Meet Lisa Topham Director of Split Rock Aesthetic Institute



Lisa Topham R.N., BSN
Director of Split Rock Aesthetic Institute
Wilton Ct./Greenwich Ct.
203-831-8029

The Split Rock Aesthetic Institute in Wilton, Ct. first came on my radar when I went there to interview the famed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Neil Gordon.  The blog I wrote, still stands as one of the more comprehensive articles written about Dr. Gordon, who works under the radar as he deftly resets the clock, on the faces of media elite, film stars and his well heeled patients. (I'm sure if he wanted, Dr. Gordon could star in his own "Botched" reality show. He is also known for 'fixing" the faces of distraught patients of other surgeons.)

The Retreat at Split Rock is where Dr. Gordon operates, in his fully accredited surgical center. Patients can recuperate, in a luxuriously appointed spa and Inn, with round-the-clock medical care and nourished by their acclaimed full time chef.  It is also, harmoniously, where Lisa Topham and her staff work with patienys at the Split Rock Aesthetic Institute.

If it seems counter-intuitive for a surgeon and a premier non-surgical practitioner to share one roof, you are looking at anti-aging beauty as a competition between practices.  It's not.  It's all about you. Your face, your needs, your budget and how far you are willing to go to stay ahead of natural aging.

Going under the knife is not for everyone and lucky for us, Lisa Topham and her staff are utilizing all of the best injectibles, lasers and therapies out there, to work with you on your goals. With 30 years of experience in the field, and the passion and training to know exactly where a long term filler should be placed, does it really make sense to trust your face to a practitioner promoting with a  Group-On offer???

Not to me...

    Logo from Lisa's webpage

    www.Lisatopham.com

Lisa Topham came back on my radar in the last year.  Some of my friends and clients, who share my confidence, were looking fresh, youthful and lifted in a subtle but appealing way.  Long term fillers like Voluma XC, more gradual ones like Sculptra, or quicker fixes like Perlane could be the answer, but was I missing the 411 on something more?  And if so, by whom?

Enter again, Lisa Topham, who in addition to working at the Aesthetic Institute in Wilton, was now seeing patients in Greenwich Ct. at Dr. Gordon's satellite office at 116 Mason St.

It was Lisa who was responsible for the smoother jawlines, wider temples and more open eyes, my own eagle eye was scouting. The 5 year filler Lisa is using with such great success is called Bellafill and it is beloved in Europe.

Lisa, who has always been on the "cutting edge" of the non-cutting edge, was an early convert, training 3 years ago and using it on patients who trust her aesthetic expertise, experience and dedication to helping patients look refreshed and natural.

Since Bellafill lasts up to 5 years, would you risk going to someone, even your most trusted injector, who is newly adding this to their anti-aging arsenal???

I wouldn't...

I attended a seminar at their Mason Street office on November 29th, and was able to see some examples of Lisa's work with Bellafill, Botox and other injectibles with before and after slides. Lisa's team, is also expert in administering Ulthera Treatments (Ultrasound for lifting and tightening), Exilis (Radio frequency which removes fat and tightens skin non-surgically) and the very effective Sciton Laser.

It was interesting to be seated among women of all ages, copiously taking notes.  I get it. It's a lot to process. No matter what your age, whether in your late 30's and looking towards prevention or your late 60's and determined not to have a facelift, Lisa will help you navigate and create a long term plan for your best self.

Having a complimentary consultation with Lisa, is the first step towards getting educated about your face and what can and can't be achieved non-surgically.

I defy you to meet her and not instantly feel comfortable with her warm, engaging manner. Lisa will give you a direct, but kind, assessment of the current state of where your age is showing and how she can best correct it. She understands there are a lot of options to consider and encourages you to think about them before getting started on your next appointment. 

For your complimentary consultation with Lisa Topham in either location, contact her at 203-831-8029. Please tell Lisa you  were referred by DivaDebbi. I would be honored to hear back from you, as I have from people who have worked with Dr. Gordon after reading my blog @ DivaDebbi@gmail.com.

