the glossarie

the very best0

POSTED ON Posted on January 5, 2023 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

2022 was a year that I will look back on as one of the very best.

We returned to so much of life as we know it – to full-time in-person school, to work travel, weddings, and trips to visit my very best friends – Raleigh, Charleston, Birmingham, Savannah.

We launched new traditions of family travel, just the three of us, discovering the magic of Captiva and introducing Lou to our favorite spots in Bermuda. We fulfilled Steve’s dream of becoming a ski family, getting on three different mountains last winter / miraculously not injuring myself after a 22 year hiatus (although I did take one epic spill on a Black Diamond in Wintergreen).

Steve started coaching Lou’s soccer team and I really leaned into tennis, finally finding a physical activity that I love and that doesn’t make me feel like a total klutz (although I did take one epic spill on the court this summer after tripping over my own feet – are you sensing a pattern?).

I started a brand new job (and my 4th since we moved to NY, if you’re tracking) at a very special brand that gives me the space I need to do it well and the time to walk Lou to school each morning, yet still challenges me and simultaneously fills up my cup.

All in all, life is just really good.

So, in celebration of the very best year, a mini roundup of some of the very best things I discovered:

Everyday jewelry – and the most perfect barely-there diamond necklace
Cheek color – I wear shade True
Retinol
Face Base
Lip balm
Monthly clothing rental
Lip color
White sneakers
Crossbody
Book – I read 31 this year (up from 11 last year – progress!)
Foundation
Blow-dry cream – I returned to an old favorite, discovered 10+ years ago, never should have left

And a few that I am still hunting for – please drop your reccs below:

Moisturizer with SPF that really delivers protection – like through a sweaty tennis class
No-smudge / non-waterproof mascara – my go-to started flaking on me
Aluminum-free deodorant + antiperspirant

Happy 2023, friends! I hope the reentry is kind.

Posted in blush, cheeks, face, fashion, foundation, hair, jewels, lips, read, skin | Tagged beekman 1802, clare v, kerastase, live tinted, makeup by mario, merit, nuuly, rothys, saie | Leave a comment

it’s a big one0

POSTED ON Posted on April 20, 2022 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

This month, I turned 40.

It felt only slightly momentous and more like just another day. Another day to be grateful for what I have, what I have accomplished and hope for what’s to come.

Entering this new decade, I am trying to embrace being in my own skin as much as possible. To not succumb to the pressures to look a certain way “for my age” but to *maybe* dust off that stagnant pilates membership and start taking good care of this one and only body.

In the spirit of this big birthday, please join me in reviewing a list of things that it took me 40 years to find / learn.

Outfit-making gold huggie earrings – and better yet, make them hinged – because I am done messing with earring backs. I have multiple sizes and love stacking them. Might this be the decade that I go for a third hole or high lobe piercing?

The joys of wet / squeeze / bounce. Truly. Why didn’t anyone tell me that this is what my face routine needed?

The simplicity and fun (!) of a stick foundation. I draw patterns of war paint each morning and then blend, blend, blend. The formula is creamy, the finish is flawless. I am obsessed.

A clean tinted lip that actually hydrates and adds color. Leave it to Indie – I snagged it in Play and I’m going back for more colors.

An alternating Vitamin C and Retinol routine that is skin-loving and might have me aging in reverse. If you haven’t experienced the wonder of Bloom Cream and the delight of dropping in a Booster of your skin’s choosing, you are in for a treat.

(Side note, I was also 40 years old when I got the gig of my dreams working for Beekman 1802. It’s a brand built on kindness with beautiful products that WORK and are priced right, to boot.)

A clean, affordable and no-smudge tubing mascara that removes easily. This stuff lengthens then locks onto my lashes while still leaving them soft and pretty. It also swipes off in a cinch at the end of the day. I have been buying it in the mini size because it helps me remember to toss and refresh more regularly.

All said, life at 40 is so far so good – I predict a beautiful year ahead.

