Summer Dry Skin

For the past couple of weeks, my feet have been itching like crazy. I thought I had somehow gotten athlete's foot. I sprayed Lotrimin twice a day, but nothing changed. Perplexed, I did what many would do in this situation: I googled it. What I never considered came up; it was probably dry feet. So, I started lotioning my feet with great zeal, and turns out that my problem was a case of dry feet.

On Thursday, I visited the Bobbi Brown counter because I needed some corrector. The lady who helped me and gave me a complete makeover told me my face was very dry and that the products weren't working like they should because of it. Huh. I always put on moisturizers twice a day, but I wasn't as consistent these last few weeks. So, needless to say, I'm dry all over. I've been applying lotions and moisturizers more vigilantly than before. In case you're in the same boat, here's what I've been using.

I'll be honest. I have a thing for lotions. That is the main reason I have so many listed here.

My favorite hand lotion is Aveda Hand Relief. It has amazing, deep moisturizing properties. My hands are smooth and hydrated for hours. Plus, it smells like a spa retreat. Not that I've ever been on a spa retreat, but it's how I imagine it would be.

 

 

For my body, I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. This one is fragrance-free, so it's good for work. It glides on smoothly and gets soaked up pretty quickly. I also use Neutrogena Body Oil after my shower. Just a little amount will do! It has a great fragrance to it and makes the skin feel great. It's perfect after shaving.

Lastly, for my feet, I use Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint. This is only available at Christmas time. I love a mint feeling on my feet, especially in the summer. I don't like peppermint lotion in the winter since it makes me feel cold, so I save it for the summer.

This is my arsenal! I have to stop myself sometimes when I find other lotions and remind myself that I have plenty. What do you use?

Aveda Smooth Infusion Review

One of my goals this year is to take better care of my hair. Growing up, I had thick, frizzy hair, and never knew what to do with it. I didn't read the magazines I read now, so I was clueless. I went to my mom's hairstylist, and he never enlightened me because he thought my hair was so thick and gorgeous. It was thick, but not gorgeous. Frizzy hair isn't pretty. I didn't discover the flat iron until either my senior year of high school or freshman year of college. That was a huge hair changing event for me.

I've always wanted a sleek, frizz-free look without the time spent flat ironing it. I tried so many shampoos. The hairstylist I just visited told me that drugstore products are watered down and aren't as effective. That made me think. I had some Aveda shampoo and conditioner already, but I only used it on special occasions. I decided to use it regularly.

I'm in love. I use the Aveda Smooth Infusions line. It's pricey, but I don't use nearly as much as I was using on shampoos like Fructis or L'Oreal. My hair is so soft and smooth. I still have my natural waves, but they are smoother and softer. It's perfection.

For me, good shampoo is worth the investment. Always having a good hair day is amazing.

A Day of Unexpected Pampering

Today was a lovely day. It was an unplanned day of luxury. It is amazing what a few good products can do for the spirit. At least, this is the case for me. I am the type of woman who enjoys a bit of prettiness indulging in some pampering. I'm not sure if you're like me, but sometimes I forget I have certain products, and finding them and using them again is almost like a treat in itself. That is what happened to me with a few products; I had forgotten how much I love them.

It all began with my shower. I decided to use my Aveda Smooth Infusion shampoo and conditioner. It's pricey, so I use it only on big occasions. Today's occasion? I wanted to treat myself. It had been awhile since I used it.This line smells so wonderfully good, and it works so well. My hair was very smooth, clean, and not frizzy at all. If you like investing in good hair products - which I need to do more - then you might want to consider Aveda.

After the shower, I always like to wash my face. I'll wash my face in the shower, and once I'm done, I finish my facial routine with tone, moisturizer, and eye cream. When it comes to my face regimen, I will spend more for quality. The quality products tend to last longer and show results. Why should you invest? If you buy quality products now and take care of your face, several years down the road you'll look younger than you are. There are some things you can skimp on, but your face shouldn't be one. I am currently using Clarins Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed to wash my face. It's a nice, rich lather and smells great. All Clarins products smell and feel great. Next, I use a toner, then I end with a moisturizer. I have two: one for day and one for night both of which are anti-aging. Even though I'm 28, I've been using an anti-aging for years to prevent wrinkles. I finished it off with Clinique's Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream. When I'm done with everything, I feel so refreshed and pampered.

Afterwards, I noticed my hands were very dry and looked terrible. The cold weather really takes a toll on them. I pulled out a lotion I love but haven't used in a while. I bought the k. hall designs lotion last Christmas; in fact, I have an old post about it. It is beautifully packaged and has an old feel to it with the tube it comes in. The lotion is very thick and very nourishing to skin. The fragrance is softly feminine. I love this lotion.

The last of my indulgences was my fabulous Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss by BareMinerals I got for my birthday. It's $18, but it is so worth it. It's the best shade of pink, and as soon as I locate my camera I'll do a review. It has a nice minty feel once it's applied. It's perfection!

My day of pampering was lovely. Have you ever had days like these? They just make life so much more enjoyable and lovely.