Welcome to the inaugural post of my new series: New Arrivals! Spring Beauty. As someone working in the beauty space for many years, lots of new beauty products cross my vanity regularly. And usually I wait to share after I’ve used them for awhile and/or have fully integrated them into my routine. The trouble with that habit is that my ADHD invariably interferes with that process and by the time the new products are integrated, I’ve forgotten that they’re new and don’t remember to share them.

So! Today, all of that changes as I’ll be sharing new beauty products as they draw my eye and I’ll give updates later. Cool? Cool.

What’s New for Spring – Beauty Products

For the series, my goal is to share across categories–skincare, hair care, wellness…you get the idea. And at this stage of my life, my chief concerns are maintaining my skin’s youthfulness, getting enough rest, and keeping my hair on my head. Perimenopause is a beast!

The Good Patch

This discovery is perhaps my favorite of the bunch. The Good Patch is a plant-powered wearable wellness patch that delivers premium ingredients for a variety of wellness objectives. The Slumber patch is loaded with magnesium, L-theanine, and tart cherry for the perfect night’s sleep. I now have them on auto delivery because my sleep is excellent when I wear them. Excellent! And I’ve got the Oura Ring stats to prove it!

Simply peel the patch off of its backing and stick it to your wrist. And perhaps best of all, wearing the patch frees one from having to choke down those giant magnesium pills in order to get a good night’s sleep. 10/10 – highly recommend.

Wellbel Women+

On my mission to keep my hair from shedding and replace that which I’ve lost (!!) Wellbel Women has come to the rescue. A suite of products designed to treat hair health from the inside, Wellbel offers shampoo and conditioner as well as supplements for women, men, and women 45+. If you’d like to experience the physician-formulated Wellbel products for yourself, use code PATRANILA10 for 10% off.

I will report back with my results soon. Watch this space.

Pixi On-the-Glow Blush

Just in time for spring, the Pixi On-the-Glow Blush in Cassis is giving rosy cheeks galore. It’s sheer and buildable and a beautiful shade for medium to medium-deep skin tones.

I’ve been wearing it as a base beneath my NARS Orgasm powder blush. The combo gives a natural looking flush of color with just the slightest bit of glow.

UNI Body Serum

This lightweight serum has been racking up beauty awards since its release. Editors from Refinery29, Ask Men, and Well + Good all agree: the UNI 24-Hour Body Serum is quite special. It absorbs quickly and improves the elasticity of skin over time by aiding the skin’s production of collagen.

The Uni Marine Complex delivers moisture, exfoliates, and strengthens skin. I dare say it has quite a unique fragrance as well. It kind of smells like the sea, which is fitting. If you’re experiencing dry and/or dull all-over skin, take full advantage of my code PATRANILA15 and try it yourself! I will report back with my results very soon.

Rodan + Fields Lip Serum

While not technically new to me, this Redefine Lip Conditioning Serum by Rodan + Fields has been newly re-introduced into my beauty routine. As softening and protective as ever, this serum has come in clutch during this unusually cold and dry winter. It’s the only serum I’ve found that doesn’t require re-application. Big win!

That’s it for New Arrivals – Spring Beauty Edition. Thanks for reading this inaugural post and remember to watch this space for follow-up and results.

Next up: On My Vanity: Body Care Vol 1

The post Spring Beauty – New Arrivals appeared first on The Patranila Project.

The perfect pink lipstick. Is it out there? How do you find it? Is pink even your color? The answer to all these questions is ‘yes, absolutely!’ However, it’s going to take a tiny bit of work to find it but not too much, I promise. I’m not a fan of work.

So You Want The Perfect Pink Lippy?

First, we must answer a few quick questions to determine your idea of the perfect pink:

1. Are you looking to make a soft, subtle statement or do you want your lips to enter the room five seconds before you do?
2. What’s your skin tone?
3. Do you prefer a creamy or matte finish?
4. Can you color within the lines or do you need supervision?

Patranila is wearing Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Mesmerizing Magenta #680

Your Perfect Shade of Pink Lipstick

Let’s start with the most important aspect, skin tone. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for finding the perfect pink lippy.

Deep Skin Tones – look for bright, bold pinks in the fuchsia family to make a statement or choose more muted shades with purple tones. Leave the neutral pinks to your lighter-hued sistren. Try: Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Creme Lipstick in Rose Manderine

Medium Skin Tones – look for deep pinks with hints of caramel or brown or go for juicy watermelon shades to brighten your smile. Stay away from shades with blue undertones. You’ll look weird. Try: Smashbox Cream to Matte Lipstick in Besos

Fair/Light Skin Tones – peachy pink shades are winners for you. Also go for shades with lilac or rose tints. Try: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Gloss in Rebel Rose

Shop Your Perfect Pink Lippy

Patranila is wearing YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Fuchsia #19

Is Your Perfect Pink Matte or Creamy?

