Updated "Mommy" Skincare Routine using Perfectly Posh Products

If you read my post from last week, you will know that I have been struggling for months with hormonal, "mommy acne," and discovered Perfectly Posh which has forever changed my life in the skincare realm.  My skin has pretty much cleared up, balanced out, and feels amazing. 

 

Here is a look at what I have been using regularly on my face:

Morning Skincare Routine

My morning skincare routine is now very simple and easy to manage. I use the Delish Foaming Facewash  to cleanse my face first thing in the morning. It doesn't dry my skin out and it doesn't leave my skin oily throughout the day either. It has helped balance my skin and is very gentle and refreshing first thing in the morning. After I cleanse my face I then use the Moisturize 911 Caffeinated Face Creme to moisturize my face. This moisturizer really does brighten and awaken the face. I like to use it first thing in the morning to help wake my skin up and give my skin a brighter complexion. 

Nighttime Skincare Routine

At night after I take my makeup off I use my  Complexion Perfection Exfoliating Facewash to cleanse my skin. This facewash is a mild exfoliating facewash with peppermint and it feels AMAZING, tt has definitely helped my breakouts! After cleansing I then use Spotless Face Pads as like a toner and get any leftover makeup, dirt, oil all over my face and neck...these work great! Then I use Night and Day Moisturizer to moisturize my face and neck. This moisturizer is a little heavier then my morning one but I like that for nighttime because my skin can be really oily in some areas and really dry in others and this moisturizer really helps balance that over night. Then after that I use

Zit Zapper for spot treating and this thing really does "zap" and get rid of blemishes over night!

Weekly

(2-3 times a week)

The BFF Facewash is great for exfoliating a few times a week. When I was using it everyday, morning and night, it was a little too heavy for my super-oily, acne prone skin to handle. But using it 2-3 times a week has been golden! I have concocted the perfect skincare regimen and love how this has been working for me. 

If you are battling hormonal, mom acne I would definitely give some of these products a try and see how they work for you! Shop here!

Throwback Thursday

Here's a little throwback to the past two years of being a new mom and to Lilly's first two years of life. I can't believe she is going to be 2 in a couple of days!  

 

Life Update: Where the heck have I been?!?

Well it's no surprise that I have been MIA for a little while and it's for good reason...LIFE got in the way. My mom had an accident and went through surgery and is still undergoing physical therapy and during this whole time I have been taking care of her, a rambunctious toddler, and trying to fit any sort of me time in between my husband being on-call during this crazy summer heat. Things have started lightening up and I have been able to fit more me time in. 

During these past few months, my stress, diet, exercise have just been so scattered and crazy that I was also starting to get really bad hormonal acne. Gross, I know, but I tried so many things like cutting dairy almost completely out of my diet, switching skincare products and trying drugstore, high end, and even home remedies to help. Nothing was really helping 100%, so what did I do, I got on Pinterest and started looking up products to use for hormonal acne, and somehow or another I came across this company called Perfectly Posh. There were a ton of reviews for acne, especially adult and hormonal acne. The company has fun products that are made in the USA, naturally-based, cruelty free, with vegan options too. I couldn't believe the cuteness in the packaging, the wide assortment of products and everything was under $25. After researching a little more I also discovered that it is a direct sell company and you could make it a business if you wanted to. I went back and forth, researched the company and products a ton, reached out to other consultants, watched Youtube videos and asked some friends and family what they thought before making the decision to join on. I decided it would be a better deal to join and buy the starter kit to get a feel for a variety of the products to see if they worked and if I would actually like them. And boy can I tell you my life has forever been changed! The first time I tried the facewash and moisturizer that came in my kit, I could see a difference the next morning! My breakouts were starting to clear up and I was in love with everything I tried.

I have started this new pampering journey in order to make more me time and do something fun for myself and for my friends and family. I love to pamper and spoil and this gives me an excuse to really have some girl time! If you want to know more about the products and the company head on over to my website and my Facebook Group Page to see what it's all about. I will be doing more reviews on Posh products because they are fabulous and really work! 

