Fabulous Over Forty – Where Beauty Is Ageless

Are you looking to have a fun day with “the girls” or create a special party for a birthday or some other occasion to get together?   Why not create a spa day at home!    Where I work, we recently had the opportunity to create a table setting for WAMSO (The MN Orchestra Volunteer Association) and their fundraising event called Settings of Note.   Designers and others create table settings around a theme of their choice and then patrons and guests bid on the table settings.

My office did the Spa Retreat theme and let me tell you, it was a huge hit!   From what I could tell, our table out of nearly 20, had the highest bids!   Everyone was commenting on how it was such a great idea and that it was so out of the “norm” for typical table top ideas of “English garden” or “Outdoor picnic” etc. 

We did a simple “meal” of sushi and cucumber water, had lily votives set around the table top, simple yet beautiful orchids as a centerpiece and all in soothing colors of pink and green and creamy white. 

But some of the most popular things were the gift sets that were put together.    In these cute little wicker baskets, each guest received a spa robe from Cypress Bathrobes, a Ms Pedicure Foot SpAhh set, EcoTools Body Butter, Karen Neuburger Spa Socks and Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Facial Packette!   It was the ultimate beauty set!

I can’t thank enough Lisa Hoffman Beauty, EcoTools, Ms Pedicure, Karen Neuburger and Cypress Bathrobes for their wonderful donations and helping to make the fundraising event a huge success!  

Now maybe when my group of girlfriends get together to celebrate a birthday, we’ll do something fun like this, too! 

Doesn’t Mother’s Day seemed to have come up so fast?  I can’t believe it’s on Sunday already, so I must hop to it and give you my beauty gift guide this year.  For an easy way to drop off those hints, print this off and leave it for everyone to see!

Get mom glowing with The NARS So Famous Gift Set.  It’s an excellent choice for all things “Narstastic” – what I call Nars must-haves.   You get a mini Orgasm Multiple, a full sized Deep Throat blush and Bettina Velvet Matte Lip pencil all in this fun package.    Available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com for $44.

The eyelashes are “it” this year!   What glamour-mom wouldn’t love to have full, lush lashes compliments of neuLash.  This gift set is exlusive to Saks Fifth Avenue stores and includes a generous supply of neuLash, a dual ended Brow Blender with soft powder finish and brush tip that blends and shapes for full looking brows and a lash comb with perfectly spaced gold plated teeth.      $150 for the set valued at over $200.

For those who want to give mom some beauty but are on a budget, these Gloss Gorgeous Stay on Lipstains by Mark are just the thing for you.  These are only $9 each and come in 4 colors.   They give you shiny, moisturized lips with ease of application, and the color lasts for hours.    Perfect for the mom-on-the-go or the no-fuss mom who still wants a polished look.   Available at meetmark.com

For the chic mom, a spritz of this Estee Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfume would be a lovely choice.   I recall the days of my grandmother and mother always having an atomizer for their fragrances on their dressing vanities.   So chic, and this ever-popular fragrance is one that nearly every mother is guaranteed to love.  $65 at Estee Lauder counters. 

For the skin-loving mom, give her the gift of this Liz Earle Superskin kit.   Superskin products are for very dry or mature skin and includes a rollerball of Superskin concentrate – an aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils for a nighttime treatment.  The Superskin moisturizer for face and neck and an eye and lip treament, all in samples sizes in this classic white good looking zip bag.  $56 on lizearle.com or check list of stores for availability.

For the sophisticated mom, this limited edition Kilian Gold Travel Set is exclusive to Berdorf Goodman.   The signature travel spray has a twist for mom – covered in a gold instead of the signature black.   It’s available in the Rose Oud from the Arabian Nights collection $235 or 4 scents from the L’Oeuvre Collection:  Love, Liaisons Dangereuses, Straight to Heaven and Back to Black $155.

He will be available for a personal appearance at Bergdorf’s on Thursday, May 14th from 2-6 pm on the beauty lower level.

 For the on-the-go mom, these Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Shower Packettes are just the thing.  Even though mom may travel a lot for business, she still wants to indulge in great bath and beauty products.   The Spa Shower scent of Japanese Agarwood is one of my favorite, and the products leave your skin oh-so soft and lovely.   The packettes are only $9.95

For the beach-loving mom, without the dangers of the sun, give her this Bobbi Brown Bahamas Bronze Set - exclusive to Nordstrom.  It includes an illuminating bronzer in the color Bahama, a mini bronzer brush and a Gold Coast Lip Glaze.    She’ll look like she spent a week on the beaches of the Carribean.  An $80 set for only $55.

