In case you missed the memo, we got a new puppy. I had planned to have more posts up for you by today, but you know…puppy life. There may be more stock photos on this post than I typically use, as well…because…well…photo shoots with a puppy…Need I say more? Nah…let’s just move on and get on with it!

As I embrace my mid 40s, I find myself to continue to prefer low maintenance, effective, and simple to use products. I’m really not interested in a 20 minute skin care routine…I do, however, find myself to extremely loyal to products that do the job, and are cost effective. Another thing, the more products I try, the more I find that items that appear more expensive up front, really aren’t…because they have less fillers, and require less product per use, they are all a great value for your dollar.

You’ll find items below in every price range!

Whether you’re looking for a little something for yourself, or as a gift, these are all products that that I have used for quite some time, and absolutely love! So, put together a basket make it pretty, and make someone’s day! We all could use a little at home pampering this year! These are not ‘cosmetics’, these are skin care…though you can find cosmetics on some of the sites linked. I don’t wear a ton of make up, no am I really skilled at it’s application. So, I don’t really feel I am qualified to advise you there. I do have some go tos, but they are base products.

JUMP TO: My Favorite Body Butter and Lip Set, Lazy Day Faves, the Really Good Stuff, and Around the House Faves.

You’ll find some affiliate links here, and some regular links. Every item is something that I use regularly, or have used in the past.

I stopped using lotion when my friend gave me this….

For years, I settled on Jergen’s Ultra Healing Lotion. It did the job, with often twice daily application and extra creams for outbreaks or bad days. And then, it happened… my friend showed up with my new favorite. I love it so much, I even gave it as a gift last Christmas!

Seriously, I don’t think she knew what a big deal this gift was. I got a little bag of such thoughtful items, and this one was of them. This particular friends loves shopping with locals in the Nashville area, and always finds wonderful things. I’ve always had dry skin, and issues with mild eczema. I’ve tried all the things, all the special lotions and potions available.

Suds & Company, a small business based in Delaware, makes this amazing Verdana Body Butter. I apply a bit after my shower (which, you know, mom life, might happen 3-4 times a week if I’m lucky!), and I’m good to go UNTIL MY NEXT SHOWER! I kid you not! It’s amazing, and will last you for quite some time! Don’t let that small 3.5 oz measurement fool you. It’s whipped, and very light and airy. Easy to apply, and does not leave behind a greasy feel or heavy scent. The very light scent it does leave behind will remind you of the beach. Can’t go wrong there, right?

Unfortunately, as of the date of this post, the Verbena Milk is out of stock, but you can find other body butter options and lots of other wonderful products on their website. I usually purchase two at a time, as it seems to be a very popular item! If you follow Suds & Co on Facebook, where I snagged this photo, they’ll let you know when it’s back in stock!

If you try something else, I’d love to know how you like it! Maybe I’ll add it to my cart next time!

Remember Edible Lip Balm?

I mean, it’s not advertised as such, but you might want to eat this stuff. A few months ago, a friend sent me some Lip Scrub and Lip Butter to try…and seriously, it was hard not to eat my lips when I used the Lip Scrub. I still haven’t managed to finish off the ‘sample’ sizes, so you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth on these items. You can get yours here! While you’re there, be sure to check out the Lip Balm Quartet. This would make great stock stuffers, and the Peach Belini and Cherry almond are crowd favorites. There are many other products on this site, that I’ve heard great things about – many people are fans of the Skin & Nail Balm, but I haven’t tried this yet!

When I’m just tired (or lazy) to do all the things, these are my go to items for my face:

When I am at Big Lots, I pick up some Cucumber and Aloe Face Wipes. This is not the exact product I get, but it’s similar and the same price! Can’t beat $1! I find them to be effective, easy, and moisturizing.

Norwex cloths are great for cleansing, no soap needed! If you have never tried Norwex, be sure to check these out. I have a Baby Body Cloth in the bathroom and it’s perfect for quickly wiping off any make up, sweat, or any dirts and oils collected throughout the day. I have a couple of other Norwex products, and they are all fantastic!

And now, the good stuff…the secrets you want from all the ladies with the glowing skin.