I was too embarrassed to take any before and after pictures, but I did manage to take a picture of the products I was using before and what I switched too from Perfectly Posh:

What I was using before that was not helping my breakouts 100%:

(I used to and still really love my Estee Lauder, but the breakouts I was getting were not being treated well enough)

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Facewash and Toner

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Face and Eye Serum

Neutrogena Naturals Moisturizer  

 

What I tried first from Perfectly Posh :

BFF (Best Face Forever) Facewash

Night and Day Moisturizer

Impish Eyes Serum

 I have to say the BFF face wash is amazing and makes your skin feel great, I love to use in the shower and let the hot steam really work with the cleanser to get deep into my pores. I've had a really hard time with moisturizers over the years and the Night and Day moisturizer is exactly what I had been hunting for! The eye serum has already helped my "mommy gets no rest" under eye circles too! Can't go wrong with this combo :) 

A Few of My Favorite Things: MARCH

Fashion
Everything is from Target
I have been living in all three of these pieces! They were perfect for the  March weather we had. This sweater dress is so comfortable and was my go-to piece when I didn't feel like thinking too much about what I was going to wear. This floral spring scarf is so lightweight and colorful which made it the perfect layering piece for my jeans and t-shirts. These gold sandals are from last year and I still find them to be the most comfortable sandal I probably own and goes with almost everything. 

 

 

Beauty

Too Faced Chocolate bronzer/contour in Chocolate Soleil
This has been my go to bronzer and contour lately and I love that it smells like chocolate :)

Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara
I have been doing a really quick and easy makeup routine lately just because I have been more busy and this mascara is so easy to put on and doesn't clump up.

ELF Makeup Setting Spray
I have seen a ton of beauty gurus using this spray to help set everything and keep your makeup lasting longer. I saw this a while back at Target and decided to give it a try and am super impressed so far. ELF has quickly become one of my favorite inexpensive brands to use and this setting spray has become part of my everyday makeup routine. It works when I use just my powder foundation and when I use heavier liquids. If you need help with your makeup lasting longer, then definitely try this stuff.  You can find ELF at Target and Walmart and everything is like under $6 which is awesome!

 Simple Micellar Water
I was a little apprehensive about trying this at first but saw a ton of reviews on it and people seem to really like the formula. I have found that I prefer to use this in the morning to get all the gunk and residue from my night cream without having to do a really long and heavy cleansing routine first thing in the morning. It claims to take off makeup and cleanse and moisturize...which I agree with, however I do not like to use this to get ALL my makeup off. I use a wipe first to get most of my makeup off, then my cleanser, and then this to get an excess off my skin.  

Household
Windex Cleaner
I found this on a clearance isle at my local grocery store and decided to give it a try and this is now my regular kitchen cleaner. A few pumps on a paper towel and I can scrub everything!

Method Dish Soap
I have heard so many people talk about this brand at Target and when I saw this on sale one week I decided to try it out. I love that this dish soap has a pump! How long did it take for a company to figure that one out?! And this limited edition scent freshens up my whole kitchen when I do the dishes. Can't wait to try some other Method products.

Tide Fresh and Clean
I have been buying this Tide for months now usually at CVS because periodically I see it on super sale (like $2) and I stock up with my extra care bucks. I love the smell of this detergent and it's been working really well so far.
 

One of my guilty pleasures is some reality shows and ridiculous drama so here's what I watched regularly last month:
Nashville

Secrets and Lies

The Royals
Scandal
 RHOBH
Amish Mafia
The Walking Dead

DIY Gold Painted Desktop Storage Container

 

For my mom cave (home office/craft room) I needed a 3 drawer storage container that would fit on my bookshelf or desk for some of my crafting supplies. I found a white plastic Sterilite container from Target for $4.99 and used some extra spray paint from my filing cabinet makeover.

This looks so much better then just the plain white and so quick and easy...it's amazing what just a little spray paint can do :)

All About Them Nails

Something I try and do regularly (and by regularly, I mean maybe once a month if I'm lucky) is give myself a manicure and a pedicure. There is something about taking just a little bit of time to pamper yourself and actually get to finish something from start to finish with no interruptions. So when I do actually find the time, here are some of my favorite nail products to use:

Sally Hansen Moisturizing Nail Polish Remover

This stuff is great! It's doesn't dry out your skin or feel as harsh on your nails.

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base + Top Coat 

This is the best base and top coat in one that I've tried. I use this as a base and top coat on my toes and just as a base on my nails. 

Wet n' Wild Megalast Nail Polish

This is by far the best nail polish ever! It's only $1.99 and in my opinion looks so much better on and lasts so much longer then other more expensive nail polishes and I love the applicator brush. I usually do a light neutral shade on my fingers and a bright and bold color on my toes.

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat

Okay so the very first time I used this was with the Revlon Colorstay gel nail color (it's one of those 2 part systems without the uv light from the drugstore) and the whole thing was just awful! After 3 hours my nails still were not dry and it was just gooey and I had to just take it off. But a few weeks ago I tried just using the gel top coat with my regular nail routine and the results were amazing. My nails did not chip for 4 days, which is a big thing with a very active toddler and doing the dishes 2-3 times a day. 

Good Pair of  Nail Clippers

I have no idea where I got these huge gold nail clippers, but they are awesome!

What are some of your nail favorites?

Spring Trench

 

What's a more classic piece for spring then a khaki trench coat?! Such a classic item in general to have in your wardrobe for spring and fall, the classic trench is the perfect piece for those chillier spring days and has unlimited outfit combinations. Black and white and vibrant coral/red are a great color combination to add to your wardrobe this spring. 

 

New York and Company Trench Coat from a long time ago | Old Navy Stripe Top | Jeans from Walmart |  Target Flats from two years ago | Luggage tag necklace was a gift from my mom I think from QVC | Red and Brown Reversible Bag from local boutique | Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick

Influenster Voxbox Products Review

So I received my Walgreens #DiscoverNewFavorites Voxbox to review a few days ago and am so excited to share my first box from Influenster with you and the two products I tried out. As you may know by now if you follow my blog, Dove soap and body wash has been an all time favorite of mine for years. I had actually been wanting to try this new scent but hadn't purchased it yet and I was really excited when I opened my box. I have been using Dove body wash religiously for YEARS, I love it so much that I even have a little stock pile growing thanks to couponing. This revitalizing body wash feels so luxurious on the skin and actually leaves your skin clean and moisturized after you get out of the shower and the citrus and flower scent is so nice and refreshing which makes it the perfect body wash for the spring and summer. I have naturally oily skin and this body wash works great for that, I've never felt like my body was oily throughout the day and my skin hasn't felt dry or stripped of anything either. Try it out if you're interested, I almost guarantee you will never go back to any other body wash or soap.

I also received this new Intensive Care Healing Serum from Vaseline in my box. I haven't really tried any Vaseline products at all, but I have been seeing some of their new products around in stores and have been intrigued in trying them. My arms, elbows, hands and feet are the driest parts of my body and this winter had my skin at its ultimate driest. I tried this after I took a shower and put it on those dry areas and completely fell in love with the formula, it's the quickest drying lotion I've ever tried. I felt really moisturized but not sticky and it drys super fast. The only thing I don't like is the scent. It doesn't have a description of the scent and it doesn't claim to be fragrance free but the scent is a little too much for me...it's a very strong, mature floral scent to it.

Mint and Coral

 

Coral and mint is one of the most popular color combinations for spring and I love pairing my coral and mint pieces with a light grey jean and a fun sandal.   

 

How do you wear coral and mint?

Products I've Used Up (Jan-March)

 

I always find it very interesting to see what products other people have actually used up and what they really think of them and whether or not they would repurchase.  So here's a look at some of the products I have used up from January until now:

Bath and Body Works Hand Soap and Candle

My husband got me a stocking full of the "Merry Cookie" scent for Christmas and by February I had already used up 2 hand sanitizers, the candle, and the foaming hand soap. I love anything cookie, vanilla, or cupcake scented/flavored and he loaded me up this past Christmas and I can't believe I'm already out of half of the things he got for me. The other soap is the "Love Peach and Joy" scent that we used up in our bathroom. It was a nice fruity/cake scent that was used up quickly.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

As you all know this is one of my all time favorite beauty products. I use this stuff all the time and the tropical coconut scent was an awesome one to try. Can't say enough good things about this dry shampoo and I haven't come across a scent I haven't liked.

