Blogger DivaDebbi's Must-Haves for Fall

Blogger DivaDebbi's Must-Haves for Fall by divadebbi 

This is the time of year when my clients and friends want the short list of what the hottest trends for Fall.  Despite loving our summer fun, there is something intoxicating about Fall clothes to wit; I have tons of early bird clients at Richards, who couldn't care less that the mercury is hovering above 90. Bring on the suede, cashmere, fur, velvet, brocade and boots. Love you Girls, and I'm right there with you.

It dawned on me last night, that I could use Polyvore to create a set that would give you a visual tutorial on Fall's must-haves.  In addition, here's what else you will be seeing a lot of in both magazines and in stores.

Suede

Suede by divadebbi featuring floral decor

Apiece Apart white turtleneck / Topshop knee length skirt / Valentino suede bootie, $1,460 / Hermès brown handbag / Dominic Jones cross pendant necklace, $360 / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Review: Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation
$11.99...or so

Am I the only woman on the planet who likes this foundation???  Possibly...I bought it on a whim because I had a $3 off coupon at CVS.  In addition to all day wear, Better Skin promises, well, better skin, after three weeks of use, specifically lightened  hyper pigmentation, that's freckles and age spots, in English.

I'll bite...I love the fact that makeup finally has some benefits to it besides make us look better.  I also wanted to experiment with trying a really dark shade, that would hopefully mimic from the get go, what I look like after tinted moisturizer and Stila's One Step Bronzer Mousse.

10 Makeup Myths that are Making You Look Older

The beautiful Helen Mirren

I am a fan of Glamour.com.  I have no clue how they ended up on my email feed, but I will admit that at least one article each day catches my interest.  Today's stop me in my tracks read?  Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayer's round up of beauty busting myths. Topic? Makeup that will age us and tips and techniques that won't/

Interested?  Me too.

Surprise?  Only one...Andrew recommends using shimmering shadows on the eyes.  Intuitively, I have always thought exactly the opposite, imagining that  shimmer accentuates wrinkles.  Andrew's take? " Sparkling shadows brighten eyes by distracting from imperfections like dark circles. And the shimmering particles break up light, creating their own unique texture that hides roughness and wrinkles on lids

Bath time = Bedtime

I

L'Occitane Huille de Douche  
Cleansing Shower Oil
8.4 oz. 25

For many parents, bedtime is a struggle. Kids, by nature, just want to stay up a bit longer, so they don't miss a thing.

My Mom, never had that issue with me. I couldn't wait to be scrubbed, powdered, slathered in baby lotion and put in crisp pajamas. so I could dive into bed, fresh and cosseted. 

To this day, absolutely nothing has changed, except I have replaced warm milk with hot tea.

I have purchased both L'Occitane Huille de Douche, and Swedish Sea Salt Soap at least a half a dozen times, combining them both on an exfoliating shower sponge. Together they smell delicious and they leave my skin scrupulously clean but never stripped and the almond oil in Huille de Douche leaves me glowing. 

At Christmas time, my desk overflows with sweet remembrances from  colleagues and clients.  Sometimes cards and tags get dislodged.

 I had no idea who left me a delicious bar of Swedish Sea Soap Salt, which I have since purchased time and again, (after sussing it out on Amazon), until the day I saw my friend Linda Levy using Swedish Sea Hand Balm.  A coincidence, this was not.  Linda and her entire family became addicted to it after discovering it Rhode Island and she was my bath time benefactor.

Swedish Sea Salt Soap
3/ 17.50 on Amazon

Today I cleaned out my goodie drawers and closet, to bring some of the barely sampled and used products I have accumulated, to share with my colleagues.  I have virtually stopped accepting offers to try new bath products, because I know nothing will out perform my dynamic duo, which I hereby anoint with Holy Grail status.

I am really trying to pare down my beauty purchases and have faith that I have found, "The One"...OK, in this case "The Two" items per category that I love and call it a day. I just finished by bath time ritual with a good dose of Burts Bee's Radiance Body Lotion, a Holy Grail  that I have blogged about many times.

