Easy, Fabulous Skin Over Fifty

Easy, Fabulous Skin Over Fifty

Having fabulos skin over fifty is easier than you you think.  Lately I have been getting a lot of comments about my skin. Positive ones thankfully. They have been coming from ladies I have known for ages and from women I have never met. The question is always the same, What do you do to take care of your skin?

I have found the key to good skin is two fold. Consistency and Product choice.

If you know me, (all appearances to the contrary on my Instagram account) I don’t do much on the girly froufrou front.

If it takes too much time I’m out the door. My hair is a prime example.

About twenty years ago I found the Obagi system . It was four steps, didn’t take long and the efficacy was outstanding. They have changed the formulation since then but It worked on texture and brown spots and exfoliated my skin which is key.

At my age now. 65, my routine is even more simple.

I use two products and sunscreen.

AM routine

Antioxidant. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic I put this serum on first.

Moisturizer. Perricone MD High Potency Amine Face Lift.

Sunscreen. LaRoche Anthelios AOX. SPF 50 its an antioxidant serum with sunscreen. It never looks white and blends smoothly into your skin.

Sometimes my skin looks too shiny to me. I use Murad Invisiblu Perfecting Shield.

PM Routine

Retin A 0.05 I had been using the more potent 1% . I would peel and get red and ended up using it on and off. Then I read a study that mentioned the results between 1% and 0.05% were negligible. Once I started using .0.05% I was able to do so nightly.

Glycolic Acid. I exfoliate my face from time to time. About once a week. I use the most potent product I can find. Hopefully 10% . I find this one at TJ Max or on the Internet. Never combine Retin A and Glycolics or AHA

Full disclosure. I don’t wear any “makeup”, base/concealer or whatever to cover my skin. Never have. So what you see is what you get. That is why cleansing is not a problem with me. My skin is breathing all the time.

Special Issues

Sagging skin and creepiness are an issue now. I have to take extra care of my jawline and neck and I have been using Cle de Peau Beaute @CledePeauBeauteUS in that area. A little extra time morning and night is worth the trouble to tighten up those areas and formulations specific to that skin are key.

And my upper lip. I have never smoked and don’t use a straw So Why, Oh Why? Have I developed these lines. For the last two months I have been trying a product that is working. Bionova anti aging lip treatment is medical grade and I am seeing results. You might want to try that.

Again. Consistency. This is not a one time fix so if you want it to work you have to use it.

My body… I love exfoliating my body and when I was younger I would concoct my own formulas for scrubs and rubs. I would mix salt and lemon with oils. Brown sugar orange essential oil and sesame oil. . Fun!! I also mixed my own body oils. A combination of olive, sesame, mineral….. and essential oils.

My time is more limited now and I found Malie Organics. @malieorganics With wonderful scents that more than do the trick. From scrubs to potent body oils in perfumes that energize and mesmerize there is a choice for every mood. Try those.

Modernism Week

Modernism Week

I am an architecture junkie! For ages I have wanted to explore Palm Springs and soak up the remnants of old Hollywood glamour. The excitement more than lingers in this Valley and is part of the romance and lore of the area.
With that in mind, Serena and I went on an adventure in the Indian Canyons neighborhood looking for the most iconic and the not so well known homes.
This year, Modernism Week runs from February 15 thru 25. Festivities range from Grand Openings to Private Parties and Home Tours. One of the highlights this year is the unveiling of Albert Frey’s tennis estate Hidden Frey. The Moroccan House is a highlight for me as was the Elvis’s Honeymoon House.
We took pictures in the hidden neighborhoods and ended up at the Parker Hotel. A true gem in the desert! You walk into a wonderland of exotic decor and you know in that instance that you can become anyone you want to be.

Is That Love I Smell?

Is That Love I Smell?

Ode to Staying Sane on Valentines Day

It’s February! Let the panic over Valentines Day begin! My “research” tells me that Valentine’s Day can be stressful for everyone involved. Some think that it’s a contrived holiday made up by Hallmark to fuel the pressure of performance. The other side feels dejected and left out of the general excitement of it all!

Whatever your take is on February 14th, make this one a day full of self love and gratitude!

Take matters into your own hands and be the master of your own destiny. Make reservations at that sexy spot. Buy yourself flowers and candy. Take time to honor yourself and all of your glory. And don’t forget the perfume!

I suggest dressing the part regardless! Here are some of my favorite looks (and Rules) for this Valentines Day. Weather you are having a romantic dinner out with your honey or staying in with the girls.

They say expectations are the root of all heartache. I say you create your own reality.

With much love and gratitude,

Sonia

Travel: Cayman Islands

Travel: Cayman Islands

What a wonderful girls trip! 
Serena and I had a blast in the Cayman Islands with a group of new and old girlfriends. Playing around with women of different ages has always been a joy to me! I learn from each generation and each decade. Sharing our ideas and experiences brings growth to all of us. If you haven’t spent quality time with your Gal Pals lately put something on the books now!  As you can see in my multigenerational photo shoot #17to71 it’s always an eye opening and joyous experience!

Seafire, Grand Cayman

Kimpton has done it again and this time it is in the form of their lifestyle resort Seafire! A brand new, sprawling and truly magnificent resort at the far end of Seven Mile Beach. The open air design of this property offers water vistas every chance it gets! We enjoyed a front row seat to our last sunset in Grand Cayman over drinks at one of their many dining destinations and got lost in their winding gardens that lead to secret sanctuaries. A must see and for me a MUST STAY next time we are on the Island.

The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

This beautifully sprawling property is the essence of Luxury for Grand Cayman. The resort has a photo opp around every corner, breathtaking views, 6 restaurants, la prairie spa, and two outdoor pools. It is a one shop stop for a restful and luxurious vacation on the Island. Our girl gang loved dinning on the outdoor terrace with the sea breeze and of course Serena and I ran around the beautiful property and snapped same photos!

Coral Stone Club, Grand Cayman

If you like to find your luxury and relaxation in the comfort of your own home, might I recommend Coral Stone Condos. The eight of us stayed here (in two condos of corse!) which is conveniently located RIGHT next to the Ritz! The property has all of the amenities of being at home; that is, if your home is beachfront with endless views from your private patio and comes with a lovely and friendly staff to assist you in your every need! Serena cooked us a beautiful family dinner in our state of the art kitchen and we relaxed in the private infinity pool and jacuzzi every evening! This property is perfect for family getaways and adventures with your friends!

Georgia Girl Charters

We’re not fisherman, just loungers. But that didn’t make a lick of difference for the crew of Georgia Girl Charters who are known for their incredible fishing expeditions. Our captain and first mate took us on an amazing adventure as we sailed to lunch then to Sting Ray Bay where we made out with the puppies of the sea! Did you know that kissing a Sting Ray will bring you 10 years of good luck? I’ll let you know if it works!

Lotta Love

Lotta Love

We had such a blast in the Cayman’s earlier this month to celebrate our dear friend, Lori’s birthday. Packing for the trip had to include all of my favorite Lotta Stensson silk kaftans. I love their ease of use, they go from beach to street and day to night effortlessly.

I hired Cayman’s photographer Julie Corsetti of Deep Blue Images to take some memorable photos of our birthday girl and her gals. It was a great experience where we all stepped out of our comfort zone to feel beautiful and confident.

Thank you so much Lori, Marcie, Patti, Cecily and Caroline for trusting Serena and I in this vision. And of course to our favorite resort line Lotta Stensson for the gorgeous dresses! We’ll always have the memories! xoxo