For Ladies Only

For Ladies Only

Ciao bella,

For years, I have used all of SweetSpot Labs products. I can't say enough about these wonderful gems. "SweetSpot Labs empower women to take health into their own hands with clean intimate care, intentional ingredients and honest conversations at every age and life stage."

I feel your SweetSpot should be taken care of different from the rest of your body.

After all we have our face routine for our complexions, we have our body washes and body scrubs for our legs, arms etc. So why not specific care for down there!

SweetSpot Labs has designed a line of feminine hygiene products that are outstanding meeting quality specifications. Their line is cruelty free, vegan, and FREE FROM glycerin, sulfates, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, propylene, glycol, gluten, dairy, or soy.

Made by women for women!

SweetSpot Labs have developed lightly fragranced scents from Vanilla Blossom, Coconut Lime, Grapefruit, to unscented. Their On-The-Go wipes will keep you fresh all day, especially when traveling or just a long day. Their PH balanced feminine washes are great for everyday freshness, and can be used all over your body. After all, as Mother Nature takes her course, we are susceptible to many debilitating elements. Take care of what you have and hold sacred.

SweetSpot Labs latest creations is a "Rescue Balm" for dermatitis prone skin and "Hydrate Ever After" to keep moisture in and all around that gentle area. Great for everyday and long-term use.

Made in U.S. recyclable packaging. 100 percent clean. Made with pharmaceutical grade water.

A great addition to your health and hygiene.

So go out and get your Sweet Spot turned on!

For more information go to: shop.SweetSpotlabs.com

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Arnica, from the Sunflower Family

Arnica, from the Sunflower Family

Ciao bella,

Arnica, from the Sunflower Family

Here we are still in COVID-19 craziness! Should we go out? Should we stay home? The heck with it all! I've been going out when I can. Mostly outdoor dining and wide open spaces. At least we must all look rested ... unless you’re under great stress for one reason or another.

So let's discuss "Arnica," an herb from the Sunflower family.

Dating back to the 1500s, Arnica was used medicinally for healing bruises and injuries. It grows in Siberia, North America, and parts of Europe. Also known as wolfsbane, leopard's bane, and mountain tobacco, used for centuries to treat inflammation and pain.

It is said that a tea made from Arnica can relieve back pain. Arnica saved German writer Goethe's life by easing a very high fever.

In the Spa Room, Arnica is a hero ... because of its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Used to calm swelling and bruising after a procedure is done. Also used for stretch marks, rashes, and scars, also to fade dark circles.

Used as a homeopathic remedy, Arnica is found in topical gels, oils, and creams, as well as oral supplements.

So get your spa mode on and dig into some Arnica!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

COVID-19 ... Leaving the Mask Behind!

COVID-19 ... Leaving the Mask Behind!

Ciao bella,

Happy Labor Day to All

I feel like I was living in a bubble for months! Don’t get me wrong I love my home and where I live with two outdoor decks. Wouldn’t trade it for the world...however, we had our Boston mayor and governor telling us to stay home unless it’s absolutely mandatory to go out. I got fearful of people since there was so much violence in the streets. I drive a mobility scooter to run around town and I love her (named her Roma). Just couldn’t drive with mask on! Really a serious issue for me. I thought people would attack me verbally or physically for not wearing my mask. I was wrong...

Actually people were happy to see me out scootering around. Not everyone wore their mask outside. In fact several ladies in the North End on separate occasions recognized me as the Post Gazette Beauty columnist which was quite flattering. I semi wear my mask in the new, huge Star Market in North Station, just a few blocks from my home. I could do donuts in the aisles, the store is so big and only a few people at a time. Fun and easy.

I must say I miss the faces of people, especially the delivery guys! Oh the Beauty there is truly missed.

At least we’re stocked up on toilet paper. Not that we bought out the whole store of it like the suburbanites. God help us!

In the months of quarantine I kept thinking of Anne Frank. Her and her family with boarders lived in close quarters for years without going outside. I guess you’ll do anything to save your life. Same here.

