TENNIS BEAUTY

Okay, here it is! Tried and tested beauty on the tennis court, what stays best under tough conditions? I have been wanting to post this information for quite a bit, so here goes, this is what I wear on the court~

 LIPS~ I use Revive Intensite Volumizing Lip Serum. This serum is to be applied in the morning (after brushing and flossing). It is a necessity to keep lips full, lush and wrinkle free, YES, wrinkle free. It is a bit costly, but the .08 oz. lasts a long time, and the pen holder design is quite handy and specific. It DOES plump lips and erases 10 years immediately, without 'bee sting' lips.

If you want a quick fix without the face lift, try this product.

You can find Revive at Neiman Marcus, Blue Mercury, and Revive skincare website, of course.

Revive at Neiman Marcus

Next, I wear a light lip color by Clarins, the Joli Rouge lipstick~

Clarins Joli Rouge Intense, shiny, long-wearing mineral lip colour that deeply moisturizes, plumps, smoothes and beautifully shapes lips with creamy colour and silky, smooth shine. With a unique gel-souffle texture, the more you wear it, the more moisturized your lips become.

For a soft line with added color, I like nude shade, this lip liner stops feathering and lasts!~

Clarins Lip Pencil This easy-to-apply lip liner will be offered in 8 new permanent shades.

 For the FACE~

If playing tennis indoors, I like to give myself a mini beauty treatment by applying face serum, here is a top favorite from Jurlique, soft, absorbing, beautiful!~



Sunscreen! This Neutrogena formula when applied 20 minutes before an outdoor match, absorbs, does not sting the eyes (mine are quite sensitive being blue), and lasts for a good hour, then I recommend re-applying as needed~

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion Var Wccpi = "Prod6011698";

I like to add a neutral shade of blush so I have some color in my cheeks with an added touch to the forehead, so I heartily recommend~

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick Convenient cream-to-powder blush stick glides on colour for a natural, all-day glow. Blends easily with fingertips to desired intensity and coverage. TIP: Use bronze shade Glow Blush to give skin an allover glow. Non-drying.

EYES !!! !!!
When pressed for time, I apply eyeliner first.  Only waterproof, as a tough match will melt away any color fast!


My favorite waterproof beauty products for the eyes are from Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes. You can best find this brand when shopping at Sephora.

For my blue eyes and to match up with a soft, neutral face palette, I prefer an eye pencil in a metallic grey shade, silvery grey, it gives my eyes definition without being too harsh, especially if playing at 8 AM, who needs black eyeliner so early in the morning??

Silvery Grey 22L at Sephora

A top favorite waterproof mascara of mine is Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof in 01 Extreme Black. This mascara lasts during a match, plus afterwards in the shower and beyond. I love this mascara!

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara Extreme volume. Even when wet. Lashes seem to multiply, magnify and grow. Three different high-volume fibers act like lash extensions, creating audacious lash effects-that last through all wet conditions. All weather. All waterproof.

Before, after the match and beyond, nothing like bright eyes to make your day complete! I have tried so many moisturizers for the eyes, you have to test them to see what you are most compatible with, and the Rhoto Cooling drops at Walgreens works for me.  Give it a few minutes to do its brightening, and then your eyes are sparkling**

Rohto Cooling Eye Drops Maximum Redness Relief Refreshes And Lubricates Fast Acting Long Lasting Comfort

And there you have it, tennis aficionados, a simple beauty regime for the tennis court, it takes a quick 5 minutes to apply this beauty, then you have your best game face, bring it on!

SOFT HANDS FOR TENNIS

Tennis girls take notice!

What a title for a post, soft hands? for tennis? Yes, I have been wanting to write a post for a while about the efficient use of hands on the tennis court to optimize my game, plus keep them as strong and moisturized as possible in the winter months.  

So, you have heard of the term "soft hands" in sports? What does this actually mean? It speaks a lot to your mindset, your physical capabilities, your actual use of loose hands and fingers on the grip of the tennis racquet.

Of course, "soft hands" means so much more than the tension on a tennis grip!

From the Wall Street Journal, see how Rafael Nadal has joined the club of tennis winners with soft hands.

Notice how his left fingers are taped, click the photo and read how Nadal is compared to the greats who have mastered "feel" and "touch" ~

courtesy Associated Press

This winter I have two goals for soft hands~

1. To best learn how to have an effective grip and hold my racquet properly with the correct tension and "feel" while maintaining proper stroke production, and

2. To optimize my hand and nail health; my skin gets so dried out especially in the winter that it becomes difficult to even hold a tennis racquet and make the shots I need to make, help!

SOFT HANDS for TENNIS~

I have researched the internet for good video examples of "feel" and "soft hands," and here is a useful one I know that I will refer back to for quite a while! 

Hosted by Brent Abel, from Jeff Salzenstein Tennis~

The take away here is the soft hands of Andy Murray~ that allows him a proper shoulder rotation~ to place his deep backhand return, to set up his next shot for an overhead winner from the net.

