Hi Ladies,

Ever wished, hoped, prayed (or all of the above) that you’d wake up one day to see that the cellulite on the back of your thighs had magically disappeared? Or that the extra skin (I choose to call it “extra skin”, not flab) on the under part of your arm or just above your belt was a little more taut? If we had it our way, a wish upon a star and a little bit o’ cardio would do it. Sadly, it doesn’t.

Even with some effort, and in some cases lots of effort, it can be seemingly impossible to rid our gorgeous, womanly bodies of those minor albeit natural nuisances. So, I’m perplexed as to why, until two weeks ago, I resisted—though they have been sent to me and marketed to all of us—lotions, potions, creams, and non-invasive treatments that claim to make dimples smooth, swollen ankles or wrists svelte, and waistlines smaller.

I skeptically abandoned my “can’t-be-true-won’t-work” cynicism in hope of becoming “suddenly slender.” I tested THE SlenderTone Body Wrap developed by Victoria Morton that according their website, www.victoriamorton.com,   and Victoria is 100% safe, healthy, and all-natural. 

Before I got dressed on the morning of my wrap day, I quizzically examined a small cluster of dimples on the back my upper thighs. They’re not that bad, I thought.  But with a “guarantee” of a smoother derriere and thighs that sink easily instead of force me to writhe, wiggle, hop and squeeze into a pair of my Size 28 J Brand or Rogan jeans, I bubbled with excitement!

In preparation, I drank 2oz of the Victoria Morton’s Mineral Magic Plus, $49.95 per bottle, a not-so-bad-tasting vitamin and mineral concoction the publicist sent to me, twice a day for three days before my wrap. The ingredient rundown on the back of Mineral Magic Plus reads like long laundry list of labels slapped on the bottles and jars of an aisle at your local GNC. Let’s just say, by day three of cleansing with Mineral Magic, my system felt flushed and my body suddenly lighter.

The morning of THE wrap, I showered, forwent applying lotion or deodorant (because they told me to), and showed up at the makeshift Suddenly Slender Studio at the Hudson Hotel for my treatment. (Suddenly Slender locations are franchised all over the world.) My wrap session went like this:

I undressed, leaving on my briefs and sports bra…Rebecca, a certified aesthetician and my wrap technician measured me, every part: from my ankles to my knees, thighs, hips, glutes, hamstrings wrists, biceps, triceps, breasts, back, neck, shoulders…You name it, she measured it and then jotted down each digit with intense precision…she then sprayed my body with a “collaise-enzyme” spray that would help break down fat cells especially in more muscular areas …next she wrapped my body from toe to neck with oversized-ace-bandages drenched with a “special mineral-infused solution”…I was a mirror-image of a freshly and tightly wrapped mummy though a lot less nimble, I could barely move…for the next hour, in twenty minute intervals—pausing only to be “basted” with a mineral collaise solution meant to rehydrate my skin—I attempted to swing my arms and legs on a cross trainer to keep circulation going…Rebecca unwrapped me and got to measuring…

 From neck to toe I lost a total of 15.5 inches! I lost one whole inch on my waist and one-half inch on each thigh. (Wohoo! Can I get an “Amen?!”) I asked Rebecca how long my results would last. “Unless you gain weight, they’re permanent.”

With that in mind, I went home and commenced a back-of-the-closet fitting frenzy. I tried on a Dolce & Gabanna pencil skirt I haven’t worn in years, a Nicole Miller strapless evening gown that says it’s a Size 6 but fits like a Size 4.5 around my thighs, and a Roland Mouret square-neck, amped-up sleeve dress I bought two sizes too small 3 years ago at a Sample Sale. Surprisingly, they all fit!

Feeling very-much-on-top-of-the world, I slid into my size 28 Rogans  (I actually had a little room between the button and my navel) and I met “Mr. F” for cocktails.  While cruising to a NYC hot spot, I thought to myself, “Tomorrow, I’m going to the beach, a pool, a park, somewhere in a bikini! I’m going to enjoy this while it lasts.”

