My Favorite Beauty Icon: My Mom

My mom and me: Just cal us "The Cheekbone Twins"

My mom and me: Just call us “The Cheekbone Twins”

 

“You are so beautiful, Mommy.”

These are the words I can remember thinking in my head, long before I can even remember being able to say these words to her.

Then, when I could talk, I told her so much, that she would actually tell me not to.

She never believed them.

But I could never refrain.

Because my mom is THAT beautiful.

I always wanted to look like her, and while I always looked more like my dad, I love that Facebook now tags her every time I post a picture of myself.

Seems like I had to grow into myself before I could grow into her cheekbones.

She will always be the definition of beauty to me.

And, it doesn’t hurt that she’s killer smart.

Wicked combo.

xoxo,
Dawn

 

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I truly am The Luckiest.
Happy birthday to the woman –
who taught me how to be a woman,
who loved me as a little girl,
the woman at whom I would stare for hours wishing that I would one day be as beautiful as her.

Happy Birthday to the woman –
I told – and still tell to this day – all of my secrets to.
The woman to whom I would say how beautiful she was every day ad nauseam until she literally made me stop.
My teatime partner.
My margarita partner.
My cheese and Wine partner.
My partner in all things.

I hope that I am as good a daughter as the mother you’ve been to me.
And I pray that one day I’ll be half the mother that you are.
I know that you would like me to live the single life forever and live in Tuscany and Paris and such but seeing you be the mom that you were and are makes me want to be a mom one day.
You just make it look so beautiful.

You have accomplished so many exemplary achievements in your life but this one is your best.
Everything I am is because of you. And I could not imagine a minute without you in my life. I truly am the luckiest.

I love you the whole wide world and back again.

High-Low 10/28/13, Part 2: Dallas Moments ( last 5 out of 10) and Pushing Buttons

HIGH: My Trip Home to Dallas, Part 1

Well, my trip home to Dallas was just one big High, really. So here are the last 5 of my Top 10 Dallas moments.

5) Moments with Mom. My mom is my best friend and we have too, TOO much fun when we get together. Whether it be high tea at Eden Cafe

Tea w/ Mom is one of my favorite traditions that we have. We've been doing it since I was 8!!

or sharing shocking secrets at Mi Cocina

Oh, what will we talk about next? I suppose it just depends on the adventures we have between now and Christmas...

You never know what’s going to come up in one of our tête-à-têtes!

4) With all of my family and old friends in Dallas, it’s always fun to find a new one. That’s why I adored getting to happy hour it up at Truck Yard with my new friend, KellyAnn Sutton of Anthropologie. KellyAnn and I actually met through Instagram!! How current is that? And we were delighted to find that we’re definitely meant to be friends!! So thankful to know her.

Happy Hour at the super cool Truck Yard in Dallas with my new friend, KellyAnn Sutton of Anthropologie

 

3) While many of my friends have nieces and nephews, our family has always veered a bit from the norm. So, I was delighted to get to spend a little quality time with my big brother, David, and my stuffed coyote nephew, Archibald by the pool. Yep, totally normal – us McCoys.

With my stuffed-coyote-nephew, Archibald...don't ask.

 

2) As if you thought we hadn’t gone to Mi Cocina enough already as a family, we also take our friends. It’s become a tradition that we sip margaritas and snack on tex-mex at Mi Cocina with my dear friends from college, Tadd and Jenna Tate. We always laugh our way through the meal and we always – and I do mean, ALWAYS – close the place down!

Another night of oversharing & laughter at Mi Cocina with my family & friends

 

1) One of my favorite bakeries on the planet is Tart Bakery in Dallas. So I was delighted when Tart sent me back to LA in style with a BeautyFrosting-themed cakelet! What a sweet and delicious delight!

A BF-themed cakelet from Tart Bakery in Dallas

LOW: Pushing Buttons

No family is perfect...

