When my husband and I met a decade ago, I remember having a conversation where he referred to me as ‘medium maintenance’ — at the time I was adamant that I was low maintenance (which is kind of laughable now that I’m a mom to three and have finally learned what it means to forgo self care… or to at least put my self care lower on the totem pole!). In fact, as it turns out – he was being generous in calling me medium maintenance vs. high maintenance – but that’s a conversation for another time!
Despite having to pair down my beauty routine (and expedite it!) after having three kids in 18 months and virtually having no time for myself, I still have my absolute favorite products for making me feel good about myself and for speeding up the ‘getting ready’ process in the morning. And at night for that matter!
In the Morning
Dry Shampoo – Moroccan Oil — Pre-kids, I washed my hair EVERY SINGLE DAY. I have fine hair and truly didn’t think dry shampoo would ever work for me. I’m also a runner (and I sweat profusely…) which furthered my belief that dry shampoo was only for those who have voluptuous locks and who don’t sweat. I was wrong! This has been a game changer for me. Now hear me out – this may gross you out… but I promise it works and it works well. After my sweat session, I take a shower and don’t wash my hair. After I’m out of the shower, I blow dry the sweaty hair (I promise it’s not as gross as it sounds!). After it’s dry, I spray in the dry shampoo and let it absorb. After it’s settled, I brush it out and style. My hair has never looked better and I save a good amount of time with not having to wash it daily! Game changer.
OPI Mod About You – Infinite Shine — I’ve been a nail polish addict for decades. But Mod About You has stood the test of time and has ALWAYS been my go-to color. Year round! Plus now it comes in gel form (infinite shine by OPI), so it lasts longer… no more chipping after day one. Less is Norse is my second fave OPI hue!
Dior Addict Lipgloss — This one is more of a splurge. At $30 a tube, it may put me up a notch on the high maintenance totem pole. BUT it’s my favorite (there’s a reason it has addict in the name). Some days I only wear this lip gloss and a little mascara and I still feel put together. Fancy and Ultradior are my favorite colors.
Shea Moisture – Raw Shea Butter Lotion — Shea Moisture is AMAZING. Smells good, works well, quality ingredients AND it’s affordable! My whole family uses Shea Moisture – and I use the Raw Shea Butter Lotion DAILY!
As far as other ‘morning’ products, I also recently started using Beauty Counter products — I purchased a bronzer, blush, highlighter and eye shadow and absolutely love it all! I ordered locally from Erin Tomlinson – feel free to email [email protected] if you want to learn more.
Before Bed
Burt’s Bees Dark Spot Corrector — This past year my skin has started to pay the price for all the days I spent worshiping the sun in college (Arizona State alum… GO DEVILS!). Anyway, between that and pregnancy hormones, I started to notice some hyper-pigmentation on my face. I’m also a chronic picker when it comes to any sort of blemish (yeah, yeah… I know it’s bad). I started using this dark spot corrector and use it every night now. I noticed a difference within about a month of using it. There are more expensive regiments — but I’ve been very happy with this one. SOLD.
Majestic Pure Natural Dead Sea Charcoal Face Mask — Would you believe that I had never done an at home facial mask until this year?! Welp, it’s true! I decided to give it a whirl in an effort to combat hormonal blemishes. I do this charcoal mask 1-2x a month and have noticed positive differences and less breakouts. Plus, my kids think it’s hilarious and beg me to paint my mask on. Win/win.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream — It seems that year 35 has been the year when my skin started to change and when my (still young but getting older) age started to catch up to me. Did I mention I had to go to the podiatrist this year, too?! Whatever, age is just a number. Anyway, I am finally taking better care of my skin and love Kiehl’s products! They are priced so I can justify it and I’ve been happy with the results. I buy the larger container and it lasts me several months.
Tinkle Razor — A friend sold me on this product a couple years ago. If you want to know more – you can read her post. I held off for a while, but finally gave in (because you can’t go wrong with the price)… and now I’m a tinkler for life.
And there you have it – my 8 must have products… I would love to hear yours! And if you have any questions about my recommendations, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. I only recommend products that I use and love!
This post contains affiliate links, but is in no way sponsored by any of the products. I have paid for each of the products included and only recommend products I personally use and buy!
Oooh, I might have to check out the dark spot corrector. I’m using R & F Reverse right now and it is great but NOT cheap!
Great list Alisa! I just started using Kiehls but just ordered the Burt’s Bees for the dark spots! Thank you for sharing!!
I love a cleansing balm for washing my face at night. Don’t have to warm up water first. Just massage on skin and wipe off. It also can double as an overnight mask.