Welcome to Dressed for My Day! In fact, let’s pause right there and take notice of the fact that this blog is called Dressed for My Day and not Made-Up for My Day. Hahahah! Even though I recommend a beauty product here and there and even dedicated one week in February last year to beauty, I’m not nearly as comfortable talking all things cosmetics as I am talking all things style.
There are probably several factors at play here. First up, I’m aging and I’m struggling like most gals my age to keep up, cosmetic-wise. Second, we’re just all so very different when it comes to what works for our skin and hair types. And finally, I don’t feel all that proficient at applying my own make-up, much less telling someone else how to apply theirs. Like I can’t even see my face when I’m putting my make-up on! Anybody??? I guess I need to buy a magnifying mirror, but I’m not even sure that’s the answer.
All that to say that you won’t find me talking about beauty a whole lot here at Dressed for My Day. But I do indeed have some beauty buys that I’d like to share with you. Many of these, I’ve never mentioned here on the blog before. (See above explanation.) But these are the products I purchased for the first time this past year and I’m loving.
Let’s get started!
Skincare
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
I had been using this and that to cleanse my fact for the past couple of years. But I went back to my old favorite, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, at the beginning of 2019. I love this cleanser and don’t plan to depart from it any time soon. It’s gentle, but gets the job done.
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream
I also started using this Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream in January of 2019 and I’m amazed at the difference it makes. This cream does it all: chemically exfoliates, plumps, moisturizes, firms and strengthens your skin. Because it’s pretty strong, I only apply it about four mornings a week, maybe every other day, just after getting out of the shower. I apply it to my face, neck, decolletage, arms and backs of hands.
CeraVe SA Cream
I started using this CeraVe SA Cream at the same time I began using the Retinol cream above. I apply it most nights after washing my face. It also exfoliates, moisturizes, softens and smooths bumpy skin. Plus, it just feels so good on. But because both of these products are chemical exfoliation products, I don’t use either of them absolutely every day. I’d say I probably apply this one every other night. And I use other night creams on the other evenings.
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
I won’t lie; I actually use several different hand creams. But the CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is by far my favorite. It’s rich and creamy and works longer than any of the others. Plus, like the CeraVe product above, it exfoliates, moisturizes and protects your hands. I love this hand lotion.
Obviously, these are not the only skincare products I use. You might want to read last February’s Beauty Week posts to learn more about my beauty routines. But these are the products I bought for the first time in 2019 and absolutely love.
Cosmetics
Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer
I started using this concealer just a couple of months ago I think. I’m appreciating the fact that it goes on a little creamier and lighter (feeling) than products I’ve used in the past. As we age, the skin around our eyes gets crepey, and we want to use a product that doesn’t accentuate those lines. I think this concealer does a better job of that than the one I was using. I use the Cream Puff shade.
Stila Hide & Chic Fluid Foundation
It was only about a month ago that I started using the Stila Hide & Chic Fluid Foundation, but wow! What a difference! I had been using It foundation, but it was settling into my wrinkles and accentuating my pores. And I never could feel like I was using the right amount. It either went on really heavy or too light. But this Stila foundation is more of a liquid. (You need to be sure to shake well before applying.) I have very dry skin, so this foundation works really well for me. It’s received excellent reviews from make-up vloggers, and I couldn’t agree more. I’m so pleased to have found it. I’m wearing the light/medium 1 shade.
Tartelette Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette
I was growing tired of my It eyeshadow palette that I’d been using for about two years. So I bought this Tartelette palette a few months ago, I think. It smells like warm cookies, so there’s that. The shadows are soft and easy to apply, but they haven’t run out quickly either. And the colors are pretty and neutral, but not muddy. Know what I mean? And I actually use most of the shades in this palette. It’s a great eyeshadow palette and I’ll definitely buy another one when this one diminishes. But I’m nowhere near needing to do that yet.