Well, after that much fun, something a little dreary was bound to happen. And it did the last night I was in Dallas. Our family went to Meddlesome Moth and, well, my big brother and I ended up getting into a tiff. Here’s the thing about family – the fact that you know each other best and have known each other longest is truly a double-edged sword. After all, they totally understand who you are because they’ve seen everything you’ve been through; but in times of struggle and conflict, they also really know how to push your buttons. So I was sad to leave without telling my brother goodbye. And I hate, hate, HATE doing that. But the upside? We both realized our wrongs and apologized. We’re fine now but I just hate that I left Dallas on a sour note. My brother actually suggested coming up with a safe word so when we start pushing buttons again, we can agree to shelve the dispute for a different time. I liiiiiiike this. Now, just to put it into use…

The Best Gift I Ever Received from my Mom: After A While…

Just in time for graduation, I want to share this with you.

The best gift I ever received was from my mother.

 

Clarice McCoy, my Mother

It was Christmas Day 1995. My senior year of high school.

I was sitting on the stairs of our new townhouse that she had bought following a long-overdue divorce, from my father, after 29 years of marriage.

We were depleted emotionally, physically and spiritually; and, yet, we were also strangely renewed.

When I unwrapped the gift and laid the pretty paper aside, I saw in my hands, a bubblegum-pink tome of a book, “Miss Manners: A Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior”.

I laughed. If you know me, you understand! I immediately loved it!
I mean it was pink! DINGBubblegum pink at that! DING DING!!

Aaaaand it was a 745 page book about good manners, being nice and being a lady.

DING DING DING!!!

Miss Manners by Judith Martin

I ran over to Mom and hugged & kissed her. I felt so proud of, and for, this woman who had recently recovered from the aforementioned divorce AND raising a daughter and son lovingly while living with Interconnective Tissue Disease (a hateful combo disease of Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis).

My Nanny (my mom’s mom and the other beloved matriarch in my life) was there too. I remember that there was such a peace to her that Christmas – like, “Okay, now my baby girl is happy and on her own and all is good in the world. Thank you, God.”

Unbeknownst to us, at the time, it would be her last Christmas.

As I was hugging my Mom, she asked me, “Did you look inside?”
I shook my head no. She told me, “You really want to look inside.”
Inside was the best present I have ever been given.

See, years before – when I was 13 – I had found a quote in a Dear Abby column during our morning newspaper reads at La Madeleine. A small piece of prose that I had just fallen in love with. I had torn out the piece from the paper, recorded it in my quote book and kept it on my bulletin board for YEARS.

I just knew, at the time, that these words would give me great comfort in life. It was a quote-soulmate, if you will. Here ’tis:

After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.

Wow. I was hooked.
At that time, I had told my Mom, “If you ever find the poet or whole poem that this belongs to, please buy it or cut it out of the periodical for me. Pretty please!”
I said that knowing that the request would be lost in time. And I too forgot…after a while.

Now, 5 years later, that very poem, in its entirety, was written HERE in my Mother’s beautiful cursive handwriting on the inside front PINK pages of this book that would become one of my most prized possessions.
She had inscribed:

To Dawn, My Southern Sweetheart and My Southern Belle, here is everything you need to know about “Correct Behavior”. May all your dreams come true! You’re already the most gracious Southern Lady I know. Love and Kisses, Mom (Christmas 95)

Then on the second page was this treasure:

“After A While” by Veronica A. Shofstall

After A While 

(Veronica A. Shoffstall, copyright 1971)

After a while, you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security.

And you begin to learn
that kisses aren’t contracts
and presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.

 

After a while, you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure,
you really are strong,
you really do have worth,
and you learn,
and you learn – 
with every goodbye, you learn…

Love you the whole wide world
and back again,
Mom

Well, as I had predicted at 13, I came to rely on these words very much over the years.

Deaths of loved ones that I could’t bear to live without,

friendships that seemed like they’d never end…that ended,

love that was lovely but wasn’t meant to last forever (“kisses aren’t contracts”),

and plans, of a future, that definitely have a way of “falling down in mid-flight”.

But, you know what?
I learned.

I have learned and learned and continue to learn so much every day.

And I am so grateful. I am a better woman, daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, and, (perhaps, one day) wife and mother because of these difficult lessons learned.