Your face is the one thing you wear everyday...It's not the place to cut corners, like scoring a great Prada knockoff at Zara.  Any physician or dentist can now take courses for a few short hours and start injecting. Be smart.  Be safe...

xox,
DD

Dermaplaning: I finally went under the knife

Julie Pipilo's Dermaplaning Scalpel
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

Julie Pipilo owner of Skin NY
914 -213-5724

I don't know what took me so long to finally meet the fabulous Julie Pipilo, a skilled aesthetician, with over 30 years of experience.  Half the women in my book club are devotees of Julie's and have entrusted her to care for their skin for years.

Elegant and cozy, Skin NY is located in Rye at 269 Purchase Street. More than just a place for facials, Julie has created a comprehensive Beauty and Age Management Center. Every client is treated to her warm, knowing expertise, where customized treatments and long term skincare are discussed to help you reach your skincare goals. As part of Julie's total approach to health and beauty, she also has a team in place, that includes a nutritionist, acupuncturist, a dentist who does teeth whitening, a laser specialist and a Plastic Surgeon who does Botox and fillers.
You can read more about Skin NY here, as well as see a menu of services.

So what did Julie perform on me?  A dermaplaning session. What exactly is dermaplaning?  Dermaplaning is a safe and simple procedure that exfoliates the top layer of skin and "vellus" hair or peach fuzz.

Dermaplaning is not to be confused with dermabrasion, and outdated, aggressive medical procedure that often led to infections and scarring.  Dermaplaning is simply shaving the epidermis with a scalpel, abrading the skin with light, feathering strokes.

There is zero downtime and no adverse effects. It is frequently done in conjunction with facials and peels. Julie can help you determine what is best for you.  Every treatment ends with a firming cocktail of vitamins and collagen. When I got up and looked in the the mirror, I literally squealed with delight!

I swear, Julie removed 5 lbs of skin and 5 years in a half hour.  This is the best $105 you will ever spend. If you are worried about developing a 5:00 shadow, it is for naught. The only hair that will grow back is what was there before, neither thicker or darker.  Julie recommends having this treatment approximately every 5 weeks. It is perfect for people with dry skin, hyperpigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles.

In short, WoWza!

I was so impressed with Julie's boundless knowledge and skilled hands.  We bonded immediately.  I can tell she is as passionate and devoted to her clients as I am to mine, with ouronly agenda being how you can be your best self.

For those of you in NYC, Westchester or Ct. I highly recommend you consult with Julie. She is special and will help you look and feel that way too. If you are interested in dermaplaning, please make sure you find an experienced aesthetician, preferably through the referral of someone you know whose skin looks beautiful.

Here's to a younger looking you and the women like Julie who help us feel good about ourselves...

xox,
DD

Vichy Liftactiv Serum: Luscious Lashes Can Be Yours

$47

I used to have a really great memory for details of all kinds.  Nowadays something really has to resonate with me, like what I ate for breakfast for example, things just seem to fly out of my head.  A few months ago I remembered reading a tweet by my friend Jane Daly who writes the beauty blog The Daly Beauty.

Jane has a particular love of fragrance, old and new, but also covers her fair share of beauty products.  What stood out for me, was her tweet that after using Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 for Eyes & Lashes her lashes were so lush she had stopped wearing mascara.
Come again??? Yes. That's right.  I tucked this choice tidbit away and never forgot it.

I happened to be in CVS last week, with a 20% off coupon already locked and loaded on to my Beauty Rewards card.  Vichy and La Roche Posay are two of the premium brands that CVS carries. Vichy was running a special as well; $10 off a $30 purchase.

The perfect storm.  I hadn't paid attention to the price, which for CVS and a tiny bottle, packs a fairly hefty price, but I did remember Jane and her lashes, so into my red basket it went.

After just one week of using Liftactive Serum twice a day, I could see my own lashes looking extra long and lush too

Monday I was in Sephora, and Carlos, one of their charming associates, stopped me to inquire about my lash routine.  I told him I have had some great results with Grande Lash MD over the last few months, but the icing was the results I was getting with Vichy Liftactive Serum.

Lashes without mascara using Vichy for one week

Lashes with mascara

Peak results are supposed to kick in after a month, but if  I can see a difference in just a week, I can't wait to see what another three will bring. This of course is not just a product for lashes,  It is also meant to brighten the eye area, reduce wrinkles and firm the skin around the eye. I'll take that on the plus side.

The key ingredient is, "Rhamnose", (though I have not clue one what that is), Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and Illuminators. It is a highly concentrated product, so just one drop cover both eyes. It is both suitable for sensitive skin and Opthamologist tested.

Since I was one of the 1% minority who had red irritated eyes a good deal of the time when I useGrande Lash MD, I'm hoping to ween to just once or twice a week and fortify my lashes with  Liftactive Serum instead.

Anyway, here's to Jane and remembering all the important things, lush lashes being chief among them...

xox,
DD

Fashion Flash Monday

I am very honored to have been asked to join Fashion Flash, an invitation only consortium of  award winning lifestyle bloggers that write about fashion, beauty, health and fitness, for women over forty.  Collectively, they receive more than 700,000 views a month.   Members include  Best of Everything After Fifty, Fab Over 40, Prime Beauty, Aging Backwards, Menopause Makeover and No-Nonsense beauty Blog.  These bloggers are  all experts in their fields and  bring years of experience and training  to their  always up to date  posts. Fashion Flash bloggers  have written more than 20  books and videos.

Every Monday, one of us hosts a round up of some of our favorite posts.  This week Barbara Hannah Grufferman who writes the fantastic  The Best of Everything after Fifty hosts our posts.

Please click on this link to see what we have been up to.  Topics include:

• a really good product for diffusing tired, puffy eyes
• which super food you should be eating regularly
• sporty chic; how to wear this major trend
• modern manners for modern beauties
• the best primers for your eyes lips and face
• the one exercise you should try to do each and every day 
• a fabulous, affordable facial cleanser                                     

My thanks to the warm welcome from my new friends at Fashion Flash. It's a wonderful opportunity for DivaDebbi to be seen by many more readers and for all of us to learn a new trick or three.

Happy Daylight Saving time everybody!

xox

DD

Review: Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper Pillow

$79.99

"Over time, the "sleep wrinkles" caused by crushing you face, won't disappear once your awake".
Dr. Julia Tzu Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, NYU School of Medicine. Marie Claire, March 2014

My own sleep creases yesterday, without the Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper

I believe you.  That is why when I heard from the creator of the the Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper offering to send me one of their back sleeping pillow to write about, I gratefully accepted.

I'm a burrower, particularly on cold nights and a side sleeper and with all I do during waking hours to keep wrinkles at bay, it seems silly to undo it all while I sleep.

Here's the challenge; old habits die hard. I'm a week or two into my trial and I have only made it through the night once.  On the plus side, my back and neck felt great and my chest and face were indeed creaseless.

I want to keep at it...I need to keep at it.

Here are some more details about the Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper:

The Beautiful Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back:

• Balances out your body weight, keeping your internal organs aligned, preventing neck & back pain.
• Helps prevent cleavage wrinkles on the chest and sleep-lines on the face while relieving pressure on existing wrinkles.
• Beauty products have a chance to penetrate the skin and deliver maximum results without rubbing off on the pillow.
• Prevents oils and dirt from your hair and scalp from coming in contact with your facial skin, clogging pores and causing acne.
• Keeps breast skin from stretching and causing sagging.
• Provides support for healing after surgeries that require back sleep during recovery.
• Helps keep the sinuses clear by preventing compression.

Makes sense, don't you think?  With all we spend on lotions and potions with the hopes of minimizing wrinkles, $79.99 may be more of a sound beauty investment than the priciest of night creams.

I have read reviews from satisfied customers who have managed to break free of their old side and stomach sleeping patterns.  It takes a little time and a lot of tenacity.

I've got both...what about you?

xox,
DD

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to my lovely friend Lisa, who is a partner in Elizabeth Daniel NY, a company that manufactures fantastic cotton stretch blouses that fit  and layer like a dream.  (They also pack pack perfectly.  I never travel without one or two.) On trend for Spring 2014, collared shirts are having a moment, so do check out their fab collection.

Lisa has won my giveaway of Trophy Skin Rejuvaderm MD at home microdermabrasion system! Winners were selected randomly from comments left on both my blogs DivaDebbi and Forever Forty Four, (sorry Sis. Six years in and your still empty handed.  I was rooting for you though.)

It's such a fantastic product.  Originally, I was sent their first system, which is larger, not portable and more expensive. I have used it weekly for nearly a year from head to toe, with fabulous results.