And on that note, I wish you a good night and pleasant dreams...

xox,

DD

Decadence is a Virtue

Decadence is a Virtue by divadebbi featuring prada purses

Valentino coat / Giuseppe Zanotti red stiletto, $1,590 / Prada purse / L Artisan Parfumeur perfume fragrance / BEHR Premium Plus Ultra 8 oz. #580A-3 Rain Song Interior/Exterior...

Fall Ahead

Fall Ahead by divadebbi featuring Rochas

Gucci blouse, $1,090 / Rochas coat / Chloé mini skirt / Dolce&Gabbana leopard print shoes, $2,085 / Dolce Gabbana genuine leather handbag, $1,955

Real Help for Fighting Under Eye Woes

Photo Courtesy of the NY Times

As an online NY Times subscriber, you can ask to receive email alerts about topics that interest you. Naturally, I am signed up for all things related to Beauty and Fashion, (it's OK...Call me shallow.)

One of the most frequent questions readers email me about is help with treating dark circles and bags,either with creams, treatments or gadgets.

I was hoping the article below would have some new information. Perhaps for you there will be a kernel of help. For me it was same old...

I did, however, report earlier this week, in my update after 30 days of using the JeNu Ultrasonic Infuser System, how completely refreshed my under eye area looks; brighter, tighter and firmer, no doubt about it. In fact, my entire face does!

JeNu was so happy to read that I am having great results with their Ultrasonic Infuser System, that they have extended a very special offer for DivaDebbi readers!

If you really want to solve your under eye woes, this is the best way I know to do it, without expensive in office treatments that are costly, (and really needs to be done by an expert who treats the under eye area frequently) often leaving you bruised before better.

Would you prefer all gain, no pain???  Me too!  CLICK HERE  to redeem your special offer. JeNu comes with a 30 day risk free trial.

Believe me...you are not sending it back!

xox
DD

Ask Well: Fighting Bags Under the Eyes

By KAREN WEINTRAUB

Q

Is there an effective treatment for dark under-eye circles?

Stila One Day Sale!

Stila One Step Bronze
$36

Goodie for me and Goodie for you!  As my Holy Grail Bronzer, Stila One Step Bronze, dwindles to the point where I'm standing on it to get the last drop, Stila is having a one day 25% off sale plus free shipping!

This gorgeous mousse-like gel is infused with many shades of bronze, to add a perfectly natural touch.  I prefer it to powders which can streak or stick in fine lines.  I always apply One Step Bronze to my palm and then swirl a large brush around it. This way it applies flawlessly in a snap. It's the last step in my daily makeup routine.

Do try it!  Many readers and friends have thanked me.

To take advantage of the sale and free shipping, enter promo code BTS25.

Happy shopping!

xox,
DD

30 Day Update: JeNu Ultrasonic Infuser System

JeNu Skin Ultrasonic Infuser System

(I recommend their website for the best price with their "limited offer")

All my life, I've dreamed about  two things: a pair of ruby slipper and a magic wand! Wish granted. My JeNu Skin Ultrasonic Infuser, is nothing short of a magic wand.

Last month, I reported that I was purchasing Vogue's 2015 Beauty Breakthrough Award Winner, the JeNu Ultrasonic Infuser System.  This easy to use at home gadget truly is a miracle worker. The wand and conducting gel, use ultrasound to makes every anti-aging cream you already own supercharged.  Kind of like getting the results they promised in the first place :)

I use it twice a day for 5 minutes each session, including my neck and decollete, JeNu's design is slim and sleek.  I found it easy to clean, store, charge and travel with. It comes with a charger, which I use every other day to make sure my sessions are never interrupted.

While I haven't seen any change in specific freckles, (true confession: I have taken in a little sun this summer) my skin is definitely, brighter and tighter.  The biggest wow is in the eye area.  I am fortunate not to have issues with pronounced dark circles or bags, but whatever was there is gone. My eyes look refreshed, brighter and more open.

Hallelujah!

I have recently discovered a new site called RealSelf. This site is similar to Makeup Alley or TotalBeauty, except instead of unbiased makeup reviews, people report on their experiences with various plastic surgeries and non-invasive anti-aging treatments.  Over a 2 year period, 90% of contributor's were overwhelming pleased with their JeNu purchase and results. Some included pictures and the results speak for themselves.