Sometimes you learn things you never even knew you needed to learn! With every goodbye, I did learn. But with every hello, I do, too.

And I would never take any one of those lessons back.

I planted my own garden and tend to it as best I can every day, continue to decorate my own soul (and house and this blog and…), and, well, I’ve learned that with every goodbye you do learn, that you really can endureyou really are strong and you really do have worth.

So, THANK YOU MOM, for remembering my little 13-year old heart’s wish and giving me the grace of a woman at such a young age.

I love YOU the whole wide world and back again.

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Suggests: Share this with your daughter, or mom, or friend. It truly is a gift!

 

 

In the Bag: Mother’s Day Delights

Mother’s Day is coming up and, hopefully, you’ve already gotten the perfect gift for your perfect mom! But if you haven’t yet, here are some gifts to help Mom look and feel her beautiful best!

You should have just one goal while shopping for the mom in your life: Give her something that will delight her! Ask yourself, “What makes Mom giddy with glee?” This month’s In the Bag features some of my pretty picks that will really make your mom’s heart skip a beat!

In-The-Bag: Mother's Day Delights

1) Jessie Steele Citrus Blossom Rubber Gloves $12: If your mom is a dazzling domestic goddess, you can’t go wrong with one of my favorite companies: the jovial Jessie Steele! Jessie’s retro-fabulous, kitschy kitchen gloves come in a variety of colors and designs, so there is a pair destined to match your mom’s kitchen décor. With this one reasonable-yet-ravishing gift, you can turn Mom’s least-fun kitchen-cleaning task into a glamorous affair!

2) SoapyBliss Flavor Collection Bath Collections $45: If your mom’s a sucker for sweets and/or is a bath addict like I am, she will love these treats from the delicious small businessSoapyBliss! These precious little confections satisfy moms with a sweet tooth without crashing their diets! Between the Cupcake Bath Bomb, Shower Sugar Cubes and Whipped Cream Body Frosting in this set, Mom is sure to soak in sweets to her heart’s content! And with prices starting at just $5 for Cupcake Bath Bombs, everyone can find a gift within their budget on the SoapyBliss site. Plus, the pretty pastel packaging that resembles cupcake wrappers and chocolate boxes is sure to sweeten the surprise!

3) Caldrea Variety Sampler Set $75: Is your mom less on the glamorous side and more like Monica from Friends? Then this Caldrea Variety Sampler Set will impress your lovely, loves-to-clean lady of the house! Safe for her, her family, her home, and the earth, this set is filled with all the everyday essentials she needs to keep her home clean and sparkling. And with a variety of Caldrea’s best-selling scents, Mom’s sure to find a favorite for future purchases!

4) Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide Acrylic Makeup Organizer $395: This deluxe, sure-to-delight celebrity favorite is a triple-hitter! For the mother who’s the ultimate organizer, the mom who wishes she were more organized, or the mama who dazzles as a glamazon, Sherrieblossom is the gorgeous way to go! With its five see-through drawers and six tiers, Mom’s makeup will never go rogue again! Plus, Mom will have all of her beloved beauty products at her fancy fingertips while primping for a big night out! So lavish some luxury on your marvelous mother!

5) FabFitFun VIP box $49.99/season: If you want to bring a little red-carpet luxury to your mom’s everyday life, the FabFitFun VIP box is your answer this Mother’s Day! Giuliana Rancic – and the FabFitFun femmes themselves — handpick the pretty, primo products for this luxury box delivered straight to her door four times a year. While your mom won’t receive the box on Mother’s Day, you can let her know that your Mother’s Day gift is a gift that keeps giving all year long! With fun, full-sized products from the beauty, fashion and fitness worlds, Mom will be giddy with glee every time she receives this seasonal surprise!

6) Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System in Pink $119: For a beautiful no-brainer bet, you can’t go wrong with this gift that gives Mom gorgeous, glowing skin. An investment in Mom’s skincare and a little daily luxury, the Clarisonic skin cleansing system is loved and trusted by women across the world who want softer, younger-looking skin. Cleaning deep to the pores and increasing circulation and oxygen, this small, travel-friendly treat comes in every color of the rainbow. If your mom’s partial to pink like I am, the pink Mia is the perfect accent to any beauty’s bathroom counter. Plus, she’ll be impressed that you care about her complexion!