Their new product, Rejuvaderm MD, which Lisa has won, thanks to my generous friends at Trophy Skin is even better, with a diamond tip head for the body and a smaller one for areas like the eye and mouth.  Nicely, it's also priced brilliantly at $199.

I recommend this to absolutely everyone, and at this more affordable price, I urge you to treat yourself to the number one tool in my anti-aging arsenal.

Congrats again Lisa, and thank you to all who participated.  Maybe next time it will be you Sis...

xox,
DD

Mea Culpa: My mistake is your gain

Whoops!!! I forgot to put an end date on my Trophy Skin Rejuvaderm Home Microdermabrasion System giveaway!!!

(http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2014/02/rejuvaderm-home-microdermabrasion.html

My bad!

To make up for it, I will run the contest for one more day with the contest closing on Friday 21st at 10:00 PM EST.

It's a $199 value and I swear by it, for diminishing fine lines and age spots from head to toe.

Hop to it!

xo
DD

Rejuvaderm Home Microdermabrasion Review and Giveaway Contest!!!

Trophy Skin's New, portable and less expensive at home Microdermabrasion system
$199

And did I mention improved???  And that I'm giving one away???  Read on!

I first received a Trophy Skin MD Home Microdermabrasion System to try in March of 2013.  I'm not a handy dandy Girl, by any stretch, so I was a bit concerned that I would either not be able to operate it, or would remove half my face...Unfounded on both counts.

It was easy to operate, left my skin glowing, diminished fine lines over time and me being me, lightened every freckle and age spot on my body, since I couldn't resist going south.  LOVED LOVED LOVED it and still do.  I have used it weekly since the day I received it with fantastic results.  The only stumbling block for everyone I have raved about it to was the $300 cost. I also included it in my DivaDebbi Best of Skincare 2013 roundup.  It's a winner.

Is it worth it?  To me, unequivocally yes!  We are wear our face and bodies every day.  How many times a year do you wear that blouse, blazer or dress you picked up for just that price or more? As well, if you like the effect of microdermabrasion, one purchase handily covers 3 professional sessions, (which undoubtedly they will also recommend adding a facial or peel with; translation? beau coup bucks.)

So, who knew they could improve upon perfection, but yes, Trophy Skin did, by creatingRejuvaderm MD, a portable system, that also included additional tools, including a larger one for, (yay!),  the body.  In addition to the tool for blackhead extraction in the original, there is also a narrow diamond tip that is perfect for gently working around the eye and lip area and a tool to increase hydration with a serum after your treatment. (They sent me their own Argan Stem Cell Serum $39.  Oh the glow!!! I am mad for it, though I have not yet gotten the hang of how best to use that particular tool. It is one I will definitely be buying on my own.)

Best of all it is completely packable an portable and they lowered the price by $100. So, here's the amazing part.  My friends at Trophy Skin are letting me do a contest giveaway, by far, the best one I have ever had to offer my loyal DivaDebbi readers.

So how can you enter to win your own Rejuvaderm MD?


Simple.  Two things please. 1) Leave me a comment on this blog telling me why you would like to try it with an email address to contact you if you win.  Vote for me to win a trip to Paris Fashion Week and leave me on comment on my entry page, (Debbi NY/CT.) wishing me Bon Voyage at the link below once a day until February 14th:

http://bit.ly/1ishw8O

One good turn deserves another, donchathink???

xox,
DD

Voluma XC- The New Fountain of Youth

 

Back in September, my interest was peaked when I read a NY Times article declaring "the cheek" as newest area of interest to recreate a youthful appearance. "Baby Faces", it seems, are having a moment...The Daily Mail UK also picked up on the story.

The problem? Mid-Volume Face Loss... 

Who knew?

Here is an excerpt from the NY Times article explaining, "The Triangle of Youth":

"In a young face, the widest part is at the cheeks", dermatologist Dr Marina I Peredo explained to the New York Times.

+5

New trend: Dermatologist Dr Marina I Peredo says cheek fillers are becoming increasingly popular

"But as we age, the cheeks deflate and excess skin falls toward the jawline. . . That makes the triangle flip upside down so that the widest part of the face is now at the jawline."

