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| Sircuit Skin Supernatural-A 1.3 oz. $80
I don't think there is any debate that Retin-A, a product originally used to treat teen acne, also enjoys a well documented history of successfully minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It truly should be in every woman's anti-aging arsenal and used at least one to three times a week, to increase cellular turnover.
Your teen, can probably snag a prescription, with a good plan for about $10. Fill that same prescription for yourself at your local pharmacy and you may need to ask for smelling salts first. My bill was a whopping $180...clearly they weren't fooled into thinking I was trying to eradicate pesky pimples.
The next time a needed a prescription, I thought I would outsmart the system and get my Retin-A from a Canadian Pharmacy. The product was perfect, but the amount of spam email I received for every kind of chemical compounded from the Periodic Table of Elements, was not. The breaking point was my account being hacked, and every contact on my list receiving a "Merry Christmas" email, with details on how to purchase Viagra. Oy vey.
All of this brings me to the best non-prescription retinoid I have found, Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals Supernatural- A restorative retinoid creme.
I have used products from L.A. based Sircuit before, and I have always found there pure, natural skincare to be nourishing, gentle and potent. |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals: Supernatural- A
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
DivaDebbi's Loves and Loathes at the 2012 Met Gala
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| Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada |
The Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Fete always takes place on the first Monday of May. It is a gorgeous, glittering spectacle that combines brightest stars in the world of fashion, film, art and politics under one roof.
Last year one genius, Alexander McQueen, was honored with a blockbuster retrospective posthumously. This year, two will be featured; Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: Impossible Conversations. It promises to be a must see.
What was different this year was the all out Red Carpet spectacle, was live streamed for the first time. For me, it's another delicious heaping dish of dish--looks to love and loathe.
Seen, was tons of lace, feathers, high/low effects, metallics, juicy color, graphic prints, long peplums, bold ornamention and some black beauties.
In no particular order, My Loves:
(all photos courtesy of style.com)
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| Nina Dobrov in Donna Karan (another outstanding collaboration) |
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| Rosie Huntington-Whitely in Burberry Prosum (the back was cut down to there) |
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| Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera |
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| Katherine McPhee in Elie Saab |
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| Carrie Mulligan- adorable in Prada |
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| Bee Shafer in Erdem |
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| Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe |
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| Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren |
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| Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture |
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| Jessica Alba in Michael Kors |
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| Joan Smalls in Balmain |
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| Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu |
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| Angela Lindvall in Prada (call me crazy, this charmed me) |
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| Sofia Vergara in Marchesa |
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| Renee Zellweger in Custom Pucci |
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| Leslie Mann in Dior |
 
Cate Blanchett
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| Jessica Stam in Dior |
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| Beyonce in Givenchy...and not much else |
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| Kirsten Dunst stepping onto the Titanic |
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| Heidi Klum in an Escada. "You're Out" |
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| Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga channeling Rizzo from Grease |
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| Mia Warsikowa channeling Rosalyn Carter |
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| Coco Rocha in VintageValentino as Coco the Clown |
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| Anja Rubik in her hip bone |
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| SJP in a Valentino shower curtain |
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| Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou in a New Year's Eve popper |
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| January Jones in a Versace bumble bee |
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| Hailee Steinfeld in her Bat Mitzvah dress |
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| Mark Jacobs and Mila Jovovich (I really don't care for those Pilgrim shoes with that dress) |
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| Eva Mendes in Prada candy corn |
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| Gwyneth in Prada |
And yours????
xox,
DD
Monday, May 7, 2012
Amazing Concealer Is!
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| Amazing Concealer 0.5 oz $42 |
I popped into Sephora yesterday, hoping once more, to find something equally great, more long lasting and a little less expensive than Benefit's They're Real Mascara. I have been down this path before without success.
The lovely Mariyah took me over to there mascara bar and I decided to purchase Bare Escentual's Buxom Lash. (Unfortunately, I found it to be an anemic under performer and I will be exchanging it for you know what.)
While I was browsing, a noticed a half shelf devoted to Amazing Cosmetics, an unfamiliar brand.
I fully confess to being a bit of a concealer junkie and when I saw Amazing Concealer in 10 shades, I stopped in my tracks.
The only time I know I look completely well rested is when I am on vacation. Usually on about the third day, any dark shadows under my eyes disappear and I have to consider if I need concealer. It's a beautiful thing and I look and feel 5 years younger. (I will definitely be posting this on Forever Forty Four, as well.)
