Simplifying My Routine

Ok so a few months ago, based on the advice of a friend, I changed up my skincare routine.  She told me that all she ever uses is Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap on her face.  We both have combo skin that tends to be dry.  I personally hate the feeling of dry skin but I have always used a cleanser designated for the face like Neutrogena because I was afraid of acne.  My skin always feels dry after a shower so I just moisturize immediately.  She claimed that this bar soap left her skin soft and never dry.  I was skeptical but I figured I would give it a try and if it worked out, I would end up saving money.  Also, I happened to already use Dove Sensitive Skin body wash so I had it in my shower.  It was just too convenient not to try it.

My new routine is Dove with my Olay Pro X once a day, which leaves my skin feeling amazing, I mean I noticed it the very first time I used it.  And then just the Dove if I need to wash my face again that day (I don't like to overdo exfoliation).  I have had literally NO breakouts and my skin tone is becoming more even.  It might be in my head but I feel like my pores are smaller too.  I waited to post about it until after I had been doing it a while to make sure the results were accurate and I am proud to say that this is my new way of life.  I love it.  It's so much cheaper and easier to be all-in-one now.  If only I could wash my hair with it...

New Beauty Ritual

Beauty products are so expensive and I've tried many and I never get the result my hard earned money deserves.  Lately I have been looking for an alternative.  I searched my pantry and decided to experiment.  I know that sugar is a great exfoliant, I've read on Pinterest that a lot of people use coconut oil as a moisturizer, and I've always known that lemon can be a skin brightener (aka can fade dark spots and freckles).  I was a little afraid to use lemon on my face as I have heard that it will work but can get worse if you don't use sunscreen forever after.  Well, at my age I never go without sunscreen on my face anyway so I decided it was worth a try.  

I just threw the ingredients together but an estimated recipe is: 

• The juice of one lemon
• 3-4 tbs of coconut oil
• 1 cup of white sugar

I mixed them together in a ziplock because the coconut oil is solid at room temp but your hands can easily melt it.  I just kneaded the ingredients together in the bag and tossed it into my shower to use.

I have been doing this for about a week and my skin feels really soft.  Especially in the dry winter weather.  I have not had problems with any breakouts but it's really hard to tell if my skin looks brighter.  I should have taken a before picture but I didn't.  Overall, I am happy with the way my skin feels.

Bridal Beauty

Now that I am in the final countdown I am getting serious about looking my best on the big day.

• Biotin-people swear by this supplement so I have been taking it for the last few weeks.  Stay tuned to see if my hair, skin and nails improve :)

• Hope in a Jar- I needed a new moisturizer and I bought this based on a recommendation.  I have used it once and it smells like a spa day!

• I wanted a Clarisonic but didn't want to shell out $150-200.  I found the Olay Pro X that was $29.99.  I can't compare the two because I only have the Olay version but so far I like it and my skin is super soft.  

• Water! Water! Water! - I have been trying to drink as much as possible.  I have been carrying around a huge bottle with me all day.  One of my kids at school said "Oh my gosh Miss. Mara, where did you find a water bottle that big.  I have never seen one!"  Hahaha 2nd graders crack me up.

• Tanning- I know it's bad but you only get married once, right?  I haven't been going but I plan on getting a month unlimited membership on the 15th so I will use half before the bachelorette in Vegas and half before the wedding.  

Also I want to try out tanning wipes.  People say that they are wayyyyyy better than any other self tanner.  No streaking.  

• Diet and Exercise - My biggest challenge by far!  I have a hard time with discipline in this area.  I always feel better when I work out but for some reason that is just not enough motivation.  Also I have a serious sugar addiction, and so does Kyle.  Luckily we just moved a little bit farther away from Dairy Queen so hopefully there won't be any more after-dinner Blizzard runs :)