Gifts of Beauty – Perfect for Any Special Occasion

Beauty takes a beating during the winter. As a result: it’s the perfect time for gadgets, potions and tools to that help skin, hair, and nails get through these tough winter months. Not only are they are a great way to pamper yourself but they make great gifts for your friends and family whether they are low carbers or not.

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps

This tops my list for a reason. I switched to castile soap a few years ago and recently started experimenting with Dr. Bronner’s line. It is mild, vegetarian and scented with essential oils. If you have never used it, you are in for a real treat! I seriously get excited every time I take a shower. My favorite is made with peppermint: it gives a tingly sensation that feels like a gentle wake up call. Imagine a peppermint patty for the skin! I have also used the lavender scent; perfect for evening baths or anytime you feel the need to wind down. Dr. Bronner’s comes in many other scents (citrus, rose, and tee tree are a few) and other varieties including bar soap and lotions. This product line can be used as a shampoo, to treat eczema, and or even to clean countertops. Tip: When using the liquid soap, dilute it. I keep an extra bottle on hand and split the new bottle in half and then fill the balance of each bottle with filtered water.

RA Cosmetics 100% Pure Shea Butter

This is not the first time you’ve heard me sing the praises of shea butter and it will not be the last. However, I have something special for the holiday season: scented shea! While I love the natural earthy smell of shea butter, who can’t appreciate a little tropical experience while in the throws of winter? RA Cosmetics 100% Pure Shea Butter – Mango Scent takes the soothing and moisturizing properties of shea butter and adds a light scent. In addition to mango (my favorite) lemongrass and eucalyptus are also available. I apply shea butterhead to toe after a shower. At night, I add a thick layer to my feet and slip on socks for overnight exfoliation. In the morning my feet are as soft as a baby’s bottom. That is a huge accomplishment for feet that spend most of the week in running shoes. Speaking of running: shea is great as a skin protector (no more chafing!) and has replenished Vitamin A damaged by sun exposure.

Denman Brushes

Winter frizz is nothing to shake a comb at. Denman Brushes are a curly girl’s best friend! It features rows of nylon pins firmly planted in an antistatic rubber pad. Making it the perfect tool for blow drying as well as styling. Thick, long hair is no match for this seasoned professional. Just when I have reached the end of my rope (just shy of grabbing scissors) I reach for my Denman and all is right in the world! Full disclosure: I also depend heavily on my Mebco Tortoise Shower Detangler and my Spilo Hair Ware Comfort Grip Alligator Clips. It takes a team effort.

Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

I did not consider the need for a cleansing ‘system’ until right before my 40th birthday this year. I did my research and decided that I would try out some less expensive models before paying $200+ for the top-of-the-line product. The Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System is the second system I’ve used and I love it. It features a 2-speed rotating facial cleansing brush that arguably gives a spa experience at home. It is also water-resistant for use in the shower. The system comes with an exfoliating cleanser but I prefer to use my Dr. Bronner’s. Sometimes I’ll head to the kitchen and cook up a natural exfoliator. If you’ve been keeping up with my articles, you should have a recipe or two. 🙂
 
 
 
 

Burt’s Bees Radiance Eye Cream with Royal Jelly

During the winter, eyes can look sunken and dark circles are all too common. Dry, cold weather also makes the skin around the eye prone to crack and form wrinkles. Burt’s Bees Radiance Eye Cream with Royal Jelly is natural eye cream and is specially formulated with Royal Jelly to help enhance skin’s natural radiance while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for skin that appears younger-looking. It also contains Apricot oil, Vitamin E and Beeswax. Thick and hydrating, a little goes a long way. Use sparingly. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

Incoco Nail Polish Strips

There is nothing particularly healing about nail art; just pure fun. I wear very little makeup so every now and then I like spice it up with my fingers and toes. My daughter and I make a date of it and these Incoco Nail Polish Strips are perfect. No mess and no fumes! They are a little pricey ($9 for 16 strips) but they last up to 14 days. I also don’t decorate all 10 fingers at a time… one or two fingers are plenty holiday cheer for me!

There you have it. While I pride myself on making minimal beauty purchases (I’d rather spend my money on good food and experiences), I do have a medicine cabinet stocked with a few goodies that help get me through these ‘tough on beauty’ winter months.