Enter Juvederm VolumaXC:

When this article came out, Juvederm XC was still pending FDA approval in the U.S. It had already been one of the most popular injectible fillers in Europe and Canada, over the past 5 years.

A few short months later, it was on our shores and patient curiosity was already at a fever pitch.

I immediately called Tami Healy at The NY Group for Plastic Surgery for the 411 when this article came out. They were  awaiting it for patient use and were already training to inject it.  

Juvederm Voluma XC is the only FDA-approved filler for adding volume to the cheeks. Similar to the original Juvederm formula, Juvederm Voluma XC is a hyaluronic acid filler that restores volume to sagging skin on the face. Results are visible almost immediately and do not require surgery.

What are the advantages of Juvederm Voluma XC?

• First and only FDA-approved treatment for adding volume to the cheeks
• Lasts up to 2 years with optimal treatment
• Little to no discomfort during treatment
• Non-surgical, minimally invasive injection
• Patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment

How do Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma XC differ? 

Juvederm focuses on moderate to severe wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Juvederm Voluma XC, in contrast, targets sunken or sagging skin on the cheeks. Adding volume to this area can result in smoother, tighter skin and a more youthful facial contour. 

Before and After with Juvaderm Voluma XC
Looking Good!!!

I checked back in today with Tami, She and the Drs. are now injecting about 5 patients per week with Voluma XC, achieving excellent, immediate results, with a just a single treatment. Because it contains lidocaine, there is minimal discomfort.

Dr. Andrew Salzberg added, "patients are leaving happy and refreshed looking.  We expect this number to continue to grow, as more women become aware of this new tool in our anti-aging arsenal". "We are also now doing the Lazer Lift, a new procedure that lifts and tightens the lower face and neck without scalpels, stitches or scars and can be performed with just local anesthesia". "We are very excited to be able to offer this minimally invasive procedure to our patients".

Like some of the overly Botoxed, in Hollywood and other upper income enclaves, I fear we may be in for a phase of women resembling chipmunks with nut stuffed cheeks:

A youthful and natural Brandi Glanville

Brandi today...intervention anyone???

It may also be a Godsend to super skinnies with -0% bodyfat, who will no longer have to fear the old adage, "at some point, a woman must choose between her face and her *ss".

Madonna

Because Voluma XC can last for up to two years, I strongly recommend doing this minimally invasive procedure with a well trained Plastic Surgeon, Physician's Assistant or Dermatologist. It may not be surgery, but it still requires expertise to create a natural increase in volume, proportionate to the face.

The trend toward less invasive anti-aging beauty solutions continues.  As always, I trust and recommend my team at The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, who not only perform beautiful breast reconstruction but all areas of the face and body with care and great skill.  My readers will always enjoy the DivaDebbi discount; 15% off your for procedure, if you mention it when you book your appointment.

Here's to a beautiful, youthful, natural looking you...

xox,
DD

The Wizard is in: Beautiful Skin CAN Be Yours

The Wizard is in: Beautiful Skin CAN Be Yours

MPXE Elite Laser-
An incredible multi-tasker that builds collagen,
 zaps spider veins, broken capillaries and age spots

The New York Times recently ran in article in their Thursday Skin Deep column about the trend towards going back to home grown skincare, reminiscent of the kinds of stuff our grandmother's used to use, (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/fashion/New-beauty-lines-including-family-secrets-gain-popularity.html?_r=0)

No thanks...I like my skincare regimens to be cutting edge with a bit of zhush to increase its efficacy like retinol, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid etc...

I recently invited a group of my friends for an evening of information about the latest in non-invasive beauty at The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2013/12/girls-night-out-new-york-group-for.html). Non-invasive beauty is not the arena for bargain hunting, IMO.

We had the opportunity to tour the newly opened Spa Nouvelle at their Tarrytown N.Y. office.  Spa Nouvelle offers the latest in laser, microdermabrasion and chemical peels with Ashlea Hoess, a passionate expert, certified in Advanced Aesthetics on staff, to guide you towards attaining youthful beautiful skin.

I think it's the perfect adjunct to the fabulous work they are already doing with other minimally invasive treatments like Botox, Restalyne, Sculptra and non-invasive treatments like Ultherapy.

