Should You Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase To Prevent Wrinkles?

Silk pillowcases are expensive so alas ... should you pay the piper for them to prevent wrinkles? Let's discuss.

Silk is said to be a better fabric than cotton for pillowcases because it prevents lines and wrinkles from etching on your face. The argument goes, silk's smooth surface lessens the amount of friction on the skin as we sleep. Silk also absorbs less moisture than cotton, therefore when sleeping on silk, the serums, creams, and dewiness in your skin stay on your face instead of getting absorbed into your pillowcase. 

Well according to some dermatologists, silk does pull the skin less and the fabric does soak up less moisture than cotton. However, I don't think it makes any discernable difference in the aging of a face, and personally, I won't be switching from cotton to silk pillowcases. 

Here's why:

1) Silk is 3+ times higher in price, so for me to switch from cotton to silk pillowcases, I'd have to look 3+ times younger going forward. There would have to be a recognizable difference to be worth the extra cost. For sure, I'll have age-appropriate wrinkles, and I think slathering on scientifically proven anti-aging serums will do more to stop and soften those lines and wrinkles than any other course of action. Slather on enough face serum and enough face serum will absorb into our skin even if some ends up on a pillowcase! Btw: I can find no studies measuring silk versus cotton in creating lines on a face. If obsessed, you'll have to sleep standing up.😁

2) Although silk is smooth, soft, and comfortable, good cotton (sheets and) pillowcases are also cozy and luxurious to sleep on, no? 

3) A silk pillowcase is more trouble to clean. It must be hand washed, or machine washed separately on a delicate cycle, then hung up to dry while cotton can be mindlessly machine washed and dried on a hot setting. IMHO over the years, silk pillowcases add up to needless time and money spent.

Still if unlike me, you'd like to switch from cotton to silk pillowcases, Fishers Finery is 19 Momme 100% Pure Mulberry Silk; machine washable; and the best value I can find for silk pillowcases. Another option is a Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for a feels-like-silk fabric that promises the same benefits as silk, namely, hydrated skin and less frizzy hair.

And finally my lovely readers, don't get me wrong: I like silk and satin pillowcases, but for the same money, I can buy an Eddie Bauer 100% cotton bed set to get 2 cotton sheets and 2 pillowcases for the cost of one silk pillowcase. In fact, I did so! I love cotton bedding too. Somebody, please speak up if my cotton pillowcases are adding creases to my face by drying out and rubbing against my skin. I haven't noticed!😳

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Brad Pitt Launches Genderless Skincare

Hey Brad, "you don't impress me much."🎵♩♪ I lie, I'm a fan girl.

Le Domaine is the new 4-piece genderless skincare line launched by actor, Brad Pitt, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2020) after a distinguished acting and producing career in film. With 12 nominations, it's lovely knowing he won for such a stellar role. Moreover, last week Mr. Pitt made a surprise debut as a sculptor of 9 pieces at a Finnish art gallery in Tampere, where he hung out with friends, musician Nick Cave and artist Thomas Houseago. Isn't he the coolest? He also has a longtime interest in architecture; the environment; humanitarian causes; and now this multifaceted human has paired with winemaker, Marc Perrin, to develop a luxury, clean and green skincare line. 

The brand has 4 products derived from grapes, namely: (1) The Cleansing Emulsion, (2) The Serum, (3) The Cream, and (4) The Fluid Cream. Each is packed with mighty antioxidants that are extracted from wine phenolic compounds. Not only do they pamper and moisturize your face, but they also fight free radicals and reportedly, over time, slow down aging. Cheap, the skincare is not, and I predict if successful, 2 future things will happen: (a) Le Domaine will add potent retinol and/or bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative) to its formula; and (b) one of the deluxe advent calendars (like Liberty of London, Fenwick, Space NK, etc.) will offer it in one of its drawers. Perhaps it will be The Cream, Mr. Pitt's favorite item.

Photo: Courtesy of Doctorly. Retinoids are not in Le Domaine products, but I say they will be added one day. 

As it turns out once upon a time in Soho, Brad and I stood on the same street corner waiting for a red light to change. He was alone carrying a large canvas wrapped in brown paper, and I was on my way to Cafe Roma with a friend. A hometown friend, so what lucky timing and fun to see him! Needless to say, we did not bother him ... but we really, really wanted to say hi!

Obviously, Brad's new skincare line is pricey and more than we need to spend for good skincare, so I'm not sure who its target market is. Used daily, the expense would run into hundreds if not thousands of dollars per year. But. If I see it displayed in an upscale shop, I'll sample it. Presently it's only sold online, so let me link you up, my awesome readers, for a browse! 👉 Introducing Le Domaine. 

I can see Mr. Brad Pitt following Paul Newman one day in using profits from a business he starts for good causes he supports. He impresses me as a guy of purpose. What do you think? THE SAVVY SHOPPER wishes him continued success in all his endeavors!💋💜

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Betsey Johnson Is One of A Kind

Betsey Johnson today at Macy's

Betsey Johnson, the Queen of Pop-Art Fashion, turned 80 years old this year on August 10th. She was part of Andy Warhol's and the Velvet Underground's scene, opening her 1st shop in 1969. Her retail stores (one was located in my Upper East Side neighborhood) have shut their doors, but she still designs clothes that sell in major department stores like Macy's. I admire her tremendously, and yet as a growing minimalist, I don't buy apparel that stands out to the extent that everybody notices every time I wear it. Where I think Savvy Shoppers can do especially well are her shoes and accessories to add brightness to our black and neutral shirts and dresses. A patterned tote or floral boots can make an outfit pop! What's more, you can also count on the designer for sparkle.

Certainly, the dresses in the top photo are fun and more subdued than the designer's usual bubble gum pink solids adorned with ribbons and bows that are lively and cheerful, yes, but not very grown-up or practical. The 1980s when Betsey Johnson's business exploded was more of an over-the-top time. By comparison, the 21st century has gotten more mindful, more pragmatic, less exorbitant, and theatrical. It's because we now want to own less but do more with it. Betsey seems to understand this and has expanded her collection to fit our more restrained era. 

Nonetheless, I like the playfulness and/or pazzazz of a Betsey Johnson creation. She uses comfortable, stretchy, easy-to-machine wash and dry fabrics, and many of her designs are super wearable. Some are timeless and all are one-of-a-kind like Betsey Johnson, herself. We can let Betsey do Betsey and easily adapt one of her fun-loving pieces to suit our own personal style. That bit of shimmer or pop of color keeps neutral shades from being boring!

Of course with her dresses, shoes and accessories, feel free to get as pop art crazy as you like. Happy 80th year and 53 years of success Ms. Betsey Johnson! Party on!🎉🥳

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Tula Anti-aging Skincare

Photo: Adweek

As regular readers know, I've switched to drugstore retinoids for my skincare routine because certain brands (Olay, Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Roc) are budget-friendly with scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients that really work. But it doesn't mean I don't continue to learn about skincare and put other impressive brands on my radar. Tula is such a brand to know about. Although it costs far more than the drugstore brands, the retailer has regular Friends-and-Family discounts, making it more affordable. And, Tula has a store on Amazon with savings.

Tula focuses on a gut-to-skin connection by putting prebiotics and probiotics in its skincare. While this may seem like shrewd marketing, there is real science behind it. We have billions of bacteria living on our skin, as well as, in our gut. {A lurking microbiome of living microorganisms ... you are never truly alone!😱😂} Without a doubt, preprobiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are essential for overall good health, creating a good microbiome and resulting in skin balance, not to mention, glowing skin. There's plenty yet to be learned, but the company's approach of putting biotics into its skincare works to balance the skin microbiome -- this is backed by science, as it helps fight inflammation (a cause of aging), treats wounds, and strengthens immunity.

Tula is formulated by Dr. Roshini Raj, its founder, a practicing gastroenterologist who is at the forefront of the gut-to-skin microbiome connection. Dr. Raj developed an innovative way to put probiotic extracts called S6Pro Complex into skin elixirs to effectively balance your skin microbiome with the results of strengthening, hydrating, and healing the skin. She has 20 years of experience, including research with successful clinical trials and product testing, behind her.

Next, I'll list Tula's probiotic complex products in the order I'd splurge on them ... still only after waiting for a good sale to roll around:

1) Retinol Alternative Serum - To ease wrinkles with 3 botanical retinol alternatives of bakuchiol, alfalfa sprouts, and stevia with squalane.

2) Pro-Ferm Overnight Complex - To recharge and replenish the eyes -  It contains bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative), s6Pro complex (as do all Tula's products), peptides, chamomile, squalene, and shea butter. As it happens, I don't use a separate eye cream, but if retinol is too harsh, this should provide the same benefits.

