Monday Musings: What’s New In My Beauty Routine
This week’s musings are about some new and old finds I’ve added back to my “beauty” routine, an update on a product I tried, plus another save vs. splurge for some spring outfit inspiration.
WHAT’S NEW IN MY BEAUTY ROUTINE
My crepey skin has been looking more papery than ever lately, so on a whim, I bought this Nécessaire Body Retinol and I LOVE it!
In just a few days, it has made a big improvement in the papery look on my arms and above my knees. I use Retin A on my face but had never considered using it on my body until I spotted this product. I also know that keeping skin hydrated is one of the best ways to camouflage those crepey lines, I’ve also gone back to using this Body Serum before this Body lotion as soon as I get out of the shower each morning.
MORE RETINOL BODY LOTIONS
Apparently, I’ve entered another phase of losing hair…which I’m trying to be calm about. I know it’s counterproductive to stress about my thinning hair, but it’s hard not to when I notice more hair in my brush than usual and my hairline starts receding again.
In my recent post about hair loss, I mentioned that caffeine hair serums have shown some promise in reducing hair loss. I’ve been happily using this Vegamour GRO serum until I discovered the dropper isn’t long enough to get to the bottom of the bottle! That really annoyed me because this stuff isn’t cheap.
I’ve now gone back to finish up this Briogeo serum with caffeine, which seems almost as nice as the Vegamour and is not nearly as expensive. Sadly, I pried the rubber stopper out of the Vegamour bottle to try to salvage what was left, but it landed all over the counter.
I reordered this Revitalash foam to use along my hairline. It contains the same type of ingredient that’s used in eyelash growth serum and this Nutribrow serum that I’ve had great success with.
My doctor has now put me on oral Minoxidil, so I’m going off the topical form I’ve used for so many years. You can’t use both, or I would! I have my fingers crossed that it helps. In the mean time, I’m doing everything I can to remain calm about my thinning hair.
Save or Splurge
With our weather threatening to warm up, I have white denim on my mind. This week’s save or splurge outfits features a white denim skirt, a fresh aqua shirt, tan sandals, a nude bag and unique gold hoops.
Denim skirts continue to be popular for spring. I like the fresh look of aqua with white and neutral accessories to help keep the spotlight on the outfit.
The save outfit comes in at around $137.00, and the splurge outfit is closer to $489.00. Which one do you prefer and could you tell from looking at the images alone?
MORE WHITE DENIM SKIRTS
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Your hair always looks great, so sorry you deal with loss.
As a petite, I would want to try the skirt on in person. I splurge on classic items, but would look for a less expensive white skirt, as wouldn’t anticipate wearing often. Enjoy your try-ons ! Happy weekend from WA State!
Have a great weekend!
I have always had really thick hair. Now that I’m older, it started thinning a bit and lo and behold it’s now curly! I’ve experienced hair loss twice in the last few years and ran to my doctor in a panic. Because I had been unable to eat much because of some nausea, he reassured me that once I was eating normally again that it would stop. He was right! So relieved!
Been on oral minoxidil for a year now and the results are astounding!! You do have to be patient and there may be a few side effects – not game changers themselves, by any means! So be kind to yourself and above all – patient!
Thank you so much for the encouragement
Hi Jennifer,
I’ve been taking oral minoxidil for just under a year, and I finally have hair growth with enough length that after a recent trim my hair finally feels thicker. It has been a very slow process for me, and dealing with short hair fuzzies (and chin length hair) can be challenging. So, don’t expect fast results, but do expect results!!
Thanks so much. I am really hoping it will help.
Have you tried Nutrafol? A friend has been taking there pills for post-menopausal women because she was losing a lot of hair. Now it’s growing back in.
I have tried it
My mom had a real hair topper that perfectly matched her hair. She had inherited pattern hair thinning on the crown and that is where I am experiencing it. I liked the more expensive shirt and shoes. Would wear with nice finished jeans instead of a skirt. At 5’2”, skirts have never done much for me. I am buying some earrings in silver. It is snowing here in Colorado right now!
Snow! Wow!
You might want to use a small plastic syringe to get the last bit in the bottom of the bottle. It is the type of syringe that you use to give your pets liquid medication. The teal blue shirt is very nice.
Great idea
I have been seeing articles lately about using rice water to help with hair growth and fullness. At 79 I’m looking at things that I might need in the future. Presently my hair is pretty much as it always has been and I lose very little but I know as I age that may drastically change. I have found this rice based shampoo and conditioner that is in my wish list on Amazon for use in the future and thought you might like to check it out. It’s Kitsch rice bar shampoo and conditioner. Try the link below.
https://shopstyle.it/l/b9AtV
Good luck!
I have never heard of that before! It sounds fascintating.
Thank you for the body lotion, etc., info. Crepey skin and thin hair: I share your angst. Good luck with the oral minoxidil. I’ve read great things about it.
I have my fingers crossed.
Are you still using the Collagen for Her? I think it has helped my hair and nails.
No, I switched to one that is sourced from wild caught fish.
Hi Jennifer, I was wondering if the Necessaire Body Retinol odor that you mentioned fades quickly? You mention that you shouldn’t put body lotion over it, but can you use it the next morning?
It has no oder or fragrance. Yes, I use the moisturizer in the morning.
For thinning hair, Oribe products have been a lifesaver for me. Expensive, but work wonders. Because my thinning is at the top only, I target the products there. Maximista Thickening Spray has done wonders for me. I don’t know how it works, but definitely gives the look of fullness. Good luck on your struggles.
