My Bathroom Sink, Part II: Body Products

I don't know about you, but I keep CVS in business. I am constantly buying products for my body to ensure smooth, healthy, and good-smelling skin. Unless you have a fragrance allergy (poor soul), everyone should smell good. Warning: take your shower before I do because I have a rigorous regimen that I stick to daily (thank goodness my roomate is a guy, who's low-maintenance!). I use all types of soaps, from natural shea or cocoa butter, to Dove ($1.99, CVS). My favorite is the exfoliating bar that has little blue beads embedded in it. It smells so good and makes me feel so fresh, and so clean. I also exfoliate my face and my feet, using a pedisponge for my feet that I purchased from CVS for about $4.00; One side is spongy and for lathering and the other side is like a scrub brush. My current occupation requires that I stand on my feet for hours on end so I have to take care of my feet daily (as we all should).
It says a lot when my nail tech tells me that my feet are so soft, so she must see some nasty feet! I also use a pumice stone, to remove dry skin. I also have a razor to slough away dry skin and calluses. I think you shouldn't wait to get to the nail shop to be told to take care of your feet. Also, after I use soap I prefer to follow up with a body wash, just to make sure I feel extra clean. My favorite body wash is Dove UltraRich Body Wash ($5 @ Target); But when I am strapped for cash I use CVS brands, Suave, or Tone, which would probably cost about $3-$4. Every once in a while, I'll use an exfoliating body scrub or polish.
This is where I splurge; Bath & Body Works has a chocolate body scrub and body butter-or at least they did a couple of years ago, and I stocked up on it. It is called Restorative Body Scrub $18, and Body Butter $16. I love to layer scents so I usually purchase body products as a set. Bath & Body Works also have aromatherapy scrubs, and Eucalyptus Spearmint (Relax) is my favorite, $20. It really does calm me down and I usually feel cool afterwards. Another favorite splurge of mines is Kiehl's original Rich Nourishing Cream(8.4oz @ $28). It is the best moisturizer I have ever used, and my skin just soaks it up. Thing is, you must not dress for several minutes to allow cream to work onto skin.
I also think Victoria's Secret has excellent body butters @ $10/jar; they smell good as well as moisturize well. My favorites are Pure Seduction, Secret Charm, and Amber Romance.

What are some of your favorite body products?

My Bathroom Sink, Part I

    (Brace yourself, this is more of an article, than it is any of my typical blogs, so sit tight, it's quite a long read!)



       Last year, I published a blog titled "The Kitchen Sink", describing what I thought people should carry on their person just in case of mishaps that can happen out in public. I decided to do a follow-up blog about products that I use everyday, and maybe some of you should too. These are products I use when I wake up and before I go to bed, and aid in cleaner and healthier skin on a daily basis. From facial, to body, as well as oral, I've got an arsenal of  "cosmetic assistants" that get my skin through the day and overnight. 

     I think every woman should have daily skin regimens, as well as every man. However, I think there should be a difference in the way a woman's skin feels than a man's. There's a problem if we both have dry, poorly manicured hands, as well as feet, and we both have stubbly legs. I've compiled a list of the things that I use everyday, while some are necessities for us all, I've also included extra products that I thought you should know about. As I stated in my blog about skin care (http://ditastastytips.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-maintain-healthy-clean-skin.html), when you wash your face and body, you should moisturize; when you brush your teeth, you should floss and gargle (with mouthwash). 

     I know, I know, I know, we were taught these things as children, but you'd be surprise who has either forgot, or never weren't taught these things (for some strange reason). For the sake of my time and yours, let's start with the face: I've got some very dry skin and use a combination of products to ensure that my face is clean, clear (of breakouts), and moisturized. Also, I use extra products to wipe off excess makeup. (CVS is the place to be if your dollars don't stretch far and you still want quality products). I use St. Ives Fresh Skin Olive Cleanser (photo: www.drugstore.com, $5.99 CVS). I use it to wash my face in the mornings because it smooths away extra oil from last night's application of night cream (as well as makeup), and it makes my skin extra clean. However I noticed that it can leave the face extra dry right after you clean it so apply moisturizer immediately. Right now, I use CVS brand Daily Serum, which acts the same as Olay's version, for the fraction of the price.  (Photo, www.carefair.com, $15.00). My skin feels hydrated, especially against the freeing cold (especially today). Use minimally, you don't need to apply the whole container of product in one application in order to make it work (Nana: I love you dearly, but you are the queen of "overkill"). 

