cushion stuffing (for brains)

I just spotted this photo from Miss Moss in my google reader and thought, "Into The Gloss did one of those beauty-secrets features with a HUNDRED YEAR OLD WOMAN? RAD."

Miss Moss.

Into The Gloss.



I am spending too much time on the internets.


Anyhoo. These photos of Gisèle d’Ailly van Waterschoot van der Gracht (publisher/painter/long-liver and long-name-haver) and her Amsterdam apartment are lovely, even if there's no eye cream involved.

Photos by Jordi Huisman for FvF via Miss Moss

An ode to eye cream

I've been avoiding writing this post. Probably because I just turned 39, and, well, I need eye cream.

I also need something for those grooves going down the side of my face that only show up in fucking HD iPhone photos. (Note to Self: Consider adopting a no-iPhone-photos policy?) I just did a quick google search, and apparently those grooves are known as "nasolabial folds." Boy do I wish I could un-know that.

But I digress. This post is about eye cream.

A few months ago one of my coworkers commented that another coworker looked far too fresh and well-slept considering how much she'd had to drink (and how little she had, in fact, slept) the night before. Ms. Fresh-and-Well-Slept divulged that she'd just begun using White Out+ from Sircuit. Everyone in the office instantly jumped online and ordered the stuff. 

Except me, of course. I emailed the company and asked if they would be willing to send me a free sample. Might as well wring everything I can out of this here blog.

Not only did the fab Sircuit rep send me a little vial of White Out+, she also sent a sample of Eye Tech. Kika recommends Eye Tech as a day-of product for brides or anyone else liable to encounter a photographer using flash. White Out+ is "specifically designed to help diminish shadows and to reduce the look of bags by camouflaging dark circles with light-dispersing, color-correcting diamond core particles" and a camera flash can sometimes reflect off the particles to bizarre effect.

I intended to do a very scientific experiment, use White Out+ for a few weeks, and then switch to the Eye Tech, so I could decide which one to recommend to you guys. 

My very unscientific recommendation is: They are both excellent. I honestly can't tell the difference. I theeeeeeeenk when my samples run out I will order the Eye Tech, because (at Kika's suggestion) I've also been using it on the teensy lines around my mouth.

Neither product is cheap, but a little goes a long way. My sample vials are still going strong. And the very act of applying the stuff every morning makes me feel like I'M DOING SOMETHING to counteract the aging process.
______________________________

While we're on the topic of aging: You all use a daily moisturizer or foundation with sunscreen, right? I do now, but boy do I wish I had started when I was 22.

Announcing: The First Annual ESB Award for I DON'T SMELL BAD ANYMORE

Shortly after H and I got together, he asked me to please stop using antiperspirants containing aluminum. He said he'd be willing to change my diapers if I got Alzheimer's, but he'd really prefer not to.

So. Yeah.

I went down the long road of trying out every single natural deodorant on the shelf at Whole Foods, and most of them don't work for shit.

I SWEAT, you guys.


cue: MUSIC + SUNLIGHT STREAMING IN 

(or: LIGHTNING BOLT?)


Whatevers.

When I saw that Malin + Goetz is making a eucalyptus deodorant I wrote and begged them to send me a sample for review.

I am proud to say have now tested this product on 14-hour film shoots, 3-days-without-a-shower-road-trips and, as of Monday afternoon, in HOT FUCKING YOGA CLASS.

It rules. Truly.

The eucalyptus scent (which is unisex! you can share with your husband!) doesn't linger for more than a few minutes after application. And when I start to sweat, I don't smell like eucalyptus so much as I don't smell.

Image courtesy of Wallpaper. They like the M+G deodorant so much they gave it the Wallpaper Design Award for Best Grooming Product.

Seeking: sexaay intimates for a hipster boy

Dear ESB,

Where does a straight man go for some sexaay intimates? Undies, a robe, non-gross aftershave, maybe even some cool socks and sock garters (OK, sock garters are my thing, and he probably won't want to wear them, but still...)? 

I know everyone's definition of what constitutes "sexy" underthings is different, but you know the kind of shit your readers tend to like. Something that's not Hanes His Way, but that's also not a thong or a pair of over-sized purple silk boxers pre-scented with Axe body spray. Something that says he's scrubbed, stylin', and went out of his way to look nice for you. 

Are there one-stop-shop places for intimates for hipster guys, like there are for gals? Or is my man (and me too) SOL? 

PS: Honeymoon is in Hawaii so no super-heavy fabrics

THANKS, LADY!

*****

Sock garters are your thing?

Do the rest of you have bizarre fetishes i ought to know about??

THERE IS NO COOL PLACE THAT SELLS SOCK GARTERS.

As far as a one stop shop for hipster boys, Steven Alan is about as close as you can get. (And when you say "hipster," I assume you mean yipster, because hipsters don't scrub all that often. Obviously.)

Steven Alan isn't carrying pajama bottoms at the moment, which kills me because the pair I bought for H last year are SO BEST, but I assume their boxers are just as good.

And I like the sound of the manly apothecary items they carry, like Citrus/Ginger Sea Salt Spray + Sea Kelp/Clary Sage Bath Salt.

