I was asked this question. Not once, twice, thrice – but four times last week. As I’m on an online dating site/app with a client, perusing potential dates for them (in my role as dating coach) this topic came up:

Is there a way to quickly identify a fake dating profile or an unwanted date?

The quick answer is yes, most of the time. Phew. Relief. Probably because we all agree that there is no bigger time sucker than online dating. The rabbit holes you fall down… The choices! How does one get to the “one”?

And, in under 90 seconds per person to be most time efficient? (This is a technique I use with my clients to show them they needn’t be online for hours.)

So, here are a few tips to steer clear of dating mayhem:

Tips in Regard to Photos

Lack of Photos

If there’s just one photo – in this digital age? – or no photo at all? Skip – no benefit of the doubt given as to maybe they are just a bit behind posting pictures. If they simply haven’t completed their profile yet – well, they should have hidden it until it was complete.

A good dating profile should include at least 4 photos!

Photos Look Old

Go with your gut – they are.

Oddly Positioned Photos

If you see only a head showing in a group shot, an arm dangling over their shoulder, an odd shaped photo… Who did they cut out and why?

No Full Body Shot

Uh-oh. Beware – there is a reason.

Photos Look Fake

90s’ clothing? C’mon.

Profile Information Tips

While photos are the very first item most singles look at in our chemistry driven world, next we get to the words, the profiles, the captions, the dating prompts.

Grammar and Punctuation Errors

You know the “you get one chance to make a good impression” and all that. Bad grammar is a quick turn-off sign.

Negativity

Yes. I mean no. There will be many “no’s” in this profile, such as, “No short women. No overweight. No emotionally unavailable.” Personally, that last one scares the heck out of me – what happened to you to put that in your happy, loving dating profile?

Desperation Seeps Out

Lines such as, “Are there any good, honest women left who want a committed relationship” or “I’ve been on Bumble for a year, and what’s up with you women?” (Yes, two real ones we saw yesterday while online with a client.)

Incomplete Profile

Skipped many of the questions – was the bot confused? Or is this person really not into dating? Perhaps they should have hired a dating pro to write it all as many do for their LinkedIn accounts.

Politics…

And not just general politics, but how about this: “If you voted for XXXX, don’t bother EVER contacting ME!” Hmmm, this is a real red flag when earlier they remarked about their unusual command of communication, curiosity and openness – and mentioned world peace would make them happy.

Bonus Tip

General statements, such as, “Like traveling, I look great in a tux and enjoy dining out” are certainly a steer clear sign. What could we possibly do with this information to make an informed decision?

Luckily, as online dating has evolved positively over the past 30 years (yes, it’s been around since 1992), so has some of the quality of online profiles.

In our one-hour coaching session yesterday, Libby, 66, a retired pharmaceutical rep and I were having a blast – and giggling often. But when I had her set her iPhone alarm to 90 seconds per interesting profile/person, we had our own game of speed dating on – skipping through the above timewasting profiles – and ended our hour with 14 unique messages sent. And by this morning, 8 positive replies.

Pretty good work for an hour!

What red flags are you looking for when browsing online dating sites/apps? How much time do you spend per profile? Have you noticed certain repetitive patterns that make you skip to the next one?

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You’ve probably heard me go on and on about my oily skin (sorry not sorry). It just means I’m always on the lookout for products that prevent me from shining like a disco ball. One recent find, the $5 TikTok-viral Brighten Up! Banana Powder from essence, has been an absolute favorite—but now, the video-sharing platform has helped me discover yet another mattifying product that’s available on Amazon.

Everything beauty guru Mikayla Nogueira touches turns to gold, or in shopping terms, sells out. So when there’s a product she’s endorsed that hasn’t been swept off the shelves yet (and also so happens to be on sale), it’s a good day.

Mikayla recently got Mally Beauty’s Poreless Face Defender trending, with her TikTok try-on amassing a very impressive 12 million views.

