Skincare routine

A couple of weeks ago, my cousin was asking for skincare advice on Facebook.  Suddenly I got really excited to share with her what I use.  (Sidenote:  I love all things beauty  I'm a girly girl.)  Maybe it is because after 35 years, I have finally found a skincare routine that what works for me.

I have always been prone to breakouts.  Especially when I was younger.  But even what I consider breakouts, really aren't that bad.  The last several years though, I hardly ever breakout.  Could be my ole age and hormones but I will take it.  I like to attribute it mostly to my face washing routine.

I use a face-wash called Purity which is made by a company called Philosophy.  My Mom introduced me to it maybe 5, 6, 7 years ago.  And I haven't looked back.  It is a little bit on the pricey side but lasts forever.  Purity is just amazing.  I've always felt I have oily skin.  But not so much anymore.  Purity makes my face feel clean, tight, firm, fresh, and residue free.  I swear it is helping prevent wrinkles!  It takes my makeup off so easily that I don't even need to use a washcloth.  It truly makes my face feel so pure!  I use purity at night to remove all the makeup before I go to bed.  (Which by the way ladies, do yourself a favor and wash that face before bed!!!  I know you are exhausted from the day but let those pores breathe.  I can honestly say that I wash my face each and every night.)

My face-wash routine

In the morning, I wash my face with Clean and Clear continuous control acne cleanser.  Again I've been using this one for a really long time.  I was fed up with my breakouts and just happened to try this out one day.  I use this one in the shower each morning along with my Clarisonic.  I got my Clarisonic a couple of years ago for Christmas.  It is also on the expensive side but I have seen some knock offs for $20-$30.  It is worth the investment either way.  Clean and Clear makes my face feel tingly and clean.  I actually can feel the face-wash working on my skin.  The Clarisonic really helps work it in and exfoliates.

The Clarisonic

After using this routine for so long, I don't think I will ever be able to switch.  Not only has it helped with breakouts and oily skin, but I feel like my skin looks so much better.  I don't wear foundation anymore.  I use a powder called BareMinerals, Mineral veil.  Again another product recommended by my fabulous Mother!  She really does know best.

bareMinerals mineral veil

I do not moisturize because of my oily skin.  I have never had the need to.  But if I do, I would use another Philosophy product called Hope in a Jar.  I think it has been on Oprah's favorite things list.  I got in part of a set and it really is nice.  It doesn't leave a film or make it feel like I have something on my face.

I know it may seem like everything I have mentioned is kind of pricey.  When it comes to face care though, it is worth it to invest a little bit.  With all these products, a little goes a long way and lasts for a long time.


To check out my other beauty posts, click on the links below.
Laura Geller, Essie, and Ulta
Beauty Tip: Coconut Oil
Julep Nail Polish
Curly Hair Tips
Essie Nail Polish
Ulta

High Five for Friday

Hey, hey, hey!  Thanks for stopping by.  High five for Friday is where I tell you 5 highlights from my week.  This week seemed to go pretty fast for me.  Can you believe September is right around the corner?!  Craziness!!!!

1.  Have you been nominated for the ALS ice bucket challenge?  My lovely, younger, annoying, brother nominated me.  I mean, really?!!!!  C'mon now.  I'm old!  My heart just can't handle this.......LOL I'm kidding.  If you want to see my video just go Wednesday's blog post.  I went all out.  I thought if I'm doing this, I'm using a lot of ice.  I saved up from my freezer for a whole day.  The problem was I live on the 11th floor of a 11 floor apartment building in downtown Indianapolis.  I don't exactly have access to outdoor space.  Luckily my friend DeeDee and her husband Russ helped me.  (DeeDee said she would help if I promised not to nominate her.  How did she know??)  It was a fun Tuesday night of ice water dumping, SkipBo playing, and watching a summer storm roll in.  Thanks to DeeDee for filming and Russ for dumping the bucket on my head.  I was too chicken to do it on my own.

I told you I used a lot of ice.

Me and my cooler full of ice

Russ said he poured it nice and slow.  Uh huh!!

The aftermath

I'm sad to report 2 of my nominees failed to do the challenge.  Kind of a bummer.  But my friend Elizabeth (who I nominated) was already doing her challenge basically at the exact same time I did mine.  Great minds think alike!


2.  I'm not really sure how I can top the ice bucket challenge.  That was my MAJOR accomplishment for the week.  He-he!  Lately I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and go new places.  This is hard for someone who is stuck in her ways and feels comfortable just going to the same places.  But I was determined to get some fresh produce.  For me the stuff in the stores just doesn't cut it.  It isn't easy to find a farmer's market in the city but I hit the jackpot at the Famous Tomato.  They had lots and lots of goodies to choose from.  Even have a salad bar.  I picked up some tomatoes, red potatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a fancy cola in a bottle.  Dinner that night was a tomato and some cottage cheese.  One of my favorite things in the world.  Nothing better than a fresh Indiana tomato.  Check out the Famous Tomato here.

