Melissa Gorga’s Tan Plain Crop Top and Pants Set

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 10 Fashion

I had a lot of requests coming through for Melissa Gorga’s tan plaid crop top and pants set from the day the Real Housewives of New Jersey spent with their mom’s on last night’s episode. And whenever a lot of people ask about a cropped set like this I find myself wondering why I was sitting on my a*s during quarantine drinking wine while ya’ll were clearly working out.

But really it all just further confirms my hypothesis that the Blondetourage Babes have to be the hottest group of girls around. And now that you can get your hands on Melissa’s matching set, things are about to get a little bit hotter.

Thank you to @Eleniantarakis for the tip!

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop the Cara Santana Collection “She Loves Attention” Bralette

Click Here to Shop the Matching Pants

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Tan Plain Crop Top and Pants Set

I’m very excited to share with you today my picks for the makeup products that can absolutely make the biggest difference in how we look – especially for those of us who are over 50. They are game-changers. And I have a pretty good hunch that two of these products may be totally new to you.

In the accompanying video, I’ll share with you some of my favorite products in each of these categories.

A Skin Care Game-Changer

Since how our skin looks certainly makes a huge difference in how our makeup looks, let’s start there. The first product is a skincare game-changer. It’s an exfoliating product.

Most skin care experts recommend we exfoliate our skin twice a week because regular exfoliation helps prevent dull skin, clogged pores and even skin discoloration by ridding the skin of dead skin cells. And, if you use any serums or special creams, regular exfoliation also allows these skincare products to better penetrate the skin and provide superior results.

Now our skin does shed dead skin cells, but not as often as we get older. Unfortunately, these skin cells don’t just dissipate into the air. They cling to our skin which makes it look duller. They also clog our pores and highlight lines and wrinkles. Just about every skincare and makeup line makes some kind of exfoliating product, so fortunately they’re easy to find.

An Eye-Opening Product for Our Eyes

Product #2 is eye shadow primer – and, it’s a great product to use even if you don’t wear eyeshadow. If you do wear eyeshadow, a good primer keeps the shadow from creasing or smudging and provides a base so the color goes on evenly.

But it’s also a good investment even if you don’t wear eyeshadow, and here’s why. Almost all of us have some discoloration in our eyelid area – it’s one of those interesting little changes that happen for most of us as we get older.

So, using an eyeshadow primer that matches our skin tone can totally cover up discoloration on our eyelids which helps our eyes look bigger and brighter – and let’s face it, younger.

Help for Those Under-Eye Dark Circles

Since many of us deal with dark circles, or just darkness under our eyes from the shadow created by eye bags, a color corrector can make a world of difference. Most of us are used to using concealer under our eyes, but using a color corrector first – before our concealer – really helps cancel out the darkness.

That’s because most of the darkness is a bluish/purplish tone. By using a color corrector in a peach or salmon color that is a complementary color to the blue/purple color, we can effectively eliminate the darkness.

Using a concealer alone – without a color corrector underneath it – doesn’t do as effective a job of eliminating the darkness and sometimes it can also make our under eye area look ashy. So, color correct first, then gently pat on a concealer that matches your skin tone or is half to one shade lighter.

Open Up Those Eyes Even More

Our fourth product definitely helps our eyes look bigger. Many of us have experienced our lashes getting thinner or sparser, so curling them creates the look of greater length and volume. I highly recommend using an eyelash curler to really open up and emphasize our eyes.

Erase Those Fine Lines

I have to say up front that I was skeptical about this product, which I was given to try out. It’s called Tight Eye and it’s from a company called ScienceSerum. The purpose of the product is to firm and tighten the area around the eye in order to decrease fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet.

You use one pump of the product to swipe it under and around each eye. It takes 10-15 minutes to dry and then you rinse it off with lukewarm water. They also make a moisturizer to apply on the eye area after rinsing off the product.

I don’t have terribly heavy lines on the outer area of my eye, but they were definitely there. You may have noticed that I just used the past tense were – and that’s because after two weeks of using Tight Eye those lines almost completely disappeared. I was frankly, amazed.

ScienceSerum also makes Tight Neck and Tight Lips as well as some other products. They were very kind to send me the Tight Neck product as well. Tight Neck also helps to tighten and firm fine lines and wrinkles on the neck and chest area and is meant to improve skin tone, resiliency and elasticity.

