La Femme

La Femme by divadebbi featuring a jewelry tree

Needle Thread sequin dress / Christian Louboutin sandals / Burberry tote bag / Sylva Cie diamond jewelry / Nars cosmetic / Bobbi brown cosmetic / Jewelry tree

DivaDebbi Template #2- A Chic Chick

DivaDebbi Template #2- A Chic Chick by divadebbi featured in kim kardashian looks

Maison Ullens skater skirt, $2,210 / Burberry ankle boots / Bottega Veneta clutch / Kimberly McDonald gold earrings, $11,480 / Mascara / Hampton Sun fragrance / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Lierac Paris New Eye Makeup Remover

Lierac Paris Eye Makeup Remover
$24  3.40z

I have to admit to being a bit bitter...I searched my whole life for the perfect eye makeup remover--one that was not oily, blinding me with a viscous film, one that removed every spec of makeup breezily and had lash enhancing properties.

I finally found it in Lierac Paris Diopti Demaq,  a cool gel that worked spectacularly.  It was a little pricey, but each tube lasted at least 6 months. It was my Holy Grail and then poof , it was gone.

No longer offered by Lierac, I resorted to hoarding tubes I purchased on Amazon. At some point, one must ask themselves, "just how old is this stuff."??? Hmmmmm. Big Sigh.

Just as I was at the on the very last drop, I received word that Lierac had launched a new eye makeup remover, might I be interested in sampling it?

Naturally...and can you Fed Ex it please?

DivaDebbi's 2014 Emmy's Report Card

As is tradition after all the major awards show, I do a round up of my fashion loves and loathes. Monday night was the Emmy's. Seth Meyer's too safely hosted the show. Billy Chrystal lovingly remembered Robin Williams.


 I really wish there was a two time limit to how many times a nominee can receive an award...basta already with the Breaking Bad crew.  Also disappointing, was both Orange is the New Black and House of Cards getting totally shut out...such fabulous work.  As well, I watched True Detective. Matthew McConaughey was nothing short of extraordinary...he deserved this Emmy.


Oh well!



The obvious trends were the preponderance of red, white and blue gowns. I loathed more than I loved...



Let's jump right in...shall we???



The A Team

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Carolina Hererra
Sublime!

My Girl Crush Taylor Schilling
 stunned in  Zuhair Muhad

Camilla Alves
Spectacular in Zuhair Murad

Teyonah Parris
Adorable and fresh in Christian Sirriano

That's all...

Pur Wine Exfoliating Mask

Pur Minerals Wine Exoliating Mask
$29 2.2 oz

Some days are literally scheduled to the minute...when I have to squeeze in beauty treatments, I have to be even more on top of the clock.  I had ten minutes to spare before washing my hair. I decided to both deep condition my hair and try the new Pur Wine Exfoliating Mask that, nicely, was sent to me.

I'm a bit confused why they chose to call it a mask.  To me, a mask is usually something that dries, hardens and then gets washed off.  Pur Wine Exfoliating Mask is an exfoliator that after being massaged into the skin is simply washed off.

I don't really care what it is, because I am absolutely enamored with this product.
It smells delicious, it feels silky and the peach seeds in are perfect for gentle exfoliation. Did I taste it??? Naturally.  A bit tart but not unpleasant.

Fashion Flash Monday

This week it is my pleasure to host Fashion Flash. As our group has grown, it's a bit more work each week for the host, but more importantly, we are able to offer you an even greater breath of topical posts for women over 40 each week.

Here's a round up of our very best links on beauty, fashion, fitness and wellness:

Pucker up! Jackie Silver from AgingBackwards.com has tips for gorgeous lips.

Pamela Lutrell of over50feeling40 introduces us to another 40+ Woman rocking the fashion world.  Stop by to experience the amazing designs and creativity of Paulette Martsolf and her brand Allie- Coosh while Paulette gives pointers on how to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall!

Jodell Raymond of Black Cat Plus show us, that Plus size fashion graphics are hard to come by and show prejudice against plus size women.

Positive Living advocate Barbara Hannah Grufferman thinks too many women give up on sex because of this common condition. Here are her best tips  for having your best sex life ever, no matter what!

