Not going to lie, that title was total linkbait. Mostly because I didn’t know how else to title this post. Truth be told, I can live without them, I just don’t want to. And really what is “health and beauty” — is that even a category of products? It was the only thing I could come up with.
I don’t usually blog about this stuff as it’s not in my wheelhouse. I’m not a big fan of “health and beauty” products but there are a few items I keep reordering so I figured, why not share?
First Up…
1. Purpose Facial Cleanser
I discovered this stuff at Walmart a few years ago and it’s the only cleanser I now use. I’ve always been a sudsy type of cleanser fan. The lotion types just don’t work for me (too greasy) but most foaming-style cleaners dry my skin out.
Not Purpose.
I now ask for it every Christmas and the Husband puts a big bottle in my stocking. You only need a small amount so I usually get away with about 2 bottles a year. Click here to see Purpose on Amazon
Next, my all-purpose moisturizer, makeup remover, and favorite popcorn topping! No… really….
2. Virgin Coconut Oil
I’ve incorporated a little coconut oil in my cooking once I tasted how yummy it was but I didn’t start using it as a beauty product until a few months ago. Once I realized how it’s awesomeness, it became the only moisturizer I use!
In the winter I rub it on my ashy legs, yes… I get ashy legs and nothing works like coconut oil. It soaks right in and takes that uncomfortable dryness away. I also use it on my elbows and about twice a month on my face. I know it sounds weird but it makes my skin feel SO soft. I just a rub a little on and then remove with a warm wash cloth.
I now keep a small jar of Skinny Coconut Oil in my bathroom.
On to my biggest beauty splurge….
3. Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant
I would have never bought this in a million years. It’s $50 at my local salon. However, lucky me got a sample bottle from the awesome Emmie when we stayed with her for the Tough Mudder. I honestly had it in a cabinet for like a year before trying it but once I did there was no going back.
Inside that bottle is a powder. When you mix it with a small amount of water you make an almost soapy paste to rub on your face. It’s a little gritty but somehow clean feeling.
I keep my bottle in the shower and use it about twice a week. After rinsing it off my skin feels amazing! Squeaky clean yet not dry.
Like I said, it’s got a pretty hefty price tag (cheaper on Amazon though!) but a bottle lasts me about a year. You only need a dime-sized amount and although some use it daily, I think every few days is enough.
The last product for the face has been my must-have for at least 15 years. This product changed my relationship with makeup after one use…
4. BareMinerals MATTE SPF 15 Foundation
Don’t let the name fool you, foundation it is not — at least not the type of foundation I grew up with. You know, the liquid, gross stuff that clogged your pores and gave you that mask look on your jaw line.
I swear that stuff is the whole reason I don’t wear much makeup today. And “much makeup” is an understatement. I can maybe count on both hands how many times I wear makeup in any given year.
That being said, if I’m wearing makeup, this is what I wear with blush (on eyes and cheeks), mascara and gloss. That’s about it.
If I’m going out for the day, I will brush some of this on as a facial sunscreen, too. It’s light, airy and doesn’t sit on your skin like a mask. It’s become the anchor in my very small makeup bag. Click here to see BareMinerals MATTE SPF 15 Foundation on Amazon
The final product is for my hair, another thing I’m pretty minimalistic about…
5. Motions Weightless Clear Hairdressing
If you haven’t noticed, (although I’m sure you have) I’m pretty low-key with my hair. When it was long I always wore it back and now that’s it’s short again (I shaved it in high school and pretty much had it short ever since except for a few years after I had Ryan) most days I just let it air dry.
However, if I’m going out for the night or am in the mood to actually pull out a hairdryer (which is rare) this is the stuff I use.
I cannot explain how excited I was when I tried a sample of this. (They used to carry it at Walmart in the travel section for a $1) It was like all my hair product wishes came true! I used to use gel but I hate that crusty feel. Mousse is too light, pomades too sticky, oils too oily, waxes too gloopy. All I wanted was something simple to help shape and take that slight frizziness out of my hair.
Well.. this. is. it! I haven’t tried anything else (except The Husband’s Axe when I run out) since discovering it a few years ago. Totally worth a try if you are a simple hair product user. Click here to check out Motions Weightless Clear Hairdressing on Amazon
That’s it. My big beauty post! Anyone else a fan of these products?
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Food Journal
- 8 a.m. 2 eggs + egg white scrambled with leftover baked potato, kale and ham. Topped with a drizzle of sriracha
- 1 p.m. I was going to eat earlier but ended up having an argument with The Husband and lost my appetite. We’ve moved on. :) That being said I made something similar to what I made yesterday but I was out of sausage and mushrooms so I used leftover chicken and bacon bits with a touch of salsa for flavor. It went awesome with the spaghetti squash and kale!
- 4:30 p.m. a handful of granola again — this is becoming a habit and the reason why I don’t usually by granola!
- 7 p.m. I braised chicken thighs and served them over brown rice with a side of pufferfish cauliflower.
- 9 p.m. fresh pineapple <– I’m on a kick right now and they’ve been on sale buy one get one free!
Activity Journal
- 6 a.m. I skipped the long workout this week so I could run 2 miles and do some PT exercises and stretching.
- 8:30 a.m. 2-mile walk to and from Evan’s school.
- 5:30 p.m. The kids wanted to take the kid’s class at the gym so I decided to go and lift.
Front Squats
10 @ 33 lbs
10 @ 83 lbs
5 @ 93 lbs
5 @ 103 lbs
5 @ 113 lbs
5 @ 103 lbs
5 @ 103 lbs