beyond 40 beauty

Beauty Addicts: A Natural Look for Over 40 Skin

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:41:00 +0000

Two things I know about aging skin and getting it to look presentable: 1) I no longer care about "healthy" ingredients--over 40 skin care is loaded with them everywhere you turn, so I don't need them in my makeup, too; and 2) I don't want to look "younger"--I just want to look presentable, not "made up", not tired.

Enter Beauty Addicts. If you check out their website, their "Celebrity Addicts" page includes a few over 40 celebs--usually a good sign. Celebs like Sharon Stone, Sharon Lawrence, Ally Sheedy (yes, she's not 18 anymore), Kathy Griffin, Cheryl Hines...

Beauty Addicts Express Shades for Lips

But what got me to try Beauty Addicts was the shade palette. It was reminiscent of a cross between Bobbi Brown and early Physician's Formula (before PF became a gimmick at every turn). The hues are more natural looking--muted tones of earth, petals, smoke.

I got Beauty Addicts blush, eyeshadow, lip gloss (RelationLips) in a range of neutral earthy tones--which usually works with my fairer skin and hair, and blue eyes.

Beauty Addicts Eyeshadow comes in a quad with the usual lid-crease-highlighter shades--which, of course, you can wear however the heck you like (ie, lighter shades for day/looking more awake; deeper shades for night...). The shadows go on smoothly with minimal "settling" in lines and wrinkles--though there isn't a powder-based formula out there that won't do that after a couple of hours. The good thing, too, is that the Beauty Addicts shadows stay in place--unlike the way some eyeshadows have a tendency to leave a sprinkly dust under your eyes.

The same goes for Beauty Addicts blush. Great natural-looking shades that go on smoothly and last longer than I'm used to. They also work pretty well with bronzers--the shades complement each other so you don't have to switch out your shades with the seasons.

To make it quick, easy and uncomplicated, Beauty Addicts has four color families--kind of like a bed-in-a-bag for your face--everything's coordinated--that include shades for lips, eyes and cheeks. My Beauty Addicts color family is called Express--which makes sense as it's truly the express lane option to applying makeup. The other families include Glow (think shimmer & ice), Motivate (think transitioning from work to after-work drinks), and Seduce (think smoky eyes and vino).

If you're thinking of trying Beauty Addicts, opt for the Express shades first as you can keep them lighter for day, or apply more intensely for evening--and still keep a natural look vs coming across as a 40+ year old who's trying to look 20.

One final note--Beauty Addicts does claim (though not in an OTT way) to have some "benefits"--via including things like antioxidants and vitamins A and E and the like. But who cares? At this point, if it wears well, goes on easily and stays on without making me look like a fool...I'm in.

Beauty Addicts prices range from $28 for blush and lips to $35 for eyeshadows. Get them at beautyaddicts.com.

Wake Up Over 40 Skin with Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:35:00 +0000

It may seem like deja vu as I did a post a while ago about Miracle Skin Transformer, but they've come out with a Treat & Conceal formula that's worth checking out.

It's officially called Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal Eye & Face, for anyone who wants to Google it. The new Treat & Conceal formula is similar in feel and texture to the original Miracle Skin Transformer, except this has more coverage and skips the sunscreen.

If you can imagine your favorite primer, kicked up a notch to include coverage in a skin tone-matching shade, then you've sort of got what Treat & Conceal is all about. It does glide on much like a silicone-based primer, but even though its got that "slip" feel to it, it does cover and it doesn't "move" once applied.

What I did find is that if you've got darker undereye circles, this may not provide enough coverage for you. But for lighter, everyday coverage where you just want over 40 skin to look a bit more awake, this is great. Besides, most women don't really want the heavier coverage of take-no-prisoners concealers like Dermablend for everyday wear--particularly in the hotter summer months when humidity is high (or, for that matter, in winter when dry skin leaves heavier concealers accentuating every fine line and wrinkle).

So what's in this formula--aside from a brighter, more "awake" look--for over 40 skin? In addition to marine collagen and vitamin K, Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal has ceramides to help restore skin's own barrier system (ie, it helps water retention (the good kind) to help keep skin's moisture balance).

The color part of the formula is mineral based which is great for those with more sensitive skin. Typically, mineral makeup doesn't mix well with over 40 skin--it can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles with a settling effect upon application--but as this is a creme formula, and it has silicones, no worries there.

There's really not much to not like about this one. It's available at Beauty.com and Lord & Taylor, and goes for about $36. Available in 3 shades: Light, Light/Medium and Medium.

Over 40 and Going Sleeveless

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Fri, 20 May 2011 02:20:00 +0000

You're lying if you're over 40 and say you've never had a moment when you've looked in the mirror at your arms and thought, "I need something with sleeves." Between the joys of flab, dry skin, crepiness, wrinkling, age spots and Lord knows what else, going bare and going sleeveless over 40 start to veer over into that "Glamour Don't" category of beauty tips.

I don't believe in defeat, however, so every year around this time I go on a quest to get my upper arms in shape so I can go sleeveless with some level of comfort. Now, first off, a couple of caveats...

One: this includes exercise and I am not a doctor. So should you opt to try anything here, consult your physician first.
And two: given that exercise is involved, I have long learned to accept that when I do either muscle-toning or muscle-building (or any combo thereof) exercise, I tend to bulk up. So what?

So here's how to go sleeveless when the spirit is willing but the arms simply are not...

Exercise to Go Sleeveless (the slacker way)

No need to hit the gym and pump some iron. Sure you can do that, but I prefer the whenever-I-feel-like-it type of workout that requires absolutely nothing but myself as an implement. My favorite tricep exercise in this category is this one.
Step 1: Get on the floor on all fours in this position--keep your elbows on the ground and shoulders above your elbows. Hands are facing down, flat on the ground.

Step 2: Use your hands to "push" down onto the floor so that you lift your elbows off the ground--but do so by leaning onto your hands and pushing through your hands--not by lifting from your hips or torso. Keep your knees and feet on the ground at all times. Do 2 sets of 10 reps. If you're doing it correctly, you'll feel it in your triceps.

Another exercise--remember, this is the slacker route here--is to move right into modified push-ups (aka, "girlie pushups") from the tricep exercise. Heck, you're on the floor on all fours anyway, so why not do the biceps now, right? So just extend your upper body forward a bit and come up on your hands--leaving your knees on the floor still; some people prefer to lift their feet up off the ground while doing these, others keep toes on the ground. Either way, again do 2 sets of 10 push up reps.