There are a couple of things to consider when choosing a finish. Do you want color that lasts a long time and can you color within the lines? There are trade-offs involved. Most matte lip colors are designed to last all day however, they require a bit of skill for a perfect application. Because matte shades tend to stay where you put them, they are less forgiving of application errors and they highlight any dryness or cracks on your lip surface. If mattes are your choice, you’d be wise to invest in a lip scrub or two especially during drier months. Also, drink more water.

Creamy, moisture-rich formulas are easier to work with all around. Mistakes are easily wiped away with your finger and a mirror is not a must-have for application. Drawbacks? They don’t last as long as matte finishes but industry strides are being made to combine staying power and moisturizing benefits. So hope springs eternal!

If you want to turn your favorite matte into a creamier version, you can apply a bit of gloss on top.

Have you found your perfect pink lipstick? Do tell darling!

PATRANILA ALSO RECOMMENDS FOR YOU

• Pucker Up With MatteLast Liquid Lip
• Shop Like A Beauty Editor

The post How To Choose Your Perfect Pink Lipstick appeared first on The Patranila Project.

Hello Gorgeous! Today, I’m answering a reader request for my beauty routine and sharing the ins and outs of how I care for my skin. As you may know, I am a true product junkie and I love trying new stuff but I don’t do much experimenting with skincare because I’ve found a suite of products that really work for me and I’m not one to mess with a good thing. Not too much anyway.

First, full disclosure. I’ve always had ‘good skin’ but it’s only because I’ve got good genes–thanks mom and dad. So in this regard, everything I do in caring for my face is an attempt to protect what my mama gave me.

My Daily Beauty Routine

So let’s get to it. For me, good skincare has always been pretty simple. Keep your face properly cleansed and moisturized and throw in a special treatment every now and again for good measure. Of course as I get older, my skincare routine gets a bit more involved. But I still keep it pretty simple.

Step 1: Cleansers and Toners

For cleansing, I use VERSED Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm.  With my sensitive (sometimes dry) skin and I can’t use foaming products on my face, which means balm or cream cleansers are my jam.

Day Dissolve works gently without stripping or irritation and leaves my skin soft to the touch. I also sometimes use Counter Lotus Glow Balm (formerly Beauty Counter) for very similar results. Beauty Counter is the first balm I ever used and I’m nothing if not loyal. Use code PATRANILA10 for 10% off at VERSED.

After cleansing, I finish Step 1 with my long-time holy grail toner, Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic. It exfoliates and brightens with glycolic acid and ginseng. As an alternative, I also like Eadem Cashmere Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner. It’s a bit stronger than Glow Tonic so I don’t use it as an everyday toner. Just when I need a little more oomph.

Step 2: Serum

My everyday serum, also a holy grail product for me, is U Beauty Resurfacing Compound. This stuff is pure magic in a bottle and I don’t say that lightly.

When I started using this, it changed the texture and clarity of my skin in less than seven days. Yes, seven!

Step 3: Moisturizer

For a daily moisturizer, I’m currently using REN Global Protection Day Cream. However, with REN shuttering its doors, I’m gonna have to find a replacement soon. Ugh! Sooo, I’m on the hunt for a new daytime moisturizer. Preferably one with sunscreen built in. Stay tuned!

At night, if I’m not super tired or feeling lazy, I cleanse with the Versed Cleansing Balm and then moisturize with First Aid Beauty Ultra-Repair Hydrating Night Cream and U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate. I don’t know what it is, but something about completing a nightly beauty routine makes me feel yummy and well cared for. It’s all about the self-care!

Step 4: Skincare Extras

And finally, every 10-14 days I treat myself to a little extra moisture and exfoliation with Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel. This peel is ah-mazing and I HIGHLY recommend it! It gently sloughs off every bit of dry/dead skin and leaves my skin feeling supple and looking bright. Every time I do a peel, I get comments on how great my skin looks. No joke. It’s the best over the counter peel I’ve ever used!

As an alternative to the Murad peel, I rotate in Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. It also does an excellent job with deeper exfoliation. It’s gentle on skin and is a good choice for sensitive skin girlies.

And finally, when I need a extra dose of moisture, I sit for a quick session with my Vanity Planet Facial Steamer followed by my all-time favorite Pixi Beauty Glow Sheet Mask.

My Beauty Routine: In Conclusion

That’s it for my everyday beauty routine! Not a lot of hoopla involved at all. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my efforts to stay well hydrated inside and out. Water, water, and more water with electrolytes. I always have a bottle with me as my lips are the first to inform me when I haven’t been drinking enough water. Dry, chapped and, oh you don’t want to know about it.

Also during the dry winter months, I sleep with a humidifier to avoid waking with a dry face and a crackly, dry voice. Gotta get my fa-la-lahs on you know!

