my latest eye products

Tags

makeup, skincare

I’ve been using a mild retinol on my face several times a week for the past 4 years or so, and won’t be stopping anytime soon. That, combined with getting older, means my once oily-and-could-take-anything skin has become combination/dry and super sensitive. The worst area is my eyes. While I don’t have fine lines quite yet, I do have dark circles that have only gotten worse over the years. 

I’ve tried so many eye creams, and found that even the ones labeled ‘for sensitive skin’ can be offensive (I’m looking at your Burt’s Bees sensitive eye cream). I know a cream is due for a return when I wake up with red, itchy, or super dry skin that is sometimes raw and swollen. Not pretty. 

My requirements for an eye cream are simple. Moisturizing, but not overly emollient. Not irritating in the least. Since I only use it at night (I use my regular moisturizer with SPF all over my face by day), how well it works with makeup is a non-issue. 

The only brand I’ve had success with is Clinique. I used to alternate between All About Eyes (spring/summer) and All About Eyes Rich (fall/winter), but have been using Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream with success. It’s got a light texture, but is quite moisturizing and seems to be making a difference with my undereye circles and puffiness. I highly recommend it. Even the 0.5 oz size ($40) will last forever, since you just need a dab of product for each eye. 

About once a week, I’ll give my eyes a break and dab a bit of Cerave around my eyes. It is the most gentle, healing moisturizer I’ve yet to come across. It’s a bit rich for everyday use, but for extra moisturization and to keep winter flakies at bay, nothing beats it. One tub lasts forever, and you can find it at most drugstores. 

Finally, in semi-unrelated news, I broke down and bought the YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter. My color is #3. While it’s not my desert island makeup necessity, it’s pretty good for brightening up the undereye area. I’ve found that it works best on top of moisturizer and primer, to ensure that you skin is nicely plumped. I gently dab/blend a few dots into my skin, and then set with a light dusting of powder. Still searching for my HG concealer, but I’m a fan of the YSL, and must say that the gold casing looks pretty chic on my dresser. 

review: J.Crew Silk Heart Print Blouse

Tags

clothing

J.Crew Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb ($135) 

Last week, I found myself rifling through my closet, throwing my hands up in frustration. We had a friend’s birthday celebration over the weekend, and I was not feeling a thing in my closet. Over the years, I’ve amassed a lovely collection of flowy blouses in gorgeous prints. But this time, I wanted a sleeker look. In my mind, I pictured a lovely silk button-down with jeans and my fabulous new (and cheap!) booties from Target.

After stops at Zara and H&M I was still empty-handed. Everything looked cheap, even if it wasn’t. I decided to stop by J.Crew to check out their Blythe blouse. I had wanted black, but the Union Square/Flatiron J.Crew didn’t carry this color. Alas, it was the day of the birthday event, and I still had nothing.

That’s when I spotted the Heart Print Blouse. It was styled on the mannequin just as it is on the model. From afar, it appeared almost like a reptile print, but up close you could see the hearts. It didn’t seem uber-sweet or cheesy. I glanced at the price tag, thought I would just try it on for fun, and fell in love.

I strolled around the store for nearly 20 minutes, deliberating, and carrying this blouse. Even with a student discount, I don’t tend to spent over $100 on a single top. But as I strolled, I saw several girls carrying this same blouse. And of course, that made me want it more. And yes, I am disgusted with myself for being so weak!

The verdict: This blouse fits like a dream. It’s a soft silk that still feels substantial, with a wonderful drape. Runs a full size big. The print is much more flattering than it appears on the hanger.

PS: I did get to try on the Blythe blouse, which fits just as well as the heart print blouse. Size down for the best fit.

Weight Watchers (update)

Throughout the last 7 crazy months, Weight Watchers has been one of my few constants (aside from Husband and Griffin, of course). To say that I’ve been happy with the program is a huge understatement…I sing its praises to everyone and happily hit my goal weight a few months ago. I’ve been in an interesting phase – Maintenance – since then, and feel like it’s a good time for an update, with some tips!

1) WW doesn’t end when you hit your goal weight. 

I’ve definitely fluctuated a bit since hitting my goal weight – usually by no more than 2 pounds in either direction. I know WW well enough to know how to get back on track…I count points more strictly and get back to regular workouts. I find that the weeks that I’m loosey goosey with my points are the worst for fluctuations. For example, I’ll eat a handful of chips and estimate them at 3 points, when they are 5-6…several times in one day (oops!). It’s a good lesson that while everything in moderation is true, the quality and quantity of food you eat still matters.

2) Don’t get frustrated, but don’t slack either.

It’s easy for me to talk myself into a downward spiral on ‘bad’ weigh-ins. But honestly, it’s a natural part of Maintenance. The worst thing you can do is talk yourself down…it sounds cliche, but it’s incredibly self-defeating. All you can do is wipe the slate clean, make some adjustments for the following week, and get back on track.