And, ladies, don’t forget to treat yourself with one of these In the Bag fab finds. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you beautiful ladies out there who help shape the women we become on a daily basis! May you experience as much love and beauty this Mother’s Day as you have brought into your loved ones’ lives!

 

xoxo,

BF

 

BF Asks: What are you delighting your mother with this Mother’s Day?

 

Mother’s Day Gift-Giving Guide, Part 2: Long on Love, Short on Time & Money

So you still don’t have the perfect, pretty gift for the pretty lady in your life? Well, with Mother’s Day right around the corner, you still have a few last minute, lovely options that are sure to tickle Mom pink!

Our moms were there for us when we cried our first tear, said our first word, took our first step. So even if you’re short on time and/or money, you’ve gotta find a way to show the most important woman in your life how important she is to you on Mother’s Day!

Here are my top tips on how to honor and celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day without breaking the bank or running out of time.

1) Give Mom a present every month. Beauty boxes are a new, thoughtful, little service that Mom will love! A few times a year or once a month (depending on the service you select), she’ll get pampered with an assortment of beauty products to try. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming so let me break it down for you.

Is Mom a glamourous woman? Does she love any and all things beauty? Is she always looking for the best new makeup or skincare?
New Beauty Test Tube is the way to go! For only $29.95 every 3 months, Mom gets a beauty box filled with goodies like this:

New Beauty Test Tube: The GoodsNew Beauty Test Tube: The Goods

For more info about New Beauty Test Tube, read our BF post here: http://www.beautyfrosting.com/mailbox-monday-new-beauty-test-tube

Is Mom eco-conscious? You’re own earth mother incarnate? A goddess of green?

 Eco-Emi is the way for you to go!

For more Eco-Emi details, read our post here: http://www.beautyfrosting.com/mailbox-monday-eco-emi-glamour-you-can-feel-good-about

There are lots more beauty box services where those came from but those are my BF-Best picks for this Mother’s Day! And while Mom won’t receive the actual box on Mother’s Day, when you tell her what you’ve done and that she’ll be receiving gifts all year long, she’ll be utterly delighted at your forethought!

2) Favorites are fun! Does Mom have a wine she adores? Buy her a case of her favorite wine at BevMo. Too expensive? Buy her a bottle and a fancy wine opener like CorkPops! The cork pops right off thanks to CO2 cartridge. I don’t wanna say she won’t need you anymore but…you get the idea!

Mom more of a tea-totaler in that she loooooves her tea! Buy her an antique teapot, a teacup and a box of her favorite tea (most people don’t mind an Earl Grey, English Breakfast or Darjeeling).Wanna be extra thoughtful? Buy her a box of sugar cubes. Every true TEAista loves ‘em!

3) Spa Day at a steal. Subscribe to  YipIt.com (even if only for 2 days) and get the best deals on all discounted spa services and favorites (everything on Lifebooker, Groupon, Daily Candy, Living Social and all the others in one place!!!) for your favorite lady!

You will get DEEPLY DISCOUNTED spa, restaurant and more deals that will make you look like the prince you are while paying like a pauper. Nice. How cheap am I talking? I’m talking $5 manicures, $29 massages, $25 blowouts, $30 hair coloring and more. Yes, it can be more than that but that’s as low as they go!

4) Pack a picnic. Gather your Mom’s favorite foods and beverages and hit a park, museum, beach, lake or backyard. Every girl, no matter the age, loves a picnic. It’s really that simple. Be sure to pack glassware, utensils, plates, napkins and a candle too!

5) Movie Matinee. Take Mom to a movie. Just don’t forget to sneak in her favorite champagne or candy! It’s that little extra step that makes it special!