What do you use on your skin? Any tried and true products you just can’t live without? Drop a comment and share with the people! 

Shop Everyday Beauty Basics

 
 Up Next: New Arrivals – Spring Beauty
 

Discover more skincare secrets.

The post Your Questions Answered: My Beauty Routine appeared first on The Patranila Project.

Great skin. Everybody wants it, some people have it and we all work to protect and perfect the skin we’re in. Beauty breakthroughs happen all the time and beauty routines change with the latest obsession but one desire remains constant. Efficacy. Effective ingredients never go out of style and getting them onto and into your skin is job number one. For that, beauty gurus (ahem!) and skincare professionals alike recommend that you add serums to your beauty routine. Immediately!

Why You Should Add Serums to Your Beauty Routine

You may be wondering just what serums are and how they’re different from lotions and creams. The biggest difference between a serum and a lotion/cream is what the serum formulation does not contain. Serums leave out airtight moisturizing ingredients like mineral oil or petrolatum that are used to keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer thickening and lubricating agents like nut oils.

The result is a concentrated, potent formula that delivers the greatest amount of effective ingredients to your skin. Serums are the workhorses of a skincare line and you can think of them as nutrients without the additives.

Which Serum Should You Use?

Just as there are scores of moisturizers designed to treat different skin concerns, so goes the world of serums. Tackling everything from hydrating and softening dry skin to brightening your complexion to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, serums go to work on those areas to give you the best skin possible. Which one(s) you choose, depends on what skin stresses you’d like to alleviate.

I am a huge fan of the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum that delivers a potent dose of Vitamin C that improves radiance, promotes collagen production, and removes dull skin. My general love of Murad skincare products is well documented and this serum is a welcome addition to my daily beauty routine.

How to Add Serums to Your Beauty Routine

Now that you’re sold, you want to know how to add a serum to your beauty routine right? It’s easy.

1. After cleansing (and exfoliating) your face, apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck. Spread it evenly with your fingers and remember that a little goes a long way.
2. If you have sensitive skin, wait a few minutes before applying the serum. Allowing your skin to dry some will slow down the absorption of the serum and help alleviate any potential skin irritation. If sensitivity is not a concern, get that serum on as quickly as possible for maximum absorption.
3. Apply your regular moisturizer and eye cream after the serum to make sure the occlusive agents in those products don’t interfere with your serum’s absorption.

Related Post: My Morning Routine for Glowing Skin

Which Serums Are the Best

Of course, not all serums are created equal. In addition to serving many different functions, their prices vary wildly. I suggest first choosing which skin concerns you want to tackle and then finding a serum that fits your budget. Here’s a quick list of beauty editor-approved serums for you to try:

Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum. Benefits: Hydration, radiance, and boosts the effectiveness of your skincare regimen. I use this on my cheeks during the dry winter months. See my first impression video here! $108 at Ulta or on Amazon.

The Outset Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum. A vitamin C alternative for girlies with sensitive skin. Benefits: Brightens skin tone, protects from blue light, and supports skin repair. $54 at The Outset

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is packed with hyaluronic acid and peptides. Benefits: Hydration, visible fine line reduction, skin repair and strengthening. $85 at Nordstrom

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum. Benefits: Radiance and brightening. $50 for 1 oz and $24 for .5 oz at Sephora

Remember that you can always add more than one serum to your beauty routine to tackle more than one skin issue at a time. Just don’t over do it! And for the sake of your skin and sanity, be sure to test one product at a time so if you do have a reaction, you’ll know which one is the culprit.

Cheers to better skin in a bottle and remember to pin this post for later!

Shop This Post

Get More Skincare Recommendations

• Get Your Glow On With The REN Pure Glow Trio!
• Exfoliate Like A Pro With PoreDermabrasion
• Morning Beauty Habits for Great Skin

The post How To Add Serums to Your Beauty Routine & Change Your Skin Forever appeared first on The Patranila Project.

I am not a fan of winter. In fact, I do my level best to stay indoors while the winter winds whip outside my windows. This year, I’m succeeding and doing so in cozy style! So today, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for surviving the winter while soothing my Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and possibly yours.

Getting Through The Winter Months

Each year, I dread the end of Daylight Saving Time because it brings really long nights with not nearly enough sunshine for my optimal health and well-being. And even though our climate is changing and we’re experiencing much warmer winters, it’s still too cold out for me so I make myself as cozy as possible indoors and ride out the frigid temperatures from the comfort of my couch.

Here’s what I’m using to soothe my sad soul.

Let Me Entertain You

Watching TV is the ultimate distraction from my winter blues. Well, maybe not the ultimate, but it’s a close second. I’m fully overloaded on streaming services and to be extra sure I always have something satisfying to watch, I’ve ordered a set of vintage General Hospital supercuts. Yes, I’m a former GH super fan but that’s a discussion for another day.

