, get in your car NOW and run to your nearest  24 hour drugstore to purchase it STAT.

This product is a miraculous multitasker, that  dries and styles your hair quickly, while adding shine, shape, lift and volume. It is designed with "True Ionic technology" that ensure shine, soft results.  The 2' inch barrel is coated with a ceramic finish, to protect hair from damage.  It has three settings, and the brush rotates in two directions, giving you the ability to curl hair under or flip it out. You can also use it without rotation, (though I don't know why one would.)

Happy Holidays!!!

To my lovely, loyal readers, I wish all you happy, safe, joyous Holidays.  I am so appreciative of your support and it still pleases and amazes me that I have readers from all over the world.

If you missed my last post, my friends at RoC Skincare, for whom I am a Brand Ambassador, have offered a spectacular end of the Holiday Season giveaway to my readers.  The contest runs until 11:59 New Year's Eve.  One lucky reader will win a gift basket filled with 12 RoC products and a $200 Visa Gift Card!!!

Click here for details on how to enter.

All the best and much love,

xox,
DD

Happy Holidays from RoC Skincare; a fantastic giveaway!!!

As a Roc Skincare Ambassador, I was delighted to receive an opportunity for one of my lucky readers to win a RoC gift basket filled with 12 amazing anti-aging products and a $200 Visa Gift Card! (details to follow.)

Happy Holidays indeed!

In addition, I had the chance to share some terrific skincare tips from Dr. Erin Gilbert, an NYC based board-certified dermatologist who consults with RoC. 

We asked Dr. Gilbert if she could provide some tips for how to handle some common skincare concerns, particularly as we work our way through the Holidays and the long winter ahead.  

Dr. Erin Gilbert

Dr. Gilbert weighs  in:

1. Puffy Eyes: 

“The best tool to combat puffy, under eye bags as well as rough texture is a Clarisonic brush! If you sleep on one side the lymph fluid will accumulate under that eye by morning. Or, if you consume a high salt diet at night (think Chinese takeout), you may experience puffiness under both eyes. I suggest gently massaging the skin under the eyes with a sensitive Clarisonic brush head for 60 seconds per side. The vibrations increase the flow of lymph to and from the congested area and reduce the size of the bags.”

2. Acne:
“Acne flares are often worsened by sugar and stress. While we can’t always eliminate stress from our day, we do have the power to control how much sugar we are consuming. There are obvious sources of sugar, like deserts, but there are also hidden sources of sugar that we may not be thinking of. Skim milk has been strongly linked to acne flares in dietary studies, so you are better off choosing whole milk or unsweetened almond or soy milk when you have the option. Also don’t be fooled by food that is ‘gluten free.’ Although it may sound healthy, it often contains more sugar than the traditional versions.”

3. Skin irritations – What can we do to keep our skin calm?
“Keeping your skin well moisturized during the winter is the first step to avoiding irritation and rashes that can spiral out of control. I suggest using a gentle body wash in the bath or shower, then applying a simple fragrance-free moisturizer all over the body daily. If you develop irritation, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream or calendula cream to the area for a week or so. You don’t want to use hydrocortisone for longer than a week on the face, so if your rash persists you should see a dermatologist.”

4. How to achieve skin that glows:

“Once you have taken care of your diet and hydration, you can consider adding additional steps to your beauty routine to get a holiday glow. If you have normal skin, consider adding a glycolic or salicylic acid toner to your regimen twice a week. This will gently remove dead skin cells and boost your skin’s radiance. Also consider adding a serum to your regimen. I like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum. It will increase your skin’s hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you are using it with a retinol at night, try to alternate days in the beginning to avoid over drying your skin.”

On to the good stuff!  How can you enter to win this generous giveaway courtesy of RoC skincare?

Meeting the Parents...next year

Meeting the Parents...next year by divadebbi featuring Piet Hein Eek

Antonio Marras circle skirt, $2,000 / Balmain heel boots, $1,785 / Alexander McQueen brown purse / Aurélie Bidermann earrings / Aurélie Bidermann bracelet jewelry / AERIN lips makeup / Piet Hein Eek wallpaper

Fashion Flash

This weeks Fashion Flash host is Pamela Lutrell who pens the lifestyle blog Over 50 Feeling 40.
As we wrap up the Holidays, the focus this week seemed to be about taking care of our overall good health.
Please click here to see the full wrap up.

