Skin Savers
Back in the early days of movie making, directors were known to smear a thin layer of Vaseline on the camera lens to provide an aging actress some mercy in her drier years. Sadly, I think the “drier years” began around 26 in the minds of movie makers back then. Social commentary aside, the result was a nice, soft, movie-magic finish and everyone walked away happy.
Advancements in technology have given us myriad filter and technology options to turn an ogre into a princess and back…all on our phones! However, technology hasn’t rendered human interaction obsolete (yet). Therefore, women are still in need of some ogre-to-princess capability that can be performed on site. I thought about suggesting that we require people to dab vaseline directly on their eyeballs to give us ladies more of a “soft finish” in our daily interaction, but it seemed hard to execute. Instead, during the chill-filled, dry-skin months here are more practical solutions:
There are not enough words to explain how much I love and use this stuff. Daily. Hair to feet. It’s considered a cult classic, which is how it entered my world (I am still trying to figure out how to officially initiate myself into that cult). Some products live up to the cult status, some do not (I’m looking at you SK-II). Egyptian Magic does. It’s made from Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis extract. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s like a firmer version of vaseline, made with non-controversial ingredients. Everything from dry elbow to lips to heels to my color-weathered hair to my face-this is the go-to winter salve in my home. My kids all have their own and use it at bedtime for any dry patches, including lips.
I was afraid to put it on my face because I feared a raging break-out, but to my surprise and delight there was no break out, no gross pillow, just plump skin when I awoke. It is part of my nightly ritual to put on a layer of this after my night creams (from my Derm, I'll do a separate post on my nightly ritual) to seal the deal. I bet you could eat it, but I’m too chicken to try. They have it at Costco right now. Go!
Tatcha Polished Rice Enzyme Powder
I’m a fan of exfoliation. I shutter to think how I used to rely on ground up apricots back in the day. So young and full of of misinformation. Exfoliating does not equate to ripping your skin to shreds like we used to believe. This is an all natural product that gently exfoliates. Wet your face and hands, put a bit of powder in your hands and create a little lather-ish situation and rub your face. I just got over a little cold and this is doing wonders to get rid of the dry skin around my nose. When you put lotion on after you exfoliate, the product works better because there’s not as much dead skin with which to contend. Use it at night before lotion.
This feels like a thick, nourishing wrap-yourself-in-mama’s-love balm. There is nothing more to say than I love the way it feels on my lips. I think I try every single lip balm that comes out and this is one I actually finish and buy again. A standout in a sea of hundreds. No SPF, though.
Marc Jacobs Lip Lock Moisture Balm, SPF 18
I think I’ve made it clear I need stuff on my lips at all times. I love this one because it feels great on the lips and has SPF. It’s pricey, but if you have a deep love of lip products you’re missing out if you don’t try it. Keep one in the car at all times.
Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment
I mentioned this product in my very first post as nourishing for your soul as well as your lips. Any product that can do that is worth mentioning again, right? It feels so soothing and comforting on the lips but also adds a fullness and shine without any stinging. You can use it in place of a gloss for shine or just for fun. I have it on now. I love this stuff.
This lipstick is new to my world and I’m really liking it so far. I got “Bite”, which is a sort-of-pink-but-really-more-nude-peach. I was surprised by the easy color payoff-one swipe of opaque color. They have all sorts of nourishing ingredients that are intended to feel like a balm. They feel very moisturizing on the lips. I think I’m going to get “Blow” next. Nordstrom has some colors and the Dermstore has some colors. I haven't found one location for all colors.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector
I have a lot of products intended to illuminate my skin to mimic freshness. I have been really enjoying this one. Sometimes I use it alone if I’m heading out in public but don’t feel like putting on makeup-makeup. I’ve been putting on the outer parts of my face before foundation. I’ve been putting it over foundation as a highlighter. I really like it. It gives a nice glow without looking shimmery. Sephora has a smaller, travel size that’s cheaper if you don’t want to commit to the full bottle. You can also mix it with a foundation you like to give you more of a glow.
It’s February! We’re rounding the bend! Good work!!
Keely