Quick Fixes

One of my new year’s beauty resolutions is to start actually bringing my real life more closely to my Pinterest life. That means, that Funfetti cake bar? Bringing it to my Superbowl party. That DIY trick for using old candle glasses to hold all my makeup brushes? Already done and in my bathroom cabinet. Those long bobs and Karlie Kuts keep enviously pinning? Bringing them to my hairstylist appointment tomorrow. And those 53 pins of ‘Fancy Occasion Hair‘? Well…getting there. But I’ll be one step closer using these Goody Spin Pins, the magic hairstyling tool that renders bobby pins and elastics completely unnecessary. The two spins are identical corkscrew pins that you twist in opposite directions to invisibly hold an updo in place. The secret in its secure placement is twisting each pin at opposite poles–you’ll want to twist one pin from the top of an updo and another coming from the bottom. And then, presto! Instant magic secureness of a chic chignon. In this case, there are no strings, Pinocchio, it really is just that easy. To make it look even more effortless, the pins can in a variety of colors, so they blend in with brunette or blonde hair.

We don’t use the word ‘ultimate’ here lightly at TDO, since the TDO seal of approval is hard to come by. Our testing process is languorous.  We test products. We ask our friends for their opinions. We concur about the results. We test them for multiple days, in different situations. Sometimes, in an effort to create a control, we test products on only half our face (which is why I’ve come to prefer my left side as my “best” side.) But after only two wears, I’m ready and quick to bestow it upon Comando’s Opaque Matte Tights. They are the tights of my dreams–tights that aren’t actually tight. Much like their famed silky underwear, these tights feel like next to nothing, with a unique knit blend, which I can only describe using adjectives that sound oxymoron-ish. Words like light, dense, thick, comfortable, and a perfect black.  These tights are as opaque as Anna Wintour’s eyes during a fashion show–impenetrable and revealing nothing, not a single line beneath clothes. And the best part? These tights are completely elastic-free, with a dig-free, wide banded waistband. So you can feel comfortable going completely commando this winter.

When it comes to balancing equations, you can’t subtract (take away something) on one side of an without adding something back on the other side. And I’ve found this math rule has been omnipresent in makeup removers. For all that they take away (every last dab of mascara, eyeliner, and artfully blended eyeshadow), they add back in terms of mild, oily residue or greasy remainder. The exception to this rule is KohGenDo’s Cleansing Water, which subtracts even the densest makeup paint, with the only remainder being glowingly soft skin, no washing or rinsing required. I suspect that this has something to do with the Cleansing Water’s formulation, which sounds like something out of an urban myth or the beginnings of an ancient fairy tale: From the Yumura Hot Springs in Izumo, Japan, comes pure water, rich with skin-absorbing nutrients, to replenish and rejuvenate as it cleanses.
White Birch Sap [is] harvested only three weeks in early spring.

I mean, replace the words “pure water” with hobbit or some other fantastical Middle Earth Creature, and it sounds like the beginnings of a Tolkien story, no? And like any good mystical product, it’s received the stamp of approval, by being a backstage favorite of makeup artists. Its magical oil-free and alcohol-free formulation is so mild and gentle that it’s even packaged like a a water bottle. And when a makeup oops like a wobbly hand destroys a slanted cat eyeliner, the Cleansing Water leaves behind a solid, smooth base so that you can instantly start over again. In addition to the normal liquid formulation, they also have Cleansing Water Makeup Wipes so you can remove your makeup in one swipe. It is a tad on the pricey side (harvesting that pure water and birch sap must be tough) at $39 for 10.15 fluid ounces, but a little bit goes a long way.

Never thought I’d say this … in fact, I’ve held out for several weeks. I’m still pinching myself. Kiehl‘s has done it again. Their new Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler, $39, is truly a scientific breakthrough. OK, OK, before I talk it up to the point of no return, I shall disclaim. For the first two weeks of using this product, I saw little to no change and lamented the fact that I had run out of my beloved Kahina Eye Cream. I still miss Kahina, but for now, I’m content watching the miracle that is Kiehl’s slowly unfold before my eyes. And now I’m upset that I haven’t taken before-and-after photos. (more…)

Yet again, I’ve let almost 6 months pass without a “Quick Fix” post. Yikes! I will try to do better in ’08. Anyway, you all know that scrubs are a fantastic way to exfoliate, but sometimes…you just don’t want (or can’t) spend the money on one. The following will be the quickest (and cheapest) scrub ever. It’s perfect to use on hands, feet, elbows, etc. Mix 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1/4 cup of brown sugar (or however much you want). Voila…scrub your heart out.

For those of you who like to shy away from the chemicals and the doctors, Barbara Close has a great DIY formula to help you zap that zit and clear up your skin. The following Rosemary Acne Serum is taken from her book: Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics.

1 ounce hazelnut oil
6 drops rosemary verbenone essential oil
5 drops of juniper essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
1 ounce apricot kernel oil
2 ounce glass bottle

Pour hazelnut oil in bottle. Add essential oils, close bottle, and roll between palms to disperse the oils. Top off with apricot kernel oil, close bottle, and agitate a second time.

Cleanse and tone skin. Apply 3 or 4 drops to a cotton pad or finger-tips and wipe over entire face. To plump up the skin, use serum in conjunction with facial massage. Â

Let me know if any of you try this and your results!

I can’t believe it’s been months since I’ve posted a quick fix! Well, here’s one that you can put you use now. With summer months, your feet may not smell so fabulous after a day of walking around the city. Here’s how to solve the problem in approximately 15 minutes. Fill a basin with cool water. Add the juice of freshly cut lemon, as well as slices of another. The juice from the lemons will get rid of odors and smooth feet, while the citrusy scent perks you up. Optional: if you want moisturization, simply add a splash of baby oil or a favorite essential oil. Soak and rinse.

I’m taking a tip out of the February issue of Glamour (pg. 64) – just because I thought that it was ingenious! If you have a pair of runny hose (oh, you know that you do!), cut off the torso and feet. Then wrap it around and under your hair, making a knot at the nape. Voila! An instant headband that will stay put.

Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate this holiday, we are leaving you with a quick recipe for a pumpkin facial…enjoy!

Blend together 3 tsp of pureed pumpkin (canned is ok), 1 tsp of honey, 1/4 tsp of milk, 1/2 tsp of brown sugar and 1/4 tsp of apple cider. Apply to your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

P.S. We will be off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Have a wonderful long weekend with your family and friends!

Does the idea of another hectic work week leave you with a headache? Relieve some of the tension by giving yourself a 5-minute head massage. Begin by dimming the lights and laying down. Apply a dime-sized amount of lotion onto your palms. Choose a lotion with cooling ingredients that also contain circulation-boosting properities, such as peppermint. Place palms on temples and slowly rotate your hands in a circular motion for a few minutes. Then, cup your forehead, along your hairline; lightly, press upwards on the crown and repeat. Lastly, draw your fingers lightly through the hair several times. Feel more relaxed?