These are a Few of my Favorite....Beauty Products
When it comes to beauty, makeup, and fashion, I’m a less-is-more, natural, minimalist kind of girl. I like shortcuts that look good but save time, and I live by the comfort is key rule. So while I feel completely unqualified to give any sort of style advice, I will offer a few of my favorite products. In terms of basic health and beauty supplies I generally go for the deals regardless of the brand, but these few items rank high enough that I won’t shop around.
Eucerin Skin Lotion. When my preemie twins finally arrived home from the hospital, their skin was so dry. They had tape residue plastered all over, and each baby had flaky skin. Eczema runs in my family, so I immediately asked the pediatrician what she recommended. She told me about Eucerin lotion. I bought some that day and began using it. I remember my mom, who grew up on a farm, saying that the lotion made them like greased little piglets. Their skin was immediately less dry. I began using it on my own skin and have never turned back. I use this lotion daily after I shower. Photographers have even commented on the good condition of my skin. The only downfall is that it doesn’t have much of a smell. I will sometimes apply some Bath and Body Works lotion on my hands just to gain the fruity smells I love. It also may be a little greasy to some, but for me, that feeling wears away quickly
Aussie Three Minute Miracle Conditioner. I have always loved to wear my hair long. It’s always so difficult, especially now that I am older to keep my ends from splaying and breaking. I’ve used Three Minute Miracle since I was young. It’s what my mom, who also has long hair, has always used. And it is definitely a miracle. I’ve tried a few other conditioners, but I have found Aussie Three Minute Miracle to be unrivaled. I inevitably return to it. Whenever I go on an overnight trip, I take this conditioner with me. I can’t chance using another brand. And you don’t need to use much, even for long hair. I focus on the ends of my hair and leave it on my hair for three minutes while I wash the rest of my body. Over the years, the bottle style has changed, but the effectiveness has remained.
Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Hair Mask. For the past year, I have noticed my hair being more susceptible to breakage. It’s so frustrating because I prefer to keep my hair long. In an attempt to keep my hair as healthy and luscious as I can, I have begun to use the coconut oil hair mask once a week. I usually do the treatment on the weekend when I have a little extra time or a few days before a photo shoot because I can definitely notice a difference in my hair. Again, I focus my attention on the ends of my hair and leave the mask in for a few minutes.
Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray. This hair spray has quickly become a favorite of mine. I was at an event and someone gave me a small sample sized bottle of the Moroccan Oil hair spray. It only took a couple of times before I realized how multifunctional this product is. Most hair sprays do one of two things; they either make your hair hard and unmoving or the hairspray doesn’t last and your style fades. This hair spray never makes your hair feel firm, yet it sets the style in place, allowing it to stay in place all day long. Being an active PE teacher, if a hairspary can keep my curls intact all day, it’s doing its job, and that’s even more of a feat on a hot, humid day. It also leaves your hair with a health shine. What’s more? I’ve been told that spraying hair spray in your hair can prevent lice. Apparently, the lice find the hair spray slippery. And whether that’s an urban legend or not, I am an elementary school teacher, so anything that will potentially keep those nasty little parasites out of my hair, I’m willing to try. This particular hair spray is more expensive than what I used to pay, but it works so well that I’m willing to keep it in the budget.
Lavish Lash Eyelash and Brow Serum. I was blessed with long dark lashes and eyebrows, but my aunt told me about eyelash and eyebrow serum you could purchase online, and I decided to give it a try. After just the first month, I was hooked. I’m not sure if my eyelashes and eyebrows grow longer, but they are noticeable thicker. I’ve had makeup artists comment on the condition of both my eyelashes and eyebrows. I apply the serum once a day before bed. It is easy to apply and lasts a long time.
Acne Free. I have never been one to understand all of the different components of a skin care regiment, so the Acne Free Package is perfect for me. It contains a cleanser, toner, and repairing lotion. I use all three of these in succession both morning and night. Because the three basic skin care components are packaged together, it’s convenient for me and the products are effective. I have found, however, that I always run out of toner before anything else. That means I need to purchase another package before I’m finished with the other two products.
Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream. This is another of my newer favorites. I began noticing darker circles under my eyes a few years ago. Like most moms, I don’t get as much sleep I probably should. I get up early to workout before I go to work, and I go to bed late because I like to have a few moments to myself once my kids go to bed at night. This means that I get tired-appearing eyes. I decided to use an under eye cream about a year ago even though they were a little pricey. The first one seemed a little effective, so I decided to try a different one. I was pleasantly surprised at the difference I noticed right away. Even though the cream is a little costly, it lasts a considerable amount of time. I use it twice a day, once in the morning and again at night. Just make sure when you use it that you don’t pull or tug on the skin under your eye. This skin is especially susceptible to wrinkles because it’s so thin. I choose to apply the cream with a patting motion using the ring finger of my left hand to make sure that I am as gentle as possible.
Carmex Lip Balm. I despise having dry lips and that chapped feeling. This particular balm is thick, but not too goopy. It’s also glossy, which I like, and I don’t have to reapply too often. I usually put some on in the morning, after I eat lunch, and before bed. I like my natural lip color, so I also like that the balm is clear. I have, however, applied it over lipstick when I’m doing a photoshoot to help my lips shine. And my kiddos don’t complain too much when I notice that they have dry cracked lips and put some on my finger to apply it on them. I buy these in three packs so I can have them in many different places. I have one in the bag I carry, one in each bathroom at my house, one in my van, and one at work. This helps to ensure that wherever I am, my lips are covered.
So, in adapting the Julie Andrews classic in the movie The Sound of Music, these are a few of my favorite beauty products. Stay tuned for some of the eye makeup tricks I used to help define and widen my eyes. And follow me on Instagram @fmm_thewolf to let me know if you have any questions or you want to share some of your favorite products with me.
