Hello Darling!

Lets chat. In this day of social media and sharing 24/7, have we become over-influenced? We are bombarded with advertising and sponsored content all day, every day. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, television, magazines - does it ever stop?

Listen, I'm a Consumer. Capital C. Always have been - trying to change, but it's a hard sell. One thing that's always been important to me is sustainability - not necessarily because of climate change (though that's reason enough) but because I like to spend my hard-earned money on things that will last. Not on a trend that I'll be done with ith after a season or two.

I love advertising, branding, and marketing. These days, though, we are being marketed to by everyone - not just the brands themselves. Everyone has a side-hustle. What's great about this is that more women (and men) are taking their passions and turning them into moneymakers. This does, however, add family and friends to the list with many work-from-home opportunities.

Years ago, we had advertising primarily from magazines and television. Celebrities had sponsorships but you knew they were just that - sponsored. These days it's way more ambiguous. The last decade has brought not only social media but influencers into the forefront. We receive ads on all the previously-named social media platforms but they now know exactly what we've searched and talked about. This is brilliant for business but is it for the average consumer? Probably yes and no.

Influencers are a big part of marketing these days.
- 65% of influencer marketing budgets will increase in 2020
- 20% of marketers will spend $100,000-500,000 in the next year while 10% will spend over a million dollars.
- 20% spend over half their marketing budget on influencers.

Are influencers organic (authentic) in what they promote? I think it's probably different based on each person. I know people who accept every collaboration they get, and others who are very particular.
How does one tell the difference? If every quarter they're telling you which robotic vacuum is their favorite - they probably aren't. But sometimes it's not so easy to tell.

The main part of doing sponsored campaigns is letting your audience know it's just that. Sponsored. The FTC requires that this is disclosed in every post. You must disclose if you have any financial, employment, personal, or family relationship to a brand. Posting about your brother-in-law's local gym? You must disclose. If you've received free or discounted products/services, you must disclose it. Readers must be able to see and easily understand your relationship with the brand.

The problem with not disclosing is that your followers are unsure if you were compensated to promote. I see people all the time who state "This is NOT sponsored" when referring to a product/service in their feed or stories. What does this mean? That everything else they promote IS sponsored? There is no need to ever say this unless you don't properly disclose.

I  believe that influencers (especially) have the responsibility to make this known. It doesn't mean that they don't love the product they're posting about. It just makes it ambiguous. I decline many pitches daily. If the product isn't something I LOVE, you guys will know (and call me out on it.) That's the relationship we have - and I love. I've been sent products that I end up not loving and always have a stipulation that won't post if that's the case.

I've always been influenced by my friends. They are a great resource, often sharing a similar style and taste level - and have authentic opinions. There has been a trend lately of brands themselves participating in the fake review scam. Most recently Sunday Riley and Drunk Elephant have admitted to this with Sunday Riley going so far as to requiring employees to do this as "homework." Even giving them instructions on how to hide their IP address and post at least 3 reviews on Sephora while mentioning specific qualities of the product that has been maligned in previous reviews. Therefore making the 'influencing' completely fake as opposed to simply biased. As a person that does copious amounts of research about skin care products, this makes for a minefield to sift through.

I digress....
Most of my favorite brands don't really post on social and most definitely do not have people posting/promoting them. I buy from them because I adore them and don't need to be told that by anyone.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying all this is bad. We are so lucky to have the resources available to us to check out everything, everywhere - be informed, and buy the best products we can. I've learned and been introduced to so many wonderful things thanks to social media.

Store catalogs were back then what online shopping is now. A way to see what stores had in stock without ever getting in your car. I wanted every toy and cereal that ran commercials during Saturday morning cartoons. At that time there were only a few ways to get your brand before consumers. Now that opportunity is unlimited.

Are you over-influenced? Do you base your purchases on what you see on social media? Are you more apt to buy if it's a retailer direct ad?