     Also, there are sometimes that I must admit to myself when a generic brand just won't cut it, and I will remain loyal to certain brands because of their effectiveness. Bliss All Around Eye Cream is one of those products. (Photo: www.blissworld.com $24 0.5oz @ Sephora). This product is worth the splurge, and before you start to judge, TRY using a product repeatedly first, then decide whether it works. Don't be the person who tries a facial product ONCE, or never, and then try to form an opinion about it. Anyhow, because I use this product regularly, and have been for over a year, it does reduce puffiness around the eyes and minimizes dark circles. Another word of advice: Don't wait until it is too late to start using eye products because aging starts at the creases of the eyes and mouth, and you want to take preventative measures now (well hell, I know I do!) As I stated before, these products are not "magic" and don't work over night so you need to use these repeatedly for them to work. Another skin cleanser I use to exfoliate (gently remove dead skin cells from my face) is CVS brand Daily Renewal Cleanser $9.00) which is similar to, as well as cheaper than Olay Regenerist Cleanser. (Note: I have tried BOTH Olay and CVS brands long enough to know the difference 2+ years).  They have exfoliating beads that are gentle yet effective enough to soften away dry skin, but it is not potent enough to remove make up alone.  So I use Olay Refreshing Toner to remove excess make up and oils from my face (photo: www.drugstore.com $4 @CVS). As you can tell, I use a combination of expensive and affordable products for my face (my skin is worth it!) If I ever have a break out, I use Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar for Acne Prone Skin ( photo: www.amazon.com $3 @ CVS)

 

     Their products are excellent for oily skin, but also because I have dry skin, must follow immediately with a moisturizer. I know most people wouldn't have a separate night cream from the one they use during the day but I do! I use CVS brand Night Cream that is similar to Olay Regenerist Night Cream ($14.97). It is heavier than the day cream, but it smells so good and makes my face feel so smooth. It replenishes moisture washed away when I cleanse my face at night.  Finally, for my "back up" skin products, I use a line called Rx for Brown Skin Bright & Even (Bright & Clear for oily skin), featured at Sephora. These products are wonderful, yet expensive, so these are my back ups when the more affordable products don't seem to work (very rare, but when it gets bitter cold, my skin gets chafed and blotched, and this line almost works like "magic", if I had to say so myself).  The starter kit is $55, and it includes: Toner, cleanser, serum, and botanical brightener (evens skin tone, NOT a bleaching agent).

(Photo: www.demetergroup.net)

Your skin may not need the intensive care and high maintenance that mines need, but it is important to have a skin regimen, using products that do work. (Stay Tuned for Part II, Body Products, coming soon!!) Also, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to let me know!

Dita's Addiction: "Mad As a Hatter" , By OPI

     This Blog is dedicated to, as well as inspired by a fellow fashion blogger, Fashion Court, who featured this nail color, "Mad as a Hatter" in her blog. This color is part of a collection, called Alice in Wonderland, by OPI. Here is the URL to her blog below: 

http://www.fashionxcourt.blogspot.com/2010/01/colors-of-alice-in-wonderland.html

The name of this nail color, "Mad as a Hatter" was inspired by actor Johnny Depp's character, "The Mad Hatter", in Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice in Wonderland. Just as the character is the first to encounter Alice, in the story, this nail polish is so noticeable, that it is probably the first thing you would notice about the wearer. This nail color, as is the character it was named after, is both showy, and eccentric. The faint of heart, or conservative need not apply. I describe this color as "as hyper as the Mad Hatter himself" because the color has bits of multi-colored glitter in it and seems to be "all over the place" since the colors are distributed evenly throughout the nail lacquer. 

