Next weekend, I'm flying to Florida to visit my sister Pam. My mom Patsy is also making the trip but she's driving. That means she has the luxury of taking four suitcases on last count compared to my one. (No, she's not moving in!)
For a split second, I was jealous of all that packing room. Just think how many pairs of shoes I could bring. But no worries, thanks to the anti-aging skincare and beauty pros at IT Cosmetics, I won't need anywhere near that much space. They've come out with convenient, grab-and-go sizes of some of their best sellers.
Ever feel like you're turning into your mother? Mine has always had trouble sleeping. And, I'm getting more and more like her every day. I wake up around 2 a.m. most nights and my brain starts racing. I spend hours obsessing over everything from picking the perfect paint color (Alabaster, Cotton Balls, White Dove, how many whites can there be?) to planning my next landscape project.
I'd like to think I'm no worse for the wear. But the dark circles under my eyes beg to differ. Combine lack of rest with my 50ish complexion (I'm actually 60 as of April 12 - yikes!) and Houston, we have a real problem.
That's why I'm thrilled to have found these seven, eye-opening creams. They're great for anyone (girls and guys) concerned about dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles and other frustrating signs of aging. And with prices starting at $38, there's a bright eye-dea for every budget.
What it is: A new, anti-aging eye treatment clinically shown to improve hydration that's made with ceramides, peptides, collagen and other skin-loving ingredients.
What I like: Acting like a wake-up call for tired eyes, this rich, caffeine-infused cream refreshes your entire eye area. It's super moisturizing without feeling greasy and soaks in quickly. I love using it morning and night to help reduce inflammation and puffiness while brightening my skin.
The innovative formula plumps and fills lines and wrinkles, nourishing skin with avocado, hyaluronic acid, licorice and more. Put it on before applying under-eye concealer to help keep your makeup from sinking into and emphasizing trouble zones. You'll begin seeing the benefits immediately with more powerful results promised over time. Plus, this winner is from the beauty experts who brought us the best-selling Confidence in a Cream moisturizer and the smart, Confidence in a Compact foundation.
On the shelf: $38 at itcosmetics.com, Ulta Beauty and Ulta.com.
What it is: A high-performance, antioxidant eye cream featuring potent botanicals and plant oils that fight early signs of aging. It helps improve skin firmness, moisture, lines and radiance.
Some beauty bloggers try any and everything. But I'm pretty picky about what I test, especially if I'll be putting it on my face. Unfortunately, I'm on the sensitive side and making a wrong choice could (and has) cost me days, even weeks of recovery time. Yikes!
That's why I'm big on brands I know and trust like IT Cosmetics. They're one of my fav anti-aging makeup and skincare lines. Think Bye Bye Lines Serum, SuperHero Mascara and much more. The folks at IT work with doctors to develop serious beauty solutions based on ingredients that are both cutting edge and good for your skin.
When I ask my mom Patsy what she wants for Christmas, she usually says "Just anything," "I have everything I need" or "You always pick out something nice."
Sound familiar? If you need a gift idea for a special woman in your life, try one of these bodacious beauty buys. They're great alone, as stocking stuffers or tied to the bow of another present when you want to do a little something extra.
My mother has a to-die-for complexion. Sure, she's old enough to be you know, my mother, but you could never tell it by looking at her skin.
Although I'd like to think I take after mom, the mirror has me worried. That's why I was thrilled to try IT Cosmetics' new Bye Bye Collection. In addition to concealing problems, these talented multitaskers work to help you bid adieu to everything from dark circles and pores to stubborn makeup and fine lines.
When I told my dear friend Becky I was testing them, she immediately asked "What's IT?" So let me start by saying they're one of my fav anti-aging makeup (think SuperHero Mascara) and skincare lines. They work with plastic surgeons to develop serious beauty solutions based on ingredients that are both cutting edge and good for your skin. Nice!
I tried these eight products from IT's Bye Bye Collection, available at itcosmetics.com, Sephora.com and select Sephora stores. You can also find the eye cream, lip treatment and makeup remover at QVC and QVC.com.
What it is: A hard-working anti-aging serum proven to deliver 10 powerful clinical results to your skin. It takes on everything from dryness to wrinkles to give skin a younger, healthier look in as little as 10 days with more dramatic results over time.
What I like: Not your typical serum, this super-light cream leaves my skin silky smooth and glowing. It includes one of my go-to hydrators (hyaluronic acid) plus argan oil and babassu oil for an instant burst of moisture. Using it in the morning and at night after cleansing soothes my parched skin without any icky, oily feeling.