3) Overnight Repair Treatment - A high-potency face cream to treat wrinkles using alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C.

Watch for more beauty brands to offer biotics-based skincare -- it's coming and will ultimately bring prices down.

When splurging on skincare I tend to buy only one item, not everything all at once. The serum is the most-worth-the-splurge item for me (as it treats both under the eyes and face). With a 2nd splurge, I might try something I don't already have (anti-aging eye cream). Finally (later on) I might complete the set with the night cream. If I ever see Tula at T.J. Maxx, I'll be sure to snatch it up for less! It's why putting the name on your radar is a smart move.

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Getting A Senior To Eat Her Meals

I could've called today's blog getting wards to eat their meals since the effort of getting good nutrition into the bellies of children can be just as challenging. Sometimes they don't want to eat balanced meals either.

Before my mom needed my help with her life she was an excellent home cook and ate just about everything. Now that she has aged she's a much pickier eater and at times won't eat vegetables, potatoes, bananas, untoasted bread, apples ... the list keeps growing longer! This evening she refused to take a bite of spinach. She won't eat carrots anymore, and I'm a stickler for making sure she consumes enough protein. 

Health care experts cite a myriad of reasons why seniors become finicky eaters. Sometimes it could be dental problems or perhaps their ability to taste food diminishes. My German mother still loves her bratwurst and knackwurst, therefore I doubt in her case, the reason for refusing soft vegetables is dental issues. Moreover, she's a late riser who must drink 3 cups of coffee after she wakes up before she'll consider eating any breakfast.  

Somehow I must make all my mom's personal quirks and refusals work in her favor. How do I do it? Well ... I'm not above trickery.

First I trick her into eating her breakfast while she drinks her 3 cups of coffee with milk. With 3 cups of coffee, she drinks what amounts to a cup of milk every morning, which gives her 8 grams of protein and calcium. Along with it, I serve her a 21-gram low-sugar protein bar to nibble on as she downs her coffee; and I give her dry Life (cinnamon flavored) cereal that I tell her is a food called Cinnamon Crispies.:) As she always asks for cookies while drinking her last cup of coffee, I spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in between 2 Digestives (or 2 graham crackers, choosing the lowest sugar grams I can find) every morning. As far as I'm concerned, it's another 8 grams of protein, the same amount a person gets by eating a peanut butter sandwich! So breakfast can be checked off at 36 grams of protein with some fiber. This leads to a subsequent problem to solve ...

As you might guess, after a late riser eats a late breakfast she's not hungry at midday, so wants to skip lunch. So how do you stop late risers from omitting lunch altogether? Naturally the answer again is ... trickery!

I resort to Greek Yogurt Sundaes, a combination of 1 - 1.5 cups of Greek Yogurt that I mix with fresh and canned fruit: whatever I have on hand, such as pineapples, peaches, pears, grapes, banana (yes, I sneak in 1/2 banana!), blueberries (other berries when you have them) and topped off with a scoop more of Greek yogurt along with 1/4 cup or so of diced almonds, pecans, and walnuts; plus dark chocolate chips. A drizzle of locally grown honey helps too (we have a beekeeper friend). Dark chocolate chips are indispensable for your covert operations! You must outsmart them, or the gig is up.

It's best not to make food a battle. If all else fails gently push the dairy (protein) and fruit (vitamins and fiber)! Seniors need more protein, not less. Currently, the recommended dietary allowance for women 70+ years old is 0.36 grams for each pound of body weight or 46 grams of protein for a 130-pound woman. I serve skim milk with meals without asking. My mom can have fruit juice in-between meals if she asks for it. Luckily mam'ma eats nuts, which I give her for snacks also. Nuts have many benefits for old people, including they are good for their brains and hearts.

  

Eating right is the first and most effective medicine. I do my best to keep my mom healthy by limiting her sugar, increasing her protein and fiber, and mixing up the foods she eats. But!! Whoever said the ends don't justify the means never had to get the very young or very old to eat their meals. Niccolò Machianvelli agrees with me! Brazen, unabashed, fragrant, trickery ... it's what's for dinner!!😁

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Fall And Winter Defense Against Dry Body Parts

At the end of summer, I notice the season is already changing resulting in dryer skin, not the cuticles just yet. But! Dry nail cuticles are sure to follow soon enough. Therefore it's not too early to stock up on moisturizers and treatments to fight our soon-to-be dry seasons. I'm also committed to downsizing the number of skincare products it takes to do the job. Curating products that really work plus acting as multi-taskers whenever possible, is THE SAVVY SHOPPER way! 