For the makeup-artist-wannabe mom, these Sonia Kashuk Out of the Woods six piece brush set is perfect!   I’m a huge fan of Sonia Kashuk brushes as they are a nice quality with a fabulous price.   They include 6 of the essential brushes and lucky for you – they’re on sale this week at Target.  Only $17.99 for the set and case.  

 For the cozy-mom, these Karen Neuburger pajamas are perfect.   Super-soft and comfy, she’ll never want to get out of these cozy pj’s!  In several feminine prints and styles, there’s one for any mom.   Prices vary by style and are available at karenneuburger.com

Happy Mother’s Day to all, and I hope you get your beauty wishes fulfilled!

One area on the face that many people do not think of as showing age is the lips.   Our lips thin as we age, they show fine lines, especially if you smoke, and they lose that general fullness we had in our youth.   Keeping your lips moist is important, but there are several lip products I like from general moisturizers to treatments that help keep the lips smooth and youthful looking.

1.  Korres Lip Butters - typically I’m not one for pots of any lip product, but I’m willing to put that ick factor aside and use these Lip Butters.   They make your lips feel so yummy and soft, come in a few select shades and a clear.  They are made with natural products like shea butter and rice wax for holding in the moisture to keep your lips super soft.  $10

2.  Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Lip pHixative - The rollerball application lets the product glide smoothly over your lips.   This anti-aging lip plumper helps to keep the lines at bay and the fullness in.  Now granted, you won’t get Angelina Jolie lips from this but it helps to keep the lips you have looking great.  This is not a moisturizer, but a treatment.   Apply a moisturizer after this has settled in, and your moisturizer goes on over smoothly.  $50

3.  Jane Iredale LipDrink SPF15 -  When I was on vacation recently, I tried to find a lip moisturizer that had SPF that was higher than a 4.   I ran across this LipDrink with SPF 15 and keep a tube around all the time.   It’s super moisturizing, and contains macadamia nut oil, green tea extract along with  vitamins E & C.  $11.

4.  Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - Available also in a Rose tint, and both have SPF 15.   Super creamy and moisturizing, I haven’t met a person who has used one of these that doesn’t absolutely love them!  Made with sweet and tart blackcurrent oils, grapeseed polyphenols and Vitamins A, C & E.  The non rose tint one is actually very lemony flavored.  $22.50

5.  Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Facial Lip Moisturizer - When a blogger recently threw the question out to other bloggers “what’s your favorite lip product?” this LHB Lip Moisturizer was the #1 answer by beauty bloggers as their favorite.   It’s creamy texture cushions the lips with softness and moisture.  It contains Vitamins A, C & E, olive, sweet almond and avocado oils making the lips super soft.  $34.50

I’ve put together my list of “Best of 2009″ products after going through many blog posts and my bathroom and makeup bag(s).   The list consists of products that I continually use and like love, and restock my supply when out.     They are in no particular order, not all are new to 2009, but they are my personal “Best of 2009″

High End Fragrances  – By Kilian Fragrances.    Originally a perfumer for such names as Armani, Dior and others, Kilian Hennessy then started his own fragrance line “By Kilian”.  It was originally released with seven and now an eighth fragrance has been added to the collection.   Based on love and seduction these fragrances are full bodied, rich fragrances for men and women.   The bottle is so beautiful to a man or woman with the tooled leather detail and it is refillable.   Around $225.

Fragrances - Lisa Hoffman Beauty Variations.  I know you’ve heard me sing the praises of Lisa Hoffman’s products and now you can add the Variations Fragrances to the list of things I can’t quit talking about with this line!     Japanese Agarwood scent is one of my favorite in the line as it’s not too sweet, nor is it too manly.   It’s a scent my sensitive nose loves.   Shown at top is the wonderful packaging concept for these fragrances (there are 5 scents to choose from) which are labeled Morning, Daytime, Evening and Bedtime.  These essential oils have different blends of the fragrance to satisfy a woman’s olfactory senses throughout the day.   Brilliant!  $95 for the leather case and oils, and the case is refillable.   If you like a more feminine fragrance, the Tunisian Neroli is beautiful as well.   (I haven’t smelled the others to compare)   The Madagascar Orchid and Japanese Agarwood scents are available in this limited edition 2-Vial set in recycled plastic case (shown in photo 2 & 3).  $43.