Being fully set on content, I can turn my attention to my tech. This past summer, I bought a big-ish flat screen to replace my small-ish flat screen but true to flat screen TV technology, the picture is great for watching Nikolas make out with Gia, but the sound is awful. Enter the Sonos Beam!

Elevating My At-Home Entertainment With Sonos

I initially sought to get a simple sound bar for around $200 but when I thought it all the way through, I realized I also wanted something that would get my tunes out of my earbuds and into the room. The Sonos Beam is perfect for both.

The sound is incredible! Rich, warm, and immersive.

Each Sonos speaker can play sound simultaneously giving you a whole-home soundscape as well as a surround sound experience.

I also have two of the Sonos One SL speakers for my studio and kitchen and a Sonos Roam. I’m dying to get my hands on a Sonos Sub Mini (a sub-woofer) and even though I’m sure my neighbors will demand that I move out if I do, I’m getting one anyway.

My nephew has promised to get me one for Christmas. He’s late but I’m still hopeful.

UPDATE: I bought the Sub Mini myself and it is amazing! The subtle rumble of bass is both powerful and elegant–much smoother than I thought it was going to be but I shouldn’t be surprised. This is Sonos after all.

Block Out the Noise

When I want to have an immersive sound experience with no absolutely outside interference, I pop on my Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Headphones.

I didn’t realize how important to my inner peace noise canceling was until I started using them. The first time I wore a pair of noise canceling earbuds, my world completely shifted. Being neurodivergent makes me super sensitive to sound and being able to completely control outside disturbances, calms my inner self.

I’ve now upgraded my noise canceling experience going from earbuds to over the ear headphones with Bose. Pricey but worth it, the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones absolutely live up to the hype. The sound quality is amazing (of course, it’s Bose), the spatialized audio feature makes them really fun, and they are super comfortable. I can wear them for hours because I’m hardly aware of them when I’m wearing them. Get you a pair!

Or If Reading Is More Your Thing

Buuutt if you’ve been watching too much TV lately, perhaps you’ll prefer to escape the cold through the pages of the season’s hottest thriller or steamy romance. Take a stroll through My Bookshelf for a few of my favorite reads, all available on Bookshop where you can support your local bookseller!

High-Key Hibernation

Effective couch cruising calls for setting up the perfect stay-home environment. As a high-key hibernator, one must have everything at the ready (to eliminate the need for outdoor excursions) while keeping an eye toward emerging in the spring looking great and feeling refreshed.

We hide out but we don’t neglect ourselves.

Grocery Delivery, Creature Comforts, and Staying Hydrated

My grocery shopping is easy and convenient with Instacart. They deliver from supermarkets both large and local with a smooth system that allows you to communicate with your shopper throughout the process.

Simply choose your items, select a delivery time, and wait for your groceries to be delivered. They’ll even leave them at your front door if you won’t be home or if you want to avoid contact.

I haven’t been to a grocery store in years. Years!

Get FREE DELIVERY on your first order. No code necessary.

I stay wrapped in a plush robe, fuzzy slippers, and a super soft throw like the UnHide Lil’ Marsh that I got in my winter FabFitFun box. I also love these CozyChic throws by Barefoot Dreams. They’re almost 55% off at Nordstrom Rack. And if you’re looking for the ultimate in chic winter warmth, opt for a super soft cashmere throw.

I’m also keeping the dry winter air at bay with this ultrasonic humidifier. I have no intention of letting my skin get all dry and wrinkly while I wait for spring to arrive and you shouldn’t either.

Cozy Essentials

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Fuzzy Footwear

These are my favorite slippers of all time! They are super cute, crazy soft, and very affordable. You. Will. Love. Them.

Weighted Blanket

A cozy essential if ever there was one. Get an instant, deep relaxation while watching TV or taking a nap. Choose the blanket’s weight based on your own body weight for the perfect amount of pressure.

Plush Robe

Slipping into a super soft, plush robe feels so good when the winter winds are blowing outside. And finding one with nice deep pockets ups the cozy quotient by a lot!

A Suitable Sleeping Environment

Now let’s get to the most important aspect of hibernation. Sleeping. My bed has been one of my favorite places on Earth for many years but now, now it’s even better! Why? I recently discovered weighted blankets and my sleep game is forever changed.

It’s taken me a few tries to get the placement, weight, and duration just right for me, but now that I have a solid system in place, my sleep has never been better. I used to wake up feeling anything but rested, but now I can bounce out of bed with little to no provocation. This is a feat of amazing proportion!

Weighted blankets simulate Deep Touch Pressure which is similar to the feeling of being held. Hugs are great for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress, calming anxiety, the list goes on. You can read more about the science of weighted blankets to see if getting one may be helpful for you.