3.  Being single is tough sometimes.  Especially when it is time to eat.  It is so easy to just pick something up on the way home but that can get expensive.  And when you cook you have tons of leftovers.  Which is nice for the first couple of days and then it gets old.  I need to create a singles grocery store.  Where you can buy a half of loaf of bread (mine goes stale before I even get half way through) or a small amount of meat (I end up freezing most of mine.)  But when I cook I go all out.  I do enjoy doing it.  Baking is my favorite.  Here are some recent eats.  (Yes Mom more food pictures.)

Tomato Mozzarella plate.  Excuse my cheap apt countertops

Blueberry pancakes

Green beans and potatoes paired nicely with some ham.

 4.  I have a confession.  I'm addicted to nail polish.  No really.  I have to look at them every time I go to the store.  It really is my guilty pleasure.  I don't know why but I've always been this way.  My Mom had a nice collection to choose from growing up.  Sadly I took that over and she was left with nothing.  She had to start a new collection once I left for school.  Still to this day she tries to hide it from me.  I don't understand why?  (Joke is on her.  I know where it is hidden!!!)

My entire collection.  I even got rid of some before taking this picture.

My absolute favorite polish in the whole world.  Essie!!!!  I love, love, love this stuff.

5.  And now a cute cat picture.  Because I have one cat sitting on my chest and one on the arm of my chair as I type this blog.  It isn't easy balancing a laptop and 2 cats.  Guess it is time to wrap this up.  Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!!!

Sabrina and Callie

I'm linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

Curly Hair Don't Care

I have curly hair.  I know what you are thinking.  Oh you are so lucky!  Do you know what I would give to be able to just wake up in the morning, dry my hair, and it would be perfectly straight, ready to go?!  How easy you straight hair gals have it!!!  (I'm totally kidding but I am jealous.)

When I was 30, I finally decided to lose the battle of trying to make myself have straight hair.  (My expensive Chi straightener is just collecting dust in my closet now.)  I gave into the curl and well the rest is history.  (I also discovered eyeliner around this time, too.  Game changer but that is for another day.)  Here is a little trip down hair memory lane for me.  If you make it through these, I will tell you how I tame this crazy mop of frizz.

1980.  Baby Megan

1986.  Andy and I had the same haircut for several years.  Obviously he wore it best.

1990.  Perm hair don't care.  I use to just get my bangs permed.  OMG!

1995.  You can see the natural wave starting to take over my hair in the front.  I couldn't leave the house until my bangs were perrrrrrfect.  I'm not kidding.  Just ask my Mom how I would carry on.

1997.  Now this was a good hair day.  Minus my short, short bangs...............

2005.  I got my hair braided in Jamaica.  I told the lady I just wanted the top done but she insisted on doing my whole head.  It lasted a week and a half.

2007.  This was after I cut 4 inches off.  I'm feeling the need to do that again.

2010.  In Gulf Shores on the beach.  My hair gets really, really curly on the beach.  I don't even need any product!

Remember the Friends episode where they were in Barbados and Monica's hair went crazy.  That is me!

Monica and I could be twins!  Great minds think alike!

2010.  After straightening it for over 45 minutes.  It lasted maybe an hour before the wavy hair started.

2010.  Holding Baby K#1.  It was a rainy day out and as you can tell the wave started in the front.  I give up!

2013.  Holding Baby K#2.  Finally I just learned to wear it curly.

Yup that is about how I look when I wake up.

I wanted to share with you how I do my hair.  My routine is pretty simple.  I've finally mastered the how to keep my hair looking good all day.  (If you have super straight hair I'm not sure this routine will work.  You need to have that natural wave.)

I have used this combo for some time now and it really works for me.  Mousse is better than gel.  Otherwise your hair become really hard and crunchy.

I wash my hair everyday.  I know that isn't the best for it but it just makes me feel cleaner and my hair gets kind of greasy on the top.  After showering, I brush my hair out and make a part.  I let it dry a little in the towel while I'm getting ready.  I start to 'scrunch' up my hair with a dry washcloth.  (I know that sounds weird but it really works!)  First I put in Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave-In Conditioning Creme (about the size of a nickel).  I mainly put it on the bottom half of my hair, scrunching as I go.  This helps cut down on the frizz.  Next I use some Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse.  I use a good handful of this throughout my hair continuing to scrunch.