Aussie Moist Shampoo

I have a nice little stock pile of this shampoo in my bathroom cabinet thanks to CVS extra car bucks and coupons. This shampoo was great this past winter to keep my hair and scalp moisturized during the very dry season we had. 

Degree Motion Sense Deodorant

This has quickly become my favorite deodorant and I also have a nice stockpile of this thanks to coupons :)

Revlon Colorstay

I used up two concealers and the powder foundation. The concealers are two of my absolute favorite of all time drugstore concealers. They are very comparable to MAC concealer if not better, in my opinion. The liquid I use under my foundation and the solid stick I use over top for touch-ups. This past winter I did not use the powder too much as just a foundation since my skin was extremely dry, that's when I started experimenting with different liquid foundations and found a new favorite from Covergirl which I talked about here. But I did use the rest of this powder as a setting powder and for a little extra coverage or on days when I was feeling super lazy.

CVS Brand Apricot Exfoliating Wipes

These wipes are also an all time favorite of mine and I will continue to re-purchase these time and time again!

I'd love to know what products you've tried out or used up recently and what you think of them :)

 

Corduroy for Spring

 

With the last (hopefully) cold spell we have had before spring is in full bloom, what a better time to wear some of your heavier pieces with a spring twist. One of my favorite pieces from this past winter were these blush corduroy pants from LOFT. A great way to wear your cords for spring is to pair them with a simple t-shirt, light color flats or sandals, denim jacket, and a lightweight scarf. Such a  cute and comfortable way to transition to spring.

My Everyday Makeup Routine

This is my go-to makeup routine on any given day that I have been doing for years. Up until the past few months, I preferably used powder foundations because they worked better for my oily skin and application wise they are just easier. I could make it as light or as full coverage as I wanted to without looking cakey. However this past winter had me with the driest skin I have ever had and powder foundation just wasn't cutting it, so I have been experimenting with some liquid foundations and have found a great foundation for my skin: Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing makeup. I really love it and will talk more about it below. So here is everything else I use:

Loreal Derm-Expertise Transformance Skin Perfecting Solution with Vitamin C
I picked this up on sale one day at a discount store and was really intrigued to try it. I use it on my face after I put on my moisturizer and before I put my makeup on, kind of like a primer. It really smooths my skin and gives it this matte-velvety finish and feel to it that makes my makeup look flawless. Since I'm not a big fan of actual makeup primers, this product acts like a primer to me but also helps keep it nourished while my makeup is on.

Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Foundation
This foundation is supposed to help treat your blemishes and help prevent new ones. This foundation is definitely not full covereage, I would say light covereage, however, it is buildable so you can make it as light or as full coverage as you want without the cakey feel to it. It works great for my combination-oily skin and doesn't settle into any of my fine lines around my mouth and eyes. It has helped my blemishes and really feels great on the skin. I love this foundation for everyday because it is quick to apply with my foundation brush and I love the way it looks on my skin.

Revlon Colorstay Concealor
This has been a go-to of mine for years. It covers great and stays on all day. 

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in the Brightening Shade
This stuff is amazing! I use this of course under my eyes but also as additional highlight on my forehead, chin, nose, and cheek bones.

Revlon Colorstay Powder Foundation
This is my favorite powder foundation. I use this to set my foundation to give me a little extra coverage  and on days when I'm really in a rush and don't have time to mess with liquid foundation. When used alone it is light-medium, build-able coverage and has a flawless finish.

Hard Candy Contour Kit (Blush, Bronzer, and Highlight)
This is an all-in-one product for convenience and I love the colors and the finish. 

NYX Eyebrow kit
This eyebrow kit is very quick and easy to use and the color matches perfectly. 