 

 

     However, as fellow blogger FashionCourt warned, that this color doesn't have that much depth to it, so she suggests that you add a few more coats than you usually would. I also suggest that you find another nail color that would work underneath it. As my fabulous and wonderfully talented nail technician suggested for me, I chose the Russian Navy by OPI, to wear underneath the "Mad as a Hatter" to give it more depth. As you can see in the picture above, my nails almost look black, but with lots of shimmer! (Thanks to my dear friend Kawana, for the pictures.) It was difficult trying to show pics of how shimmery this nail color is.

BUY: If you would like to purchase this color, go to www.amazon.com, or www.amazingbeautynail.com. Visit your local nail salon, since most order the latest OPI nail color collections, to try "Mad as a Hatter" on for size.

Photos: (of "Mad as a Hatter", www.amazon.com) (of "Russian Navy", www.chemistdirect.co.uk)

    

Nicky Minaj & The "Barbie" Phenomenon

     I have a blue key chain with pink writing that reads: "I want to be like Barbie, the Bitch has everything".  I think to some degree every woman wants to channel her inner "Barbie". Just like the iconic doll, she's super sexy, ultra-feminine, and she has her own house, car, man, etc. (each sold separately). Although such stars as Pamela Anderson, Lil Kim, and Paris Hilton are known for their "Barbie"-like qualities, I think that Rapper Nicky Minaj has revamped this phenomena among urban women. I am not directing this observation towards any particular race or ethnic group, I am referring to women who live in the city, who stay on top of the latest trends, live a faster paced life, and are usually single (unmarried). Whereas most women who live in the suburbs are family-oriented.

(photo of Minaj, sitting: www.billboard.com)

     In, 2007 NYC's own Nicky Minaj posed as a Barbie doll on the cover of her mix tape, titled Playtime is Over (photo, shown above, www.images.google.com). In 2010 she has titled her latest work, Barbie World. What gives her Barbie-like qualities is her beauty, dangerous curves, her femininity, and sex appeal. She has been photo'd with pink hair, and pink clothing. For those who don't know, colors give off certain moods. Pink represents sensuality, femininity, and even innocence. So there is that element of Barbie, as we know her to be, both alluring and sexual, but also innocent and "girly". 
     Although a lot of us women are in the workforce, and we want to be taken seriously, I also think there is a part of us that wants to get in touch with our inner "Barbie" every now and then. I also think that Nicky Minaj portrays this fantasy that we may want to be a part of. Part sinner, part saint, innocent yet naughty, sensual, yet emotionless (I know I wish I can be robotic when it comes to certain situations)...like Barbie. She's an icon because of her timeless beauty, her possessions, but also her "plastic" nature to her surroundings..meaning..She doesn't let the outside world influence her, she influences the outside world.

 

(photo:www.heromachine.com)

Dita Digs Shoe Designer Nicholas Kirkwood

     British shoe designer, Nicholas Kirkwood launched his fabulous shoe collection in 2005. His shoes exude futurism, are truly innovative, and resemble architectural design. As a shoe designer Kirkwood has proven himself as a trendsetter who is a leader of the pack rather than a follower. His designs are a prelude to what footwear would evolve into, in the future. Kirkwood represents designer footwear of the new decade, as well as years to come.

     I think he is to shoe fashion right now, what designer Andre Courreges was to the 1960s with his "Moon Girl Collection": ahead of his time. If I had to describe the type of women who would wear his shoes, I'd say "she is daring, sets her own trends rather than follows them; She's flashy, and prefers standing out from the crowd rather than blending in with it; She's sexy, powerful, and stands tall with confidence, just as a beautiful and natural piece of architectural design, just like the footwear of genius Nicholas Kirkwood". 