I brought my JeNu Ultrasonic Infuser System with me yesterday to my favorite skin care expert, Julie Pipilo owner of Skin NY in Rye.  I was having a Dermaplaning Treatment with Julie (the removal of the top layer of skin with scalpel; do not try this at home kids! Julie has 30 years of experience, read more here), and wanted her to use my JeNu, post plane when she put on one of her famous anti-aging potions.

Julie was very impressed with JeNu's ease and efficacy.  A huge win, since she is up to date on all the newest and latest skincare advances.  

Julie is my sage Guru on all things skin. If she likes something, I want it. I was excited for once, to be able to share something new with her.

Would you spend 10 minutes each day on something that is proven to help you look your best?

I did. When all my beauty and fashion expenses begin adding up, I sometimes ask myself what's more important? A new sweater, shirt or pair of jeans that will be worn occasionally in rotation, or something else, like my smiling face, which gets seen everyday. 

You do the math...

If you would like to experience the powers of JeNu, as I have, you are in luck! Right now, they are having a limited time offer.  It's such a good one, I can't imagine it will last. In addition, shipping is free, a gift is included and if you don't absolutely love it, you can return it within 30 days.

Believe me... you won't.  CLICK HERE to buy JeNu and SAVE!!!

And if anyone has a suggestion for where to find those ruby slippers in a 10.5 B., do share....

xox,
DD

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Neck Creams: 9 Top Rated Ones from TotalBeauty

Olay Total Effects Night  Firming Cream for Face and Neck
$21.99

If you could tell your younger self anything about skincare, what would you say?  I think many would warn about the very real ravages too much sun does deliver. To that, I would add, to remember to care for your neck as scrupulously has you do your face.

I am a total TotalBeauty fan. I love them for very early on, accepting my beauty blog DivaDebbi into their coveted inner circle.  I love that real women take the time to write reviews and rate the products that give us their, "Best and Worst of..." reviews. I also trust their Beauty Editors recommendations, having had great success with many of them over the years.

Additional confession?

What's New?

What's New? by divadebbi featuring Marc Jacobs

RED Valentino blouse, $360 / Balmain black blazer, $1,490 / The Seafarer flare jeans, $230 / Aquazzura flat shoes / Nina Ricci red purse, $1,755 / Tom Ford lipstick / Marc Jacobs fragrance

CoverGirl Queen Lash Fanatic Mascara

CoverGirl Queen Lash Fanatic Mascara
$6.99

I'm not 100% sure how CoverGirl Queen Lash Fanatic Mascara ended up in my Walgreen's basket. Maybe I was just disoriented, being in Walgreen's instead of CVS. I'm pretty certain the CoverGirl Queen line was created for women of color, but mascara is color blind, is it not?

What a lovely surprise this mascara is!  It reminds me a lot of CoverGirl's Lash Exact, a mascara I used for quite a long time. The down side was that it dried out quickly, the pluses, however, outweighed it; Clean, full lashes, zero flakes and budget friendly.  I can't be sure why we broke up...

No Hippie Chick

No Hippie Chick by divadebbi featuring multicolor handbags

J W Anderson camel turtleneck, $725 / Gucci brown coat / STELLA McCARTNEY floral boots, $1,665 / Fendi multicolor handbag / Prada tortoise shell glasses, $335 / Tom Ford sparkle eyeshadow

ELF Studio Baked Eye Shadow Trios

ELF Studio Baked Eyeshadow Trios
$4.00!

Have I ever entered and exited a CVS without perusing the cosmetic aisle and leaving with a purchase???

In a word, NO...

I was down to the point where my Nailtiques #2 strengthener was as thick as sludge.  Time for a new one. I know there is formaldehyde in this product, which I don't exactly love. That smell because is permanently etched into my nasal membranes, having had to dissect a C-A-T (sorry Scoots), to fulfill my science requirements to graduate college.  One of the reasons my nails are as hard as granite, is because I use Nailtiques regularly.  There is simply no better strengthener out there; chips, splits and peeling will become a memory I promise.

But I digress...

On the way out, I saw the ELF display, a brand I have never tried. The Baked Eyeshadow Trio's caught my eye. I toiled between the 1st and 3rd palettes, settling on the slightly bronzier third one. I was looking for a way to add a bit of pop to my eye crease, without an obvious amount of color or contrast.