I definitely also saw improvement in the lines on my neck. And I also saw some tightening in what I affectionately call my “turkey neck.” It wasn’t a dramatic improvement, but it was noticeable. And frankly, I was really surprised to see any improvement since the extent of the lose skin on my neck is pretty dramatic.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Hooded Eye Help

Our sixth product is for those of us with hooded eyes. Frankly, I have not personally tried this product yet, but I definitely intend to do so. I’m talking about it here because I’ve seen some amazing demonstrations and wanted to let you know about it.

It’s called Lids by Design and it consists of eyelid correcting strips that are available in six different sizes depending on how hooded the eyes are. It’s a one-time use product and is made from medical grade materials that are hypoallergenic and latex free.

You clean and dry your eyelids first and then carefully place the strip across the eyelid fold. Next, you press and hold the strip down for several seconds to insure a complete bond to the skin. And that’s all there is to it. Each box contains 80 eyelid tapes. Makeup can be worn over the strips if you apply the company’s Colorset All in One Pencil over the strip and eyelid before applying makeup.

Blur Those Pores

Many of us end up developing larger pores as we get older, and there are some excellent face primers that help to blur out the look of these pores before applying foundation or concealer.

Regain Some Glow

There’s no question that our skin doesn’t quite have that beautiful radiance that it once did, so we’re fortunate that there’s a makeup product that can re-create that beautiful glow for us – the highlighter. Since our skin usually gets a bit drier as we get older, a cream or liquid highlighter can work really well.

A Subtle, But Beautiful Finish

The ninth product is one that makes a subtle difference, but it’s a beautiful, subtle difference. It’s finishing powder. Now in addition to finishing powder, there’s also setting powder. Here’s the difference between the two.

Setting powder is applied after foundation and before other makeup, and its purpose is to absorb excess oil. A finishing powder is meant to be applied after all of our makeup, and its purpose is to provide a subtle blur of pores, wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin texture. It’s a perfect finishing touch to makeup application.

Create Some Life for Lips

The next two products are for lips. First is a product which helps prevent our lipstick from feathering into those little lines that just seem to automatically start developing around our lips. It’s a clear, waxy pencil that helps fill in those lines around the lips so our lipstick doesn’t migrate into them.

Several brands make a product like this. The one I love is from L’Oreal’s Age Perfect line because it’s a colored lip liner that also has ingredients in it that prevent lipstick from feathering. Since I have pretty deep vertical lines around my lips, I apply this product a couple of times in the areas where the lines are especially prominent.

Next up is lip gloss. Our lips do get smaller as we get older, so by adding lip gloss to our lips, we’re adding light reflecting elements to our lips which makes them not only look fuller, but also healthier and brighter.

Two Must-Have Tools

The last two products are two very important tools: a foundation buffing brush and a makeup sponge. You can certainly apply products with your fingers, but there are a few advantages to using either a brush or a dampened makeup sponge.

First let’s talk about the importance of a buffing brush. What a buffing brush does is work the foundation into the skin so it looks more natural and seamless. It creates a natural skin-like look without any streaks or brush lines.

When you use a dampened makeup sponge, you’re adding moisture to the face, and sponges also provide a seamless, natural look to the makeup. Dampened makeup sponges can also help sheer out our makeup so it looks even more natural. And some sponges, because of their shape and size, can also get into the nooks and crannies of our face.

My personal preference is to blend in foundation with my buffing brush and then use a dampened makeup sponge to go over all my makeup before applying my finishing powder. This ensures that I have no harsh edges anywhere around my face and helps all the products on my face blend together beautifully.

What beauty products have worked especially well for you? Which are the top 3 that you use every day? Please share them with us!

My connection to Europe was strong from the get-go. Before the age of 20, I’d worked enough odd jobs to begin my travel quest. Waiting on tables and commandeering a taxi around Manhattan paid for trips to Greece, Israel, and England.

Then, after college, my career choices leaned toward jobs with ample opportunities for travel. (You mean I can get paid for this?) Much of it overseas. Primarily to countries like France, Portugal, Germany, and Italy.

I thrived on those brief but frequent periods of immersion. Dabbled in the romance of their languages. Tuned myself down or sped myself up in accordance with the pace of each venue. I was comfortable with the set of sensibilities inherent with each different culture.