I am lost without my mascara. I absolutely have to put it on before letting anyone except Bob, of course, see me. Otherwise, my light, skimpy lashes simply disappear...a thought too frightening to bear.
But after losing every last hair to chemotherapy several years ago, I don't go for anything rough. That's why I adore these lash-boosting formulas. They darken sparse fringe beautifully, have all-day staying power and come off without a struggle. Plus, with prices ranging from about $6 to $36, you can buy several and have fun layering them for a show-stopping look.
Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara
What it is: A multi-tasking formula that volumizes, lengthens and lifts lashes with dramatic results.
What I like: I'm a long-time Elizabeth Arden fan. I give my mother Elizabeth Arden's holiday gift set every Christmas and she gives me the mascara. It's one of our favorite traditions!
Like the rest of the Elizabeth Arden family, the Grand Entrance mascara offers a lot to love. The glossy formula helps my lashes look both fuller and longer. Rich in vitamins, it promotes healthy lashes and I'm all about that. Since it resists water, I don't have to worry about my teary allergy eyes ruining the look. I've seen no smudging or flaking and it comes off easily with makeup remover. The small bristles on the slightly curved brush grab and coat every single hair, even tiny lower lashes, without clumping. Everything about this one, including the eye-catching red packaging, is designed for big impact. Try it in Stunning Black.
On the Shelf: $24 at Beauty Brands stores and BeautyBrands.com
Dark circles. Fine lines. Sagging skin. Deep wrinkles. Ugh! If you're anything like me, you long for a skincare routine that's tough on all those irritating signs of aging (and more!) without irritating your skin.
That's why I was thrilled to team up with the skincare pros at RoC for a beauty-boosting giveaway. They've joined us to offer one lucky reader a fabulous set of five anti-aging all-stars designed to tackle everything from a dull complexion to deep wrinkles. Valued at more than $125, this Boomer-perfect package will help you fight your top concerns around the clock without risking an upset.
Calling all Boomer Babes! We're giving away a fabulous gift from RoC Skincare including 5 anti-aging all-stars designed to tackle everything from a dull complexion to deep wrinkles:
You could win this face-saving, $125-value set ... FREE. Read on for details on how to enter*. Contest ends Dec. 15.
What's so great about RoC? To start, I share a birthday with this popular French skincare brand. It's been focused on helping women achieve healthier, younger-looking skin since 1957. Let's just forget doing the math and say that's more than 50 years so they gotta be doing something right. The pharmacist who founded RoC , Dr. Jean-Charles Lissarrague, created the first hypoallergenic skincare product and the first SPF sunscreen. The company went on to patent the first pure, stabilized form of retinol in over-the-counter beauty aids.
Besides developing award-winning products, the folks at RoC work closely with dermatologists and perform tons of tests to make sure their solutions are both effective and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive souls like me. Even better, my own dermatologist tells me it's good stuff.
Our giveaway includes the following five anti-aging heroes, which are gentle enough to use every day. After testing them for several weeks, I'm excited to report that my face is happy, healthy and holiday ready. And I've had no problems with the dreaded rashes, redness or dryness that can occur if I go near anything too harsh.
Clinically shown to reduce even deep wrinkles, this lotion-like powerhouse goes to work on creases with a blend of pure retinol and an essential mineral complex. It also helps improve skin tone and firmness.
Since retinol is known for its skin-smoothing abilities, I couldn't wait to try this yellow-toned serum on my forehead in particular. I swear I've had mega-lines there since I was born. (Thank goodness for bangs.) You can use it morning, night or both (my choice) after cleansing and before moisturizing.
With continued use, it promises a visible reduction in both fine lines and deep wrinkles so I decided not to stop at my forehead. I've been massaging it over my entire face. Although the label says you may notice a mild tingling after applying this one, I haven't had any unpleasant reactions. Instead, it's light, absorbs in no time and gives my skin a nice glow. What a way to start the day. ($22.99 for 1.0-fluid ounce bottle)
Finding the right skincare routine can be like walking a tightrope. I've gotta have beauty products strong enough to do the job without sending my sometimes sensitive skin over the edge.
That's why I like to play it safe with skin-kind finds like these. They're designed to deliver powerful results with no fear of unpleasant side effects. You can pick up these budget-friendly buys at your local Target, one of my regular haunts. (I shop Friday mornings to miss the crowd.) And now to the end of October, Target is offering special discounts on these and other fan favorites from Neutrogena, Aveeno and RoC. (Check the end of this post for details.)
Christie Brinkley stole the show when she starred in National Lampoon's Vacation in the 80s. And she's still hot after all these years, thanks in part to a to-die-for complexion. You'd never guess she's 61!