During the quarantine months we did keep busy. Lots of reading, TV series including Tiger King which was perfect for quarantine, hilarity at its finest, coloring books galore, and lots of cooking and safely ordering out. We certainly dined well..

There was a certain positive idea of catching up at home. I feel my relationship with my husband has grown stronger. Ahhh...the silver lining!

Spoke to long time friends that reconnected. From Sicily to Los Angeles to New York...all friends checked in...mostly all was well.

A few friends survived the virus, however, lost a favorite cousin to it in July. It was heart breaking.

So as the world opens up we face the monster and we live our best life.

Get up, make up, healthy thoughts, and Smile, Smile Big!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Slough Away with A Spa At Home!

Slough Away with A Spa At Home!

Ciao bella,

This time of year is hard on your skin. Especially by staying indoors mostly with less of the required sunlight to make skin healthier. Even using the pool acts as a slough for skin. Most pools are treated with salt water which is a healthy alternative to chlorine.

So “Spa at Home” is the next best treatment ,where you’ll find everything you need in your pantry. Body scrubs are important at spas for a reason. A good scrub helps to smooth, clarify, brighten, and may even reduce the aging process. We need to shed the dead cells that aren’t easy to shed when we’re older. Making the appearance of skin dull.

Using scrubbing ingredients on skin helps the shedding process along. This will clear pores and have your anti aging creams go in deeper working their magic.

Here are some body home scrubs that you can apply with moderate pressure for fabulous results. Always scrub before you shave. Daily work on heels and elbows first. Three times a week will show results. Easy on chest skin... use a face scrub here. Check out my Post Gazette July 2rd column on face scrubs.

1) Salt is best, however, sugar can be used with sunflower oil which contains vitamin E

2) Coffee grounds can help to temporarily tighten skin. Add coconut oil which softens dry skin.

Make a paste with either of these recipes and do your body a favor!

Live, laugh, and love during these crazy days and always!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Scrub Away!

Scrub Away!

Ciao bella,

“Wishing All A Happy 4th of July”

I just adore that clean, scrubbed feeling after a treatment. You can have that too from the comfort of home. That's where we've been many days anyway. And I know some of us aren’t ready to go to the Spa. So here are some staple ingredients from your cupboard or easily enough to find for some home spun fun.

The scrubs here are to help dead skin cells clear the way to clean pores so anti-aging creams can penetrate to work their magic. The scrubs will brighten, clarify, smooth, soften, and aid in aging skin. Usually scrub at night to give skin a respite. So here goes:

These ingredients are best for face.

Jojoba Oil and Baking Soda ...

4 Tbsp of each to remove excess oil in the skin.

Gently use round circles to buff skin. Then rinse, using warm water.

To incorporate a lasting impression with this Scrub, use Lavender Oil for its calming properties and induce deep sleep. As a skin booster and astringent apply 2 Tsp of Lemon juice ... for oily skin and brightening. Rinse well.

Oatmeal and Plain Yogurt ...

4 Tbsp of each. Oatmeal is great for sensitive skin. The yogurt has lactic acid helping to dissolve dead skin.

Also use gentle round circles, then rinse with warm water.

End this Scrub with Rose Hip Oil, containing anti-aging properties with vitamins A and C. Also apply 2 Tsp of Turmeric to brighten and fight acne causing bacteria. Also rinse.

After towel drying skin, apply by massaging a fragrance free moisturizer which will be less irritating to freshly exfoliated skin.

Feel the softness and experience the suppleness of a baby's skin!

Stay tuned for Homemade Body Scrubs!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Cleaned Out!

Cleaned Out!

Ciao bella,

I consider myself so fortunate today. Just before corona hit I hired a lovely teen to help clean out drawers and closets. Altogether between donations and trash there must have been at least 14 bags! Of course this was a period of over several weeks. Purging is such a beautiful feeling! Now when I go into my drawers and clothes closet a wave of relief just comes over me! I'm a bit of a hoarder with my clothes. Sentimental value comes to mind. So when I got rid of the ones I wasn’t using anymore I found so much room that I could actually see what I owned. I felt like I had just gone shopping!

There were a couple of important drawers of makeup in my vanity that I really needed help with purging. My teen friend Kristen (a doll) was just a pro for this job. For some reason she guided me perfectly through the clean up. What I was to keep and what to throw out. She was all about the dates, expiration dates. So I'm here now with a few tips on what to keep and what to toss. And of course smelling your make up. You can detect that rancid smell quite easily. All that have an odor should be thrown out immediately. Keep your every day wearable's front and center. Keep some of the fancy make up toward the back of the drawer. Toss out containers of make up that you really don't use anymore. Forget about the sentimental value. It just takes up too much space. Importantly mascara should be tossed after about three or four months. A buildup of bacteria in mascara tubes can cause eye infections. Even after this 3 month quarantine you probably haven't used your mascara so time to toss it. Also after about six months trash liquid foundations and creamed eyeshadow.

Also check your old, unused during quarantine creams for face, body, and hands.

So hope you’ve enjoyed my tips on living a cleaner life. Stay safe and sound in these crazy times. Look to the future because the best is yet to come -- Something my Dad always quoted.

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

"A cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces"

"A cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces"
— from the song "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" by Holt Marvell

Ciao bella,

Staying home these days can be quite daunting. However, I do believe in a bit of make up every morning to spruce up our mood. Enjoy this repeated column on "Lipstick"!

There is a lipstick plant, aeschynanthus pulcher, which has vivid red tubular flowers. Lips can resemble a flower. Red lips symbolize sexuality, youth, and fertility.

The Egyptians wouldn't leave home without it (painted lips). I wouldn’t either. Just a smear of color for even a five-minute errand will perk up any mug. But as for the Egyptians, it was like the "kiss of death." Their lip paint was made with poisonous vegetable matter such as cinnabar.

In the 1700s, wearing red lipstick was considered a seductive act and was banned by the British parliament. In the 1800s, Queen Victoria declared that make-up was viewed as impolite and vulgar. A stark face was vogue for a century.

It wasn't until World War II that it became a woman's duty to perk up their faces, spiriting the troops, such as Elizabeth Arden's Victory Red. Once again, Hollywood and the movie industry helped in promoting the sultry lips of color.

In 1949, Hazel Bishop perfected a long lasting lipstick. Scientifi cally, the ingredients in making lipstick have dramatically improved. Moisturizers such vitamin E and aloe vera keep lips soft and supple. While collagen, amino acids, and sunscreen help protect your lips against the environment and Mother Nature.

"So pucker up and put some red in your life."

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

— Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks’ “All That Zazz” columns at www.allthatzazz. com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com

Beauty Tips in the Coronavirus Era

Beauty Tips in the Coronavirus Era

Ciao bella,

Boston Strong People! Buona Pasqua

Well not so Bella with all your beauty shops and spas closed! However, everyone must get up every morning make your bed which will be the first task of your day which will bring you to do the next task certainly giving you a sense of accomplishment!

These are crazy times, trying times, and each day should be productive in at least one thing.

Don’t goof off by skipping your daily skin routine. Your skin needs its healing power now more than ever.

Ok ... so when you’re out for fresh air and you’re doing a drugstore run keeping everyone at a 6 ft. clearance, keep in mind that the drugstore is your friend.

By now you need a color. Darn those roots. At the drug store pick up a Clairol 10-minute root touch-up. Use only on your hairline and sides and get in a few inches. They give you plenty. Choose the color closest to your own. This is a tried and true product that works amazingly. Take it from an experienced cosmetologist!

Next is an at home facial ... whip up an egg white until stiff, add honey or even oatmeal for a calming effect. Apply with finger tips, let dry for 10-15 minutes, rinse and pat dry and you’ll have baby soft skin. Bring the family or partner in on it and experience a few laughs. Something we all need now. Remember that bubble bath/salts way in back of the closet that you never had time for?

