Mama Threads

Must Have: Merlot Moisturizer

One of my all time favorite moisturizers is Merlot Grape Seed Moisturizer.  I put a fair amount of research into all the products I use on my skin and try not to be lured into fanciful claims that it will get rid of all my lines and make me look 21 again.  However, my mom turned me onto this product and got me hooked by letting me try hers when I visited a few years ago.  I was hooked within a week.  It goes on smoothly and made my skin feel soft but didn't leave any heaviness.  It never made me breakout -- and I have sensitive skin.  It has a light scent that reminds me of wine without being cloying.  Also, it has 15 SPF.  Finally, it's just $15!  The reviews online compare it to La Mer's Moisturizing Gel Cream but without the large price tag.

Buying tip: Drop by your local Walgreens to pick this up.  I believe they have an exclusive on it.  However, it can also be purchased on the Merlot product website and Walgreens.com (when you can find it in stock!). 

Must Have: Benefit Benetint

I usually only get one shot to look in the mirror all day long as I rush through my day.  I have two requirement for my makeup: it must last all day and it must serve multiple purposes.  Benetint is one of my go-to products.  It's the perfect color for cheeks and lips and lasts all day long.  Plus it smells like roses.  Such a nice way to start a day!

Buying Tip: Check out RetailMeNot.com for codes for free shipping as well as codes to use for free samples.

Must Have: Kiehl's Lip Balm

Every woman has them: Must Haves.  These are the beauty products you can't live without.  I try to keep my list pretty short, but one of my true Must Haves is Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I have tubes in my big purse (aka diaper bag), going out purse, makeup drawer and next to my bed. Each night, I crawl into bed, grab the small tub next to my bed and apply a little bit of balm as the last thing I do before I fall asleep. It keeps my lips soft and smooth even during the cold, dry winters.  

Buying Tip: If you buy the balm through the Kiehl's website, you can get three complimentary samples of other Kiehl's products.  

Beauty Tip: Get a Skin Care Regimen

You would think I was fifteen by looking at my skin (Ahem. Unless you notice the crow's feet.).  Every month, I get a least one blemish to accompany my cramps and mood swings.  Then I heard about one of the easy secrets of skin care.  Get a regimen.  This can save your skin and make life easier for you.  It makes easier at night to just follow a routine when getting ready for bed and you spend less time searching for products.  My favorite line is from Paula's Choice.  She started off as a cosmetics reviewer and developed her own line. It all seems pretty sensible and it's not hard on the budget.  

Buying tip: Join her email list for discount info.  She has a sale of some kind nearly every month.  She also offers lots of free samples!

Other options: Proactiv or AcneFree

Once-A-Day Lipstick: Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor

Each morning I have about 30 seconds to get ready and then I rarely get a chance to look in the mirror again until I am washing my face before going to bed in the evening.  Of course, this means I don't touch up my makeup throughout the day.  In the past, I would put on some lipgloss knowing it was a fruitless gesture since any color was gone minutes after drinking my first cup of coffee. Then I found Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor. This lipstick has been lifechanging for me.  It goes on easily and really does last all day long.  My favorite color is Bare Maximum since it's a neutral that goes with anything but let's me look like I actually have lips.

Buying Tip:

Keep your eye out for ads to your local drugstore.  This is one to pick up on the week where they offer deals on the whole line of Revlon cosmetics.