February 16, 2018

Styling tools and products that harness the strengthening power of copper, treat yourself to Tenoverten and the lavender primer I'm using without foundation on top.

You won't want to miss this makeup collab

When it comes to buzz-worthy collaborations, M.A.C. certainly knows what they’re doing—and these limited-edition collections never disappoint. Their latest partnership is with fashion designer Jeremy Scott, and this capsule pays homage to the music of the 80s, and who doesn’t miss those?

The eye palette features a blend of 29 bold and neutral shades housed in a cheeky “boombox” that’s sure make you nostalgic, while palette of nine super-wearable lip colors is reminiscent of a cassette tape (which may be a mystery to some of M.A.C’s younger fans). The CD-inspired cheek palette includes a universally-flattering array of highlighter, bronzer and a peachy blush—and if the actual makeup doesn’t make you smile, the packaging certainly will (if you were around in the 80s, of course).

Is copper the key to youthful, healthy hair?

So, it’s time for me to admit that I have some gray hair. I consider myself lucky that I haven’t had to deal with them until the age of 41—but that doesn’t make it the slightest bit more enjoyable. No, I don’t have to start booking color appointments every four weeks to keep my roots under wraps, but after almost two years of not coloring my hair at all, a visit to the salon is definitely looming.

Scientific research has established a link between copper deficiency and graying hair as well as hair loss, so could supplementing my strands with this metal (which is essential for many other key bodily functions)? Hedlux thinks so, which is why they’ve designed a line of hair-styling tools and products infused with copper technology called Copperhed.

Definitely worth a try either in place or in conjunction with salon-based color, the cornerstone of this range is the Copper Infusion Daily Leave-In Treatment. Fortified with a trio of copper derivatives to nourish both the hair follicles and the strands themselves, this lightweight pre-styling product delivers volume, shine, smoothing—and just might even delay graying, stimulate natural pigment production and boost growth.

To reap the maximum benefits of copper, style with the Premium Copper SuperDry blowdryer (which emits copper ions) and/or the Premium Copper Super Fast “S” Styler iron with copper ceramic plates. P.S. This iron has curved edges so it can be used to create sleek, straight looks or add waves.

Copper is commonly used in anti-aging skincare as well, so it makes sense that it could have a positive impact on the hair as well—and you can get a FREE Leave-In Treatment when you purchase a blowdryer or flat-iron (no code required)! AND free shipping with the code FREESHIP at check-out. I’m willing to give it a try… What about you?

The perfect Valentine's Day gift to give to yourself

I’ve been married for more than 10 years, so Valentine’s Day isn’t really a big event around here (aside from my son’s school card exchange and classroom party). In fact, my babysitter asked if we wanted to reserve her for February 14th and I actually laughed in her face. But that’s not to say we shouldn’t (at least) do a little something nice for our significant others—or treat ourselves—and Tenoverten’s Valentine’s Day Gift Box is the perfect way to get in on some self-care action (even if you can’t make it to one of their NYC, Los Angeles or Austin locations).

Packed with pampering essentials like a lusciously-scented full-size soy candle, a jade face roller, The Rose Oil to nourish nails and cuticles, The Foundation base coat, The Shield top coat, and Tenoverten’s bestselling pink and red 8-free polishes, you get a lot of bang for your buck and healthy, beautiful nails to boot!

This primer can help you skip the foundation all together

My husband was away for the weekend, and one of the first things he said to me upon his return—after giving me a hug and kiss—was “Did you do something to your face? You’re skin looks so smooth.” He happened to come home while I was getting ready for a Super Bowl party and I had just applied Clarins’ SOS Primer in “Lavender.” I’ve been impressed with the difference it makes in my complexion each time I’ve used it over the past few weeks, but for the hubs to notice—that’s major.

Designed to hydrate, plump and brighten sallow skin with subtle color correction, this is just one of Clarins’ six face-saving primers. The other offerings include “Universal Light” for a radiance boost, “Rose” to minimize the appearance of fatigue, “Peach” to blur imperfections, “Coral” to minimize the look of dark spots, and “Green” to reduce redness.

Regardless of the targeted hue you choose, all of these formulas deliver dewiness, moisture and protection from pollution and other environmental aggressors—and since they’re oil-free their great for all skin types. You can wear one shade all over, or you can mix-and-match them to correct specific problems in different areas. Could multi-priming be the new multi-masking?

Truth be told, I’ve been applying this after sunscreen and skipping the tinted moisturizer or CC cream altogether—especially for Pilates. With a little mascara, a dash of cream blush and a swipe of tinted balm, I look fresh-faced but not the slightest bit “done.”

And since lavender is a huge color trend for Spring (when it eventually gets here), it’s a great way to let the world know you know what’s up!