 After applying product, I continue to 'scrunch' it up with the washcloth.  I spray some hairspray in it and start the drying process with the diffuser.  With the hair dryer on low air setting and high heat, I begin to diffuse.  I don't diffuse it too long as my hair dries pretty fast.  The diffuser adds some volume and set the curl into place.

My diffuser is probably 10 or more years old.  It is cracked from putting it on different hair dryers but it still works.  I've looked for a new one but I just can't find one I like.

After drying I finish with some more hairspray.  I always use an extra hold/maximum strength hairspray.  I scrunch it up one last time after applying the hairspray.  Right now I am using a TRESemme hairspray.  I don't like the spray cap very much on it.  It gets all over my fingers.  I typically buy Herbal Essences hair spray because it works great and smells even better.  But when I went to buy it last time, Target didn't have any.  I won't make that mistake again!

I typically pull back what would be my 'bangs' in a twist or a braid of some sort.  I can't stand to have hair hanging down in my face.  I secure it with a bobby pin.  Do you know the proper way to use a bobby pin so it doesn't stand up on your head?  Put it in short side down, long side up.  You can go in at any angle and I am telling you it will not move all day!

The nice thing about curly hair is if you need a quick fix, all you need is water.  If it is looking a little dull and needs a refresher, I just wet my hands with some water, and scrunch it up.  Gives it a little refresh.

Are you a curly hair girl?  I would love to hear your beauty routine!

Check out my other beauty tip here on coconut oil.

Beauty Tip

I thought it might be fun to share some of my 'beauty tips'.  I am by no means an expert in this field but there are certain things I do swear by.  And I do love trying out new trends I read about.

Thanks to Pinterest I learned this one.  Did you know you there are 101 uses for Coconut Oil?  And I am not talking about cooking either.  You can use it to condition your hair.  This summer my hair has been a beautiful wavy, curly, hot, frizzy mess!  (I mean seriously how come I couldn't have been blessed with just straight hair?  I promise I wouldn't complain.)  I needed something to calm it down.  So I bought some of this.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Here is how to use:

1.  Scoop about 5-6 tablespoons of coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl.
2.  Melt oil in the microwave.  About 45 seconds.
3.  Let oil cool for a couple of minutes.
4.  Start rubbing into your hair.  My hair is to my shoulders so it took sometime to work in.  Your hair will look greasy but you will smell like the beach.
5.  Cover your hair with a shower cap and let sit for a couple of hours.  Keeping the heat in helps the oil work its magic.
6.  Rinse oil out and shampoo your hair really good.

Your hair will feel so silky, soft, and smooth.  I could not stop touching mine.  I read that this is recommended you do once a month.  My hair has been processed with hair color and is dry.  I would NOT recommend if you have oily hair.  This would also be great for hair that is dry because of pool water.

I got my coconut oil from Trader Joe's for $5.99.  This brand is also available from Amazon.  I'm sure you can find coconut oil at any grocery store.

Julep Nail Polish

It is no secret that I am totally addicted to nail polish.  And this just didn't happen.  I've been addicted since I was young.  I took over my Mom's nail polish box when I was a young teen.  And she never got it back!  (She has to hide her nail polish from me even now.  But never fear!  I know where it is!!)  If you want to cheer me up or do something nice for me, just buy me some nail polish.  I'll be happy as a clam.

I came across Julep Nail Polish on Pinterest.  Julep has this monthly program you can sign up for called Maven.  Each month you receive a box of beauty products, mostly nail polish.  (The best part is your first box is free when you use the code FREEBOX.)  I decided to give it a try.  I was extremely impressed with how long the nail polish stayed on.

Signing up for Maven Julep is very easy.  Based on your preferences, they will create a style profile for you. You are able to view your box each month before it is sent out.  If you don't like your style profile choices, you can choose one of the other profiles (Boho Glam, Bombshell, Classic with a Twist, It Girl, Modern Beauty.)  I'm Classic with a Twist.

My Maven Style Profile

Classic with a Twist

You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic. 

Your box includes:

Two limited-edition nail colors
One full-size beauty product

June's box.  Profile: Classic Twist.  Bergen, Oxygen Base Coat, Ariana

Bergen, Oxygen Base Coat, Ariana

Bergen, Oxygen Base Coat, Ariana

First day of manicure.  I love the sparkles in Ariana and Bergen is kind of bluish/gray.

Day 4 of manicure.  Julep lasts forever!  I'm very impressed.

Julep is available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Julep's website.

This is NOT a sponsored post.  I just really like Julep Nail Polish and wanted to share it with you.