Flu Fake OUt

Photo Credit: Health

Photo Credit: Health

Do you remember 100 years ago when I was writing?  I know, I barely recall it either.  Life got busy, as it does, and then cold season happened.  In a big way.  Coughing, nose-blowing, voice gone, the works.  It's one of the busiest times of the year, so I pumped myself full of antibiotics and Airbourne and tackled 6 events in 2 1/2 weeks.  I wasn't contagious (thank you very much amoxicillin), but I still wasn't feeling (or let's face it, looking) so hot, BUT I was able to fake it.  Here's how:

- Wake Up Early.  I know, I know, this sounds crazy when you're feeling lousy.  Listen, sleep is important, especially when you're not feeling well, but you know you always feel the worst when you wake up and when you go to bed.  Wake up even just 10 minutes earlier than usual to give yourself time to pop a couple of Advil and get the worst part over.  You'll likely be moving a little slower than usual so adding that buffer will keep you on time. 

- Heat It Up.  Hot water with lemon, hot tea, hot showers.  Embrace them all.  Those extra couple of minutes are clutch here.  It's amazing what some hot water can do!

- Damage Control.  If you were blowing your nose like I was, you're bound to be red and raw.  Opt for a super nourishing moisturizer to keep dryness in check.  This one from VMV Hypoallergenics was my go-to (with this one at night for extra healing).  Spot treat redness with a tinted green concealer and then top of with a nude tone.  Curl your lashes and add an extra layer of mascara to your top lashes to open up your eyes.  Skip the lipstick since lips will likely be dry (another beautiful side effect), but add some color to your cheeks.  Look for a cream formula for a dewy, well-rested, so-not-sick look.  

- Pull It Together.  When you're not feeling well, there is the tendency to want throw on yoga pants and call it a day.  However I'm a big believer in "If you look good, you feel good, you do good."  And if there was ever a time when you need to do good, it's for a work function with your favorite magazine!  (Here's looking at you Vogue.)  Go for high impact, low maintenance pieces.  A no-fail LBD with a blazer, cashmere turtle neck with stand out accessories or a simple leather skirt paired with an chunk knit make it look like you put in effort, plus give you the cozy factor.  Double win.  Also, and maybe this is just me, but I feel like my hair never looks good when I feel sick.  I don't even try to force it to do anything, I simply pull it back in a simple pony or bun.  One less thing to worry about.  

-Drink More Fluids.  But for real.  Not only will you chase away that cold quicker, but your skin will thank you before AND after your sick spell.

Here's to feeling better, faster!

-MC-

Get the Latest:


Summer Skin

Image Source:  Laurie Bartley, Harper's Bazaar

Image Source:  Laurie Bartley, Harper's Bazaar

It's unofficially summer, and that means two things, summer Fridays, and it's time to tweak your skincare regimen.  Since East Coast weather is, just now, starting to heat up, I was a bit behind on my own update, but now that we're in full swing, it's time to assess and readjust.  Here is how I make the seasonal switch:

- Lighten Up - Time to replace heavier foundations for tinted moisturizers or BB/CC creams.  These let skin breathe (ie. less clogged pores), and you won't have to worry about having a makeup meltdown - double win.  My all time favorite is VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible. It's super lightweight, gives skin a dewy finish and offers SPF 30 protection.  Completely obsessed.  

- Switch Your Scent - Heavy, lingering fragrances can feel a overwhelming come the warmer months.  If you are a certain scent devotee, look for a lighter eau de toilette or eau de cologne version.  My go-to this summer is this scent from Burberry.  It feels clean and fresh.

Embrace Bronzer - Just a dusting along the forehead, cheek bones and jawbones gives a well-rested radiance.  Look for formulas that say illuminating, which will give an ever-so-slight glow, rather than full-on disco shimmer.  

Put Your Best Foot Forward - It's sandal season.  Make sure nails and nail beds are well-kept and hydrated. (This foot cream from LCN is amazing.) Complete the look with a fun pop of color.  Right now, I'm wearing Elephantastic from OPI.

Lash Out - I like to keep my makeup minimal in the summer and that means just a hint of bronze plus mascara.  I'm currently obsessed with this one from Touch in SOL.  If gives super long length and doesn't budge or flake all day.  Add a poppy lip color and you're set!

-MC-

Get the Latest:





Mask Monday

Today was such a Monday.  Spring still seems miles away and after a crazy day filled with rude strangers, a jelly bean binge, late night conference calls and a house-hunting standstill, I was ready for some relaxation.  And a face mask was just the thing.   Today's weapon of choice, Philosphy's Purity Made Simple Deep Clean Mask.

 Promising a spa-like glow in 60 seconds, I was intrigued. It was just the sort of time commitment I could afford.  According to the directions, you are to massage a bit into clean, dry skin and then wash it off when the formula transitions from clear to white. True to it's promise, the creamy formula glides on, without any hint of exfoliation beads. It gave my ultra-sensitive skin a slight tingle (which I'm chocking up to it's deep cleaning powers) and then removed effortlessly.  It left my skin clean and fresh without being stripped and was the perfect base for applying my night serums.  I love that it is gentle enough that it can be used daily, and I can definitely see this mask working it's way into the rotation!

Have you tried it yet? 

-MC-

Get the Latest: