Use SPF Face Cream All Year Around

Lumin (black) is sunscreen for men, so I've never tried it.

After my morning shower I apply face cream (or lotion) over a face serum every day of the year. Only in the month of August during those dog days of heat and humidity could I skip the step of hydrating my face if desired, however, I don't do so. The reason why is we need to use sunscreen every day of the year to prevent aging (lines, wrinkles and dark sun spots), plus more importantly, skin cancer. Therefore I use a multi-tasking face moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. Without. Fail. Every. Day. Of. The. Year. 

As we've moved from summer into fall, you may have noticed your skin is getting dryer. I have, and if a dry face bothers you as it does me, you may need to add a face cream to your daily routine, so why not select one that also contains the sun protection you should be wearing daily? Kill two birds with one stone and done!

Allow me to highlight 6 SPF [Sun Protector Factor] face moisturizers whose light, non-greasy consistency I like, as well as, give you the pros and cons of the choices I don't buy:

1) Olay moisturizers come in broad spectrum SPF 15, 30, and 50. I've tried all the formulas but stick with the Olay Complete with SPF 15 -- the most generous size. The sun protection is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which I prefer to more questionable chemicals. All of the Olay formulas are creamy and greaseless, but the SPF 50 has a thicker consistency than the SPF 15. The Olay Complete 15 Sensitive formula works for me as it moisturizes while disappearing into my skin. With a lower SPF of 15, you simply need to reapply it every 2 hours if out and about in direct sunlight all day. SPF 30 or SPF 50 doesn't provide significantly more protection, but you can stretch the duration of reapplying them. There is none better than the Olay formulas and they are dirt cheap too!

2) Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30 - It's much like Olay, as is the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer with Total Soy Complex and Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, and all 3 brands are inexpensive and conveniently available at your local drugstore. Olay was the earliest to appear on the market and for this reason, is usually the easiest brand to find, but all 3 are comparable, which lets you grab whichever brand goes on sale when you need one.

3) CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face - Contains the usual suspects of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide along with the extra beneficial skincare ingredients of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. Dermatologists like that CeraVe puts ceramides (a family of waxy lipid molecules) in it's skincare products to fortify our skin barrier.

4) Laroche Posay Anthelios Face 60 - The customer raves are for the European formula of Anthelios which contains Mexoryl, a patented UVA blocker that is highly stable and approved in Europe and Canada, but not approved by the FDA for use in the USA. The European version is light, thin, absorbent, and doesn't degrade after hours of sun exposure. Laroche is a skincare brand dermatologists universally recommend, but it's expensive. To be honest, I like the brand, but don't tend to buy it. IMHO you can find as good for less.

5) Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 - Paula's Choice is very good skincare, not the most expensive on the list, and yet still pricey if using it every day. Repeated buys add up! With a bit of research, you can often find the same ingredients from less costly competitors. Nonetheless, P.C. is stellar skincare, not crazy expensive, and perhaps sometimes worth a splurge. You decide for yourself.

6. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen 70 - Neutrogena has SPF 30, 50, or 70 face moisturizers galore in cream, lotion, or gel forms, and some with extra ingredients to benefit the skin. Personally, unless I need a particular ingredient to treat a skin issue, I buy the cheapest SPF moisturizer offered that I like. Since I use an anti-aging face serum under my moisturizer, it's the moisturizer with sunscreen I'm after. If our serum already has vitamin C or hyaluronic acid in it, we're covered. More isn't always better, so if the extra ingredient drives the price up, why pay more for it in a moisturizer?

Luckily I'm happy with Olay Complete 15 Sensitive as a moisturizer with sun protection since it's about as cheap as you can buy. Spend more when it matters, but you can save on the category of SPF face creams/lotions without compromise. There are a ton of quality selections for less in a drugstore aisle ... often under $10.🎀💙

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Launer Is A Handbag Fit For A Queen

The public rarely saw Queen Elizabeth II without her Launer handbag. According to Gerald Bodmer, Launer's CEO, Her Majesty bought 10 - 11 of them during her lifetime in the Traviata style from Sully & Sully. The purse's manufacturer was founded by Sam Launer in 1940 and received its royal warrant in 1968.

Each bag is handmade and takes about eight hours to finish. The structured bag of fine-grain calf leather with superb craftsmanship and a signature gold-plated twisted rope emblem lock sells for $2,700. 

