Favorite Beauty Essentials!

I decided that I would share some of my favorite body and beauty products with whoever might be in search of a quality product to help with the dry season. These products help me maintain and repair the damaging effects winter weather brings to our skin and hair. I only recommend products to people if I REALLY love them enough to give 5 stars! I hope this list helps you out as much as these products help me out year round! If you want to see consumer ratings and review click on the product title to visit the purchase site! So, here you go! My top 10 must have beauty essentials!

*Favorite Face Wash*
Tea Tree Oil Face Wash from Trader Joes for $5.49
- This face wash will get off a full face of makeup with only one lather and rinse! I transfer it to a 3oz travel spray bottle and use about 10 sprays in my hand for one use. This way is most effective and the bottle will last up to 6 months! Be very careful to not get in your eyes!!!

*Favorite Body Wash*
Equate Extra Moisturizing Body Wash from Walmart for $3.47
- This is actually award winning body wash! I tried Target's generic version and it didn't come close. This wash is just as good as Oil of Olay moisturizing body wash, but for way less.

*Favorite Body Scrub*
Coffee Body Polish from Mellow Minds Natural Products for $4.50
- Made with Coffee  Grounds, Vitamin E, Olive Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. This product helps fight cellulite and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and refreshed. A previous blog where I wrote about this product can tell you even more!

*Favorite Body Oil*
Neutrogena Body Oil from Target for $7.99
- This body oil can be used at the end of your shower after you have washed and rinsed your body wash and body scrub. It's not thick like baby oil, so it locks in moisture without clogging your pores!

*Favorite Body Lotion*
True Blue Spa Nourishing Monoi Oil Lotion from Bath & Body Works for $15.00
- This lotion has this perfectly sweet tropical smell that lasts all day along with the outstanding moisturizing benefits! It comes in a big bottle and a little goes a long way!

*Favorite Shampoo Conditioner*
Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner from ULTA for $13.50
- This shampoo works so well that you might just think the shampoo is the conditioner. That is, until you use the conditioner... then you realize that they're both just amazing products that leave your hair simply, super soft!

*Favorite Hair Repair*
Organic Root Stimulator Carrot Oil from Walgreens for $7.99
- If your hair won't grow or you want it to grow way faster, use this! I apply it to the scalp at night whenever it's convenient and wash out the next day. Works incredibly well! (You can also find this product at certain Sally's Beauty Supply and Walmart locations for about five dollars).

*Favorite Face Lotion*
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion from Clinique for $13.00
- This face lotion doesn't leave my skin irritated, just soft and smooth! It is best to put on five minutes before applying makeup, as with any face moisturizer.

*Favorite Lip Balm*
C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Lip Balm from Bath & Body Works for $7.50
- This is a chap stick in a lip gloss tube and with a similar texture but without the sticky feeling boyfriends hate. It soothes and repairs dry, cracked lips while leaving a sweet taste on your newly soft and kissable lips!

*Favorite Face Toner*
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice from Fresh Real Lemons for about $0.39
- I researched about this natural remedy online and looked at numerous reviews. After seeing the wonderful comments about the benefits, I decided to try it for myself. The lemon juice remedy kept the smallest blemishes away, left a refreshing after glow, and smooth skin!

Junk Food Craving?

We are in between Thanksgiving and New Years! In America, this typically means loading up on sweets, goodies, carbs, and fat. There are sugary pumpkin latte's, cranberry scones, and creamy soups everywhere this time of year! It's easy to give into these unhealthy temptations if you are unprepared or unaware. Just a few slip-ups could hurt your fitness goals before you even realize it. While you're out and about shopping for Christmas gifts, be sure to give yourself the gift of health! Prevent and tackle winter cravings with these tips I use, which happen to be very effective! (Hint: A food craving only lasts 10 minutes! What will you have planned for your next one?)

1. Brush your teeth, floss, and rinse. (If your mouth is minty clean, you will want to keep it that way!)
2. Pop a mint followed by a cold bottle of water. (I like wintergreen ice breakers!)
3. Eat a small handful of almonds or walnuts. (These healthy fats slow digestion and rid your craving within 10-20mins!)
4. Do a 10 minute cardio circuit while the craving passes (like: crunches, jumping jacks, pushups)
5. Keep a healthy snack in your purse. (An apple, orange, or banana with some walnuts or almonds)

Sometimes cravings can seem overwhelming, but it's all in your mind. If you can defeat even the most tempting cravings then not only will you start to feel strong mentally but your body will eventually thank you with a lean and toned physique! Remembering to always be prepared is one of the best tips for success!

*If you have a useful tip on curbing a craving, I would love for you to share it with me!*