Month: April 2021

Nighties and PJs for Older Women

nightwear for older women

Recently, one of my readers posted her answers to one of those Facebook quizzes (where you actually reveal all kinds of personal information for marketers.) Her answer for the “what do you wear to bed” question was “nothing.”

Now, I’m not a prude, and I certainly wouldn’t fault anyone for what they do or don’t wear when the temperatures and humidity are unbearable. But you’d never catch me going to bed in my birthday suit. That’s not just a fixture of my age or how I feel about my crepe-y skin. It has to do with my personality and style.

Why We Choose What We Wear to Bed

A couple of years ago, during a road trip with my sister, I put on my very old, very comfy cotton drawstring pajama bottoms and a similarly comfortable old tee shirt to turn in for the night. My sis, on the other hand, wore a long pink flowing nightgown.

I’m a laid-back natural type, and she’s always been a girly girl. Our styles haven’t changed in all these years, and at this point, they aren’t going to.

Now, if you are dressing for your man, every survey I read indicated that there was no clear preference in what they liked a woman to wear to bed. Old t-shirts, teddy sets, pjs, slinky nighties, even team jerseys got their praise.

So what should we older women wear for nighties? Whatever the heck we do want to! But let’s look at some of the varieties, some that are literally labeled “old lady nighties” (I didn’t make that up, it’s a “thing” – search on it) some that are slinky and sexy, and some that are plain – and just plain comfortable.

Textiles for Comfort

Starting with that last point, there is one thing that we older women can all agree upon: the material of what we wear to bed has to be comfortable. One of the reasons this becomes more important as we age is that our skin becomes thinner and is therefore more sensitive.

Regardless of how pretty a nightie might look on the hanger, we just don’t want anything that is scratchy against our skin, especially anywhere near our boobs. That means that stiff lace is out. And when you can find it, a garment that has a silkscreened label instead of one of those annoying tags on the neckline or the seams is a blessing.

Any knit fabric is pretty much fair game as far as comfort is concerned. But garments made from mostly natural fibers, those with no or very little synthetic component, are healthier for our skin in general. They allow it to breathe. After more than a year of trying to inhale through a face mask, we’ve become intimately aware of just how important air flow is!

The most popular natural materials for knit sleepwear include brushed cotton, rayon (which is cellulose, usually sourced from trees), and increasingly, bamboo. Bamboo is also a very ecologically sound choice. Anyone who has ever tried to tame a bamboo plant that is undermining a house foundation can attest to its self-regenerative ability.

Satin, if it is truly made by the efforts of many silkworms, is truly luxurious. These days almost all so-called satin that you find in department and specialty stores is actually polyester. But real silk satin nighties aren’t that terribly pricey.

And then, of course, in the colder climates and during long cold winter months, nothing beats 100% cotton flannel. The fluffy fibers trap air which is then warmed by your body heat. Unless you are still having hot flashes, flannel is the wintertime no brainer.

The feeling of a textile against our skin sends all kinds of feedback to our brains. Satiny fabrics read as pure sensuality and are more likely to release those yummy related hormones than, say, flannel. Also, the cut of the fabric has a psychological effect. A lot of slinky night gowns, both short and long, are cut on a bias. Anything with a bias cut implies motion and sensuality. It isn’t static or stiff.

But if a deep, child-like sleep is what you are hoping for, wearing brushed cotton or flannel might be more to your liking. Those fabrics are more, well, grounding, more the stuff of innocent dreams.

Gowns or Pajamas

I don’t know about you, but I have never had a nightgown or short nightie that didn’t creep further and further up my body at some point as I tossed and turned throughout the night. And I can’t stand my legs to be cold at night.

Those are the main reasons I opt for pajamas. But the downside, especially if you have put on some weight, is that even those expandable elastic or a drawstring cords can be a constant reminder of an expanding waistline. So there are tradeoffs.

Nighties often simply make one feel more feminine. (The afore-mentioned “old lady” nighties are a separate category. We’ll get to that in a minute.) One of my 50-something clients, just starting into a new relationship with a slightly younger man who pursued her mightily, asked for help shopping for nighties.

She went straight for the rack of black charmeuse, full-length slinky nightgowns. Her guy had always loved her feminine side and how she emphasized it. (He had been fantasizing about her for more than 30 years before they re-connected!)