The purse is pricey, and yet it's 1/3 cheaper than an Hermès Kelly, and without the nonsense and games its French competitor puts its customers through to buy a bag. Also, a Traviata is much easier to reach into than either a Birkin or Kelly is and just as secure!

The Launer's other winning features include a back pocket, center division, interior pocket, inner zip, swede lining, leather-covered mirror, matching gold-plated handle hardware, and a long shoulder strap ... extras customers love!

Launer luxury bags are available in a range of colors and finishes with Queen Elizabeth favoring the black patent style. According to Vogue magazine, "To make the bags truly her own, she would modify them with additional pockets, a built-in coin purse, and longer handles to allow for easy handshaking." In the image above (courtesy of Getty), we can see how her top handle is longer than the standard Launer purse. In fact, each bag is made to order. The company offers all customers the chance to customize their bags without the additional costs of a customized handbag.

Queen Elizabeth II was a born Savvy Shopper with impeccable taste and class. She had no need for overpriced status handbags despite having the money to buy whatever she desired. One never saw her wearing a Cartier love bracelet or carrying a purse with a blown-up brand name across it like a YouTube influencer. What she bought was quality, durability, expertise... handbags that she kept for over 70 years, never tossing them out according to Launer's Mr. Bodner. She had no need to buy ever-changing, status merchandise, nor to show off because she was the Queen. Let it be a lesson for us all: When you've got it, there's no need to flaunt it as the fact is so self-evident everybody knows it.

With the Queen's recent passing, there's such a demand for Launer handbags, they are on backorder until January 2023. If I were to ever spend such a tidy sum on a bag, this could well be it ... in black! [Another contender is here.]

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Peripera Velvet Lip Tint Is An Amazon Favorite

Peripera Velvet Lip Tint is exactly what we want, a high-pigmented natural lip stain that is soft, smooth, weightless, and lasts all day. Apply the liquid tint as a velvety lip color in the morning and by the end of the day, there's still a rosy natural hue, which doesn't smudge if you dab lip balm over it to moisturize your lips. It's also paraben-free.

The 31 shades go on your lips wet and after they dry, they are waterproof, kissproof, and foodproof. The colors are buildable. Apply a thin coat of tint with a spongy applicator and wait for it to dry before applying a 2nd thin layer if you wish. If you apply it too thick to start with, you'll need to blot it off, thereby wasting product.

There's a color to flatter every skin tone. Reviewers like the feel of the velvety formula.

The search for lip tint in natural colors with real staying power is over! Cost: Under $10.

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Live As An Under Buyer

Today I'm playing a game called all the jewelry I'd buy at Macy's if I wasn't a mindful, Savvy Shopper. Sometimes I play this game at Tiffany, Hermès, Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel, Saks, or any number of retailers with upscale merchandise, but today let's play the game of jewelry web shopping at Macy's. 

Most of us have the good sense not to spend a million dollars for a piece of jewelry since it's much more than many of us could ever pay off. The temptation is greater for things we perceive as stretching our budget -- yes -- that we could somehow, someway reach with effort and a dose of wishful thinking. Nevertheless, if we are not realistic, mindful, savvy shoppers such pricey luxury buys will land us into credit card debt.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER way requires separating our wants from our needs. Sure we can splurge occasionally, but as a general rule, be an under buyer and seldom, rarely, or never become an impulse buyer. So often impulse buys are emotional purchases triggered when we are bored, stressed, or blue. Don't let regret, waste, clutter, or debt follow a day of retail therapy! Frequently going for a walk or exercising will lift our moods just as much as an impulse buy. Luckily I'm an under buyer because my walks take me to T.J. Maxx!😊

What's more, the sibling of impulse buying is buying more than what we need. Buy enough (sometimes called creating a capsule of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.), not more than enough. It's likely my small New York City apartment keeps me in line by giving me the discipline to not bring home beautiful things I don't really need, but only think I do when standing in front of them.

 

Falling for beautiful, impractical and yet ultimately useless things will clutter up your home before you realize it! Always value your space as much as anything you put into it. To look its best a room needs the right ratio of space to furniture. Every nook and corner need not be filled with stuff whether it's furniture, clothes, handbags, shoes, nick-nacks, or even jewelry.