Dior Long-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
I was in Nordstrom picking up a lipstick I wanted when a Dior makeup specialist grabbed me, plopped me down in a chair and taught me some new tricks with this Dior Long-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. She taught me to line along the inside of my upper eyelid instead of above the lash line. I’ve been doing that since October and really feel like it gives me a more natural eye. But I wouldn’t do that with just any pencil. Others I’ve used in the past would definitely scratch my eyelid, and that would not be good. This Dior Long-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is extremely soft and goes on easily. I use the 594 Intense Brown.
It Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara
I had been using and loving the Lancome Définicils Lengthening and Defining Mascara before I came across this new It Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara . But I wanted to give this one a try because the reviews were so stellar. Sure enough, I think it lengths my {stubby, thinned out} eyelashes more. And I especially like the applicator, designed by Drybar (the blowout people). It applies the product evenly and is easy to use without clumping. I think it only comes in black.
Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
I was having trouble with my makeup transferring onto the necks of my sweaters and blazers, so I decided to try a setting spray. I read reviews and settled on this top rated Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. Not only does it keep my makeup off of my clothing, but it really does make my makeup last longer and look fresher. If you want to just give it a try, you could try the 1 oz. travel size. That’s actually what I’m still using.
Fragrance
Lancome La Vie est Belle Eau De Parfum
I changed scents for the first time in probably ten years in 2019. I’m enjoying Lancome La Vie est Belle Eau De Parfum so much, and getting compliments on it weekly. It’s fresh, light and very sophisticated. Just a really pleasant scent. For frame of reference, this is the one you see advertised by Julia Roberts and you’ve probably smelled it in a magazine insert. It wears lovely. (I got mine for my birthday last February, but it would make a nice Valentine’s Day gift, too.)
So those are my favorite beauty buys from 2019. Like I said, obviously I use a lot of other beauty products. But these are the ones I tried for the first time (or the first time in a long time) this past year, and that I love. In fact, I highly recommend each of these products. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll try to watch the comments carefully today and get back with you if you do.
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Blessed for My Day
In both Jeremiah and Ezekiel, God tells His prophets to “eat” His Word. Personally, I love that command. God wanted these men to not just read His Word, but to digest it. In the Psalms, likewise, we are encouraged to meditate on God’s Word. That’s what it means to “eat it.”
We eat God’s Word or meditate on it when we linger with it, think on it, ponder its implications and then swallow it. How do we swallow it? We agree to obey it. We apply it.
I love that when Ezekiel had eaten God’s Word he found it to taste as sweet as honey. You and I know that sometimes God’s Word requires us to do the seemingly unpleasant. But we can be assured that God’s Word is good for us. And when we eat a steady diet of it and continuously obey it, it becomes sweeter and sweeter.
And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. ~ Ezekiel 3:1-3
Thank you Kay for sharing all these beauty buys. My 80 year old beautiful Mother uses the Cetaphil and CeraVe. However I am going to jump right into a comment about Blessed For My Day. I am studying Ezekiel through the First 5 App from Proverbs 31 Ministries too. All day long yesterday I kept thinking about how God‘s word is sweet as honey and how I have to meditate on it. By concentrating on those thoughts, it really helped me get through a challenging day at work yesterday. By the way, I am looking forward to your videos. ~Lisa~
Good ideas , Kay! I use DHC Care as my skin care and have for a long time. I’m very happy with it. I usually don’t wear foundation; I feel like I have a sweater on my face when I do. I do use Boom!, a creamy color stick for cheeks and lips. If I use a foundation again, I will try a Stila product. ( I have used Clinique products in the past.) Like you, I have dry skin. It is also very sensitive and has a tendency to break out in rashes.
Thanks for the lesson from God’s word. It is always sweet; it is always timely.