So the following are some products to fight Old Man Winter who is leaving the Southern Hemisphere and is on his way here. 

1) Cuccico Cuticle Oil (above top👆) - The cuticle oil repairs dry cracked nails and damaged skin. There are zero artificial ingredients in this healing vitamin E infused treatment oil. It's 100% paraben-free and animal cruelty-free and contains 100% plant and natural ingredients including safflower, sunflower, and sweet almond oils.

2) O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream - It's serious relief for extremely dry and cracked hands. Glycerin and allantoin are key ingredients. This stuff begins by boosting moisture to dry hands and then creates a protective layer on the skin's surface to lock in the moisture.

3) Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - I compared many of the top drugstore skin moisturizing creams and hands down selected Cetaphil above all others. It's rich, moisturizing, greaseless, unscented, thick, and creamy, and yet absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a residue. Now with hydrating glycerin and skin essential vitamins B5 (panthenol) and B3 (niacinamide), your skin feels soft and smooth after an application with no trace of stickiness. There are zero irritants in this gentle formula so I use it as a universal skin cream from face to toe, which is why I highly recommend it over all its competitors. The big value size is a bonus, and the advertised dermatologist recommended on its jar is true (heard it with my own ears). Because Cetaphil has no fragrance, it will never dry out your skin, including your face, body, or cuticles. Bar none, you cannot get a better smoothing, moisturizing skin cream at any price!

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Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag

Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito tote

Candor first. I'm featuring a bag I love, but since I have all the handbags I need, I won't buy it. I want! I need? I want! I need? The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote bag is quite a temptation! Here's why: I like the classic and edgy look of the bag with its flared-out rectangle shape and an oversized looped top handle. Not only is the loop handle substantial and durable, it hangs on your arm with ease. The sturdy calf leather is smooth and luxurious. I also like the inclusion of the extra crossbody strip that comes with the bag so you can use it hands-free while out shopping. 

The price points of Jacquemus bags are higher than what I usually pay for my purses. It explains why I'm loyal to Coach bags, and yet who knows what I might find in the future at a worthwhile discount? And, if you lean towards designer handbags, here's a luxury brand offering top quality and craftsmanship at lower price points than the usual high-end suspects, namely Chanel, Dior, or Louis Vuitton -- the latter trio continue to raise their already sky-high-into-the-stratosphere costs. Up, up, and away! Perhaps we should consider moving on to other retailers who give us greater value for the money.

The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag (above👆) is the style I most covet and would use, however below are two more designs in the brand's winning and sleek collection.😉

Jacquemus Le Grand BaminoLeather Corssbody 

Unlike me, many women who are into changing their handbags might like the smaller sizes. In contrast, I use a handbag until it falls apart before I'll empty and switch it out. I hate changing bags so much it often takes a gala to make me do so. Regardless, I love all the Jacquemus bags featured here today! Hm ... could they make me change my ways?

Le Chiquito Long Top Handle 

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The Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II: America Says Goodbye Too

Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (April 21, 1926 - September 8, 2022)

It's no secret that Americans love the British monarchy nearly as much as the British do, and Queen Elizabeth II is the only head of the family and realm many of us know in our lifetime. For 70 years the Queen ruled, and it seems unreal that she died today, but what a life of duty she lived for 96 years, and what an impeccable role model she was for the world. Rarely, if ever, stepping a foot wrong, and as one of her British subjects put it, "She never let us down." Of all the prominent people she met and illustrious events, she lead or took part in, perhaps being our rock by never letting us down is her true legacy. 

Photo: The US Sun - Bournemouth News - 8 months old

Despite always knowing the day would come, it's impossible not to be sad and devastated about losing such a beloved Queen, Great Britain's longest reigning monarch. Again today we are reminded that it doesn't take long to live a life. 

Photo: Getty

With a heavy heart, we send our condolences to her family and country. With certainty, we will miss her too, not only for the Queen that she was, but for the human being, she was. The twinkle of her eyes will always remain with us. R.I.P. Your Majesty, and long live your son, King Charles III (Confirmed today. Monarchs choose the name he or she will be known as). The King will address the nation tomorrow.💂

Photo: CNN

" Grief is the price we pay for love." - Words of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

With the Queen's passing [some reports claim at the time she passed -- I can't verify the hour] two rainbows appeared, a double one over Buckingham Palace, her London home and another over Windsor Castle, her summer residence in Scotland where she died.

