French Girl Chic

Have you ever read an article or heard a story of questionable heritage that you chose to believe because it supported something you really wanted to be true?  Did you continue to reference the story or article in your head like it was born of Harvard research to help rationalize questionable behavior? For example, maybe you like to smoke cigarettes and drink whiskey and have been considering doing so on a more full-time basis.  Then, you remember that one block party a few years ago when your neighbor told you a story about their friend whose uncle’s coworker smoked two packs and chugged Jack Daniels every day of his adult life.  The neighbor’s uncle’s coworker lived until 96, at which point he was tragically struck by a bus.  96?  That’s pretty good.  If that guy did it, then cigarettes and whiskey are obviously very close to being good for you.  Rationalization for smoking and drinking achieved.

We all need rationalizations from time to time.  One of the nice things about our information age is you can find an article, blog or story on any topic, however controversial, to support your current position.  No changing necessary.  You need to rationalize ingesting a 2 liter of Coke and a side of cake?  Google, “Sugar is fine, right?” and you will find at least one article that supports your desire to consume sugar like it’s broccoli.  Granted, you may have to scroll through lots of articles from actual doctors, but you’ll find one.  As you can imagine, the political applications of this are staggering.   

Imagine my delight when I read several Vogue articles that provided me with a style rationalization/upgrade I now embrace as scientific fact.  Some background:  . 

When I’m running errands, etc. I don’t think a single onlooker would suspect my deep and passionate love of beauty products.  Why?  Because I typically don’t look very good.  Not a low self-esteem “I don’t look good”, more of a legitimate “I didn’t brush my hair-I don’t look good”.  My love of products operates from a very personal, heartfelt solution-of-the-week-oriented strategy located deep inside my head (and heart).  Looking totally put together on a daily basis has never been my goal. In addition, my attention to my hair ends with coloring it.  I wash it occasionally, but I am both incapable and uninterested in styling it unless you invite me to your wedding.  In summary, it’s not unusual for me to spend 3-7 minutes carefully covering the redness around my chin and nose, only to leave the house without any eye makeup and my hair in a workout-sweat-scrunchie-bun. 

According to several articles I have pieced together on vogue.com to rationalize my style philosophy, it turns out I am not lazy, I am simply French Girl Chic!  Phew!  For decades, trendsetters have been trying to articulate what makes French women so effortlessly stylish.  French women are envied for achieving a sexy, chic look without looking totally put together from head to toe.  They are chic because, for instance, they have chosen to pay attention to their skin and leave their hair winter frizzy.  Or, if they work their hair into a messy ponytail, they swipe on a quick red lip and leave everything else bare.  This rationalization is so effective, now when I leave the house with my hair in a rat tail contrasted with a carefully applied brow, I do so with the confidence of a French girl riding her bike in Paris. 

Please feel free to adopt this beauty rationalization in your own life.  We’re French Girl Chic, ladies.  I may have to work a little harder to get those French girls to embrace yoga pants as pants, though…….

Everyone knows the French girls like their drugstores.  I think they have better stuff in French drugstores, but in honor of our French Girl Chic diagnosis, here are a few of my drugstore faves:

Micellar water:

You’re probably seeing this stuff all around and wondering what it is.  It’s been used in France for a hundred or so years, but it’s gaining popularity in the states recently.  It’s just water infused with tiny oil particles that is used to clean the face.  It gets off makeup, dirt and grime but doesn’t have to be rinsed afterward, making it a home run hit for those of you who take your makeup off before bed but can’t be bothered to make it to the sink.  Or you want to maintain your skin while camping.  The original French brand is Bioderma.  I tried it and really liked it.  I’ve been taking my makeup off with it before I do my NuFace (more on that later) when I don’t want to run upstairs and officially wash my face.  It really works!  Garnier just came out with one and Simple has one you can get at the drugstore, too.  Here’s an article with more details if you’re curious:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/micellar-water-skincare_us_55a66a22e4b0896514cfd3c9

Bright Lip:

My stylish and pretty friend Danielle recently rocked an awesome red lip.  When I asked her what kind of lipstick it was, she took out a red tube of Rimmel London lipstick.  I was floored.  Drugstore lipstick that looked that good.  Naturally, I went out and bought a bunch (they were $5.49 a piece!).  I’m in love.  The formulation and color choices are impressive for such a low price.  Not drying, great coverage.  As someone who isn’t afraid to invest in a lip product, I was pleasantly surprised by these.  You can find everything from a Kylie Jenner color, if that’s your thing, (104) to an exciting red to go with your new French Girl Chic look (110).

Feline Flick for Eye:

Eye makeup is what I blow off the most, but occasionally I want to step it up.  L'Oreal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liner Black is great for creating a liquid liner cat eye and is only around 9 bucks.  Can’t beat that! 

Here's to French Girl Chic!