In addition to anti-aging techniques, Ashlea is also an expert at improving and treating tone, firmness, visible capillaries, melasma, rosacea and stage l-lV acne patients.

On a separate visit, when Ashlea told me that she could zap the pesky broken capillaries around my nose and they would be gone instantly I was ecstatic. She did and they were.  Spectacular!!!

Ashlea also performed a "Cinderella" laser facial on me.  This treatment is often used on stars on the same day as their Red Carpet appearances.

It takes about 20 minutes, is not painful and instantly plumps and rejuvenates the face. I bumped into my facialist at the Equinox later that day and Danielle literally did a double take...too bad I was only going to Pilates class.

The Cinderella laser facial uses thermal heat to stimulate collagen production of the dermal layer. It is best done in a series of 3, 3 weeks apart, to maximize long term collagen building benefits. ($375 each).  

Ashlea perfoming a "Cinderella Laser Facial" on me

On another day, I treated  the sun spots and broken capillaries on my chest and decollete.  I had previously done a head to toe treatment years ago with an older type of laser.  It left me looking like I should be living on a leper colony.  The lesions were dark eggplant and did not fall off for close to a month!!!

Post laser treatment Day 2.  The spots are darker
temporarily, but nothing like what I had experienced previously 

Post Treatment at 12 Days

I am thrilled with the results!  Now here is some really good news: You can be treated for sun spots and broken capillaries (that are instantly removed) in reasonably priced sessions; $100 for 10 minutes of laser time.  Trust me, Ashlea is a whiz and can accomplish plenty in a short time.

As always, DivaDebbi patients get a 15% percent discount off their first treatment at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery.

To schedule a consultation or appointment with Ashlea Hoess please call 914-366-6139.  Their office is conveniently located and easy to access, so NYC, CT and NJ readers, don't be put off.

Yes, it takes a village these days, but I'll take all that's offered instead of this anytime:

xox,
DD

Review: Dr. Brandt DNA Transforming Pearl Serum

Dr. Brandt DNA Transforming Pearl Serum
$150 (Gulp)

Every now and then, I can't resist buying some insanely priced anti-aging potion, in sheer hope that it will truly be the fountain of youth on tap. The cleverly named DNA Transforming Pearl Serum is and acronym for "Do Not Age"--big props to the marketing gurus who hatched this little ditty.

DNA Transforming Pearl Serum has been on my radar. It is supposedly a daily do for none other than Madonna and it won a More Magazine Award for a favorite of the many products a group of lucky readers got to test drive.

When I saw that Dr. Brandt was running a 40% off Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving + free shipping, I caved.  Here is how the product is described on Sephora's website:

What it is: 
A breakthrough antiaging serum powered by patented duo pearl technology and Juvenescence Complex. 

What it is formulated to do: 
Each application of this revolutionary serum delivers the right dose of fresh ingredients through the duo pearl delivery system. It supports cell respiration and encourages skin metabolism to address the visible signs of aging and minimize the appearance of roughness and wrinkles for younger, more radiant looking skin. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Phthalates 

Research results: 
In a 30 day self assessment study: 
- 88% of volunteers felt their skin was more lifted after 1 day 
- 96% of volunteers reported that their skin looked firmer after 1 week 
- 92% of volunteers reported that the appearance of lines and wrinkles has diminished after 1 month

I have been using Dr. Brandt DNA Transforming Pears Serum for a little over three weeks.  It looks pretty, does not require a lot of product to cover the entire face and has no discernible smell. It should last for many months.

The good news kind of ends there...

I have seen no difference in firmness, glow or diminished wrinkles.  Don't get me wrong, my skinlooks fine.  It just doesn't look finer so to speak.  I see no improvement whatsoever.

Naturally, at this price, I'm sticking with it, until I need to scoop the remains out with a Q-tip.
Of course I will keep you updated if there is a sudden turnaround.

As of this writing I'd say DNA should stand for DNB.

I'll leave it to you to figure out...

xox,
DD

The $24 Lip Job: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Gloss

 

Bobbi Brown Rose Sugar Lip Gloss
$24

 

I adore my friends...and the closer we are, the more we don't hold back. Girlfriend creed is to be able to tell your friends what other people are saying, or at least suspecting. I have a posse that I'm relying on to tell me the second my sleeveless days are over.

