Allure – Fabulous Forever Blog

07
Apr
2019

Skin Care: CBD

categories: Bath and Body, Skincare, Wellness

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about cannabidiol (CBD). It’s everywhere: I first mentioned CBD here, and it popped up again here.

Just to back up, CBD is one of about 100 or so cannabinoids, a group of compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. No, CBD does not get you high. That’s another cannabinoid, called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD has definitely become the new ‘It’ ingredient in skin care. It has gained popularity because it has antiinflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. CBD also has antioxidants and vitamins A, D, and E, with some essential fatty acids thrown in for good measure.

So I reached out to Hampton Atkinson, co-director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of San Diego in California. I asked him some questions about CBD as an ingredient in skin care products, and he was kind enough to respond and provide additional info about CBD as a therapy in general.

Atkinson said entrepreneurship “capitalizing on America’s love affair with the next big thing” may have led to the booming market in CBD-infused skin care. But because it has antiinflammatory properties, CBD may be useful in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. “Inflammation is the root of all evil, including acne or the signs of aging,” New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman told Allure. And it could give derms a nonsteroidal treatment option to offer their patients.

Since CBD reduces pain and swelling, it’s being added to balms and rubs used before or after tough workouts. CBD appeared to work in an animal model of knee inflammation, said Atkinson. He went on to say the researchers didn’t measure how much of the ‘dose’ of CBD that was applied actually got absorbed into the tissues.

Atkinson also said ongoing human studies of arthritis in the hands and knees used inhaled or oral formulations of CBD, rather than topically applied CBD. The most CBD gets absorbed into your system (ie., it has the greatest bioavailability) when it’s inhaled or taken sublingually (under the tongue).

And what was my experience when I test drove CBD oil and CDB body lotion, you ask? Pretty good, I’d say. I love the ShiKai CBD lotion pictured above. It feels light on the skin, so it’s nice for warmer weather when you don’t want anything too heavy. It kept my skin really moisturized, too. It was $45 at my local health food store, though.* But I would buy this again.

As far as the CBD oil goes? Meh. Let me explain. I have the creakiest knees. I climb stairs at the pace of someone twice my age. So I bought Fountain of Health CBD oil*, hoping it might help if I put some under my tongue. It helped a little, but it didn’t make that big a difference. And FYI, CBD oil tastes terrible, like you’re drinking a lawn. And I’m being polite.

The effectiveness of CBD-infused skin care products is still up in the air. The solid science just isn’t there yet. But if you want to try it, Allure has rounded up a list of 14 products to consider. Supposedly, Many Moore is a fan of the Lord Jones brand, and Olivia Wilde and Busy Philipps are fans of CBD stuff, too.

So tell me. Have you tried CBD oil or any beauty products with CBD in them? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments. I’d like to hear about your experience.

Be sure to subscribe to Fabulous Forever using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to like the Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

*I bought the CBD oil and the body lotion. Opinions are my own.

10
Jun
2018

Blend & Swatch

categories: Product Reviews

Today, let’s talk about the Facebook group called Blend & Swatch, brought to you by the lovely ladies at Allure magazine. The group gets its name from the Bend & Snap scene in Legally Blonde. If you are as obsessed with makeup and skin care as I am, you need this group in your life!

Women of all ages log on to trade makeup and skin care tips or share product reviews. Sometimes members just ask people’s opinion about a particular shade of lipstick, or post a selfie if they are having an awesome hair-and-makeup day. Allure editors also post their thoughts about what’s going on in beauty.

What I really love about Blend & Swatch is the feeling of community you get while scrolling through the feed. It’s sisterhood at its best: women from ages 20 to 50+ supporting one another and sharing information, no b.s. allowed. It kind of reminds me of a bunch of guys hanging out and talking sports.

Members are of different backgrounds and ethnicities, but they speak a common language: beauty. They treat each other with kindness and respect. That’s especially important right now, with so much negativity online. It’s too easy to hide behind a fake user name or profile and criticize people. Shaming others on social media is ugly and unnecessary.

Blend & Swatch debuted in August 2017. When I was thinking about what I wanted to say about the group, I went back and looked at some of the more heartfelt posts.

Maria D. said, “It’s the only Facebook group I belong to that feels like a bunch of girlfriends sitting around in fuzzy slippers talking about makeup and skin care, but also talking about real life concerns. I love it because I can read the posts and have my relax time!”