Posted in eyes, face, foundation, jewels, lashes, lips, natural beauty, skin, tools | Tagged beautyblender, beekman 1802, caliray beauty, indie lee, merit | Leave a comment

under the weather0

POSTED ON Posted on February 2, 2022 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

Is winter putting anyone else into low spirits? I’m slogging through while lusting warmer days and some sunshine.

As my return-to-office gets delayed what seems like indefinitely, I’m snapping up a few things to make my desk / Zoom life a bit brighter. For one, a pair of gold hoop earrings has been on my list forever and these are perfect. They’re weighty and fasten with a super satisfying click – the size is just right for showing up on camera and instantly pulling me together for a slew of endless calls.

Since my skin did its own version of Dry January, I reverted back to an old favorite duo – an anti-aging rock star plus the most hydration I can possibly pack on. I like to really concentrate the serum under my eyes for some extra oomph in that area. I’ve returned to a more heavenly, hydrating toner option and I also want to incorporate this sheet mask into my weekly routine – the reviews are just too good.

With all of the above, I find my whole face is so much happier in the morning, and perfectly prepped for my new pre-foundation favorite from Saie. This was a Jess Ann Kirby recco before Sephora popped a sample packet in my recent order and I couldn’t click add to cart quickly enough. I’m also testing this corresponding skin tint and finding that it pairs beautifully on top.

In a conscious attempt not to forget about everything below the neck, I have this absolutely stunner on my wishlist. Feels like a way to upgrade the whole body hydration situation and have a real treat myself moment.

Thankfully, there is a (hopeful) light at the end of the tunnel. My family is escaping for a ski weekend tomorrow and then south to Captiva at the end of February. I am also (optimistically) looking ahead to a friend’s wedding in Charleston later in the season. I treated myself to this warm-weather dress (and also now see that it comes in lace and tulle options!). It is officially burning a hole in my closet as I count down to a weather-appropriate time to pull it out.

However you are surviving, I hope that winter is treating you kindly.

Posted in accessories, face, fashion, foundation, jewels, primer, skin | Tagged clinique, estee lauder, hill house, indie lee, kate mcleod, saie | Leave a comment

2022 will be the year0

POSTED ON Posted on December 22, 2021 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

Photo by Dominika Roseclay

I’m aware of how dangerous that sounds, given the current climate and all of our high hopes for 2021, but if nothing else…2022 *will* be the year I turn 40 (gulp). Although I’m trying not to place too much emphasis on the blessed event, it does have me thinking about things I want to prioritize in my next decade:

Rest.

Thinking, I should finally commit to some actual pajamas and break up with my old tees and boxer shorts. I have two pairs of these and I’m working on a third.

Growth – but not at the expense of rest : )

Will I ever prioritize reading over scrolling? Maybe fourth year’s a charm for this intention. As a start, I’m devouring These Precious Days on Audible and The Paper Palace on my Kindle.

I’m also jumping on the newsletter train – Jess and Gloria are strong favorites – and indulging in the Times Crossword. (Please note this all requires embracing my ever-declining farsightedness and snagging some new specs. Aging is really such a treat.)

Fewer, better.

After a year of waaaay too many adds to cart, I’m hoping all the things I need to celebrate my friends’ own milestones are already in my closet. I’m planning to invest in some sustainable jewelry to make it all feel new – starting with bold chain necklaces.

I have fully embraced this Clare V. small wonder and use it for ev-er-y-thing. I had purchased it for myself a couple of years ago, but by changing out the straps with this or this (I am also craving this), she really is a jane of all trades and occasions.

Conscious beauty.

I will dress my lips in nothing but this perfect wardrobe. I am obsessed with both formulas – they’re gorgeous on their own and even better together. (I am dying for more shades.) Next on the list is a clean mascara – I’m hearing good things about this tubing formula.

Travel.

I don’t know if travel is in the plans (I really, really hope it is), but I snagged this tote optimistically. While my family is one – make that two – of my favorite things to come out of my first 40 years, being their pack mule when we fly means I need a monster bag that can really take its licks.