Note bene~ Soft hands are also useful making a drop shot at the net.

Keep practicing and look for those opportunities!

NOW, SOFT HANDS for BEAUTY~

You can't play optimum tennis or anything else for that matter unless your hands are truly soft!  Who can play with dry, cut cuticles and peeling, cracked hands? Awful, not good for anything!

For these winter months, having the correct moisturizing of hands and nails can certainly add to your game acumen. In fact I played today, and up against some very tough players, and five minutes out on the court my index finger nail cracked~ it is winter, folks!

My regimen is right now, the holidays are over and no excuses not to take better care.  

Here we go, first, for dry nails and cuticles, I have tested and will use two (2) times a day~

PeterThomasRoth Squalane non-oily oil can be used on the face, your hair, any dry areas, preservative free, pure sugarcane~

You can find it at QVC~

at QVC  for 34.56, free shipping

Next, for SOFT HANDS, I use several moisturizers, depending where I put them, in my purse, in the car, on my desk, there are several, and I love them!

I plan to use these religiously three (3) times a day, while winter persists!

 Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Trio (Creme Jeunesse des Mains), get it on the Clarins website!

Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Trio Softens and comforts dry, chapped, irritated skin. Helps strengthen nails and condition cuticles for youthful-looking hands, naturally. A $20.00 savings! 3 Travel-Size Hand and Nail Treatment Creams

I also will use Crabtree & Evelyn Moisturizing Hand & Cuticle Cream made with Jojoba Oil~

Moisturizing Hand & Cuticle Cream " Erase dry hands and flaking cuticles with our Jojoba Oil Moisturising Hand & Cuticle Cream. The powerful combination of sweet almond and jojoba oils ensures your hands and cuticles will be soft, conditioned and supple. Just the way you love them to be. "

 AND, Jurlique! Hand Cream Trio in Rose, Lavender and Citrus, for any time of day, any time of mood~

 

                     Be gorgeous with beautiful winter hands, soft hands for tennis!

You may also want to read my post POWERFUL LEGS FOR TENNIS, learn about kinetic chain, and what makes Serena Williams a champion!

CLARINS FALL 2013

Here it is! As promised, Clarins is presenting the second roll out of its Fall 2013 gift offer~ FEED 10, which supports children around the world suffering every day in search of a meal and comfort in their daily struggle of hunger.  Please say your prayers for these children, we are all part and parcel of this world, and to the extent we can help, if even in a very small way, slowly there will be improvement, step by step.

Clarins has chosen to help these children and families in a very direct way, and YOU can offer your part of assistance by joining the Clarins FEED 10 promotion of this very worthy cause.

It starts September 18th and will continue while supplies last. 

Click here for the New York Times article on the collaboration of Clarins and the FEED 10 charity. See how a cosmetics company partners with the FEED charity, what wonderful inspiration for us all!

Where can I find the GIFT WITH PURPOSE, you ask?  At Macys, in stores and online.

gift with purpose at Macys

This gift is available with a purchase of 2 Clarins products.

I strongly recommend the Ecran Teinte Multi-Protection, SPF 40, tint daily shield day screen, comes in three (3) shades light, medium and deep, applies over ANY skincare treatment, lasts + works!

at Macys $42

For pre-treatment skincare, I consistently return to the chamomile tonic, it is light, non irritating, and gets the job done~

at Macys $22

I use this toner after my favorite cleanser of Clarins, the Gentle Foaming Cleanser with cottonseed, use twice a day, you do not need much!  I have a tube that has lasted me the entire summer, twice a day, with still enough left!

at Macys $22

AND, after workouts, this Relax Tonic Oil works very well to relieve tight muscles, especially quads and calf muscles~

at Macys $56

Each of these recommendations are paraben free, tested by the author, and highly effective to make your day easy and yourself gorgeous!

Do not forget expressive eyes!  Clarins rolls out its Fall 2013 Graphic Expressions. You will find pretty color palettes for blush + eyes, here I really like the eye quartet mineral palette~

at Macys $42.00

REMINDER~ with each purchase of two products and you also receive the FEED 10 7 piece beauty gift, Clarins will donate 10 nutritious school meals, what a wonderful way to start the day!

                                                         

ESTEE LAUDER BEAUTY

updated December 11, 2013

There are terrific Estee Lauder specials out there, here's one for $32.50 with ANY purchase!

at Nordstrom PWP!

Try this long lasting Vivid Color nail polish for $20, meets the 'ANY purchase' requirement!

at Nordstrom $20

At Neiman Marcus, a special Estee Lauder purchase, so pretty for the holidays!

at Neiman Marcus $125

For years I simply return to Estee Lauder beauty, the color selection remains superb and the seasonal  offers are totally tasteful to carry you way beyond the present, invest in Estee Lauder beauty and you invest in yourself!

For anytime of year, may we suggest the following looks ~

Nail color!