Marinda H. put it this way, “Just wanted to tell you all that you are beautiful, and I’m so thankful for each and every person here. You inspire me every day! The love for makeup and skin care has united some of the loveliest people I have ever known!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Tell me. Are you a member of any FB groups you love for their positive, upbeat vibe? I wouldn’t want to miss out on anything!

Be sure to subscribe to Fabulous Forever using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to like the Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

18
Sep
2017

A Few Fabulous Links

categories: Fabulous Links, Hair, Makeup

The new sign in front of Up and Out in Hoboken.

It’s been awhile since I’ve Linked, but I’ve see a few interesting tidbits, so i thought I’d log on and share.

Of course, Allure had the best of New York Fashion Week hair and makeup. I like the half-up and half-down look at Victoria Beckham and the messy ballerina bun at Badgley Mischka. And yes, according to Mansur Gavriel, scrunchies are back! And the cat eye at Marc Jacobs really channels Amy Winehouse.

These lovely ladies know what hairstyles work for them in the their 50s and beyond! I know as I’ve gotten older, I have learned what does and doesn’t flatter me hair wise.

Recently on the blog, I wrote about Helen Mirren’s gorgeous Allure cover, and shared pics I took at the Museum on Eldridge Street, Grand Central Terminal, and the New York Public Library.

I hope everyone enjoyed a great weekend! Have a great week!

This year, I’m doing the Eyecandy Project 52 photography challenge. Every week, we have to take a picture inspired by a prompt, such as From Above. Some prompts are relevant to the time of year, some are more evergreen. I’ll post my more successful efforts here about once a quarter. Check out the Q1 highlights here and the best of Q2 here.

Be sure to subscribe to Fabulous Forever using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to like the Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

Bonus pic! Shot this morning!

30
Aug
2017

Miscellaneous: On Dame Helen Mirren and the Term ‘Anti-Aging’

categories: Miscellaneous

Looking Dame good, girl. 72-year-old Helen Mirren rocking the cover of Allure like a boss!

If you follow beauty news at all, or just peruse magazines at the supermarket, you may have seen Dame Helen Mirren on the cover of Allure‘s September issue. You may have also read the magazine is no longer using the term ‘anti-aging.’

According to Allure editor-in-chief Michelle Lee, the term anti-aging insinuates that aging is something we need to fight or prevent, like some disease. I agree! With women like Mirren leading the way, and showing us how sexy life experience can be, getting older is nothing to fear. ‘Anti-aging’ has become an outdated word.

I probably look better and feel better now at the tail end of my 40s than I did in my 20s and early 30s. I do know I feel better about myself and I am more comfortable in my own skin now, versus back then. (Although in my defense, it was the late 80s. Everyone had big hair, and wore stirrup pants and white Reeboks, people!)

I also take better care of myself. I gave up eating beef and pork, and I try to get some form of exercise daily. I either go for a walk or hit the gym, and I do yoga two or three times a week. I take better care of my skin too. I consider that to be basic self care.

As I face the big 5-0 head on, I am more at ease putting myself out there and trying new things, such as photography. And I know who I am: a journalist and blogger.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, but it just wasn’t for me. As a kid, I never expressed an interest in science. I always had my nose in a (non-science) book or magazine. What does my love of reading suggest my future profession should be? A writer! (Duh.)

I’m also not as concerned as I once was about what others think. My favorite quote from Mirren is “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to use the words ‘Eff Off’ more frequently.” I hear ya, Helen.

I respect others’ feelings and opinions, but I try to worry less about pleasing everyone, and making everyone love me. It’s impossible. (And the people I should have told to “Eff Off” know who they are…)

I guess you could say I’ve started to grow into myself. And I’m still growing. So why would I want to fight getting older? I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

You can read the Allure cover story featuring Helen Mirren here, see some of Mirren’s best quotes here, and read editor-in-chief Michelle Lee’s letter about the use of the term anti-aging here.

Tell me. Have you become more comfortable in your own skin as you’ve gotten older? What life lessons have you learned? Let’s talk truth in aging in the comments!

This year, I’m doing the Eyecandy Project 52 photography challenge. Every week, we have to take a picture inspired by a prompt, such as From Above. Some prompts are relevant to the time of year, some are more evergreen. I’ll post my more successful efforts here about once a quarter. Check out the Q1 highlights here and the best of Q2 here.

