In my last month of pregnancy, I didn’t buy any clothes because it was DE-PRESS-ING. When the only clothes that fit are that of your husbands, you kind of just avoid the mall and online shopping at all costs. But beauty items are never off limits and always FIT.
I spent the last few weeks listening to beauty/skin podcasts- I went into a deep, dark, rabbit hole on The Skinny Confidential and basically bought everything she recommended on her “Master List.” For those unfamiliar, Lauryn of the Skinny Confidential has a beauty/skin/body blog and she interviews experts in the industry like skincare line founders, scientists, doctors, beauty editors, etc. She never recommends a product that she hasn’t tried for at least 30 days and she’s a self-proclaimed human guinea pig. She’s not an actress. She won’t promote something she doesn’t believe in. And she won’t feed BS. So.. I trust her and therefore, I trust what she’s recommending.
All this to say that I went out and bought a ton of new products to try based on her and her podcast guest’s recommendations. I know that some of these will be trial and error, especially as my hormones even out after baby (and what works now may not work after he’s born) but in the meantime, these are the products I’ve purchased after researching and hearing reviews from others. Some of them are high end, some are drugstore and some are just “extras”:
I’ll comment on a few of the items below and why I love them.
Let’s start with the cc foundation.. I like something full coverage but I hate cakey, matte foundation that cracks under your eyes. Not. Cute. Actually, just plain gross. I have “combination skin,” meaning it’s not extra dry and it’s not super oily so my face can handle a foundation with some illumination and glow. It’s not for everyone. But it works for me. This one is middle of the road from an affordability perspective and great for everyday wear. Now, if I’m going for a full face of makeup and going to be photographed (cuz you know, I’m always being photographed #NOT), then I opt for the golden standard in foundations, which is by Giorgio Armani. Worth the splurge and on everyone’s best seller list. Hot tip: If you’re a babe on a budget, the best drugstore foundation is by Mabelline as they are owned by L’Oreal and their formulas are just as good as the department store version.
Wowe Tongue Scraper: Yep, you read that right. A $12 tongue scraper off Amazon that you never knew you were missing in your morning and night routine. Everyone brushes their teeth at least two times a day and should be flossing. But did you know that you should also be getting the bacteria off of your tongue.. because your tongue IS DISGUSTING. I used to brush my tongue, and still do, but also use the scraper after I brush and my mouth just feels cleaner. Lauryn compared it to having your nails painted every week but it’s like you’ve been skipping your thumb nail this whole time..don’t forget your thumb nail and just do yourself a favor and try it. I mean, it’s $12! Why not?
Mio Boob Tube: Pregnancy products are honestly some of the best.. and they’re not just for pregnant women. (side tip: I use this nipple cream as chapstick in the winter months because that shit is like lube for your lips.. you’re welcome). I bought this boob tube stuff and have been rubbing it on my chest every night because 1. this body has had three children and it could use all the tightening it can get and 2. rubbing your nipples is supposed to stimulate labor (TMI?) so YEAH, did that. It comes in the cutest packaging, is pink and I can instantly feel my boobs tighten after I lather myself. Maybe I won’t end up needing that boob job down the road.. JK.. I’ll totally need it. Boobs down to my ankles. SADZ.
I’ve been using all of the products linked above and have really been investing in my own “self care” routine lately. I spend at least 10 minutes every morning and every night in my bathroom, with the door shut (kids and husband NOT welcome) and a candle lit and just take care of my skin. I don’t rush it. I massage my face and neck for at least 5 minutes to drain the puffiness (don’t forget your ice roller!) and let the products absorb. I bring these products from my face to the chest.. I’d take it to my belly button if they weren’t so damn expensive.. and I just give myself some TIME. Self care is my jam.. and I’m making it a priority.. even with 3 kids. So no excuses.. give yourself the gift of self care and invest in your skin. Because SKIN IS IN.