Of course, a good night’s sleep also requires a great set of sheets. I remember Oprah once saying that the linens in her bedroom are changed every three days because she loves sleeping on crisp sheets. Naturally, that’s a flex because most of us can’t do that. The sheer laundry pile up alone, not to mention the cost of owning that many sheet sets!

However, I discovered this lovely linen brand, California Design Den, that has affordable, good quality sheets in lots of colors. I’m all about pure white on my bed with silver/grey accents but California Design has 400 thread count options in solids, florals, patterns, you name it!

Okay, Lovely! These are all of my tips and tricks for getting through winter in cozy comfort. I hope you’ve found something to help soothe you through the season. See you in the spring, and til then, stay saucy!

YOU’LL ENJOY ONE OF THESE NEXT

• Hydrate for the Winter with Olay Moisture Ribbons
• Survive Winter the Way Danes Do – Hygge For Your Home

The post Survival Guide: Getting Through the Long, Cold Winter In Cozy Comfort appeared first on The Patranila Project.

Conventional wisdom holds that January is the perfect time to start fresh, set new goals, and begin new projects. New year, new you — right? Wrong! Even though it’s at the beginning of a new calendar year, January is one of the worst times to start anything.

For The Love of January

Have you noticed how many people on socials are complaining about being exhausted come week three of the new year? The month seems to drag on and on with no end in sight. There’s a reason for that and it can be summed up easily: we’re doing January all wrong.

January is a long month, one of the longest in fact. But if done properly, that length can work for you instead of exhausting you!

The 5 Rs of Winter

Though it is the beginning of the year, January is still in the middle of winter. Very few things in nature are producing new things in winter. Winter is a time of dormancy. Don’t believe me, ask the trees. Seasons happen for a reason and since most of us are just coming off the harvest and holiday season, this season is the one for The 5 Rs.

The 5 Rs of Winter are: Relax, Review, Release, Reconnect, and Refocus. Let’s get into each of them.

Experience Some Cozy Girl Goodness

Relax

If you listen to the culture, we should all be raring to go on January 1. I find that to be a ludicrous concept. After a jam-packed holiday season with all its stress and hullabaloo, we’ve hardly had a moment to catch our collective or individual breath. And already we’re supposed to be planning big things and tackling life’s greatest challenges?! Give it a rest already. Literally.

For those of us who live in areas that experience the seasons, winter is the worst time to start something new. Taking our cues from nature means winter is a season to slow down. Everything is laying low, living off the harvest from the season before, and gestating what will bloom in the spring. We have to give ourselves the chance to rest.

Every season is not meant to be one of high production or productivity. This is what leads to burnout and is why January always feels like the longest month of the year.

Remember:  Taking time to rest and reset is equally important as planning and productivity. Never let yourself be convinced otherwise.

Review

I know a lot of people do year-end reviews in the final weeks of the year. They do so with an eye toward being ‘ready to go’ come January 1. Again I say, bad idea. I do reviews when the year is actually over because as they say, it ain’t over ’til it’s over.

However, with the previous year completely wrapped, January is the perfect time to review what worked, what went well, and what areas of life need more attention or more time. Use January to look inward at what has happened, so you can make clear decisions about what comes next.

Release

After the review, decide what things you can let go of. Ask yourself what situations, people, or ideas can be left in the past? Make a point to not drag those things into your future if they no longer serve you.

I strongly encourage you to be ruthless with this edit. Sometimes we think our life isn’t working smoothly because we’re missing something but oftentimes, it’s really that we need to release a few things instead.

Reconnect

Our holiday season is often overrun with ‘doing for others.’ We spend lots of time and resources thinking about family, friends, and work during the last couple of months of the year and we can get lost inside our own lives. Take this time to be still, recenter yourself, and get in touch with how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking, and what you need in this moment.

Refocus

With clarity about the past, awareness of your needs in the present moment, and certainty about what you want going forward, you can finally set some goals and make plans for your new year ahead.

Think about your long-term and short-term goals. Decide how you want to feel each day, what experiences you want to have. Then figure out how you need to spend each day to have those experiences and reach those goals.

In Conclusion

TL;DR: You don’t have to be in such a hurry to ‘get going’ come January 1. Use this long month to take care of yourself, rest, and reset. That way, come spring, you’ll be ready to bloom along with the rest of nature.

Cheers!

Next up: You’re Probably Doing Your Soft Girl Era All Wrong

The post Let’s Do January Better! Please! appeared first on The Patranila Project.

The hawk is definitely out in most of the country and those of us who strive to stay stylish while also staying warm are often forced to choose between fashion and frostbite. Not so any longer! Enter the latest crop of touchscreen gloves that seamlessly marry style and function.

I’d been a hold-out on purchasing tech gloves in the past because most of them were bona fide ug-a-ly. But in the spirit of embracing winter and celebrating the season, I’ve hunted down some of the best in touchscreen technology with an eye toward style.

