If you want beauty, style or lifestyle advice, need help finding the right product or item or just want to know a bit more about something, this is for you. Send your questions to me at nancy@thebeautywall.com and I’ll do my best to answer them in an upcoming post.
E-mail me…I want to hear from you! xoxoNancy
Today is my birthday! I woke up to a nice surprise–my bedroom blanketed with balloons and the most beautiful handmade cards, courtesy of my children. I’m thankful for the gorgeous day because I plan on spending lots of time outdoors, first an early morning run, and later a picnic lunch with my husband. I’ll definitely be wearing sunscreen–I don’t want to be one of the 50,000 Americans diagnosed with Melanoma this year!
I bring this up because May 6th is also Melanoma Monday, a day dedicated to raise awareness of all types of skin cancer, melanoma being the most serious. Often appearing as as a new mole or a change in size, shape or color of an existing mole, when found in its early stages the chances of recovery are very good. When not found early, it can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body, making it much more difficult to treat.
To keep yourself safe:
Photo courtesy of Pinterest.
You don’t have to be a world traveler to appreciate 3Floz.com. This online shop for those-in-the-know features luxury beauty products exclusively in travel-friendly sizes (3 oz. or less) but it’s also perfect for those looking to try something new without spending a lot of cash…a great way to find a new favorite before splurging on the full size!
3Floz.com carries over 50 luxe brands, including Fekkai, Phyto and Murad, sized right for a hassle-free baggage check and priced right for minimum commitment. Browse through their curated selection encompassing everything from face and hair care to body lotions, treatment products, products for kids and men and even aromatherapy. Cherry-pick whatever catches your eye or go for the themed kits and best-sellers.
Coming this Fall 2013, 3Floz.com will be in select US airport terminals, carrying the same products available on on their e-commerce site.
photo courtesy of 3floz.com
Product Review: Marula – The Leakey Collection
I was a bit hesitant about testing a facial oil. After all, I have somewhat sensitive skin and am averse to putting anything oily on my complexion for fear of breakouts. But, the modern oils getting all the attention are pure botanical oils, an entirely different breed from mineral based ones which can sit on the skin and clog pores. These more recent oils are super hydrating, immediately absorbed and chock full of antioxidants to protect against aging free-radicals and environmental stressors.
Marula – The Leakey Collection comes from hand-picked, cold-pressed Marula nuts. It instantly melts into your skin, leaving it soft, supple and non-greasy. In fact, it’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory so it’s even a great treatment for those with acne. Made from 99% pure Marula Oil from East Africa and a 1% essential oil blend, it’s produced using sustainable harvesting practices and is fair trade, providing rural women with a source of income so they can feed, cloth and educate their families.
I love it as a moisturizer for my face, hands and body but you can also add it to your cleanser, masks, lotions and creams for an extra boost in hydration and anti-aging properties or to your foundation for a more radiant finish.
Marula – The Leakey Collection, $78, available at marula.com.
If you’re one of the lucky ones you get the opportunity to grow old. And if you’re one of the wise ones you choose to grow old gracefully. I find that growing old gracefully has everything to do with attitude and very little to do with looks. It’s about embracing life and living it to the fullest no matter where you are number-wise. Growing older is one thing, looking it is another thing altogether!
A little effort goes a long way in the beauty department. To look your best:
There’s also much that can be done in a doctor’s office. To educate yourself on the latest anti-aging options available I highly recommend The Face of the Future, Look Natural, Not Plastic: A Less-Invasive Approach to Enhance Your Beauty And Reverse Facial Aging, by Andrew A. Jacono, MD, FACS, an interesting and informative read on the latest facial rejuvenating procedures, from non-invasive to surgical treatments. This book demystifies topical treatments, peels, injectables, lasers, energy-based tightening treatments, face-lifts and numerous other procedures. You’ll also find how to get the most from your skin care regimen, advice on choosing a doctor, what does and doesn’t work, before and after photos and so much more.
For more info. on Dr. Jacono, click here.
Today is Earth Day, a day to think about the environment and the issues that threaten it. Unfortunately, one of the greatest threats is woman! The beauty products we use on a daily basis can have a huge, negative impact on the earth. But, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for the sake of the environment. One way to lower your carbon footprint is to use eco-friendly products and packaging…and LATHER stands out as a shining example!