Be sure to subscribe to Fabulous Forever using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to like the Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

13
Feb
2017

Fabulous Links of the Week: Valentine’s Edition

categories: Fabulous Links

Christie Brinkley proves she still has it, Allure‘s founding EIC Linda Wells scores a new gig, and Estee Lauder and Victoria Beckham decide to take their relationship to the next level, in this week’s Fabulous Links!

If I look like Christie Brinkley in a bikini when I’m 60+, I’ll pose in Sports Illustrated‘s swimsuit issue with my daughters, too! Rock on, girl! (People)

Revlon announced this week that it has hired legendary beauty editor Linda Wells as chief creative officer. A lot of changes have been happening at Revlon: the company is reorganizing and it recently acquired Elizabeth Arden. Wells has been charged with boosting the company’s presence on social media. I can’t wait to see what she has planned! (New York Times)

Victoria Beckham and Estee Lauder are continuing their collaboration, following the success of their first joint venture last fall. Look for new items and a restock of sold out faves online soon! (WWD)

This week on the blog, I shared some of my photography class homework from week 1. I also went to Blushington on the UES and got my makeup done by Neah again! While I was there, I checked out Kelly Rutherford’s (yep, from Gossip Girl) new line of jewelry and got to meet her. She’s lovely!

Me at Blushington UES! Thanks Neah!

I also went to the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show at the Hammerstein Ballroom to kick off New York Fashion Week. During a blizzard! What I do for this blog! I saw Maureen McCormick (a.k.a. Marcia Brady) model a cool red pant suit in honor of the late Florence Henderson and heard Rachel Platten sing “Fight Song” live. Unbelievable! Check out the pics from the pros at Newsday here.

Took this before the show. Check out the custom Snapchat filter!

The red lips are a coconut oil lip balm just above a red dress pin. The background is the show program.

This year, I’m doing the Eyecandy Project 52 photography challenge. Every week, we have to take a picture inspired by a prompt, such as From Above. Some prompts are relevant to the time of year, some are more evergreen. I’m thinking I’ll post my more successful efforts here about once a quarter. Wish me luck!

Be sure to subscribe to Fabulous Forever using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. I’m on Snapchat at clobuono. And don’t forget to like the Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

18
Apr
2016

Fabulous Links of the Week

categories: Fabulous Links

Skin and sun care from Goddess Garden

The week of April 4 was a little slow, beauty news-wise. But did you guys see this article in The Intercept about a skin care company that received funding from the CIA? Apparently, Skincential Sciences, parent company of the brand Clearista, has technology the CIA is veerry interested in.

This technology, which removes a thin outer layer of skin, may give the spy agency access to biomarkers that can be used for things like DNA collection. And who knew the CIA had a venture capital arm called In-Q-Tel?

The week of April 11 was a little busier. Victoria Beckham announced a makeup collaboration with Estee Lauder, Catherine Deneuve told ITG how she stays so young looking, legendary beauty editor Linda Wells spent the day at Sephora, and I came across a list of podcasts beauty junkies may be interested in.

The Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder makeup collection is coming this fall. It’s sure to be Posh. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.) Seriously, though, I am curious to see if she includes a 90s-inspired brown lipstick. (Refinery 29)

How does French actress Catherine Deneuve look so amazing at 72? Skincare and perfume are involved. (Into the Gloss)

Linda Wells spent 20-plus years as the editor-in-chief of Allure. She recently spent a day as a cast member at a busy NYC Sephora location. Here’s how that went down. (New York)

Do you listen to podcasts? I don’t really, but I may check out some of these beauty-themed podcasts. Fat Mascara looks particularly interesting. (Racked)

Oh, and I joined Snapchat and talked lip care with an esthetician on the blog.

Be sure to subscribe to Fabulous Forever using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. I’m now on Snapchat at clobuono. And don’t forget to like the Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

SKiNKC Skincare

10
Jan
2016

Fabulous Links of the Week

categories: Fabulous Links

Sunday Funday with a Mega Greens Galaxy Pack!

The best drug store beauty products launching in 2016, inspiring quotes about aging from the celebs who do it so gracefully, the new face of L’Oreal, and the hottest makeup trends for 2016 in this weeks Fabulous Links.

Allure editors say you should look for these new products at the drug store this year. (Allure)

These gorgeous women aren’t freaking out about getting older. You shouldn’t either! (Allure)

At age 69, Susan Sarandon is the new face of L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect skin care and hair color. She hasn’t had a beauty contract before this?! WTF! (WWD and The Cut)

Look for these makeup trends to be huge in 2016, says The Zoe Report. (The Zoe Report)

I tried the Mega Greens Galaxy Pack from Glossier today. I’ll try the Moisturizing Moon Mask and post a review this week!

