Finding the right shade of foundation can be extremely tricky. Before Coronavirus, it was no biggie to head over to Ulta and Sephora where test samples were plentiful. Now, the stores have re-opened, but “try before you buy” hasn’t come back yet (perhaps it may not).

Findation is a great website that provides color matching. If you have a brand/shade that you already use and love, you simply enter that info and the site will generate possible matches.

For reference, I wear Maybelline Fit Me foundation in shade 110 Porcelain. That one works really well for me because it’s neutral, not pink or yellow based, and the coverage is buildable.

The site encourages adding two foundations for matching. I tried just using Maybelline and nine suggestions were available, both drugstore and high end—not too shabby!

Since most of us are trying to keep in-store shopping to a minimum, this makes it much easier to comparison shop online. No guarantees, of course, but at least there’s a starting point.

This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking them.

Love fashion and jewelry? Ever wanted to start a home business? Becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist may be right for you. Here are a few reasons why it’s ideal for busy moms who don’t have time for traditional jobs:

You can be your own boss:

You choose the hours; you call the shots. How much you work is up to you, with no minimum requirements. Work during naptime, during school hours, vacations, etc.

Earn income & freebies:

Ok, I’ll admit it: the freebies are the biggest incentive! Stylists can earn 25% – 35% commissions on sales, shop at a discount up to 50% off, AND score tons of products and perks.

Training & support:

Starting a business can be overwhelming and scary. With Stella & Dot, help is always available. Join a community of strong and supportive women who want to see you succeed.

Curious how Stella & Dot works? There are 3 selling options:

One-on-one styling:

Have a good sense of style? Help another lady to find the right accessory to take her outfit to the next level. Great for those who aren’t super outgoing and do better outside groups.

In-person trunk shows:

Social Butterflies will love hosting small and large events. Most Stylists make the highest dollars per hour here, so if you’re a “people person,” try it.

Online trunk shows:

Take the party online by collaborating with a friend. You provide the posts she can share with her network, and you both earn as they shop through your online boutique.

Plus, you’re eligible for a great promotion in June: Get the Bestsellers Kit and Receive $1k in Product When you Sign-Up as a Stylist at Stella & Dot

The sun is bad; for decades, we’ve been told that by doctors. Exposure to it, without protection, will cause premature aging, discoloration, wrinkles, leathery texture, burns, and possibly even cancer, thanks to UV rays. 

Over-the-counter creams, sprays and lotions were supposed to be a miracle cure, with daily use encouraged. Many foundations, powders and moisturizers contain some—whether or not you want it. 

A frightening new study has revealed that this “protection” may not be so safe, after all. The active ingredients—vobenzone, oxybenzone and octocrylene—end up in the bloodstream at much higher levels than previously thought, so high, in fact, that they’re actually dangerous.

Unless you have an allergic reaction upon contact, it’s not obvious that sunscreen could be a problem. Long-term use may cause endocrine disruption, infertility, Vitamin D deficiency and other health issues.

Yes, participants in the study used extreme doses, covering 75% of their bodies 4 times per day. While that sounds absurd, think about going to the beach, especially with little ones. Aren’t we told to reapply it multiple times, particularly if sweating or swimming? I know that I have used a lot of sunscreen throughout my lifetime!

For now, the FDA says not to worry, but I can’t help being concerned. Of course, I don’t want to blister and peel, however, I don’t want to be covered in scary chemicals either. Luckily, we do have options. 

Physical Barriers:

Wear sunglasses, long sleeves, long pants, and hats when the weather allows. There is also a type of clothing that has SPF in the fabric like HydroChic. They make swim/sport bras that actually look normal!

Sun Safety:

Avoid prolonged exposure during the most intense hours, typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Remember that sunlight reflects off water and snow, so if you’re swimming or skiing, it can be worse.

DIY:

If you like to make your own skincare, there are safer versions. Wellness Mama created a nice one that uses natural ingredients like almond oil, coconut oil, Shea butter, vanilla and zinc oxide.

We can’t protect ourselves from every potential threat, but we do have total control over what we put on and into our bodies. Don’t obsess about it, but be aware and exercise reasonable caution. 

This evening, I went to Target in search of a new nightgown. (My favorite one came out of the dryer ripped up the left side. After a year of frequent use, it’s ready for retirement.) Since intimates, hosiery and sleepwear are grouped in the same section, I browsed through most of it, hoping to find a few things I’d like.

The nightgown selection was sorely lacking. I did, however, spot the oddest undies ever: boxer briefs for women! I’m not talking about Boy Shorts panties, but honest-to-goodness boxers intentionally made for us.

Here’s how Hanes classifies them: “When you combine his style with your fit…a vintage-inspired boxer brief that features full coverage. Tag-free and convenient…a boyfriend stretch that’s all girl.”

I understand that gender lines are exceptionally muddled right now, but there is a difference between men and women and the clothing/underwear that each gender requires. You can’t be “All Girl” if you’re wearing men’s briefs.

It doesn’t matter if Hanes makes them in pink, they’re still not feminine. They’re creepy, weird and actually don’t look comfortable in any way. 

What’s next, G-Strings for men? Thongs for teen boys? Where does the madness end? It shouldn’t even be a question that women wear panties and men wear boxers or briefs. 

I truly wonder what clothing stores will be like a decade from now. Will there be separate sections for men and women, or will everything be tossed together, labeled as unisex?

It’s a Brave New World, folks, and I wonder where dinosaurs like me will fit in…