But a long-sleeved nightshirt with piping trim, especially if it’s in a fine cotton or satin, can also be elegant and sexy. Piping is a classic trim element that speaks of refinement. Plaid patterned nightshirts are more, well, “yang” in their energy. But they can also be sexy because they are kind of like wearing your guy’s old shirt.

Moisture Wicking

My husband’s aunt had hot flashes well into her 80s! She was one of those people who craved the cold weather and winter snow. After her husband died, she left her home in the tropical climate he loved and moved back to a much cooler climate. Too bad she didn’t live long enough to know about something just on the horizon that might have made her sleep more pleasant.

Through the wonders of science, there are some new fabrics in nightwear that have been a god send for women who tend to run hot physically. These are, alas, made from man-made textiles. So, if you are sensitive to synthetics, they may not be a solution for you.

But the science behind them is fascinating and as with many things, was initially created for military use for troops that are deployed to extremely hot or humid climates. The goal was to create a microfiber that was as comfortable as soft cotton but that was able to wick moisture away from the body and keep you dry.

It also had to be anti-bacterial and remain odor free. The way it works is that as the moisture is wicked away from the body it also carries away excess heat, helping the body maintain its normal temperature.

Although I have personally avoided synthetics, one of the companies offering moisture-wicking loungewear and nightwear asked me to review some of their items and I was pleasantly surprised. They are in the UK and are called Cucumber as in “cool-as-a-cucumber.” This was my review including some photos of how I wore them.

“Old Lady” or “Sweet Young Thing”

So here’s the thing about the flannel nightgowns. They are not only comfortable and in their way, calming, they are also very practical. This is especially the case for anyone who has mobility issues, stiff joints or difficulty lifting or bending their knees.

Simply getting in and out of pajamas can be a challenge. A one-and-done nightgown that you just slip over your head or walk into and fasten with hooks or buttons makes total sense.

Generally, these types of nightgowns seem to come in three versions: plain with only slight embellishment, high-neck long-sleeved, often in flannel, and gauzy sheer cotton for warmer weather. They are also often designed with what are considered youthful style elements and trims.

You’ll typically see a lot of little floral patterns, pin-tucking, small ruffles at the neckline or hem, bib necklines, and round collars. Youthful style elements, as opposed to Romantic ones, tend to speak of modesty.

A lot of these types of nightgowns have that “Little House on the Prairie” look. Make of that what you will. They are just very comfortable and practical. And why not experience a second childhood? Unless you are experiencing a second coming-of-age… in which case, you might want to opt for the slinky nightgown.

Do you wear pjs or nighties? What is your favorite type? Has your style of nightwear changed over the years or recently? Has your significant other ever bought you any or commented on what you wore?

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Dating Over 60? Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

dating over 60 scam

In the 1980s, I had a single friend in her early 40s trying to find a romantic partner. Such a pursuit was years before the era of the Internet. Consequently, the choices for dating sites were few and far between and stigmatized.

Also, the chances of meeting a single or divorced man in his 40s were slim if you did not find him at work or through friends. My, how things have thankfully changed. The world of dating has opened up to ages beyond the once-upon-a-time death knell of 40.

As we know, many people are now coining 60 as the new f40orty. Singles, divorcees, and widowed individuals are now flocking to available online dating sites, searching for love and companionship in, hopefully, all the right places.

From Match, which also includes the subsidiaries of OK Cupid, Our Time, and Plenty of Fish, to e-Harmony, there are many avenues for the over-60 crowd to peruse. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, plenty.

Preying on the Innocent

What are some of the attributes most people request when searching for a partner? Most say someone sincere and honest. That is not asking for much, yet sociopaths are alive and well, pretending to be otherwise.

They prey on innocent, and at times, vulnerable people who step into the arena of this relatively new phenomenon. How do I know? I have seen attempts made on clients and friends.

Several years ago, a lovely client met someone virtually. From the get-go, I was suspicious. The pursuer was gushingly expressing his attraction for my charming client. Their correspondence was without many, if any, telephone calls. The male predator was using everything in his vernacular to seduce and lure my client. At one point, I thought to myself, “Maybe you are wrong, Darlene.”

Consequently, I toned down my cautious rhetoric. Sad to say, I was correct. Eventually, Mr. Inauthentic went in for the kill, requesting money. My client finally recognized his ungentlemanly motives, and lucky for her, she put an end to any future communication.

