The Lowdown on Skin Care

I am going to tell you something that might shock half of you and the other half might be able to totally relate. And that is that up until about a year or two ago I have had maybe one facial in my entire life. Like I said some can totally relate and others, well you might be in shock. I had never really felt it was necessary to get facials on a regular basis or to even go at all really. 

When I started going to get facials I remember the esthetician telling me that you were supposed to go on a regular basis, she told me to think about it like going to the gym. You have to keep up with it. I was still confused. How and why would people spend $100 + on a facial every 4 weeks?! And then something happened. I started to see the benefits of going and guess what? Yep – I was hooked. I just loved the relaxing aspect of it and then of course loved the way my skin was glowing each time I left. I felt renewed and started to really enjoy taking care of my skin. To most people my skin might look the exact same as it has always looked but only you truly know your own skin and I can absolutely tell the difference. Especially as we start to age. And yes, I am in my 30’s – sounds so weird to say that still! 

Now that I am pregnant I have become so much more aware of how toxic so many of my makeup and skincare/beauty products really are. It is actually insane once you start looking into it. During my research I have actually come across an ah-mazing website that allows you to search different beauty products for a score of their toxicity based on different chemicals and products used. You can check it out here: www.ewg.org/skindeep . I mean, some products I just can’t let go regardless but I think it is always best to be educated and as knowledgeable as possible about what we are putting our skin as it eventually makes its way to our blood stream. 

This is why when I was contacted by Sara Elizabeth Skincare to come in for a customized botanical facial I was more than thrilled. I have always been a huge fan of using products that feature ingredients as close to their natural state as possible, i.e. I am no stranger to an avocado mask, or using tea tree oil as spot treatment. So when I went to Sara Elizabeth I fell in love with the way she seemed to be almost an artist or a scientist who knows how to utilize ingredients found in nature to the best of their abilities. My favorite part of the facial was when she massaged raw Manuka honey into my skin. Yep, you read that right – honey. Not just any honey though. This is Manuka honey, a honey that produced in New Zealand by bees who pollinate the Manuka bush. This particular type of honey is said to have a higher # of enzymes than your typical honey which make it work like an antibacterial (draxe.com). Sara Elizabeth shared with me how it is similar to tea tree oil in that I could use it as a spot treatment or just use it as a mask whenever I am feeling dry as it is also an amazing humectant (moisturizer). Not to mention, you can eat the stuff and that comes with a whole slew of its own benefits as well!

Some of my top favorite beauty products right now:

Billion Dollar Brows – Brows on Point WaterproofMicro Brow Pencil – Obsessing over this lately! It goes on so smoothly and creates such a natural look for the brows. For someone like me who has very sparse brows but I want to fill them in to look as natural as possible this type of brow pencil works wonders. I rotate between this and the Anastasia Brow Wiz however I love that this one is waterproof and a little bit less costly. I have been using this and applying their powder over it to really fill them in when I am going out. PS - take 25% off all brow products at Billion Dollar Brows with code 'BROWOW25' at checkout

Raw Manuka Honey – Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey KFactor 16 – This one doubles as a beauty essential and a kitchen essential. You really can’t go wrong with this one. I have been using in at-home face masks, spot treatments, and adding to my oatmeal every morning. My Dr. said it was safe to use during pregnancy although it is considered “raw”, however I do suggest speaking with your Dr. first prior to consuming anything “raw” if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Side note – this does have a different taste than traditional honey but once you get used to it you will probably become obsessed!

My current at-home mask for glowing skin:
 1 teaspoon Mashed Avocado
1 tablespoon Raw Manuka Honey
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon Organic Whole Milk Yogurt
1/4 cup of uncooked oatmeal
*variation from Wedderspoon.com

Sara Elizabeth Cucumber & Mango Butter Calming Cream – I have been using this as my go-to moisturizer since my facial with Sara Elizabeth last week. I am slightly obsessed with all of her products already but this one has quickly become a favorite. I use it to moisturize in the morning and evenings being sure to slather it on my neck as well. This one does not leave you feeling greasy like I have found with some other moisturizers. Just leaves your skin feeling supple and soft! I love that is has so many natural ingredients such as mango butter, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil!  

Shop my favorites below: