In the shower:
I'm currently using John Frieda Root Awakening Hydrate Shampoo, and I'm liking pretty well it so far. It smells great, and is supposed to help with dry scalp. I haven't been able to tell a tremendous difference in that aspect. (I use this every shower, not just when I'm treating myself!) You can find John Frieda at WalMart, Target, etc.
Instead of conditioning with my usual Neutrogena Triple Moisture Conditioner, I use the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask. I wrote a blog post a while back about my love for this line of products! A hair mask is similar to conditioner. You leave it in for 15(ish) minutes and it hydrates deep into your strands of hair instead of just on the surface. I apply the mask, clip or tie my hair up into a bun (with the product still in) and leave it for the remainder of the shower. That way it has plenty of time to work really well! Rinsing it out will be the last thing you do before you get out of the shower. Neutrogena is also carried at WalMart, Target, and other mass retailers.
Next, I cleanse my face. There are currently two cleansers that I'm switching between, so I'll tell you about each of those. I cleanse my face every time I shower as well, but I think it's important so I didn't want to leave it out! I have the MaryKay Time Wise Cleanser, which is an exfoliator as well. I really like to use this cleanser when I've been sweating, or feel like I have a lot of residue on my face. On my pamper nights, I use a more gentle cleanser because later I will be doing microdermabrasion. The cleaner I'm using currently is Neutrogena Oil-Free Stress Control Powder-Cream Wash. This powder-cream cleanser is different from any other cleanser I've tried. It's very light and airy- almost a whipped texture. It leaves my skin feeling very fresh, with the same sensation that a mint chapstick leaves. It feels really gentle on my skin. (I got this at WalMart as well. I know, I know. I'm a big spender.)
This is my favorite part of the shower! On recommendation from my friend Anna, I purchased a Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in the scent Brazilian Nut. I've emptied that pot, and now I'm using the Coconut Lime scent. Massage the scrub into your skin, especially the rough areas (which for me are my feet and elbows). After you rinse it off, this scrub will leave your skin feeling so soft and refreshed! P.S. I have also used up a whole container of a homemade, all natural scrub that my Aunt Kelly gave me. It was more oil based and though I didn't think it exfoliated the same as Tree Hut, the oils left my skin super moisturized. If you are looking for some intense moisture for your skin, I would recommend something similar to that one!
Finally, I use another WalMart product, Tone Ocean Therapy Deep Sea Extracts & Peal Essence Body Wash. Then it's time to rinse out the hair mask, and we're done! There's nothing particularly impressive about this body wash. I think the bottles are cute, and how can you say "no" to a scent like Ocean Therapy?
After showering:
The scent of Bodycology Blackberry Vanilla Nourishing Body Cream is one of my favorites for a lotion. It's not too strong- perfect for those who can't take strong scents very well. (WalMart)
As a teacher appreciation gift this spring, I received this awesome Mary Kay foot set in Mint Blossom. Place the green fizzies in water and soak your feet. Buff with the pumice stone, then apply the mint blossom icy foot gel. Being a southern gal, I run around barefoot way more often than I should. Summer is barefoot season and sandal season, which just don't go together well! My feet definitely need extra care during the warm weather.
Next, I either use my Dr. Brandt's Skin Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant, Mary Kay Botanicals Mask, or Mary Kay Even Complexion Mask. All of these are great! My favorite is the microdermabrasion. I received Dr. Brandt's in my Ipsy subscription one month, and have fallen in love with it.
After exfoliation or the mask, I moisturize with Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream. If you have oily skin like me, this moisturizer is for you! It has such a light formula that doesn't feel greasy or sticky on the skin, and absorbs very quickly.
I then apply Mary Kay Even Complexion Essence, which is a serum that, obviously, helps you achieve an even complexion. I added this to my routine because I have a bit of acne scarring on my chin.
I use the sample version of this Lancome Genifique Eye Cream under my eyes. It's never too early to start taking preventative measures! I got this as a free gift with purchase at the mall.
Almost done.... It's nail painting time! Pick out a fun summery color for your fingers and toes. :)
My mother-in-law put these two lovely products in my stocking last Christmas. I love them! Bath & Body Works carries this line. I've tried other True Blue products that I like, including the self-tanning bronzing lotion. True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub and Paraffin Super Softening Hand Lotion are two great products! The scrub smells wonderfully sweet- hence the name, sugar. And the hand lotion is great. It makes your hands feel like you've just gotten a paraffin manicure.
One of my nervous habits is chewing on my cuticles. Gross, I know. My friend, Eleanor, gave me a pot of Smith's Rosebud Salve and told me that it's not only good for your lips, but also for your cuticles. When my cuticles need work, I apply this salve around my nails. It's a little sticky and inconvenient for a few minutes while it absorbs, but it provides nearly immediate results! I'm so glad she shared the this with me!
I'd bet you have many of these products, or something similar, at home already. Nearly all of them are very reasonably priced at WalMart. I use so many Mary Kay products because I used to sell it, but there are comparable products for much cheaper at mass retailers. Once you have these products on hand, they will last for many a pampering session! I hope you can find an hour or so to relax and treat yourself. Have a lovely week!