Photo: Bloomberg News - Buckingham Palace - September 8, 2022

Photo: Chris Jackson - Getty - Windsor Castle - September 8, 2022

Some people believe the Queen is letting us know she's in a good place, united with the people she loved. What do you think?

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Supergoop Sunscreen In A Super Size

Summer isn't over till we say it's over! While enjoying the last of our balmy weather don't forget the sunscreen. To protect our exposed skin from the sun's harmful rays, cancer experts tell us to apply the amount of a shot glass (or one ounce) of sunscreen on our bodies and about 1/2 - 1/3 of a teaspoon on our faces, ears, and necks, then reapply it every 2 hours. Like many other people, I don't use as much sunscreen as I should and forget to reapply it during the day. What's more, sometimes I wonder how a diligent family of 4 has enough sunscreen to follow the recommendations of skin doctors to prevent skin cancer.

As it turns out, one brand sells its sunscreen in the super size families with children (and perhaps friends who came along) would need for a day in the sun.

In 2007 Holly Thaggard developed Supergoop to provide sunscreen for the public school system of San Antonio, Texas. Supergoop is suitable for the face and body plus comes in several formulas and sizes, not just a super-size, so customers can buy the quantity they need. 

The original SuperGoop Play formula with SPF 50 is hydrating, fast-absorbing, as well as, water and sweat-resistant (for up to 80 minutes). There is also an Unseen SPF 40 sunscreen that is 100% invisible and scentless. The brand's expanded line includes other sun-protecting products such as sunscreen powders, glow moisturizing face creams, as well as, accessories like sun hats.

Here are a few cold, hard facts and statistics on skin cancer. They are good reasons to try to prevent it. 

Nowadays sunscreen isn't greasy on the skin. Tubes of sunscreen are effective for up to 3 years and then should be tossed out. Sun protection should be applied to our faces and exposed skin every day of the year (winter and rainy days included). With the proper protection, skin cancer is a preventable cancer.

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Vivaia Shoes Are Machine Washable

It takes a different kind of shoe for me to consider shoes that are not real leather because I always have trouble wearing man-made, non-leather shoes. Either they are too stiff and I can never break them in, or they are too hot, or they click and clack with every step. In fact, I've sworn off so-called liberated leather shoes.

Then along comes Vivaia shoes (established in 2020), a sustainable shoe company on a mission to make quality, comfortable and stylish footwear using recycled materials that are sourced from nature. Believe it or not, Vivaia shoes are made of recycled plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles are turned into spools of flexible thread that is knitted into form. According to the merchant, Vivaia flats feel like sneakers. Their signature sustainable material is not only soft, cozy, and breathable, but they will last for years to come, and they are reasonably priced too!

Indeed, Vivaia shoes and boots are super fashionable: classic and understated, as well as, ultra-modern with vitality and pizzazz. The fashion-forward shoes won't go out of style.

Moreover not only is attention paid to the exterior design, but also to the interior of the footwear. The inside heel is cushioned to avoid blisters, and insoles are added to provide high rebound (or bounce), and arch support.

The over-the-knee boots are made with recycled plastic water bottles plus wool for warmth in cold weather. They pull up like thick socks and stay put (as in don't fall down during the day). Furthermore, all Vivaia shoes and boots are machine washable. Now that's different, it means they're easy to clean!

Moreover, the retailer says their shoes are perfect for people with wide feet and bunions. In Vivaia shoes, "your feet won't be squeezed, pushed, pulled, or bent out of shape."

For comfort is the main reason to buy Vivaia shoes. As for sustainability, sources such as the Harvard Business Review argue that sustainable fashion is a myth. Once a plastic bottle is turned into fashion, it's no longer recyclable, but goes into a landfill. In fact, the best way of saving our environment is to buy less and re-use (i.e., shop 2nd hand) fashion. I must confess to never buying 2nd hand shoes, but I only buy the footwear I need and stop buying until I need replacement shoes or boots. That said ...

Enough colors and styles are offered for a day of work, a night out on the town, or a walk through the park. Certainly, Vivaia shoes are worth a browse, an open mind, and some serious consideration.

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