The internet is a weird thing, isn’t it? I was saying that to Will this morning, and although that sounds incredibly vague and incomprehensible, let me explain!
I sent a blog plea out to the universe this week, asking for help with donations for the Pine Ridge toy drive. My blog isn’t massive but I have a solid readership that I hoped would possibly donate. Honestly, I was going to be psyched if it reeled in an extra handful of donations. But you know what? The internet worked its magic! Somehow, some way, a South Dakota radio station called KILI found my post and shared it on their Facebook wall. Apparently it’s a big station in those parts, so at minimum, it drummed up a lot of attention for the cause. The good part? Most of the toys from the original list were purchased and Joie and Scott were able to add more clothes, etc! For that, I seriously thank y’all from the bottom of my heart. The kiddos up at Pine Ridge will love you to pieces!
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In other unrelated news, guess what I did recently? I got myself all girl-i-fied!
One of my favorite things about my job is that our company closes in the winter. Yes, I get three months off (from December through February) to enjoy skiing, playtime, whatever. Think of it as a reverse teacher schedule only my free months aren’t filled with thousands of other people who also happen to have that same schedule! For us, my last day of work was December 3, so I have been enjoying a carefree lifestyle for just over one week!
In all honesty, I’ve had a lot of stuff to catch up on and it’s been so nice to be able to thoroughly take care of everything. (I’ve even started some DIY projects in the house, but that’s a story for another day!) One thing I’ve really been meaning to address for awhile is a basic beauty staple that most gals already excel at: skin care.
Maybe I missed that memo in my teenage years, but I truly suck when it comes to all of that beauty stuff. Yes, I know how to do my own hair and makeup (thanks to years as a dancer who performed on stage!), but I’ve never been the type of girl who analyzes lipstick colors or weighs the pros and cons of certain face cleansers.
Until last week anyway!
As you guys can probably imagine, my face takes a beating. Not only do I play outside constantly, but I work outside as well and I have for the past ten years. In addition to all of that, I live at a high altitude and spend a good portion of my life above tree line. The sun, wind, cold and general aggression of Mother Nature has definitely taken its toll on my poor face! I turned to my beautiful Texan friend Kayla whose blog I regularly read. Every time I see photos of her, I am literally astounded by how stunning her skin looks. Y’all, it’s almost like it glows or something!
Anyway, she sent me this insanely detailed email and I realized that she uses the Murad skincare line. I already used the cleanser, but she gave me a list of 7-8 products in addition to that. At first, I kind of balked because I was looking at an easy $150+ on skin products. Spend that on new hiking boots? Naturally! On skin lotions? So not my priority!
However, in the end, one thing she said rang true in my ears and allowed me to click “purchase” on the whole cart of goods: “You only get one face!”
And you know what? That stuff has made a WORLD of difference! In just a week, my skin looks completely different and I’ve already had a handful of people comment on it. Now, I don’t know if there is unicorn tears in those bottles or what, but the stuff works! She also recommended this eye cream (Benefit It’s Potent!) that is seriously a jar full of magic. Again, pricey, but I am astonished. Absolutely astonished.
In addition to a metric ton of face lotions and cleansers, I also spent my newfound freedom in the makeup aisle. I’ve always been a Bare Minerals gal since it’s relatively all-natural compared to many other brands, but I was happy to discover a similar product that works a ton better, costs less and is made here in Colorado: Glo Minerals. Again, the stuff is magic!
The reason I ended up in the makeup aisle is because I wanted to find a really red lipstick. Now, I don’t have the slightest clue on how I am supposed to flaunt a bright red mouth so I asked the lady for help so that I didn’t end up like a twisted version of the Joker. Ironically for me, the makeup lady was in the mood to practice her 1950s makeup skills in anticipation of a party she was doing the following day. In short, I ended up running my errands wearing my CrossFit clothes (including pink capris), a down jacket, and a face that looked like this:
The bright side? I bought the red lipstick!
That was a lot of words about stuff that I don’t typically chat about, so if you’re going for the TL; DR version of this post, here it is: buy Murad skin care because it seriously works miracles. Also, Benefit eye cream is magic. Lastly, Glo Minerals is your new best friend. You’re welcome.
Other side note: I have no more money because I bought too much crap for my face.
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Spill: what do you use on your face? Aside from me (and Kayla), is it normal to spend this much and use this many products on your face?!
10 Comments
Aw, once again, you’re blowing me away with your sweetness. AND, I’m so glad you’re getting some positive results from some amazing products! If you were in Plano, you’d just blend right in wearing a face like that in workout clothes! haha.
I’m jealous of all your skiing!!! Enjoy that time off!!!
What do I use on my face? Water and maybe some lotion. Ha! =/ I go through phases where I’ll go buy makeup but then never use it because quite frankly I have no idea what I’m doing and it seems like so much work.
All I use is Aveeno Daily moisturizer- every single day. I would like to start a better regime because it’s easier to prevent wrinkles than get rid of them.
I use various natural skincare from Sprouts market or a similar place. I use Physician’s Formula Organic line as my tinted moisturizer and mascara. I had my makeup done at a local blowout salon for my wedding 2 months ago and they used GloMinerals. I loved how it turned out, and realized it was probably time I invested in a little more makeup. (My mom was diagnosed with 2 types of cancer in the last 2 years and it caused me to cut out all the crap that goes onto and into my body, so I was down to just minimal tinted moisturizer, mascara and an eyeshadow pencil.) I bought 3 different products as a result.
I use water and rosehip oil. So boring! Haha looking gorgeous! Love that the Christmas toy drive spread!
I never learned about hair OR makeup since I was raised by my dad! I’ve been annoyed that I’ve had to use my hair dryer the last week or so since it’s been so cold outside! Skincare also got a little scarier after moving to super dry CO from humid WA. I’m still getting the hang of it LOL. Glad you found stuff you really like!
Oh, you have no idea how much I appreciate this post! I turned 30 last week, and overnight became very hyper aware of taking care of face. In fact, I swear I got fine lines under my eyes in the space of one day. As a result, I’ve been reading all kinds of stuff on skin care and eye cream because I’ve been a lot like you all my life. I’ve just never paid that much attention! I guess it’s time to start!
oh man.
Im 44
and Im not yet a “girl”
wanna come and sleep over and we can…girly each other?! 🙂
1. That’s awesome about the charity – you’re getting more and more famous!
2. Ok, sorry, I have to clarify for readers – I’m a teacher, and we get just under 2 months off for summer, not 3 (I wish!). Also, all teachers I know who weren’t smart enough to marry rich spend the two months doing summer school, part time jobs, or both! I wish it was time off, but those bills keep coming!
3. That definitely puts it in perspective – I spend the money on running shoes, so why did I have sticker shock about the face products? Maybe once I pay down this dentist bill I’ll check it out!
4. Love the makeup! Not an everyday look, but it looks gorgeous on you!
I second the rosehip oil as moisturizer idea. I’ve stopped using my anti-acne meds and haven’t had any breakouts :woot:
Also, have you tried Everyday Minerals? I love using them in the summer(skin gets too dry for powder makeup in the winter).
Also Sprouts does sell some good skin care products. I bought a cleanser there last month and it’s great at cleaning my face without stripping it and the list of ingredients is pretty short.
lol Kayla, I used to live in Plano and agree that I sometimes wondered why a women would get all dolled up to sweat at the gym or to go top Walmart…