6 beauty products i use every day

Fashion & Beauty

6 Beauty Products I Use Every day

Drescription

wearing the same EXACT makeup for 6 years. Not because I don't try new things, or because I'm not into beauty, but because these products are exceptional. They were all originally recommended to me by pros (makeup artists when I started my on-camera career) and every time I've strayed from them I've come back, crying, makeup smeared down my face. I know that every skin is different, obviously, so I'm not necessarily talking about the shade or color - it's the product itself that is shockingly good regardless of what color of skin it's on. 1. Eye Brow Pencil by Laura Mercier. If Obama knocked on my door and I only had time to apply ONE thing to my face it would be my eyebrows so I could do my special eye-brow move for him. I look strangely sick without those two little lines across my face. I've tried one million different kinds out of sheer desperation (and because I don't really want to spend that much on an eyebrow pencil), but this one has the most natural looking colors. I think that nobody wants to be the lady with the drawn on eyebrows, but some of us have to be. This is a very good one that is easy to apply (it has a good consistency) and a really natural looking color. I buy fair blonde. 2. Orgasm Collection Blush by NARS. The only thing wrong with this blush is its name. When I was 24 I bartended at a bar with a drink called the "G Spot" and I think that SO many more people would have ordered that drink had they not had to say "hey lady, can I get a G-Spot over here?" So disregard that bad name because this is America's blush. It has a huge cult following because it makes every cheek look happy. Even if your skin is a wildly different tone, this blush is for you. It looks crazy hot pink but once its on your face it just looks healthy and alive. Ask any makeup artist in the world (because they all have it in their kit) about this blush and they'll tell you it's amazing. Be careful with "Super Orgasm" because its kinda shiny. 3. Long-Lasting 12 Hour Wear Eyeliner by Sephora. Everyday I put on a tiny line of eyeliner on the top of my lash line, and this one is by far the best. I've tried the really expensive and the really cheap. Most of them are too shiny, smudge too easily, have a brush thats too thick to apply, don't stay on long enough, or don't ever come off. This is just simple, easy, jet black (or brown), and long wearing. Plus it ain't expensive. 4. Luminous Silk Foundation by Giorgio Armani. When I was first introduced to this I was like "foundation? Base? What am I, a lady-mom from 1985?" But then they applied it on my face and my skin looked immediately fresh, flawless, and totally makeup free. It's expensive but worth every penny. I used to drive to Beverly Hills to buy this stuff when I ran out (because it used to only be sold at Saks in store). It has a SLIGHT reflective quality that makes the light bounce off your skin in a really healthy-glow kind of way, and it's really light so you never feel like you are wearing makeup, yet it covers all dark circles (I don't even wear concealer), and flaws. 5. Long Lash Mascara by Laura Mercier. Now this is the only one where I'm like "I like it" but I'm not swearing by it. I'm desperate to find my mascara. Something that doesn't smudge, but is long lasting, easy to take off, and doesn't clump. If it can add length and curl then wonderful. Extra credit if it makes me look like Kim Kardashian circa 2008. But seriously, any amazing ones out there? I've tried fancy (Chanel), and drugstore (Loreal) with the same similar results - not bad, but not the one. Maybe I just have bad short blonde lashes and will never be satisfied because ultimately a mascara will never give me what I want. That could be it. Also I got eyelash extensions recently which was a DISASTER - so expensive and barely made a difference. And then as they grew out I kept picking at them and ripped out so many of my own lashes, so now I have stupid short, choppy lashes. Perhaps mascara isn't my biggest problem. 6. Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm by Clinique. I love these and I have them in MANY colors. They look natural, and give your face a little pop without looking like "OH HEY GIRL CHECK OUT MY LIPSTICK." And you can apply it easily in the car or anywhere without a mirror because you can't really mess it up. Plus it's moisturizing and feels good. And kinda tastes good. I was a kid that ate chapstick, so theres that. SO. Those are mine. I'm loyal and I keep it pretty simple. I don't have boxes of eye shadow for a special occasion (although I do like this one). Every now and again I wear a brighter lip, or for on-camera work I put on lashes, but generally this is what I like on my face and many of those are universally good - it's not the color that I love, its the product. And now, dish.