I first discovered this brand a few years ago while staying at a swanky Vegas hotel. The wonderful-ness of the lemongrass soap and body wash made me linger in the shower that much longer (I know…not so good for the environment). LATHER is a beauty company with skin care (face and body), hair care and aromatherapy. Besides formulas made with natural ingredients, pure essential oils and no synthetic fragrances or colors, nearly all the products are paraben and sulfate-free and their sample packs, shopping bags, and gift cards are all made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Customers can even return empty LATHER containers to receive 10% off their next purchase. Not bad!
I recently received a box chock full of LATHER products to review…I’m in heaven!!! Though I’m taking my sweet time working my way through it, here is one notable mention in case you’re looking for that perfect body cream:
LATHER Coconut Creme Body Whip, $22 at www.lather.com. I applied it all over my body and my skin was instantly silky smooth without the least bit of greasiness. Truly! And that scent…fresh coconut/vanilla. Perfection!
If shopping for beauty products doesn’t feel enough like “earth-day” to you, you can also get your hair cut or blown out at a participating Aveda salon today (see my previous post here). Still not enough? Plant a tree, pick up trash in your town today and everyday, always turn off the lights when you leave a room and recycle/repurpose whenever possible. Happy Earth Day!!! xoxoNancy
Once again we’re faced with the hateful actions of extremists who seek to strike fear in our nation and our people. The carnage near the finish line at the Boston Marathon yesterday is only the latest example on a list where even one entry would be too long. With at least 3 people confirmed dead and more than 170 injured, we still don’t know who is responsible. It has evoked strong emotions–among them fear, anger and helplessness. I am scared, but I am not hopeless. If 9/11, random acts of violence and the loss of loved ones have taught me anything, it’s that all we have is right now.
The saying “don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today” feels particularly poignant right now. Today, be kind to yourself and others. Today, take a step toward fulfilling your dreams. Today, tell a friend how much they mean to you. Today, show the people you love how much you love them. Tomorrow might be too late. Do it today. xoxoNancy
Proskins Compression Wear SLIM leggings are being touted as the holy grail in the fight against cellulite and a great way to shape and tone the legs. To see results you need to wear them for eight hours a day for 28 days.
The beauty of them is that they look like a regular pair of leggings but their makeup is vastly different. Advanced technology compression fabric incorporates microscopic capsules containing caffeine, retinol, aloe vera and ceramides that actually improve the overall skin condition leaving legs softer, smoother, tighter. These micro-capsules are released in a controlled way throughout the lifetime of the garment.
Without a change in diet or exercise, independent clinical trials have shown a 76% slimming efficacy, a reduction in the diameter of thighs, and the vast majority of testers saw a reduction in cellulite and felt that their jeans were less tight.
Too good to be true? Not necessarily…but just in case, I think I’ll keep my gym membership! Proskins Slim Full Length Leggings, $120
When I spotted Nate Berkus’ book The Things that Matter I never imagined I’d be blown away by his story and his message. I was literally transported and didn’t put the book down for 2 days straight!
Most design books are all about the images and Berkus’ book doesn’t disappoint there…but, The Things That Matter is so much more than that. It’s filled with intimate stories of his life that really give you a sense of what this man is about. FYI, he’s a good, kind, smart, funny and easy-on-the eyes man! It’s also filled with gorgeous visuals of his homes through the years, as well as beautiful interiors of twelve others and portraits of the inhabitants, some clients and some just people/homes he admires.
Nate Berkus believes that personal possessions matter, you should surround yourself with things you love and things that have meaning to you. I couldn’t agree more…these “things” are what makes a beautiful house a home with meaning!
Here’s a peek at a few beautiful shots from the book…but it’s the words that will stay with you forever.
Mark your calendars! If you’re looking for something fun (and worthwhile!) to do on Monday, April 22nd (aka Earth Day 2013) Aveda is planning to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for most money raised for a charity by haircuts in a 24-hour period. With this global cut-a-thon, Aveda hopes to raise $5 million for clean water.
If you’re in the NYC area, stop by the Aveda Institute at 233 Spring Street between 12:00 and 8:00pm for haircuts priced from $20 – $40, specialty blow outs for $10, a silent auction, complementary massage, catered food and more! Not going to be in New York City? Click here to see what’s happening at your local salons.
(photo courtesy of Aveda)
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