3) Don’t get stuck in a food rut.

For a long time, I stuck to the same meals every single day, except for weekends. It happens when you get comfortable with the program and you know the point values for a handful of foods. I’ve been trying lately to mix it up and also get back to cooking a few different things on Sunday that I can eat throughout the week.

4) Points on Maintenance

Once I hit my goal, my points were adjusted. I got 6 more daily points, and my usual 49 weekly extras. Although I was now allowed 35 points per week, I found that using these – and most or all of my extras – almost immediately led to weight gain. I now try and stay right around 30 points (my previous target was 29 during weight loss), and save my extras for the weekend (though I don’t usually use them all).

5) The role of family & holidays

Not gonna lie, the holidays with family were tough. So much home-cooked food, and neither of our families really diet so there is always temptation in the kitchen. We did the best we could…estimating our points and trying to eat really healthy during the day, and then relaxing a bit for dinner. We also made sure to move…whether it was a morning run, or taking the pup for a long walk. The worst part were the comments…’oh why are you dieting’ or ‘you can relax on vacation and eat what you want.’ It’s hard not to get defensive with family! This is why we always tried to leave enough points so that we could take a bit of everything offered for dinner. It left our parents happy that we were eating well, and left us feeling less deprived.

When I stay within my point range, eating healthy foods that keep me satisfied…I still never feel like I am ‘dieting.’ Diet is actually a dirty word around our home! This program works and I honestly feel great and healthy, and plan to stick with it for as long as I can!

review: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (re-discovered)

Tags

skincare

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (around $6)

My parents have lived in the same house since 1986…one of my earliest memories as a kid is sitting on a rolled-up carpet in our old house, pouting about moving…and then later that day joyfully running through the new house screaming and hiding in closets. And yes, some of my earliest memories only date back to the ages of 4-6.

Anyway, I’ve never lived beyond driving distance of my hometown (with the exception of college, but that doesn’t count), so my NJ home has served as temporary residence, storage space, and dumping ground. When I have clothes that I can’t bring myself to donate quite yet, or furniture and books I can’t seem to part with…to my parents’ basement they go. And my childhood bathroom has become a space where products go to die.

This is how I re-discovered Neutrogena’s Fresh Foaming Cleanser. I started using this in college, after borrowing it from some sorority sisters, and continued through grad school, until I dropped it for Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple. Silly me! Using it again made me remember that this is one of the best cleansers around. It’s made for removing makeup, which it does spectacularly, but also leaves my face feeling incredibly clean. So many many fancy cleansers these days seem to leave a film on my face…I suppose this is because they’re designed not to strip your skin, but I prefer a squeaky clean face when I wash. The Neutrogena face wash gives you that, without making my skin feel too tight. The consistency is about the same as Philosophy’s, and it foams way more. The best part? I picked some up at the drugstore, on sale, for $5 (less than half the price of Philosophy, per ounce).

review: Coach Madison Leather Lindsey Satchel & Leather Zip Wallet

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bags

Happy New Year! 2011 was a good one…I passed my final defense in November and officially graduated in December, which makes the months of eye strain from hours in front of the computer totally worth it. I got to relax for most of December, visit my in-laws in Miami for a week, and return to NYC refreshed and ready to get hired!

I was lucky to receive several wonderful gifts from family. Between gifts and holiday sales (they kill me every year!), I’ve got a bunch of reviews I want to do! First up…a few Coach items that I received from my in-laws over the holidays, and really wanted to review them. For years, I’ve turned my nose up at Coach. Maybe it was their haphazard (and at times, totally tacky) logo-splashing across so many items, but I always figured that for the cost of a Coach bag, I could buy a mid-range designer bag that I’d love more.

Well I’m eating my words because I now have 2 Coach items that I absolutely love.

Coach Madison Leather Lindsey Satchel ($398)

Ok so admittedly, I received a logo crossbody bag originally, and exchanged it for this one. I’ve been on the lookout for a good quality large leather bag that I could use to/from work (or rather, the job that I do not have yet). I saw this in the store and was pleasantly surprised. The leather is good quality, and the details are really nicely done. I have the deep brown with gold hardware, which is a lovely chocolate brown that should wear really well. The bag has a handy hidden zip pocket in the front for keys or a cell phone, and comfortably fits over the shoulder with the two handles, or can be worn crossbody with the removable strap (one caveat, I am short-torsoed, so this may not work for long-torsoed or tall ladies). The size is fantastic…you could seriously fit a bowling bag inside…but it still has a nice slouchy quality. $398 is a bit on the high side, but on par with other mid-range designer bags of similar size. Plus, this one is incredibly versatile and easy. It comes in a variety of colors, and a few metallic leathers.