I have to disclose that I do from time to time use free weights--maybe 10-15 lbs in each hand--when I'm feeling that inner woman-hear-me-roar thing. But admittedly, it's because my doctor now advises me to do "weight bearing exercise" (over 40? you've heard that one I trust) to help keep my bones strong as I get older--not because I'm thinking of going sleeveless. I also swim and do some other sports which help keep my arms in shape--but again, for the sleeveless thing, it's the above on-the-floor-exercises I prefer.

Buyable Beauty for Going Sleeveless

No beauty blog post would be complete without a beauty product remedy to cure whatever beauty ill we're talking about, and going sleeveless is certainly no exception. Here are my picks:

1. Grab a Loofah. (and use it) Pour a quarter-sized dollop of your favorite shower gel onto it and lightly loofah your arms. Don't scrub--the idea is to gently exfoliate the outer, dead and drab skin cells that are causing your arms to look drier and crepie--or even ashier--than they need to.

2. Grab Eucerin Plus Smoothing Fast-Absorbing Essentials lotion. I'm a Nivea gal through and through, but this Eucerin lotion contains alpha-hydroxy acid to help promote skin's natural sloughing ability--ie, to help continue what you started with the loofah. Eucerin Plus Smoothing Fast-Absorbing lotion is also...fast-absorbing. Some other Eucerin lotions can go on and feel like they're just sitting atop your skin, leaving that tacky feel. Fast-absorbing's the way to go. Use this at night.

3. Grab Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiant Skin gradual self tanning lotion. Last year, it said "firming"--this year not so. But regardless, apply this--it slathers on quite smoothly and even though it does contain self-tanner, you don't really have to worry about screwing up as it "tans" super gradually and its maximum several-days-strong level of tan will never leave you looking like Paris Hilton or Courtney Cox coming out of a bad spray tan session. Still, remember to wash your hands after applying. Nivea Sunkissed Radiant Skin will help even out skin tone and give your skin some slight color to help tone down "imperfections". Use this in the morning, after you've showered, on clean skin.

Both the exercise (even the slacker type) and the beauty product regimen take some level of commitment and consistency--alas, there is no silver bullet in the quest to go sleeveless over 40. And hey, you can always kick things up a notch and head to a gym, get yourself a personal trainer, or even hit the cosmetic surgeon's office for some lipo. But this works for me. For now.

Great Deal from Tocca in Support of Japan Relief Effort

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Just passing along a terrific offer from Tocca--but it starts TODAY! From March 24th to April 1st Tocca will donate 50% of all proceeds to the Red Cross in support of their Japan Relief Effort.

Additionally, to help spur on sales in order to raise as much as possible for this effort, Tocca is running a special offer: 15% off your total purchase. All you have to do is use promo code HELPJAPAN when you checkout online.

Tip: need a gift for someone? Team up Tocca's Cleopatra Eau De Parfum Spray with recently published "Cleopatra: A Life" by Stacy Schiff. (hey, nothing like a theme...)

Check it out--a great offer for a very good cause. Visit Tocca.com. Book available at Amazon.com.

Maybelline Lip Stain, Cover Girl Outlast Not for Over 40 Lips (or ANY Lips)

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:05:00 +0000

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstain Ad

If there's a makeup item that's akin to the ever-eluvsive knight in shining armor--the one who's supposed to answer all your prayers but never seems to show up in reality, it's lip stain. Think about it. It would be the absolute perfect lip color--particularly for over 40 lips--if it could combine just two little things: long-lasting color and enough moisture to allow your lips to move without feeling like crinkled paper.

There was such a lip stain a number of years ago that came close. Real close. It was Origins Bite My Lips, which more recently became Just Bitten, and even more recently is only available at places like Amazon.com and eBay. It was pretty darn close to the perfect lip stain--it was in a creamier stick formula, in a thin stick tube, and it left a sheer just-bitten stain--natural looking and comfortable to wear. It didn't last as long as I would've liked, but it lasted long enough. Current creamier ones--like Laura Mercier--are my go-to lipstains. Mercier's comes in a compact, so it's fingertip application, which isn't ideal (fingertip stains!), but it's better than this...

So, there's a huge ad campaign for Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstain in September beauty mags. Ok. It looks strangely similar to Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain. Though, the Maybelline lipstain version is touted as being "barely there" and "light as air". It comes in a range of colors to satisfy the younger set (think berry-fuchsia-pink) as well as the over 40 set (think more natural hues of tawny fawn, dusty rosey nudes...). But after that, things go awry...

If I wanted to play with colored pencils...

First off, it's application system is the felt tip pen/marker. Not the most comfortable from an application perspective--think how it would feel to apply a Sharpie marker to your lips. Not ideal. Oh, for sure it's not the first in its class (again, think Cover Girl Outlast). But let's hope it's the last.

The stain--a liquidy line of color--goes on just like that. Like a line. Not like a lipstick. And, quite frankly, if I wanted to take what's basically a liquid colored pencil and draw and fill in my lips like a kid in a third grade art class, great. But I don't. Yes, you can hold it on a slant and apply the color with the side of the applicator, but you lose a little control in the process.

Once you've gotten over the application, the color, which being a stain is matte as it's supposed to be, is indeed a stain, but it dries to the stain. And therein lies the issue. Because Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstain, and Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain for that matter, are water-based, they dry. And when they dry, they feel dry. So your first thought is to slick on something over them--to moisten things up a bit. Say, some lip balm or Vaseline or even some other creamy lip color. Something.

But, alas, the something you put over it defeats the purpose of what the lip stain is supposed to do: last. Anything you put over it basically acts as a mini makeup remover. Or at the very least, a makeup diluter.

I'm usually a fan of drugstore makeup--it's cheap, it works and if it doesn't, you haven't dropped--and wasted--a bundle. But this one is definitely one to pass up...

New Deal on Anti-Aging Skin Care from Dr. Kenneth Beer

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:28:00 +0000

This just in...Dr. Kenneth Beer's (who's been on the Martha Stewart Show) skin care line, Scientific, is offering its Scientific Lifting Serum FREE, with the purchase of a Scientific System--there's the Scientific Hydration Package and the Scientific Repair Package. All you have to do is enter code "ANTIAGE10" when you checkout--but hurry--while the offer is just in time to help with those summer skin woes (spots, lines, dryness...)--it is only good until August 31st.