With an average cost of about $125 across the country, I’m telling you, if you have an event  to attend or just want to fit into those jeans, (darn it), the $125 is very well spent. With a second-wrap-free guarantee, what have you got to lose…other than a few inches?

For more info log onto www.victoriamorton.com.

Feel beauty-full,

Tai

Have you ever tried a-get-slimmer-fast program? Did it work? Or have you ever had a BodyWrap or skin smoothing process? Do tell.  

Hi Ladies,

After wrestling with chaotic schedules for weeks, I was able to catch up with my friend, “Mr. JR” on Friday. After less than five minutes of face time—literally after greetings, exchanging pleasantries, and taking our seats to talk life—"JR” made the most audacious (and unexpected) statement.

“Wow, you’ve got a pimple!!!”  He said.

My jaw dropped.

But I was fast to recover. “Yeah! I get them every so often like most people. No?”

“I guess so. But I’ve never seen you with one,” he responded.

His point was well taken. I’m no pimple super-shero but my skin rarely breakouts …on my face. But while I didn’t experience acne as a pubescent teen, I have battled “back-ne” since I was twelve. And even then vanity got the best of me…and my mom. In our attempt (I made it her project, too) to rid my back of what I thought were the most unsightly bumps (no more than 7-10 at a time) that were pretty much unsighted, at least during winter, spring, and fall. In her attempt to appease me, she shuttled me from one dermatologist to the next and grilled them about “cures” for acne. She tried.

Fast forward to the here and now. At thirty, my back is sometimes still a problem area, but my face breaks out only occasionally.  One, sometimes two mole hills appear at a time about once a month or every other month, around that time of the month. I know. I’m lucky.  But like many women-of-a-certain-age (late twenty-, thirty-, and forty-somethings), I am not immune to hormone fluctuations, increased sebum production, the not-so-healthy-stuff smog leaves on skin, and heck…good old aging that can zap moisture or create extra at times.

So imagine my pure excitement when less than 24-hours after “JR” I.D.-ed the mini-Mount Kilimanjaro on my left cheek, while feeling extremely self-conscious, I received a package from my colleagues at iVillage.com that included the ThermaClear Heat Enabled Acne Treatment device, a heated “zit-zapper.” Timing couldn’t have been more perfect – I’ll try anything once!

I quickly skimmed the instructions, inserted the batteries, and prepared myself for zapping. According to the pamphlet my two pimples were perfect candidates. They were newly formed and not server cystic in origin.  I decided to zap (apply the thermal pulse) to only one so I could compare their life spans. According to the pamphlet:

“Clinical trial results have demonstrated that pimples treated with ThermaClear cleared up in less than half the time vs pimples not treated with the device.”

Since my zits normally last 4-5 days, with twice daily zaps for two days, my fingers and toes were crossed and my shoelaces tied in hopes that the mountain on my cheek would magically disappear within 2.5 days.

While in wait, I did some due diligence and researched more conventional acne treatments. Though my skin may not be clear right now…still, what became clear is that companies have finally learned that acne is not just an issue for kids with raging hormones…folks over 25 suffer, too.

Check out a few more recent treatment introductions (mostly over-the-counter) that were made with mature Beauties (and Handsomes) in mind.  

And, oh, by the way…the zit I zapped with the “heat enabled” treatment? It’s still there and seemingly rising after 5 days. So, when it comes to my bi-monthly breakouts, personally, I’m sticking to the traditional, topical salicylic or glycolic acids washes, scrubs, pads, and spot treatments. But hey, according to ThermaClear’s website, it’s one of the best sellers on Sephora.com, so if you’re up for zapping and spending, perhaps it will make your spot run.

ThermaClear Acne Device, $149.95, www.sephora.com

The 3-step Programs (inclusive of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing):

 

Avon Clearskin Professional Acne System, $34, www.avon.com, launching late August.

The first of this three-step program uses an ingredient, Zinc Hexapeptide-11, exclusive to Avon that is meant to “restore balance” to oily skin. 