Now is the time to light a few candles around the bath, sit, relax, and enjoy. Bring a mag. or a book. Look on YouTube for some New beauty tutorials. There is so much to learn about all the New make-up out there. Hi Lites, Low Lites, Glimmer Lites are just a few of Ulta Beauty products you can find.

Nails, nails, nails! Look for a clear base and top coat to use as one. Then pick out a few snappy colors to uplift your spirits. Invest in a small manicuring kit so you can push back those cuticles, no cutting. This will tide you over until you can get back to the salon.

Hand cream ... everyone’s hands by now must be quite dry. I carry a wonderful hand cream that when applied leaves a barrier of protection without that tacky, sticky feel.

Professionally purchased from my beauty company. $16 plus shipping.

I can mail it to you. Email me at mary@mary4nails.com. It’s a life saver.

I feel at this time is a test of our faith, kindness, and resiliency. After all we are in this together. #alonetogether

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Marilyn Monroe’s Makeup

Marilyn Monroe’s Makeup

Ciao bella,

A few years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to visit The Hollywood Museum in Los Angeles, California. It is housed in the historic Max Factor building. All my Glamazons are familiar with Max Factor makeup, who in his time was famous for working with Hollywood stars. One of those stars was Marilyn Monroe.

Recently I found on YouTube, a vintage tutorial by Laura Jane Atelier on some of Marilyn’s fav products. I thought I would share them with you. I also spied the original cases of her makeup etc. at The Hollywood Museum in the Marilyn Monroe makeup room! Her makeup chair is also there. It was quite exciting!

Her best perfume was Chanel No 5. And when asked what she wore to bed, she replied “Only Chanel No 5”! Among her things in a makeup case was the 1953 Max Factor Crème Puff pressed powder. Also found was her 1948 Max Factor Pan Stick foundation. My Mom and I used the Pan Stick makeup for years. I still have one of my Mom’s 4 Sticks when she passed. Great foundation coverage! Especially for women in film.

Ear Plugs were also found in Marilyn’s makeup case when it sold at auction. Beauty Sleep was so important!

She was known to wear 5 different shades of Red Lipstick. Ruby Tuesday by Max Factor was one. Recently inspired by Marilyn was Ruby Red by Max Factor.

Marilyn’s makeup artist used Vaseline to hi-light her cheek bones and for soft focus, hiding her peach fuzz. I would NOT recommend using Vaseline on your face today.

She used Nivea Moisture Creme for dry skin on her hands. Another foundation was Day Dew by Anita of Denmark for great coverage.

Helena Reubenstein mascara was found in Marilyn’s case.

Another famous makeup icon that ruled the makeup world at one time building a beauty empire. Her legend continues.

And last but not least was Erno Lazlo from NY’s PHORMULA 3-9 Repair Balm and his Night Cream to Hydrate and Nourish.

So my Glamazons that my beauty scoop for today. Hope you enjoyed it.

So now go out and get beautiful!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

“Lemongrass”

“Lemongrass”

Ciao bella,

Lemongrass is known for its extraordinary scent and mild healing properties. It is a universal scent for men and women also promoting an aroma therapy experience.

This plant is native to Southeast Asia, used in cooking from flavoring meats to curries. It now flourishes in U.S., So. America, Africa, India, and Australia. Also used in Brazil, Thailand and India for nervous disorders and as a mild sedative.

Lemongrass is known for its antibacterial properties serving as a treatment from acne helping to limit microbial growth on the skin and fend off infections to stomach pain and athletes foot etc. It’s known to encourage blood flow and ease symptoms of circulatory disorders. When used with a carrier oil and diluted properly, Lemongrass essential oil helps with facial redness, rosacea as it is worked gently into the skin. It’s so rich in antioxidants that it helps in preventing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Also can be used as an astringent because of its highly regarded antioxidants and vitamins. Lemongrass products help sunburn and irritation. Put some in your pool bag cooler and on your way to fun in the sun!

It is used in spas as an essential oil in diffusers. You can also use it at home to lift your spirits. Myrcene which is a chemical compound found in Lemongrass essential oil, decreases pain. Lemongrass is used against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi.