Admittedly, both Systems appear a bit pricey, but when you consider that you're getting a 4-piece set at $195 for the Repair Package pluse a free Lifting Serum (or $185 for the Hydration package plus the freebie), and you compare it to Olay's Pro-X pricing per unit which has many formulas coming in at over $40 each, well, it doesn't seem like so much then.

One of the things I appreciate, too, on the Scientific skin care site is that the ingredient glossary is right there--no need to schlep elsewhere for more info if you come across something you're not too sure about....

And here's another tidbit...Scientific's White Bamboo Exfoliator contains the antioxidant Ferulic Acid. Well for those of you Oprah devotees, that's the ingredient that's the namesake of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic which she's always touting. Difference being, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic alone sells for $142.

For Great Coverage with Lots of Benefits: Miracle Skin Transformer

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:44:00 +0000

I just posted about Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 at Examiner.com--it's the latest one-formula-does-it-all from former NY beauty vet Sarah McNamara. And, as with all combo beauty products, there's a bit of "necessity is the mother of invention" going on here. Imagine wanting a product that's quick, easy to use--especially on-the-go, and that also provides a flawless look, hydration, acts as a primer and has sunscreen and...Well, you get the point...

But somehow, Ms. McNamara has come up with a pretty good formula for doing all the above. She's included the usual suspects of vitamins A and E (nice dose of those antioxidants) and the SPF 20 for UVA/UVB protection--all of which over 40 skin is sure to love.

Another plus for over 40 skin: Miracle Skin Transformer actually moisturizes--it's a lightweight, indeed, in terms of its feel, but it contains Saw Palmetto Extract, Passion Fruit, and the more heavy-hitting CO Enzyme Q10 (which was a hot topic in beauty news a few years back) to help keep skin hydrated. Add in that it contains "naturally derived silicones"--silicone-based ingredients being those that give the product a "slip" feel--and that allows the product to fill-in fine lines while not giving them a cakey appearance.

Miracle Skin Transformer comes in 4 shades--including one colorless option which works just as well under your regular foundation. You'll find though that if you use one of the colored shades (Light, Medium, Tan) you can "build" the amount of coverage you get by applying in layers--it doesn't take much to develop a more even toned flawless look.

Have to say, I've become a fan in a mere 3 days of so of using this one--and yes (disclosure time!) I did receive it from Dark PR. Miracle Skin Transformer is $48, and it's a B40B must-have...and I'd tell you if I thought otherwise.

Weekend Plan for Whiter Teeth: Checking out Luster

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Full disclosure #1: My dentist professionally whitens my teeth.
Full disclosure #2: He tells me I don't need whitening.

Nasty little truth: Stained teeth and yellowed teeth make you look old.

So (and I guess this is full disclosure #3...) I received some product from the folks at Luster--one of which being their Luster Weekend Whitening System. But I also have their Luster 1-hour Tooth Whitening system as well. I've tried both--and believe me, I'm dubious of any procedure that's DIY when I usually get it done "in office". But hey, the Luster systems sound pretty hands-on, in-control, easy-to-monitor--so why not give it a go?

Luster Weekend Whitening is the least expensive of the two systems, coming in at $19.99 at Amazon. Here are the directions:

(1) Rinse with dentist-formulated accelerator mouth rinse - this will increase efficacy of the whitening gel. (2) Apply patented whitening gel to each tooth. Wait 10 minutes. (3) Repeat steps 1 and 2. (4) Complete this regimen twice per day for 3 days (Each step 4x per day)

I'm not a fan of little brush-on whiteners--I like to have something between the whitening gook I'm brushing on my teeth and my lips & gums. Maybe I'm old-school, but it just seems that if your lips and gums touch the whitening solution, you'll either experience some sensitivity to those areas, or you'll blow the efficacy of the whitening process as you're swishing and swiping it all off your teeth. So, to be honest, I held my gums in place--out of the way--as I did this--not the most convenient by a long stretch.

I mentioned sensitivity--and that's one of Luster's biggest selling claims--that it's not. I did not experience any sensitivity--ANY. And I've experienced sensitivity from other whitening processes so I have a bit of a barometer here.

The packaging claims Luster's Weekend Whitening system will whiten your teeth 6 shades--well, I guess it worked a little--but nothing I'd consider dramatic or that "wow! I DO look younger!" type of reaction.

HOWEVER, when I followed up the following weekend with the Luster 1-Hour Tooth Whitening system, I definitely noticed a difference. That's the upside to the 1-hour approach.
The downside? You're basically beholden to your bathroom mirror for an hour. Here's why:
Coming in at $43.99 on Amazon, Luster 1-Hour Tooth Whitening system comes with a whitening accelerator rinse (as does the weekend version) and the brush on whitening solution. Again, neither cause any sensitivity--for me. But it also comes with a cool little gadget--a "whitening light"--that mimics the light therapy used at your dentist's office; obviously, it is not the real deal--and I sincerely doubt it actually does much of anything to help the process--but it's apparently "FDA cleared" and ok for home use. Whatever.

Now, here's the tricky part--in order to do the whitening in 1-Hour, you have to repeat the process...first rinse, then brush-on, then hold light...several times. Ok, MANY times--like you may need to do it 10+ times, each time holding the light in close proximity to your teeth (out of the way gums!) for 2 minutes.The light gadget has a timer on it so it'll automatically go off after the 2 minutes (which can seem like an eternity, so you have to keep telling yourself, "it's only an hour...it's only an hour...") It helped to put some Vaseline (as in petroleum jelly not body lotion) on my lips so they didn't get sore given the constant manipulation over the hour.

I was super careful to make sure NOTHING touched the solution on my teeth--heck, if it does, you automatically diminish the efficacy and who the heck wants to go through all this and realize they've tainted the process? Not me.

After about the first 6-8 treatments, I started to notice a difference. For kicks I went over 10x, and my teeth definitely looked whiter--and seemingly whiter than when I've tried those little OTC strip whitening versions you find in the toothpaste aisle at the pharmacy and grocery store.
If you don't want to spend the $$$ on having your teeth professionally whitened, Luster's a good option to try--but I'd go full tilt and try the Luster 1-Hour Tooth Whitening version--it's more money, but for me it worked better.

Over 40 Hair Addiction: Kerastase Age Premium

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:33:00 +0000

It has finally happened. I've fallen head-over-heels for a hair product. Admittedly, I may need to be institutionalized for making such a statement, but I can't remember when I've used a shampoo and conditioner and felt that "wow--my hair feels incredible" kind of feeling. Until now.