You don’t like Brussels Sprouts? If you try this delicious Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe, you may end up loving them! 

This week, Mary Lou Floyd of Second Lives Club introduces us to some art that strongly moved her. These three female sculptors embody empowerment.  One look at their works and you too will feel their strength and intensity.  

Deb of No-Nonsense Beauty Blog  is in a DIY  mood. This week she shares  her tips  for  easy and effective cosmetics from the kitchen.

A too-thick waistline, plus high levels of a fat called triglycerides in the blood can greatly increase risk of coronary artery disease. Women’s Health and Fitness Expert, Mirabai Holland has the skinny on your hidden fat.

Have you ever wondered just how far your dollars can stretch at the drugstore? Prime Beauty takes the $30 Makeup Wars Challenge! See if she was able to get a full face of makeup and stay within budget.

Tight lining the eye has become the go-to way in which to define the eyes without much makeup. Fab Over Forty loves these new Hourglass Mechanical Gel Pens for easy application.

I hope you will enjoy them all!!!

xox,
DD

My New Addiction: Kiori Perfume Oil

Kiori Perfume Oil
1/4 oz. $78
1/8 oz. $48

As a beauty blogger, I am often asked if I would like to sample niche fragrances and oils. I'm always reticent to say yes...fragrance is so individual. What you love I may loathe... What smells sublime on you may smell like Raid on me. It's a total crap shoot based on personal preference and individual chemistry...

In addition, I dislike hurting feelings, particularly if the scent is the creation of the person reaching out for me to try it. Thus, I always let them know that if they wish for me to sample their scent, there are no guarantees.

Last week I heard from Lisa Wallos, creator of Kiori, a, "handmade, luxury Perfume Oil, made from  completely natural ingredients". I asked Lisa what Kiori means.  It is loosely translated from a Japanese phrase describing, "inner strength or desire".

I'm glad I didn't ask her what the primary notes in Kiori are, since I am not necessarily a fan of vanilla or patchouli and might have taken a pass.  That would have completely been my loss...since I now physically crave it.

Jeune fille

Jeune fille by divadebbi featuring Pier 1 Imports

Vero Moda sleeveless top, $26 / Christophe LeMaire wrap skirt / Christian Louboutin black leather pumps / Alexander McQueen leather backpack / Hermès toggle clasp necklace / Hermès enamel bracelet / Hermès hermes bangle / Rag bone leather hat / Guerlain black eyeliner / Lips makeup, $11 / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Real Fabulous: My Real Simple and Olay Beauty Shoot

Today was a total blast! 

This summer I was contacted by Katie LaLama, from the marketing team at Real Simple.  My blog was under consideration for an Olay Total Effects advertorial that would be featured in their important December Holiday issue. Might I be interested in participating???

Ummm...yes please!

Ultimately, I was chosen, along with two fabulous Lifestyle bloggers, Grace Atwood of Stars and Sequins and Tonya Stabb , who flew in from California to participate in the shoot that took place this morning in NYC.

How fab...

Diva sans makeup on the way to the shoot
(Thank God for sunglasses)

Grace Atwood

Tonya Staab

Fashion Flash Monday

This week Jodell Raymond of Black Cat Fashion, a beloved blog for plus size women, is hosting Fashion Flash. 

Every week we strive to bring you our best posts on beauty, fashion and lifestyle for women over forty.

Some of our topics this week include:

• Laura Mercier's brand new foundation
• A fabulous cream for the neck and decollete
• The best moisturizer with sunscreen to wear daily
• What not to wear!
• An interview with skin care maven Kate Sommerville

Please click here to get the full 411.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

L'Oreal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation

The exquisite Andie McDowell for L'Oreal
Visible Lift Blur Foundation
$12-$!6 at drugstores ($16 in Greenwich...naturally)

I think Andie McDowell is the epitome of an actress who has aged gloriously.  I'll have what she's hawking...any day of the week.