Not long after, another client shared with me a similar ploy from an online pursuer. He was quicker in showing his true intentions. She was wary early on. When she denied his request for money, he no-showed for their subsequent virtual encounter.

All Kinds of Ways to Deceive

A few years ago, an even more pernicious attempt occurred with a close friend of mine. This cunning, purported knight-in-shining-armor pretended he found a new love shortly after connecting with my friend. He claimed his buddy saw my friend’s picture and wanted to explore the possibility of corresponding with her.

For a few weeks, they emailed each other. One day, I was half-listening to her conversation about this, and then something alerted me. She conveyed to me that this man queried her about home and car ownership. My antennae sprung.

I asked her to send me his picture. When I received it, I searched his photo, a verifiable technique I learned from a fellow speaker. He was not who he said he was. I warned her to tread lightly.

Disturbingly, some of her other friends were not alarmed by the nature of questioning from this online contact. The only reason I thought differently was because of my experiences with several clients. My friend reluctantly heeded my advice for prudence.

When she confronted Mr. Who-Knows-Who, he vociferously minimized her concerns. Eventually, his story became more dramatic. He claimed he attended the Sorbonne, providing other fantastical details. Finally, all contact ceased but not without him putting up a good fight.

Not long ago, a lovely sexagenarian came to see me about something similar to the narratives mentioned above. The problem is, this person lost thousands of dollars as a result of deception and fraud. One of the people involved continues to request more money. I have been very direct in telling this generous soul to stop.

Disguises Ensue

Deception and attempted pilfering are some of the most unsavory characteristics of particular human beings. Wolves sometimes disguise themselves in sheep’s clothing. They know many people are searching for a companion and will use devious means to prey on innocent people.

One of my suggestions is to do your research on anyone whom you meet in the vacuum of anonymity. Included is doing a Google Doc search of their photo. From someone who is not overly tech-savvy, I found it easy to do, but ask someone if you feel it is beyond your ability.

Open but Cautious

I do not intend to be a Debby-downer about online dating. I know people of every age who have met the loves or second loves of their lives on these various sites. I hope that people can avoid these mishaps by the most unscrupulous on the unsuspecting. Be open but proceed with caution.

Has this ever happened to you or anyone you know? How do you spot the real interests from fake pursuers? If you are comfortable, please tell your story and how you escaped these shenanigans.

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Melissa Gorga’s Pink Versace Bikini

Melissa Gorga’s Pink Versace Bikini

Real Housewives All Stars Fashion

Here at BBH we often have these situtions where the designer of a look is obvious, but we also feel the need to commemorate the fashion moment with a post. Melissa Gorga’s pink Versace bikini is a prime example. Like, we all know who designs it, so ya’ll probably don’t need us to find it. But, if we didn’t commemorate this potentially iconic Housewives bikini moment, what kind of Housewives fashion site are we?

One that gives you the deets and and some gooood Style Stealers, that’s what type of Housewives fashion site we are.

 

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

 

Melissa Gorga's Pink Versace Bikini

Click Here to See her Versace Bikini

Photo: @MelissaGorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Pink Versace Bikini

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An Older Woman’s Guide to Best Used Cars Under $15,000

buying used car

In the last quarter of 2020, for the first time in history, the average cost of a new car crossed the $40,000 mark, according to Edmunds. That was before insurance, property taxes and gas. Once papers were signed, the average payment calculated to $581 a month for 70 months after putting $4,300 down. 

It’s an odd trend given that cars in America sit in a garage 95% of the time. Statistically, women drive less than men and the gap only widens with the years. While many older women splurge on their cars, those over 55 drive less than 8,000 miles a year, those over 65 less than 5,000 miles per year!

Are You a Car Person?

Given all there is to spend money on or save money for, perhaps a new car falls pretty low on your list. Cars have been the bane of my existence since I was 16 years old. When I moved to Mexico part-time in 2014, the relief of sloughing off my expensive SUV was worth the occasional inconvenience of Uber and rentals.

However, life changes and for the last two years, I’ve found myself spending time in the US in a city not quite so amenable to the carless. Renting a late model SUV for a few weeks reminded me why new cars make me a nervous wreck. So, I thought, “What nice cars are available to just get around?”

Reasons for Buying Used

With Certified Pre-Owned programs and online services to review a car’s history, used cars are not the gamble they used to be. Overall car quality and reliability have steadily improved.

