Is it just me or are you also busier than ever? My family is still taking it slow, not going out like we used to, but somehow I have managed to fill my time, almost double booking myself in some occasions. Cooking more at home, shuffling the kids to their activities (thank goodness they are open!), working longer hours, and home projects have me running faster than I ever have before. I was happy that the world slowed down for a bit but I guess deep down, I missed my fast paced lifestyle.
Since I am back to running, everything is about efficiency. I must make the most of every minute and every stop throughout my day, and in doing so, I have discovered some new (and old) beauty finds in my scurries. It used to be that good quality makeup and skincare were only available at department stores but those days are long gone. Now you can find some amazing products at your local grocery or drug store. The locations are way more convenient and since I am in one of those stores at least once a week – so I can grab food, vitamins, etc. along with some great beauty finds for me and my girls. Read on to see my favorites.
Skincare
You can find some really powerful and effective skincare at your local Walgreens, CVS, Target and HEB. One product I always keep in stock in liquid Vitamin E Oil. It is a miracle worker – simply add a few drops to your moisturizer for extra nourishment. I use this in the Winter when my skin is chapped but also is a great sunburn soother in the Summer.
I used to go to Toronto once a month and that is where I fell in love with the French brand La Roche Posay. They are luxe textures and efficacious. My favorites are the Micellar Water Cleanser and the B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
With the extreme cold weather we are experiencing, this is the perfect time to re-discover an oldie but a goodie. The Pond’s Cold Cream is a cult favorite for a reason. It gently removes makeup but there is nothing that compares to how soft your skin feels after using it. (Editor’s note: from Roz……”how nostalgic this makes me for my mom, who had luscious skin till the day she left our planet and swore by Ponds forever!!!”)
Body Care
One of my favorite brands is Soap & Glory, which was founded by Marcia Kilgore who also founded Bliss so you know its good. I love the Righteous Body Butter which is loaded with shea butter and very hydrating.
Hempz Body Lotion is a favorite with my teen and tween girls. They have fun fragrance combinations and with 100% natural hemp seed oil, it lightly and gently hydrates the skin.
Aveeno chose Jennifer Aniston to be their spokesperson because she used their product every day and gives them all the credit in keeping her skin looking bright and youthful. Well, I want to look like Jen so I buy it too! The Daily Moisturizing Lotion is truly is a great every day lotion that doesn’t leave a greasy after-feel.
Color and Other Fun Stuff
One of my fave mascaras of ALL TIME is the L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. It is highly pigmented so your lashes are left dark, long and full of volume at a great price!
I know Roz and I both are on the eternal hunt for a long-lasting, non-smudge lipstick.. A great one is the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – so far, it is holding its own under my mask!
While I am shopping in my local grocery or drug store, I do find myself impulse buying a bit more. Case and point, Impress Nails seem to find their way into my cart quite often. I have yet to get back to manicures so I have found these to be a great at home option. These are WAY better than the Lee Press-On days of many years ago…they actually have lasted up to 2 weeks. Especially for a quick solution, these are a great find!
So next time you are running errands and doing what you think is a mundane chore, be sure to stop by the beauty department first. You just may find some gems that will kick start your grocery trip off right!
by Chelsi Oestreich