In case you missed my original post on the perfect natural manicure  it's included here and in the FF post.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

For Two Sagittarius Angels: Els and Lidia

For Two Sagittarius Angels: Els and Lidia by divadebbi featuring lips makeup

Alice Olivia shirts top / La Prestic Ouiston animal print trench coat, $1,045 / Bleached jeans, $99 / Christian Louboutin leopard boots / Vivienne Westwood red handbag, $700 / Hermès pre owned watch / Yves Saint Laurent eyeshadow / AERIN lips makeup

Fashion Flash

Mary Lou Floyd is a our lovely Fashion Flash Host this week.  Mary Lou is one half of team who write the fabulous lifestyle blog The Second Live Club.  We always do our best to bring you interesting posts on beauty, fashion, health and lifestyle.

This week, some of our topics include:

Consignment Shopping
Choosing great gifts for the men in your lives
A fabulous new blow dryer that reduces drying time by 70%
A chance to win a $300 skincare giveaway

And more... Click here to read them all.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

Perfect Pink Gel Coat

Perfect Pink Gel Coat
$30 

The only time I ever had gorgeous, glossy, chip free nails, is when I broke down and got a "gel manicure". Oh, how I loved not fretting over spending the time and money on  a fresh manicure, only to look like a street urchin, within a day or two.

Sadly, the process wreaked havoc on  my nails.  After a few months, my once granite hard nails, were as thin and slight as rice paper.  It took a year for them to return to normal.

Last week, after 6 months of wearing barely there pinks, like Essie's Sugar Daddy, I thought it would be nice to switch it up and go for a little cuh-lah.  They were glorious for a few hours...What I want to know is how they could possible have chipped while I was sleeping.

Really???  Ugggghhh!!!!

I tried to patch them with a coat of sheer and a similar shade that had emulsified into a goopy mess in the 3 years it has resided in my medicine cabinet.  Honestly, they looked like awful. I removed all the polish and did the unthinkable and polished them myself with Salma Hayek Blush Peony Nail Lacquer... suffice to say, at least they looked tidy.

Today while doing a Sephora run, I stumbled upon a product in the checkout aisle that I never heard of, Perfect Pink Gel Coat.  I wasn't crazy about the price point, 30 bucks seemed steep, but I loved the promise of what it might be able to do for my nails.

Marsala: Pantone's Color of 2015

This week, Pantone announced that, "Marsala" is the color of 2015. Whatever  shade is chosen, will be widely used in both clothing and interior designs in the upcoming year.

Here is how Pantone describes it:

Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.

The Versatility of Marsala

• Equally appealing to men and women, Marsala is a stirring and flavorful shade for apparel and accessories, one that encourages color creativity and experimentation
• Flattering against many skin tones, sultry and subtle Marsala is a great go-to color for beauty, providing enormous highlight for the cheek, and a captivating pop of color for nails, shadows lips and hair.
• Dramatic and at the same time grounding, the rich and full-bodied red-brown Marsala brings color warmth into home interiors
• An earthy shade with a bit of sophistication, texture is the story in print and packaging. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature while adding a sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury.

Personally, I think it's very unattractive...it doesn't work for me in the realm of cosmetics, fashion or interiors.  There is only one place that I think it works:

That's all...

xox,
DD

Aurelie the Divine

Aurelie the Divine by divadebbi featuring a scrapwood wallpaper

Fendi strapless dress, $2,990 / Sophia Webster ankle boots / Lulu Guinness black purse, $745 / Aurélie Bidermann pendant earrings, $325 / Sacra eau de perfume, $47 / Piet Hein Eek scrapwood wallpaper / Lux Art Silks floral decor

Fashion Flash Monday

It's Fashion Flash Monday!  My dear friend, the beautiful Jackie Silver who writes Aging Backwards, is this week's host. Our fashion, beauty and lifestyle posts this week focus on the Holidays.

Click here  to read them all.  In case you missed my recent post on "temporary breast enhancement", a new trend in cosmetics procedure, you can catch it here.