Those of you who know me know that my hair is basically a cousin to an old straw broom--the kind you can't find in a Target anymore; the kind you only find in "quaint" locations, say while you're apple picking and find yourself in the "country store" with the shelves of "homemade jams". You know what I'm talking about. Pick up one of those, feel the bristles, and you've basically got my over 40 hair. Tortured by chlorine, hair color and blowouts--it's dry. And, if I am honest with you and myself, it's aging.

Now, no one likes to purchase product that has "AGE" (or "anti-aging") screaming from its label. You know you've crossed a line when pick one of those up in a store. So when I first picked up Kerastase Age Premium Rejuvenating Masque, along with its matching shampoo (that's the Bain Substantif and Masque Substantif for you purists), I was a bit in denial. I knew that I needed it, but somehow felt that I had not yet crossed the threshold into "mature hair". But I proceeded with it. And heck, the PR pack it came in was too beautiful to not open up and play.

First off, you do not need a lot Kerastase Age Premium to cover your hair--I have long hair and I found that, literally, a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo did the job. This is important when you're talking $34 for the shampoo ($60 for the hair masque). Yes, it's pricey--and I'm a die-hard Pantene conditioner gal. But the minute you rinse out the shampoo, you feel a difference. I'm not kidding. And the shampoo was just the beginning.

Because of all the abuse my hair takes, my conditioner is ever so much more important to me than the shampoo. It's got to soften, detangle, defrizz, and deal with (and keep) a blowout. Yes, I'm one of those people who reads the label to make sure my conditioner has either dimethicone or cyclomethicone in it (which Age Premium does not). So I was a bit suspect at first. But Kerastase Age Premium left my hair feeling incredibly silky the minute I rinsed it out...incredibly manageable the minute I combed it out...incredibly soft and smooth the minute I flipped the switch on the blow dryer to "off". I even raved about it to friends at drop-off time at school (you know I've drank the kool-aid when I'm doing that).

So Kerastase Age Premium gets my vote--even at the higher price points.

Can Caress Salvage my Skin?

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:33:00 +0000

I'm testing out the new Caress body wash--Evenly Gorgeous--which also comes in a bar soap; It's supposed to "gently exfoliate and luxuriously moisturize" my skin to leave it more even in tone. We'll see.

Creature of habit that I am, I have this little ritual each winter: I swap out my soap for a "moisturizing cleanser". Needless to say, my skin is super-dry. But, undaunted by flakiness and itching, I choose to torture my skin further by swimming and hanging in the hot tub and sauna. And, of course, I regret it later but for some sick reason continue to find myself donning a bathing suit.

So I was eager to try out this Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash. It certainly looked like it would bathe me in moisturization. It's got a classic cocoa butter type coloring to it. It just looks rich. Turn the bottle upside down and it's like watching super-thick Aunt Jemima maple syrup oozing around. That kind of rich.

But as we all know, looks and efficacy (and price for that matter) are not necessarily correlated in the world of beauty.

The scent/flavor is burnt brown sugar & karite butter. It's borderline vanilla. Definitely a good scent to get you through those months when all you long for is preceded by the word "cozy". The formula is indeed rich, and while you can feel the exfoliation beads, I wouldn't say they'd be my first choice for an exfoliating experience. I prefer something a bit more grainy to slough off dry, dead skin--with a loofah, brush or old washcloth.

The main reason I'm trying it though, is for my over-40 dry skin. And for that, it's soothing on application, gently cleansing, and easy rinsing. It definitely leaves skin moisturized and soft--the kind of skin feel that reminds you to slowly pat-pat-pat when you dry off vs. frantically rubbing away every last droplet. My skin is less taught, and I don't even feel like I need an all-over body lotion for added insurance (though I put some on anyway).

Only downside to Caress' Evenly Gorgeous is the residue. I noticed that one of my kids went to hop in the shower--my shower--before I had the chance to rinse down any leftover body wash that might have been on the shower floor. Needless to say, there was a fall and some crying. So word to the wise, if you do use Caress Evenly Gorgeous, make sure you really rinse your shower or bath afterward to avoid any falls--and I found this applied to both the body wash and the bar soap.

Tip: it's also a good hand-wash to keep by the sink--it's less harsh on hands that go through repeated washing all day.

Raw Minerals Video...does make you think...

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Had to share this one if you hadn't seen it yet... wait for the message at the end...

Found: Best at-home Resurfacing Peel

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:16:00 +0000

I'm not one to click on headlines like this one--it's like, "oh yeah, right". But I was happily surprised when I tried out Phytomer Duo Peeling Resurfacant (yes, their rep sent it to me--and I'm glad she did).

So many exfoliating scrubs and OTC micro-dermabrasion products out there are either too harsh on over-40 skin, or they treat it with such kid gloves that it feels like you're rubbing baby powder on your face to no avail. And while I'm all for a good AHA cream (tip: Alpha Hydrox in the red box is still my fave, and cheap), that's a long-term solution--you don't get the instant gratification that you get with an exfoliating scrub.

So I took my jaded self to the bathroom mirror, threw on a headband and opened Phytomer's Resurfacing Peeling Duo...the duo being a micro-exfoliating cream and a restoring cream. The instructions say to apply the exfoliator to dried skin. I say "exfoliating cream" though Phytomer does state their cream is actually FIVE different exfoliants: 1 acid (marine AHAs) & 1 enzymatic--both to "dissolve", and 3 mechanical to "polish".

Now, the exfoliating cream doesn't feel like much in your hand. But, once you start to apply it with a gentle circular motion, you'll feel it working--and in truth, it may be a bit much for more sensitive skin types. I don't have sensitive skin and usually am looking for something with a bit more oomph and this surprisingly does the job.

You're supposed to do this twice a week for three weeks, followed each time by the Restoring Cream--which is a soothing cream of water, shea butter extract, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, and the usual moisturizer suspects such as dimethicone (slip!) and cetearyl alcohol. It's a comforting finish after rinsing off the exfoliator. In truth, I sometimes applied my own AHA cream after the mechanical exfoliation--though I don't recommend doing that part unless your skin is used to such sloughing.

Phytomer says this is a 3-week process. It may well be, but I definitely saw results and improved skin texture and feel the very first time I used their Resurfacing Peeling Duo. It's actually become part of my "routine" now--and I hate anything routine. So if you're looking to perk up dull winter skin, this may be one to try.

Phytomer Resurfacing Peeling Duo goes for around $90--so it's a little more steep. But I do find a little goes a long way--you don't need much product to exfoliate. And, it works.