Suzanne
Kay,
I’m with you: It’s getting tricky to know exactly what to use on my skin, and to see well enough to apply correctly! One thing I noticed is that you are using retinol in the morning. From what I’ve read, retinol should be used only at night, and sunscreen should be applied religiously on the days following retinol use. So, if you are like me, I need to use sunscreen every day before I put on makeup! If I’m wrong about this, someone please correct me, as I would rather do all this in the a.m. myself, rather than at night.
Hi Jane. Thanks for sharing. Yes, I do use sunscreen every day. This is by no means a complete list of everything I use. But you’re certainly right about the sunscreen. And actually I’m probably better about using it because of the other products I use. And as a result my skin is looking much less sun splotched. Thanks!
Just ordered the Retinol cream. Been wanting to try one for years but wasn’t sure what to purchase and some are very pricey. I’m turning 51 tomorrow so I thought I’d treat myself. 🙂 At under $10 for one container, it’s worth a shot!
Kay, this is an excellent post and very helpful to me. I’m always impressed with your lovely natural look. Hopefully I will be able to achieve the same glow. I will refer back to your advice from this and last year’s post as well, as I look to purchase new products.
I also look forward to all of your Bible lessons. I’m so glad to have found your blog.
Kay, I can identify with “I can’t even see my face” Best purchase for me in 2019 was my magnifying flex mirror that I attach to my bathroom mirror by the suction cup on it. It is an as seen on TV item. I got mine at Wal-Mart. Love it! I even take it with me when I travel. My husband has used it too-he can’t see his face either!! 🙂
Thanks! I’m going to have to look for that. I appreciate you sharing!
Very helpful post! Will try some of these products!
Hi Kay! You are spot on about the challenges we face with the best makeup and beauty products to use as we age. For some reason, I do not like applying sunscreen of any kind, therefore I am not one that uses it every day, like I know I should. For that matter, I hardly ever put on my facial makeup since my dark spots have faded. My eyes are super sensitive to every makeup remover out there, so I avoid irritating them. Have a beautiful day!
May I ask why you decided to use the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream? I’ve been leery of using anything on my face as my skin has always been hyper sensitive and I didn’t want to attempt a retinol without the advice of my dermatologist or a spa expert. Just wondering if it was something you’d researched or been advised on. Thanks for this great post!
Hi Pam. I saw another blogger who is my age recommend both the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream and the CeraVe cream about this time last year. She had researched them and had been advised by a dermatologist to try them. Then I researched them both myself and decided to give them a try. I DO NOT have extremely sensitive skin, so I felt comfortable trying them without a doctor’s recommendation. But I did read the directions thoroughly, use sunscreen during the day and balance them with other products. For instance, if I use a microdermabrasion cream on my skin one day for extra exfoliation, then I skip these products for a couple of days just to give it time to restore. And any time I have any kind of scratch or nick on my fact – as we sometimes get as our faces age, ugh! – I lay off of these products. I hope that helps.
It does, Kay. Thank you.
Loving that eye shadow palette. I’m all for neutrals so will keep this one in mind when I run out of my currrent one. The smell of warm sugar sounds wonderful! The perfume sounds really nice too! Not sure I’ve ever tried it, but it’s been a long time since I bought a new perfume, they always seem to last such a long time. I may have to check this one out. Thanks for sharing!
This was a helpful post, Kay! Thanks! I just started using the Born This Way foundation and I like it. I’m still in transition because it takes me a while to adjust when using something new! I tried the IT CC and found it to be too thick and greasy for my skin. I’m currently using Shape Tape for my concealer and while I love the coverage, it is a bit drying I think. Have you used Shape Tape concealer and if so, how does it compare to Born This Way concealer? I may try that next. I’m going to give that Urban Decay spray a go, too!
Hi Liz. Thanks for sharing. I have not used the Shape Tape, but I’ve heard lots of people say that it is drying. The Born This Way is not. I had been using the IT Bye Bye under eye and I’ve heard that the Shape Tape is even more drying than that. I’ve heard make-up artist say that it is not a great fit for older skin. But, no. I haven’t tried it myself, so I can’t really compare.