Today, mileage over 100,000 isn’t the end of a car’s life. The cost of financing a used car hasn’t increased as quickly as that of financing a new car. Another advantage of looking at used versus new cars is that ratings like Kelley Blue Book contain more historical data.

The Criteria

Setting a budget at around $15,000, mileage at 60,000 or less, and car size large enough to be safe, I estimated my search would take me to 2016 sedans, CUV’s (compact utility vehicles) and hatchbacks.

Those that were highly-rated overall by multiple sources the year they came out were cross referenced against cars with a current Kelly Blue Book overall rating of at least 4.2 and good safety ratings from other sources.

Hatchbacks

Chevrolet Volt 

The Chevy Volt hybrid electric car apparently has a range that if your commutes are short of 50 miles, you’ll rarely need to gas. Good tax credits in some states. Other positive descriptors include comfortable, quick, quiet. 

Mazda 3 

The Mazda 3 is roomier than the Volt, has great reviews on crash performance and handling.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The VW Golf GTI received major technical upgrades in the cabin 2016, such as a touchscreen, rear view camera, universal USB input, and Bluetooth phone and audio capacity that newer cars have.

Sedans

Volkswagen Passat 

The Passat received a perfect score in safety in government crash tests. It’s a quiet, comfortable ride with reported excellent mileage.

Subaru Legacy

Coming from Colorado, all-wheel drive Subaru’s such as the Legacy and Impreza have a long tradition of being the car of choice for secure winter driving. 

Kia Optima

The SXL model offers luxury features normally not available in a car at this price, all of which would make longer trips more enjoyable.

CUV’s (compact utility vehicles)

Kia Sportage

The Sportage has a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty and is nicely styled. It’s got the pep for city driving. 

Toyota Rav4 

This older model still has high tech collision avoidance and safety features. Honda CRVs are out of the budget range but the Rav4 shares many of the Honda’s well-known best features for room and reliability.

Mazda CX 5

I’ve come to really value a smooth, quiet ride. The CX 5’s great construction and styling don’t hurt either.

The Year of the Model Matters

Even a year’s difference in the same make and model can make a big impact in a car’s ratings and characteristics. A simple spreadsheet will help you narrow down your choices and keep you comparing apples with apples. It adds discipline to a process that can wear you down when cars start to blur together.

How to Buy a Used Car According to the Experts

Once you find a car for sale that interests you, look into its history. Try to obtain service records or receipts. Check that the title is free and clear and get a vehicle history report from a site like CarFax, VINCheckPro or AutoCheck, as these will show how many owners the vehicle has had.

If you purchase the car locally, take it to a mechanic for a full inspection. Online car sites like Carvana and Carguru make buying a used car another online purchase. 

My opinion is that a car should give you freedom. If, like me, a $40,000 car purchase doesn’t feel liberating to you, likely any of these cars would make sense – and still look good in the driveway.

Do you still drive? How often do you hit the road? Do you own your car? When did you purchase it? What was important to you at that time? Would you choose differently if you had to buy a car today? Please share with the community!

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The 22 Best-Of-The-Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Trust us, we love a bargain just as much as the next beauty lover. But when it comes to skincare, we’re also willing to splurge a bit more for that special something. It might be an incredible eye serum with outstanding clinical trial results, a body butter that carries a scent so uplifting, it lifts us out of an up-before-dawn funk or a non-drying acne mask that feels elegant enough to have been designed by Regina King’s esthetician (you know, because it was). Luckily the best Nordstrom skincare of 2021 has all of this and so much more.

For these special purchases, we head to Nordstrom, a beauty destination that features a tight edit of science-backed formulations and indulgent, luxury products, along with cult favorites and top-of-the-line picks from the most promising indie brands in skincare. Ahead, see our selects for the very best of skincare that Nordstrom has to offer—and get ready to treat your skin like you never have before.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Ugandan Vanilla + Ethiopian Honey Beauty Butter 54 THRONES

Nordstrom.