Moreover, it won't do your bank account any favors. COVID has taught us the importance of having an emergency fund for food and bills. As much as I love jewelry, I browse 99.99% of the time and buy .01% of the time. And the very few pieces I splurge on are well within my budget. Moreover, I know where to compromise: The stones are eye clean and not the biggest, most flawless, or most translucent stones I desire. At Tiffany, I only browse as its colored gemstones are the top of the line (i.e. budget-busters for regular people), and at other retailers, I'm still selective!

Over to the right is a gorgeous 4 7/8 t.w. carat emerald and diamond (1/2 carat diamond) ring I love and visit whenever I go to Macy's Herald Square, but any stone over 2 carats gets very pricey, so it stays at Macy's for me to peer at occasionally. The diamond stud earrings (↑above left) are called martini studs as the setting looks like martini glasses, and in my fantasy, I'd buy 4-carat studs, however, too expensive for me to undertake! [For the look, check out this white sapphire pair instead. Not affiliated with this blog, only a tip.]

Being financially responsible means focusing on the big picture: Your financial security. Separating your wants from your needs helps you to spend what you must and save what you should. Staying out of debt gives you more money to cover tomorrow's essentials. Plus freedom. Freedom from worry. Freedom from working just to pay bills. Freedom from losing your home.

All of today's featured pieces are classic and very wearable temptations. Although not buying, I love them all. Planning a splurge every now and then is fine if you are mindful (consider how often you'd wear it) and make the splurge one you can afford. Finally, if considering a purchase, think capsule, not collection. Stop buying after reaching enough! We don't need more than enough.

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IMGN By IMAGINE Dermatology

I didn't expect to be writing about skincare so soon after writing about skincare, but in the wake of discovering a stellar anti-aging brand at an amazing price point, of course, I have to share it with my readers. You!

IMAGINE Dermatology is a small family-run US business with 40 years of experience in skincare, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and biology. Their aim is to make the best skin care products on the market with clean, results-based ingredients from reputable sources that are affordable. IMGN is luxury beauty containing anti-aging properties that 100% work without breaking the bank, a subject forever up THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S alley! Customers will also appreciate the bigger 2-ounce sizes of IMGN serums. This merchant never skimps on value! Normally you only get 1 oz bottles of serum.

The IMGN brand offers a full array of beauty scrubs, serums, hydrators, and treatments including these:

1) Beyond Retinol Creamy Bakuchiol Serum - A gentle retinol alternative that according to a British 2-blind scientific study produces all the benefits of retinol to soften lines and wrinkles plus brighten the skin without the irritation of retinol. The formula contains 1.0% bakuchiol, which is double the amount used in the British study. Among its anti-aging ingredients are anti-oxidants to fight free radicals and niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps improve the skin's protective barrier by stimulating the synthesis of ceramides within the skin. Ceramides are needed for a strong skin barrier. The serum has a faint citrus scent.

2) Pure Retinol Creamy Serum - Has stabilized 2.5% retinol with an advanced delivery system, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamin E. This is an excellent retinol serum in a great big bottle for cheap!

3) Pure Vitamin C Serum - Along with ascorbic acid, it contains ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid which together moisturize and help promote collagen synthesis and skin brightening. The whole line of skincare has no parabens, soy, sulfates, artificial colors, or fragrances. Here again, customers get a generous 2-ounce size cheaper than what many competitors charge for 1-ounce.

4) Smoother Skin Anti-Aging Renewal Complex - A cream that moisturizes, smooths, and firms the skin with an algae yeast complex that treats wrinkles. Everybody needs a face cream sometimes and do we mind if it builds collagen while moisturizing our faces? Nooo!

5) Instant Lifting Wrinkle Fighter - With acmella oleracea, an ancient plant from South America, to instantly ease the appearance of lines and wrinkles similar to botox. Personally, I'm not interested in quick temporary fixes, but hey, perhaps a person has a reunion to attend, an old girlfriend-or-boyfriend to see, or works in a profession where aging is frowned upon. Nooo judgment here as people have different skin care needs!

To economize I always start with a serum (1st) and a moisturizer (2nd), then I might add products as needed. The website has more than the 5 serums and treatments featured above to whiten, hydrate or bathe the skin in powerful anti-aging ingredients ... all worth your time and money. Take a browse to be impressed with the brand!

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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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