H is also a huge fan of Malin + Goetz, especially the Peppermint Shampoo, Cilantro Hair Conditioner and Bergamot Body Wash.

I really ought to buy him the Cannabis Candle ("addictive and sexy")!



Realizing I sorta didn't fully answer your question. Oh well. I got a little pre-Christmas brainstorming done.

Photo: February 12, 1909, "James Clarke, winner of Brooklyn Marathon, with others," 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection via Shorpy

kiss my [BLANK]: the winner!

The results are in for our first annual #kissmyBLANK contest, sponsored by Juice Beauty!

This pie chart I created in Wufoo is a little wonky, but accurate, I assure you.

(Click here to see the entries from all ten finalists.)

Tied for 3rd runner-up with 11.1% of the votes: @bikebuiltfortwo + @desertfete
2nd runner-up with 13.7%: @cevd
1st runner-up with 17%: @10_4_eleanor

Each of these lovely ladies will receive a four-pack of Juice Beauty's Organic Kisses Reflecting Glosses in "bubbly, light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig and juicy, sweet guava." I've been dying to try these out, although my colleague at Juice Beauty refuses to pick up the hint.

And with 20.3% of the votes..... THE WINNER IS.....

@hartandsolphoto Effing couch hogs. #kissmyBLANK

Hart + Sol gets a basket of Juice Beauty products including Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer, Eye Treatment and Green Apple Peel (your choice of Full Strength or Sensitive). 

We'll expect you to tweet a couple of #kissmyBLANK's about how amazing your skin feels. Did I mention that?

I guess I'm just a little sad that the contest is over.

p.s. Don't forget, the Juice Beauty promotion (free full size Hydrating Mist with a minimum order of $30!) has been extended through July 8. Enter code ESB at checkout

p.p.s. Contest winner + runners-up, pls email me your dets and I'll pass em along to my man at JB, who is, in fact, quite terrific.

kiss my [BLANK]

I'm super excited to announce ESB's first annual #kissmyBLANK contest, sponsored by Juice Beauty.

Here's how it works:

You guys submit original photos via Twitter depicting the single most annoying thing about wedding planning. Or marriage. OR LIFE IN GENERAL.

Just tweet your photo with the hashtag #kissmyBLANK. Images hosted on any platform, including YFrog, TwitPic, Flickr and Instagram, are acceptable.

Feel free to submit as many photos as you like. (Because the single most annoying thing changes from moment-to-moment, obviously.)

The prize, a basket of Juice Beauty goods including Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer, Eye Treatment and Green Apple Peel, will go to the person who best expresses her (or his!) particular frustration. And the four runners-up will receive Juice Beauty's Organic Kisses.

The contest starts...... NOW!

Two weeks from today, on Tuesday, June 28, I'll post my top ten picks so you guys can vote for the winner.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

p.s. Because I blathered on and on about how I'm such a faithful Juice Beauty user (I am! I've been using the Green Apple products for almost three years!) they hooked us up with a really great deal. With a minimum order of $30, you get a free (FULL SIZE) Hydrating Mist. I made a special request for this item because it's one of my faves and plus I figured you might need to cool down after snapping all those snarky photos. The promo will last until June 30 -- enter code ESB at checkout. 

p.p.s. There seem to be a lot of exclamation points in this post. My sincere apologies. 

*Update: We can only mail prizes within the US + Canada, but please, we'd love you to submit photos from EVERYWHERE. You could win a prize for your cousin in Topeka, yes?*

Pleez help me with my wedding makeup

Dear ESB,

Help! I am pretty pale, with long red hair and blue eyes. No idea how to do makeup. Looking for photo inspiration to share with the friend who will be doing me up the day of, and whose first go at it was a bit more theatrical than I'd feel comfortable with (plus fake eyelashes make me feel like my eyeballs have shades on). I want the photos to look good, sure, but I also want to be recognizable in person. Hair will be up (hot summer wedding), dress is super plain, probably will rock huge earrings.

-Not wanting to look like a clown

*****

Not only am I not a redhead, I am soooooo not a makeup expert. (Come on, does this really surprise anyone?)

But the day I got your email, I also got an email introduction to a team of beauty experts. So I figured I'd ask them to handle this one.

Beware. The following post is a little more polished, a little more, shall we say, magazine-y? than the off-the-cuff rants you have come to expect from me and some of my guest bloggers. But I think it might actually help you.

Hannah Kuhary is a writer and resident redhead at Beauty Bets. Here she shares easy tips and no-fail makeup suggestions for keeping your bridal look naturally chic, not freakishly clownish.

Primer

Prepping the skin with a primer will ensure that your makeup lasts all day. I love Korres Face Primer ($28), which is silicone-free, 99% natural and creates a perfect canvas for makeup application.

Foundation

Most redheads have pink undertones, which can make imperfections hard to cover. Use a light, yellow-tinted foundation to even out skin tone and minimize any redness. I like Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation ($45) or Chanel Pro Lumiere ($54). Both are long-wearing and have a natural, semi-matte finish.