Can Over 40 Skin Really Use Mineral Makeup?

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:34:00 +0000

That's the question alright. When Bare Escentuals was the must-have makeup craze, I was one of those who had to try it--and truthfully, I wasn't all that impressed. I loved liquids, and that was that.

But Bare Escentuals (and, let's give credit where it's due, Diane Ranger who then went on to start Colorescience while Leslie Blodgett took the helm of B.E.) broke the mold for mineral makeup and it paved the way for a bunch of other brands to be noticed. Hell, even Jennifer Flavin (aka Mrs. Stallone) has a mineral makeup line. But today, I'm checking out Raw Minerals. I've blogged about Raw Minerals elsewhere, and now I'm testing out their Discovery Kit--which yes, came to me via their PR group. Oh, and btw, Raw Minerals was founded by Christina Marcaccini, whose pictures are enough to make anyone a convert to mineral makeup.

The Raw Minerals Discovery Kit is a 7-piece kit--complete with 2 Mineral Foundations, a Mineral Glow, an Active Veil spf 18, a large "maximum coverage" brush, a retractable brush, a concealer brush...and (bonus!) a How-to Guide and DVD. The kit is flagged with a $180 value, but glow members (as in glow.com) can get it for $90. That may seem pricey, but the brushes alone are a quality that's worth a higher price.

Now, as I'm over 40 and have over 40 skin (translation, yes there are a few lines here and there) I'm not a fan of powder makeup; in fact, in previous posts, I've pretty much said to stay clear of it. BUT, there are exceptions.

Raw Minerals Foundation, like some other mineral makeups and powders, will even out your skin--it's a great concealing makeup to cover redness, spots, freckles, and the like. However, don't expect it to cover or hide wrinkles. The makeup itself doesn't have hyaluronic acid built-in to "float" in those crevices; you can apply a moisturizer or primer to help with this, but the bottom line is unless you're applying a liquid version of mineral makeup, you're applying a powder--and powder sets in. So just take note as you're applying it--it'll make you look better, not like you're 20 again...

One of the great things about the foundation is that you can use it as your concealer--that's something that's not as easily achieved with regular liquid foundations--they don't necessarily provide the coverage you want or need--unless you employ that little trick where you take some of the dried up foundation (aka, the thicker gunk that's been exposed to air) by the cap. With Raw Minerals, you just switch brushes. The concealer brush is great for getting into tighter areas such as the outer nostril area and inner eyes.

The Raw Minerals Active Veil provides light coverage that still evens things out a bit--and just as with the Mineral Foundation, it leaves you looking natural. And that's my biggest reason for liking the collection--it allows you to wear some "everyday" makeup without looking "done up". And, you can apply it more liberally for extra coverage should you be going out at night.

So a couple of things to remember about applying mineral makeup:

Yes, the "touch & tap" rule applies--touch the brush in the makeup, tap off the excess and blend it on in swirl-like motions so it goes on evenly.
Where moisturizer or primer--but make sure it absorbs in before starting the mineral makeup application; otherwise the mineral makeup will not apply smoothly.
Definitely invest in some good brushes--a large brush for blending full-face foundation and a smaller concealer brush that'll become your new best friend.
Check yourself in good lighting before heading out--just to ensure an even blend (but I hope you'd do that anyway).

Raw Minerals gets my vote...and yes, over 40 skin can wear mineral makeup...

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Works Well, but it's confusing as all...smell

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:33:00 +0000

The name "Sheer Infusion" (from Vaseline, from Unilever) hits me as either a) a complete come-on given its somewhat oxymoronish nature, or b) an actual breakthrough. Either way, I don't really care what it's called, it's new and I'm only interested in whether it works on over 40 skin. Or, hell, any skin.

So, first off, full-disclosure. I did receive this from a PR firm (did that just blow my integrity completely--or help it? dunno). And, more importantly, I typically veer toward Nivea as my tried-and-true line for effective moisturization. But I'm a sucker for anything new in the lotion lane at the drugstore, so I'm trying Vaseline Sheer Infusion out. There are 3 versions: Mineral Renewal, Botanical Blend and Vitamin Burst--I'm using Mineral Renewal right now.

First, the bad news: I don't need 3 versions. It's confusing and I'm looking for moisturization that lasts and feels good. The way the versions are differentiated (according to the company) is that one is known for soothing skin benefits; one is for when my skin feels tired and depleted; and one is for when my skin needs a boost. Now, if that's all you're given in terms of an efficacy report, which do you choose? I needn't say more (and keep in mind, after working in the beauty industry, this "confusion" thing isn't unique to Unilever or Vaseline--there's hardly a beauty brand out there that doesn't expand their line and run into this).

At any rate, I also don't need three scents--I want a solid lotion with a nice but not over-powering scent. I don't need to aromatherapy my cares away with my "daily" body lotion.

Ok, now, the good news: Vaseline Sheer Infusion does actually moisturize quite well. Even for a Nivea chick. Not only am I starting to experience dry skin due to the shift in weather (colder!), but I also clean my own house (yes, no cleaning lady--the horrors!) sans gloves. It's one of my worst habits. But, it allows me to test lotion efficacy on a level only Consumer Reports could attempt. Will it stand up to Ammonia? How about wet, dirty leaves that need bagging? And help maintain a manicure? Only a few survive that kind of test. And this one does!

Sheer Infusion touts "Stratys-3" as it's "breakthrough". Again, after years of writing this type of thing, I'm not blown away by trademarked molecule names or formulations. But here's the low-down on what Stratys-3 is. It's a combo of 3 ingredients, each one aims at caring for a different layer, or level, or your skin's stratum corneum (get it? Strat-um? Stratys-3?)--your stratum corneum is your surface skin--the skin you see. So what 3 ingredients you ask? Here they are (as described by Vaseline):

1. Glycerol Quat. This ingredient treats the outermost layer of skin. Seemingly counter-intuitive to what you'd want in a lotion, it resists penetration into the skin--unlike some other ingredients like...

2. Glycerin. The formula has glycerin in it to treat the middle layer of the stratum corneum--the "core". Glycerin penetrates a bit more to provide moisture.

3. Hydroxy Ethyl Urea. This ingredient is designed to attract and hold moisture at the deepest level of the stratum corneum.

