DivaDebbi's Best of Skincare 2012

I tried a number of products this year that are absolutely fantastic!  Why?  Because they do exactly what they purport to do  Bravo!  Below are my new anti-aging faves, that leave me glowing, with links to purchase:

1) Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel ($60) A truemiracle product, this clear, lightweight gel rapidly and effectively lightens and brightens skin.  It was far more effective then the prescription cream I once got that turned a funky shade of muskrat around the top of the applicator.

Genius...

2) Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel (49.50)  Just like it promises, this peel will leave your skin glowing after the first use.  I apply it every Sunday morning for 15 minutes, while I sip my coffee and watch the morning talk shows. It's a peel that won't make you peel...just glow and a little goes a long way. I am not even close to using half of a tube that is 6 months old.

Look for it on next year's Hall of Fame list...

3) Murad's Renewing Cleanser (6.7 oz. $35) Yes. Another winner fromMurad. I tried several cleanser this year and this by far, my favorite.  As with all Murad products, you need very little to get the job done, so if they seem at all pricey to you, bear in mind you will be using them for quite some time.  This cleanser whisks away my makeup, gently exfoliates and never leaves my skin feeling tight, dry or stripped, just dewy and glowing.

Ding, ding, ding...

4) Clarisonic Mia ($119) I held out waaaaay too long before springing for this product, which was highly touted by my friend Kari at FaboverForty, whose reviews I put complete faith in.  NO...No matter how clean you think you are getting your skin with your regimen of choice, you can and will do better with a Clarisonic Mia. The additional benefit?  Any cream, serum, lotion or purchase you use afterward will work more efficaciously.

A Game changer...




5) Jergen's Natural Glo and Protect SPF 20 (10.99)  created separately for both face and body, I test drove this in Florida recently with mild trepidation.  Would the SPF truly be as effective as straight up suntan lotion and was the "natural glo" I was going to end up with, come from being fried???  No worries on either count...the gradual tanning element helped keep me from looking like a tuna in the early days of my visit, while the SPF kept me from burning.

Smart...

6) Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Scrub ($46)  I adore this stuff!  It vaguely smells like a Mounds Almond Joy.  It cleanses, exfoliates, moisturizes and leaves my skin glowing.  And the absolute best part?  It is not oil based, like so many other scrubs, so it's just me who is getting scrubbed, not my shower stall.  I think all of LM's bath and body products, in their elegant packaging, making lovely gifts as well.

Treat others, treat yourself...

7) Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Body Glow Pads ($45 for 8 large towelettes)  Well, this is just BRILLIANT. I am crazy about this product.  Talk about multi-taskers!  Infused with Vitamin D, these towelettes have a water like consistency, create a natural tan without streaking, exfoliate and brighten, all without noxious fumes.  I use it once a week to maintain a year-round natural glow.

 Peerless...

8) Emergin C Scientific Organics At Home Facial Peel and Clarifying Kit ($90/60 pads each) I have long been a huge fan of glycolic pads. They are simple to use and are incredibly effective. Dr. Gross's two step peel pads were always my fave, especially when he developed them in an extra strengthformula. Heaven!!! Frankly, I thought nothing could top them, until I triedEmergin C's two step At Home Facial Peel and Clarifying Kit.  The peel pad definitely has a kick to it.   You only need leave it on for a few minutes, which is a good thing, since it does have an odd somewhat skunky smell.  You can immediately stop the peeling action by splashing with cold water if it feels too aggressive.  The second step is a cool, comforting douse from the clarifying pad. Unlike other pads I have used, Emergin C's stay incredibly moist and fresh, even if you only used them once or twice a week.  I have been burned many times by glycolic pads that dried out and no,dousing them with water does not bring them back to life  I love how glowing and smooth my skin looks after using them


There you have it lovelies! My tried and trues.  Please, always feel free to leave me a comment or email me at DivaDebbi@gmail.com if you feel I am missing out on something fabulous!!!

Don't forget to tune in for my DivaDebbi Best of Makeup 2012 and if you haven't already, do enter my Elizabeth Daniel NY shirt giveaway contest.  I generously have been given 3 shirts to give away to my readers, and I will be announcing them on January 2nd.

Wishing you a safe and beautiful New Year's Eve.

xox,
DD

Update: Great news from Gray Away

Single can at retail $9.99 via the Internet, 2 for $19.99

Choose your shade; mine is Medium Brown

My post about Gray Away, a remarkable product, that sprays gray away in an instant, has received thousands of views and many comments.  After many months of purchasing a much pricier competitor at Sephora, and running through a can with half the product in a matter of weeks, I searched the Internet for an alternative.

I found it in Gray Away, which is superior on all counts; price, consistency, staying power and size.

In the past, this product was only available via their website and required getting two cans (for the price of one) plus shipping and handling...until now!
I received an email from Victory P.R. who represents Gray Away recently.  So what's the great news???  Gray Away is now available at retail and you can purchase a single can for $9.99.

Gray Away is available at Rite Aid, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS, Walgreens, Sears, Dollar General, Boscov and Fred Meyer. *Please note: Only the only the Medium Brown to Dark Blonde and Black to Medium Brown are available in store.

I much prefer the convenience of paying for it as I need it and being able to pick it up along with my Q-tips and Advil.

 If you haven't pulled the trigger on buying this amazing product, now is a perfect time to try it.  It's just the thing to immediately revive faded color around the hairline and stretch the time between coloring's without breakthrough or embarrassment.