Exfoliant – Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - pure skin care excellence!   I use this once or twice a week and a little dab of the green magic goes a long way.  This fruit enzyme exfoliated removes dead skin in just 30 to 60 seconds flat and leaves your skin baby bottom soft.   If you have sensitive skin, there is a formula for that, but my “tender” skin can tolerate the regular version because it is on for such a short period of time.   ExfoliKate is beloved by beauty bloggers everywhere!   $85, but it lasts for about 6 months.  I have bought this many times over the last few years.

Hair Care - Shu Uemura Art of Hair.  When I was sent the Prime Plenishshampoo and conditioner I thought I would try it with no expectations.   The results blew me away!    Prime Plenish is the perfect formula for over 40 women.   Formulated to build and replenish time worn hair, it leaves my hair full of body and volume and manageability.   It also does not strip colored hair.    $40 for the shampoo, $50 for conditioner.   It’s expensive for shampoo and conditioner, but I am willing to fork over the money for them – they’re that good.    Essence Absolue is their conditioning oil that is like gold magic!    I just raved about this recently so you can read all about it here. 

Eyeliner - Estée Lauder Gel Eyeliner.  I have raved for years about the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, but this one by Estée Lauder tops it!  Why?  Because it’s smoother and easier to apply (the Bobbi solid colors are “drier” than the shimmer colors)  It’s creamy for application and gives you time to fix any flaws before it dries and it stays all day.   $19.50.    My only hope is that they add many more colors to the line as it is only available in black, for now.  Do you hear me Estée Lauder?  Browns, plums, greens, blues.   I’ll take one in every shade if you please would make them!   

Mascara - Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill.  I first bought Eyes to Kill mascara late summer 2009 and was amazed at how it made my eye lashes pop.    I have fairly good length to my lashes, so I need volume.   This gives my lashes both incredible volume and length.  In fact, when I started wearing it I was stopped by complete strangers (seriously!) telling me I had incredible eye lashes and some even asking if I use Latisse.   I do not use Latisse and much earlier in the year I had tried NeuLash, but hadn’t for months when I began wearing this mascara.   It never flakes, never smudges, and doesn’t dry out my lashes.    It’s my perfect mascara!   $28.00

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer – Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint.  Every woman over 4o should have a tinted moisturizer in her makeup bag for adding a hint of color, but also much needed moisturizer as well.  I use the Golden shade and it’s not too dark for my fair skin.    It adds warmth to my face and just the right amount of moisture too.   Some tinted moisturizers I’ve used either are tacky feeling or leave my face super-shiny.   This Luminizing Moisture Tint works perfectly for me.  The bonus is that it’s oil free and has SPF20.

Lipstick - Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge.  I first noticed this lipstick at the Lancome counter display with Kate Winslet’s photo and her favorite shades.  If memory serves me, there were 12 she had selected and of course if anything has Kate Winslet’s name with it I surrender full blown, must try, must have, you had me at “hello” type of reaction.  My first purchase of this extremely creamy, moisturizing, soft lipstick (with SPF 12) was the beautiful shade Aubergine Velvet – a shade that is typically darker than my normal shade range, so I also picked up Rich Cashmere – a great shade for every day polished look, and Tulipwood and Crushed Rose to round out my can’t-live-without-lipstick.   $29.  A bonus is the case is magnetic so you never have to worry about losing the top.

Face Powder - Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder.  I typically have a love/hate relationship with face powders.   I know they work to set your makeup, but I have an extremely difficult time either finding the right shade or they turn color on me throughout the day or they leave my face looking overly powdered.  Yuck to all of those.    I was introduced to Becca Cosmetics this fall at a conference and haven’t gone a day without using the loose powder since.   The shade that perfectly matches my skin is Sesame and it doesn’t discolor or settle in wrinkles or even look too powdery.   I’ve tried countless finishing powders from inexpensive to ridiculously expensive, and I will not go without my Becca!  $35. 

Body Lotion - Korres Body Butter in Guava. While searching Sephora for a travel size lotion and body wash, I came across Korres Body Butter in Guava.   I love a good lotion, but it can’t be sticky, must absorb quickly and of course, leave my skin silky.   This lotion does it all!   It is thick like a butter and I love the light guava scent.  It comes in a variety of scents, but this one is my favorite.   Starting at $9.50 and up.   Korres comes from Greece and uses advanced natural formulations in their products.   (I love the lip glosses too!) 

Palettes – Jouer Cosmetics.  Palettes are a wonderful and convenient for travel, work or any time you want a “put together look” without having to think about it.   I am in love with Jouer Cosmetics for many reasons and this is another reason why.  Their palettes are completely customizable and all the pieces snap/slide together, even the glosses!    They now have these great collections called Signature Collections that are pre-packaged for you.   (I’ll be sure to post about those another day!)  Prices vary depending on item.