Touchscreen Gloves with Style

Marcus Adler Puffer Touchscreen Gloves

Built in stretch on these fun puffer gloves ensures a snug fit while the burgundy offers a sophisticated color note to your winter outfit. Also available in navy and black.

UGG Knit Bow Tech Gloves

Add an extra pop of color to your winter wardrobe with these delicate knit beauties by UGG that are currently 50% off at Sak’s!

Levi’s Touch Screen Gloves

And if you’re looking for a pair that is still cute but a little less stand-out, this darling pair from Levi’s may be just what you need.

Click through the images below to shop my edit.

Stay warm, lovely!

The post Touchscreen Gloves Keep You Stylish And Toasty While Texting appeared first on The Patranila Project.

Just what does one give as a gift to a man? What do guys like as gifts anyway? It’s a question as old as time with a lot of the same, un-sexy answers. Tool sets, ties, and sports equipment. Am I right? Well not this year! Let’s spoil the men in our lives with something from my handy little list of luxury gifts for men!

OK, not every gift is luxury but there are some elevated basics with splurge gifts aplenty. Let’s get into it!

Luxury Gifts For Men

Hydrow Rowing Machine

Rowing is one of the best all-around exercises known to man. It’s strength and cardio wrapped in one and rowing works more muscle groups simultaneously than any other exercise. And the Hydrow Rowing Machine is a fantastic gift. It’s definitely a splurge item but well worth it for your fitness minded man.

What makes the Hydrow special? For starters, the live classes are filmed on the water and not in a studio. The patented electromagnetic resistance mechanism is designed to give you a realistic on-the-water feeling. Other rowers use electronically controlled resistance which resists, of course, but doesn’t feel like being out on the water. It’s like the difference between treadmill running and road running. Road running uses more resources as you have to adjust to changes in your environment which equates to higher fitness levels overall.

The Hydrow also has a higher user weight capacity than other rowers with a top weight of 375 pounds. It also accommodates inseams up to 36″ for the long-legged among us.

Three Hydrow Models to Choose From

The original Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine, the more affordable Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine that now comes in five colors, and the all new Hydrow Vista, the most immersive and luxurious which is available for pre-order.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The new 2nd Gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Canceling Headphones provide one of the best sound experiences for your guy on the go! These babies absolutely live up to their name as they are Ultra Comfortable and can be worn for hours. It’s one of the reasons I switched from in-ear noise canceling earbuds–my ears start to hurt after a while. Not with these.

The sound quality has earned these a near perfect rating and my little neurodivergent heart loves the Spatialized Immersive Audio that allows you to determine the location of the sound in your ears. What?! Love!

Sonos Home Sound System

A great sound system is a gift forever and nobody does it better than Sonos. With five speakers in my own, ever-growing system, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Sonos is easy to set up, customize, and operate offering incredibly rich sound throughout your home. It’s a music lover’s dream.

With a wide range of speakers and controllers to choose from, you can create a dynamic soundscape for your guy’s unique sound needs. I would start with a soundbar for the TV, two surround speakers, and a sub woofer for extra oomph and bass. You can add more speakers throughout your home as needed–shelf, mounted, installed, and portable.

My Sonos System

I have the Beam (Gen 2) sound bar paired with the Sub Mini subwoofer, two Sonos One speakers, and the portable Roam. I recommend the Beam for sound bar even though there’s the Arc which has more internal speakers for a fuller sound. But, if you’re going for surround sound, I don’t know that the Arc is worth the price premium over the Beam. If you’re not doing surround sound, the Arc may be the better option. It’s a matter of preference of course.

The One speakers I use have been elevated to the Era 100 and it is a great entry speaker. There’s also the larger Era 300 and the portable Move 2 which lets him take his tunes outdoors.

For extra oomph. For the best movie-watching sound I would highly recommend adding a sub-woofer to his roster. The new, sleeker Sub 4 and the Sub Mini both add an exceptional bass experience that will reverberate through his chest. He’ll love it!

Oura Ring

Anyone who has an Oura ring will tell you, it’s one of the best inventions ever. Ever! I am one of those people. I’ve had my Oura ring for a little over three years and it is a game changer for anyone committed to sleep hygiene and overall wellness. Ask any of my friends how much I yammer about this thing. They’re sick of me, but they also want one.

What is an Oura ring and why does my guy need one?

Beginning as a sleep tracker on steroids, the Oura has developed into the most accurate, most immersive health wearable ever. It tracks and trends all your sleep data including but not limited to: total time in bed, total sleep time, sleep stage breakdown, heart rate variability, resting heart rate, body temperature, breathing regularity, and oxygen saturation.

The Accuracy. Your finger provides the most accurate readings for over 20 biometric indicators which makes the Oura ring far superior to wearables for the wrist.