In closing –

Whatever 2022 has in store for you, I hope that you ring it in happy, healthy and full of hope. See you in the new year!

Posted in accessories, eyes, fashion, jewels, lashes, lips, read | Tagged athleta, caliray beauty, clare v, madewell, rare beauty, warby parker | Leave a comment

escape0

POSTED ON Posted on August 12, 2021 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

photo of sunglasses and cosmetics — Photo by **Madison Inouye**

We are at that weird part of summer: it feels like it’s ending, yet somehow the start of school is still four weeks away. For our family, eight days at the beach await, if we can just get to this time tomorrow!

Moving around the world right now doesn’t feel quite as safe as it did a few weeks ago, but we are vacc’d and masked and doing all of the things to limit our exposure and enjoy a getaway from the everyday – I am psyched (and stressed).

Packing is my everest and something about a road trip opens up the possibility to bring everything under the sun. I’m attempting to edit, but a few new purchases are definitely coming with me:

Drop earrings in Lou’s birthstone, that somehow go with everything while still feeling special.

My holy grail brow gel. It’s *clear* – something I thought these sparse brows could never do, but it fluffs and holds, making me look like I’ve got a lot more in the ole’ arches than I actually do.

This neoprene fanny pack. Safe to say that I did *not* have this fashion choice on my bingo card, but I can’t get enough of its casual chic’ness and ultimate practicality.

My current summer read – it’s SO good and my book club group chat is already lemming for it to become a movie.

This super-cool suit and my very first sarong.

A clean, hydrating lip balm with spf – where have you been all of my life?

The mascara of the moment – err, ok a shameless plug for a recent work project, but one that’s definitely worth trying imho, especially if you’re into long, smudge-proof lashes.

Have I told you that I am newly tennis obsessed? I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and taking the adult beginners clinic in our little resort community 2x next week. These are my favorite tennis things – shorts, tank, seamless visor.

And last, but certainly not least, my favorite way to take wine on the go.

Here’s to not rushing the end of summer – whether you are safely adventuring or staying put!

Posted in accessories, brows, eyes, fashion, jewels, mixed bag, read | Tagged andie swim, athleta, dagne dover, gap, mac, patrick ta, thrive causemetics, tia williams, yeti | Leave a comment

on unmasking and opening up0

POSTED ON Posted on May 10, 2021 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

I have moved on from languishing to a near-constant state of overwhelm. The world has definitely turned back on. While I am filled with hope and optimism (and relief), there was a simplicity in how we lived our life this past year that I’m not quite ready to let go of.

The invitations are starting to come in – to travel, to celebrate, to make up for lost time – and while I want to do ALL of it, I also want to do none of it…because it feels like a lot. A lot to plan for, a lot to dress for, and a lot of energy to reserve for.

I know that I will take a deep breath, learn to navigate this new normal; that I will find the balance between setting guardrails for my own sanity and taking part in the reunions / showers / vacations that will bring me immense joy. In the meantime, I am relishing in keeping things simple.

Here are some current favorites:

This absolutely stunning dome ring that I received for Christmas. I wear it behind my wedding band for a strikingly minimal stack.

I de-cluttered my scent wardrobe (Ralph Lauren Romance, anyone?) and treated myself to this gorgeous fragrance. It’s simple, yet unusual – and the amethyst rollerball makes it extra special.

This simple and easy weekly journaling practice might be my absolute favorite COVID discovery. The prompts are perfect and it’s a great way to reflect, while not giving you yet another daily obligation.

My skin is the healthiest that it’s ever been thanks to a morning and night 2-step routine. In the morning, it’s hydration and SPF. In the evening, it’s hydration and hydration.

While most of my makeup continues to collect dust, I cannot leave the house without something on my brows. I also finally discovered the perfect lip product.

For those summer invitations on the horizon, I am lusting new poolside shades and these slides in black.

And for when it all feels like it’s crashing down, I cannot recommend this CBD soak highly enough. (It has saved me from many an anxiety spiral this past year.) Along that same vein, my new love is this CBD seltzer in Pomegranate Hibiscus – the calmness it brings my high-strung self is truly next-level.