I have been really happy using Dior's Forever Foundation this summer...that is until a bumped into a few uncharacteristically humid days. This has been the summer of all New Yorker's dreams, cool temps, blue skies, sunny weekends and almost NO HUMIDITY. (After a punishing N.E. winter, we are taking this as our absolute due.) 

All of a sudden, I was looking greasy instead of glowing and started scampering through my handbag in search of powder or blotting papers.

Ruh-Roh.

L'Oreal recently launched their "new" Visible Lift Foundation and enhanced it with "blur technology".  If I had to venture a guess, I would say blur=silicone. Personally, I'm not as phased by chemicals as I probably should be...If you take umbrage to it, I would skip this one. I was in CVS yesterday, so of course I wasn't leaving without it.  

DivaDebbi"s Template #3

DivaDebbi"s Template #3 by divadebbi featuring Alexander McQueen

Azzaro shift dress / Alexander McQueen sandals / Black handbag / Clarins eyeshadow / Joya fragrance / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Sia floral decor, $4.16 / Crate and Barrel floral decor

Fall Fantasies

Fall Fantasies by divadebbi featuring fabric flowers

Veronica Beard hooded jacket, $920 / Salvatore Ferragamo skirt / 3.1 Phillip Lim suede boots / Lanvin tote bag / Cole Son textured wallpaper, $665 / Williams Sonoma scented candle / Linea fabric flower, $10

A Sharp Eye: How to Be a Good Houseguest

Besides scouring my own email subscription to DivaDebbi for typos, there are three other websites whose briefings  I read daily; Need 2 Know and The Skimm, two news sites that cheekily keep you informed on everything from International politics to Mario and Ramona Singer's official breakup. Between the two I'm well informed in just 3 minutes Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, I founder on my own...(The links will you bring you to their sites where you can subscribe.)

I can't wait until one of them goes 7 days a week...so the other will follow.

The other website is A Sharp Eye a lifestyle website co-created by my friend Nancy Ireland. With topics that include health, technology, family, entertaining, travel, fashion, gifts, the arts and philanthropy, I am always learning something new.

When you register, there is a fabulous feature that allows you to save your favorite articles.  Mine is virtually busting...

As an example of their great tips, I wanted to share this terrific piece that Nancy wrote about how to be a good houseguest. Do take notes...or better yet, subscribe.

Do you want to be invited back? 

How to be a good houseguest

We recently wrote an article about having great guest rooms.  It was suggested to us that we should turn our attention to what makes a good houseguest.  As someone who frequently has houseguests (perfect ones, I might add), I agree that it might be a helpful topic.

Here are some pointers:

Lancome's New Grandiose Mascara; Does it Live Up to the Hype?

Lancome Grandiose Mascara
$32

Lancome Cil XL Booster
$24.50

It is said that we spend 33% of our lives sleeping...I would venture I will spend another 33%, in pursuit of a fabulous, cheap and cheerful mascara. Somehow it always eludes...

The marketing guru's over at L'Oreal have done a masterful job of tantalizing us for the last month or so, with the debut of the latest "swan" in their mascara menagerie, Lancome Grandiose Mascara.

What particularly differentiates it is the patented, "revolutionary Swan Neck Wand , that provides exceptional lift and volume to all lashes."  The wand was designed to work with, "the shape of the face, for the easiest application".

What else???

Pur Minerals Jupiter Ascending

Pur Minerals Jupiter Ascending Collection
$124 value for $29

Light-up Lip Gloss in Galaxy Pink

I have long been a Pur Minerals fan, it's just not always on my radar. The quality of their cosmetics is high and the price is certainly friendly.  I'm trying to recall a single dud, and I can't.

I was offered the opportunity to sample their Jupiter Ascending limited edition makeup collection and pounced.  It was created to launch at the same time as the Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum film of the same name that was due out this summer...unfortunately it has been pushed back until February of 2015.

Don't let that stop you from buying it...

In Bloom

In Bloom by divadebbi featuring Pier 1 Imports

Chanel shoes / Charlotte Olympia box clutch / Sara Happ lip treatment / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Fashion Flash Monday

This week Fashion Flash is being hosted by Cindy Ingalls, who writes Prime Beauty Blog.  As usual, our savvy group of plus 40 Lifestyle bloggers, do our best to give you noteworthy information on beauty, fashion, fitness, health and happiness.

