February 26, 2021
A multi-tasking concealer, dry shampoo for dogs, the bras that are "cancelling" underwires and haircare that helps banish blemishes.
A concealer with a youth-boosting twist
Most days, my makeup routine consists of concealer under my eyes and around my nose, a light dusting of bronzer, a dab of cream blush and mascara. Even though I’m not usually going anywhere (and if I do it’s to tennis, which is a sunscreen-only event) the two to three minutes it takes to spruce up my face is well worth it. It sends a subtle message to the family that I haven’t completely thrown in the towel—and it prevents me from fulling fixating on all of the work I need to have done once things get back to normal.
I’m all about loading up on the skincare beneath this ultra-light veil of makeup, so any cosmetic product that works double duty as a skin-improving treatment is more than welcome to join the party—and I’d be happy to extend an invitation to PUR’s new 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer. Beyond the medium-to-full coverage, you get hydrating and line-plumping hyaluronic acid, caffeine to fight puffiness and much-needed antioxidants (such as green tea, turmeric and more) plus encapsulated retinol to help smooth and refine your skin over the course of the day.
Just when I thought my minimal makeup approach was pretty good, I realize it could be better with products that blend cosmetic and skincare benefits—and this clean concealer has been added to my to-try list!
Dogs need dry shampoo, too
Once upon a time, my biggest goal in life was to have a standing manicure appointment like my mom’s (11am every Thursday), but, alas, our dog Nugget beat me to it. I’ve never been very good about brushing my dogs, and although I stay on top of her grooming, going one week too long can lead to the dreaded shave. (I’ve learned this the hard way, several times). Now, Alan comes to our house in the Bow Wow truck every fourth Wednesday—and we haven’t had to shave Nugget down since (except for the time she had a wear the cone of shame for three weeks).
Despite her solid grooming schedule, there are times when she gets a little stinky (I don’t do baths either, unless absolutely necessary) and I have a great dog “Febreze” that freshens her right up. But about a week before Alan is due for a visit, the hair on the top of her head starts to look greasy and falls into a part down the middle. Not that it really matters (it’s not like she’s going anywhere or seeing anyone—kind of like me), but I have actually considered giving her a spritz of dry shampoo.
Then today, I came across Rowan (via Goop) and I feel reassured that I’m not that crazy. Yup, this clean, human-grade line of haircare, or rather fur-care, indeed includes a dry shampoo for dogs. You’ll also find different shampoos for fur (the stuff that sheds) and hair (like Nugget’s that requires regular brushing and trimming), a scented coat-conditioning mist and a shimmery, shine-enhancing cream (I shit you not).
Even if you’re not in the market for prestige dog-grooming products you could probably use a smile, so do yourself a favor and check out the homepage. Enjoy!
I may never wear an underwire bra again
If the pandemic has been an opportunity for anything, perhaps the biggest was the freedom to unapologetically “lean in” to comfort (without necessarily sacrificing style). The past year has been all about sweatshirts, sweatpants, super-soft joggers and coordinated lounge sets—and even padding around the house in skivvies (which I would totally do if I didn’t have a 12-year-old son loitering around 24/7). Socks and slippers came back in a big way, but perhaps the most significant part of this sartorial shift has occurred in my bra drawer.
Over the past year, I’ve tossed virtually all of my underwire bras as I’ve replaced them with options that I work, hang out and even sleep in—without ever having to unclasp the back and pull the straps through my sleeves to take it off (which is usually followed by an audible sigh of relief). Aside from a few misses that I had no guilt about returning, I had three major hits that pretty much comprise my entire current bra collection.
b’tempted by Wacoal’s Future Foundation Cropped Bralette
I first bought this on the recommendation of a colleague from my NY days (and I highly suggest you sign up for her Ultimate Edit emails—they’ll give you a reason to look forward to Thursdays). After buying my first one (full price on ShopBop since I knew it would be easy to return if it didn’t work) I started stalking Nordstrom Rack and steadily built my collection for a fraction of the prince. (Although I tend to stick to neutral colors, I have no problem having a stack of these that includes pink, purple and green as well.) These are the only bras I’ll wear if I’m not going anywhere (which is pretty much all the time), and I’m convinced they help me sleep better.
Everlane’s Perform Bra
OK, this is technically a sports bra, but I sized up to a medium for a little less compression. Yes, I can lounge and sleep in it, but I can also wear it under a cardigan or button-down and let it peek out a bit just to make an actual leaving-the-house outfit a bit more interesting. And because it’s not a racerback, it’s a bit more versatile under “regular” clothes.
The Boody Bra
My Boody Bra experience was a two-parter. I first ordered the regular (unpadded) one in a size small, but I didn’t immediately fall in love because it came up a tad too high under my armpits. I came to discover that it stretches out after a few hours (which is why it’s still in the rotation) but then I decided to try the padded version in a medium—and that’s what prompted me to toss all of my sub-par bras (underwires included) that have been languishing in my lingerie drawer for almost a year. No joke, this bra is the best thing that’s ever happened to me (and my boobies) because it offers shape and support with crazy-soft fabric that I forget is even there. I can put one on after I shower (no matter what I’m wearing that day) and I don’t give it a second thought until it’s time to get dressed for a workout the next morning.
Although I still have a ways to go before I’m back to my pre-pandemic level of content, overhauling my undergarments has been the best move I’ve made in a long, long time. The way I look at it, life is too short to be uncomfortable—and I don’t ever want to deal with pulling, tugging or readjusting a bra strap again. Underwires are dead to me!
Are your hair products making you break out?
As someone who occasionally struggles with back breakouts, one of the best tips I ever got from a dermatologist was to wash my face and body after shampooing and conditioning. Not only does this ensure that you clear your skin of any potentially pore-clogging ingredients (even if they work wonders on your hair). This is a sure-fire way to keep your back and chest clear, as well as your forehead, temples, neck and any other acne-prone areas that are on the path to the drain when you wash, condition and rinse your hair. Oh, and styling products can be acne-causing culprits as well if they get on your shoulders as you blow-dry, or when the residue transfers to your pillowcase.
Call me crazy, but wouldn’t it be better if you knew you were using haircare products that absolutely, positively wouldn’t lead to breakouts? That’s the philosophy behind SEEN, a dermatologist-developed line that includes a shampoo, conditioner and two styling creams. Beyond the clean formulations, each final product undergoes comedogenicity testing (similar to skincare) to make sure it won’t promote pimples. Another interesting tidbit… All of SEEN’s four products are available in scented and fragrance-free versions.
And for all you lather lovers, the sulfate-free shampoo actually delivers major suds (without damaging your hair, of course). You also get 74% less frizz, a 59% improvement in breakage and 300% more volume for up to eight hours when you use the shampoo, conditioner and Blow-Out Crème—without posing a threat to your color.
I don’t know about you, but I’m basically sold. Even better, the unisex packaging makes it easier to sneak into your teenagers’ showers if they’re starting to experience body breakouts. (My son’s not there just yet, but I’m ready for when the time comes.)