What a great shadow this is! Infused with good for your skin ingredients  Jojoba, Rose, Sunflower, Apricot and Grape, it applies as smoothly as my best shadows, yet costs a fraction of the price. The glitter factor is nil, just a soft wash of glow.  I use the lighter shade under my brow bone and in the corner of my eye and the darkest shade to add some definition to the outer, upper corner of my eye.

How did it hold up through a day of wear???  Brilliantly! I still cant believe my good luck.

ELF stands for Eyes Lips Face.  Oddly their website  gives no backstory, so I still know nothing about the brand.  The site, however, is filled with highly rated reviews for many bestselling products.

You best believe, I'll be trying other ELF offerings...How about you?  Have you tried ELF? Anything to recommend?  I promise to share my future ELF flip and flops. Stay tuned...

xox,
DD

Saturday Morning

Saturday Morning by divadebbi featuring Pier 1 Imports

American Eagle Outfitters peasant top / J Brand distressed jeans, $370 / Gianvito Rossi western boots, $1,235 / Lanvin zippered tote / Prada cat eye sunglasses, $335 / Press / Tom Ford matte eyeshadow / Givenchy lips makeup / Traditional rug / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

The Maid of Honor

The Maid of Honor by divadebbi featuring a flower stem

Erdem dress, $1,275 / Jimmy Choo blue shoes / Brown handbag / Dolce Gabbana lip pencil, $29 / Burberry fragrance / Flower stem / Crate and Barrel floral decor / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Garnier Clean Refreshing Remover Towelettes

Garnier Clean Refreshing Remover Towelettes
$5.99

Until now, I was never very discriminating about makeup removing towelettes. How much better could one be than the other? I really use them as a prequel to thoroughly cleansing my face each night.  I have found, that no matter what is promised, a single towelette is really no match for mascara, liner and a day's worth of makeup and touch ups.

Out of habit and because I think I imagined them to be the most highly touted of the bunch, I always purchased Neutrogena's towelette.  When CVS ran an incredibly cheap sale on Pond's offering, I picked up two for $7.  I found them equal at doing the half the job.

Must Everything be Black & White???

Must Everything be Black & White??? by divadebbi featuring a trellis rug

Valentino dress / Gianvito Rossi suede shoes / Yves Saint Laurent shoulder bag / Gucci black belt / Philosophy perfume fragrance / Trellis rug, $190 / John Richard home decor

The Cut: Using a Flatiron to Create Waves

Emma Stone with Beachy Waves
Photo Courtesy of NY Magazine

Waves with a flatiron...sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?   Emma Stone has been sporting this modern looking, beachy bob, with straight ends for the past few months, (thought I've seen better shots).  I love how effortless it looks and wondered how on earth one achieves its.

Kathleen Hou of N.Y. Magazine's The Cut, took the  guess work out of it by getting Mara Moszak, celebrity hairdresser to demonstrate her technique.  I wanted to post it in case those far more gifted than I, might take a shot at achieving the look at home.

Use a Flatiron to Get Perfect Beachy Waves:

Like the old cliché about Eskimos and snow, celebrity hairdressers have tons of words for waves — beachy,surfy, slept-in, just got laid — and about as many ways to create them. Mara Roszak's personal specialty is the smooth, non–Miss America wave. Hairstylist to Emma Stone and Cara Delevingne, Roszak is persistently interviewed by beauty editors about her signature waves. Last month, she took the time to teach us how to create a sophisticated non-crunchy look on Nicola Acocella, an account coordinator at Alison Brod PR. GIFs ahead

DD:(I had to Google GIF, its a tech term for a movable image...kind of.)

Here is a link to the complete article and GIF.

My friend Linda Levy is a whiz with hair.  I'm going to see if I can enlist her to try it at home, or even better, on me!  Good, bad or meh, I'll post the results.

Like the look? Would you venture at home?  Do chime in....

xox,
DD

Sweetly

Sweetly by divadebbi featuring a floral arrangement

Miu Miu floral dress, $3,015 / Gianvito Rossi gladiator sandals / Furla handbag / Bead necklace / Prada retro sunglasses, $335 / Yves Saint Laurent pink eyeshadow / Mullein Sparrow facial mask / Home decor, $23 / Pier 1 Imports floral arrangement