Thirsty Skin?!

My skin is notorious for being dry, dry, dry. Add winter, and suddenly I'm a human replica of the Atacama Desert (the driest desert in the world). So much that, an old (this is my only consolation) man at Costco asked if I was my husband's mother! To which I replied, "No, but I do hope to mother his children" (this was pre-Essie). My child, on the other hand, was blessed with the same peaches and cream complexion as her dad and Grandma Patty. Lucky ducks.

So if you're like me and your skin is extra thirsty....one, drink more agua! Two, bathe and/or shower in tepid water (I have a hard time with this one, as I like to shower in basically scalding water). Three, there are a few products you won't want to live without (plus a few bonus makeup products that I love):

1a. Trader Joe's Facial Cleansing Oil - If you've never used oil to cleanse your face before, you're in for a real treat! The oils in this cleanser (Argan, Coconut, and Abyssinian) work together to gently remove dirt and makeup without stripping your skin's essential moisture or leaving a greasy residue.

1b. SeneDerm Solutions Facial Resurfacer - This gentle scrub is the perfect addition to your skin care regimen! I use this 2-3 times per week in place of my face wash (1a). The volcanic ash particles and SenePlex Complex help to speed up cell turnover. Hello beautiful, new, baby skin!

2. Straight up Olive Oil (Trader Joe's brand, of course!) - I use this to remove my waterproof mascara and it works like a charm. Plus, it acts as a moisturizer around my eyes.

3. SeneDerm Self-Tanning Bronzing Coconut Milk - This line boasts au naturale ingredients, which I am a big fan of! In addition to my dry curse, I'm also basically glow-in-the-dark, particularly in winter months (but really pretty much always). So, if I want a hint of color without exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, this is the perfect remedy. I especially like that I can use this stuff on my face.

4. Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner - This product is the real kicker for dry skin! It hydrates my skin almost instantly. I use it after cleansing, plus I give my face a little spritz throughout the day for a quick refresher (and just for fun...b/c it smells good!)

5. Trader Joe's Vitamin E Oil - This is an excellent moisturizer for all skin types! Not to mention, my baby had a diaper rash (from you know where) that we couldn't seem to get rid of and our doctor recommended Vitamin E oil, which we conveniently had on hand. Her diaper rash made serious progress within 24 hours. I also use this on her sweet little face, post one of her favorite activities--taking a bubble bath with her glow-in-the-dark ducks.

6. 100% Pure Lip and Cheek Tint - When it comes to makeup, I can very easily reach a state of claustrophobia. Hence, a simple makeup protocol works best for me...a dab of blush, mascara, and a touch of lip color--that's it! I've had this blush for 2+ years and it's only half gone.

7. LashSense Long-Lasting Waterproof Mascara - I have a terrible time finding mascara that doesn't make me look like I've just attended a funeral service. My eyes are hyper-sensitive. After trying basically every option for mascara, this is the only one that doesn't make my sinuses go nuts...and I LOVE IT!

8. LipSense Long-Lasting Lip Color - I am a naturalist; however, if I don't wear any lip color, I look like the crypt keeper. I love this stuff for many reasons, including the fact that it basically lasts all day--through brushing my teeth, eating, taking a drink of water, kissing my cute husband and baby, etc. My favorite "natural" colors are Bombshell and Pink Champagne.

As a result of my personal discovery and use of these products, no one since has asked if I'm my husband's mother. Phew! I still don't have flawless skin, but it is much improved.