6) In-Home Spa. Can’t get away? Need a last minute solution? Pamper your pretty lady at home. Many women I’ve talked to said that it really couldn’t get better than just getting a few moments alone. Draw her a bath, light some candles, pour her a glass of her favorite wine (or steep a cup of her favorite tea), grab her favorite book/trashy magazine and set her up in her own personal in-home spa night! Perfect for those moms with little ones running around. Let her relax and unwind in the bath while you pop in a dvd for the little darlings! And pop the bubbly for her. Just remember that she’s in a spa treatment. That means NOOOOO disruptions!

7) A Little Something Special? Maybe you love all of the ideas above but still want to give her a little something special. Check out my In-My-Tub-Tuesday: Mother’s Day Edition post to get a few bathtub-ready treats. Anything by Kai or Darphin will tickle her toes!

8) Super Last Minute Fix. Buy 2 bouquets of flowers at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods or your favorite neighborhood florist. This can be done for under $20. Keep it simple. Don’t buy a mixture of 15 colors. Women don’t want it.

Buy 1 or 2 colors (I’m partial to pink, violet, yellow or white and roses, hydrangeas, peonies, tuberose, tulips or gerber daisies) and divide them into 5 different smaller-medium sized vases.

Put one each in the bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen and anywhere else where when she sees them, she’ll smile. It’s that extra thought of scattering them through the house that means the most! Just be sure to clean up your mess, throw away the trash – and oh!- be sure to put water in the vases with a touch of Sprite (may sound crazy but they’ll last longer)!

***
If you do one of the above, I can guarantee you a smile (and probably a hug too) from the Mom in your life. And, if she likes it, drop me a note or send me a pic!

 

xoxo,
BF 

BF Asks: What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever given or received?

 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide #1: Pretty Picks for Mom

I experience so many unbeatable beauty and lifestyle products all year long that when it comes to picking the perfect gift for my Mom, I can get a little overwhelmed. Lucky for me – and you, too – I have gathered a host of heavenly products that are sure to make Mom feel even more beautiful than she already is. These 5 picks are my favorites for when you have a few days prep time to head to a store, order on Amazon or just basically need a gracious gift fast with just a bit of forethought.

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2013 #1: Pretty Picks for Mom...with just a little forethought

1) Lorac Mother’s Day Collection ($32) will help you gift a little gorgeousness to Mom! Among the pretty products included are Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Star Studded, Special Effects Conditioning, Defining & Lengthening Mascara, Hot & Spicy Blush/Bronzer Duo and Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trendsetter – all in a sleek, black croc makeup bag. Valued at $112, this glamorous collection for Mom won’t cost you a pretty penny! It’s only $32 for a limited time!

 

Lorac Mother's Day Collection ($32)

 

2) Aerin Lauder’s line, Aerin, has a slew of pretty products sure to delight Mom! I’m especially partial to Aerin’s Spring Color Palette in Effortless Spring Radiance ($70). Even though Summer might be right around the corner, this pretty palette will put a little spring in Mom’s step!

Aerin Spring Color Palette in Garden In Bloom ($70)

 

3) If Mom is a domestic goddess and loves her palace to polish and shine, she’ll be thrilled to get a basket of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Kitchen Basics Set ($9.99). The Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Kitchen Basics Set is an easy way to introduce Mom to a new way of cleaning with her favorite scent! The set contains their eco-friendly cleaning products and includes Liquid Dish Soap, Liquid Hand Soap and Countertop Spray. My favorite scents? Rosemary, Basil and Honeysuckle. And at $9.99, it’s a steal!

 

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Kitchen Basics Set ($9.99)

 

4) If Mom loves to smell as sweet as she is on the inside, your best beauty bet is the Trish McEvoy Mother’s Day No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Fragrance Collection ($145). One of my favorite all-time scents, Mom will be left smelling like Trish’s iconic blend of sweet blackberries and rich vanilla. And with an assortment of Trish’s bestselling products – including fragrance, body cream and sugar scrub – Mom will feel pretty pampered and pampered pretty!

