She’s a Beaut: My Top Beauty Picks RN.

I haven’t done a beauty update in awhile, and that’s in part because I’ve sort of been in a beauty rut (routine?) and haven’t been venturing out much from what I know, especially since I look pretty tired these days.  But, after a shower the other day, I realized that I lean on several excellent body/skin products that I’ve been using now for a long while and have not yet shared on Le Blog.

Pick No. 1: Tata Harper Redefining Body Balm

This was an extraordinarily generous gift from my bestie after mini was born.  Knowing that I’d delivered via c-section (P.S. — my thoughts on how to recover from a c-section), she found this Tata Harper body balm ($120) that is fantastic for reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks and restoring the skin’s elasticity.  It’s a super thick balm — you need to work it between your fingers to bring it to a malleable, applicable consistency — but it is deeply moisturizing.  And it smells nice — not overly-perfumed, just sort of nicely scented in a vaguely “organic” kind of way.  It’s my post-shower/post-bath ritual, and I feel so luxurious applying it.  Too soon to tell whether it will reduce the scar’s appearance, but I’m down to try anything that promises results.  Plus, I love this brand.

Pick No. 2: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Body Scrub

This stuff ($65) is magic for those of us prone to body breakouts.  It really works, and I can say this after trying probably a half dozen different “anti-bacne” type solutions, from Mario Badescu (who does have some great products) to Proactiv to Neutrogena.  I found that none of them really got the job done.  Kate Somerville’s stuff, on the other hand, is legit and has left my body clear and smooth for about a year now.  I strongly recommend for anyone who works out regularly — it breaks through all the grit and leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed.

Pick No. 3: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

I’m a recent convert to this brand, and I love it.  Setting aside the genius branding/packaging, this stuff ($60) REALLY moisturizes.  It’s actually pretty thick — surprisingly thick for a daily face cream — but it’s not oily and does not clog your pores.  I’ve been using it for about a month or two now and can’t imagine switching to another face cream at the moment.  It has a pretty cool dispenser–you pull off the top and just push down on the top of the tub and it dispenses a perfect little dollop.  I think it’s left my face with a lot of elasticity and brightness after a particularly exhausting couple of months.  P.S. — my sister uses their daytime and nighttime serums and has great things to say about those, too.

Pick No. 4: Origins Original Skin Mask

The Origins Original Skin Mask ($26) is my OG skin mask and I swear by it.  I LOVE IT.  It leaves my skin clean and glow-y — not squeaky and dried out, just buffed and refreshed.  I swear, every time I use it, I look in the mirror and my skin is just GLEAMING.

Any other recommendations you’d add to the list?

P.S. — I was naughty over the weekend and snapped up a nice little parcel of goodies from J. Crew, enticed by their 30% off code.  Of course, I somehow managed to select multiple items EXCLUDED from the promo (ughghghghg), including this sweet dress and this bodysuit, but I also got a few of these linen v-neck tees (fellow petite nursing mamas — the v is low enough that you can nurse by just pulling it down…TMI?) and this blouse on sale.