54 Thrones Ugandan Vanilla + Ethiopian Honey Beauty Butter

This is the shea butter for legit shea butter heads. Sourced from East and West African cooperatives, this ultra-rich butter isn’t watered down (a dab covers a lot of real estate on the body or hair) or overly fragranced (though it does contain notes of vanilla and honey, the shea butter’s nutty scent still shines through). Pro tip: kneading the tube a bit before squeezing it more easily dispenses the thick butter inside.

nordstrom revive defensif environment antioxidant booster The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Révive Defensif Environment Antioxidant Booster

We admit it: when the pandemic set in, we were suckered into thinking that indoor living would mean exposing our skin to fewer free radicals, pollutants and damaging light. The reality? Indoors, the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than when typically found outdoors, according to EPA reports. Factor in endless Zoom calls (seriously, when will they end?)—and blue light that comes with the screen time—and shielding our skin from environmental aggressors seems more important than ever. That’s where this booster comes in: just a few drops added to an AM moisturizer application helps skin better protect itself against free radicals and pollutants (thanks to loads of antioxidants inside, including enzymes; green tea; vitamins A, C, E) and blue light (courtesy of fermented ingredients like pea extract).

 The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask

Nutrient-filled sea plants—like algae, plankton and seaweed—have a way of disarming skin cells diminishing free radicals while also delivering a serious shot of hydration to the skin. It’s something that makes this pricey mask totally worth it, especially post-treatment (or sunburn), when skin needs the most gentle of nutritive boosts.

nordstrom osea

Nordstrom.

Osea Vagus Nerve Oil

Skincare meets mental health care in this oil geared to soften skin and tap the vagus nerve, the longest and most complex cranial nerve that’s responsible for activating the body’s relaxation response. The stress-regulating nerve is also in charge of bailing the body and mind out of the non-stop fight-or-flight pattern that can be kicked up by simply reading the news and ushering them in a more balanced state of being. After rubbing the oil between our hands and deep breathing the scent before applying it to the base of our neck, we did notice a certain mental exhale (and reflexive jaw unclenching).

la prairie platinum rare haute rejuvenation eye elixir The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

La Prairie Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Eye Elixir

If you want to use this year’s tax return to indulge, may we suggest getting your hands on opalescent eye serum, designed to undo the cellular damage done by time and too many hours toiling away at a high-stress job? Within the formula is some pretty heavy-duty science backed by clinical studies: signaling molecules work as growth factors to create new tissue and regenerate the extracellular matrix (AKA, the scaffolding that gives skin its bounce, lift and smooth texture). In a few weeks’ time, we’ve noticed a brightening effect that’s so compelling, we’ve started to use the stuff elsewhere on the face as well.

nordstrom kate somerville

Nordstrom.

Kate Somerville Lifting Eye Cream

After a year in which even Kate Somerville’s A-list clientele hasn’t been able to make it to her LA skin clinic, the renowned esthetician has brought the clinic to us, with this eye cream, which delivers an A-list of its own: proven skincare actives like a peptide complex (to firm skin), red and brown algae (to lift hyperpigmentation) hyaluronic acid (to plump) and vitamin C (to brighten).

nordstrom eve lom

Nordstrom.

Eve Lom Cleanser

The original balm cleanser is still one of the best. To start, its scent (courtesy of four plant-based oils) proves the quickest way to turn the chore of washing your face into a spa experience. But luxury moments aside, the balm and accompanying muslin cloth do a tremendous job of melting away no-budge 36-hour eyeliner and de-gunking pores without drying out skin.

true botanicals chebula active immunity serum The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

True Botanicals Chebula Active Immunity Serum

This liquid gel serum is a delight to use. It sinks into the skin quickly and smells like freshly cut white blooms, thanks to a naturally-derived preservative inside. Its namesake antioxidant boasts some pretty impressive credentials: Chebula, a plant-extracted ingredient that has been shown in the brand’s tests to be highly bioactive (at 60 percent) also is thought to reduce inflammation and maintain hydration. What’s more, chebula is known as a cascading antioxidant: instead of absorbing free radicals once, this ingredient fights off a free radical, then morphs into a fresh form that can fight another free radical—and continue with this process again and again.

nordstrom u beauty

Nordstrom.

U Beauty The Resurfacing Compound Skin Care Treatment

A favorite of celebrity esthetician Melanie Grant, this resurfacing treatment contains a cool proprietary technology that attracts and neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals while better optimizing ingredient delivery. Though hard to see the technology in action, we feel its effects: with each use, our skin becomes smoother (and without the irritation that comes with many exfoliators).

HYPERFADE ZitSticka Microdart Patch Post Zit The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

ZitSticka.

