Skin Care

So, who out there is completely overwhelmed by the number of products that we're supposed to use as women to keep ourselves looking: young, supple, clean, beautiful... etc?!

I for one am, and really it boils down to the fact that I'd rather have 2 minutes more sleep than spend the time making myself beautiful for the people at the office.... I mean really... I'm not trying to attract any of them - I'd honestly rather them leave me alone most of the time. (Oops... lets just call that a character flaw...)

My constant quest is to find ways to cut down the time spent on my beauty regime and more time getting on with my life... and I can only imagine those with children have this desire intensified... because seriously, who has time for that extra 10 minutes of beautification when there are children to feed. Even more, what's the point if you're going to get spit up on 12 times that day?

ANYWAY... let me just introduce you to a life saver that I've found in the beauty section of Wal*Mart. (Apparently, that is how it's supposed to be spelled - according to my database at work.)

First, let me preface this by telling you that for a short period of time... I sold beauty products through BeautiControl. The irony there is not lost on me... a woman with my attitude about beautifying trying to sell such products, but really I was only interested in their line of spa products. I am a horrible sales person... so I lost my status as a consultant... but I can hook you up with a great one if any of those products interest you.

In my training to sell BeautiControl's products - they made a point to tell us that when choosing a line of products, the most important thing with skin care is that you use a cleanser and toner from the same line. They are ph balanced to work together - so it is important to stick with products from the same line. With moisturizers - it is not as important that it be from the same line.

Okay, seriously... back to my point...

In my quest to get ready in less than 30 minutes (yes, I can...), I try to do as much as I can in the shower - sort of subscribing to the one stop shopping philosophy... I've even tried brushing my teeth in there, but the hot water factor didn't quite work for me. So instead of washing my face separately... (and please don't lecture me about needing to wash my face before bed) I found the perfect solution!

Biore makes a line of products called their Daily Recharging line... they also call it rehab for your skin (which makes me giggle a little... when did my skin get an addiction problem) This 4-1 self foaming cleanser is AMAZING! In one product it cleans, tones, stimulates, and detoxifies. The website says that: the airy foaming cleanser gently removes dirt, oil and makeup from the skin. Contains extracts of sugar beet, a known skin-conditioner, antioxidant green tea leaf and eucalyptus to help skin feel fresh and glowing.

Call me extra lazy, but I love that it's a cleanser AND a toner in one step. My favorite part of using this product is that it makes my face have a little tingle in the shower - which is sort of invigorating to me at 5 in the morning... it sort of helps wake me up.

With my extra sensitive skin, products tend to dry my face out and I haven't noticed that at all with this product - and it is oil free for those that have problems with oily skin as well. I've felt no irritation with using this product, and am actually now on my second bottle.

In doing a little research this morning, I found this moisturizer that I am going to have to add to my shopping list... it is listed as a "Perfect Partner" for my foaming cleanser. It again is oil free, if that is a concern for you. It also has built in sunscreen - which is a must in today's world. I has vitamins A, C, and E in with other anti-oxidant ingredients. The website says: Nourish Moisture Lotion SPF 15 formula uses humectants to lock in moisture. That means your skin is optimally hydrated and glowing. Natural extracts of celandine (wild yellow poppy), rose hip, chamomile, and aloe soothe, moisturize and strengthen skin and provide calming, anti-inflammatory benefits.

So there you have it folks... great products at a great price... and you can find them at all of your regular stores. It works for me!

Head on over to We are THAT Family for more WFMW ideas.