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Saturday Review: Primp & Pamper

[ 7 ] 06/19/2010 |

Here’s what I’ve noticed…taking care of myself is more than just working out and eating right. I find that if I’m not taking care the rest of my physical appearance – you know, showering, hair removal, doing some makeup, getting out of the yoga pants/workout gear from time to time, general primping – I’m just not getting the whole effect.

I don’t feel my ‘best’ (You know, this sounds like an ad for some feminine hygeine product. My apologies.).

In essence, it’s all got to happen. If I don’t feel put together, I kind of start backsliding on exercising and proper nutrition.  And vice versa.

When I became a stay at home mom – well, that’s when I really started to notice the correlation between my self-esteem and making an effort. All my nice work clothes went into storage. Make-up? Why bother? It became way too easy to schlep around in the mommy-form all day. You know, ponytail, yoga-pants, a tank top, a hoodie, and, depending on the season, Uggs or flip flops. Nothing wrong with that outfit, in moderation. But all day, everyday? As in, those were my pj’s too? My poor, poor husband. And my kid cried if I got dressed up because he didn’t recognize me.

Since I’ve been working out and generally trying to take better care of myself, I’ve been most definitely more into pampering and trying to look my best.  It all snowballs. Plus? Taking time to take care of yourself makes you better at caring for others. True story.

So, today, I just want to let you into my bathroom, share some of my favorite products.

Ready? Okay.

1. Origins Have a Nice Day face cream. Why do I love this cream so much? Well, for one thing, it works. And, even better, it smells delicious. Like grapefruit. Yum.

2. Bumble & Bumble Brilliantine: It’s a styling cream that kicks fly-aways in the tush, makes your hair shiny and kind of gives you bed head, in a good way. If you know what I mean.

3. Frederick Fekkai Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner: My sister-in-law turned me on to this stuff a few years ago. It’s a bit pricy, but a little goes a long way. It makes for super shiny (thanks to olive oil), soft and fresh smelling hair.

4. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: I’ve been using this for years. Cheap and cheerful. And it doesn’t clump. I’ve tried mascaras that are three times as expensive that pale in comparision to this classic.

5. Bare Minerals Foundation and Bronzer: I used to be a full on foundation girl. Then I had a kid. I love mineral makeup SO MUCH. It’s so easy and foolproof. And I wear bronzer year round. I tend to get pretty pale so it’s a must.

6. Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush: I use this instead of traditional blush. It goes on easily, blends really well and gives a nice post workout glow. And it smells like jam. Which is a plus in my book.

7. Cherry ChapStick: Dirt cheap, hint of color. Can’t beat that with a stick.

8. Dove Revive Deodorant: I was so excited when I picked this up at the store. I’ve loved Dove deodorants for years. But this one? Smells like heaven (pomegranate and lemon verbena). Dear Dove, please make a matching body wash. Love, me.

9. OPI Nail Polish in I’m Not Really a Waitress. The most perfect wine-y, red, with a hint of sparkle.

10. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: My not so secret weapon. I use this to push the limits of washing my hair. As in, I can blow out my hair and not wash my hair for many, many days, with the help of this awesome, lemony powder.

There you have it, some of my faves.

What do you love? Share below, I’m a product fiend and love to hear about new things to try!

Note: The Sisterhood was neither paid nor provided with any of the above products. All opinions are our own.

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Category: Heather, Product Reviews

About heather: Thirty-three year old wife, mother, runner and wannabe renaissance woman striving to look and feel even BETTER than she did before babies. View author profile.

  • Livinginagirlsworld

    I've become a fan of cheap. I love Trader Joe's tea tree oil liquid face wash. Not sure of the exact name. But for a pump dispenser probably 6 ounces, it was $5. I also have started using their $3 face lotion. Both leave me feeling awesomely clean and no breakouts…well from use of them. Hormones are a whole different plan.

  • http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

    Where do you get the Oscar Blandi stuff? My scalp is oily, but my hair is dry! Right now I really can't get away without washing it every say, but would love to push it a couple of days. I also want to try the Origins cleanser!

    Let's see…my faces are:

    Nuetrogena Clean Skin body wash. It has sacylic acid and grapefruit extract and seems to keep back breakouts at bay. Also good for getting all the sunblock residue off the skin.

    Love Degree Little Black Dress deodorant. Not sure that the exact name, but it has a black dress on it. It doesn't leave white residue or ball up, and it's a solid, which is z must for me.

    I stock every product Aveeno makes. Lotions, creams, anti-itch, rash relief, oatmeal bath soak, etc. We have a house full of sensitive and dry skin, so it's a must!

    I tried my mom's Smashbox mineral makeup a couple of weeks ago and loved it! Will be hitting sephora soon for some if my own and some other stuff.

    Gotta have my Venus Divine razor blades, too.

    Okay, i think that's it. Thanks for sharing your list Heather!

  • http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

    Sephora has the Oscar Blandi. Origins, I'd try either online, or Macys if you have a Macys….Nordstrom carries it too.

  • http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

    Trader Joe's has great stuff! I love anything tea tree oil, that stuff is magic!

  • http://www.melgetsfit.com MelGetsFit

    You hit a couple of my favs on your list. I'm a total Bare Minerals girl and I love me some OPI polish! I think my favorite OPI red is Vodka & Caviar from their Russian line. Here are a couple of my other favorite beauty products:

    Philosophy bath & shower gel – my current favorite fragrance is their Falling in Love scent. Their perfume in that same fragrance is pretty much my “go to” scene these days. Linky link: http://is.gd/cVRAQ

    Aveeno Ultra-Calming skin care – I love this line! I used the foaming cleanser and the SPF 30 daily moisturizer since I have very fair skin. Linky link: http://is.gd/cVRLq

    Speaking of fair skin & Aveeno, I'm also a big fan of their Continuous Protection sunblock line. It's what I used during the half marathon down in San Diego as part of Team Shrinking Jeans. It works great! Linky link: http://is.gd/cVRNS

    My last favorite would have to be DuWop's Lip Venom plumper. As I've gotten older, my lips have definitely thinned out a bit and lost some of their fullness. Lip Venom can be worn by itself or right over your favorite lipstick for a little gloss and that extra little bit of plump that keeps lips looking plump & youthful. Linky link: http://is.gd/cVRX9

  • http://www.littleladybugthatcould.blogspot.com ladybugs714

    I adore Origins! I can't live without the Perfect World Skin Guardian and Moisturizer! I also like the Never a Dull Moment cleanser. For makeup, I tried Bare Escentuals a few years ago and will never go back to liquid makeup again ever. It lasts forever too!

  • 482gr8

    I'm with you on the Bare Essentials mineral powder. I'm liking Olay's professional line of face cleanser. And that new(ish) lash serum by Loreal has made my lashes look fuller.