Sometimes confused with its cousin Citronella, they are two very different and distinct plants.

In India, Lemongrass leaves are added to a hot bath relieving fevers and severe headaches.

Fresh Lemongrass leaves can also flavor your drinking water. A cool glass in summer is a refreshing delight.

So my Glamazons go out and experience the long slender blades and tangy aroma of Lemongrass!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Beauty is 2020 Vision

Beauty is 2020 Vision

Ciao bella,

Happy New Year all! Hope everyone enjoyed some fine holidays. I know I certainly did. In early December we planned our annual Christmas Caroling party. I inherited my Mom’s piano several years back so the event is also sentimental. My husband David hires a professional pianist to tap out a songbook he put together. This recent fellow played and sang along to really stir up our company in festive song. Naturally there was plenty of food and drink. There was also our Cabana boy dressed only in a kilt to stir more things up! It was a marvelous party as Noel Coward would say. I plan on bringing that wondrous feeling into 2020. Hanging on to the good feelings and letting the bad go is a beauty and health regimen I highly recommend. Less frowning and lesser wrinkles as well!

Now I’m sure there are a great many of us who will make that same New Years resolution to eat healthier and lose weight. It’s all done in good faith. However, here are a few Beauty foods that are low in calories and good for your skin.

Blueberries — have the highest amounts of antioxidants, giving protection against free-radical damage from pollution and the sun.

Walnuts — have a high concentration of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant keeping skin smooth and plump.

Kale — great in soups. The darker the better. Packed with vitamins A, B, C, and K, and beta carotene, which increases cell turnover, tightens and detoxifies.

Citrus Fruits — vitamin C has many benefits helping to reduce dark spots, aiding with collagen production which brightens overall skin tone.

Greek Yogurt — a probiotic good for your gut as well as boosting the production of ceramides which are healthy fats in skin. Also helps from recovery from exposure to UV rays.

So my Glamazons welcome in our New Decade 2020 with a lovely smile and carry on!

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Feed your Face with Pumpkin!

Feed your Face with Pumpkin!

Ciao bella,

It’s that time of the year again when it’s all about the Pumpkin. I’m sure you all had fun carving out those Halloween lanterns. This year the Frog Pond had us all carve a small pumpkin and place in the pond. What a sight to see ... hundreds of Jack O Lanterns, floating at sunset on our beloved Frog Pond!

Applied to your face did you know Pumpkin is great for it? It’s packed with vitamins and enzymes giving skin a radiant glow. As it sweeps away dead skin cells, skin is rejuvenated revealing a radiant complexion. Pumpkin also helps in lightening brown spots as well. Adding Brown Sugar is a strong exfoliant and moisturizer. What’s better than finding all these ingredients in your pantry?

Here are a few Make Your Own — Do It Yourself Pumpkin facial masks:

Mask 1) in a small bowl mix well together 2 1/2 tablespoons Pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon raw or Manuka honey, & 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Apply with fingertips to a clean, dry face. Let absorb for 10-20 minutes. Wash off mask completely with a cool washcloth. Only use once or twice a week. Finish with your normal skincare routine.

Mask 2) this is an anti-aging, exfoliating mask. Combine in a small bowl 1/4 cup organic Pumpkin purée, 2 Tablespoons plain yogurt, & 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Apply with fi ngertips, let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and continue with your daily skincare routine. Following this mask with a few drops of jojoba oil is also healing.

Mask 3) this is a powerhouse of a mask! Mixing the healing properties of raw honey and turmeric is a wonderful and natural exfoliant. Together mix 1/2 teaspoon raw/Manuka, 1 tablespoon of organic Pumpkin purée and 1 teaspoon turmeric.

Turmeric is staining so apply to face with a spatula. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse well with cool water and pat dry. May stain washcloth. (This mask is not for sensitive skin, test on wrist before use.) So my Glamazons ... I hope these beauty tips will put you in the mood for the season.

Buona Giornata and God Bless the USA!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.