Enjoy.

xox,
DD

Radiance for Less: Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer

Maybelline Dream Lumi TouchHighlighting Concealer
$7.99

Touche Eclat Concealer
$41.00

Over the years, I have splurged on YSL's cult classic Touche Eclat Concealer a number of times.  I have always thought it did a better job of highlighting than concealing, but nonetheless, I found its stripes well earned.

My other issue was that originally, Touche Eclat was offered in a limited range of shades, none quite right for me.  I knew of people who bought two and blended, but $82 is not in my wheelhouse to spend on concealers that don't, well, conceal.

When they finally expanded their offering to 12 shades, I reviewed it again and finally found a perfect match.

Yesterday, I spotted Maybelline's version of Touche Eclat, Dream Lumi Touch, described as a, "highlighting concealer". Housed in a far less glam plastic tube, it sports the same click pen applicator as Touche.  For $8 bucks, I couldn't resist buying it...

Good to the Last Drop: Make Up Forever HD Blush

Makeup Forever High Definition Blush
$26

From time to time, I think about taking a picture of my oft cleaned out, but still bulging makeup drawers and posting it for you to see.  It's a graveyard of half used lipsticks, concealers, eye shadows, mascaras and liners.

It's incredibly rare that I glom onto one product and use it until I'm scraping out the last bits with a Q-tip, but such was the case with my Makeup Forever HD Blush (210 Cool Pink). It's a cream formula that sculpts and defines the cheek area beautifully.

It's also can be very difficult to replace, particularly shade 210. 3 trips to Sephora yielded no success. Somehow, I missed the restocking days, so I ventured to Ulta, who sadly doesn't carry Makeup Forever
at all. 

On my last trip back to Sephora, I agreed to pay for it up front and have them send it to me free of charge.
It's on it's way, thank goodness.  So, I guess it's time to elevate Makeup Forever HD Blush to Holy Grail
status.

Ya.  It's that good...

xox,
DD

A Cinderella Story: Temporary Breast Augmentation

Amanda Sanders underwent temporary breast augmentation before a weekend
getaway with a new boyfriends. (photo courtesy of Caryn Posnansky)

I think I may now have heard everything...At the end of the summer the New York Times published an article about women who are undergoing temporary procedure to enlarge their breasts.  The motivation is to enhance their appearance for important occasions, like their weddings. Since then, I have read other articles about this new cosmetic "trend".

Saline is injected in the nipple area and the skin is temporarily stretched.  It's possible for a woman to go from A to a C cup.  What's the glitch?  It lasts 24 hours and costs about $2500,  Some women are also doing it as a precursor to surgery, to get a birds eye view into what their breast augmentation might look like. (Surgeons who are doing the procedure do allow the money spent to be discounted from a permanent surgical procedure.

Seriously...Haven't these women ever heard of chicken cutlets???

Fashion Flash

It is my week to host Fashion Flash, our weekly gathering of pertinent information for women over forty, on fashion, beauty, wellness, shopping and sometimes, a great recipe or two...I'm so proud to be among such noted and acclaimed company!

Enjoy!!!

Is Hydroquinone safe or can it cause cancer?  Deb of No-Nonsense Beauty Blog  talks to experts  for the answer.

Positive Living expert Barbara Hannah Grufferman thinks women can hip up their look by putting on a pair of these . . . with just about any outfit! (You have to read the post to know what they are!) Check out her tips for how to wear them to look fabulous for the holidays, or any time! 

Do you need a new sweet potato dish for the Holidays? Society Wellness shares their Coconut Sweet Potatoes and Greens recipe.

Home infrared sauna could heat up your winter. Jackie Silver from AgingBackwards.com

has the details!

Easy Jam Recipe: No Gunk, No Junk. Mirabai Holland, Health & Fitness Expert Shows you how!

Kari at Fab Over Forty likes to go to the experts to get the best advice on beauty and skincare for women over 40. One of Dior's National Makeup Artists offers some great beauty tips and they'll be especially helpful during the holidays!

Cindy over at Prime Beauty finds a sonic face brush that compares to Clarisonic in every way but price! Get the low down on the Micheal Todd Soniclear!

As the shopping season heats up, Josephine from Chic at Any Age gives  some helpful hints and tips on how to shop the sales wisely!