French Nudes!!

at Neiman Marcus $20 each

A great look for you~ layer a base coat, then one color coat only, then a top coat for shine, and there you now have an ultra sheer, easy on the go look that lasts, and lasts!  I have tried this simple technique while traveling, playing tennis, quality nail color that looks great for week!!

Or, for deeper color sure to get you noticed is ... (drum roll please) ~

 Metal Mania Collection by  Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux~

at Neiman Marcus $20 each

AND, to go along with your best mascara, a favorite of mine is the duo eye liner which includes one refill~

at Neiman Marcus $26 each

Color that lasts all day, comes in black at Neiman Marcus. High definition! 

I have the deep blue Hayacinth Sky you can find at Macys or Bloomingdales!!

Keep these in mind for holiday gift shopping, enjoy!!

LIP BALM SAFETY

updated March 3, 2015

I have been wanting to write a post on lip balm, what are the safe products in the marketplace, and how to make your own recipe for quite some time, and here it is!  Thank you to my daughter for the input data here, who is aghast at the ingredients we put directly on our lips and therefore into our mouths. Think about it, whatever you put on your lips will enter the mouth, so please stay healthy, well and beautiful with these beauty tips!

That very well known component, lead, is a huge culprit in the manufacturing of lip balm. Yes, we have certainly heard of the woes of lead paint, so, figure that same lead is ingested through your oh so innocent lip balm!  Here is a quite informative article my daughter sent, sourced from her favorite health club Equinox, a leader in wellness that focuses on the whole person, not simply a gym membership!

photo courtesy of Equinox

Who wants to eat lead?  There ARE some good brands out there, a line that my girls have tried is Alba, created by beauty Jessica Alba, who wrote the quite informative book you can find at Amazon entitled, The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You.  

At Amazon: The Honest Life

Jessica Alba's book has real life application for a healthy YOU!

My own young millennials are excited by the simplicity and quality of Jessica's lip balm, Alba Botanical Natural Hawaiian Lip Gloss~

Alba Botanical $4.99

You can find Alba Organics at high quality drugstores.

According to Kelly Teegarden, a stage III thyroid cancer survivor, using lip gloss "should be a no-risk situation."  From West Hills, California, Kelly makes her own line at Kelly Teegarden Organics. You can find Kelly's products at Whole Foods, Encore and Beauty Sage.

Another good website with recipes too, go ahead and make your own!, is Purelementnaturals skincare for the soul.

All you need for your very own concoction from Purelementnaturals is beeswax, organic shea butter and argan oil, castor oil, vitamin E, sweet orange essential oil, and vanilla stevia.  

Where to find these raw ingredients?  Vitamin E can be found in any drugstore, and the other ingredients can be found in American specialty supermarkets such as Whole Foods.  If in Europe I would suggest any high end pharmacy or natural foods source.  Usually in these markets specialty items are sold a la carte, so you will have to shop around. And please read the labels to be sure there are not any additives!

A great website that has links for 'what's in your products,' is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  You will discover legislation, regulation, and current safety measures implemented by your favorite brands such as Johnson & Johnson in the news!

Another interesting link to make your own recipe is The Personal Formulator. There is a lot of great information out there, but I must say, I DO love my luxury brands of Lancome, Clarins, Estee Lauder, and my new discovery Algenist.  So, I say, make your own, and also splurge once in a while and stick to your old favorites as well. 

AND, be sure to read those labels!!!

LANCOME SPRING 2013

updated May 7, 2013

photo courtesy of Lancome

Congratulations, Emma Watson, the face for cosmetic giant Lancome, the white shirt look suits you!

Here is a great blush, goes with many skin tones~ BLUSH IN LOVE

at Lord & Taylor $49

Here are some really fun, bright, smooth Juicy Gelee pots for YOU!!

at Lord and Taylor $18

If you like Nordstrom, may we suggest for you Lancome Spring lovelies~

Blush Subtil $42

This highlighter/blush palette goes a long way, plus it qualifies for the Nordstrom gift!  So you are all set for Spring, enjoy!!

Check this out at Lancome~ Lancome in Love Spring Color Collection 2013

Lancome in Love

Here is a great Youtube demonstration of Lancome in Love Spring Color with spokesmodel Emma Watson, she is simply gorgeous and sweet, perfect for this Spring!

If you are Macy's Fans~

A great Lancome primer that I have tried and will return to is the oil free, perfecting makeup primer, La Base Pro:

at Macys, $42

Applies clear, smooth and even. Texture is like a serum.  

If you are in summer mode weather-wise, this is a great primer to use in place of a moisturizer! It is light yet effective, and prepares your facial canvas for a lasting make-up.

A WONDERFUL Lancome foundation is the Teint Idole Ultra 24 H, it applies smooth and truly keeps its color and texture ALL DAY!! PARABEN FREE, too!!!

If you like, you can find Teint Idole at Macys~

at Macys $45 Teint Idole Ultra

Be Beautiful, Spring Lovelies !!!!