Monday Musings – Copper, Lapis Blue and an Outfit of the Week
Happy Monday, ladies. This week’s musings are all over the map, but then that’s to be expected for this day when I give you a peek into what’s happening in my world.
We’re having the weirdest late spring weather. One day is warm…the next has a cold breeze and gray skies, but the California poppies are out, so spring is here! Changeable weather may be normal in other areas, but the weather here is usually predictable and, frankly, quite boring because of it. I’ve taken to packing for any and every occasion for my grandson’s little league games. I was very grateful for my down parka on Saturday afternoon, but I had the sun beating directly into my eyes for over an hour and wish I’d brought a sun umbrella. We drive there in my husband’s car, so I have to think about what to bring each time. I think I’ll pack a bag and keep it ready to grab and go for the foreseeable future.
I’m a bit of a skincare and makeup nut and am constantly trying new products. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about clean and cruelty-free beauty lately. They often go hand in hand, but occasionally, it’s either one or the other. I’d prefer a product that ticks both boxes, but if forced to make a choice, I go for cruelty-free first. Which would you choose first?
Copper Peptides For Skin
In that vein, I’ve been digging back into skin care products and loving what I’m finding. I know that copper peptides are a great antioxidant for our skin. They’re naturally occurring amino acids that help stimulate collagen production, repair skin barriers, reduce fine lines, and smooth rough skin.
Copper Peptides are also reported to reduce photodamage and protect the skin from UV radiation. I bought this Biossance Serum last year and love how it absorbed into my skin, leaving no residue. I can’t say how much copper is in this product, but the color is very pale baby blue with a slight copper scent, so I know it has some in it.
After reading this government study, I decided to up my copper peptide game and get a stronger one.
This Niod serum is a water-based product that simply melts into the skin, leaving no residue on the skin. It has a stronger copper scent that’s not unpleasant. I love that Niod lists the amount in their products. This serum has 1.0% Pure Undiluted Copper Tripeptide-1 plus 1.0% Pure Undiluted Tripeptide-1 along with additional skin-supporting peptides.
I use a lot of good products on my skin, so it’s hard to decipher what’s doing what, but my skin looks great, and I’m a firm believer in the benefits of antioxidants in both skincare and the food we eat. It’s important to note that it’s best not to combine copper peptides with topical Vit C or retinoids. I apply mine on alternate nights to my Retin A and then alternate it with my Vit C in the morning.
Outfit of the week
I’ve been reaching for more color lately and am fixating on blue. This week’s outfit of the week could have all been blue, but I decided to punctuate it with some natural straw and white.
I love the fit of these Hudson jeans and just ordered a second pair. They have a nice rise, and the length means I don’t have to hem them, which is a win/win in my book. I added some rich lapis blue, a natural straw hat, and a small woven leather tote bag.
SHOP THE OUTFIT DETAILS
Shapewear
Does that word strike terror or disgust into your heart? I had a small lingerie mishap last week, which you’ll see later this week. It has me wondering what brands you wear for shapewear. Do you have a favorite brand of panties? Slip? How about shorts for wearing under a skirt to prevent leg chafing? Please share in the comments.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love my Undersummers! I wear them because I don’t care what I’ve tried, the chafing hurts! They aren’t really shapewear, but work like an old fashioned slip. Fitted, not tight, come in lots of colors and sizes and some with lace. It’s about as “racy” as this 65+ lady gets, when my colorful or lacey Undersummers peek out occasionally from under my skirt! But when I must wear some shape wear, it’s usually the very light compression from Spanx or Assets (the less expensive Target brand by the woman who invented Spanx). That’s only when I’m wearing a gown or dress and must appear in front of lots of folks. I just don’t want to jiggle across the stage, and I am always very aware of clothing not too tight! Love, love love Eileen Fisher those pants are an interesting color, might have to go there.
I always go for cruelty free whenever I can, and its a bonus if the product is also “clean.” If you are looking for cruelty free products, check out Cruelty Free Kitty. at http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com. The creator, Suzana Rose, has lists of products vetted to be cruelty free and also reports on those that are not, along with different price points. Cover Girl is now cruelty free and I use their clean mascara.