So when I heard she'd collaborated on a new anti-aging skincare line, I couldn't wait to give it a try.
Bob lives for winter. The temperature has to drop to artic levels for him to go near the coat closet. I'm the exact opposite. Summer is more my season so I grab boots, sweaters and as many other protective layers as possible at the first sign of frost and keep them close till May.
Eye makeup is a big MUST for me. Just ask Bob. He knows we'll be hitting Taco Bueno's drive-through for lunch if I'm ever au natural. After all, you never know who you might run into inside!
I joined the Breathe Right Sleep In movement to try and catch up on my beauty sleep. Talk about a challenge!
Your eyes never lie. But with the right help, they might at least stretch the truth when it comes to revealing your age.
So it's important to pamper your peepers with smart pick-me-ups like these. They do a number on getting rid of wrinkles, dark circles, thinning lashes and everything in-between. Besides costing under $100, they all tackle several top eye concerns at once. Some are for sensitive types, others are all natural and some are as close as your nearest drugstore
My sister Pam is the queen of multitasking. She often handles email, grocery shops and cooks dinner while on the phone with me, never missing a beat in the conversation.
Looking anything but red and wilted can be a challenge when the temp tops 90 most days (welcome to summer in Texas!).
That's why I'm lovin' these 19 fabulous finds. Made to take the heat, they're a sun-sational boost to your beauty routine.
Mineral makeup maven Jane Iredale was practically in our backyard last week. She visited Soft Surroundings in Southlake, TX, where I was first in line to try her summer launches and chat with the natural cosmetics guru. (Sure, it was FUN but please tell Bob I was working!)
Going gray is the least of my worries. At 56 (practically 57, yikes!), my once-blonde hair has gotten darker with no trace of silver just yet. It came back brown after a life-saving double mastectomy and 6 rounds of chemotherapy in 2009 ... but that's another story.
In January, I hosted a simple dinner for the lovely ladies in my Bunco group. The 12 of us have been meeting monthly for about 20 years. In the beginning, we played the dice game that brought us together religiously. These days, there's really no time for that because we're busy discussing the joys (our children and grandchildren), challenges (divorce and health scares) ... every detail of our lives.
Going gray is the least of my worries. At 56 (practically 57, yikes!), my once-blonde hair has gotten darker with no trace of silver just yet. It came back brown after a life-saving double mastectomy and 6 rounds of chemotherapy in 2009 ... but that's another story.
Our one-and-only son Cole came home a few weeks ago for his friend Nick's wedding. Since Nick's practically part of our family, Bob and I were thrilled to be attending. It promised to be a fun evening for the two of us considering Cole would be busy with best-man duties. So I bought a dress (thanks for the coupon WHBM!), wore the heels I fell in love with in Paris and took extra care with my makeup.
Planning a big date with your sweetie? It could be time to go glam.
Perfect when you need some OOMPH, these 15 fabulous finds can amp up your look in no time.
The things we do for beauty! After being diagnosed with the big C and having a double mastectomy in 2009, I went through a year's worth of procedures to rebuild my breasts. It was a pain (literally) but the girls ended up somewhat larger so at least I checked something off my beauty bucket list!
With summer winding down, we'll soon be saying good-bye to long, lazy days by the pool. But that doesn't mean you have to bid adieu to gorgeous, bronze skin.
Sand, surf and sun ... glorious sun. I'm wild about summer and most everything that comes with it.
But surviving my favorite season without burning, melting, wilting or worse can be a challenge, even when you adore the heat as much as I do. That's when these 10 warm-weather musts come in handy. Great for your body, face and hair, they'll help keep you looking and feeling your best while out and about this summer.
Bob and I thrive on routine. We ALWAYS go to the grocery store first-thing Friday morning, eat pizza at least once a week, and prefer red wine with cheese, peanut butter, make that just about anything.
Watching This Is 40 recently, I really related to Debbie's (Leslie Mann's) dilemma. She's a busy working mother/wife struggling with turning the big 4-0. In fact, she hates the idea so much she hides the truth, telling everyone she'll be 37 or 38 instead depending on her mood.
A few weeks ago, the girls took me out to celebrate my 56th birthday. Wanting to wear something fun, I reached for my favorite maxi dress. It's a pretty, blue-and-white, sleeveless number from Macy's ... one of my best buys ever because it works everywhere from girl's night out to graduations!
I always take EVERYTHING off before bed. (Relax, I'm not about to make a 50 Shades of Grey-type confession here. We're talkin' makeup!)
Being a Boomer Babe can be SIC ... a self-improvement challenge.