They can give me all the scientific explanation they want, and try to package Sheer Infusion in varying formulas that deliver a "scentsually" uplifting experience or that make me feel all green and natural by using a "botanical" flavor--but the bottom line is that Vaseline Sheer Infusion does moisturize quite well. And it absorbs well--so you don't have to have a box of tissues nearby to wipe away excess lotion before you grab a doorknob. This one gets my vote.

Vaseline Sheer Infusion sells for $6.25 - $8.99 and is available just about anywhere.

Simplifying my Beauty Routine includes a Swiffer

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:45:00 +0000

No kidding. Sometimes the product you get doesn't quite seem to fall in line with what the heck your site's about. You raise an eyebrow, have a WTF moment and forget about it. But I found myself face-to-face with a Swiffer 360* recently and, as I'm always looking for over 40 beauty solutions that are quicker than my 5 year old's hands, I realized that this baby is a must-have.

My aha moment came the other night when I was racing around to get both me and the house ready so I could host a little soiree. Hair wet, brush in one hand, I looked around at those hidden pockets of the living room where that unmistakeable film of misty white dust seemed to linger--and mind you I had only dusted like 36 hours before. My eye caught the yellow of the Swiffer 360 package and it was like Jupiter aligning with Mars (thank you 5th Dimension) and I went for it. That was by far the most incredible dusting experience of my life. Seriously--it blew away the microfiber towel experience on the stainless in the kitchen--and that's saying something.

It picks up EVERYTHING. And it fits EVERYWHERE. Intricate detailing on the banister? Got every nook and cranny. Electronic equipment? Nary a speck of dust left anywhere. The lamps that I hate dusting? A breeze. I'm not the type to be donning an apron in my a-line skirt and cheerfully twirling about the house as I dust--but for a moment, I felt like some sort of flashback to a Debbie Reynolds (et al) circa 1950's movie set. Pure giddyness & glee (till I caught myself in the mirror). But the real moment of truth was that I actually recommended the Swiffer 360 to two people within an hour of using it.

Now, the folks at Swiffer will tell you all about how great their 360 is for picking up nasty allergans and for keeping a house healthy and all. Personally, I don't give a crap about all that--thankfully no one here suffers from asthma, though I can see where a handy little gizmo like this would be of use in such a situation. No, all I care about is that the damn thing worked--quickly, efficiently and effectively so I could have my little party with the knowledge that the house was damn near spotless. At least where the dust was concerned.

A Swiffer 360 starter kit w/6 refills will run you just under $10--and it's worth every penny. Find 'em at just about every grocery store...

*Yes, it did come from MS&L (Swiffer's PR agency)... :)

Ponds Clean Sweeps Go-To Wipes for Busy Over-40 Skin

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:12:00 +0000

I realized now that school's back in session and life's become a whirlwind of backpacks, homework, extra-curricular activities--and yes, work--that I was grabbing for Pond's Clean Sweep Wet Cleansing Towelettes more often than not.

After years of hearing how horrible it is to go to bed with any makeup (of dirt of the day) on my face, I'm sort of programmed to wash my face at night. And, heck, I'm for any chance to gain a little exfoliation action, so dutifully I go to the bathroom sink. But lately, it's become a challenge. When I'm awake enough to wash, the kids are, too. When they're finally asleep, it's a miracle I can transport myself to my own bed let alone hit the sink.

Enter Pond's Clean Sweep. I always keep some form of facial wipes on hand--it's habit. But I know when things get crazed I always reach for these. It doesn't matter what condition my skin is in or what season it is, they always do the job effectively without stripping my skin or--which I hate even more--leaving some "moisturizing" residue that I wind up wiping off with a towel anyway.

I like the fact, too, that they have some benefit--they contain some antioxidants (vitamin E, green tea) so I at least feel that whatever is left on my over-tired skin may actually be doing some good.

It's funny how cleansing wipes are always advertised in some pure white, calm, porcelain setting with a model who looks sans a care in the world as she adoringly and appreciatively responds to her image in the mirror. Reality check: she doesn't need wipes--she has time for a 14-step facial. I do not...and chances are, if you've got kids, you don't either. You need some wipes on hand, and these get my vote. Pond's Clean Sweep Cleansing Towelettes go for about $6.

Trying out Anastasia Line Erasing Serum on over 40 eyes

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Full disclosure: I'm an Anastasia fan. Whether it's her brow powders, brow brushes or clear brow gel, everything she does just always seems a notch or two above the others in terms of quality. So I keep coming back to her. Now, Anastasia's got out a new Line Erasing Serum--a foray into skin care for the Anastasia line.

Ordinarily, a new eye serum cum line eraser should raise a skeptical eyebrow (fitting as it's Anastasia we're talking about, no?) But, since it is from Anastasia, I gave it a try. The Line Erasing Serum formula contains "Balkan Botanical Infusion". I don't really care what any newfangled ingredient blend is called (or how many miles have been traversed to "discover" it). I've coined enough ingredient blend names to know what that process is like and the bottom line for me is, call it whatever the h*#% you want--just make sure it actually works! So this one includes a blend of antioxidants such as Bilberry and Green Tea extracts--along with Marshmallow Leaf to help hydrate skin.

In addition to the infusion, Line Erasing Serum has something called Instalift Goji--which is basically Tibetan Goji Berry--another powerful antioxidant. And though they don't make a big deal of it, the serum contains several peptides as well.

The line-erasing part mostly comes from the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate, aka hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone--a silicone based ingredient. The former helps plump out fine lines while drawing moisture in; the latter is an ingredient that "floats" on skin and sort of hovers in and over fine lines to create a smoother appearance. If you've used a hair de-frizzing product or glosser, you've used a dimethicone (or silicone) type of formula--imagine the feel of that on your skin and you've got the idea.

And does it work? It definitely tones down the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet around my over 40 eyes. I'm not so sure it'll "lift" any saggy eye hooding. Line Erasing Serum does slightly tighten the eye area. But in terms of moisturization, while it feels great going on, it leaves a bit of a tacky/sticky feel once absorbed--not that smooth feel you get upon applying a more traditional moisturizing cream. That's ok--that's how you get the tightening effect, but don't think you're going to have the moisturizing feel you're used to. Anastasia Line Erasing Serum is more about immediate results with the look of your lines first, hydration second (or third).

Overall, I like Line Erasing Serum. I'm not thrilled with the $49 price point, as you can get other line diminishing products that use hyaluronic acid and dimethicone for less--but often times they're in a lotion or cream formula, not a serum. And this does take the edge off my fine lines. Plus, it's got a nice scent--something almost spa-like about it, which always gets high marks with me...