Neutrogena Dermatologics skin ID

** C&V EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!!! Avon, Neutrogena, and Clinique are giving away two kits each. The first six readers to email me at Compactsandvignettes@gmail.com will win one of the kits. **

For the back:

My main point of concern: my backside. I’ve been using Glytone Back Spray 2% Salycilic Acid in water and alcohol, $28,

Got any special tricks? Do tell.

Ladies,

Let me start by saying…this entry is not for the faint at heart, sensitive skinned, or painfully (pun intended) shy.  Since most American women have abandoned their Neanderthal ways, hair removal in the 21^st Century is very much a routine if not a requisite. Some shave, others use depilatories, still others pluck, some thread, many wax, and more are beaming (laser-ing). And if you’re a true hair-contender, as I am, you probably have tried all of the above (at least once).  Ouch…I mean, oh, how I wish there were one method that worked smoothly for every body part. I prefer the precision of threading and plucking for my brows (I visit Thread in midtown Manhattan bi-weekly), a shave for my under arms and legs sans moisturizing cream (in my shower almost daily), and waxing for my “down there”– the mature focus of this entry.

I’ve waxed my (in the words of “friend-in-my-head,” Oprah) “vajayjay” religiously every 5-8 weeks for the last 8 years, year round: spring, summer, fall, and winter. At roughly $70 a session, plus the essential maintenance products: an exfoliant and anti-inflammatory/in-grown hair eliminator liquid or pads, I’d say, I’m pretty invested in my pubic life.

My relationship with my primary South-of-the-Border aesthetician, Bella W. of NYC’s Bliss Spa (www.blissworld.com), is an intimate one.  I feel like I know her newlywed daughter and entrepreneur son personally though I’ve only seen wedding and camera-phone pictures. She knows when my visit is one of maintenance or something else…like a vacation. She knows when I’m working out hard or going through an emotional eating phase. Bella knows.

I’ve personally referred at least 15 friends and colleagues to Bella over the years. Almost each one of them, like me, grew to attest that waxing “down-there” helped them experience a new level of femininity.  I always leave her table, even after reshaping my form as only a contortionist would, floating through the streets of NYC like a ballerina, stopping at each corner with the alluring confidence of a salsa dancer.  I feel all woman!

So when a “Brazilian Virgin” friend of mine, Ms. O, told me that she wanted to go completely bare before she returned to the heat of her temporary home in the desert, but had no clue what to do, what not to do, what to expect or how to maintain, I decided a simple guide was in order. And to put my mind in the spirit of being a “BV”, I went to a hair removal outpost I’d never visited, Completely Bare Downtown NYC (www.completelybare.com) and saw Lorraine.

WHAT TO DO:

• Schedule your wax one or two weeks after your period, never right before as your skin is typically more sensitive right before your menstruation.
• If you have a low tolerance for pain of discomfort, take a Tylenol or ibuprofen one hour before your wax, says Anita Schuessler, Education Manager for Bliss Spas.
• Take a relaxing shower or bath at the spa or as close to your appointment as possible, says Lorraine. It serves two purposes: you’ll feel fresh for your close up and ultimately more relaxed.
• Communicate with your aesthetician. Tell her if the wax feels too hot or if you have any skin sensitivity.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Don’t shave for at least three weeks before going for your appointment. Hair must be long enough (at least 1/8 of an inch) for the wax to grip.
• Don’t tense up. When you tense up your skin cannot be pulled taut by the aesthetician and is more likely tear. Practice a slow inhale and exhale.

EXPECT:

• A thorough and delicate wax BV should take at least 30 minutes.
• You may be asked to take a weird position like hold your knees to your chest or to lie in a froglike position.

ASK YOUR WAXER:

To use different a new depressor each time she applies wax. Double dipping into the wax is unsanitary.

To wax in small sections, especially if your skin is sensitive. And if you skin is extremely sensitive, ask her to do a small patch test on your inner thigh.