Yet even after decades of travel delirium, the notion of moving lock, stock, and barrel to another continent had not presented itself as a serious choice.

Until I met up with Spain.

Why Spain for Expat Life?

Spain has a pulse. It’s lit up with an energy that’s palpably youthful, the ambient qualities of which are infectious wherever you turn.

A list of its attributes is long and satisfying. Varied regional cuisine. A temperate climate. Classic and progressive architecture. World class museums. A healthcare system ranking in the global top 10. A first class transportation infrastructure. Thousands of miles of livable coastline.

Affordable. Diverse. It’s a lifestyle calculated to tantalize. And one that considers balance and well-being a top priority.

Spain, as an expat destination, was a no-brainer. Which left the selection of a city within its borders the next critical decision.

Why Valencia Might Well Be the Premier Expat City in Spain

After a few years in a popular southern California resort area, we’re anxious to reignite our senses. All of them. Give us now the constant hum of noise and language. Morning coffee and sweet rolls at a neighborhood cafe. Mercados with abundant displays of local fresh fish and colorful vegetables. Late and lazy lunches. Languorous dinners. Nursing a bottle of wine with friends.

And people watching. Lots of people watching.

Barcelona and Madrid seemed like obvious choices. But we were in search of a city less dense. Less overrun by tourists. Boasting a mix of historical influences and vibrant contemporary culture. Easy to maneuver through and around. Lush parks and gardens.

A city tailor-made for a rich experience. One not too jaded or taken with itself to provide it.

We found that place just three hours south of Barcelona. Nesting comfortably beside the Mediterranean. The third largest city in Spain. And one that hit all of the right notes for us.

Valencia was the clear winner.

In addition to its more visceral benefits, excellent healthcare is available and inexpensive when compared to the United States. It’s largely considered a safe city to walk around late into the night. And logistically speaking, as our master plan includes extensive travel, the rest of Europe is highly accessible by air, rail, sea, or land.

As a bonus, close friends – themselves expats – currently live in Valencia. Their coaching has proven to be invaluable as we untangle the specifics of our own journey.

Moving Past the Ephemeral Excitement of a New Life

It’s easy to paint a hearty picture about the positive aspects of life abroad. But digging deeper and looking ahead at how it will actually feel when we get there is the real challenge. Much has been written about disappointed expats who’ve gone home because of an inability to adapt.

A huge factor in the success of expat life lies in an ability to make new friends. There’s enough science to prove that the largest impediment to elder adult happiness is loneliness. For us the solution to this potential dilemma will run on two tracks.

Prior to our departure from the United States, we’re planning a farewell tour to share our news with friends. Yes, we’ll be saying adios for now. But we want to take them along for the journey. Part of that experience-sharing will be accomplished through blogging about our travels. Part will be to encourage visits to Spain. And lastly, we want to acknowledge their amazing contribution to our lives, thus far.

Once on the flip side of the globe, we’ll jump-start the building process for strong new relationships. Easier said than done at our age, I’m told. But not impossible with a bit of trial and error, and a willingness to make some mistakes along the way.

Our intent to live permanently in Spain should provide a better pathway toward friendship. Especially with skeptical Spaniards or other expats who might consider us temporary.

Everything Is Timing

Yes. Covid has thrown a wrench into our plans. The promise of relief through global vaccination, however, has opened a window of hope for a 2021 departure. We’ll put the brakes on if there is doubt about health and safety. We are – after all – at that certain age where vulnerability comes with the territory.

In the meantime, we’ll continue to add depth to our knowledge of Spain. Read articles. Watch videos. Study the language. Keep our energy up about exciting prospects for our new, self-determined life.

Have you decided to become an expat? Which country would be your first destination? Why there? What fascinates you the most? Are you planning a farewell trip before you go? If you’re already an expat – how did you choose your destination? Looking back now, would your choice have been different if you had to move home now? Please share with the community!