ZitSticka Hyperfade Microdart Blur Patch for Dark Spots

Our hangup with facial serums designed to fade dark spots? We end up treating the whole face for hyperpigmentation instead of targeting our skin’s melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells that show as dark spots). These patches are loaded with pigment-busting and pigment-fading niacinamide, arbutin, logic acid, tranexamic acid and licorice root extract and feature a prickly texture akin to a microneedling wand in order to better drive actives into the skin.

nordstrom elemis

Nordstrom.

Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice Gel Moisturizer

With 75 percent aloe, redness-calming cica, and organic cucumber, this gel moisturizer is designed to gently hydrate the skin, but we can’t get over the cooling effect it delivers on contact. It’s a sensation that feels something like the cool blast of a facialist’s oxygen wand—and is just the pick-me-up our skin and soul need on sluggish mornings.

winter body necessaire serum The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Necessaire.

Nécessaire The Body Serum

For days in which you just don’t have time to wait for an ultra-rich body moisturizer to absorb into the skin (which face it, is most days), this fragrance-free serum serves as an excellent standing for neck-to-toe hydration.

nordstrom dior capture totale firming wrinkle correcting eye cream The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Dior Capture Totale Firming & Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream

With its Capture Totale line, Dior has done something many heritage luxury beauty brands haven’t: moved to plant-driven formulations. The result is formulations that feel elegant while harnessing stem cell research and peony, white lily and jasmine blooms homegrown in the brand’s own gardens.

nordstrom arcona tea tree mask The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Arcona Tea Tree Mask

If only we knew about this mask back when we were in middle school and haphazardly applying harsh tea tree astringents and essential oils to our skin. Created by the esthetician responsible for Regina King’s glow, the formula elevates its star exponentially, by managing to deep clean our complexion without drying it out.

dermstore sunday riley

Sunday Riley.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Exfoliating Face Treatment

This cult-classic exfoliating treatment remains a winner, thanks to its use of gentle lactic acid, brightening skin-brightening licorice and a cocktail of other plant-based ingredients.

nordstrom pause collagen boosting moisturizer The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Pause Collagen Boosting Moisturizer

Sure, this moisturizer may have been designed for more advanced skin, but we love its no BS lineage: it’s lightweight and absorbs in a snap without leaving skin feeling tacky; it works seamlessly with makeup; and most importantly, leaves skin with noticeable bounce, but not a shred of shine.

nordstrom pca skin sheer tint broad spectrum The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen

Our holy grail sunscreen earns its stripes with a sheer tint that doesn’t look or feel like makeup; a near-liquid consistency that melts into skin; mineral actives that block UVA and UVB rays; and a dewy finish that mimics a faint sun-kissed glow (even if we haven’t been exposed to anything but artificial light for days).

/chanel-hydra-beauty-camellia-repair-mask

Nordstrom.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Repair Mask Multi-Use Hydrating Comfort Mask

When our skin feels dry and generally abused by life, this is the mask we use to deliver much-needed TLC. Its unique consistency, an occlusive balm, wraps our skin in a big hug of hydration. The smallest amount is needed to get the job done, rendering it way more affordable than you’d think. Plus, it carries the most nurturing, faintly floral scent.

nordstrom dr loretta gentle hydrating cleanser The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

When it comes to finding a facial cleanser so gentle that it maintains moisture levels as it cleanses, we trust the version made by a dermatologist who’s spent 40-plus years studying the effects of environmental aggressors on our skin.

nordstrom dr dennis gross skincare The 22 Best Of The Best Skincare Picks From Nordstrom

Nordstrom.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment

At last, Dr. Dennis Gross’s famous peel system has been formulated to brighten the thicker skin on the body. A hearty dose of enzymes exfoliate the skin, while bakuchiol (a gentle, plant-based beta retinol) helps further brighten and even skin tone. Use it to calm smooth bumpy ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris or body blemishes—all without tingle or sting.

neom body butter

Nordstrom.

Neom Great Day Magnesium Body Butter

When thinking about skincare, it’s easy to forget about the real estate below the neck. This cream doesn’t just carry a bright scent designed to lift spirits, it contains the rich hydrators often found in body butters (think shea butter, mango seed butter and coconut oil) but formulated in with a lighter, whipped consistency.

beauty stat serum amazon

BeautyStat.

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Serum

All skin types have been known to tolerate this 20 percent pure vitamin C well, probably due to the addition of squalane to hydrate sensitive skin.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

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