Lo and behold, I dotted on Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer and any hint of shadow was gone. Not only did my shadows disappear, but so did Amazing Concealer. It seamlessly fused into my skin. I looked in the mirror and thought, "it's my vacation look". Amazing Concealer is a vacation in a tube. Is there any doubt on the planet I was purchasing this????
Audrey!!!
Sabrina is one of my all time favorites films. Having grown up on Long Island, I loved that it was filmed there at a gorgeous Gold Coast estate. I also found it nearly impossible to take my eyes of Audrey Hepburn in whatever film she appeared in...mesmerizing comes to mind.
I think she is the epitome of, "as beautiful on the inside as the outside." Her work for severely underprivileged children in Africa, South America and Asia, earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work as Unicef's Goodwill Ambassador.
Quite a Gal...No?
xox,
DD (FFF)
I think she is the epitome of, "as beautiful on the inside as the outside." Her work for severely underprivileged children in Africa, South America and Asia, earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work as Unicef's Goodwill Ambassador.
Quite a Gal...No?
xox,
DD (FFF)
Sunday, May 6, 2012
DivaDebbi Launches Forever Forty Four
A few months ago, we were at a cocktail party and someone asked my age, (puh-leaz. How rude!!!) Without missing a beat, I replied, "44". There was a slight pause and a few raised eyebrows, (not the least of which were my husband's). Finally, I said, "well that's the age I imagine myself to be. The clock stopped here".
I realized, it's true. Who actually feels their chronological age? I certainly don't and I must say, I do look years younger...So pick a number and stay there. Mine is 44.
As I approach my 700th DivaDebbi Blog (!), I decided to start a second Blog, exclusively devoted to all of the the tried and true anti-aging tools, products and services, I have used over the last four years. I will also share posts and articles written by some of the best in the biz, like Jackie Silver's Aging Backwards, Fab Over Forty and Best Things in Beauty.
Say hello to Forever Forty Four!
I will continue of course to write DivaDebbi, which also focuses on fashion and cosmetics. Think of the two as sister Blogs dedicated to the best you can be.
Happy picking...
xox,
DD (FFF)
Saturday, May 5, 2012
She Wears it Well: DivaDebbi interviews Equestrian Heidi Driscoll for WAG Magazine
Equestrian Heidi Driscoll at the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton.
There are certain women who just ooze chic. They are the head turners that make us sigh, with simultaneous envy and approval. No matter what the occasion, they appear cool, confident and crisp. To me, the epitome of chic is Heidi Driscoll, a tall, blonde whippet-thin mother and equestrian, who resides in Riverside.
Heidi often comes into Richards in riding garb, attired in tall boots, light colored jodhpurs and a crisp white shirt with a banded collar. Except for her rosy cheeks, you couldn’t tell if she had just dropped her son off at school or completed two hours of rigorous riding and jumping on her horse, Gridiron, in Bedford.
Over the years, I’ve seen Heidi at various fashion shows, like the Breast Cancer Alliance or Old Bags luncheons. Invariably, she is smartly turned out in a Valentino white sheath dress with matching coat or a cafe-au-lait Brunello Cucinelli suede shift with piles of gossamer spun wool knotted perfectly around her long neck. I’ve danced next to her at the opulent Renaissance Ball, where she has lit up the tent, quietly dressed in a taffeta Ralph Lauren halter gown, with diamond studs.
Intuitively, I knew Heidi was the self-effacing type. She was surprised that I am such a fan of her style. I asked her if she would let me interview her to shed some light into the world of equestrian dressing. Graciously, she agreed.
When did you first start riding and did you take to it immediately?
“I first started riding when I was 11 years old in Virginia and I fell madly in love with it.”
Were you one of those obsessed teens who spent every spare hour at the stables riding and grooming horses? Did that inevitably lead to traveling to compete in shows?
“I spent every waking moment that I was not in school at the barn. In those days, I traveled mostly to fox hunts all around Virginia and Maryland. Competing avidly on the show circuit came later in life.”
Do you still compete? What do you most enjoy about it?
“I compete as much as I can, at least twice a month. I am very competitive by nature, and at any age, it’s nice to have an outlet for that.”
Are riding clothes strictly perfunctory or do you genuinely enjoy wearing them?
“I love wearing them but only when I am riding or running errands before or after. It helps that they are both functional and attractive.”
Is everything you wear for riding purchased from stores dedicated to equestrian clothing?
“Yes, I only shop at tack shops for my riding clothes. I mainly shop at (Beval Saddlery) in New Canaan or with local vendors at horse shows. (The shopping can be great.) My boots are by a custom boot company called Der Dau. They have great style and I absolutely treasure them.”
