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Cindy K. Cruz

Make-Up Artist & Stylist
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COPPER: WERE THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS CORRECT IN THEIR BELIEF THAT COPPER IS THE GREATEST MAGIC BULLET IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AGING?

January 23, 2016

We know copper is an important element in maintaining health, but anti aging?  Scientific studies are making just such claims. Reduced inflammation and collagen and elastin boosting properties are being touted which maintain the strength of the skin, and  promote the production of skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.” (Translation: less sagging and fewer lines.) “It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties” according to Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology.

There are many products on the market with copper as an ingredient such as  Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair cream ($85) and  Blue Copper 5 Prime moisturizer ($138)by Osmotics.  StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks ($79), Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital ($65), Ole Henricksen Ultimate Lift Firming Serum ($55), and Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream ($52).

Because I love my GM Collin products from Leah Nickie Advanced Aesthetics , I’ve chosen to get my Copper fix another way.  I have ordered and just received my  Iluminage  satin pillowcase embedded with microscopic copper particles, which are absorbed by the skin while you sleep! It cost $60 fromBergdorf Goodman’s. Illuminage claims since the  pillowcase fibers are carefully embedded with Copper Oxide, derived from a well-known essential mineral- that we can expect reduced  appearance of wrinkles and  smoother, younger-looking skin in as little as 4 weeks – with a continuing effect over time.I received mine today and will report on progress! FYI : it is a standard pillowcase which can be machine washed. 

WHAT A CLEVER GIRL MUST HAVE IN HER KIT TO VISIT TUSCANY IN THE SPRING…AND WHAT NOT TO TAKE!

January 20, 2016

Mid ApriI I set off from Denver in  a huge snow storm to Florence for a few meetings* and to teach a Makeup workshop. The weather when  I arrived  in Firenze was typical Spring – coolish with light rain. Having made this journey many times, one might  think I’d have the packing right by now.  Maybe by posting this it will serve as a reminder in the future for all us trying to pack for what can turn out to be 3 seasons.

I was so happy to have brought a  midweight wool coat and my water proof  boots.  My Golightrain shell was also a good idea. However, myLululemon Wrap Cardi was my most blessed layering piece. Of course I never go anywhere without my fingerless gloves.

What I could left at home: My light weight suede Vince Jacket and 2 white shirts that did not travel at all well. My kitten heel suede pumps, though comfy and pretty, took up unnecessary space for the little they were worn.

What I missed the most are the 3 things I pulled out of the bag at the last minute: My Loro PianaCashmere turtle neck sweater,  My cotton turtleneck and a cashmere scarf.  I was able to find a few lovely scarves, but it it is the season for lighter offerings.

Notice the shiny Streets Ahead tote  I’m carrying ? It was the perfect light weight leather bag that served as my shopping bag and protector of essentials.  This brand can be found- luckily – at my favorite shoe store, Two Soul Sisters.

The across the shoulder bag is a rubber UrbanOxide from Barbara and Co.  Ideal for the wet. One of those essentials was my  IPad Mini.  It was the main camera I used and it was perfect!  More on this later.

I was very happy for having had Shellac on my nails.  It lasted three weeks and kept my nails looking nice and durable.  I did french tips to minimize the out growth. Of course you are seeing the raggedness of them in this tight closeup at the end of the trip.

* If anyone is interested in a writing workshop, Lisa Clifford has some amazing offerings

 http://www.the-art-of-writing.com

* If you are dreaming about something you’d like to do that you believe is out of your reach, check out the possibilities on Birbl.