Teresa Giudice’s Black and White Tie Dye Leggings and Velvet Jacket

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 10 Fashion

Teresa Giudice’s black and white tie dye leggings, worn with a black velvet jacket, talking to her daughter Gia and ex-husband Joe claim to help cover up cellulite.  But based on what we’ve learned in this scene there’s one thing that they seemingly don’t cover up, and that’s your dating status.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her SEASUM Leggings

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Originally posted at: Teresa Giudice’s Black and White Tie Dye Leggings

In the singular effort to get you to wear some—any!—sunscreen at all on a daily basis, most experts neglect to tell you what kind of sunscreen you should actually wear. Finally, we’re here to break down the differences between physical vs. chemical sunscreens once and for all. Regardless of what Gwyneth Paltrow says about SPF, sunscreen is essential. This’ll be fun-ish, I promise.

Physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) create an invisible shield on top of the skin’s surface (well, it should be invisible, but some formulas err on the chalky side). “They’re made up of finely powdered minerals, usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,” says dermatologist Annie Chiu. “These minerals sit on the skin and block UV radiation by reflecting it,” providing protection against both UVB and UVA light. They’re like an umbrella for your face, on your face. And if you’re blessed with super-sensitive skin, Dr. Chiu recommends physical formulas with titanium oxide—or, even better, formulas for children and babies.

Chemical sunscreens, which absorb the sun’s rays rather than reflect them, usually have active ingredients that start with O, such as octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, and oxybenzone—but homosalate and avobenzone, among others, are also the chemical kind. “These chemicals act as filters and reduce ultraviolet radiation penetration to the skin,” says Dr. Chiu. “They usually contain UVB-absorbing chemicals and more recently contain UVA-absorbers as well.”  Essentially, they take the hit instead of you. Formula-wise, chemical options glide on pretty easy, usually without piling up so they’re great additions to makeup. The main downside? They can be irritating to sensitive skin or skin with a damaged moisture barrier.

But that’s a misplaced fear, says Dr. Chiu. “Multiple studies have shown that nanoparticles do not penetrate living skin and that they pose no risk to human health.” The big picture: “Preventing skin cancer and sunburn outweigh any unproven claims of toxicity or human health hazard from ingredients in sunscreens.” Scroll through below to check out our favorite formulas from both categories.

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.

Physical Sunscreens

Courtesy of La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Extra Light Sunscreen Fluid

If you want mineral protection but have found zinc formulas irritating in the past, try this best-selling formula. It’s slightly tinted to ward off that ghostly pallor, and best of all, you get more for your money. Win-win.

Buy: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen $33.50

Courtesy of Drunk Elephant.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30

The ingredient list—aloe, algae extract, and natural oils such as jojoba, marula, and coconut—make it as much a skin-care product as it is a sunscreen. It gives a boost to makeup too—all that zinc makes your pores blurry. Watch what you put under it, though—most zincs require a quality foundation to go on smoothly and not pile up. If you have a vitamin C serum in your regimen (and you should), lay it on before you put on your zinc sunscreen, let it fully soak in, and bask in your own glow.

Buy: Drunk Elephant Physical Defense $34

Courtesy of CeraVe.

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

“This is a great choice for those with dry skin,” says Dr. Chiu, who recommends this gentle formula for sensitive skin. Plus, the wide nozzle means you’ll cover a lot of ground quickly.

Buy: CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen $14.99

Chemical Sunscreens

Courtesy of Coola.

Coola Organic Fragrance-Free Sunscreen

“This is a good choice if you prefer a spray-on sunscreen,” says Dr. Chiu, who likes that it won’t dry out skin thanks to hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and glycerin. And, because there aren’t any artificial fragrances masking the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this pick has a definite sunscreen scent. Just make sure you don’t miss any spots (which is easy with a spray-on formula) and you keep from breathing it in while misting.

Buy: Coola Unscented Sunscreen $17.90

Courtesy of Kiehl’s.

Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+

Dr. Chiu loves this waterproof, drip-off-your-face-if-you-don’t-tilt-your-chin-up-lightweight formula for everyday wear. It’s white but not chalky, smells like a pool but not unbearably so, and sinks into the skin seamlessly.

Courtesy of Revive.

Revive Soleil Superieur Broad Spectrum SPF 50

“If you want an antiaging cream that’s also a sunscreen, this product is [it],” says Dr. Chiu. “It’s ultra light and can be used under makeup for daily use.” A whipped souffle of a sunscreen, this pricey SPF 50 pick spreads on like caviar pate, dissolving into a transparent, glistening layer on the skin. Plus, the thing looks fine as hell standing on your vanity.