@mikaylanogueira

But honestly I’d prob just use a blotting sheet or roller if I needed! 😀 @TheBeautyRadar #makeup #beauty

♬ original sound – Mikayla Nogueira

The TikToker explains how she doesn’t like using face powders because she has dry skin (which can be more prone to a cakey look post-powder). Even as someone who has oily skin, I can relate. When in doubt and regardless of your skin type, reach for the Poreless Face Defender, a balm that provides a long-lasting matte finish on the complexion. Blush and bronzer balms are having a moment, which convinces me that this formula might be worth a try.

This mattifying balm is the perfect alternative to primer and powder, as you can dab it on before your makeup to prep your skin or after your makeup to lock it in place. If you’re going for more of an au naturale look, simply apply it over your bare skin to vanish any oiliness. We love a good multitasking moment!

Mally Beauty’s Poreless Face Defender is no joke and neither are the results shown in Mikayla’s TikTok that has shoppers beelining straight to Amazon. Shop the magical balm for 18 percent off and let your oily skin worries fade away.

RELATED: TikTokers Say This $5 Mattifying Powder Makes Their Skin Look Like ‘Facetune in Real Life’ & It’s Selling Out 

Photo: Mally Beauty.

The Poreless Face Defender is sheer and weightless and gives you that blurred, airbrushed effect. Your pores that are looking a bit larger than desired? Gone. The layer of a not-so-ideal shine coating your face after a couple of hours? Also gone. This product keeps your skin fresh and flawless rather than cakey and dry.

Gently pat the lightweight, translucent formula all over your face, making sure to avoid swiping and rubbing the product on, since that’ll only move around the existing oils and makeup on your skin’s surface. Here’s a pro tip from the brand: Pat the balm around the edges of your lip to stop your lipstick from budging, or apply it over your lipstick to mattify. 

Of course, anything Mikayla loves, shoppers are also going to adore.

“I use it on my T-Zone and it makes my makeup shine-free all day! Seriously! When I get home my makeup still looks pretty darn good after a 10-hour work day,” raved one five-star reviewer. “I haven’t even used my compact powder or loose powder since I started using this.”

“This has seriously changed my life! I have such oily skin no matter how much mattifying primer, powder and spray I use,” wrote another shopper. “With this, I put it lightly under my makeup and lightly over and it stays matte all day! If I do get oily, I just pat a little over my face and I’m good to go. It’s completely sheer, it doesn’t cake, it doesn’t dry you out.”

Mikayla’s try-on mixed with the glowing shopper reviews are all you need to add Mally Beauty’s Poreless Face Defender to your Amazon cart. Apply it whenever you do your makeup and throw it in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Before you know it, you won’t be able to leave the house without it.

Garcelle Beauvais’ Multicolor Sequin Patchwork Dress at the Rinna Beauty Disco Party

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 12 Episode 15 Fashion

On this week’s episode of RHOBH Garcelle Beauvais wears this multicolor sequin patchwork dress to the Rinna Beauty disco party. And whether the granny-chic print reminds you of Roseanne’s blanket or Dorinda’s pants (she totally started this trend!), I think we can all agree that she definitely made it look groovy baby.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to See Her Ashish Dress

Photo: @Garcelle

Originally posted at: Garcelle Beauvais’ Multicolor Sequin Patchwork Dress

Erika Jayne’s Two Tone Sequin Jumpsuit at the Rinna Beauty Disco Party

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 12 Episode 15 Fashion

Although Garcelle Beauvais says to Erika Jayne at the Rinna Beauty disco party on this week’s episode of RHOBH “Erika, I don’t have to make you look bad, you can do that on your own,” she definitely wasn’t talking about her sequin jumpsuit which has her looking very good. So without further ado, scroll on down below for deets and to find out what other ‘Wife has previously rocked this two-faced two-toned lewk. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Also Seen on Margaret Josephs at the RHONJ Season 9 Reunion:

Halpern Jumpsuit Sold Out at Farfetch

Photo #1: @MargaretJosephs

Originally posted at: Erika Jayne’s Two Tone Sequin Jumpsuit

As summer winds down and kids head back to school, I remember the days I’d prepare for my new grade. I loved covering my textbooks with brown paper, organizing my pencil case, arranging outfit combinations, and labeling my folders and notebooks. I was all set to learn.

