This weekend has left me with what we in the industry refer to as writer’s block.
I have no idea what I mean when I say “industry”. Blog industry? Mom industry? The National Federation of Backhouse Painters Industry? The Women with Severe PMS Industry? People Who Procrastinate and Watch the Grammys Industry?
Whatever. I am struggling with the words.
So I’m pulling out a fascinating topic. Beauty products. Specifically the top ten beauty products that are currently my can’t-live-without items. This list rotates from time to time because I believe a true beauty regimen is like a shark; you have to keep moving or you will die.
Or at least have deep wrinkles and age spots.
And I don’t really know if that’s true about the sharks but I heard it one time and it made a lasting impression.
1. Oil of Olay Microdermabrasion & Peel System
I am a huge believer in microdermabrasion. It has rescued me from a vast wasteland of sun damage in the form of large freckles, otherwise known as age spots. I’ve tried other brands, but I think this one is the best.
Of course maybe it’s just because it makes my whole face heat up which gives the illusion of effectiveness.
2. Hummingbird Farms Lavender Lotion
If you ignore everything else on this list, do not ignore this. I have really dry skin and, therefore, a lotion obsession. Actually, it’s more of a passion.
After discovering this miracle in a bottle two years ago, I cannot live without it. It is literally the only thing that keeps my hands from cracking and peeling during the winter and it smells much like I imagine heaven will smell.
I am totally addicted. All other lotion is dead to me.
3. Oil of Olay Regenerist Night Cream
I decided to try this after I saw it in a magazine article that compared it to La Mer. And as much as I’d love to try La Mer, I believe that flawless skin would be pointless if I couldn’t afford to pay the light bill because no one could see me.
Anyway, this moisturizer feels so good when I put it on and, while I don’t know if I look like I’ve had a mini-face lift each morning, it has definitely diminished the size of the wrinkles in my forehead that used to greet me in the mirror at the beginning of each new day.
4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer
This is the greatest invention ever for busy women everywhere. It’s sheer coverage, spf 20, and moisturizer with retinol all in one convenient package.
It’s genius. Sheer genius.
Neutrogena? Call me if you’d like to use that as your marketing slogan. Or maybe you already use it. Whatever.
5. Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara
I’ve talked about this before and it is a big deal that I am still committed to it after a year. Mascara monogamy has never been my strong suit.
It goes on great, lasts all day, and it’s cheap.
Let’s just say wintertime + my face = pasty white.
I will give you a small piece of advice. Don’t overdo the bronzer or you will have what I refer to as “white neck syndrome” and in photographs you could look like a big, tan, floating head hovering above a body.
Hypothetically speaking.
7. Aussie Hi-Hold Hi-Shine Hairspray
I bought this hairspray at Target a while back because I saw the purple Aussie bottle and became completely nostalgic for all the good times I had with my Aussie Sprunch Spray from 1986-1990.
Also, it was only $2.99.
As it turns out, I really like it. It has a decent amount of hold, even in humidity, and makes my hair look a little shinier than usual.
Plus, I am a total sucker for that grape smell. Hello 1987, I have missed you.
Last spring, I asked y’all for your best beauty secrets and a few different people mentioned this. Needless to say, I was completely intrigued and had to try it immediately.
I went to the drugstore and armed myself with some Stridex pads just in case things went awry and I found myself in some serious need of breakout medication.
But y’all, it totally works. I use the oil-cleansing method about 2-3 times a week and it makes my face feel so good. I highly recommend it.
Okay, so you shouldn’t be surprised that I’m ending the list at eight. I would so love to add two more things to make it an even ten, but my mind has never been more blank.
Which probably means I should add some Omega 3 Fish Oil-type thing to my beauty regimen because my brain function might need more help than my eyelashes.
I’d love to hear about any great beauty finds that you’ve recently discovered because knowledge is power and so is a good moisturizer.