 

Trish McEvoy Mother’s Day No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Fragrance Collection

 

5) If your mom’s been saying that she wants to take care of her skin but she just hasn’t gotten around to it, why don’t you help her take that healthy step? Murad Environmental Shield Introductory Kit ($39.95) is the perfect introductory set that will get Mom on the healthy skincare track she’s been intending to jump on. This satiating set (with a value of $125) includes smaller sizes of the Essential-C cleanser, Active Radiance Serum, Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 as well as a few bonus gifts! By getting this gift, you’ll be enrolling Mom in a monthly skincare program that she will receive monthly for only $39.95/month. I can’t imagine a gift as good as this investment!

Murad Environmental Shield Introductory Kit - an anti-aging superhero! (only $39.95)

And if you get a little something extra for Mom – or for yourself – in addition to Mom’s gift, you’ll get a fun gift for Mom or for you, as well! (FREE with any $120 purchase)

A Murad BONUS this Mother's Day!!!

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day shopping and, more importantly, Happy Mother’s Day!

xoxo,
BF

WWW: Julie C. – an old friend’s photo-fabulous lipcolor on Facebook caught my eye!

So, readers are often asking how I pick a WWW (Whatcha’ Wearin’ Wednesday) girl. I’ve been asked if I ever pick them from my friends, online, on Facebook, from pictures, etc.

In this case, yes, yes, yes and yes.
Meet Julie C:

Julie C. and her concert-“reddy”, perfect red pout in Bobbi Brown Burnt Red

I met Julie in college and we have seen each other a number of times since then – what with weddings, showers, college reunions and even a trip to Santa Rosa, Florida for our mutual dear friend, Cathleen’s 30th birthday!

So, Julie is no stranger on the street to me. But, even with all that, when I saw this pic of her flashing a gorgeous smile with a gorgeous shade of red (along with her college sweetheart-husband, Matt) on Facebook, I had to ask Whatcha’ wearing’, Julie?

 BF: Julie, yet again, that is a gorgeous picture of you and Matt! You have to tell me what you’re wearing in this picture! I loooove that lipstick! What is it? (Too gushy?)

Julie C: Bobbi Brown Burnt Red Lipstick 
with a little Bobbi Brown high shimmer lip gloss over it!

BF: Where did you wear it? Or, shall I say, where did you rock it?

Julie C: Wore it to the Black Keys concert with my husband, Matt, and best friends

Our WWW girl Julie & her husband, Matt

BF: How did you decide on that shade?

Julie C: I love the pop of color and how it makes my lips show up in pictures!
I knew I wanted a red lipstick, and I picked it after trying out several at the Bobbi Brown counter.

BF: Is this a shade you always wear or is it a special occasion shade?

Julie C: Definitely a special occasion shade OR if I’m wearing very understated outfit–like black jeans and white t-shirt. My signature shade is usually Bobbi Brown Brownie.

BF: Did you keep the rest of your makeup simple, etc.?

Julie C: Yes, I keep the rest of my make-up simple… I do like a red cheek though!

BF: What beauty tips/rituals did your mom teach you?

Julie C: My mom dragged me to the Clinque counter my junior year of college! She was always helpful in not overdoing makeup, just making it look fresh and simple. With a pop of lipstick!
She has always been good about her nighttime routine of face washing and moisturizing. And got me into the routine as well.

BF: You have a beautiful daughter, Annie. What beauty rituals and lessons are you planning on passing on to her?

Julie C:  Annie is 9–tear(!)–and now just started getting into my make-up! We have purchased lip glosses so far. I’ve also taught her how to use my lipstick for the lips and then the cheeks for her dance competitions. But not TOO much! Just enough to make her feel good and still her age at those crazy dance events!

BF: Oh my goodness! Where has the time gone? Good plan on the lip gloss! I might have a few tips for you on that! I also highly suggest getting her into a skincare routine at 12. The Clinique counter is a great place to start! Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous shade and beautiful beauty tips with us! Also, Julie, this photo you took of your kids, George & Annie,  is BREATHTAKING!!!

Photo by Julie Crouch, 2012

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you want to be our WWW (Whatcha-Wearin’-Wednesday) Girl?
You can! Just send us a pic of one of your fave looks with WWW in the subject line. 

Dear Dawn: Dry & Red Skin & Another Birthday on the Horizon – Help!