Each morning, the ring gives you three scores: sleep, activity, and readiness. Each of those scores is based on the previous day’s activity, the previous night’s rest, and your trends over a two-week period. All of this info combined gives you highly personal data about what your body can likely handle on any given day.

For example, if you’ve been burning the candle at both ends for a few days, your readiness score will decrease and your activity goal will likely shift downward to give you time to rest and recover. Or if your body temperature is elevated indicating a possible illness in the wings, Oura will suggest you go into Rest Mode which encourages less activity, more self care.

More Features. In addition to unparalleled sleep data and insights, the Oura ring also tracks your activity, steps, distance, calorie burn, workout heart rate, and inactive time giving you hourly nudges to move if you’ve been sitting too long. There are dozens of tags you can enter and track to see how morning sunlight affects your wellness, for example. Or how a sauna or Theragun session impacts your restfulness.

My favorite new feature is the daytime stress monitor. Updating at regular intervals, it gives me a crucial reminder to cool it sometimes.

The all new Gen 4 adds the coveted all-day heart rate monitoring to the already incredible suite of features.

Because your guy will need to be fitted for his ring, the Oura can’t be too much of a surprise gift. But don’t skip this step, it’s crucial that the ring fit properly: snug enough for accuracy but not so snug that it hampers circulation. Follow the instructions and make sure he wears the sizers for the recommended number of days. You know how guys can be.

Oura Ring sizing kit

The Gen 4 ring is made of titanium and is available in six finishes: silver, black, stealth (a matte black), brushed silver, gold, and rose gold.

Gifts for Men: Therabody Theragun Sense

The gold standard in muscle recovery devices, Therabody has updated the uber popular Theragun with the Theragun Sense. What does it sense you wonder? Me too. Let’s get into it.

The Theragun Sense adds wellness metrics like heart rate, vibration variability, guided breath work sessions, and demos for how to hold the device for the best effect. The app has also gotten an upgrade which is always nice. You can get enhanced personalized insights based on your biometrics.

Theragun benefits. Muscle recovery is imperative for pro, amateur, and recreational athletes alike. Unlike the pros though, the average guy doesn’t have easy access to ice baths and massage therapists. Enter Theragun. Percussive massage therapy helps alleviate persistent pain, stress, and tension in the body and helps promote faster muscle recovery.

I have the Theragun Prime which is slightly less expensive, doesn’t have the latest Sense technologies but still gets the job done. Trust.

Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale

Not exactly a luxury gift idea, but the Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale is certainly an elevated basic. When more information is better, the Garmin really shines with weight trend tracking, bone mass, body fat percentage, and more. Give your guy a more complete picture of his health with the Index S2.

With the ability to create 16 user profiles, it’s a gift for him that the whole family can use.

Samsung Frame 4K QLED TV

Rounding out my list of gifts for men is the Samsung Frame TV. Now this one is definitely qualifies as a splurge gift for guys and everyone will love it!

We know how guys love their big screens but those behemoths are often an eyesore for the rest of us when not in use. Not with the Frame TV by Samsung! When not in use, the Frame displays gorgeous art work or photos of your choice making it an integral part of your decor and style. He gets a giant TV and you get something beautiful to behold when he’s not parked in front of it. It’s a win/win!

With various sizes from 43″ to 85″, each Frame TV offers 4K Ultra High Definition images, smart features, and voice assist.

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I’m a firm believer that all Christmas gifts for her should be purchased with the express purpose of spoiling the special woman in your life. I’m talking no holds barred, give her everything she wants.

This year, I’m combining lists and though this gift guide is titled Gifts for Her, it’s really my own Wish List. And I have every faith that you’ll find something for the special ‘her’ in your life too!

BTW, it’s very cozy focused because after the year we’ve had, warm and fuzzy is the only way to go.

Gifts For Her

Shoppable photo. Hover over each item and click to shop.

Softies Solid Marshmallow Lounge Set

Every cozy girl or would-be cozy girl starts her cozy journey with a plush lounge set. Enter the Softies Solid Marshmallow Lounge Set. It’s available in seven colors in sizes from XS to 3X. It’s a lovely gift for the girly who likes to curl up with her favorite book or spend her binge-watching hours in ultra comfort.

Dearfoams Fireside Slippers

And one has to pair an ultra soft lounge set with a pair of plush slippers. These babies are genuine shearling and come in eight colors. The Black Friday sale price is over 50% off!

BOSE QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Once she’s all cozy and warm, blocking out unwanted noise while listening to her favorite music is the obvious next step. Enter the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. These are the perfect headphones for the cozy girl on your list. I mean, it’s right there in the name.

These 2nd gen noise canceling headphones have a near-perfect 5-star rating with spatialized audio for music and movies and an all new Cinema Mode that delivers nuanced, layered sound. They come in five colors–my favorites are the Desert Sand (pictured above) and the stealthy Black.