AFTER: 

• DAY OF: If red use an anti-inflammatory cream, gel, liquid made with hydrocortisone or al natural aloe.
• DAY OF: Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin and minimize the chance of ingrowns.
• DAY AFTER then TWICE A DAY: Use a salicylic-infused in-grown hair eliminator liquid or pads.
• DAILY: Just add moisture.

Needless to say, I loved Lorraine. And when I can’t get to Bella, I’ll head to her. Hellllooo, sunshine! Hello, shoreline! Hello, Brazil!

Tai

Tai’s BV Essentials:

 

Carol’s Daughter SweetHoneyDip ChocolateBrownSugah Scrub, $34.00, CarolsDaughter.com. The name says it all.

 

Bliss In grown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads, $38, Blissworld.com. Pads are a lot less mess than liquid and travel with ease.

 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost, $26, TheBodyShop.com. Hydration is key. A serum or hydrator made with Vitamin C will help revive skin and make skin look less dull, a common side effect from waxing.

 

Completely Bare Completely Smooth For Body, $42, CompletelyBare.com helps my wax go the distance. When I’m fortunate (and less hormonal), with this juice, my BV lasts for 7-8 weeks.

Have you ever had a Brazilian bikini wax? Do you prefer a regular to a BV? Why? Any wax or hair removal questions? Ask away!

Hi Ladies,

I have a friend (let’s call him “Mr. F”) with skin as smooth and soft as the most exquisite silk. (No, that wasn’t a typo. Yes, I meant him…as in the friend is a he and not a she.)

While it’s nice to see that a guy cares about his grooming routine; I, quite frankly, wrestled with the fact that a male (even an extremely well-groomed one) could have skin softer than any she (especially me). Then again, from a scientific standpoint, perhaps it is possible. Men are usually more fully clothed in long-sleeved shirts and trousers and therefore less exposed to harsh environmental elements that tank top, short-sleeve, and skirt-wearing women face. But get this! When I asked “Mr. F” about his body moisturizing practices and he retorted, “I don’t really use lotion” I thought, Okay? That’s novel! 

So, for the sake of my C&V gals, I decided that some skin-so-soft-seeking work was necessary.

I assessed my skin’s condition and reviewed my body hydrating regimen my dermis is very supple but more like silk shantung than the finer variety. And baby, when it’s cool outside, I apply a thick even heavy oil (like Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel in Aloe, $6, drugstore.com after a shower but before drying off, which helps the moisture lock into the skin for most of the day. But with warm weather here (kind of) and my competitive desire to have skin that rivals “Mr. F’s”, I decided to test a few of the season’s lightweight hydrators to see which potions get the job done.

Here’s what I’m “feeling:”

 

 

Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion, $10.99, walgreens.com

Seriously, this lotion goes on so thin, but is as hydrating as any rich and super-luxe cream. So smooth and light, it can easily double as hand cream, too. The best part: you can slip on a silk top and not worry about those messy residual lotion/oil marks.

 

 GRN Grow Restore Nurture Natural White Tea Body Lotion by Exhale, $19, exhalespa.com

As soon as this paraben and dye-free hydrator touches the skin it seems to morph into water. But its nourishing, vitamin-enriched formula delicately scented of fresh essential oils lasts all day long.

Avon’s Skin So Soft Fusions Dual Softening Body Moisturizer

, $8.50, www.avon.com

I admit Skin So Soft is nostalgic for me. My mom and grandmothers swore that the legendary Avon dry oil spray could (and would) repel any bug known to man. The newest Skin So Soft cream formula left my skin moisturized and smooth, even after a four-mile run.

I’m a commitment-phobe when it comes to body moisturizers. So I’m dibbling and dabbling a bit and all three of these are in rotation.  But with these lightweight heavy hitters, I'm confident my skin WILL BE waaay softer than.... I’ll keep you posted.

Until then, tell me about your summer skin-moisturizing routine.  Do you stick with creams or lighten up? Which are your favorite and why? Does SPF alone work for you?