Black Cat Plus Gives Us Some Tips for Finding the Right Plus Size Jeans that fit.

Fashion blogger, Pamela Lutrell, takes us to her previous holiday tour of the San Antonio King Edward District. along with the Cynthia Rowland sweater she was wearing!

Thanksgiving:  done!  Time to start thinking about Christmas or Hanukkah cards.  Whether we send them or not here's one second lifers novel approach. 

And lastly, in case you missed my earlier post this week, DivaDebbi test drove a Physician's Formula Concealer that both conceals and lightens dark spots. Check it out, but consider nose plugs!

xox,
DD

Black Friday Beauty Deals

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you all had a wonderful TG. It's such an iconic American Holiday and I don't know anyone who doesn't look forward to fabulous food, and spending the day with loved ones.  I have much to be thankful for, and I try to appreciate the good things daily, not just on this special day. And I am thankful for you, my readers, with all my heart.

Two of my favorite beauty companies are having generous Black Friday Beauty Deals; Kate Sommerville and Tarte, are both generously offering 25% off all your purchases. I plan on stocking on my Holy Grail faves, Kates 360 degree Self Tanning Body Towelettes. They are not inexpensive, but they are easy to use, streak proof, stink proof, and more cost effective than spray tanning.

Sephora and Ulta are also brimming with special offers and discounts, both in store and on line.

Have fun!!!


xox,
DD

Let the Holidays Begin!

Let the Holidays Begin! by divadebbi featuring a white floral arrangement

Martin Grant strapless bustier top, $1,720 / Roland Mouret kick pleat skirt / Christian Louboutin heel boots / Oscar de la Renta black handbag, $2,000 / Sylva & Cie earrings, $11,595 / Leighton Denny nail polish / John Richard asian inspired home decor / Pier 1 Imports white floral arrangement / Stamp Camp Big Stamps Page 21

Physician's Formula Youth Wear Spotless Concealer

Physician's Formula Youth Wear Spotless Concealer

Drugstore's Nationwide, Ulta 

                                                          $12.95

I'm always grateful when cosmetics products multi-task...Wouldn't it be great if all cosmetics went beyond beauty that gets scrubbed off at the end of the day and actually helped improve our skin?  Friends with benefits, so to speak...

I was doing a CVS run last week and spotted Physician's Formula's "Spotless", a concealer that claims to improve the appearance of, "dark, age and sun spots instantly and over time.

Sold!!!

Fashion Flash Monday

It's Fashion Flash Monday!  This week Josephine Lalwan who writes Chic at Any Age is our host.  Each week we share some of our favorite posts on beauty, fashion, wellness and lifestyle.

Some of our topics this week include:

• Dry skin relief
• A chance to win a Clinique Black Honey Collection
• Personal Trainer abuse
• The benefits of Vitamin B 
• How to bake a fabulous pumpkin pie       

Click here to read them all...             

Enjoy!!!

xox,
DD

Just Me

Just Me by divadebbi featuring paraben free makeup

3 1 Phillip Lim black turtleneck tank top, $605 / La Prestic Ouiston vintage coat, $1,045 / DRKSHDW black skinny pants, $635 / MANGO black lace up bootie / Vivienne Westwood red tote bag, $700 / Maison martin margiela belt / Kevyn Aucoin paraben free makeup

Be an Original!

Be an Original! by divadebbi featuring a scrapwood wallpaper

Alice Olivia crop top, $605 / Tory Burch coat, $615 / Burberry skirt / Miu Miu blue shoes / Christopher kon leather handbag / Lime crime lipstick, $18 / Balmain fragrance, $72 / Piet Hein Eek scrapwood wallpaper / Lux Art Silks floral decor

Tarte The Sculptor Contouring Face Slenderizer and Bamboo Brush

Tarte Contouring Face Slenderizer $24
and Bamboo Brush $32

Contouring is having a moment, with several companies including Tarte, Smashbox, Becca and Nars coming out with kits that are supposed to make sculpting and slimming your face easier, (I will hypothesize, begrudgingly, that this makeup trend may have its roots in Kardashianism). One of my biggest issues has always been figuring out which shade would be most appropriate for my skin tone for this particular task...

