May 24, 2019

Just drink your retinol and call it a day, Glytone's new skin-brightening lineup, a luxe lipstick to elevate your post-lunch touch-up game and how I'm getting back into the menstrual-product game.

A new way to get your daily dose of retinol

There’s no disputing that retinol is one of the most studied, proven and dermatologist-recommended anti-aging ingredients. We should all be using collagen-supporting ingredient nightly (since it degrades quickly upon exposure to UV light—but there’s a new way to get even more without the deactivating effects of the sun… And it tastes really good, too.

Dirty Lemon has upped the “functional beverage” category as of late, with options to complement your fitness, immunity, skin hydration, focus, sleep and anti-aging goals—and the newest addition, +retinol, features the first-ever ingestible retinol to boost your quest for ever-youthful skin.

With ingredients that include organic lemon juice, pineapple, ginger puree, pomegranate, black cherry, acerola, hibiscus and two forms of retinol, this tangy, 15-calorie, antioxidant-rich treat is designed to reduce fine lines, increase skin elasticity and quell inflammation and redness simply by downing one bottle a day.

I haven’t seen a major difference (which would be difficult considering all the other anti-aging products and treatments I subject my skin to), but I’ve been enjoying a bottle in lieu of my second iced coffee each morning, which definitely can’t hurt considering I’m getting 100% of my recommended daily vitamin A and 150% of my vitamin C. Bottoms up!

Brighten up those dark spots with these proven products

It’s important to read the fine print when a product touts clinically-shown results, because there’s a big difference between a high percentage of users saying they FELT their skin looked better after a certain number of weeks and a clinical or instrumental study that uses high-tech tools to assess skin improvement. When it comes to products that are designed to actually fix a legitimate skin concern, I tend to go with those that have solid science (and proof) behind them—because who wants to waste their time? If you share this skincare philosophy, you might want to check out Glytone’s new Enhance Brightening line…

Featuring a Solution, Serum and Hand Cream, these potent formulas are packed with exfoliating glycolic acid, tone-improving azelaic acid and niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant vitamin E and malachite extract. Best of all, you’ll see improvement in the look of wrinkles and skin plumpness after one month—and a whopping 42% reduction in brown spots after three months!

I’ve been using the Solution and Serum once a day for the past few weeks (although you’re supposed to use the serum twice a day) and I have to say my skin is looking pretty good. I’m really enjoying the Solution, and in addition to exfoliating and brightening on its own, it also helps clear away any makeup or dirt my cleanser may have missed while prepping your skin for the Serum. With a light, fast-absorbing, hydrating texture, this follow-up step is a pleasure to use. I also have the Hand Cream on my night table—but I’ve learned a little goes a long way and I have to remember to focus on the backs of my hands and not slather it all over my arms. (It’s a habit.)

Part of me wants to save these products for after the summer so I have an anti-dark-spot arsenal on hand after more fun in the sun than usual—but life is short and I want to enjoy the results now!

This luxe lipstick is guaranteed to up your makeup game

Have you ever heard of the “lipstick index”? A term created by Leonard Lauder, this is essentially an explanation why makeup sales surge during times of economic uncertainty—since women tend to find the money for cosmetics even if their stock portfolios are tanking. You’re certainly not reading IBB for my financial-market musings, but we can all agree that we’re living in somewhat unpredictable times. So, if a super-fancy lipstick is just what you need to weather our current climate of political and myriad other ups and downs, this one is for you.

Harkening back to a time when lipsticks were refillable as opposed to disposable, Bond No. 9’s luxurious lip color is most certainly an indulgent treat. Each of the 15 gorgeous shades comes in a gold, charm-embellished case that feels more like jewelry than makeup—at least the first time you buy it. Once you blow through a bullet you can purchase a refill (in any shade of your choice) for a significantly lower cost—which lets you tailor your signature lipstick hue from season to season without sacrificing the swoon-worthy packaging. If you derive joy from the little things in life, this lippie is for you. P.S. It’s also vegan and gluten-free.

Yup, I’m going to talk about my period

Fact: I haven’t gotten my period since December 2007. I know this because that’s when I got pregnant, and I got an IUD as soon as my OB/GYN gave me the green light a few months after my son was born. I was one of the lucky ones who gets absolutely no period (zero, zilch, nada) with Mirena—but I had it removed last month so those period-free days are over.

Re-entering the feminine-care shopping world was quite a shock after all this time (kind of like starting to date again after being in a long-term relationship), so I started asking my friends what they used. Organic? Subscription service? (Menstrual cups are out of the question for me.) At right about the same time, Cora reached out to me and I was excited to give their products a try.

I find it so interesting that up until 12 years ago, I didn’t give my choice of tampons a second thought. But now, yeah, I only want 100% organic cotton up in my business. And that’s what I now have—plus a chic, black box my husband won’t mind looking at for a few days every month AND a cute carrying case for those days I’m out of the house/office for several hours. (These come in the Signature Kit you get when you subscribe.) Best of all, Cora donates pads and health education to girls and women around the world who wouldn’t otherwise have access to period essentials.

BTW, Cora also sent a bunch of other goodies, including a few Body Cloths (which are individually-wrapped and great to keep in my carrying case) and their new Bladder Liners. I personally don’t have a major problem with leaks (unless I sneeze or cough while standing in a very specific position), but I know a lot of ladies who would appreciate these, especially when getting together with friends you know are going to make you laugh.

This may be TMI, but I’ve only had a few days of spotting since my IUD was removed,  so I’m not sure if that’s what my period will be like from here on out—or if I just need to give it more time. At least I know I’m covered no matter what next month brings because Cora will sync with my cycle and send me what I need when I need it.