My Indispensable Summer Beauty Products

I’m not a huge believer in “the indispensable.” I’m pretty sure I could live with very little (and certainly way, way less than I have) if I had to. But in these humid Ohio summers, there are a few beauty products I’m totally thankful for.*

1. Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner.

I’ve talked about this stuff before. Sarah introduced it to me and now I can’t stop raving. It smells great and my skin is soooooooo happy. Since I’ve pretty much sent my foundation packing, this toner has been my best friend.

2. John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease Curl Perfecting Spray.

If you like my hair in this picture, you might also enjoy this fine hair product. It’s kind of a miracle for a girl with wavy, frizzy hair (emphasis on the frizz) like me. If you don’t like my hair, then you might still enjoy this John Frieda concoction. I don’t know. I’m not omniscient.

3. Intuition Plus Razor by Schick.

This is totally my beauty splurge. I realize that we all define “splurge” differently but since the replacement blades for this razor are kind of on the expensive side of the drug store (they actually lock them up now), they’re a splurge in my book. And um…totally worth it. Since I’ve switched from the old-fashioned razor and shaving cream combo, I have completely eliminated razor burn and the 25 minutes of shower time it used to take to achieve it.

4. Women’s One multi-vitamin from Rainbow Light.

A bajillion thanks to Kate for introducing me to the Rainbow Light line of supplements. I have a sensitive stomach when it comes to vitamins but these are whole-food (rather than synthetic) and I can totally take one of these on an empty stomach, no problem. I realize that not everyone is a vitamin person but I’ve noticed a difference in my complexion and energy levels so…I guess I’m a vitamin person.

*This is a totally sponsor-free ad. That’s right. I am just THAT in love with these products.

Alright, share with me. What is on your “indispensable” summer list?

love, elizabeth

PS: Did you get a chance to meet these bloggers? They’re awesome.

The No Make-Up Challenge

I really love make-up. I love to wear it. I love putting it on. But I sometimes find myself troubled by how much I need make-up to feel like myself. Sometimes I don’t like the face underneath. I’ve always been envious of those women who seem to have a natural, unmasked beauty, a radiant and organic glow that says “I just woke up so refreshed this morning. I took a bath in a forest stream and some little birds brought me these uber-flattering yoga pants. I moisturize…with apricot nectar and fairy dew drops.”  I’ve been dying to know…Do I have a natural beauty hidden behind the foundation and eyeliner? Where are my little birds and yoga pants? Where is my radiant glow???

So last week, I gave myself a little challenge – just a chance to try to appreciate my skin and my face, unenhanced by cosmetics. I used an exfoliating face scrub from Bath & Body Works, Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner (which I only mention because I recently discovered it through Sarah’s blog and it’s awesome), and the generic substitute for Aveeno Daily Moisturizer. One week, no make-up. I took pictures everyday. No touch-ups or editing. The only change I’ve made to any of these pictures is to use auto-levels to better represent natural light. The challenge was to love the face in the mirror sans make-up.

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Day Six

At the end of the week, I can say I’ve made a new peace with my appearance. This face is flawed. It has blemishes and freckles and unevenness. Maybe this face doesn’t have a place in a magazine or in a movie but it is my face, the one God gave me, a face that is half my mom’s and half my dad’s. It is a map of all the places I have been before, it is a signpost along a journey I am continuing to make. I will look back at these pictures and know what it is to have been there. I have found a comfort in that. I kind of like my face.

I still loving wearing makeup. But I think I’m ready to let my own skin shine through a little more.

I want to hear from you. Is wearing make-up an essential part of your routine? What makes you feel most naturally beautiful? What makes you feel confident as you begin a new day?

love, elizabeth