I was enjoying a Holiday drink with my hilarious friend Monica the other night in Greenwich.  One sip in, she said, "so, you got your lips done", wasting not a second.

"No, actually I didn't. They are all mine, but I am wearing an old favorite,
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss."

I was surprised to see it offered as a Sephora Insider perk in Greenwich, since they are not a branch that carries Bobbi.  Naturally, I snagged one, particularly since the shade offered, Rose Sugar, was perfectly gorgeous. (The colors on the website look nothing like they do in person, so I strongly suggest seeing them in person).

I picked up a full size gloss at Blue Mercury today and even that was slightly lighter than my Sephora sample, which was perhaps a few years old.

Odd.

The thing that I always loved about Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Lip Glosses, is that they really dress the lip up a bit. They are a little sticky, but aside from that slight nuisance, you get a lot longer wear out of an application, than a traditional gloss.  The shimmer, thankfully has nothing to do with "frost" and it actually does make your lips look fuller and more youthful.

There is good stuff in it too, Vitamin C and E, and Jojoba and Avocado Oils, which are both anti-aging and moisturizing.

I guess it has been awhile since I purchased one, since they are priced 20% more than the last time I bought one. But, on the plus side, it's a lot cheaper than Restalyne and I imagine, whole lot less painful too...

xox,
DD

Beautiful Foundation- How to Choose?

 

DivaDebbi and the one and only Ty Barnes
Sephora, Greenwich Ct.

Well for starters, with the help of an expert.  The best foundations are getting pricey and making a mistake is not the same as blowing it at the drugstore. It takes a bit of leg work...

A few weeks ago I was with my dear friend actress Alison Wachtler, who was in NYC for some auditions.  We had a leisurely Birthday lunch at Bloomindales in White Plains and both bee lined for the Space NK Cosmetics Boutique.  

Alison Wachtler Braunstein

Space NK is chock full of delicious high end skincare, and a few choice cosmetic lines with By Terry featured front and center.  I picked up one of their gorgeous hyaluronic based lipsticks in Grand Cru. It drenches the lips with moisture, but imparts a lot of pigment. Truly lovely.

I also sampled Terrybly Densiless, their new serum foundation and took some home to try. It is absolutely luscious.

Densiless is not just a foundation, but skincare as well, designed to target,"wrinkles and density with immediate and long term benefits, on the surface as well as deep down. Evens out skin tone and facial contours are firmer, adding youthful radiance to an ultra natural finish".

I haven't used it long enough to speak to the facial toning, but I can attest to the luminous finish of this smoothing powder foundation. I was beginning to think I couldn't possibly live without Densiless, as my generous sample dwindled.

I stopped in to purchase it and for once, asked the price first.  Jade Creamer, one of the knowledgeable consultants who has helped me before, swallowed hard and 'fessed up, "$110".

Ouch!  Really???  Ugggh!!! 

Nearly twice as much as I had dared imagine...and they can barely keep it in stock. Generously, she offered me a fresh sample and nicely, invited my to meet Eric Baez, By Terry's National Makeup Artist, who will be visiting on December 13th (please call 914-684-6453 for an appointment.) 

We will see if Eric has his way with me...

In the interim, I stopped into Sephora in Greenwich to pick up something for my annual book club Holiday dinner gift swap and saw Ty Barnes, my favorite consultant and makeup artist.  Talk about warmth and skill!  Ty is a total joy, a font of knowledge and a true artist.

I had 10 minutes to spare before a Holiday Party and asked him for a quick touch up.  To my delight, Sephora is now carrying Giorgio Armani Beauty, and I asked Ty to test out their award winning Luminous Silk foundation ($60) and Fluid Sheer Illuminator ($59).

$59

Ty did a gorgeous job of applying both products, which he loves using on his clients and sent me packing with plenty of product samples and instructions, (see above)  If you are lucky enough to live in the Greenwich area or are interested in hiring Ty for event work, please contact him here.

In the meanwhile, I'm taking my time deciding and I'm glad that I have two experts to help coach me along.  

There are many beauty areas where you can cheat, foundation is not one of them.

Is there something wonderful you are using that I should know about?  I'm all ears...

xox,

DD