As for shapewear, I just discovered Maidenform’s Tame Your Tummy Shaping Brief. It smoothes, holds in without constricting and there are no pantylines. I had an experience once where I tried a shaping camisole on at Target. I was the only one in the dressing room (thankfully) and got stuck in it! I had to tell myself not to panic and imagine the headlines “Woman gets stuck in shapewear!”. I finally was able to wriggle myself out of it and have never again tried another camisole!
For skin care, I started using collagen powder about a month ago. It is good for skin, hair, nails, joints, sleep, etc. The brand I use is Vital Proteins and it dissolves very well in my morning coffee, and in hot tea or hot chocolate. I’m already seeing the results in more sound sleep, thicker hair and smoother skin! 😀
I love lapis blue, or any blue, so the outfit you have today is right up my alley! Gorgeous!
I often check that website. It’s a great resource. I have no idea that Cover Girl is now cruelty-free! Bravo!!
I use Megababe Thigh Rescue to stop chafing in the summer because I can’t stand wearing extra clothing when it’s hot. It was created by an American woman a few years ago and she now has some other products.
I can’t abide shapewear ; partly because it’s too tight and partly because iI can’t tolerate non-natural fabric pressed into my skin.(It makes my skin itch and when I scratch it scabs even if I don’t break the skin.). I found some mostly cotton granny panties which smooth and shape from Marks and Spencers but I only wear them for special events.
I always love to read about beauty products. I hadn’t heard about copper, but I’ll be looking into that now. I use hyaluronic acid, lots of moisturizers, and I love my oils! I need to get back to using my retinol oil, but then I have to worry about slathering on the sunblock when taking the dog out to do his business first thing in the morning. I have a BBL laser treatment scheduled for next week. It’s the second one, and I can’t wait! I invest in monthly facials and good skincare because this is the only skin I’ve got! Thanks for the information on copper
Sunscreen is so important! I never miss it
I would choose cruelty free every time. There is a great app called “Cruelty Cutter” where you just scan a products bar code and it tells you. If you come across a brand that is not on there that should be they will investigate it.
Thank you!! I’ve never heard of the app but often google the PETA site to check brands.
When I saw your blog post title, I thought hmmm, yes, copper and lapis could be really beautiful together. LOL!
I don’t wear shapewear, per se, but love Jockey Skimmies (slipshorts) as a first layer under dresses or skirts. They don’t compress — they smooth. I have a large abdominal scar and can’t stand anything tight — the Skimmies are the best I’ve tried (and I’ve tried many). Comfortable, good price, long lasting, easy wash.
I’m going to have to try those.
Cold and wet in Seattle area 😳 not spring yet! Want to wear my new spring purchases!
Love blues this season!
I am liking Glo facial products from my salon where i get facials. The last one she dermaplaned my face and im a fan now! Im sensitive and tolerated this well!
I am liking Soma store light shape bottems – much lighter than spanx!
I love my Honeylove Cami. It’s perfect to smooth out my lumps and bumps!
Do love the color of the azure blue top! As to suggestions of shapewear; honestly it is something I’ve never have had to fret about (due slender genetics) however now that gravity has set in I ensure I have the proper fit in a bra and it is the correct style and color for the garment I’m wearing. The same guideline applies to briefs (no panty lines s.v.p.), so I’m afraid I am not of much help. Regarding skin and makeup products it is really only now I am beginning to dabble and experiment with them. i.e. Recently investing in the Nira Precision Laser facial device and only after thirty-four days can say I see a positive difference combining it with an o*al collagen supplement (your advice) plus application of a moisturizing/collagen cream. All said; I do appreciate your input and recommendations and from my personal perspective let it be said , ‘you definitely can teach an old dog, new tricks’ ! -Brenda-
You’re so funny, Brenda. I have been very curious about the Nira. Thanks for the recommendation.
I guess I’m the unusual one, in that I wear shape wear every day and am always looking for the next best one. My favorites are Shapeez. The trick is getting the right size, but when you do they are not at all uncomfortable. I have tried Honey Love and do not care for them at all. they do not have underwires and I get a uni-boob.
You are not alone, ann. They are very popular.
Hi! Another vote for Honeylove! I really like the crossover bra, the silhouette bra and the silhouette brief. I find that I can wear this shape wear as comfortable underwear for everyday activities, not just special occasions. It’s more smoothing than shaping underwear. I also like Jockey. I use Biossance products regularly, but am interested in this copper study. Thank you for the information!