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Guest Post: Smile without Cracking Up

By |December 31st, 2014|Beauty Buzz, Guest Blogger|

During the bitter winter months, it’s hard to imagine wanting to pucker up when your lips feel more like cracked sidewalks than soft, sumptuous pillows.  Fortunately, Dr. Kenet has some tips as to how to keep your lips kissably soft even on the coldest days.  

best winter lip balmsIt’s hard to look happy when you’re lips look ragged. Winter bears down on lips—low humidity, indoor heat, windy days, icy rain and snow. Of course, we know that lip balm helps, but it’s important to know the details to keep your lips looking great.

  1. Avoid lip care products that contain phenol, menthol or salicylic acid. Although that pleasant minty blast may seem refreshing and tingly, you’re putting your lips at risk for further peeling. Removing these layers of skin leaves your lips more susceptible to the environmental factors that cause chapping.

For example: Carmex or Rosebud Balm are not recommended.

Here are some further lip tips:

  1. No licking. Either it’s a habit or you may think you’re doing your lips a favor. In either case, it’s a mistake.
  2. Eat right -plenty of good fats (fresh salmon, krill supplements, even a bit of grass-fed organic butter) to keep your body and skin in top shape against the elements.
  3. Avoid matte lipstick and go for something moisturizing. A new product, Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon is a nice easy moisturizing lipstick that won’t dry lips out.  Revlon Moondrops Lip Conditioner is a throwback, but it has lasted through the years as a favorite because it’s inexpensive and has all the right ingredients.  Extravagance:  Baum De Rose By Terry for lips gives a slight tint and tons of moisturizing protection.  Go Basic: Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect, Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Do this:

  1. After your shower, gently pat dry and get an emollient on your lips.
  2. If your lips are already chapped, avoid sipping hot drinks for a few days.
  3. For extreme cases, apply 1% hydrocortisone before bedtime.

 best lips balms winter1. Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Contour Treatment, $50, 2. AERIN Rose Lip Conditioner, $28, 3. By Terry Rose Balm, $60, 4. Eos Lip Balm Coconut Milk, $3.49, 5. Revlon Moon Drops Lip Conditioner, $8.99, 6. Aquaphor Lip Repair, $4.29, 7. Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment, $25, 8. Burt’s Bee Lip Crayon, $8.99, 9. Tony Moly Bbo Bbo Lip Balm in Honey, $9, 10. TokyoMilk Dark Femme Fatale Collection Lip Elixirs in Salted Caramel, $7

 

Why Did You Wear That: Red-y for the New Year

By |December 31st, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

red thong new yearYears ago when I bought lingerie for Henri Bendels, I stopped by the store to pick up something sparkly for New Year’s Eve.  When I stopped by my own department to make sure all knickers were in tact and brassieres were stocked in all sizes, my favorite stylist informed me of her favorite New Year’s tradition: red underwear.  She swore she did it every year and from what I can tell, her love life seemed to be without a deficit.  So, starting that very day, I picked up a pair of panties in crimson to ring in each new year.

nye red thong1. Hanky Panky Blooming Plaid Low Rise Thong, 2. L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Lucila Flocked Mesh Thong, 3. Eberjey Deirious Low Rise Thong, 4.Chantelle Rive Gauche Lace Tanga Thong, 5. Calvin Klein Sleek G-String Thong, 6. Mimi Holliday by Damaris Bisou Bisou Strawberry Split Lace Briefs, 7.Les Coquines Evi Lace Cheeky Briefs, 8. Cosabella Trenta Low Rise Four Pack, 9.Natori Feathers Hipster, 10. La Perla Studio Calla Lace Hipster Briefs

Setting the Mood: Prepare to Shine

By |December 30th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

new years eveThe end of another year is upon us and while many of us are excited about the prospects of the upcoming year, it is important to prepare oneself for it.  It’s hard to make room for new things when we carry the clutter from the past with us.  I felt it was really important this year especially to do a deep cleanse of my life before the clock strikes midnight.  In anticipation of the new year, here’s what I’ve been doing:

  1. Purge, Purge, Purge: From my closet to my contact list, I got rid of all things which no longer serve a purpose in my life.  Clothes with holes or stains have been put to pasture.  People who act as emotional terrorists have been put on block.
  2. Clean Slate: I scheduled a professional cleaning of my apartment and have freshly washed linens ready to put on my bed.  Laundry is being done.  Dishwasher is loaded.
  3. Tied Down: I went through my inbox and mailbox and made sure to tie up any loose ends and close up any unanswered correspondence. I also made sure there were no outstanding bills or invoices unsent.
  4. Prep Yourself: Scheduling a facial to slough off dead skin and a pedicure to dance into the New Year were the prefect ways to relax through the last few moments of the year.

gold metallic accessories

 

clockwise: Noir Jewelry Tassel Drop Earrings, $90Anndra Neen Hammered Silver Tone Box Clutch, $610Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Snake Effect Leather Mules, $750,Dauphines of New York To Have and To Hold Mini Headband, $216

 xx.

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Little Bit of Bling

By |December 27th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

IMG_9396So, you’re not a glittery dress type of gal.  Neither am I as I expressed to my nail artist this afternoon.  I told her I felt as if I should be festive, but the thought of rhinestones or glitter for two plus weeks, was too much of a commitment.  Whether your New Year’s Eve plans are more low key at a house party or the sheer thought of appearing like a bedazzled Barbie has you reaching for a Xanax, there are ways to add a little bit of shine to your ensemble without bankrupting Michael’s of its Martha Stewart craft section.  Add a touch of shine with cosmetics, accessories, or separates to start the new year off just right.

what to wear new years1.Lovers + Friends Parker Blazer, $228, 2. JOA Sequin Sequin Slit Skirt, $68, 3. Mara Hoffman Jumpsuit, $430, 4. Alice + Olivia Sequin Knit Hat, $95, 5. Saint Laurent Sequined Bow Tie, $395, 6. Xirena Dulcia Boyshort, $52, 7. MLV Bobbi Sequin Skirt, $187, 8. Deux Lux Ariel Mini Messenger, $70, 9. Rosantica Gold Dipped Pear Hair Tie, $90, 10. Topshop Sequin Crop Top, $110, 11. Marc by Marc Jacobs, $300, 12. Miu Miu Round Framed Glitter Acetate Sunglasses, $390, 13. Club Monaco Oriel Skirt, $249, 14. Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Shattered Souls, $18, 15. Laura Mercier Sequin Eye Color in Black Ice, $23

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Tick Top You Don’t Stop

By |December 26th, 2014|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

new years toastI both love and loathe New Years Eve.  I love it for the symbol of rebirth and chance to recreate yourself and your life, but more superficially, I also love it for the obvious reason: the chance to get completely decked out and dance the night away.  My qualms come in the form of the anticlimactic kisses, lack of cabs, and overcrowded clubs.  To be honest, the past two years I’ve spent December 31st with people who mean more to me than random drunk frat boys in cashmere vests over plaid button downs from J. Crew.  While my plans were less than star studded, that didn’t stop me from dressing up.  I typically shy away from anything too shiny, but these dresses have just enough shimmer to have you ringing in the New Year without being mistaken as the disco ball at that dirty nightclub.

nye party dresses sequin

top: Ohne Titel Foiled Pleat Poly-Blend Dress, $550Jonathan Simkhai Cutout Metallic Jacquard Dress, $845Alice + Olivia Lilyanne Puff Skirt Silk Dress in Rose Gold, $697DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Night Goldie Embellished Crepe Dress, $585Elizabeth and James Nadia Dress, $395, middle: Parker Serena Silk Dress, $473,Needle & Thread Midnight Floral Sequined Crepe Mini Dress, $540BCBGMAXAZRIA Juliane Dress, $99Free People Midnight Dreamer Dress, $168Marc Jacobs Embellished Tulle Dress, $2.600, bottom: Milly Lena Dress, $390Grace Ava Organza Trim Metallic Dress, $435Lovers + Friends Courtney Dress, $160Maje Ketsia Sequined Mini Dress, $510Haute Hippie High Neck Sequin Dress, $695

xx,

WhyDid