Keely

Skin Savers

Back in the early days of movie making, directors were known to smear a thin layer of Vaseline on the camera lens to provide an aging actress some mercy in her drier years.  Sadly, I think the “drier years” began around 26 in the minds of movie makers back then.  Social commentary aside, the result was a nice, soft, movie-magic finish and everyone walked away happy. 

Advancements in technology have given us myriad filter and technology options to turn an ogre into a princess and back…all on our phones!  However, technology hasn’t rendered human interaction obsolete (yet).  Therefore, women are still in need of some ogre-to-princess capability that can be performed on site.  I thought about suggesting that we require people to dab vaseline directly on their eyeballs to give us ladies more of a “soft finish” in our daily interaction, but it seemed hard to execute.  Instead, during the chill-filled, dry-skin months here are more practical solutions:

Egyptian Magic

There are not enough words to explain how much I love and use this stuff.  Daily.  Hair to feet.  It’s considered a cult classic, which is how it entered my world (I am still trying to figure out how to officially initiate myself into that cult).  Some products live up to the cult status, some do not (I’m looking at you SK-II).  Egyptian Magic does.  It’s made from Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis extract.  If you haven’t heard of it, it’s like a firmer version of vaseline, made with non-controversial ingredients.  Everything from dry elbow to lips to heels to my color-weathered hair to my face-this is the go-to winter salve in my home.  My kids all have their own and use it at bedtime for any dry patches, including lips.  

I was afraid to put it on my face because I feared a raging break-out, but to my surprise and delight there was no break out, no gross pillow, just plump skin when I awoke.  It is part of my nightly ritual to put on a layer of this after my night creams (from my Derm, I'll do a separate post on my nightly ritual) to seal the deal.  I bet you could eat it, but I’m too chicken to try.  They have it at Costco right now.  Go!

Tatcha Polished Rice Enzyme Powder

I’m a fan of exfoliation.  I shutter to think how I used to rely on ground up apricots back in the day.  So young and full of of misinformation.  Exfoliating does not equate to ripping your skin to shreds like we used to believe.  This is an all natural product that gently exfoliates.  Wet your face and hands, put a bit of powder in your hands and create a little lather-ish situation and rub your face.  I just got over a little cold and this is doing wonders to get rid of the dry skin around my nose.  When you put lotion on after you exfoliate, the product works better because there’s not as much dead skin with which to contend.  Use it at night before lotion.   

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm

This feels like a thick, nourishing wrap-yourself-in-mama’s-love balm.  There is nothing more to say than I love the way it feels on my lips.  I think I try every single lip balm that comes out and this is one I actually finish and buy again.  A standout in a sea of hundreds.  No SPF, though.

Marc Jacobs Lip Lock Moisture Balm, SPF 18

I think I’ve made it clear I need stuff on my lips at all times.  I love this one because it feels great on the lips and has SPF.  It’s pricey, but if you have a deep love of lip products you’re missing out if you don’t try it.  Keep one in the car at all times. 

Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment

I mentioned this product in my very first post as nourishing for your soul as well as your lips.  Any product that can do that is worth mentioning again, right?  It feels so soothing and comforting on the lips but also adds a fullness and shine without any stinging.  You can use it in place of a gloss for shine or just for fun.  I have it on now.  I love this stuff.  

Rodial Glamstick

This lipstick is new to my world and I’m really liking it so far.  I got “Bite”, which is a sort-of-pink-but-really-more-nude-peach.  I was surprised by the easy color payoff-one swipe of opaque color.  They have all sorts of nourishing ingredients that are intended to feel like a balm.  They feel very moisturizing on the lips.  I think I’m going to get “Blow” next.  Nordstrom has some colors and the Dermstore has some colors.  I haven't found one location for all colors. 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

I have a lot of products intended to illuminate my skin to mimic freshness.  I have been really enjoying this one.  Sometimes I use it alone if I’m heading out in public but don’t feel like putting on makeup-makeup.  I’ve been putting on the outer parts of my face before foundation.  I’ve been putting it over foundation as a highlighter.  I really like it.  It gives a nice glow without looking shimmery.  Sephora has a smaller, travel size that’s cheaper if you don’t want to commit to the full bottle.  You can also mix it with a foundation you like to give you more of a glow.  

It’s February!  We’re rounding the bend!  Good work!!

Keely

Be the Bronze You Want to See in the World

It’s cold outside.  I try not to take the weather personally, as I am pretty sure it’s happening to everyone else in my neighborhood too.  Because of it’s reliable rate of reoccurrence, winter itself doesn’t come as a surprise, but each year I’m a little more surprised by my distaste for it.  That said, I love Chicago and unless my husband adds some vigor to his campaign to move to a warmer climate, we’re staying.  