Travel Helps Reduce Signs of Aging and Keeps You Healthy, New Study Says

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new places. Whether you choose to stay close to home and walk the streets of a new-to-you town or stamp your passport on the way to some far-flung location, travel is on nearly everyone’s personal bucket list. And now, there’s proof that it does more than just fill your camera roll with memories. According to a new research paper from researchers at Edith Cowan University, there’s scientifically backed evidence that positive travel could experiences could be your best defense against signs of aging, both physically and mentally. How Does Traveling Reduce Signs of Aging? It probably comes as no surprise that travel can act as a serious mood booster—after all, many of us have felt the euphoria that comes from exploring a new place, finding the perfect roadside lobster roll, or cozying up in a quaint inn. However, according to the researchers at ECU, stepping out of your routine and experiencing new cultures can also lead to noticeable improvements in mental clarity and emotional health. Here are some of the major benefits. Provides Mental Stimulation When you travel, you’re not just collecting souvenirs; you’re also engaging your brain in fresh experiences, in turn giving it mental stimulation that can help enhance cognitive function and even fend off the cognitive decline that often comes with aging. Encourages Physical Activity That’s not the only perk of hitting the road (or skies), though. Physically, travel can encourage you to be more active even outside of your regular workout routine, whether it’s indulging in a mid-day hike, wandering through a vibrant market, or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. Swapping your desk time for a more active vacation lifestyle helps to keep your body moving, which is crucial for maintaining strength and mobility as you grow older. Gives You Energy The excitement of a new adventure (and a new backdrop) can give your energy levels a natural boost, making you feel more youthful and vibrant. Reduces Stress Beyond the physical benefits travel can provide, the researchers at ECU also found a significant impact on stress reduction and adaptability. Getting away from the grind of everyday life (think work responsibilities, house care, and after-school activities) allows you to relax, recharge, and break free from the pressure that comes with, well, adulthood. Improves Resilience By exposing you to novel environments or situations, travel can also stimulate what researchers call your stress response, essentially training your body to be more adaptive and resilient against stressful situations and the subsequent signs of aging. All that said, a life of travel isn’t feasible for many of us—and luckily, you can still achieve some of the touted benefits without blowing through your vacation days. Instead of booking a month-long excursion across the globe, start small by planning a weekend getaway or a day trip to a nearby town. Even a weekend spent embracing the joy of discovering new environments, foods, and people can give you a taste of that travel magic.

Got Unpleasant Smells in Your Yard? These 7 Plants Can Help Mask Them

If your neighbors love barbecues, have dodgy drains, or their pets leave pungent smells of pee on the border of your yard, you might be looking for solutions to mask malodors. Adding specific fragrant flowers to your landscape can help. Always consider the plant's height, the time of year and day it emits its scents, the fragrance's intensity, and the appropriate location to make the most of your selection. Here are seven plants that hide bad smells to save you from falling out with your friends over the fence. Butterfly Bush Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are fast-growing shrubs that can form a dense privacy screen along the fence between you and your neighbor, blocking wafting odors and ash particles. Depending on the type you select, you—and those beneficial pollinators—can enjoy the honey-like scent of the beautiful, long-lasting, nose-height blooms from mid-summer through fall. The fragrance is at its strongest around midday—ideal for masking the burning bouquet of lunchtime barbecues. However, be aware that some butterfly bush species are invasive in parts of the US. Butterfly bushes grow best in USDA hardiness zones five to nine. They appreciate full sun and well-draining soil and need regular pruning to promote the longest bloom period. Curry Plant When you're looking for ideas for a small backyard, consider curry plants (Helichrysum italicum). They’re great plants to grow in containers along your decking where it backs onto your neighbor's garden or in the most pungeant corner. Enjoy the heady, spicy scent of the attractive silvery foliage of this aromatic perennial herb in sunny spots in USDA hardiness zones eight to 11. The yellow blooms of these low-maintenance, pest-resistant plants are perfect for dry xeriscapes. Farrer Virburnum Virburnum ferreri, which grows in zones six to eight, is a good choice for disguising the smell of your neighbors' rotting leaf pile in the fall. The fragrant pink flowers of this deciduous shrub bloom from late fall through winter. Plant in a full sun or partial shade position and keep the soil consistently moist to promote the best flowering. Jasmine Another familiar floral fragrance is that of the jasmine blooms. There are many jasmine types to choose from, allowing you to select the best fit for your conditions and the time of year you want the blooms to be part of your yard’s smellscape. Most jasmine species grow in zones seven to 10 and appreciate full sun, well-draining, loamy, and evenly moist soil. These climbing plants are perfect for pergolas, providing a scented sanctuary away from any unpleasant odors from over the fence. Lavender When you think of fragrant flowers, lavender is one of the archetypical examples. There are lots of types of lavender plants to choose from, with most of the summer-time blooms emitting a strong, soapy scent. The leaves also release a scent when you touch them, the rest of the year. These low-growing perennial shrubs are ideal for growing as a border along fence perimeters where dogs pee, as long as you can provide the full sun and well-draining soil conditions they require. You can also grow lavender in pots or hang dry lavender on your porch for year-round aromas. Honeysuckle Honeysuckle is a fragrant garden classic, with many species emitting their sweet smell in the evening and at night. These vining shrubs can be wound around trellises against your fence to disguise the odors of evening grills one yard over. Most types of honeysuckle need full sun and well-draining soil. Consider native species over the highly invasive plant types, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Hyacinth Hyacinths have some of the sweetest fragrant spring blooms, making them ideal if you want to hide the smell of your neighbor’s stagnant water from spring showers or geosmin—the earthy smell from the soil that can be strongest in this season. While the blooms are relatively short-lived, if you plant them in large groups, you can appreciate the scent for longer and across more of your yard. Plant hyacinths in full sun or partial shade, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Is My Sauna Blanket Still Effective After Three Years?? Here’s My Review

Two years ago I did a super low-budget, last-minute “fun” review of this HigherDOSE sauna blanket shot with Mal’s iPhone (some pandemic content still haunts me and yet makes me smile). I had been using it for a year and a half at that time, and since every single person who saw it asked me all about it, I figured you’d be curious as well. So I wrote the OG post with more of a minute-by-minute review (and in that post, I talk about the benefits – both the ones you can prove and the ones you can’t). And listen, I get this isn’t for everyone and that’s fine! Simply come back tomorrow. So when they reached out recently to sponsor some social with their newest version I said yes (despite obviously not being a home or design partnership) because it’s still something I really like and use, and maybe you are into this stuff, too. I, personally, have found that is a huge mood booster (in the winter months, especially) and gives me something to look forward to every night. And I’m not alone – saunas are obviously taking off in America (long since loved in Northern Europe) and are universally credited for being good for your physical and mental health. This isn’t pseudo-science, y’all (while many other things I agree can feel like that). But many of us don’t have the room or budget for a home sauna (although, I’m working on it TBH) so this blanket is IMHO is a GREAT alternative for those of us wanting the physical and mental benefits of a sauna, but on our sofa or in a bed. How It Works: Again, the first post is more detailed, but essentially it’s a sleeping bag that uses infrared heat to penetrate deep into your body through your skin (a traditional steam sauna is also really good for you). The benefits that I feel are mood-boosting, sweating (which always feels good), and most scientists accept that it’s great for circulation and cardiovascular health (the blood flow expands and loosens your blood vessels like a workout does). Yes, you burn more calories than if you were just laying there, but that’s hard to track and not why I do it. I just love the happy hormones released (especially after) which stay with me for a few hours and I tend to sleep deeper and longer at night. This is all my personal experience and perspective (and this post is not sponsored by HigherDOSE, just the social media on Instagram – so yes, we are giving them a free post but I HAD to redo the first one to give better photos). So What Do You Do? Well, you choose your temperature (I’m a solid 8 or 9) and it takes 10 minutes to warm up before you need to get in. In that time you get dressed, head to toe in something light but full coverage (Including socks) or if you have their towel you can go naked inside it (I haven’t done this yet but will next week as I just found my towel again and this sounds pretty darn fun). Before you get in make sure to have all your necessities (kindle, remote, water, phone, apple watch, or heart monitor if you do that) within reach, and lay in it for 50 minutes (make sure to track what time you pressed the button to begin because it turns off 60 minutes after that but there is no timer or count down indicator on the plug thing, which I wish there were). I highly recommend watching mindless TV (either Magnolia Network design shows but realistically something in The Bachelor franchise) as I find concentrating on a book, podcast, or a good show to be more difficult. Or maybe it’s because I never get to watch TV and I have at least an hour or two of podcast time a day walking the pups and Brian and I read every night in bed, so this is MAMA’S GARBAGE TV TIME. Here I’m looking all peaceful like I’m napping, but trust me, Love Island is on right in front of me. The new blanket model, as you can see, has a zipper instead of velcro which is so much better. If you are curious about a minute-by-minute breakdown, again read the first post. But the summary is that it’s super pleasant for the first 30-40 minutes, but the last 20-30 can be challenging (but so worth it). Obviously, you can do a lower setting if you just want it to feel pleasant, but I like to sweat it out and really know that my body was being challenged (but I’m also an endorphin junkie and love to cold plunge in my bathtub, so again, this isn’t for everyone). By the end, I was extremely sweaty, felt hot as hell, and ready to get out and get that burst of “relief endorphins”. I was in an excellent mood for the rest of the night. And a lot of people wonder if it’s gross and smells and the answer is “mine doesn’t”. Most of my sweat is on my clothes and hair or on the towel, but the bag itself stays dry, but they do sell a spray cleaner for those just wanting to, you know, not be disgusting. And there you go. Usually, I do this at night – either 6:30-7:30 pm after dinner if the kids are watching something in the family room or 8:30-9:30 pm after they are down. But this day we shot it during work hours with Kaitlin and Emily, and I have to say it made the rest of the night of solo parenting so much happier and healthier. It’s like doing a mini workout at the end of the day which I find checks a big box and totally curbs my desire for a glass of wine. The Infrared Face Mask Now for one of the most terrifying-looking wellness inventions out there – the red light face mask. I, like many of you, have been hearing about this for a while and it seems like the anecdotal evidence is mounting on the benefits of this as well. I’ve only used this a couple of times so I can’t honestly say that it changed my skin but I will say that there are so many people who say it increases collagen (something I’m very into in a non-invasive way) and helps with acne. You strap it on your head (which isn’t uncomfortable) and it penetrates with infrared light. Feel free to terrify your dog or child while wearing it. My kids are NOT a fan :) So basically you just sit there and wear it, either for a 10 or 20-minute session. I found that I didn’t like to have my eyes open (it comes with tanning salon-style eye covers if you want) so it’s more of a podcast time for me rather than working or watching TV. I’m not a scientist so I’m unsure if the light is bad for your eyes, so please be sure to read the instructions and wear the goggles. But all in all, I’m giving this a serious GO this year because I keep reading more and more articles (not by any brands, but by dermatologists) saying that it’s highly effective in producing collagen (which keeps your skin looking full and bouncy and what we get depleted of as we age). So maybe in a year I’ll have an actual review for you where I can say this easy twice-a-week terrifying mask aged me backward. IMHO the problem with topical beauty products is that it’s really hard to track what is truly effective unless you isolate its use, take photos every day, or don’t change anything else in your routine (including diet/nutrition/lifestyle). I can tell you how much I love how a face lotion feels on my skin, but saying that “Lotion XYZ” reduced wrinkles in a couple of weeks is hard to say if I am also trying out other products or not staying consistent. That’s all to say that unless I commit to using this twice a week for six months I won’t be sure what positive effects I can attribute to it and see its effectiveness for myself. So that’s my plan this year – use it more frequently in hopes that I can see a difference. And if I do notice improvement, like a lot of other people have, I’ll tell you, I promise. Thanks for going along with me on this odd pursuit of reviewing new wellness products that I know some of you roll your eyes at while others really appreciate my experience. It won’t become a habit, but I sure do enjoy it all. And thanks to HigherDOSE for sponsoring the reel and stories (not this blog post). Now, I can’t stress this enough – this blanket is not cheap and she’s big, so it’s not something you want to own and NOT use. If you can go to an infrared sauna spa before you buy for a session or two and make sure you like it before you make the investment (that’s what I did). If you don’t enjoy being really hot, you likely won’t use this and I don’t want you to waste your money on it:) *Oh and lastly, if you bought the first one that has a velcro closing, I don’t think you need to upgrade to this newer zipper version. Sure it’s more streamlined and sleek without the air gaps that can happen, but the first model for me still works splendidly. Goodbye from me and my happy, sweaty face:) If you’d like to try out one of these at home, you can use code EMILY15 for 15% off your purchase.

The Best Gardening Tip I Ever Got Was From My Neighbor, and My Harvests Grow More Every Year

Twenty years ago, when I announced to our neighbor—a spirited Pennsylvania Dutch farmer and World War II veteran—that I was going to start a garden, the first thing he told me was not to plant my tomatoes before Memorial Day. Given that tomatoes start to appear at local nurseries as early as late April—around the time when the last spring frost occurs in our area—that seemed a bit late, but I followed Ethelbert’s advice and never veered from it. Thanks to his advice, I've been harvesting a bountiful crop every year for more than two decades. The Best Gardening Tip I Ever Got As I learned more about the growing conditions of crops, I understood that just because there is no more frost does not mean the weather is conducive to growing tomatoes yet. Tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F during the day, and 60°F to 70°F at night. In northeast Pennsylvania, where I live, it is not unusual for temperatures to drop below 50°F in May. Cool weather does not often kill the plants, but even one night of cold stunts their growth. I usually buy my tomato plants just before Mother’s Day and keep them in a small portable greenhouse. On warm days, I open the greenhouse all the way, and during the nights, I close it. On especially cold nights, I cover the entire greenhouse with a couple of old sheets. As a result, I am spared what folks who planted earlier go through—they anxiously watch the weather forecast and scramble to cover their tomatoes in the garden on chilly nights. After Memorial Day, the tomatoes are out of the woods temperature-wise. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! How to Control the Growth of Tomato Plants Tomatoes that are planted when the weather is warm start visibly growing after a few days to a week (in less-than-ideal conditions, it takes longer). Once that happens, it’s key to check on them at least every other day because the plants grow at an astounding pace and indeterminate tomato plants turn into a messy jungle and if you don’t support and prune them. I am not a big fan of tomato cages because I find that they constrict the airflow within the plant too much, which encourages the spread of diseases. Instead, I drive a 6-foot steel fence post into the ground for each tomato plant and then tie the main branches to it individually. It’s more work but it pays off, also with easy harvesting. The other element of tomato care is regular pruning. It is not optional—it's an absolute must. In years when I was too busy to keep up with removing the suckers, I paid the price later when I struggled to tame an overgrown plant with excessive foliage and few tomatoes. 4 Tips I Wish I Had Been Given as an Amateur Gardener Since I am indebted to Ethelbert for his great advice, I've compiled a list of four tips I wish I had been given at the start of my gardening journey to pass onto others. Mulch Your Vegetable Garden Hardwood chip mulch does an excellent job at keeping soil moisture in and suppressing weeds, around ornamental and edible crops. I only started it a few years ago when I was able to get free arborist chips from a local tree removal company that was happy to find a place to drop them. Unlike commercial mulch that you purchase at a nursery or garden center, fresh arborist chips are less processed and packed with nutrients, and stay open enough to let in rain, but pack tightly enough to block weeds. Keep Watering New Plants As a new gardener, I followed the standard recommendation of watering immediately after planting, but would let a few days pass before watering again for a days after that. Now, when there is no substantial rain, I water new perennials and annuals every day for about a week, and longer in hot weather. Since I have been more diligent with watering, I have had fewer losses. Focus on Natives In my early days of gardening, I planted just about anything I found attractive that fit our hardiness zone. Looking back, I wish I had been aware of native plants earlier. Today, I am only planting native plants. They are much better adapted to our local climate, have fewer disease and pest issues, have tremendous wildlife value, serve as homes to hundreds of insects important to our food chain, and they are just as beautiful as any introduced species. Wait Out Seasonal Pests Every spring, the wild arugula I was so looking forward to had hundreds of tiny holes chewed by flea beetles that it became inedible. Then I realized that the pest is less active in the fall, and voila! If I plant arugula for a fall harvest, there are almost no flea beetles around. Similarly, I spent lots of time plucking Japanese beetles off my raspberry plants in mid-summer, not knowing that the beetles are gone by the time large and juicy fall-bearing raspberries ripen, so I can save myself that effort.