Let’s Chat | Favorite Beauty Products & Procedures

Happy almost-weekend, friends! Don’t you love the anticipation Thursday holds? Thank you for the encouragement on yesterday’s {One Room Challenge} update…hopefully there’s real progress this weekend and I’ll have more pretty to report on next week! Some of you asked questions in the comments, so be sure to check back there for a response.

Today we’re switching gears and chatting about beauty routines and favorite beauty products. I’m no expert, nor have I tried every product on the market…not even close…but I do have a handful of products that I reach for time and again. The kind of products I’m constantly stocking up on, for fear of them selling out or being discontinued. You know, the stuff you tell your best friends about!

I’m no spring-chicken anymore, and with each year that passes, I see the evidence of it on my face, and even parts of my body. I mean, I knew I’d see lines around my eyes, but saggy skin on my knees and neck?! Now that’s just rude!

And as much as I’d like to, especially given I splash my face across the internets every week, I don’t photoshop or retouch my images (beyond normal color-correcting and editing). Sure I miss the taut skin of my youth, but I wouldn’t trade it for the self-confidence and body-security I’ve gained with age.

I realize every birthday is a blessing, and I pray I have 50 more, but I’ll still fight to look my very best at each new age. Some of it will be genetic (which I have going for me…have you seen my mom?!?), some is lifestyle, and the rest is products!

Earrings | Lipstick

Dress | Clutch (similar) | Ring | Shoes (similar here & here)

Dress | Clutch (similar) | Bracelet | Shoes (similar here & here)

I’ve been asked repeatedly for my beauty, makeup, and fitness routines…but I’ve hesitated because I don’t think I do anything ground-breaking or original. Nor do I have any real authority or skill in those areas. But I know what I like, and what works for me…and I love finding new products and tips from you guys, as well…so let’s chat about our favorites!

Electronic Toothbrush // I realize it’s a little strange to include a toothbrush as a favorite beauty product, but I recently switched to an electric toothbrush and am shocked by what a difference it’s made! #wherehaveIbeen My teeth are now dentist-clean everyday, and my smile is whiter and brighter.

Trader Joe’s All-in-One Facial Cleanser // This mild cleanser has a soft, full lather, yet still somehow leaves my skin feeling exfoliated, but not tight. I literally crave washing my face every night.

Sally Hanson Miracle Gel // I don’t have the time (or budget) for weekly manicures, especially since this polish lasts even longer! The top coat works great with my regular polishes, too, and it makes an extra-shiny finish. (Sidenote: I do wear my nails short.)

It! Cosmetic CC Cream + SPF // I remember when BB creams came out, and were all the rage. I tried a few and didn’t see what the fuss was about. Until I tried this one, and I’m completely obsessed. If you try no other product on this list, try this one. It doubles as my daily moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation…one little pump color-corrects and brightens (dare I say, illuminates!) my entire face. Even better, it feels good, doesn’t crease or crack, looks fresh all day, and even has anti-aging stuff in it! And isn’t crazy-expensive! I’ve become so obsessed with it, I’m slowly converting all my makeup to this brand.

RemeLift Eye Gel // I’ve not used fillers, and only tried injectibles a handful of times…I think a certain amount of aging is natural, and if you fight it too hard, you end up looking older. But this product is pure genius…basically, it’s Botox-in-a-bottle! It’s a temporary gel that smooths and relaxes all the fine lines, but washes off with water! I mix it with some moisturizer and apply around, and between, my eyes for an instant refresher. It’s a little pricey, but I’ve had the same bottle for 4 months, and it’s still over half-full (I don’t use it daily).

Batiste Dry Shampoo // If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you know I’m not a frequent hair-washer…probably every 3 days, 4 if I’m lazy pushing it. But I do have to freshen it up daily, and dry shampoo is my savior. I used to be a huge fan of Psssst, but they changed their formula, and it’s not as good. Dove makes a great option, too. What I love most about the Batiste dry shampoo, is the tinted versions for blonde (or brunette) hair…so I get a little root coverage, too!

Suave Moroccan Infusion Body Lotion // You may have noticed, but products don’t make my ‘favorites list’ just because they feel good…but also because they make me look better! And this lotion makes my skin look 10 times better and more radiant, but not oily. I use it every night after I bathe, and again on exposed body parts after getting dressed. It’s almost like a finishing cream for your body.

L’Occitane Créme Divine // Truth be told, I was originally gifted with this cream last year. I’d been a long-time fan of their hand cream, but it’s beyond my comfort zone to spend this on a face cream. Except now I’m completely obsessed, addicted and buying it on my own…it truly is ‘divine.’

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product // While I may not wash my hair daily, it does take a lot of abuse from heating tools (see my hair tutorial here). This leave-in spray really is miraculous…it also smells like heaven and doesn’t weigh down my hair or make it limp. I use it on damp hair, then style as usual (no other products until my hair is dry).

That covers it for my favorite products, now let’s chat about my (limited) experiences with spa procedures (the non-invasive, non-surgical kind).

PhotoFacial // This laser treatment was so painful I can barely talk about it! Seriously, the tech said it would feel like ‘a light rubber band snap.’ Well maybe if that rubber band is first dipped in acid, then lit on fire! The upside is it turned most of my brown spots into little scabs, which flaked off about a week later, leaving my skin almost spot-free. It requires a series of treatments to get the full-effect, but there’s no way I can go through that again! #weenie

HydroFacial // A friend told me about this treatment, and after just one visit, I’m already a huge fan! It’s not a traditional facial, in that they rub some serums and potions, pop a few uglies, and send you on your way. This is a non-painful, totally relaxing, resurfacing treatment that cleans, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates your skin, then infuses it with a bunch of good anti-aging stuff. You walk out with no redness, and immediate improvement…and not just temporary! It seriously sucks every pore clean and closes them up, almost like hitting the reset button on your face. Especially after a Summer of sweat, salt water and sunscreen! I’ve read about it in several magazines, and apparently celebrities get HydroFacials before big events.

(Sidenote: For you Dallas girls, I can’t recommend Evanesque enough! It’s a small little boutique spa, with fair prices and a non-intimidating environment. When I told them I was going to brag about their HydroFacial, she offered you lucky ducks 20% off!! Just mention Hi Sugarplum when you call. #yourewelcome)

Now it’s your turn…let’s chat about your must-have, die-without, swear-they’re-the-best, price-be-damned beauty products, tips, and procedures! I’m dying to give laser hair removal a whirl, but so nervous after my response to the PhotoFacial!

I shared a few more of my favorite hair products in this post, but if you want, we can do this again with favorite make-up and more hair products!?! What do you think?

P.S. If you like these more personal posts, you can find more at the bottom of this page.

*photos by mary summers