Please click here to see what the Girls were up to this week.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

Exuviance Age Reverse Toning Neck Cream

$78 4.4 oz.

My friends and colleagues never fail to amuse me...last week my colleagues Ana and Lili cornered me, demanding to know what I had "done" to my neck!  Ana was just returning from two weeks in Europe, while Lili and I worked side by side.

Um...excuse me?  When did I scoot off and get something "done"?! Of course I had to think if I had been doing anything different and if I was trying a new lotion or potion.

Two things came to mind...

Fall Ahead...

Fall Ahead... by divadebbi featuring pink fake flowers

Erdem navy blue floral dress / Calf leather shoes / Chanel brown purse / Aurélie Bidermann gold bangle / Cole Son beige textured wallpaper, $675 / Embroidered throw pillow / Williams Sonoma apple scented candle / Pink fake flower / kristina heart, $5.89

Reach Complete Care Triple Angle Floss Toothbrush

My beauty stars have always aligned in funny ways...the day I was scheduled for my bi-annual teeth cleaning, I received a reach out from Reach, about two new toothbrushes they were launching.  Might I be interested in trying them???

Naturally...

I know I focus an awful lot on the very superficial aspects of beauty, but I am also a hard core believer in taking really good care of yourself; healthy diet, frequent exercise, body checks for melanoma, a good relationship with your Internist, Breast Self Exams, Digital Mammograms and ultrasounds for those who need it, annual visits with your OB/Gyn and scrupulously good dental hygiene.

DivaDebbi Template #2

DivaDebbi Template #2 by divadebbi featuring a metallic dress

Missoni metallic dress, $1,815 / Brian Atwood fuschia shoes / Bottega Veneta beige handbag, $3,295 / Irene Neuwirth charm jewelry / Mascara / Hampton Sun fragrance / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish
$30 3.5oz

I can honestly say, I have never sampled a Murad product I didn't love. They smell, good, feel good and most importantly, meet their claims.

I am a firm believer in exfoliating the face and neck at least twice a week.  I'm always open to trying new exfoliating cleansers, in the hope that they will be gentle enough for my whole face but abrasive enough to relieve areas on my face that get a bit clogged; like my chin and around my nose.

I was delighted my friends at Murad offered to send me their new Skin Smoothing Polish Here is how it is described on Sephora's website:

Fashion Flash Monday

This week, Barbara Hannah Grufferman, blogger and Huffington Post Contributor is hosting Fashion Flash. Her well known blog Best of Everything after 50 is a great source for daily lifestyle tips on how to be your best at every age.

This week, our savvy group of bloggers shared their views on nutritious best bets, like beets, kale and flax,
lash primers, appropriate wedding attire, great multi-tasking beauty products, lash primers and the do's and don'ts of shimmery shadows for women over 40, among other smart posts.

Click here to get the 411.

Enjoy...

xox,
DD

The Prisoner

The Prisoner by divadebbi featuring bird wall art

Roberto Cavalli black shirt / Erdem pencil skirt / La Perla lace panty / Paul Andrew black shoes / Roger Vivier clutch, $1,980 / Yves Saint Laurent eyeshadow / Kevyn Aucoin lip makeup / Lancôme turquoise eyeliner / Aesop body cleanser / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Bird wall art

Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner

Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner
$28

I love gel eyeliners.  I hate the pot and the brush.

I was desperately hopeful that the much press touted Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner, a gel and brush hybrid, would bring answered prayers...

It was not to be and the search continued.

I was in Bloomingdale's last week with one of my best childhood friends.  Alison is a beauty addict as well and when we get together, our lunches always include a beauty outing.

I wanted to show Alison my latest find,  Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Color Pen, a beautiful, pinky peach gel blush, that I blogged about last week.

While at the Trish counter, I inquired about the staying power of her eye pencils. I also rekindled an acquaintance with their Business Manager and makeup artist Ilana Moss, who remembered my blog.  I had written about her a few years ago, after having an excellent facial with her at the spa at Equinox in Greenwich.