What to add to your fall survival kit
Winter Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Books | Music | Art | Culture, Features, Style
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I spent Labor Day weekend with my Mom, poring over the avalanche of fall catalogs that arrived last week. When we finished there, we turned to my iPhone in hot pursuit of brown Dockers for her fall wardrobe. Mom can’t endure the physical demands of shopping, but we’ve discovered a back-up plan that’s just as fun: shopping online together. Today I’m sharing a mish-mash of things we like in our fall survival kit.
1. You know those serums that make ridiculous claims about reducing fine lines by 63 percent? Well, this one’s not so ridiculous. Clinique’s Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector is like plastic surgery in a bottle. I would sacrifice many a treat to keep it in my skin care repertoire. It makes your skin softer, brighter, and noticeably smoother. What’s not to like? Buy the biggest bottle for the best value. It’s worth it.
2. If you must wear glasses for reading, you might as well have fun with them. Love these colorful specs from Peepers.com, where you’ll find a wonderful assortment of affordably-priced, fun readers.
3. I’ve been polishing my nails since I was in kindergarten. Manicures? Meh. I can do my own nails, thank you very much. But I’m a busy person who plays golf and does house and yard work. I’m always interested in stretching the life of my manicures. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are a wonder. I thought I’d be all thumbs getting them on, but they were easy to apply and lasted eight days without signs of wear. I only removed them after admiring the manicure I gave Mom a manicure using #4. I’m not a pro, but she likes my work and I’m free!
4. This fall’s nutty brown nails are wonderful—an adventurous substitute for people who aren’t about to polish our nails teal blue. (Here’s a side note–and I hope this won’t sound disrespectful: brown polish is beautiful with age spots. Personally, I don’t understand why anyone would want to get rid of these tawny freckles. I think Mom’s are lovely!) This Chanel polish is $25, but it beats me why anyone would spend that much when you can buy exquisite colors for a fraction of the price. Anyone care to educate the rest of us on the merit of these high-end polishes? OPI and Essie are my personal favorites.
5. During the fall and winter, I end every evening with a cup of decaffeinated tea. Teatulia’s Lemongrass is a new favorite I expect to share with my Mom the next time we’re together.
6. The idea of applying cleansing oil is unthinkable to many women. If you feel that way, think again. Deep Cleansing Oil from Japan-based DHC rinses or wipes off for a clean feel without a greasy residue. There are 25 years between Mom and I, but we both love this product equally. Try it and you’ll never want or need another cleanser. We even use it to remove eye makeup.
7. I wear Russian Red lipstick by MAC year round, but this is a must for fall and winter. Try this trick to get extra mileage from your reds: dab a small amount on the fatty part of your palm just below your thumb. Rub it against the opposite palm and then press your palms lightly against the apples of your cheeks. Blush? Who needs it?
8. If you like DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil, you’ll love Olive Virgin Oil as an all-purpose moisturizer morning and night. It’s absorbed quickly, leaving your skin with a lovely glow. Again—not greasy. Makeup glides on easily over this product. It’s especially great during the driest part of winter when skin often looks chalky and dehydrated. Perfect for women 35 and older. One moisturizer day and night. Simple.
9. My friend and former boss Linda O. introduced me to Blue Lady tea. I love this blend so much that I worry about burning myself out. I’ve disciplined myself not to drink it every day. But you could. You sure could. It’s a black tea with a peachy layer. With a small bit of sugar added, it’s remarkably like dessert. Pour it in your prettiest tea cup about 3 p.m. for a guilt-free afternoon lift. Remember, tea is the longevity drink!
10. I recently Googled the keyword “etiquette” and here’s what I found: no one gives two hoots about etiquette. But ethics—now there’s subject of great interest. I can’t wait to curl up with this new book, Be Good: How to Navigate the Ethics of Everything, by Randy Cohen. Among other points, the author makes a case that some ethical choices are so universally moral that people of good conscience in all cultures would make the same decision.
What’s your favorite fall/winter beauty secret and what’s on your reading list this fall?
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
8 comments
September 5, 2012 at 11:03 am
Thanks for the tips. I’ve wanted to try the Sally Hansen nail strips for some time, and I’m glad to have a recommendation in their favor. Also, I’m glad to have a personal recommendation for the Clinique Repairwear. There are so many products on the market. I still like the Olay and L’Oreal lines as well, and I frequently remind my 28 year old daughter to MOISTURIZE like crazy now and avoid the rush later:-)
Currently I use a Neutrogena facial wash for sensitive skin (the curse of rosacea) and will not part from my Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. It’s a must in my regime.
My mom was just down for a visit over the weekend and, like your mom, she doesn’t navigate the malls and stores as well as she used to, so we will take a page from your book and do some catalog and online shopping next time.
So glad you are enjoying the Blue Lady. I have gotten caught up in darjeeling of late, also a lovely afternoon tea to sip.
I fear my reading list is not terribly lofty and is littered with numerous children’s and teen titles and a smattering of fantasy works that I am doing my best to get through before the new year (and new resolutions) dawn. 🙂
September 5, 2012 at 12:55 pm
That moisturizing advice is the real article! I’ve heard such good things about the Bare Escentuals that I’m most interested to try them. Don’t you wish there was a wonderful tea house nearby where we could lounge over our Blue Lady? Thanks for the comment. I miss you!
September 5, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Yours is the most surprising context in which my book has been mentioned: eight fashion items, black tea, and me. And I’m all the more grateful for my unexpected presence. Thank you!
September 5, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Mr. Cohen, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed being part of the menagerie. Our tastes run broad and wide on this blog! My readers (both of them) are mostly librarians and avid readers and your book seemed like a good match for thoughtful people. I love the notion that moral decisions are moral in all cultures–not just the one you’re a part of.
Thanks for the comment. You realize that those of us who review and recommend books are apoplectic with joy when we get an author’s comment, don’t you?
September 6, 2012 at 11:57 am
Hi Crystal,
I have been using Elemis Absolute eye serum for a few years and love it. I have seen a significant difference in the texture of my skin around my eyes and those dark circles under my eyes..a thing of the past. When I run out or forget to take it with me on a trip I can tell right away. I have tried several other facial serums, mostly my response is meh, I spent good money on this? I will take your recommendation and give Clinique’s a try.,
Thanks,
Jill
September 6, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Excellent recommendation, Jill. I will have to look for Elemis…I had not heard of it before. Thanks for the comment!
September 13, 2012 at 11:20 am
Crystal, I was going to take you to task for saying that you have only two readers…and then I realized I have yet to actually subscribe to your blog! I’ve just been following your links on facebook to read new entries. And how could you possibly know that when I rarely comment? Shame on me. I’ve now subscribed with Google Reader.
As for the post, I hope that I will have time this fall to curl up with some Blue Lady Tea and read “Be Good…” Sounds like a perfect autumn afternoon to me!
September 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Thanks, Miss Rachel! You’re a sweetie!