(Photos: www.geekshoes.com; www.4.bp.blogspot.com; www.butterboom.com)

What a Man Should Have in His Closet

     I think a man's wardrobe should look quite different than it did when he was a boy growing up, because being a man requires more. His status in life has changed (or should have); He has more of an established career and should have an idea by now what he wants out of life. Therefore, he should have the means to make better choices in attire, and have acquired more sophisticated tastes in fashion than he had when he was in high school. (This is not true for some, to much disappointment, because I've noticed some men who still dress like they are sophomores in high school). Anyhow, here is a list of staples I believe should be in an adult male's closet.

1. A Suit. Oooooh, I love a man in a suit. There is nothing sexier than a man in a suit. He exudes power, confidence, prestige, and sophistication. Aside from that, there are certain events that men will attend that will require that he wears a suit (not to mention that it is very professional for a man to wear one to a job interview). Also, formal occasions may arise, such as a Christmas dinner party held at the Westin Hotel by the company he works for, a black-tie charity event  a wedding, funeral, church, etc.

2. Blazer. These are essential because they are staples to a man's wardrobe, as it is for a woman's wardrobe. It can be worn at work, or paired with denim for a casual yet sophisticated look when a man is on a date, out with friends, or at a function where suits aren't required, but looking "classy" is. (It sickens me to see men dressing like teenage boys (sagging or torn jeans, over-sized clothing, tight clothing, etc). Is it because he trying to hang on to his childhood, or "keep it real"? If a man wants to be taken seriously ( as a man) he needs to look the part.

3. Crisp button-up shirts. I think men should have these on-hand, not only for work, but also for the same reasons he would have a suit or blazers. There are some events that a man would be required to attend, that would call for a nice shirt and tie. A button-up shirt is simple, classic, and can be interchanged with a suit, or dressed casually with pants/denim, and a blazer. Sophistication is the key!!!

4. A great pair of Denim.  ( A great pair that fits, please!! Baggy and saggy is unattractive, unkempt, and shows lack of self-confidence; I also think "skinny" is not a good look on men, either! Oh no she didn't, OH YES I DID).

I think great denim serves the same purpose for men as it does women. Seven For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, and Rockawear make some very flattering denim for men. As I've stated to the women, "if you look good you will feel good".

5. Dress shoes.Just as there are certain types of clothing a man should wear for a given occasion, the same goes for footwear. Wing-tipped, square-toed, oxfords, loafers, gators (oh my!), or whatever style men prefer. It is important that a man's look is appropriate from head-to-toe.

6. Polo shirts. They are very simple, and casual, but more sophisticated than wearing a t-shirt.

7. Tie. I cannot say this enough; There are some events in a man's life that will demand he dress a certain way.

8. T-Shirts. These are excellent for layering and are a basis to just about any wardrobe (can be worn under a button-up shirt worn with a suit, or under a blazer and some trousers).

9. Trousers. Most jobs don't allow employees to wear pants, and trousers are casual and not as fancy as dress pants, or pants that are part of a suit. Even if a job allows a man to wear denim at work, at least try not to look like your 15-year-old nephew when you are wearing them.

10. Trench Coat. Simple, yet sophisticated. It can be worn to work, or to a formal function. The good thing about a trench coat, as well as the many other items on this list, is that it serves many functions and can be worn more than once. Most importantly, it can be cost-effective to have pieces that can be incorporated in more than one type of wardrobe.

Stores:  Brooks Brothers, Macys, H&M, Marshalls, Filene's Basement, Men's Wearhouse, Banana Republic

Photos: (Hugo Boss suit) www.italiancart.com ;(shirts) www.m80im.com ; (Rock & Republic denim) www.bombayharbor.com ;(Burberry trench coat) www.ecx.images-amazon.com

 

 

Dita's Addiction: Lash Blast Length Mascara By Covergirl

When it comes to cosmetics, I will try just about anything once. But when I find a certain brand that is proven effective, I will stick to it like glue. Lash Blast Length is affordable (CVS, $9.49), and actually does as advertised, and works as well as a luxury mascara does. As the name states, it does add length that makes a noticeable difference.I also think that this mascara is easy to apply, because the bristles on the applicator are spread far enough to avoid clumping, adding volume and length to one's natural eye lash, length.

Photo: www.amazon.com