Nadri Sunlight Heart Huggie Hoops

Heart shaped earrings are having a moment. These gold huggie hoops add a touch of sweetness to any jewelry collection and are sure to stand out.

Nadri Black Flex Wrap Ring

A black stone ring adds sophisticated bling to any holiday outfit. It’s just…gorgeous!

LIT AXIS Pilates Pack

OK hear me out. I know exercise equipment is not exactly cozy girl vibes, however, one must stay on top of one’s fitness routine. And what’s cozier than doing the hottest workouts from the comfort of your home? Right. The Pilates Pack comes with everything you need for a convenient and efficient workout. You can do over 350 exercises, work with up to 300 lbs of resistance, and have access to thousands of on-demand classes. Total no-brainer.

Monica Vinader Essential Bangle

Bangles are back baby and this 18k gold vermeil bangle by Monica Vinader is a great choice! Made with 100% recycled metals, MV jewelry offers incredible style with a very small footprint. It’s available in four sizes and can be engraved. Shine forth!

Waterfall Champagne Coupes

For celebrations big and small, these stunning champagne coupes from Anthropologie are essential. Bundled in a set of four, these dainty delights come in five colors. I adore the Mint, the Honey, and the Blue. So good!

Luce Metal Candle Holders

I love the sculptural quality of these sleek candle holders. They come in three different sizes and each has a different design. She can mix and match while bringing a touch of warmth and a little sparkle to her holiday table.

Shagreen Leather Boxes

I love a good decorative box that can help keep my tabletops clear of clutter. Shagreen adds a lovely tactile experience to its understated design appeal. I adore the pebbled leather surface.

MOUNTRAX Foot Massager

A foot massager with heat and a remote control. Need I say more? The MOUNTRAX Shiatsu Massage Machine kneads, compresses, and warms your tootsies. All while increasing circulation and relaxing even the most stressed out among us.

Happy Holidays and happy shopping!

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A great pair of shoes can turn an outfit from drab to dazzling in two seconds flat. The perfect holiday shoe can elevate your style as well as your mood, change your outlook on the world and perhaps change how the world sees you. OK, that last one is a tall order for shoes, but you know what I mean.

Now, actually finding the perfect holiday shoe is easier said than done. There are lots of variables to consider in style, comfort and cost, but luckily there are also lots of options. Here’s a quick checklist of things to keep in mind when choosing your perfect pair because after all, you don’t want to be focused on your feet all evening. You want to be focused on having fun!

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Holiday Shoe

What type of party is it?

Cocktail parties and sit-down dinners have wildly different requirements for your perfect holiday shoe. While it can be tempting to wow them with the most daring designer pair in your closet, the amount of time you’ll be on your feet holds major sway in the decision.

Standing and mingling for more than an hour calls for shoes that have a greater ball-to-heel distance because the longer the set, the less pressure you’ll place on the balls of your feet throughout the evening. This also translates into a lower heel, of course, but your tootsies will thank you for it.

And, block heels are having a moment this year! They’re sturdier than a stiletto and far more comfortable. These blue suede beauties are an interesting choice and my favorite holiday shoe this season is giving Dorothy vibes all day. Similar pair at J.Crew.

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How long will you be at the shindig?

Akin to how much standing you’ll do, is how much time you’ll spend in the shoes overall. We can all bear some discomfort for a relatively short time but if your evening will stretch on into the early morning, consider how much total pain you can handle.

Open-toe pumps and sandals offer more wiggle room (and comfort) than shoes that encase your whole foot. My go-to style when I want comfort and sex appeal is the d’Orsay pump or sandal.

However, as I mentioned above, block heels are having a moment and I feel like a sturdier shoe is the way to go these days for style and comfort. Like these blood red, embossed leather heels from J. Crew.

How will you get to the shindig?

City girls who rely on public transportation know that the shoe game struggle is real. Alas, choosing the perfect holiday shoe varies wildly based on use case! Unlike our suburban counterparts who slide into their vehicles and ride in comfort, we have to factor in walks to the subway, navigating sidewalk grates and climbing stairs.

Which of course, brings us to the option of investing in easily foldable travel shoes that one can discreetly stash in one’s purse upon arrival. Ballet flats anyone? Or how about these stunning fuchsia flat slingbacks? Yes, please!

How’s the weather?

Inclement weather can force a closed-toe on even the most die-hard sandal lover. Icy winds lead to frostbite while rain and snow can easily ruin fabric or embellishments. This is when I’d keep it pushing in a kick-ass bootie which is also available in snakeskin BTW.

Need more inspiration? I’ve edited a collection of shoes (and dresses) in several price ranges in hopes of helping you find your perfect holiday shoe. Click through the carousels and if you see one or two pairs that you love, snatch ’em up. You know my motto. You only live once, so buy the shoes!

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Happy hunting darling and please, share this post with your shoe-loving friends!

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