B40B Must Have: Oscar Blandi Summer Hair Protection

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:18:00 +0000

Every so often a company comes up with a product that truly answers a need; Oscar Blandi's Capri Sun-Shield Spray is one of those.

I swim a lot and enjoy the sun--but my hair does not. While I won't say I'm obsessive, I usually apply hair conditioner before I get in the pool (if I'm doing "serious" swimming with a cap on) and I wash and condition my hair when I get out of the pool. I even wrap it and hang in the sauna to allow the conditioner to "penetrate" (as if, right?). Of course, if I'm swimming sans cap for "fun", I do none of this and that's why my hair is in the God-awful condition it is. Throw in some sun and you can basically prop me up as a would-be scarecrow with straw hair for your fall holiday decorating. It's not pretty.

But Oscar Blandi Capri Sun-Shield is a perfect little helper for over-40 hair--hair that's typically dry, hair that's typically colored or bleached. Capri Sun-Shield has UV "inhibitors" to protect the color from fading or brassing out, but unlike some hair sunscreens of yore, it also contains Panthenol, Avocado Oil and Jojoba Oil to help keep hair's moisture balance. The fact that it's a spray-on is just a bonus.

I will say, if you hair is like mine (way-the-heck-dry) you will not use this and suddenly feel your hair is Pantene-model quality--but it does help diminish the effects of summer's harshest effects. It's worth a try...and it's avaiable at Sephora; 8 oz. for $20...

Ulta 4 Free Samples Till July 4th!

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:03:00 +0000

Ulta's offering 4 free samples with every order--but it's only until Saturday, July 4th...

Also, take 20% off any one item...enter promo code 27023 (some exclusions apply)

BeautyStoreDepot.com Savings

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Just received a biz card from BeautyStoreDepot.com, passing along a savings offer...

Free ship on all orders over $75 (ok, that's a lot of beauty), but also take an extra 10% off your first order. Input code AMZ10 at check out...

Evolution of Women's Shaving and a Razor that finally works

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:08:00 +0000

This is one of those posts that if you're under say 35, you won't get. It's about shaving. See years ago, there were no "women's" razors. Oh, there may have been one or two--like the in-the-round Daisy shaver, but mostly it was the single blade--twin blade if you were lucky--razors that could've double as paint scrapers.

And if you recall, chances are you had that one lightbulb moment when you grabbed your boyfriend's, brother's or husband's razor and sneakily used it. That's when it hit you that shaving comfort was not equitably distributed among the sexes. Men got the smoother, gentler shave (they also got pissed if they realized you used their razors). So, if you were like me, you went out and scanned the men's razor aisle and dumped what seemed like an exorbitant amout of money (at the time) for a men's razor. You may have really gone wild and thrown in some shaving cream, too.

Your only other option back then were those electric shavers. Yes, the ones with those pretty, pale, belongs-on-a-feminine-napkin-package colored cases. They never seemed to get close enough on a shave and then you had loads of little hairs falling all over--so your best bet was to shave over or in a bathtub, remembering of course not to add water.

Thankfully, today, there are seemingly countless options for triple and quadruple blade women's razors. One, a Schick Quattro, happened to land in my mail unexpectedly. I've never really been a Schick girl--I've been more in the Bic and Gillette world. But I gave this a try. "Trying" for me means dragging the razor as quickly as possible over my legs while showering. Usually, with a new razor, this means nicks and cuts that happen with nary any indication that I've just sliced my leg--it's that smooth until there's blood dripping down my leg as I'm getting out of the shower (you know, you've been there too). With older razors, you can feel the nicks as they happen.

But with this baby--the Schick Quattro, I was racing through shaving--even near private parts (while I typically wax, I don't like waiting for "growth" to come in that's long enough to wax again--if there's stubble coming in, I like it gone)--and I did not have ONE nick. Seriously. Great, smooth shave, even with carelessness (ie, human...ie, mine) built into the process.

So now, even though I tend to be somewhat brand loyal, I'm thinking I'll be picking up some more Quattro's next time I need some razors. Could be one for you to try, too.

3 for Summer Skin Mishaps

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:10:00 +0000

By "mishap" I mean "things gone wrong". As in something YOU did wrong--not intentionally of course--to bring on a little skin mishap.

First up, overdoing it in the sun. Obviously too much sun will result in a burn--but even just being out in the sun for an extended period of time (even with protection) can leave skin parched. Vaseline has out a new addition to its Aloe Vera line: Vaseline Aloe Fresh Moisturizing Daily Body Gel. At first glance it looks a bit (deceptively) like 100% aloe vera gel that you can get just about anywhere for less money, but it actually has additional moisturizing ingredients--glycerin being one. So it not only has the soothing benefits of aloe vera, but where aloe vera can absorb into skin and feel as though you've applied nothing after a few minutes, this will give your skin a bit more hydration. Plus, it's less heavy on hot, muggy, sweaty summer days.

Second, if you wax or shave, chances are you get those little razor bumps that can itch and look oh so lovely--especially around your bikini line. Tend Skin (about $10 for 4 oz.) is a great little thing to have on hand for these moments; typically within several hours of application, Tend Skin will tone down the bumps and redness and help to open up any ingrown hair that might be caught under your skin. Sometimes, using a dull blade can contribute to getting razor bumps, so try to use a newer razor and be sure to use a shaving cream or gel (men's will work just as well as a women's one "for legs"). Of course, if you use a new razor, that can bring us to the third little helper...

Third, if you shave with a new razor, or like me, tend to think there's a award for fastest razor this side of the Mississippi, you'll probably score a few nicks or cuts. I also have cream colored towels that invariably get little red marks from this process. There is one thing though that I've found helps--and it was something I found out about years ago after raiding a former boyfriend's medicine cabinet: a styptic pencil. These little charmers--No Nix Astringent Styptic Pencil (about $3) is one--are worth their weight in gold to stop bleeding on the spot. Chances are you won't even need a band-aid, which when you're going bare legged in shorts or a skirt is a god-send.

Over 40 Acne Help...30% off IQ Derma Clear Remedy

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:51:00 +0000

It's no newsflash that acne can still show up on over 40 skin. Or over 50 skin for that matter. But dealing with it is different.

Over 40 skin vs. 20-something skin
Over 40 skin is less resilient than it used to be--it's also drier. The rate at which skin cells turn over has decreased. All this requires a bit of a different plan for acne flare-ups. And the key is in skincare ingredients you use.

