July 17, 2020
A load of skin-formation, how quarantine affected my jewelry decisions, a new professional treatment for cellulite and must-have jean shorts.
Excerpts:
This book should be on your summer reading list
I miss my Botox desperately, but even more, I miss the opportunity to spend time with my doctor, who is always a treasure trove of industry gossip and little-known info that beauty geeks like myself love. I was happy to get a bit of a fix yesterday on a Zoom with New York City dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, when we talked about his new book, The Pro-Aging Playbook (which I read cover-to-cover last weekend).
Although an office visit isn’t exactly on the agenda at the moment, Dr. Frank’s second book made me feel like an actual patient from my poolside lounge chair. Sure, it’s filled with all the must-know info about the professional treatments that can help us look our best—but that’s just the beginning. Dr. Frank takes a holistic approach to aging that includes wellness, and especially emphasizes the importance of diet, exercise, sleep and managing stress. And he includes advice from experts from a variety of fields, including celebrity aesthetician Georgia Louise, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Apa, SoulCycle’s Stacey Griffith and more.
Yesterday’s conversation was like getting a bonus book chapter, and there were a few takeaways that I’d like to share with you. First, Dr. Frank believes the biggest change we’ve seen in terms of “beauty” is how we look at aging. “Beauty” and “wellness” used to be on two ends of the spectrum, but they have become intermingled to create a greater sense of self-care. Another point Dr. Frank emphasizes is that unlike a few decades ago when “rejuvenating” procedures like facelifts and aggressive skin resurfacing were considered a “one-time” thing, the modern approach to aging well involves ongoing maintenance. And finally, he makes a point that we should all be aware of the marketing myths and scare tactics associated with “anti-aging”—and just so you know, Dr. Frank is a fan of keeping skincare simple. He’s all for a robust routine if that’s something you enjoy but doesn’t believe it’s necessary.
Since we’re all experiencing some degree of personal-maintenance summer slide, this book is a great refresher that can help you get back on track with tips and advice you can heed from home—at least until you schedule an appointment. I’ve already started a list of everything I need (and want) to get done… What about you?
Quarantine has left its mark on my jewelry box
If you know me at all, you know I’m like a ferret attracted to sparkly things (i.e. jewelry). I have pretty much worn the same collection of pavé diamond hoops, two diamond solitaire necklaces, a stack of blingy bands on my left ring finger and a not-so-subtle “cocktail” ring on my right middle finger for years (even for a grocery store run or Pilates class).
I stopped wearing my rings as soon as I stopped leaving the house in March, and by May I was down to one necklace. By June, I replaced my earrings with these super-simple, teeny-tiny Mejuri hoops. And as of last week I’m wearing an amber beaded choker with a dainty evil eye pendant. (Because I’ll take any help I can get right now.) The only remnants of my pre-pandemic jewelry look are three of my mom’s random bracelets—simply because I’m too lazy to take them off and they don’t get in the way of anything.
This shift can be interpreted in several ways… First, we’re all feeling a desire to get back-to-basics in some way or another. Second, over-ornamentation seems a bit inappropriate when the world is essentially crumbling outside our front doors. And third, there’s the whole “tree in the forest” mentality. (If no one sees it, does it really matter if I have it?)
I choose my reasons for leaving the house wisely, and last week I decided to make a trip to the bank and put all of my fine jewelry in our safe deposit box. It’s obviously more secure sitting idle there than in my house (and I’m sure my other more major pieces that live at the bank full-time were happy to have some new company).
The thing is, I have no idea when I’ll be going back to retrieve them. My calendar is obviously devoid of Saturday night plans, boozy brunches, in-person meetings or any other reason I’d usually wear jewelry (or heels). This makes me really sad when I actually stop and think about it—and makes me hate our current situation even more.
Is it just me, or does “normal” keep feeling farther and farther away? With no shortage of uncertainly and no end in sight, what will September, or the holidays look like? Maybe it’s time for online therapy, because I’ll certainly need it when online school starts next month. ;-)
UPDATE: Just a few hours after I published this post, my husband came into my office with a gift for me. (Granted it was a well-overdue Mother’s Day present that was delayed by COVID.) Is this a coincidence or serendipity? Either way, I love it, and it’s perfectly appropriate for quarantine—and when things get more back to normal!
This newly-approved treatment may be the cellulite fix we’ve been waiting for
When you think about some of the major scientific accomplishments we’ve made (like sending astronauts to the moon and landing spacecraft on Mars), it’s hard to believe we still don’t have a truly effective, permanent solution for cellulite. Creams are basically a waste of time, and office-based treatments require a series of sessions and regular follow-ups to maintain usually-modest results.
Yet a new era of cellulite treatment may be upon us with the FDA-approval of a first-of-its kind injectable called QWO. According to the company, this novel approach targets the fibrous bands that pull skin downward and create the tell-tale dimples associated with cellulite. When injected, the enzymes in QWO are believed to dissolve these bands that run from the skin to the fascia below, in turn smoothing the skin and improving the look of cellulite.
The company says side effects can include injection-site bruising, pain, itching and areas of hardness. Just to keep everything in perspective, all injectable treatments come along with potential downsides. QWO is expected to be widely available through aesthetic practitioners by Spring 2021—and let’s just hope we’ll all be back to having pool parties by then!
I'm living in these jean shorts
I have somewhat of a rule when it comes to getting dressed every day. If I work out and shower first thing in the morning I’ll put on “real” clothes (whether a comfy dress or a top-and-bottom combo). If I don’t get around to showering until later in the afternoon, I definitely jump straight to the loungewear. As silly as it sounds, this helps me maintain some sort of normalcy at a time when absolutely nothing is normal—and I’m barely leaving the house.
Jeans are still part of my “real” clothes rotation—our house is climate-controlled after all—and jean shorts are obviously a summer staple. I’ve had the same two pairs of short, frayed J Brand cut-offs (in distressed denim and white) for years, but as find myself in (and finally acknowledge) my almost-mid-40s, I’ve been craving a longer length. About a month ago I literally ordered every pair of jean shorts available in my size on Shopbop and none of them were right. Then I remembered how much I love my Everlane skinny jeans and checked out what they had going on.
Ladies, meet the The Denim Short. They have the perfect frayed edge that sits mid-thigh, and the relaxed fit we’re all digging right about now thanks to those few extra COVID pounds. They are also so comfortable I can sit at my desk in them all day—and as you can see on the site, you can also roll them up (once or twice) to make them the exact length you’d like.
I ordered my usual Everlane size as well as one up since I knew I wanted a slouchier look (which turned out to be the right call). I also ordered the “Distressed” and “Vintage Dark Blue” because you never know when you might need a dressier jean short option (and I kept both).
And best of all, these jean shorts only cost $58, which is less than half the price of most of the others I tried before falling in love with these. I might be wearing them with a tee shirt as we speak (and for the foreseeable future), but eventually they’ll look great with a button-down or breezy blouse and shoes other than my “house” Birks. Trust me, these are well worth making room in your closet—and make for a great wardrobe update!