Today, through books – although I’d place myself in at least the 50th grade – I’m still anxious to learn all I can.

Whether you explore a Ukrainian sniper’s missions, the Hamptons, intergenerational friendship, the Black woman who designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown, or Provincetown, Cape Cod, I hope you find a book in this list that intrigues you.

On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster

Everleigh (Lee) Farrow has a trust fund, a handsome fiancée, and a surprise gift from her soon-to-be husband – a brand new hotel on the Hampton’s Gin Lane. After a tumultuous romantic past, Lee, at long last, appears to have everything her parents – and 1950s society – think will make her happy.

Growing up at the sumptuous Plaza Hotel, Lee lived in a world with cooks and doormen and housekeepers. After her fiancée’s gift burns to the ground on opening night, Lee movesto a tiny caretaker’s cottage. She discovers the simple joys of household chores.

And she wants to do more.

Against the wishes of her fiancée and parents – after all, what will people think? – Lee accepts a job with an established photographer. She learns what makes her happy and the type of person she wants to be.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

I’m a massive fan of historical fiction author Kate Quinn’s well-researched novels, especially her 2021 bestseller, The Rose Code. Her books are a commitment – this is a lengthy one too – but always informative, engaging, and focused on true-life heroines.

Confession… After reading a chapter or two of The Diamond Eye, I considered giving up. I struggled to keep track of the Russian names, places, and characters.

And then I switched to the audiobook version. The novel came to life with the superb narrator reading the story to me.

When Hitler and his forces invaded Ukraine, sniper-trained Mila said goodbye to her young son and joined the war effort. With 300 kills under her belt, the famous Mila traveled to the US with a Soviet war delegation. First lady Eleanor Roosevelt took Mila under her wing, and they forged a lifelong friendship.

Be sure to read – or listen to – the author’s notes at the end of the book.

Gilt by Jamie Brenner

“As we get older, we need to learn how to let go of the past in order to live fully in the present.”

A delicious summer read, I devoured this novel on a plane. And couldn’t wait to finish it after I landed.

The three Pavlin sisters – Elodie, Celeste, and Paulina – grew up in glitzy Manhattan. The daughters of a famous jewelry family, their grandfather ignited the diamond engagement ring craze. But a company publicity stunt went awry and severed the sisters’ bond. 

Years later, their lives intersect in Provincetown, the colorful town on Cape Cod’s northern tip. Gemma, a budding jewelry designer and one sister’s daughter, arrives for the summer to confront her long-lost aunts and solve a nagging mystery.

I predict readers will enjoy traveling to P-town, experiencing this summer haven, and peeking into the world of jewelry design.

And be sure to check out Blush, another novel by the same author.

Shoe Story by Jane Rosen

Calling all shoe- and pup-lovers!

Esme’s plan was in place. In a few short days, she’d graduate from Dartmouth, move to NYC with her boyfriend, and begin her art career in Manhattan. And then tragedy strikes.

When her mom dies, and her father is severely injured in an automobile accident, Esme gives up her dreams. For the next seven years, she cares for her dear dad.

After her father passes, Esme doesn’t know which way to turn or how to restart her life.

A dog sitting assignment in Greenwich Village, a closetful of fabulous shoes, and an intergenerational friendship lead people-pleasing Esme to learn that, if she finds herself, everything else will fall into place.

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

Historical fiction fans will adore the little-known story of Ann Cole Lowe, a Black seamstress and granddaughter of enslaved people.

Married at 12, Ann learned to sew from her grandmother and mother. When her well-fashioned ensemble captured the attention of a wealthy Tampa widow, Ann packed her bags and bid goodbye to Alabama – and her horrid husband.

Amidst the kind hearts of the White widow and her daughters, Ann designed debutante and wedding dresses for the South’s most privileged women. She counted Jacqueline Kennedy as a long-term client and created her wedding gown.

But Ann was still Black, living most of her life in a segregated nation. If only people could look beyond one’s exterior and see others for what they could contribute to the world…

What are you reading right now? Who are some of your favorite authors? Do you read book series? How many books have you finished so far this year?