Coach Madison Leather Zip Wallet ($218)

(Could only find pics of replicas – ick – so no pic here)

I’ve been in the market for a large, zip-around wallet. I’ve got an old Botkier wallet that I bought at a sample sale a few years ago, and it’s fine, but only snaps closed, and is a little bulky. This Coach wallet is as nice as similarly-priced zip wallets I’ve looked at (Kate Spade, Tory Burch, to name a few). It’s got 12 slots for cards (6 on each side), and a zip pocket in the middle for coins (I keep my license, and health insurance cards here). I’ve got mine filled to the brim, and it’s still really sleek when zipped. And the pleats on the front are such a nice detail.

On both, the Coach logo is a small script ‘Coach’ in gold hardware, with the tiny horse and carriage logo they use. It’s understated and kind of a nice touch. I’d highly recommend either of these items, and just might start giving Coach a second look!

review: Essie Power Clutch

Tags

nails

Everyone’s got their thing when it comes to being stressed out and procrastinating.  Me? I do grooming.  My preliminary qualifying exam for my doctoral program was a week-long take-home analysis, to be picked up at 9am on Monday, and dropped off at 5pm Friday. It was a marathon exercise, during which I slept very little and somehow churned out a 50-page coherent document.  Somewhere around day 2, when I started to lose my focus, I would take a step back, and pluck my eyebrows or something.  When it came time to turn in the godforsaken thing and throw back a few beers with my cohort-mates, everyone marveled at how I didn’t look totally ragged after all was said and done (and yes, in a fit of complete frustration and wordblock on Thursday, I flat-ironed my hair).

Anyway! I’m in the midst of prepping for my final defense, what did I do? Paint my nails in what is the most perfect fall color.  Essie Power Clutch.  On me, it reads a deep charcoal…like a great charcoal men’s suit…but when I’m out in the sunshine, it takes on a deep military green undertone.  It’s a nice alternative to the Essie Wicked that I tend to wear, which feels a little vampy sometimes.  Power Clutch is a wonderful neutral.

Coverage was good…2 coats were opaque, and I followed it up with a new topcoat I’m trying (Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri). Let’s hope it lasts for at least a few days without chips!

*Update: The Sally Hansen topcoat was a flop – I had chips in 2 days! This teaches me to stray from my beloved Essie 3-Way Glaze (or Essie Good-to-Go for a somewhat faster-drying topcoat).

review: Tinted Moisturizers

Tags

makeup, skincare

Over the past few months, I’ve become slightly obsessed with trying different tinted moisturizers. Ok, I should backtrack. I began researching foundations, but it all became very overwhelming. I would still like to find a nice, lightweight, medium coverage foundation, but that would involve a visit to a makeup counter, which I just haven’t had the time for. If you can believe it, I’ve settled on 3 different TMs that each have a different, yet permanent place in my makeup drawer.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($42)

I have used Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free tinted moisturizer for years, and so far it’s served me well. My closest match is Almond, which is a medium-rich brown. In the summer, it’s sometimes all I use on my face, but in the winter, I need to layer a lightweight moisturizer underneath. There are 2 problems I have with it. First, it veers a little pink for my yellow-toned skin. Second, the coverage is on the thick side (although it spreads and blends pretty effortlessly). Recently, I’ve begun layering this on top of the LM primer and a lightweight moisturizer, and that seems to help with smooth coverage and staying power.

The verdict: It’s a classic and a bestseller, and for those who want a bit more coverage, it’s perfect.

Missha M Perfect BB Cream (retails for $29.99)

I first read about BB creams a few years ago, and was always interested in trying one out. Unfortunately, the shades have always been on the light side, since they are mainly aimed at an Asian market. Then I stumbled on Missha BB Cream, which seems to be the only one available in darker shades. This cream claims to do everything – soothe and condition skin, offer sun protection, lighten skin, and even address wrinkles. I can’t attest to any of those claims, but I will say that I do like the formulation. My closest match is #31 (I also purchased the next lightest shade, #27, to mix in when my skin is at it’s lightest during the winter). The BB cream is heavily pigmented, thick, and on the dry side. I always layer it on top of a moisturizer (and find that it spreads easier this way). A little goes a long way though, I put a tiny pump in my palm and use my fingers to really work it in all over my face. The color takes a few minutes to oxidize to my near-perfect match. The good news is that this is easily layered and has great coverage. I’ve only ever ordered straight from the Missha website – while the shipping is ridiculously slow, they often run deals (I got my last tube for $8).

The verdict: A great option to try if you are interested in BB creams, wears more like a foundation.