I chose the easy way out:  Tarte's Face Slenderizer only comes in one shade, Park Avenue Princess, a cream version of their popular powder. I'm not entirely certain how one hue could work for all skin tones, but I was willing to give it a whirl.  I also purchased the coordinating Bamboo Brush; I figured it was the only way to fairly judge its effectiveness.

On the Rocks: Smashbox Holiday Eyeliner Set

Smashbox On the Rocks Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liners
Special Gift set $39

Sometimes a good deal is just too hard to pass up.  Sephora, come Holiday time, is a palace of temptations. Cosmetics companies really do put together gift sets that are fantastic values; such was the case with Smashbox on the Rocks Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner Kit.

I have reviewed these Smashbox liners before and was impressed with their depth, easy to apply formula and long wear.  The only thing that I wasn't crazy about was their very short shelf life.

Behind the Scenes: My Olay Timeless Holiday Beauty Shoot

I don't know about you, but I cannot believe we are already approaching the Holidays, because frankly, Labor Day feels like it was 3 days ago.

At the end of the summer, I had the pleasure of participating in Olay's Timeless Holiday Beauty shoot for Real Simple Magazine's Holiday Spectacular issue.

I posted about my fun filled beauty adventure with fellow bloggers Grace Atwood and Tonya Staab. It was a blast!!!

There was so much hustle and bustle, that after a short time, we were no longer aware that videographers who were documenting the action behind the scenes.

Yesterday, I received this wonderful video which captured the essence of our day. I'm so excited to share it with you below!!!

To see the complete advertorial and your chance to win a $10 gift card to Target for purchasing our favorite Olay products, pick up your issue of Real Simple's Holiday Spectacular issue today.

I hope you enjoy it!

xox,
DD

Fashion Flash

Cindy Ingalls of Prime Beauty Blog is this weeks Fashion Flash Host. As always our group of talented bloggers strive to bring you interesting reads on fashion, beauty, good health and life style issues for women over 40.

Please click here to read more.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator

Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator
$12.99

Last week I wrote about my splurge purchase, Armani's Fluid Sheer Highlighter.
It felt very extravagant to spend $62 on a highlighter, but in a weak moment, I had to see if it lived up to it's cult status.

I was curious how it stacked up against Revlon's Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator, a similar product that costs nearly $50 less.

McQueen Inspired

McQueen Inspired by divadebbi featuring asian inspired home decor

Reem Acra silk dress / Temperley London black bolero / Charlotte Olympia black ankle booties, $1,610 / Chanel perfume fragrance / RGB black nail polish / John Richard asian inspired home decor

Fashion Flash Monday

It's Fashion Flash Monday again.  This week our host is the fabulous Kari Solyntjes who writes one of my favorite beauty blogs, Fab Over Forty.

Each week, we try to give women 40+ the best tips on beauty, fashion, health and wellness.  Click here please, to see what our busy bees were buzzing about.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #10
$62

Have I lost my mind???  I'm still trying to decide...I do spend a small fortune on cosmetics, but the total tends to be cumulative; not because I'm splurging on $50 Tom Ford Lipsticks and Christian Louboutin Nail Polish's.

Why then did pull the trigger and purchase Giorgio Armani's Fluid Sheer? Because I still believe in fairies and fairy dust.  Because Fluid Sheer is rumored to be both J. Lo and Beyonce's favorite go-to glow maker. Because might it be worth splurging on something that might make me feel a bit more radiant each day?...

Or am I just rationalizing???

A Bomb: CoverGirl Bombshell Intensity Felt Tip Eyeliner

CoverGirl Bombshell Intensity Eyeliner
$9.99

When I'm on vacation, or just a Girl's Getaway for a a few days, I always look forward to taking a break from my morning makeup routine--Sometimes it just feels great to let your skin and lashes breathe.

While doing a last minute CVS run to pick up some fresh sunblock, I naturally did a quick cruise of the cosmetics aisle.

I spotted what I thought might be a potent, portable, waterproof eyeliner, CoverGirl's Bombshell Intensity Eyeliner.  Would it really be so terrible to do just a quick swipe everyday? Otherwise, I might have to wear a name tag for my friends to recognize me.