Fabulous Forever got a makeover for the New Year! Be sure to subscribe using the form on the top right of the homepage, and use the social sharing buttons below the form to follow me on social media. Here’s my Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to like the new Fabulous Forever Facebook page!

08
Nov
2015

Fabulous Links of the Week

categories: Fabulous Links

Art comes from within the artist.

77-year-old Jane Fonda rocks a crop top like a boss, Gwen Stefani on makeup and her collaboration with Urban Decay, the editors at Into the Gloss share five years of beauty wisdom, chocolate-themed beauty products, a new face-lift technology, Bond girl beauty through the years, and skin care that scored a Nobel Prize in this week’s Fabulous Links.

Jane Fonda walked the red carpet in a crop top and mesh. All those workout videos paid off. [HuffPost Style]

The awesome Gwen Stefani on working with Urban Decay and why women are lucky they can wear makeup. [Glamour]

Team ITG has collected a lot of beauty tips over the last five years. Listen in as they share. [Into the Gloss]

These chocolate- and cocoa-based beauty products are so delicious, you want to eat them. But please don’t! [StyleNetwork]

Is this barbed-thread technology the next big thing in face-lifts? [goop] These editors say maybe. Or maybe not. [Allure]

To mark the Spectre premiere, enjoy this slideshow celebrating 50 years of Bond girl beauty. Nobody does it better. [The Zoe Report]

This skin care technology won the Nobel Prize by targeting DNA repair. Where do I sign up? [Well + Good]

It’s a perfect, crisp fall day here in New Jersey. Happy Sunday, everyone! xoxo

25
Oct
2015

Fabulous Links of the Week

categories: Fabulous Links

: Hanbok, a traditional Korean costume, at the Korean Culture and Tourism Festival

: A K-pop performance at the Korean Culture and Tourism Festival

Makeup bags with inspiring quotes from Amy Schumer and Amy Poehler, a juicing machine the makes sheet masks, the cool new nail trend from South Korea (of course!), the problem with preservative-free beauty products, fond hair memories from the 80s, yoga wear from Kate Spade, and a new skin care ingredient from South Africa in this week’s Fabulous Links.

Do your makeup and be inspired by the profound thinking of Ms. Schumer and Ms. Poehler. [Allure]

This machine that makes sheet masks from fruits and veggies is like a Vitamix for your face. [Allure/Refinery 29]

‘Shattered glass’ manicures from Korea are beautiful. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties! [Refinery 29]

‘Preservative-free’ may not be all its cracked up to be. [Well + Good]

Hair looks from the 80s. Looks 1, 2, 4, 7, and 9? Guilty as charged. All photographic evidence has been destroyed. [Allure]

I usually don’t talk about clothes here, but I do yoga twice a week, and I love the striped jacket with the bow. [Well + Good]

Crocodile oil may be the new coconut oil. See ya later, gator. [Allure/Refinery29]

Happy weekend and stay warm everyone! And let me know about your dream beauty collaborations! xoxo

18
Oct
2015

Fabulous Links of the Week

categories: Fabulous Links

Its definitely apple picking season!

M.A.C.’s new collaboration with none other than Zac Posen, tips for a more restful sleep, celeb derm Nicholas Perricone’s anti-aging regimen, an enzyme that could hold the secret to aging skin, Taraji P. Henson’s empowering hair moment, the return of 90s-era brown lipstick, and Birchbox’s new line of makeup in this week’s Fabulous Links.

Hello designers! M.A.C. just announced a collaboration with Project Runway‘s Zac Posen. [Allure]

I met Candice Kumai at the Biossance launch party. Love her! Here, she shares her best sleep tips. [Well + Good]

How famous dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone fights aging. He must be doing something right. [The Cut]

Blocking this enzyme could prevent wrinkles. Keep your eye on Granzyme B going forward. [Allure]

Taraji P. Henson called this photo with her natural hair “inspiring.” I call it beautiful. [Glamour]

The brown lipstick we rocked in the 90s is back! Here’s how to wear it in 2015. [Allure]

Birchbox just launched its own line of makeup pencils. So pretty! [Glamour]

Posts Tagged ‘Allure’