Tarte Smooth Operator ($36)

I read about this from the MakeupandBeauty blog…Karen has a very similar skin tone to mine, and I often depend on her reviews for what will look good on me, if I can’t get to a Sephora or makeup counter. She raved about the Tarte TM, and of course, the shade she used (Agent 14) was perfect for me. This TM is the lightest of the bunch, and I only really use it on weekends or over the summer. It’s oil-free and it’s never broken me out (unlike nearly every other mineral makeup – I’m looking at you Bare Escentuals)…but is still creamy and spreads and blends amazingly well. It’s got tiny tiny pigments that add a subtle sparkle to your face (not in a glittery way, but a glowy way that you wouldn’t notice except for close-up). It’s VERY lightweight, which means it doesn’t cover many dark spots, and I always need a moisturizer underneath. Still, on days when I’d like to look natural, and can barely manage makeup at all, I turn to this.

The verdict: Skip this if you need to cover dark spots or breakouts. Good in the summer or for those who don’t wear much makeup.

Seeing Through the Rain

Tags

musings

I have a few posts that I’ve drafted about tinted moisturizer and my new favorite fall polish, but for some reason, I can’t post pictures to any of them, and frankly, I’m sure no one wants to read me blathering on about products without a visual. So, they will have to wait!

I do want to share a moment I had earlier today…a day that is a characteristically east coast fall day. Slightly drizzling, cloudy skies, orange leaves on the sidewalks. Of course, Griffin needed to go out just as the rain started up again. I pulled on my raincoat (and his), and we started our afternoon walk. Strange though. I am usually really grumpy on days like this…all I can think about is how cold my hands are and will he just poop already…but not today. I was walking down Henry Street and, save for a few people quietly chatting, it was empty and quiet. All I could hear was the rain on the trees, the leaves crackling underneath our feet (and paws), and Griff’s tags jingling as he walked.

Living in New York, we always want more. Even if we find our perfect apartment…once we move, it’s always about a better space, a better deal, a better neighborhood. We never settle…are never satisfied. Today though, I really felt at peace here in Brooklyn. I forgot about the stress of my upcoming final defense, about the worries I have for finding a job, about the concerns that my husband is working too hard…and really appreciated our quiet little neighborhood that could give me such an idyllic feeling. A small moment that brightened my rainy day.

Braids, Beautiful Braids!

Source

I went through a braid phase between the ages of 4 and 6.  I had to wear a braid every.single.day.  French braids, pigtail braids, or one big braid…it didn’t matter, I just needed the plaits in my hair.

Well, I’ve fallen back in love with braids, especially in the last year or so.  I’ve been enjoying long hair (past the middle of my back) before the inevitable chop when it comes time to re-enter the workforce after school. My hair is super thick and layered…often a ponytail, or even a high bun, puts strain on my head.

The solution has been an assortment of braids to keep the hair out of my face and in one place, and when I have to do things like walk the pup or go grocery shopping, braided hair helps me look put together (even if I have not an ounce of makeup up on besides lip gloss).

I think this is one the best tutorials I’ve seen for achieving the ubiquitous french braid across the head.  Her tip about tucking hair under, instead of over the other pieces (as you would for a traditional braid) is something it took me ages to figure out. This is a great, easy look for running errands, Sunday brunch, or casual evenings.

(Haven’t quite figured out how to embed youtube videos here, so for now, this blog link will have to do):

http://www.sugarlaws.com/tutorial-favorite-braid

Pumpkin Cheesecake in a Bowl

Tags

recipes

I love me some Greek yogurt, and try to eat it every day, but it can get super boring without any flavor.  Pre-WW, I would go to town on mix-ins, adding homemade granola, honey, dried fruit, etc.  The mix-ins really upped the points value of my ‘mid-afternoon snack.’  After I started WW, I had to figure out a way to keep my daily yogurt flavorful yet still within a decent points range.

I can’t take credit for this trick, which I discovered from the online forums.  Adding a little bit of Fat Free/Sugar Free pudding mix (the powdered kind) make a world of difference!  I stick to 1-2 tsp. of powder per 6 oz. of yogurt (the typical size of a Fage cup).  So far, my favorite flavors are Vanilla and Cheesecake.  Strangely, the Chocolate flavor was gross (I think chocolate + greek yogurt flavor do not play well).

My favorite combination lately is to create pumpkin cheesecake in a bowl.  It’s the closest I get to feeling like I’m eating something decadent on a daily basis, and the added pumpkin really ups the fiber and nutritional content (pumpkin is a WW ‘superfood’).

 

Recipe (very loose recipe, play with proportions of various mix-ins)

* 6 oz fat-free yogurt (I like Fage or Trader Joe’s brands)

* 2 T canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

* 2 t. fat free/sugar free cheesecake-flavor Jello pudding mix

* a few shakes of pumpkin pie spice

* 1-2 T. homemade granola

 

WW points: 2-4 

(yogurt=2 points, homemade granola = 1 point/1 T.)