Main Active Ingredients
Salicylic Acid is primarily an exfoliator--it promotes cell turnover. It can be a bit drying.
Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti-bacterial agent; it too can be drying.
Many acne treatment lines are based on either Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide--not both. Case in point: ProActiv uses BP, Murad uses Salicylic. (Murad also uses sulfur in their spot treatment, which is a peeling agent).

So when I find an acne system that uses both, it usually gets my attention. Why? Because skin--particularly older skin--benefits from the added exfoliation boost achieved with salicylic acid. IQ Derma's new line, Clear Remedy, combines both ingredients in its line-up.

IQ Derma's a 3-step system (aren't they all?) only it's Cleanser-Treatment Lotion-Hydrating Lotion. No Toner, which I'm fine with. What's nice about this system is that the Acne Treatment Lotion is formulated to maintain your skin's moisture balance while delivering the salicylic acid to help with exfoliation (it's also color, dye & fragrance free...ProActiv's actually contains fragrance). Then, you finish it off with the Hydrating Lotion, so it's not over-drying, which is critical for older (over 40) skin.

IQ Derma Clear Remedy also has a Acne Spot Treatment Lotion. Full disclosure: I haven't tried it yet as I haven't had a zit to try it on--but I will. Also, I'm a big fan of both Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion and Repechage's HydraMedic Drying Lotion--both of which contain salicylic acid, sulfur, camphor and zinc oxide. But the Clear Remedy Acne Spot Treatment is a Benzoyl Peroxide-based treatment with extracts of lemon, orange and sugar cane as well as a non-active level of salicylic acid. I'll report back when I try it, but I like the combination of ingredients which at first glance seem as though they'd deliver a one-two-three punch of bacteria-fighting, zit-drying and exfoliation.

The IQ Derma line does not come cheap: the 3-step system normally runs $135 and the Acne Spot Treatment is $30. (Compare to ProActiv's 3-step at a $90 value). But IQ Derma is offering a special promotion: Get 30% off and Free Ground Shipping when you enter promotion code GETCLEAR30 upon checkout. If you're dealing with over 40 acne, this may be one to try.

Let's play make-believe Spa!

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:35:00 +0000

It's Friday night, and it's been quite a week. Somewhere in the middle I realized I was working for 4 companies in 4 different industries which can only mean it's a miracle some circuit in my brain didn't short-circuit. (Did I mention I have 3 young kids as well?) So by Friday, I'm thinking a trip to the spa would be nice.

But I'm too tired to leave the house to go to one.

So here's how I play "spa" at home...minimal effort required...

1. Get a Candle. It doesn't have to be one from Takashamaya or even from Yankee Candle. Just find a little votive--you can even get them at a dollar store. The key is that it's scented and that you like what you smell. If it's weak or flat in aroma, skip it and move on. Don't worry about some cutesy holder--your average juice glass will do the trick. Place candle in glass, place on edge of tub. Not elegant, but not an effort either.

2. Get Body Wash. Note, I said body wash--not a bar of soap. My current favorite is the one from the Thymes Naia collection. Bath & Body Works has a pretty good wallet-friendly collection as well--but smell them in the store first. Having worked at a cosmetic company (wink-wink) for years I can tell you that the lower-cost body washes do not retain their scent too well--so do a scent check before you buy it. In a pinch, you can even use the kids' bubble bath--but it loses something when you're pouring from a Lightning McQueen decanter. Grab a sponge, loofah, washcloth, whatever.

3. Take Bath. Light candle, tell family you "are not here.

4. Slather on Body Lotion. Not the Nivea. Not the Jergens. Again, go for the one with the most aroma (that you can stand the most). Massage it in. Better yet, get your husband or boyfriend to do it for you. No, it's not like the massage you get at the spa, but you're not paying $75+ for 50 minutes either.

4. Swaddle yourself in Terrycloth. I don't mean the towel. Dry off first, then throw on a thick, fluffy, cozy terrycloth robe. Used to be you could only get a pretty good one in higher-end places. Not so anymore. Check out the ones at stores like Kohl's, Victoria's Secret, or even Annie Sez. You'll know it when you feel it--it has to feel as though you'd crawl into it right there at the store. Throw in a matching terry headband while you're at it.

5. Pretend your bed is your lounge chair. Post-treatment at the spa, there's always that room (the one called "relaxation", "meditation" or "tranquility" something or other) with the lounge chairs and the pitcher of either lemon or cucumber water. You know that one? Well, now it's your bedroom. Go there. Recline on the bed with a good book or just your thoughts. Relax. Inhale...Exhale...(if it's night, the pitcher of water would be nice but, hey, when you're over 40, you know what water at night means...)

Voila! Minimal effort, fairly minimal expense. One of these days I'll post about some more serious at-home spa tricks...things that really create the spa feel--from rose petals to hot stones to even that cucumber water. But for now, I'm tired...

5 ways to get the most from over 40 beauty sleep

noreply@blogger.com (beyond40) — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Beauty sleep is the kind of beauty routine I like: zero effort, maximum payoff. But, there are some things you can do to have a more beauty-beneficial snooze for over 40 skin....

1. Use satin pillowcases. I know this sounds reminiscent of some bad Madonna song ("satin sheets are very romantic...") but there is some sense to this one. Regular cotton or cotton/poly blend sheets tend to pull or tug on skin--or "smush" skin in place. Satin sheets let skin slip or glide a bit more. Added benefit: you get less bedhead.

2. Sleep on your back. Same reasons as above. When you sleep on your side or stomach, your face rests on your pillow and creates some creases--it's normal. But keeping your face in that position for any length of time is akin to those repetitive facial movements. After a while, the creases just don't disappear...

3. Frownies. I've posted about these before, and while they can kill a romantic evening, they do work. The little tapes keep facial movements in check while you sleep, so you wake up looking more refreshed and less lined.

4. Go easy on undereye moisturizer. Try to concentrate application to the outer corners of eyes. When you apply moisturizer directly under the eye, it can "collect" there causing a puffy morning look.

5. Vaporize. If you have dry air--either from heat (forced air is the worst) or even from air conditioning, a cool mist vaporizer can help maintain skin's moisture balance overnight.

Finally, the whole idea of beauty sleep is to sleep. So make sure you avoid things like drinking a lot of water before bedtime. And if you have a wind-down ritual that works for you, then use it; sleep is when your skin hits its natural restorative phase, so the more you do to promote a good night's sleep, the better.

Frownies 144 Pieces, for Forehead and Between Eyebrows