Besides having issues with weight and waning eyesight, we've gotta worry about our lips doing a disappearing act. Unfortunately, they get thinner and prone to lines as we age because our bodies produce less of the stuff (collagen) that gives your pout that perky plumpness. The lines get worse if you smoke or, like me, haved an addiction to straws (no more of that!).
We could curse Mother Nature but why waste time? A little help from talented smile specialists like these can provide a lift that helps you forget your lips were ever a sore subject.
Time for a victory dance! I'm celebrating because one of my favorite doctors, Dr. Danielle LeBlanc, found no cause for alarm during my annual breast exam. Whew! That is HUGE for a three-almost-four-year breast cancer survivor like me.
Sometimes, we don't appreciate the little things until they're gone. That realization hit me big time Thanksgiving three years ago.
Staying comfortable while winter does its worst can be a challenge. Besides delivering a big chill, my least favorite season can do a number on your skin leaving it dry, scaly and anything but touchable.
Finding cool stocking stuffers for the girls on your list is a breeze when you think beauty.
Perfect when you're looking for a sassy little something, these 15 fabulous fix-me-ups will delight divas of every age. Even better, they up the glam factor at such budget-stretching prices there's no need to stop at just one.
My friend Debbie always looks trendy, sporting a cute, little crossbody bag. I wish I could do the same, especially when we travel, but I normally carry too much stuff. First off, I've got to have credit cards, coupons and keys. Then hairspray, lip balm and breath mints along with tons of other just-in-case-I-need-'ems.
Sometimes, my brain has to take a beat before remembering my age. Then it hits me. I'm 55. I don't feel much different than I did in my 30s or 40s. But that "middle-aged" woman in the mirror looks more and more like my mother every day. (Thank goodness, my mom has sensational skin!)
Forget all-natural. This fall, the biggest trends call for adding a little drama.
That's why I'm so excited about these 14 must-try beauty boosters. From bold eyeliner to deep red lips, they deliver instant updates that'll help you get gorgeous this season and beyond.
Like most mothers, I spend much of my day thinking about others. Well, one in particular.
"Be prepared" may be the Boy Scouts' motto, but it's also great advice for us girls.
Our eyes may be a mirror to our souls but they don't have to reveal our age! Why give in to dark circles (they're rampant in my family), bags and crow's feet when you can turn to terrific, at-home eye treatments like these for under $100?
Besides helping eyes look younger, they're a pleasure to wear under makeup and even when you head to bed. You only need a dab. They go on easy, absorb quickly and leave lasting moisture without any greasy feeling. Bonus!
Bob and I are always up for a road trip. Show us a free weekend and we're sure to drive two hours to the ranch in Cransfills Gap, TX. Given more time, we'll choose the 12-hour haul to the Alabama Gulf Coast in a heartbeat. Either way, the less I stress about packing the better.
Bob has trouble understanding why I put on makeup before hitting the beach. But my fair skin NEEDS both sun protection and color.
Curls can be a girl's best friend, especially if you have fine, thin hair like mine. Besides being right on trend, they bring limp locks to life, making them look lush and full.
For Bob and me, Sunday nights mean pepperoni pizza, red wine and the latest episode of AMC's Mad Men. In the ad/pr game since the '80s, Bob says been there-done that to the multiple-martini lunches, late-night brainstorming and crazy client demands at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Me, I'm in it for the fashions.
Feel like your pout could use a pick-me-up? Think color. Orange (it is the color of the year) and pink are some of the hottest shades for spring and summer. Other fun hues making lip news include red (it's not just for winter anymore), natural tones and even purple.
With strawberries coming back in season, I'm looking for more and more uses for my favorite fruit. Sure, they're utterly delicious in everything from salsas to muffins and jams. But who knew they could also be fantastic for your feet?
Spring spells time to show off your feet. So I've been packing away the comfy Uggs and riding boots of winter while pining for fancy flip flops (make mine leopard gladiators from Tar-jay, Dahling), color-blocked sandals and sky-high, ankle-strap wedges that put the focus on my feet.
Orange tops my list of must-have spring shades. Besides being 2012's color of the year, it's fun, full of life and packs some heat. That's why I had to have Hidden Reef, the simply gorgeous shimmering coral nail polish that's part of SpaRitual's new Water collection.
2012 Color of the Year: Pantone Tangerine Tango
I walk a fine line when it comes to face creams. Being almost 55 (it's not April yet!) means I need a seriously strong wrinkle fighter and all the hydration I can get. But my sensitive skin tends to rebel if pushed too far.