When I actually DO THE THINGS…these are things I do:

My facial skin care base is the Rodan + Fields Redefine Regimin. Before I used that line, I used the Reverse Line. That took care of sun and age spots. Occassionaly, I go back to the Reverse Brightening Line, especially if I’ve spent alot of the summer in the sun. I find, though, that if I’m consistent with my skin care, the spots aren’t coming back. Both lines, and other lines available, include all the items you need for your start to finish morning and nighttime routines.

Twice daily, usually anyway, I also use the R+F Multifunction Eye Cream. Amazing for puffy eyes, and wrinkles. They also have a newer product, the Active Hydration Eye Serum, that I haven’t tried yet. I hear great things about this one!

I also love the Lash Boost – and YES, it actually works! How? I don’t really know or care, but you can read more or just try it! I swear, this stuff is magic in a bottle. If I use it regularly, I can skip the mascara. Adding mascara, of course, will make you feel as if you got your teenage lashes back!

Once or Twice a week, I use the Microderm Abrasion Paste. I snagged this one for a steal at silent auction, and because you only need a small swipe with each use, this one will last you quite some time!

I also ADORE the Redefine Lip Renewing Serum. It comes in a small jar filled with little capsules that you cut open. This keeps the ingredients fresh, and ensures their effectiveness. Your lips will thank you. My husband drives for UPS, and also uses this during the winter months, when chapped lips are always an issue.

If you want to test out R+F with a more budget friendly product, try the Essentials Lip Shield. This is my families go to lip balm. You’ll use it less frequently, because it works SO WELL. It also makes a great stocking stuffer for those people…you know who they are…that are lip product addicts.

You’ll also want to grab a sleeve of these fabulous Gauze Pads. Seriously, I tried to find something else. I even tried being more environmentally friendly and cut up a T-shirt to make my own. That’s the only thing that even came close to these little square cloths of awesomeness. They are an extremely soft, tight weave and will help you to use less product more efficiently and effectively. I use them for the Almond Oil listed above, and for my R+F toner. We also occasionally use them for first aid.

There are always some great specials and free gifts to be found, especially throughout the Holiday Season. It’s a great way to get something for you, and give someone an amazing gift! Right now, you can get the Improved Redefine Regimen, Add Eye Cream, and get the Active Hydration Body Replenish free! Or, snag this special to get 20% off of Lash Boost.

Things I have around the house and in my purse:

I’ve always had a love hate relationship with specialty hand soaps. I loathe anything heavily scented. Of course, products that just don’t work or seem to dry out my hands or leave a filmy residue behind are off the list. I even tried the notorious and super popular Mrs. Meyers, and am NOT a fan! My favorite hand some is just the plain and simple Method Brand in Waterfall, Sea Minerals, or Sweetwater, with the Sea Minerals being my favorite. I also love that you can get refills for the foaming soap, and the gels. The original bottles used for Method are sturdy, long lasting, and I love that they are designed to hold the weight at the bottom, preventing them from being easily knocked over. I think it’s been a couple of years since I actually bought a regular bottle. Just refills for us! If you prefer more of a scent, I find the any method product to be pleasing and not overwhelming at all!

In my purse, You’ll find The R+F Lip Shield noted above, and usually a few Burt’s Bees lip balms. I also have the Burt’s bees hand salve that came in this set. I love this salve because, in that tiny tin, it takes up very little space, doesn’t take much to make a difference in your hands (and with all the hand washing going on right now, you know your hands are taking a beating! It’s also a great stocking stuffer set! I’ve never been disappointed in any Burt’s Bees product that I have purchased. We even recently picked up some Puppy Shampoo in this brand! Of course, I don’t keep this in my purse😬. That would be weird.

Well, that’s a longer list than I thought it would be! Maybe I’m a little more high maintenance than I think I am? I’ll ask my husband later and find out…

I hope you find some fun stocking stuffers and gifts to start knocking items off your list! it’s time to start shopping so we don’t get stuck with shipping issues! Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products, or if you will be adding some of these to your list!

More to come! Over the 2020 Holiday Season, I’ll be sharing more gift guides…view them all HERE!

Much Love to you and yours!

Cindi

^{Self proclaimed Godmother of the Messy Bun Mafia.}

Let’s get connected!

_{This site contains affiliate links. Shopping through these links, for any items, supports this blog and my family. Thank you!}