When does it become too much? Can it ever? Is this the same culture that was prevalent 20-30 years ago? Or is it just what the world of marketing is now?
Let me know your thoughts.

Until next time,
Cheers!

Hello Darling!

Lets chat. In this day of social media and sharing 24/7, have we become over-influenced? We are bombarded with advertising and sponsored content all day, every day. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, television, magazines - does it ever stop?

Listen, I'm a Consumer. Capital C. Always have been - trying to change, but it's a hard sell. One thing that's always been important to me is sustainability - not necessarily because of climate change (though that's reason enough) but because I like to spend my hard-earned money on things that will last. Not on a trend that I'll be done with ith after a season or two.

I love advertising, branding, and marketing. These days, though, we are being marketed to by everyone - not just the brands themselves. Everyone has a side-hustle. What's great about this is that more women (and men) are taking their passions and turning them into moneymakers. This does, however, add family and friends to the list with many work-from-home opportunities.

Years ago, we had advertising primarily from magazines and television. Celebrities had sponsorships but you knew they were just that - sponsored. These days it's way more ambiguous. The last decade has brought not only social media but influencers into the forefront. We receive ads on all the previously-named social media platforms but they now know exactly what we've searched and talked about. This is brilliant for business but is it for the average consumer? Probably yes and no.

Influencers are a big part of marketing these days.
- 65% of influencer marketing budgets will increase in 2020
- 20% of marketers will spend $100,000-500,000 in the next year while 10% will spend over a million dollars.
- 20% spend over half their marketing budget on influencers.

Are influencers organic (authentic) in what they promote? I think it's probably different based on each person. I know people who accept every collaboration they get, and others who are very particular.
How does one tell the difference? If every quarter they're telling you which robotic vacuum is their favorite - they probably aren't. But sometimes it's not so easy to tell.

The main part of doing sponsored campaigns is letting your audience know it's just that. Sponsored. The FTC requires that this is disclosed in every post. You must disclose if you have any financial, employment, personal, or family relationship to a brand. Posting about your brother-in-law's local gym? You must disclose. If you've received free or discounted products/services, you must disclose it. Readers must be able to see and easily understand your relationship with the brand.

The problem with not disclosing is that your followers are unsure if you were compensated to promote. I see people all the time who state "This is NOT sponsored" when referring to a product/service in their feed or stories. What does this mean? That everything else they promote IS sponsored? There is no need to ever say this unless you don't properly disclose.

I  believe that influencers (especially) have the responsibility to make this known. It doesn't mean that they don't love the product they're posting about. It just makes it ambiguous. I decline many pitches daily. If the product isn't something I LOVE, you guys will know (and call me out on it.) That's the relationship we have - and I love. I've been sent products that I end up not loving and always have a stipulation that won't post if that's the case.

I've always been influenced by my friends. They are a great resource, often sharing a similar style and taste level - and have authentic opinions. There has been a trend lately of brands themselves participating in the fake review scam. Most recently Sunday Riley and Drunk Elephant have admitted to this with Sunday Riley going so far as to requiring employees to do this as "homework." Even giving them instructions on how to hide their IP address and post at least 3 reviews on Sephora while mentioning specific qualities of the product that has been maligned in previous reviews. Therefore making the 'influencing' completely fake as opposed to simply biased. As a person that does copious amounts of research about skin care products, this makes for a minefield to sift through.

I digress....
Most of my favorite brands don't really post on social and most definitely do not have people posting/promoting them. I buy from them because I adore them and don't need to be told that by anyone.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying all this is bad. We are so lucky to have the resources available to us to check out everything, everywhere - be informed, and buy the best products we can. I've learned and been introduced to so many wonderful things thanks to social media.

Store catalogs were back then what online shopping is now. A way to see what stores had in stock without ever getting in your car. I wanted every toy and cereal that ran commercials during Saturday morning cartoons. At that time there were only a few ways to get your brand before consumers. Now that opportunity is unlimited.

Are you over-influenced? Do you base your purchases on what you see on social media? Are you more apt to buy if it's a retailer direct ad?

When does it become too much? Can it ever? Is this the same culture that was prevalent 20-30 years ago? Or is it just what the world of marketing is now?
Let me know your thoughts.

Until next time,
Cheers!

 So let me tell you - I love me some designer. Shoes, specifically. Vintage, especially. Vintage handbags, dearly. What I don't love are thrift and resale shops.
As many of you know, I'm not one for fast fashion. While I do love me some Target and Zara, I mainly stick to dresses and skirts that have a classic look and then dry clean them so they hold up over the years.
When it comes to designer clothing, I tend to search out items from a few years back so A) I'm not wearing the same thing as everyone else and B) because I typically save my money for shoes and retirement.

This is where Designer Dress Days comes in. If you're in the Northeast Ohio area - save these dates and read on!

Designer Dress Days is basically a resale event where all the best things have already been curated (and organized!!) for you. They are incredibly well priced because they are all donated specifically for this event. There are handbags, evening gowns, suits, jackets, dresses, furs - you name it! Designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Vince, Burberry, Pucci, Chanel and more.

This year they are having a celebrity rack where you'll find donated items from Vanessa Bayer, Betsy Kling, Molly Shannon, Jen Schefft Waterman from The Bachelor, local influencers and more!

This is the biggest fundraiser for the (NCJW) National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland.  For 51 years they have been voluntarily providing services and education that our community desperately needs. Some of the money raised will go to fund programs dealing with human trafficking, youth aging out of the foster care system, sexual assault programs and many more.

Join me as we do some good while getting some great deals!

Designer Dress Days Hours:
Friday, October 25th 10am-4pm (PREVIEW DAY - $20 Admittance Fee Friday ONLY)
Sunday, October 27th 10am-4pm
Monday, October  28th Noon-8pm
Tuesday, October 29th 10am-7pm

**Please note they are not open on Saturday 10/26**

LOCATION:
Mandel Jewish Community Center
26001 S. Woodland Rd.
Beachwood, Ohio

//This post was created in partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland//

 So let me tell you - I love me some designer. Shoes, specifically. Vintage, especially. Vintage handbags, dearly. What I don't love are thrift and resale shops.
As many of you know, I'm not one for fast fashion. While I do love me some Target and Zara, I mainly stick to dresses and skirts that have a classic look and then dry clean them so they hold up over the years.
When it comes to designer clothing, I tend to search out items from a few years back so A) I'm not wearing the same thing as everyone else and B) because I typically save my money for shoes and retirement.

This is where Designer Dress Days comes in. If you're in the Northeast Ohio area - save these dates and read on!

Designer Dress Days is basically a resale event where all the best things have already been curated (and organized!!) for you. They are incredibly well priced because they are all donated specifically for this event. There are handbags, evening gowns, suits, jackets, dresses, furs - you name it! Designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Vince, Burberry, Pucci, Chanel and more.

This year they are having a celebrity rack where you'll find donated items from Vanessa Bayer, Betsy Kling, Molly Shannon, Jen Schefft Waterman from The Bachelor, local influencers and more!

This is the biggest fundraiser for the (NCJW) National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland.  For 51 years they have been voluntarily providing services and education that our community desperately needs. Some of the money raised will go to fund programs dealing with human trafficking, youth aging out of the foster care system, sexual assault programs and many more.

Join me as we do some good while getting some great deals!

Designer Dress Days Hours:
Friday, October 25th 10am-4pm (PREVIEW DAY - $20 Admittance Fee Friday ONLY)
Sunday, October 27th 10am-4pm
Monday, October  28th Noon-8pm
Tuesday, October 29th 10am-7pm

**Please note they are not open on Saturday 10/26**

LOCATION:
Mandel Jewish Community Center
26001 S. Woodland Rd.
Beachwood, Ohio

//This post was created in partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland//

Hello loves! Now that summer is winding down and fall is right around the corner, it's the perfect time to take a look at the fall makeup trends and get a jump-start on what you can add to your skincare routine before the colder temps hit. With this in mind, I have teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place to bring you my hand-picked collection of exactly what you need.

There's no need to revamp your entire makeup or skincare routine. Often, just adding a few key items can get you ready for the season - and all those upcoming holiday parties! Skincare is the same. I'm always preaching ROUTINE, so the same works here. As seasons change, you may just need an additional serum, mask, or boosting moisturizer to keep you radiant throughout the cooler weather.

Please join me on Saturday, September 28th from 2-4pm at Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place!

Come say hello! Sip, shop, and have some sweet treats from Art of Sucre. There will be many free gifts as well that I'll list below.

First, let's take a peek at the Saks Fall Beauty Edition for this season's trends.

Heavy Metals

All that glitters is truly gold (and silver) this season. The gilded metallic shade adds instant warmth and is flattering to every skin tone. Getting the glimmering look has never been this easy.

The Minimalist

A flawless complexion marries a soft palette in an understated, less-is-more approach. 

The Bold Lip

Go for a more playful pout with the cool alternative to traditional red. 

Parisian Glam

Infinity mirrors and pulsing lights channel an amped-up evening out. Amid the embellishments and stark black satin, the focus on that je ne sais quoi look emerges with sharp, kohl-lined eyes. 

Gucci Lipstick

Chantecaille Fall Eyeshadow

Did someone say FREE GIFTS? Why, of course, darling!

Free Gifts with Purchase from:

Kiehl's, Clinique, Natura Bisse, Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani, Shiseido, Givenchy, Sisely-Paris, Cellcosmet Switzerland, Decorte, Estee Lauder, La Mer, NARS & Yves Saint Laurent *

*availability and minimum purchase price may vary

Please swing by, I'd love to see you. Cheers!

Hello loves! Now that summer is winding down and fall is right around the corner, it's the perfect time to take a look at the fall makeup trends and get a jump-start on what you can add to your skincare routine before the colder temps hit. With this in mind, I have teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place to bring you my hand-picked collection of exactly what you need.

There's no need to revamp your entire makeup or skincare routine. Often, just adding a few key items can get you ready for the season - and all those upcoming holiday parties! Skincare is the same. I'm always preaching ROUTINE, so the same works here. As seasons change, you may just need an additional serum, mask, or boosting moisturizer to keep you radiant throughout the cooler weather.

Please join me on Saturday, September 28th from 2-4pm at Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place!

Come say hello! Sip, shop, and have some sweet treats from Art of Sucre. There will be many free gifts as well that I'll list below.

First, let's take a peek at the Saks Fall Beauty Edition for this season's trends.

Heavy Metals

All that glitters is truly gold (and silver) this season. The gilded metallic shade adds instant warmth and is flattering to every skin tone. Getting the glimmering look has never been this easy.

The Minimalist

A flawless complexion marries a soft palette in an understated, less-is-more approach. 

The Bold Lip

Go for a more playful pout with the cool alternative to traditional red. 

Parisian Glam

Infinity mirrors and pulsing lights channel an amped-up evening out. Amid the embellishments and stark black satin, the focus on that je ne sais quoi look emerges with sharp, kohl-lined eyes. 

Gucci Lipstick

Chantecaille Fall Eyeshadow

Did someone say FREE GIFTS? Why, of course, darling!

Free Gifts with Purchase from:

Kiehl's, Clinique, Natura Bisse, Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani, Shiseido, Givenchy, Sisely-Paris, Cellcosmet Switzerland, Decorte, Estee Lauder, La Mer, NARS & Yves Saint Laurent *

*availability and minimum purchase price may vary

Please swing by, I'd love to see you. Cheers!

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

I'm thrilled to be partnering up with Beachwood Place to bring you some of my favorite Summer beauty go-to items that will keep you looking and feeling gorgeous on those hot, steamy days and nights! Sephora, MAC, and LUSH (all located on Level 1) have many great options to keep you glowing this season and I found that their service is quite helpful if you find yourself trying to decide between a few things.

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Summertime is the perfect time to go a little more bare since a heavy foundation will most likely just melt off anyway and a good tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation with SPF is a great place to start. Lancome's Skin Feels Good nourishing foundation (avail at Sephora) is a lightweight, oil-free foundation with SPF 23. It's breathable and buildable - so you can add a bit more where you need more coverage but it's sheer enough to avoid the melt.

I always found reapplying sunscreen to be a chore, especially on my face, until I found Supergoop's Invincible Setting Powder. Hello! Killing two birds with one stone here. No more blotting that mid-day shine away and I get to check reapplication off my list. This boosts SPF 45, has a retractable brush, comes in translucent plus 3 other shades, and is available at Sephora. Oh, and it's refillable. Major score!

One of my long-time Holy Grail favorites is Nars The Multiple in South Beach. This gives that envious just-back-from-holiday glow that is perfect and portable. Use on cheeks, hairline, collarbone, lips - everywhere. (Available at Sephora) You will not be sorry.

Play up that glow even more with a hint of glam from Tom Ford's Cream & Powder Eye Color in Golden Peach. (Thank you Sephora for carrying TF!) This is so easy that you can apply after a day at the beach with just your fingers and if you're completely inept at eyeshadow - it still looks perfect! Just swipe the cream on first then tap on the power. It may look ultra glittery at first, but believe me, it dries down to the most perfect finish.

Make sure to offset that eye with a satiny-matte lip with some staying power so you're not reapplying all day. My go-to here is Mac Snob Lipstick. No liner needed - just swipe and go. The perfect pink to bring out that sun-kissed glow. (Available at MAC)

Windows down, sun in my face!

A few hours later in the hot hot sun and my makeup is still going strong!
Pictured with Alicia Hansen. 

When you are ready to wash off all that a hot summer day entails, LUSH has you covered. I really like their shaving creams and massage bars (hint: try the Shimmy Shimmy for a little body glow!) but I loooove their body scrubs! Specifically the Ocean Salt. It gets all that sunscreen off, smells incredible and leaves your skin soft and clean.

Lush Ocean Salt

Make sure to head out to Beachwood Place and make your first stops Sephora, MAC, and LUSH to snap up all the summer beauty supplies you need to make this yourself feel as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. Remember - Celebrate the Everyday! Somedays this can be a lipstick or a bronzer - that's totally ok.

Thank you for helping me support retailers that support my passion! As always, all musings are my own. 

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

I'm thrilled to be partnering up with Beachwood Place to bring you some of my favorite Summer beauty go-to items that will keep you looking and feeling gorgeous on those hot, steamy days and nights! Sephora, MAC, and LUSH (all located on Level 1) have many great options to keep you glowing this season and I found that their service is quite helpful if you find yourself trying to decide between a few things.

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Summertime is the perfect time to go a little more bare since a heavy foundation will most likely just melt off anyway and a good tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation with SPF is a great place to start. Lancome's Skin Feels Good nourishing foundation (avail at Sephora) is a lightweight, oil-free foundation with SPF 23. It's breathable and buildable - so you can add a bit more where you need more coverage but it's sheer enough to avoid the melt.

I always found reapplying sunscreen to be a chore, especially on my face, until I found Supergoop's Invincible Setting Powder. Hello! Killing two birds with one stone here. No more blotting that mid-day shine away and I get to check reapplication off my list. This boosts SPF 45, has a retractable brush, comes in translucent plus 3 other shades, and is available at Sephora. Oh, and it's refillable. Major score!

One of my long-time Holy Grail favorites is Nars The Multiple in South Beach. This gives that envious just-back-from-holiday glow that is perfect and portable. Use on cheeks, hairline, collarbone, lips - everywhere. (Available at Sephora) You will not be sorry.

Play up that glow even more with a hint of glam from Tom Ford's Cream & Powder Eye Color in Golden Peach. (Thank you Sephora for carrying TF!) This is so easy that you can apply after a day at the beach with just your fingers and if you're completely inept at eyeshadow - it still looks perfect! Just swipe the cream on first then tap on the power. It may look ultra glittery at first, but believe me, it dries down to the most perfect finish.

Make sure to offset that eye with a satiny-matte lip with some staying power so you're not reapplying all day. My go-to here is Mac Snob Lipstick. No liner needed - just swipe and go. The perfect pink to bring out that sun-kissed glow. (Available at MAC)

Windows down, sun in my face!

A few hours later in the hot hot sun and my makeup is still going strong!
Pictured with Alicia Hansen. 

When you are ready to wash off all that a hot summer day entails, LUSH has you covered. I really like their shaving creams and massage bars (hint: try the Shimmy Shimmy for a little body glow!) but I loooove their body scrubs! Specifically the Ocean Salt. It gets all that sunscreen off, smells incredible and leaves your skin soft and clean.

Lush Ocean Salt

Make sure to head out to Beachwood Place and make your first stops Sephora, MAC, and LUSH to snap up all the summer beauty supplies you need to make this yourself feel as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. Remember - Celebrate the Everyday! Somedays this can be a lipstick or a bronzer - that's totally ok.

Thank you for helping me support retailers that support my passion! As always, all musings are my own. 

As many of you may know, I'm an avid user of retinoids. They are one of my Holy Grail skincare items and one of the key things that helped me get over my adult-onset acne in my mid to late thirties and are known as the gold standard in anti-aging. Because of this, retinols and retinoids have become big business.

The Difference?
Retinoids are typically considered the prescription-strength version you can only get through your doctor or dermatologist. They come in various strengths and formulations. These are 20 times stronger than retinol. 
Retinol is typically considered to be the over-the-counter version that you can purchase online or at beauty and department stores or the like.

The Problem:
With both, there is an adjustment period. If you have a retinoid, your doctor knows your skin type and has given you the appropriate dosage and thoroughly counseled you on how to add this into your regimen. That being said, you still may experience redness and flakiness. With OTC retinols, you are on your own. The upside is that since they are much less potent, they might be easier to incorporate but no one is there to counsel you and often people just apply and experience horrible side effects. With both, adequate sunscreen needs to be adhered to. I feel this is a non-statement in this day and age but there are still people out there who are still not wearing the adequate amount of sunscreen on a daily basis and causing themselves harm. Side effects prevent many people from continuing thinking this just isn't for them.

The Solution:
Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol comes from the babchi plant and is indigenous to India and China. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese skincare remedies. In 2014, the International Journal of Cosmetic Science published a clinical study of retinol vs bakuchiol citing that twice a day facial application of bakuchiol for 12 weeks resulted in significant improvement in "lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness and overall reduction in photo-damage." This was observed without the typical retinol side effects.

Because most retinol products are designed for once daily application and the study clearly states twice-daily application, it's vitally important to get as much bakuchiol in a product (or products) as you can. There are many great products available with this ingredient available right now but as far as I know (feel free to correct me) only one dedicated line.

Beautycounter : Countertime

Beautycounter's Countertime. Brand new. Every. Single. Product. has bakuchiol in it. And not just in it - but above-the-fold in the ingredients list.

Three years in the making, their new (plant-derived) Retinatural Complex is patent-pending and also features Swiss Alpine Rose to aid in protecting skin against environmental stressors, dehydration and boosts skin's antioxidant defense.

And you know me, hello! CLEANSING OIL! I've been using a number of Beautycounter's cosmetics for a while now because I've found a few absolute favorites that have rounded out my beauty bag but (for my skin) didn't really fall in love with much of their skincare. (Unless you're oily or slightly acne-prone, then I can give you a few great recs!) But the minute I saw that they were adding this cleansing oil to their collection I just about lost my mind. When I rang up my friend Carmen and she (sorry Carm) gave me the secret details on the entire line I immediately went to town looking up all the ingredients, comparing them to what I had. Cross-checking on cosdna and then all the science sites. And then proceeding to pre-order everything to try it all out. Whew. You know I'm thorough. So finally, Beautycounter has come through with a (let's call it pro-aging) line with a natural retinol alternative with ALL THE ACTIVES. Bravo!

Basically, what I'm saying is - every step - twice a day  - you're getting bakuchiol - and a ton of other powerhouse age-defying players. Oooh - and if you are using a retinoid that works for you? You can totally incorporate these products into your routine. And, Beautycounter being Beautycounter, these products are EWG-friendly and free of all the 1500 questionable ingredients on their Never List. 

The Collection:

Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil

Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essense

Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum

Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream

Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream

Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream

If you don't have a regimen you love, this a great starting place. If you do, incorporating a few of these gems could make a huge difference in age prevention, fine lines and evening out skin tone! I'll let you know when I'm done swooning...

As many of you may know, I'm an avid user of retinoids. They are one of my Holy Grail skincare items and one of the key things that helped me get over my adult-onset acne in my mid to late thirties and are known as the gold standard in anti-aging. Because of this, retinols and retinoids have become big business.

The Difference?
Retinoids are typically considered the prescription-strength version you can only get through your doctor or dermatologist. They come in various strengths and formulations. These are 20 times stronger than retinol. 
Retinol is typically considered to be the over-the-counter version that you can purchase online or at beauty and department stores or the like.

The Problem:
With both, there is an adjustment period. If you have a retinoid, your doctor knows your skin type and has given you the appropriate dosage and thoroughly counseled you on how to add this into your regimen. That being said, you still may experience redness and flakiness. With OTC retinols, you are on your own. The upside is that since they are much less potent, they might be easier to incorporate but no one is there to counsel you and often people just apply and experience horrible side effects. With both, adequate sunscreen needs to be adhered to. I feel this is a non-statement in this day and age but there are still people out there who are still not wearing the adequate amount of sunscreen on a daily basis and causing themselves harm. Side effects prevent many people from continuing thinking this just isn't for them.

The Solution:
Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol comes from the babchi plant and is indigenous to India and China. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese skincare remedies. In 2014, the International Journal of Cosmetic Science published a clinical study of retinol vs bakuchiol citing that twice a day facial application of bakuchiol for 12 weeks resulted in significant improvement in "lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness and overall reduction in photo-damage." This was observed without the typical retinol side effects.

Because most retinol products are designed for once daily application and the study clearly states twice-daily application, it's vitally important to get as much bakuchiol in a product (or products) as you can. There are many great products available with this ingredient available right now but as far as I know (feel free to correct me) only one dedicated line.

Beautycounter : Countertime

Beautycounter's Countertime. Brand new. Every. Single. Product. has bakuchiol in it. And not just in it - but above-the-fold in the ingredients list.

Three years in the making, their new (plant-derived) Retinatural Complex is patent-pending and also features Swiss Alpine Rose to aid in protecting skin against environmental stressors, dehydration and boosts skin's antioxidant defense.

And you know me, hello! CLEANSING OIL! I've been using a number of Beautycounter's cosmetics for a while now because I've found a few absolute favorites that have rounded out my beauty bag but (for my skin) didn't really fall in love with much of their skincare. (Unless you're oily or slightly acne-prone, then I can give you a few great recs!) But the minute I saw that they were adding this cleansing oil to their collection I just about lost my mind. When I rang up my friend Carmen and she (sorry Carm) gave me the secret details on the entire line I immediately went to town looking up all the ingredients, comparing them to what I had. Cross-checking on cosdna and then all the science sites. And then proceeding to pre-order everything to try it all out. Whew. You know I'm thorough. So finally, Beautycounter has come through with a (let's call it pro-aging) line with a natural retinol alternative with ALL THE ACTIVES. Bravo!