Body Care - Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Shower. Did you seriously think I wasn’t going to have these on my list?  The #1 Shower Gel moisturizes your skin as it cleans #2 is a gentle Body Scrub and #3 is the Body Oil that you apply when your skin is still wet – leaving it soft, moisturized and a lovely scent (Japanese Agarwood).   If you want travel convenience, you can get the Travel Packettes for only $9.50.   They’re perfectly size for a weekend away and meet TSA size requirements if flying.  $27.50 on up for the full size.   I think in 2010 I’ll be adding the #5 Hand and Foot cream to my must have list as well.    

Face Moisturizer -Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells.  Created especially for women 50 and over this rich, creamy moisturizer is one I have fallen in love with and consider it my go-to daily moisturizer.   With some powerful scientific claims behind it (by Lancôme’s research) I like this for several reasons.   It’s not too heavy that it clogs pores or makes it difficult to apply makeup over it.   It has SPF 15.  It keeps my face moisturized throughout the day without being oily and it has treatment ingredients as well.   It’s kept my skin looking great and the scientific claims behind it are difficult to ignore.   Only time will tell!  Recently in More magazine this was chosen as one of the favorite treatment moisturizers among a group of testers/readers.  $145.

If you haven’t realized by now, I am enamored with pretty much all the Lisa Hoffman Beauty products  I’ve purchased and was sent for trying out.  I’m adding the Eye Serum to the list.

I was surprised when I read that this was a serum as I expected it to be like a typical serum – thinner in texture, clearer in color.   Instead, it really is more like a cream texture.   Just a pump in the a.m. and one in the p.m. keeps my under eye area moisturized and it’s easy to use an under eye concealer after application.  No tackiness, just smooth creaminess.    I love how it has a lot of highly potent anti-aging ingredients, and it’s still very gentle.   The packaging is in an air-tight pump so those potent ingredients stay fresh and effective.

I recently tried a different brand of extremely expensive eye cream that irritated my eye area almost instantly.  I returned it.   This eye serum/cream is very affordable at only $39.95 and it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin.

Sign up for Lisa Hoffman Beauty newsletter and you’ll get great notices like this - refer anyone to Lisa Hoffman Beauty, and if they purchase only $10 worth of product, you BOTH get a Lip Moisturizer for FREE!  That’s a $34.50 value.   (I know many beauty bloggers that recently said that the Lip Moisturizer is one of their favorite products).   Seriously!  Only $10 – that’s less than 2 Starbucks purchases!

Yes, I recently wrote about Lisa Hoffman Beauty.   I don’t care.   I’m officially obsessed with the Spa Shower line.   Seriously.  Very few products completely “wow” me but I have been seriously wowed.

As I mentioned before, the Body Oil is incredible – put it on your skin while still wet from the shower and you have silky skin that smells so good you wonder how your skin ever lived without this.  

Which led me to check out the Lisa Hoffman Beauty site further.  

Which led me to sign up for the newsletter so I’m never without knowing what is going on with this fabulous line.   And you get $5.00 off your next online purchase for signing up.

Which then led me to receiving the newsletter where I learned that Allure magazine voted this as one of their Best of Beauty for the Spa Bath Soak.  And if you purchase $15 worth of product (how easy is that) you get a free Bath Kit with your purchase (that alone is worth $9.95 and with the $5 off – you have a winner). 

Which then gave me no option but to buy the Spa Shower Cleansing Gel and  Spa Body Scrub to go with the Body Oil I already have.   These two additions to my ever-expanding collection of LHB products are leaving me giddy with happiness.   I don’t get giddy often, about as much as I get wowed. 

I’ve searched a long time for a shower gel or body wash that actually worked as it claimed and didn’t smell like bad plastic or wasn’t $40.  This fit all my criteria, and the body scrub is creamy yet granular – getting rid of dry skin easily and gently.

I don’t know how I have ever lived without the Japanese Agarwood scent  before this new discovery.   But I am very happy Lisa Hoffman has put this scent into the Spa Shower line.   She even personally gave me a tip to put a drop of the body oil on the floor of my shower and let the steam from the shower make my bathroom fill with this heavenly aroma.  

Oh, and if you order online you get to choose a few samples too.   I chose of course, the Japanese Agarwood oil, (the line has body oils in a variety of scents) for my free sample.   I was disappointed when I received it and the vial had opened in transport and soaked up on the enclosed paper.   My waste basket was happy.  It’s never smelled so good.