In general, my personality baseline falls on the optimistic/positive end of the spectrum.  However, this time of year I find myself reaching for extra tools to help maintain a positive vibe.  Behind sleep and a portable light machine, the tool of positivity I’ve been reaching for most can be found, as you may guess, in the form of a beauty product. Sure, bronzer and self tanner may be a “lipstick on a pig” solution to frigid temps, but they definitely provide a reliable pick me up on an otherwise bleak winter day.  

For this reason, I am urging each of us to be the bronze we want to see in the world all winter long! 

As some of you may remember from my sunscreen post, my Irish skin appears to be almost without pigment, except for the freckles.  I have been relying on self tanner since I was 16.  Most of the time it just brings me to what other women would call “pale” on themselves.  For me, self tanner is a necessity since I don’t shy away from inappropriately short tennis skirts and do not tan.  Spray tans are not a solution because I believe they should be performed by a doctor.  Naked in a room with a stranger so close is nothing if not uncomfortable.  Self tanner it is!  Here are a few of my standards:

Favorite self-tanner for face:

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanner.

Clarins was one of the first companies that did self tanning well.  I am so grateful to Clarins for pioneering self tanning that I remain loyal to their brand when there are many other competent products out there.  I love this one because it absorbs easily into the skin and gives a nice, light color.  Doesn’t feel heavy at all.  I don’t want my face to look too overbaked, and this provides just enough non-orangey color.  Clarins is good at masking that gross self-tanner smell as well.  I use it everyday in the morning after lotion, before sunscreen.  

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster:

This product is cool because you can add these drops to any lotion in the morning or at night, depending on your preference, and it allows you to control the amount of tanning you do.  More drops equal more tan.  It’s also an easy travel size.  I like this one in summer.  

Favorite self-tanner for body.

Clarins Self Tanning Milk SPF 6. 

I use this for special occasions when I want to make sure the color is right and I have time to really go for it with a careful application.  It’s pricey for the amount that I use on a weekly basis.  If I win the lottery and it turns out that parabens are fine, it will become my daily self-tanner.  If you are a new or occasional self tanner, this is a good one with which to start.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Golden Tanning without the Sun.

This is a relatively new find.  I love it for winter skin because it helps with the dryness, smells like a vacation (coconut) and doesn’t have parabens and all the gunk we’re told is in department and drug store brands.  The coconut smell can be a bit strong.  The best part is that it's only 10 bucks at Whole Foods and even cheaper on Amazon.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Care Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum, Medium Natural Tan

All of the L’Oreal Sublime products give good color, not too orangey.  I like this serum in the summer because it absorbs fast and spreads easily.  You don’t have to wait for a long time before you get dressed.  You can put lotion on after.  It's in the $10 range.  I go though lots of bottles of this.

I hope these suggestions help you to be the bronze you want to see in the world.  To complete your look, check out my Radiance and Niod Opacity Fluid post.

Be the bronze!

Keely

Skin Help for the Holidays

Because I am living gently, my original brainstorm for this week's post was something along the lines of "Merry Christmas".  Then, I tried something so delightfully satisfying and effective on my hustle-and-bustle distressed face I figured I had an obligation to report my findings.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is considered a "Cult Favorite" in the beauty world.  Despite a keen awareness that cults are to be avoided at all costs especially since I am without murderous intentions, if you tell me that a beauty product is a "cult favorite" suddenly I'm looking for a charismatic leader, putting on comfortable, white clothing and wondering how I join.  I've never denied my susceptibility to marketing, but it's even a surprise to me that marketing a product as a "cult favorite" is the fastest way to get me to try it.

The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is $9.99 at Whole Foods and $7.50 on Amazon.  Whuuut?  It is also 100% Calcium Bentonite Clay, which means it is without chemicals and parabens and all the stuff our Facebook feeds are telling us are no good.  

The price and chemical make-up are not even the funnest part.  The past week, my skin endured an unprecedented five nights in a row of party makeup, less than 8 hours of sleep, and significant sugar infusion.  The universe sensed that my skin needed help and put the Aztec Healing Clay in my path at Whole Foods.  It's a powder that you mix with equal parts apple cider or water into a paste.  You put the thick paste on your face for 5-20 minutes depending on the sensitivity of your skin.  Wash it it off with warm water.  They say your face may be red, but it goes away.  Mine wasn't.  Maybe because I used water instead of apple cider vinegar.  

My skin looks looks like I just got a facial.  My pores look smaller (because they are cleaner, the experts say your pores don't actually shrink), and my skin looks clearer.  I love a beauty ritual and use masks weekly if not more.  My skin has never looked this fresh, even after the $40 mask I thought I liked!  The only downside is a possible plumbing issue down the road.  The clay is thick.  I read that you can use a big bowl of water to take it off and put the clay-ey water in the yard.  I may.  I may not. 

So, head to Whole Foods and grab this stuff.  Stick in on your face while you wrap presents and make cookies or clean your house for company!

I hope you are all enjoying this magical time of year, especially since chances are YOU are the one creating all the magic!  Take a breath, you're doing great!

Keely