October 18, 2019

A pretty, post-mastectomy sports bra, more Klorane dry shampoo bang for your buck and the Pause Well-Aging tool that changes everything.

Finally, a post-mastectomy sports bra that melds form and function

Breast cancer has touched all of us in some way or another, and my mom was an almost-40-year survivor. Although she never experienced a recurrence, her yearly screenings were very stressful—at least until she decided to have a prophylactic mastectomy on the breast that wasn’t removed when she became sick in 1976. Over the years, I also saw her struggle with finding bras that were comfortable for her reconstructed breast, while accommodating her prosthesis and natural breast all at the same time.

Although my mom was far from a fitness fanatic, I can’t help but think the Adidas by Stella McCartney Post-Mastectomy Sports Bra would have been just the solution she was looking for. Featuring a front zip (since it’s common to experience a limited range of arm motion after reconstruction), inner pockets with removable pads to hold prosthetics in place, strategically placed seams to minimize scar irritation and adjustable straps for a customized fit, it ticks all the boxes more any sports bra while being designed with the needs of post-mastectomy women in mind.

Thanks to Stella McCartney and Adidas, a mastectomy no longer needs to limit your workout gear options. And perhaps the best part? It’s super-stylish—and can be worn by anyone. I absolutely love the workout ensemble below (and I’m pretty sure my mom would, too).

The time to start holiday shopping is NOW

As hard as I may be trying, there’s no denying the fact that the holidays are coming. Sure, I’m still full from break-fast yesterday and I have yet to unearth the Halloween decorations, but little reminders are everywhere—especially my inbox. The flurry of emails about limited-edition products and holiday bundles are becoming more and more frequent, but the one thing that actually has me excited for the upcoming gift-giving season is Pat McGrath’s Obsessive Opulence collection.

Featuring four-pan shadow palettes (a totally new addition to the current selection of six- and 10-pan offerings), new lipstick shades (in colorful packaging!) that span the spectrum from nudes to reds, and sets that serve up a palette with two lippie options, these are sure to be the beauty gift for holiday 2019. This new drop also includes the Chromaluxe cream highlighter, as well as the Everything Kit that includes three eyeshadow palettes and six lipsticks in case you have trouble choosing favorites. 

The only problem? I’m willing to bet that this collection will sell out sooner rather than later, so even if you’re not in the frame of mind (and have yet to even start your gift list), the time to start holiday shopping is now!

Dry shampoo lovers, rejoice!

Not a day goes by without at least one spritz of dry shampoo (even on freshly-blown hair), and my tendency to use about a bottle a week means I save my Klorane for occasions that I deem to be especially worthy. (If the only things on my day’s agenda are working out and picking up from school, I can’t justify using the good stuff out of fear of running out.) That’s why the best thing that’s happened to me all week (so far) was discovering that Klorane now offers the dry shampoo we all love in a JUMBO size. Yup, you get 2.2 more ounces for just $9 more—which translates to a whole extra week for me personally (I did the math.) 

P.S. For those of you who worry about white residue, just a reminder that Klorane’s famous dry shampoo formula comes in a version for dark hair, too—and it’s available in the new larger size as well!

This facial-massage tool changes everything

In case you haven’t noticed, facial massage is having a major moment. I’ve dabbled a bit with a jade gua sha stone I received with a new product launch package a few months ago, but I was never wowed enough to make it a regular part of my routine. That was until I tried Pause Well-Aging’s Fascia Stimulating Tool—and now I’m a face-massage addict.

Truth be told, I was instantly drawn to this because it says “FDA-cleared Class 1 medical device” no less than five times between the box and enclosed instructions—which means this is more than a mere feel-good facial tool. I was also utterly shocked at what happened when I used it. After slathering on moisturizer, I started gliding the heavy silver tool along my facial contours and neck as the illustrated directions recommended. I was totally taken aback by the “crunching” sensation and sound—as well as how red my face was afterwards. Although it didn’t hurt, I saw and felt an immediate tightening, and I was in love after my very first use.

Here’s how it works… First, the redness is due to a surge in circulation, and more blood flow means more nutrients for your skin while helping to send toxins and accumulated fluid on their way. The “crunching” is caused by the release of muscle tension (similar to when knots are kneaded when you get a body massage) and the pressure the tool places on the facial fascia—which is the layer of connective tissue that lies between the skin and underlying muscle over the entire body. Fascia is comprised primarily of collagen and elastin, so massaging this tissue promotes the production of more—which helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles while boosting skin tautness.

I’m still working on my massage skills, especially around my eyes and lips, but I have to say that I kind of feel like my face actually looks a little different since I started using it. Is it possible my nasolabial folds are less visible? Could my jawline really be more defined? Call me crazy, but I’m going to say yes.

Incorporating this tool into my skincare regimen also made me realize that I’ve been focusing solely on my skin’s surface, whether by exfoliating or using hydrating ingredients to plump up my skin. I’ve totally been neglecting the layers below my actual skin—and never imagined the profound impact that five minutes of special attention each day could make. I’m definitely not abandoning my surface-level efforts to minimize spots, pores and rough texture, but the combination of targeting both layers has shown to be pretty major.

A few words to the wise, if you get injectables (whether Botox or filler), you should avoid fascial massage for two weeks afterwards. If you’re due for injectables, I’d definitely give this a whirl before making an appointment because you might this tool does the trick (for a fraction of the price). And if you don’t get injectables—but want to see significant improvement in the youthfulness of your face—this tool will be a game-changer for you, too.