Revlon Color Stay Eye Quad
If you've noticed a pattern, Revlon Colorstay is one of my absolute favorites. These eye quads have so many different color options and I love this one for a natural, everyday look.

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black Brown
I love a nice black brown eyeliner for everyday because brown seems to be too light and black is just too harsh for everyday.

Maybelline Sensational Mascara (use to use Loreal Voluminous Lash in the gold tube)
Love the volume and the staying power of this mascara, it doesn't flake off throughout the day. 

Maybelline Sensational Lipstick in Nearly There and Bare Escentuals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss
These two products have such a nice natural color to them that work for any occasion that make them the perfect go-to everyday lip products for me.

Elf HD Undereye setting powder
This powder really helps my under eye concealor set and prevents settling into my fine lines.

Elf Makeup Setting Spray
Love this stuff! It really helps set everything and helps my makeup last longer while also giving your skin a nice cooling affect.

Foundation Brush, Stippling Brush, Bronzer/Blush Brush, Powder Brush

Thursday Fashion Files: Pink Cords!

When shopping in the Fall and Winter I always tend to forget about corduroy. But this year I have been loving my rose colored pair I picked up from Loft after Christmas. They are so comfortable and the rose color has been so lovely this winter. I love pairing them with a nice button down and a sweater with my suede booties. Very classic, comfortable, and mommy friendly!

My outfit

Loft Pink Cords | Loft Navy Sweater | Old Navy Grey Gingham shirt | TJMaxx Suede Booties

Lilly's outfit

Old Navy Jacket | Old Navy Pants | Kohls Shirt | shoes not pictured

Be sure to follow Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom and Jill at Doused in Pink for more fun Thursday style!

A Few of My Favorite Things: February

FASHION

Cream Sweater
This Sweater has been a go-to piece of mine all winter long. It is so comfortable and I love the nice, soft cream color of this one from Target. I wear at least once a week (I'll admit there are some weeks I have worn it twice :-P)

Gold Sneakers
These gold sneakers from Old Navy have been my staple this month. They are so comfortable and go with almost everything I have...not to mention they are gold!

BEAUTY
 
Metallic Nail Polish
(Essie "Buy Me a Cameo")
I have been in love with metallic nail polish this past month. It is such a low maintenance manicure I can do for myself at home at any time really. It doesn't matter if my nails aren't perfectly filed and the perfect length or even if you do the most perfect job applying it, metallic nail polish looks great no matter what. I don't have a lot of time to sit a make my nails perfect so being able to just quickly apply something that is pretty and fun without having to spend a lot of time preparing and perfecting is exactly what I was looking for.



Nexxus Touchable Hold Finishing Mist
 This has been the ultimate hairspray I have been looking for for years. It is so lightweight but really helps keep the style.

 First Aid Beauty Hand Cream and Aquaphor
My skin has been so dry this winter and these two products have literally saved it. The FAB hand cream keeps my skin hydrated without making it greasy. The Aquaphor is a product I have been using on and off for a few years and it really keeps my lips and really dry patches super moisturized.

 Kate Spade Makeup Bag
I scored this beauty from TJMaxx for a steal! I love using this to put my makeup essentials in when I'm running late or on the go and have to apply my makeup on the fly.

ENTERTAINMENT
Music
Ed Sheeran "Thinking Out Loud"
Bruno Mars "Uptown Funk"
Any time these songs come on they always get stuck in my head for the rest of the day, which isn't a bad thing because I really like both of the songs. Lilly loves "uptown funk," she dances and wiggles and laughs every time it comes on...it's so funny!

TV Shows
State of Affairs
How to Get Away with Murder
19 Kids and Counting
Completely obsessed with State of Affairs on NBC and HTGAWM on ABC! They both ended last month and I really hope they bring State of Affairs back because it was so good! HTGAWM is just a jaw dropping hot mess and I love it! I've always been a viewer of 19 Kids and Counting and it started back up again last month. It's just one of those shows I enjoy watching. 


So what were some of your favorite things as of lately?


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