Here’s to opening up safely and sanely!

Posted in brows, eyes, fashion, fragrance, jewels, lips, self care, skin | Tagged bareminerals, equilibria, huda beauty, Recess | Leave a comment

joy in unexpected places0

POSTED ON Posted on December 31, 2020 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

On the last day of 2020, I wish that I had some profound lessons to share.

The one thing that I know for sure is that these past nine months have forced me to slow down and appreciate the big things, like my family (see above), our health, happiness, and a career that I love. I am grateful for the big things every day.

But this year has also been about indulging in the little things – those delights in daily life that help to distract from the struggle and bring pockets of joy during what has been one hell of a challenging time.

Things like:

Rediscovering gold hoop earrings – the polished way to look my Zoom best, no matter how long it’s been since I washed my hair. I like mine 2.5 inches, please.

Cozy sweaters, secretly worn over leggings or comfy joggers in lieu of jeans, and these slippers (which I still maintain are my best COVID purchase to date).

A dreamy tinted moisturizer – the ultimate no-makeup makeup. It soothes my sensitive skin and is the only thing that has gotten me to wear SPF regularly. (2021 goal: find a super great SPF moisturizer!)

Drenching my lips in this hydrating Tower 28 gloss (shade Oat) each morning. So. Freaking. Good.

An anti-aging hair regime that is changing the game for these graying locks. I wash and condition every other day, alternating between the CC Cream (full review here) for a straightened look, and this leave-in for natural waves.

A return to writing – the kind you do with a pen and a fresh notebook. A welcome alternative to incessant doomscrolling, even if I’m only making list after anxiety-fueled list.

Putting podcasts on pause and tearing through audio books instead. I listened to the entire Jasmine Guillory series, devoured Wild Game and am now rapt with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Reading has always been an escape for me and I’ve suddenly become the kind of reader who is plowing through three books at a time. (See also: I pick up my first pair of glasses next week as I have subsequently ruined my eyes!)

So as we head into the new year, my wish for you and yours is that the simplest things (big and small) bring you the greatest joy.

Now, on to 2021 – and the great that awaits.

Posted in face, fashion, foundation, hair, jewels, lips, read, self care | Tagged alterna, audible, gap, kiehl's, moleskine, smashbox, tower 28 | Leave a comment

for the long haul0

POSTED ON Posted on June 25, 2020 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

Are things opening up by you? Is it back to business as usual?

In NY, I’m realizing that we need to hunker down for a longer haul – particularly as we get a glimpse of what school will look like in the Fall. It seems like quality time at home isn’t going away anytime soon. While having all-access to the pantry and losing my consistent two miles per day has resulted in a softer middle, there are some pluses to this new-found work-life balance.

For one, my skin is glowing. Don’t know if it’s the extra sleep or the time in the sun – it’s certainly not because I’m guzzling tons of water or have quit drinking. (Quite the opposite.) I’m chalking it up to an unsung beauty hero and a new ingredient in my morning coffee.

It truly baffles me that no one is talking about this pH-neutralizing moisture gel treatment from Pixi! I picked it up on a whim and the “glowing skin” compliments have not stopped pouring in. I apply liberally at night before bed and it soothes every single drop of redness or irritation – it’s a miracle product and I’m stocking up.

Now that I’m not spending $4 on a Starbucks iced coffee at the train each morning, I’m finding little ways to make my at-home coffee moment a bit more of a treat. The best thing that I’ve brought to my signature recipe (a Keurig pod, squeeze of honey, splash of almond milk) is a scoop of collagen powder. I have noticed major changes in the strength of my nails, a significant reduction in hair loss and, who knows, perhaps my quarantine glow can be attributed to this, too.

A few other delights that are really making work from home work for me:

Another $15 Target dress that you need / I can’t stop wearing.

A heavy dose of Sun Bum on my arms, shoulders and chest – every morning, without fail. It goes on smooth and does not stain my clothes. It’s an SPF miracle!

