A Mineral Miracle

After the spring we've had, (well, that and -- err, aging)... the stress was definitely showing in my face. I went to my favorite skin technician at my favorite day spa and told S that I wouldn't be on-board with drastic measures like a face-lift or pumping myself full of Botox or Restyline, but I'd listen to any of her other suggestions. She threw out starting with BBL -- Broadband Light laser -- to rid my face of age spots, fine lines, and capillaries around the nose, and after one or two treatments, following up with a light chemical peel.

I had my first session last week to take advantage of a 25% off special. It took a quick 20 minutes. I was nervous. After slipping on a pair of eye goggles like swimmers wear (only metal), she proceeded to zap away the offending spots and lines. I could see the light, even through the goggles with my eyes closed. I could feel the slight burn and zap, and I held a small fan to my face to counter-act the burning sensation. Not my favorite thing, but definitely not too bad.

After she was finished, other than a slight ruddiness and a noticeable lack of spots and lines, you couldn't tell any work had been done at all. S said in four weeks I'd be ready for another session, and my "issues" were such that only one more session should do the job. Then on to the next phase.

In the meantime, I hadn't been satisfied with my makeup for 2 years now. I had been a Bobbi Brown user for years, and had switched to Giorgio Armani after a makeover. I liked the natural look, and aside from the expense, liked the product, and it lasted a long time. But lately -- especially when we were out west in the desert -- I started to feel it was looking too cakey and wanted to try something lighter. S suggested I give mineral makeup a try.

Sometimes a product comes along that you finally try and later wonder why it took so long for you to pick up.

This is the case here. I had a makeup session using Jane Iredale product, and ended up taking home the concealer, foundation, blush and pomegranate mister. The product seems to melt right into your skin and the mister 'sets' it, making it appear seemingly natural. The foundation is a powder, and I wondered how it would provide any coverage at all, but it does, and a little goes a long way. I have an oily T-zone, and usually need a blotting paper 2 hrs after applying makeup, but with this mineral makeup I can go 4 to 6 hrs without a touch-up. It doesn't crease under the eyes. I am definitely going back to buy more of this product...some before I've finished with the Armani, which isn't like me at all, as I tend not to buy more before using up what I have.

Another 'fabulous find,' is Clinique bottom lash mascara. It is genius covering the small lashes on your bottom lids. My suggestion is to wipe the wand with a tissue before applying, though, as it can migrate to your skin underneath the eyes if you aren't careful. (My lashes are long, so raccoon eyes have been an issue, particularly since I wear contact lens).

NOTE: usually my facial cleanser has been sufficient to remove any trace of makeup at night, but with mineral makeup you definitely need to use makeup remover before using your regular cleanser....I have used Dermalogica and Kiehls for decades now, and have been pleased with both. Before that I used Erno Laslo and then Sonja Dakar, and found that the D and K do as good a job - for less money. Always love a savings...