Dear Dawn,

I am about to turn another year older and I am tired of my skin care regimen. I have lots of red in my skin and it seems to be so dry. Any suggestions, BF?

Shelby P & her little beauty

 

Dear Shelby P,

Yes! Well, judging from the precious pic above, it looks like you have your hands full with that little beauty of yours! Which, I imagine, makes your own beauty routine take a backseat many a night.

DD to the rescue! Maybe that’s a little dramatic. I’m no superhero but I think, in this case, I can be of some help. The first thing you need to know, and have faith in, is that there is a solution. We just have to find the perfect recipe that works for your skin.

I have both clients and friends who have had this EXACT concern. They are affected by weather changes, climate changes, foods, wines, stress – by a lot.

My first suggestion is a biggie: try sleeping with your head elevated on 2 pillows. This is a must for skin conditions such as redness, rosacea and puffiness.

My second suggestion is to limit alcohol, excessive caffeine, highly acidic fruits and chocolate.

My third suggestion is to take supplements. Many people, including yours truly find them super helpful. I would suggest Krill oil and an mega-acidophilus supplement, such as Natren Healthy Trinity. Many times taking these produce almost immediate results!

Now that that’s out of the way, on to the fun stuff. THE PRODUCTS!!!!

Many people have found relief with Clinique Redness Solutions. If you haven’t tried that yet, start there. You can get a Clinique Redness Solutions kit, to try it all in one fell swoop (the soothing cleanser, relief cream and SPF 15 protective base), for only $39.50 at Sephora. Click this link to buy: Clinique Redness Solutions Kit.

Clinique Redness Solutions Kit $39.50

Clinique still reigns supreme as head redness fighter in the beauty world simply because it works for so many people and sells for such a reasonable price point.

If you have already tried that, here are some ingredients that I would use to bake up your perfect skincare recipe:

Skincare Recipe for Shelby P:

Morning:
Do not wash face.
If you shower, splash with lukewarm or cool water. No scrubbing. Pat dry.

Apply oil ( try Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil – buy it for $10.34 by clicking on this link).

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

Apply serum (Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum – buy for $55 by clicking on this link). Bonus? This doubles as a beautiful slip of a makeup/sunscreen primer!

Wexler MMPI.20 Skin Regenerating Serum

Wexler MMPI.20 Skin Regenerating Serum

Apply SPF cream (Clinique Protective Base SPF 15 or Avene Redness SPF 25 $33)

 

Night:

Wash face with gentle cleanser like Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser, Eucerin Soothing Cleanser Redness Relief (which is $7.55 on this Amazon link) or Avene Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin (buy it for $22 and receive samples by clicking on this link to Beauty Collection).

Avene Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin at Beauty Collection

Apply oil (again, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil)

Apply anti-aging serum (like Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum) which is amazing for sensitive skin like yours and mine. And it feels deeeeeluxe and deeeeelish!

Apply eye cream of choice (if you don’t have one, ask me!).

Apply rich moisturizer like: Clinique Repair Cream, Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream ($11.94 on this Amazon link) or Avene Cream for Intolerant Skin.

*Note:

I’ve also been a big fan of Creme de La Mer for 16 years. So if you are needing a solution, try a sample and see if it’s an option for your skin type.

DDF Redness Relief is another treatment clients have loved.

DDF Redness Relief

Think of the oil and serum as your anti-aging ingredients and the moisturizers and cleansers as your soothing treatments for redness.

In terms of concealing the redness, this is my philosophy: don’t try to cover up all the time. Leave your skin plenty of time to breathe, be treated with the above ingredients and heal.
So while you’re trying this new skincare recipe, I would recommend using concealing makeup only when totally necessary. When you do, try the Allure 2011 Best of Beauty Winner, Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder $32.50.

The pale yellow powder neutralizes the redness rather than just covering it up. I am not a big fan of mineral makeup all the time – quite the contrary, actually- but when it comes to dependable concealing, it is hard to beat.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder $32.50

Shelby P, please let me know what ingredients work as we try these products to find your perfect skincare recipe! I can’t wait to hear back in a week or so!
Cheers to beautiful, younger-looking, less pink skin and a more PINK LIFE!!
xoxo,
Dawn/BF
BF Asks: What is your skincare concern?
*Originally published 3/19/12

Mailbox Monday: Dear Dawn – Mom Makeup

Hi y’all!