I just ordered the Maximista on your recommendation! Thank you
Where is the link to the shoes, Jennifer?
Whoops! Sorry I added them.
I preferred the splurge. I liked everything in that collection. The shirt was smooth, the skirt was not frayed, and I liked the purse. I thought it was easy to pick .
Sorry you have to rip out. I used to crochet a little , but my thumbs have some arthritis in them, so I had to give it up. I read a lot, and machine quilt now that I am retired.
Our weather is up and down here in North Texas. I always have to check the weather before I head out.
This was the easiest, quickest pick for the more expensive. Also, in this pick would not swap out for the less expensive. All on the left are crisper!
I really like the white skirt. I don’t believe I’ve ever had one. You are really right about it going well with aqua. I can usually tell the difference between the splurge and save by the jewelry and handbags. They are both great! I understand your concern over hair loss. I just had major shoulder surgery and I’ve noticed that I’m losing more hair. I’m going to step up on my Nioxin!
Surgery can sure bring on the stress hair loss. Hang in there.
Got this one right. It was the earrings that I decided was the splurge. Also thinking the shoes, you didn’t list. Like this outfit very much. Would change the skirt to knee length for me. At 5’ the long one would overwhelm me. As always I really enjoy the Splurge/Save post.
Sorry, I added the shoes.
So sorry to learn Jennifer that you are experiencing another cycle of hair loss. As to the ‘splurge and save’ and by choosing my favourite in the skirt, I did guess correctly as do not care for gnawed hemlines (not to be confused with frayed ones). However I would choose the ‘save’ sandals as prefer their matched color soles, plus for versatility might consider the shirt for underpinning due less bulk and more fitted (with its darts).
-Brenda-
I’m not a fan of chewed or gnawed hemlines either.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing these products. I too have used Retin A for years on my face and neck. I love your comment – “ I knit for the process…” that’s so smart! I am going to remember that as I paint because I focus too much on the end result! I also have experienced pretty severe hair loss. I went to a hair loss derm specialist. I use micro minoxidil and finestride compound – 1 ml per nite. And take Nutrafol religiously as well as Omega 3’s. This combo has really helped. Maybe seeing a derm who specializes in hair loss would offer more ideas? I fully understand the extreme anxiety as I have dealt with this for past several years.
It’s very tough on my confidence, that’s for sure.
I am sure your Dr has checked everything, but I had hair loss after 5 surgeries in 5 months. My ferritin levels were extremely low. It’s not anemia but is the iron reserve levels. Anyway taking iron corrected it, it just took quite awhile. I discovered it when looking my lab results on MyChart….no Dr had ever mentioned it during all these surgeries. Anyway just thought I world throw it out there.
I’ve been in iron for several months. I’d better get some bloodwork again.
The challenge with narrow skirts that have a front slit is the exposure when sitting down or getting in and out of a vehicle. Having a plan beforehand is good to support wearing the skirt instead of having it languish in the closet. Bike shorts can be an option.
Smart idea Ann.
I recently had issues with hair loss. I thought I was having seasonal hair loss but the amount of hair I was losing became concerning. My hair stylist of 20 yrs. estimated at least a 40% thinning. At a scheduled Drs. appointment, I had lab done that included my D3 levels. My levels were the very low range of normal. I started a D3 supplement (OTC) and my hair loss reversed after 2 months with lots of new growth starting. Now I just gave to deal with all the new hair standing straight up, but I’ll take it! 🙂
That’s a preferable problem to deal with, for sure!
HI – I’m so sorry about what is going on with your hair. You always look wonderful.
I was wondering if you could post about foundations. I am looking for a new one but am thoroughly confused with the ingredients and of course no animal testing.
I have mature skin and also have rosacea. Thank you very much. Enjoy your posts.
I’ve tried several that I interchange and love. It’s a great idea for a post. Now that you mention it, my rosacea is acting up right now too! Time to look at my stress levels.
Jennifer,
I switched to oral minoxidil ,and I, too had misgivings. However, it has worked for me. It has taken a couple of months, but I see good results!
Hang in there!
Lisa
Thanks for the encouragement! I hope it helps me too.
Could you please provide a link to both of the sandals?
Sorry, I added them
I’m so sorry you are experiencing more hair thinning. Hopefully the oral treatment will work quickly.
I just bought a white denim skirt last week at Winners! It’s a maxi length so I’m having it shortened to mid calf. I love the way you’ve styled the skirts above. You’ve given me inspiration to to try a peacock blue silk shirt I have with the skirt and maybe white sneakers. Although, it will be probably be sometime in May before it’s warm enough to wear it.
I love the juxtaposition of teal silk with white denim!! Great outfit.
I’ve been on oral minoxidil for the last 16 months and it’s been a game changer. Much less messy than foams or lotions!
Fingers crossed!
I feel your pain, Jennifer, as I’m in the same boat as you regarding increasing hair loss. Genetic autoimmune issues, coupled with aging. At this point, I’m seriously considering returning to wigs—all of them age appropriate, not overly young looking, but certainly fuller than my own. I’m looking at it as all the money formerly spent on products can be spent on a well-made synthetic wig that not only looks better but also saves time getting ready every morning. Good luck on your own quest— it’s so nerve-wracking as all we want to do is look our best!
I’ve been thinking about getting a topper. I think they may not feel as hot as a wig. We’ll see.