And you are most welcome...

xox,
DD

Accessories Before the Fact

Oscar de la Renta Sable poncho available at Richards

Sometimes, after several season of building a stable of timesless classics, it can be time to take a breather from clothing and focus on notching things up with spectacular accessories, that will be worn often and will get many future wears.

This month WAG Magazine, asked me to weigh in on how to update a wardrobe with well chosen accessories. Here is my article from September's issue:

How to class up an outfit? Choose a great accessory
People always ask me how I resist the temptations that abound at Richards, working as the store’s personal shopper.

What I have learned is to make thoughtful purchases instead of impulsive ones. Like most women, I reorganize my closets twice a year. I won’t pretend I don’t dread it, but I won’t make a single new purchase until I have decided what I’m keeping and what I am giving away. (Glam Media published my biannual closet cleaning tips this past spring at http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/04/divadebbis-suggestion-for-closet.html.) I strongly suggest you follow suit.

Once you have taken fresh stock of your wardrobe, you will be in a better position to see where the holes are. If you are aware of upcoming events, you can also prepare to make purchases for them if necessary. Frequently, my clients email me their event schedules, so I can keep my eyes open for clothes and accessories that will suit their needs. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of adding an Oscar de la Renta fur shrug, a great pair of Jimmy Choos, a new evening bag or a Loro Piana shawl.

In years prior, when the economy slowed down, lipstick sales would spike. Nowadays, accessories’ sales do. According to a recent article in The New York Times Style section (“Accessories Are Hot for Retailers and Fashion Students,” Aug. 9), some women are choosing to invest in new accessories to punch up head-to-toe black outfits and previous purchases, in the hopes no one will notice their recycled ready-to-wear.

I can’t say it’s not a viable plan.

A beautifully crafted accessory is often the thing others notice first. Certain pieces, like Monica Rich Kosann’s charm bracelets, are often conversation starters.

As Monica herself told me, “My charm bracelets were inspired by Jackie Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor. My vision was to take this classic bracelet and recreate it with a modern approach. Each charm is incredibly personal, so no two bracelets are ever the same. That’s my definition of bespoke luxury”.

In addition to her well-known “image cases” for photos, Monica’s charms include continents, planets, stars, hearts, clovers, animals, sayings and sentiments.

“In essence, (a charm bracelet) tells the story of a woman’s life”.

I quite love this. This is an investment accessory that can be worn with pleasure every day, with everything from jeans to a ball skirt. It’s also something that isn’t finite. New charms are often purchased as gifts to commemorate births, trips and other milestones of a life well-lived, in progress.

Another must-have accessory for many women is a new handbag. Carrying one is a personal luxury that will add panache to anything you are wearing and an investment that pays off every day that you carry it.

If I am deciding between a dress and a bag, the bag will usually win. It’s not that I won’t enjoy the dress (often for years to come). But in terms of wear, it will just be one of many things that may get rotated in once every two months. By comparison, I may use the bag every day for a full season.

Some handbag seasons are better than others. A few years back, bags were heavily ornamented with hardware. It was an acquired taste that also required good biceps. This fall, bags are whistle-clean. I will have a hard time deciding between gorgeous offerings from YSL, Chloe, Loro Piana, Reed Krakoff, Valentino, Tods and Akris.

Whatever you choose to add – a bracelet, belt, cashmere cape, fur shrug, boots, tri-tone suede platforms or a new handbag – make sure you select things that coordinate with existing favorites. Care for them well, and they will be yours to enjoy not just this season but in the years ahead.

La Belle de Jour

La Belle du Jour by divadebbi 

I adore old movies, and  recently saw Belle de Jour again, starringCatherine Deneuve in a film directed by Luis Bunuel (1967).

The theme of the film quite shocked me when I was younger.  Catherine, a beautiful but bored housewife, plays Severine, a woman who does notspend her well heeled afternoons playing bridge, if you catch my drift.

Another joy of this particular film, were the costumes.  All were designed for Deneuve by Yves St. Laurent.  As the film evolves, we see Severine change from a very proper lady, to someone with slightly more exotic taste.

Belle de Jour was the start of a life long friendship between the two, with YSL designing countless ensembles for Deneuve, until his death.

Catherine Deneuve in Luis Bunel's Belle de Jour
1967

I certainly still had Severine on my mind when I created this Polyvore set.

It is lovely to have my creative pistons firing all the time.  No one could ever accuse me of being a bored housewife...

xox,
DD

DivaDebbi Launches Forever Forty Four

I am always shocked when a grown person asks a woman her age.  As far as I'm concerned, once you hit double digits, that one is off the table.


A few months ago, we were at a cocktail party and someone asked my age, (puh-leaz. How rude!!!)  Without missing a beat, I replied, "44".  There was a slight pause and a few raised eyebrows, (not the least of which were my husband's).  Finally, I said, "well that's the age I imagine myself to be. The clock stopped here".


I realized, it's true. Who actually feels their chronological age?  I certainly don't and I must say, I do look years younger...So pick a number and stay there.  Mine is 44.


As I approach my 700th DivaDebbi Blog (!), I decided to start a second Blog, exclusively devoted to all of the the tried and true anti-aging tools, products and services, I have used over the last four years. I will also share posts and articles written by some of the best in the biz, like Jackie Silver's Aging Backwards, Fab Over Forty and Best Things in Beauty.


I will continue of course to write DivaDebbi, which also focuses on fashion and cosmetics.  Think of the two as sister Blogs dedicated to the best you can be.


Happy picking...


xox,
DD-FFF