Basically, what I'm saying is - every step - twice a day  - you're getting bakuchiol - and a ton of other powerhouse age-defying players. Oooh - and if you are using a retinoid that works for you? You can totally incorporate these products into your routine. And, Beautycounter being Beautycounter, these products are EWG-friendly and free of all the 1500 questionable ingredients on their Never List. 

The Collection:

Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil

Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essense

Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum

Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream

Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream

Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream

If you don't have a regimen you love, this a great starting place. If you do, incorporating a few of these gems could make a huge difference in age prevention, fine lines and evening out skin tone! I'll let you know when I'm done swooning...

Happy Summer Darling! It's officially here and this week's edition of Musings celebrates all the things that I'm using to get started on the season. 

Mark & Graham Isla Handbag

First up is this chic woven handbag. Trends change seasonally and I like to keep my bags for a number of years. An investment in a Cult Gaia bag from a few years ago still plays well but some of the inexpensive round woven bags are sure to have had their time after just one season. This bag is a classic shape that doesn't lean into too many trends while maintaining a fashion-forward shape and size. Punch it up with a fun, bright color and add a monogram (or not) and you're set for a number of summers to come.

@olgapysko

Not that I don't love a good unicorn cake but can you even take your eyes off this beauty? If I had seen this prior to my birthday I would have, most definitely, rang in year 43 with the glory of this swan cake.

Melinda Maria Pave Ear Bar

I tend to go ALL IN when it comes to earrings. The bigger the bolder the better. Lately, I've been dreaming of pairing these Pave Ear Bars with simple studs for summer. High/Low, baby.

Trader Joes Cauliflower Gnocchi Caprese

Mandi from @dashofmandi figured out how to turn our love of Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi into a quick summertime dinner. Enter Cauliflower Gnocchi Caprese.

Happy Summer Darling! It's officially here and this week's edition of Musings celebrates all the things that I'm using to get started on the season. 

Mark & Graham Isla Handbag

First up is this chic woven handbag. Trends change seasonally and I like to keep my bags for a number of years. An investment in a Cult Gaia bag from a few years ago still plays well but some of the inexpensive round woven bags are sure to have had their time after just one season. This bag is a classic shape that doesn't lean into too many trends while maintaining a fashion-forward shape and size. Punch it up with a fun, bright color and add a monogram (or not) and you're set for a number of summers to come.

@olgapysko

Not that I don't love a good unicorn cake but can you even take your eyes off this beauty? If I had seen this prior to my birthday I would have, most definitely, rang in year 43 with the glory of this swan cake.

Melinda Maria Pave Ear Bar

I tend to go ALL IN when it comes to earrings. The bigger the bolder the better. Lately, I've been dreaming of pairing these Pave Ear Bars with simple studs for summer. High/Low, baby.

Trader Joes Cauliflower Gnocchi Caprese

Mandi from @dashofmandi figured out how to turn our love of Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi into a quick summertime dinner. Enter Cauliflower Gnocchi Caprese.

Not exactly one for fast fashion, I do fancy myself a Target dress. I think this started when they created the Who What Wear collection and I noticed a trend of classic lines and styling, nodding to trends rather than diving in head-first. However, I always say, if you're going to do a trend - do it for less, as there might not be a point in spending hundreds of dollars on something that just has a season or two of wear.

This collection has my perfect blend of basics, brights, some current trends (buttons and billowy sleeves) and can take you from a casual beach day to dinner, a party and even to work the next day - All for under $40!
Dig an and let me know what you love.

Not exactly one for fast fashion, I do fancy myself a Target dress. I think this started when they created the Who What Wear collection and I noticed a trend of classic lines and styling, nodding to trends rather than diving in head-first. However, I always say, if you're going to do a trend - do it for less, as there might not be a point in spending hundreds of dollars on something that just has a season or two of wear.

This collection has my perfect blend of basics, brights, some current trends (buttons and billowy sleeves) and can take you from a casual beach day to dinner, a party and even to work the next day - All for under $40!
Dig an and let me know what you love.