Every few years, equestrian styles make their way back into the trends. Two years ago, everyone was walking around with slim pants tucked into riding boots. Did we just look silly?
“It is a beautiful look, but few people who ride dress that way other than when they are riding.”
Well, that was tactful! We should all take heed. Are there pieces that you wear riding that cross over into your everyday wardrobe? And conversely, is there anything in your everyday wardrobe that could cross over into your riding wear?
“Probably just my belts. When I am not showing, athletic tops from Lululemon work great.”
Obviously I adore your equestrian style. How would you describe your taste?
“I believe less is more, and I prefer simple, beautifully cut clothing like Valentino and a terrific new up-and-coming young designer, Rubin Singer.”
Tally ho.
xox,
DD
Friday, May 4, 2012
Updating Your "LWD" This Season
After the success last week of Debbi O’Shea’s Polyvore posting on how to update your little black dress for spring, we decided to ask her to do the same for white. White is a staple in everyone’s spring/summer wardrobe, and with all the season’s socializing, we love learning ways to reaccessorize our basics!—Ed.
What an honor! Women's Voices for Change is such a savvy website. I read it often for its informative content on women's health and lifestyle issues from the boardroom to the bedroom. I recommend it whole heartily.
I adore white dresses in the summer, but a “LWD” will inevitably have a shorter shelf life than a “LBD.” For that reason, I looked to find one that was both on trend and feminine, and that could be worn for a season or two without breaking the bank. I lucked out and found a white lace BCBGMaxAzria sheath dress for $248. It is the linchpin of all three looks.
Pretty Woman: Bridgehampton Polo
We know not everyone goes to polo matches; consider this as inspiration for any upscale daytime summer affair. love letting the dress speak for itself here. All it needs for finishing is perfect coral pops, like the Pucci banded hat for shade, the Rebecca Minkoff Diamond straw tote, and J.Crew Marci patent wedges for half-time divot stomping. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Rooftop Cocktail Party
Casual Mondays at the Office
As the mercury rises during the warmer months, dress codes may relax a little or a lot, depending on the nature of the business. Either way, the goal should be to appear cool and crisp (aka “never let them see you sweat”). Pairing a navy Ralph Lauren blazer with the LWD looks chic but appropriate. Adding the scarf, cheap and cheerful linen Nine West bag, and lemon patent Alice and Olivia belt keeps the look fresh, not staid.
Colorful accessories are the easiest way to update your wardrobe this season, and they are available at price points that will suit any budget. Your LBDs and LWDs await. Have fun!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Review: Gray Away Root Concealer
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| Gray Away Root Concealer $9.99 in drug stores nationwide |
I have twice written about Rita Hazan's Root Concealer, a cleverly conceived product to literally spray away gray. Rita Hazan is a celeb colorist turned celeb in her own right. I thought Root Concealer was so miraculously good, I included it in my Best of 2011 Hair Round-Up. Honestly, I think it's right up there with Sir Alexander Fleming's penicillin discovery, though others might find that an exaggeration.
Root Concealer is sold exclusively at Sephora and by Ms. Hazan on her website and QVC. The one ounce can is not a travel size edition, it is the way it is packaged. For such a small amount of product, it is a very pricey addiction at $24 a pop...I know this first hand.
Frustrated by the frequency that I need to repurchase it, I did ask the Sephora consultant if she knew why it couldn't at least be packaged in larger cans. She plausibly told me, that it wasn't possible, since the thin, dolphin nose spray applicator would clog...O.K., I'll bite. This time I didn't repurchase it, but decided to scour the Internet for spray alternatives.
This all brings me to my latest discovery...Gray Away Root Concealer. I cannot find much information about QB Labs, who manufactures it. My twofer arrived today...
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Review: Nexxus Pro-Mend Hair Care
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| Nexxus Pro-Mend System |
I like Nexxus hair products. They do what they say they will. I received a sampling of four products from their new Pro-Mend collection which targets and repairs split ends.
When I was a kid, I used to search for split ends like an Archaeologist. If I did luck out and find one, split into a wish-bone like "Y", I immediately separated it, like a Surgeon. This may have had something to do with my Mother regularly trimming our hair, with a scissor that lived in our "junk" drawer. This was her best swipe at being a Hairdresser.
Either way, this generous four pack lay idle, simply because I no longer have split ends. What I developed, however, much to my dismay, is broken hair. Primarily, it is broken near the front of my part. Despite my attempts to tame them with lotions, gels and hair spray, they seem to have a life of their own.
It occurred to me, that Pro-Mend Split End Binding system, might be just what I needed.
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