Go, go, go. I run from my desk to errands to meetings. Next thing you know, the day's done and I have only minutes before book club, Bunco or date night with Bob (still a thrill after 30+ years of marriage!). If I'm not careful, my fine, thin hair can look as frazzled as I sometimes feel.
I'm VERY particular about lip gloss. Although my smile cries for color and shine, it tends to rebel if I'm not careful. Besides battling chapped lips, I have to contend with those fine lines that creep up on us Boomers as we age.
But I couldn't resist trying Lip Savvy!, the new do-it-all gloss that promises to plump, moisturize AND promote younger-looking skin.
I'm a BIG, admirer of sexy, golden bronze skin. Since I don't come by it naturally, I like getting my color out of a bottle. No tanning beds or spray tans for this Baby Boomer. Give me a Fake Bake, Guinot Paris or Jergins sunless tanner, five minutes and a hand with my back, and I'll show you some healthy-looking skin.
Big, blue and fringed with long, luscious lashes. My friend Margie Montague (now Thieleman) has the most gorgeous eyes.
Fresh cranberries, pumpkin and heavy creams often star in our holiday menus. But beauty expert and Bonding over Beauty author Erika Katz says this delicious threesome can also work wonders for your skin. She recommends these easy, do-it-yourself facials for a youthful, glowing complextion:
I'm sometimes taken over by I-Love-Lucy-like tendacies. One of my worst episodes happened back in 1977 when Bob and I were dating.
It's a treat to lather up with these all-natural cleansers. Made with good-for-you ingredients, these kind-and-gentle choices contain no harsh chemicals. Plus, they nourish as they cleanse.
After spending ALL summer in skirts, shorts and dresses, I've been dreading pulling out the skinny jeans that are my go-to garment for fall. Sure, they look great with flats, booties or stilettos (another good reason to buy more shoes), but thigh-hugging denim is not always my friend.
We live in Texas and spend big chunks of the year at the beach. Both of these places can be so unbearably hot and humid during the summer that the only sensible thing to do is sit on the front porch and drink (meebe that's why we all talk so slow y'all). As any southern Boomer brother will tell you, the weather and sun can play hell with your skin. By Labor Day, I usually look like 40 miles of bad road.
It's HOT. We need rain. And what's up with all this wind?
Instead of a nice, cooling breeze, we've had gusts so strong that Bob's been back-and-forth to Lowes buying buckets of bungee cords for the backyard. (Yes, he is in heaven.) You won't see that look in Southern Living but tying things down has been the ONLY way to prevent breaking, blowing and unplanned trips to our neighbors' yards.
It's sandal season in Texas so you won't catch me without a splash of color on my toenails.
My poor fingernails, however, are another story. I usually ignore them, pretending to prefer an au natural look. But the truth is I hate holding my hands still long enough for polish to dry and it just never seems to last on my hard-working fingers (I guess that's the price of all this blogging!).
Painful. Red. Scorched skin. Ouch! I've been there toooo many times.
Just ask my girlfriends. They'll tell you that I always burn on our beach trips. Like last year, when we went to Grand Cayman Island to celebrate my neighbor Shelley Tyler's 50th birthday (she's the baby in our group!).
Why not set the stage for romance this Valentine's Day? Whether you're planning a cozy dinner at home or a big night on the town, you could just steel the scene with a little help from these date-night-perfect beauty boosters.
Winter weather can play real havoc with your skin. If I'm not careful, my face gets red, my lips chap and my poor hands hurt. So when the temp drops like we're experiencing this week (lows in the 20s in Texas), it's time to pour on the protection.
Fragrance is the finishing touch to any look. So when Bob and I step out, I want a sexy, sophisticated scent he'll appreciate. That can be tricky because that man has a keen sense of smell (think Gus' super sniffer on USA's Psych and you'll have the picture). To win with him, a fragrance must be interesting but not overpowering like these new favs from Coty.
Girls, midlife "moments" can make us mirror shy. Hot flashes so intense your skin flushes, your heart races and you're instantly drenched in sweat aren't pretty. And spending night-after-sleepless-night waiting for the elusive Mr. Sandman doesn't help the picture.
Menopause isn't for the meek. Besides delivering hot flashes, sleepless nights and memory loss, the onslaught of erratic hormones can impact our faces. Declining estrogen levels combined with genetics and sun damage can cause skin to sag, dry out and loose elasticity (and the guys wonder why we're depressed).
Dark under-eye circles run in my family. Or so it seems because my younger sister Pam and I have searched many a shelf for ways to lighten the racoon-like patches under our eyes. That's why I was excited to try Hylexin, "the first product specifically developed for serious dark circles."