What's Your Secret - Skin Care

In my twenties, I was all about using skin care products from the same line. My thought was that a skin care line was like a puzzle each piece (product) fitting snuggly into the next creating a final result. In my thirties I started to understand marketing, sometimes things did not always produce the results,as advertised. I had accumulated quite the experimental inventory of products. I started to discover that products worked with other products outside of their line and that mix and match, was actually custom tailoring to the needs and response of “my” skin.

Recently when I run into people, who have not seen me for some time, have been commenting on my skin, and wanting to know what products I use. So here is what I am currently using:

In the evening I like to do my skin care regime about 2-3 hours before going to bed. This allows the moisturizer a chance to be obsorbed by my skin instead of my pillow case.

Cleanse: St. Ives Olive Cleanser

                                                              

 Facial Scrub: St. Ives Apricot Scrub –

       Exfoliating every other night

        

Toner: If the cleanser you are using is doing its job I find there is no need for toner (this is for me); if I do use a toner I use Clinique 2.

Night Moisturizer: [Face]-Chanel – Precision Ultra Correction Line Repair

- In the winter I may alternate Chanel PUCL with Crème de La Mer

                  [Eye] – Olay total effects   Transforming Cream

                    
[Lips] – L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm stick



In the morning I like to rinse my face with tepid water before going in shower.
                            
  Cleanse: I do not use a cleanser in the morning, just tepid water

               Daily Moisturizer:  

                                                     

             [Face] L’Occitane Crème Divine –                                    

 

 

 

 

 






                     if I want to use something with SPF

              Immortelle Precious Protection SPF20


          Also, when moisturizing face, do not forget the neck.  

 

 

A dear friend (she is from Paris) gifted me at Christmas with  a  Darphin Eye care kit and I love the results and the feel of the product.

[Eye]  - Darphin Vitaserum 40 Eye Contour –reduces shadows and puffiness

Darphin Fibrogene Intensive Eye Contour - to firm and tone

[Lips] – L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm stick          

I would love to hear about the products you use. And your thoughts on using products from different lines

Before slipping on those strappy sandals… please do your Spring Pedicure Cleaning

I understand the excitement the recent onset of great warm weather has brought on, to reach for those strappy sandals. STOP…..!!!! Have you done your Spring Pedicure Cleaning? If not , 1) please do so before wearing toe exposing footwear 2 ) please refrain from subjecting the rest of us to the unsightly mess and keep those toes covered until you have an opportunity to groom them. This post comes on the heels of my Saturday shopping experience.


Already exhausted (not sure what made me go out into the stores on Saturday) from all the people and noise that comes with being in stores on a Saturday, a wardrobe piece I didn’t realize I was in need of or missing – yes that elusive item – a dress by Milley – sprung out from the rack right at me! Hmmm would be perfect for my upcoming trip to Paris. So not wanting to chance it doing a vanishing act, I decided to stand in the long line up to the fitting room. While I tried to keep my mind/thoughts occupied with visions of Paris, to block off the surrounding noise and aching pain that suddenly crept up on my lower back – my thoughts came to a complete halt when my eyes caught sight of toes in flip-flops. My mind was trying to understand why it was, the owner of these toes choose to not take the 3 seconds It would have taken, to remove the remains of red polish on 2 toes and 3 toes of her feet (the other toes were completely bare of polish).

As, I stood there waiting my turn – It was like driving by a bad accident – you know you don’t want to/shouldn’t look – but your eyes can’t help it! Just as I was contemplating pulling out my blackberry and discreetly snapping a shot of the guilty toes (something I now – think you are better off not seeing) … I was saved from my madness - by the smiling fitting room lady, letting me know it there was a fitting room available. I’m sure her eyes had followed my gaze and she too was horrified by the sight.

Please remember to do Spring Pedicure Cleaning before slipping on warm weather toe exposing footwear. And while we are speaking feet, moisturize those heels daily (am-pm) they need TLC too!

If you are a Pedicure connoisseur like moi, your toes are ready to be exposed year-round. Some of my favoritePedicure items:

I like a little colour on my toes, as I tend to keep my manicure neutral. What is your Pedicure preference - French or colour or au Natural?

                                         

Easter Egg Hunt… Not quite there yet

This year we were going to host an Easter Egg Hunt for our friends’ children, but as the time approached to start sending out the invites, I started to feel very anxious. At first I thought it would pass – then the thought of preparing activities for the children, planning the meal, and executing it all (of course Mr.G. would be helping with all the prep) became to overwhelming. Mr. G. even suggested we have it catered or at least hire wait staff to serve and clean up. The day that we should be announcing our plan to host an Easter Egg hunt – I became so overwhelmed that the thought of it all, exhausted me to the point of hyper-ventilating. Mr. G. was so sweet, he made me a cup of tea, managed to talk me through it (my care team - would have been proud of him).

Before my detour on the road of life, I would invite my friends’ children for an afternoon of Easter egg decorating. It was so amazing to see them transform a simple white egg into their vision of a masterpiece. They would give so much thought as to what colours to use – and apply each one just so with a paint brush. By the time we finished, it was a good thing that the table and floor were cover with a painters cloth and that our clothes were protected by the latest Glad design plastic garbage bag smock.

When I calmed down Mr. G.reminded me that its not the end of the world if we do not do it this year and that he understands how hard it is for me to not easily do the things now, that 3 1/2 years ago came so naturally; and there is always next year. So, as much as I really wanted it to happen this year, I guess I’m just not ready for all the excitement. But, look out Next Year!

I did manage with Mr.G’s help to put together some Easter baskets for our friends’ children and we will be delivery them on behalf of Mr. Bunny this week-end.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!!!!