One of the great tragedies in my life - and there have been many - is the perennial thigh chafing that comes from my commitment to cupcakes (and my lack of commitment to pilates.)
Summer only exacerbates the problem, with heat and humidity leading to major discomfort. But Bliss's clever, little multi-use Problem Salved stick offers comfort and solutions, in a world so often bereft of both.
This emollient balm soothes sunburn, diminishes the discomfort of bug bites, tames pesky flyaways, moisturizes cuticles and perhaps most importantly, prevents chafing (emphasis MINE.)
Try it as on your heels and toes as a blister block or apply Problem Salved to your inner thighs to avoid thigh rub-age and discomfort under breezy summer dresses. It's nothing short of a miracle worker - I keep one tucked in my desk, my purse and my medicine cabinet.
Purple Lab creatrix, author, writer, marketing genius and gal about town Karen Robinovitz wears many hats (literally...she does love a little Eugenia Kim in her life...and figuratively) but perhaps the most memorable is that of fashionista.
Among New York media, beauty and fashion types, Karen's epic style, including perfect lush curls and the highest heels imaginable, is the thing legends are made of. So, when she volunteered to give me a peek inside her splurge bag of the season, a Celine shopper, I nearly shouted "Yes!" from the rooftops my office.
In her own words, here's what Karen's toting around this season:
Croc embossed monogrammed notebook, a gift from a friend and so chic!
Purple Lab's Huge Lips Skinny Hips in Worship Kate and Kitty Poledancer. They're great mixed together.
Purple Lab's Luvah Lip Stain and Glossin Mama's Boy, the perfect nude. Full of dong quai so it's great when I need to bring sexy back.
Purple Lab's Cheek Implants Cream Blush with collagen in Backstage Pass, a ripe peach shade, for when my cheek bones need some love.
Bliss hand cream
Purple Sharpie pen and Pilot rollerball pen. My two faves.
Chrome Hearts sunglasses - obsessed with the silver details on the arms. Rocker sophisication!
Blackberry, which may as well be surgically attached to me. Homescreen image is the McQueen armadillo shoe, an homage to the late designer.
Silver Chanel biz card holder with cards, of course
Tazo passion flavor tea and kal stevia which I throw in my Organic Avenue Sigg to flavor up water all day long. Otherwise, I probably won't drink any.
WWD, the bible and reminder of my first job out of school
Dried mango. Perfect snack on the go.
Purple Louis Vuitton wallet, a holiday gift from my husband. Purple is my favorite color.
Keys on a Chrome Hearts keychain which was my husband's but somehow became mine
As in, the fragrance could have been (dare I say, "should have been"?) so much more interesting. Instead, it's a pleasant but relatively straightforward citrus. And while the Body Butter moisturizes beautifully, the fragrance alone would make the product worth the splurge. I wish this had a bit more edge.
Now that I'm in my thirties (CRINGE), I'm always on the hunt for a new eye cream. My latest find is Skinceutical's new A.G.E. Eye Complex ($85), which boasts a three-tiered combo of ingredients that aim to dramatically improves the signs of aging around the eyes.
Beginning on day one, optical diffusers improve radiance and minimize the appearance of dark circles and capillaries. Within four to twelve weeks, a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides are said to (I'm not quite there yet, so I can't speak to the accuracy of this claim) strengthen blood vessel walls, improve lymphatic drainage, and dramatically improve dark circles and puffiness (THIS, I am looking forward to.)
By twelve weeks and beyond, blueberry extract interrupts the formation of advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.) and Proxylane restores water and nutrient content to increase skin elasticity and thickness for dramatic improvement of wrinkles and crow's feet. Science...it's splendiferous, isn't it?
My fave thing about this eye cream is the light, cool, foam-like texture. It sinks in quickly, with no grease or residue left on the skin. Perfect for what's remaining of summer!
The generous folks over at Bliss - home of whimsical, beautiful products - have an awesome offer offer running through August 16. Simply enter code EXCLUSIVE to save 20% on ALL Bliss or Remede products.
If I were you, I'd snag the heavenly Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Facial Mask (above, originally $52, now $41.60), it's the perfect warm-weather pick me up, delivering a delightful dose of foaming oxygenated power to your skin.
Like many women, I have a weakness for beautiful shoes that inevitably seem to kill my feet. So, along the way, I've created an arsenal of 'foot saviors' - products that make uncomfortable shoes a bit more bearable.
Tops on my list are Foot Petals. Available in several styles including Heavenly Heels, Amazing Arches and Killer Kushionz, these insoles add a bit of cushion and also function as shock absorbers. Not to mention - if you're a sale shopper (who isn't these days?) and snag shoes in a half size larger than your usual size, try adding inserts to make them feel up to a half size smaller.
Bliss Problem Salved 20-in-1 Wonder Balm is also a major foot savior for me - I always have this convenient 20-use product tucked in my bag. Simply swipe the handy dandy stick anywhere that you need blister protection and a need of moisture - try it on heels and the tops of feet, in particular.
Last but not least, in times of emergency (read: I already have a blister), I love Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Cushions. These waterproof and cushioned gel pads stay put (even through a few days worth of showers) and heal blisters painlessly and quickly. Snag them at drugstores nationwide or via drugstore.com.
What are you secret Foot Saviors? Tell me about them in the comments!
I LOVE Bliss Blood Orange & White Pepper Body Butter - it smells perfectly zingy and moisturizes beautifully - so I had to share this spectacular deal. Spend $75 or more on site, and you'll receive a free full size tube!
Pardon the pun, but when it comes to skincare, oxygen is more than just hot air. In fact, when it's applied topically, oxygen is transported to the lower layers of the skin, reducing inflammation and resulting in increased elastin and collagen production and a clearer complexion. Check out the oxygen based products above for a quick fix!
Sale goodies at Intermix are an extra 15% off with code SAVE15.
Get 20% off and free shipping on orders of $75 or more at Illume. Use code catalog.
Save 20% with the Kerastase Friends & Family discount plus 5% of your purchase will go to Dress for Success; enter GIVING at checkout through November 28.
My beloved Juaraproducts are 20% off with code NOV20 from now through the 30th. If I were you, I'd snatch up the yummy-looking Candlenut Soap Set.
Melange for Women has $20 off any $100 purchase with code TdayTreat. Valid through Thursday.
GLAZE4U gets you a free Spiced Rum Lip Glaze when you spend $30 or more at Stila.