The towel scrunchie that broke the internet – one for me and one for Lou, natch. I love it so much more than a turban – an air-dry upgrade, to be sure.

Tucking into bed each night with The Mothers – I’m discovering so many new Black authors. Particular loving this one so far.

The wireless bra to end all wireless bras. DD support and it feels like nothing? I’m buying one in every. Single. Color.

Posted in fashion, hair, read, skin | Tagged gap, kitsch, pixi, sun bum, target, vital proteins | Leave a comment

hello summer?0

POSTED ON Posted on May 29, 2020 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

The news is so heavy this week. I’m feeling powerless, but went back and re-read this post and I’m slowly trying to make a list of action items, starting with diversifying my social media feed.

In privileged quarantine life, we continue to coast.

This week was all about cultivating a uniform that looks Zoom appropriate on top, but easily flexes to sitting on my front steps watching our new bike rider or hanging in the backyard while she swings, explores, etc. (Bonus if it’s ready for a quick end-of-day breakaway when I will be pouring something into this or this for a driveway playdate with friends.)

Lately, these shorts are on repeat – with a ribbed tank or one of these tees (I now have three colors). My Gizeh sandals have been getting a lot of wear – I’m loving their seeming indestructibility and marginal chicness – and I’ve also discovered a newfound appreciation for my Ray Bans. They were a splurge for me (I never spend on sunnies), but I would buy them again and again.

My face of the week consists of two new arrivals: Glowscreen and Buriti Bronzer. The Glowscreen is incredible – it glides on top of moisturizer and kind of blurs away any redness or imperfections while delivering SPF 40. I should note it’s not sweat proof and most likely needs reapplication for any sort of prolonged sun exposure. The bronzer is effortless, easy – so warm and a nice natural pop on cheeks.

On my lips, I’m obsessed with NARS Afterglow in Fast Lane – it’s just a simple, neutral glow. One morning application lasts all day and I don’t need anything else by way of moisture until bedtime where I’ve been wedded to this overnight mask.

Posted in accessories, bronzer, cheeks, face, fashion, lips | Leave a comment

five minutes peace0

POSTED ON Posted on May 15, 2020 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

A sweet colleague mentioned this book to me (a childhood memory for her) last week and the phrase has stuck with me.

While I am soaking up all of the extra time with my husband and daughter during these crazy days at home, there is an underlying theme of never having a moment alone. So, I’m trying to find those little moments just for me – even if it means listening to an audio book / podcast while putting dishes away or washing my face. It has made a huge difference in my overall wellbeing – and I’ve discovered some delicious content along the way.

A few favorites:

Jessica Simpson Memoir (Audio book narrated by the author – so good.)
Giver of Stars – currently devouring this on my kindle; I will be sad to see it end.
Unorthodox was gripping and still has not left me. Grateful to From Maura for the recco!
Little Fires Everywhere was somehow better than the book. Reese, Kerry, brilliant.
I really have no words for Becoming. This woman. Just. Inspires.

Then, in little moments throughout the day, I’m finding the smallest luxuries can make a huge difference.

Starting with more frequent showers (three cheers for uninterrupted single tasking!) and a new air-dry favorite. I know I’ve said this before, but the search might truly be over with this $10 hero. Use as directed (which was not intuitive for me) and you cannot go wrong.

Moving onto morning coffee (which lasts until 2 PM for me), this stirring spoon has been a treat and my Mother’s Day gift is an ultra-chic solution to taking the whole situation on the go. Our day moves from homeschool assignments to impromptu bike riding very quickly and I have to be ready for anything, caffeine in hand.

For when I need to be seen in public, clothes that feel like pajamas but make me feel semi-pulled together are reigning supreme. A $20 dress that checks all of the boxes? Sold, sold, sold.

And what about staying ASAP (as safe as possible)? I have searched high and low for a chic-looking mask that won’t irritate my sensitive skin. The designs from this brand are making me feel slightly less claustrophobic thanks to beautiful, breathable cotton. The quality is outstanding, the shipping is rapid – I am buying in multiples and highly recommend.