One of the most common questions I get in “Dear Dawn” is a lot like this one. This is for all you beautiful moms out there!

Dear Dawn,

I love all of your beauty advice on BeautyFrosting. And I love reading about your life too! It’s fun for a mom like me to live vicariously through your life! While I would love to take baths every night or spend 30 minutes on my makeup, I simply don’t have the luxury of time. Can you give me some quick tips about applying makeup so that I don’t have to reapply? I usually have less than 5 minutes in the morning to myself. I bet there are a lot of moms out there, like me, who would love to look their best but just don’t have the time. Thanks so much and keep the beauty, baking & being fun coming! 

Thank you,

Mallory K.

Hi Mallory K.,
Thank you so much for your question! And you’re right! There are A LOT of moms out there who want to know a quick morning makeup routine that can make them their beautiful best every day. Best part? It’s easy-peasy.

My good neighbor-friend and mother of 2 beautiful girls, Jennifer, was sweet enough to help me show you how to achieve easy, effortless, lasting “beautiful you” Mom beauty.

Jennifer & one of her gorgeous daughters, Lucy

Here’s your go-to guide for every day carpool beauty in under 5 minutes with 6 beauty tools in your Super Mom beauty arsenal.

Here’s Jennifer au naturel prior to her “Beautiful Best Mom Makeover”. Beautiful!

Naturally Beautiful Mom, Jennifer

Naturally Beautiful Mom, Jennifer

And after, Beautiful BEST!

5-minute Mom beauty

5-minute Mom beauty

I’m listing the products in order of priority. Even if you’ve only got 2 minutes before carpool, you can easily get a little beachy bronze color on your face, glowing skin and a defined neutral lip.

1) Bobbi Brown EXTRA Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($52)

No matter how much of a rush you’re in, slather on that sunscreen. This is my FAVORITE tinted balm because it leaves you protected while giving you dewy, glowing, younger-looking skin. Who doesn’t want that? And a little goes along way so even though the price seems a little pricey, you’ll be using this for 3-6 months. And it is worth every penny!

Bobbi Brown EXTRA Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm

Bobbi Brown EXTRA Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($52)

2) Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40)

This is your one-stop shop for eyes and cheeks. When you just have time to use one product, this is my go-to.  It can be used as a bronzer on your cheeks and cheekbones. It can be applied to your eyelids for a natural glow. The darker tones can be used to define the crease and add a depth of color to the lids. The lightest color on top is perfect for brightening the inner corner of the eye!

Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40)

Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40)

3) Revlon ColorStay Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm ($8.99)

I love these super nifty lipstain/balm combos to help naturally shape the lip and moisturize with a balmy sheen. Naturally defined, moisturized lips? Yes please.  I particularly like the shade, Instinct, for its true nude tone.

Revlon ColorStay Just Bitten in Instinct

4) Maybelline The Falsies Volum Express 24 Hour Waterproof Mascara in Black Drama

Fuller lashes. No smudging. No running. Love.

Volum Express "The Falsies" Waterproof Mascara in Black Drama

5) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser 

This crease-proof concealer is not only a great cover for dark circles but TREATS your skin concerns. All-in-one beauty best!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser ($8.94 - $10.99)

 

6) Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks & Lips in Pale Pink ($25)

I love using this as a pop of color on top of the Revlon lip stain & balm and as a lasting pop of color on the cheek under the Bronze Shimmer Brick. It seems to serve as an anchor to any powdered blush, bronzer or highlighter that’s applied on top of it. Bonus! It’ll last you forever as it just takes a smidge!

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks & Lips in Pale Pink ($25)

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks & Lips in Pale Pink ($25)

Jennifer is loving her quick morning makeup routine and she never misses a moment with her two beautiful girls!

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: Hey Moms! What are your favorite beauty tips? Your fellow Moms out there want to know!