Blush

Bronzer is a great tool for contouring the face, but many are too orange for fair-skinned redhead. Instead, try a sheer, luminous blush. Two favorites for a gorgeous glow are Bare Escentuals All-Over Face Color in True ($18) and Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Antigua ($33).

Powder

BECCA Fine Loose Finishing Powder ($35) is perfect for setting makeup because it creates a touch-proof, sweat-proof finish, which is ideal for any wedding day. And, because it's finely milled, skin looks natural.

Eye Shadow

Warm, earth-tone eye shadows will make your eyes stand out without competing with your striking hair color. I wore Orb, Charcoal Brown and Satin Taupe from MAC ($14.50 each) on my wedding day.

Eyeliner

In addition to shadow, eyeliner really makes eyes pop—especially in photos. I recommend a waterproof or smudge-proof liner on the top only, so eyes look big and bright. Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in Pearly Brown ($17) or Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Java ($19) are great choices.

Mascara

Even though most redheads have fair lashes, it's still important to wear dark mascara to define the eyes. For weddings, wear a waterproof formula so lashes stay full and lush, even after happy tears. Try DiorShow Waterproof Mascara in black ($24).

Lipstick

Your face can look washed out in wedding photos unless you have some color on your lips. To bring out their natural shade, try Midimauve by MAC ($14.50) or Josie Maran Argan Oil Lipstick in Rumi Joon ($20). If you want to try a bolder look, Chanel Rouge Coco in Cambon ($32) or MAC Sophisto ($14.50) are sure bets for redheads.

Photo #1 by Craig McDean for Interview Magazine via dirty_fashion; Photo #2 by Tec Petaja via Style Me Pretty

bunny ears? who comes up with this stuff??

I know I said I'd try to stop spotting the next thing.* But this has me alarmed.

I do, however, appreciate the how-to from T Magazine for achieving the look: While hair is still wet, jump into bed with Johnny Depp and roll around until hair dries. Do not comb. Mist lightly with hair spray, and wipe that smile off your face.

Sounds like a beauty regime I can handle.

More bunny ears (with tousled hair) here.

*Or are bunny ears and black masks all part of the same carnival/Eyes Wide Shut/fetish thing? Hello, Gossip Girl, on trend as usual.

What? It's ground hog day??

I feel like this guy is kind of rubbing it in about all the sh*t I ate (and drank) this weekend.

Point taken. Time for another mini-cleanse.

p.s. I was a little disappointed with Fuck You, Penguin today. I'm not gonna lie.

(Image courtesy of deerluvr)

Speaking of juice beauty....

I like to think all the organic juice we're making in our f'ing fabulous new juicer is really good for my skin. (Yes, I think carrots have magical powers.)

But do I negate the positive effects when I add vodka?

(Photo by Capt. Mouffette)

Juice Beauty

I have finally let go of my old Neutrogena products and gone organic.

I especially love Juice Beauty's Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer. It smells amazing and it doesn't have that weird pasty consistency that used to keep me from wearing sunscreen every day. Plus it's made without nano-technology. (Phew.)

The lip plumper also rocks.

Buy online at juicebeauty.com or beauty.com

Introducing: I'd rather be a bridesmaid

My oldest friend in the world drove down from San Francisco last weekend to co-host my bachelorette party. (That's her in the rabbit fur. I'm rocking the orange parka.)

Not only was she instrumental in making the entire weekend fabulous, she had some great down-and-dirty wedding-planning advice that I begged her to share with everyone.

So.... I'd rather be a bridesmaid will be posting now and then, offering wisdom gleaned from many years of participating in indie, artsy, and maybe even a few (gasp) conventional weddings.

She might give us some beauty tips too. I've already started using the organic skincare products she brought me from work, even though she warned me not to start a new regime right before the wedding. (Hey, my skin has never looked better.)

Hooray!

carrots are my friends

We just hit the one-month mark and I resolved to go on a mini-cleanse diet. Not to lose weight, just to beautify.

So my coworkers decide to go on a field trip for macarons. And my favorite blond brings Dove bars to my house.

But I will prevail.

(Photo by strph)

Creme de la Merde

I really wanted this stuff to work, even though it costs $125 an ounce. Madonna bathes in it. John Waters uses it. (Wait, is that an endorsement?) My best friend swears by it. She bought a jar before she got married and she says she'll never go back. The little lines in her face melted away, the tiny scars from old blemishes disappeared, blah blah blah.

I've given Creme de la Mer three tries, with clear skin and an open mind. I got bumps all over my forehead every time. Bah.

If you've had an amazing experience, I don't really want to hear about it. I'm going back to Neutrogena for Sensitive Skin.

(Image courtesy of Creme de la Mer)

Bumble and bummer

The Alojoba shampoo and conditioner by Bumble and bumble left my hair fabulously soft and half a shade lighter. Great if you're a blond maybe, but I'm a dark brunette and I'd like to stay that way.

Beware chamomile! I couldn't figure it out until I was lathering up one day (actually, this stuff doesn't really lather) and happened to read the list of ingredients.

Available on drugstore.com if you must.

(Image courtesy of drugstore.com)