DIY Skin Soothing Body Butter

I've talked a lot on here about how I suffer from dry and itchy skin on my body.  Lately my itchiness has been really bad as I've been experiencing a lot of hives and skin irritations.  To help with this I really wanted something to put on my body that was all natural and full of skin soothing ingredients.  I put together this body butter using ingredients that are known to calm and heal dry, itchy, and irritated skin.  This has been such a help for me so of course I wanted to share it with all of you!

The best part is that it can be used as an everyday body butter too, not just when your skin needs to be soothed.  My Mom has been using this a ton and is loving how soft and smooth her skin is looking.  With the transition into warmer weather happening, now is the time to really take care of your skin and keep it moisturized since you'll be showing more of it when it gets hot out and this body butter is perfect to help with that!

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup shea butter

-2/3 cup coconut oil

-2 tbsp. colloidal oatmeal

-2 tbsp. olive oil

-2 tbsp. aloe

-1 tbsp. witch hazel

-12 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

-In a microwave safe bowl, microwave shea butter and coconut oil for one minute and mix.

-Continue to microwave the mixture in fifteen second intervals, stopping to mix between each interval, until completely melted.

-Add colloidal oatmeal, a little at a time, to the shea butter/coconut oil mixture and mix until completely dissolved.

-Put the mixture in the freezer for ten to fifteen minutes, you want it to be solid, but not completely hard.

-After removing it from the freezer remove it from the bowl and place in electric mixer, mix lightly. (You can also use an electric hand mixer.)

-Add olive oil, aloe, witch hazel, and lavender oil.

-Mix on high for two minutes.

-Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix on high for one more minute.

-Store in an airtight container.

Makes about 16 ounces of body butter.

Have you ever tried making body butter before?

                    

Today I'm linking up with Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Style With a Smile, and Turning Heads.

Beauty Review: Drunk Elephant Protini

If you've been around for a while you know I love a good moisturizer so needless to say I was excited when Drunk Elephant sent me their newest cream, Protini.  Protini is a polypeptide cream and breakthrough protein moisturizer.  It combines a new array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids, and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of skin tone, texture and firmness.  It's basically like a protein smoothie for your face and coincidentally I'm trying to increase my protein intake. 😂  Not to forget it's also a light, but very moisturizing formula that makes your skin feel amazing.

To use this I wash my face, pat it dry, apply a serum, and then apply Protini.  I like to allow my serum to fully absorb before putting on the cream and then allow that to skin in too.  It's also recommended to combine Protini with any of Drunk Elephant's other treatments or oils as an added boost.  You can use it both morning and night as your moisturizer, but I recommend pairing it with sunscreen for daytime wear for added protection.

I've been using this for a few weeks and am really happy with the results.  I feel like my skin looks more plump and overall healthier.  I also really love that this is supplying more protein to my skin!  If you're in the market for a new moisturizer with some great benefits you absolutely must check this out.

*I was given Protini by Drunk Elephant to facilitate my review, however opinions of this product are all my own.

                    

Winter Skin Woes: Battling Dry Skin

I've struggled with dry skin since I was a kid, but it got much worse when I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at sixteen.  The skin on both my face and body are dry, but I find the dryness on my body harder to deal with especially in the winter.  During my favorite season the skin on my body gets super flaky, can be nearly impossible to keep moisturized, and is almost always itchy.  

As you can imagine having crazy dry skin is not the most comfortable situation, but this year I've been adding some new products into my routine combined with a few products I've been using for years and have been having a much better time with my skin issues!  I know that I'm far from the only person who suffers from dry skin, especially this time of year so I wanted to share with all of you what's been working for me.  Below are the products I'm loving and the details of how I'm keeping my skin moisturized and feeling comfortable!

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliating is important to remove the dead and flaky skin that accumulates on your body.  If you do not remove the dead and flaky skin the moisturizers you apply cannot penetrate it and do not get deep enough to fully hydrate your skin.  You can use both chemical and/or physical exfoliants to help you with this (check out this post to learn the difference between the two) and I prefer using a mix of the two.

Products I recommend:

Bath & Body Works Foaming Sugar Scrub- This is one of my favorite scrubs as it does a great job exfoliating, but isn't too harsh.  It also contain oils that are left behind on your skin to moisturize it.  I usually pick up several of these whenever they're on sale so I almost never run out of them.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub- This is a grittier scrub that I like to use when my skin is super flaky as it really deeply exfoliates.  It also begins moisturizing your skin when you use it with shea nut oils and contains vitamin C to help keep your skin healthy.

DERMAdoctor KP duty Body Scrub- This scrub is a combination chemical and physical exfoliant.  It combines the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion in one.  This is particularly great if you suffer from keratosis pilaris (chicken skin).

MOISTURIZE

Using moisturizer to hydrate your skin is the most obvious way to deal with dry skin.  I've learned though that not all moisturizers are created equally so when you're struggling with very dry skin it definitely matters which creams, lotions, and oils you choose to use.

Products I recommend:

Eucerin Intensive Repair Enriched Lotion- This cream combines moisturizer naturally found in the skin with alpha hydroxy acids to intensely hydrate, exfoliate, and smooth skin.  This cream is thick, rich, and deeply moisturizes.  With its combination of moisturizers and exfoliants I would say that this product has been the most important one I've added to my routine to help with my dry flaky skin.

Curel Ultra Healing Lotion (c/o)- This lotion is very moisturizing, but with a lighter feel.  It works to better maintain skin's barrier so it can better lock in and maintain moisture.  If you're looking for something strong that absorbs quickly this is that.

Kiss My Face Body Lotion (c/o)- This lotion uses natural oils and antioxidants to smooth and hydrate skin.  It has a thick feeling to it, but doesn't take as long to absorb as you would think it would upon initial application.  It's also great for anyone who has any issues with parabens and phthalates as it does not contain them.

Lush Dream Cream- This is my go to for dry and itchy skin.  It works to hydrate your skin, while also soothing it, which is so important when you have skin like mine.  It contains oat milk, lavender, and chamomile to soothe, and olive oil and shea butter to help with dryness.

Jojoba Oil + Coconut Oil- I love using both of these oils (separately) from time to time as a way to naturally intensely moisturize my skin. I will also sometimes add them to one of the other moisturizers mentioned above to give it a little added hydration power.  The great thing about these is that they're multipurpose and can also help with dry skin on your face, hands, and feet too!

BEST TIPS FOR MOISTURIZING

-Exfoliate at the end of your shower so that any oils or moisturizers in your body scrub will stay on your skin.

-Always apply a lotion, cream, or oil to your body after showering to replace the moisture that your skin lost.

-After showering pat skin dry with a towel (being gentle is important) and immediately apply moisturizer.

-To lock in extra hydration apply moisturizer to damp skin after showering.

-For severely dry skin apply moisturizer twice a day, a lighter lotion like this in the morning and a more intensive one like this at night.

-Add any oil (almond, jojoba, coconut, baby oil, etc.) to your lotion or cream to make it extra powerful.

-Allow moisturizer to sink in for a few minutes before putting on clothes.

If you have any questions about any of this please feel free to ask in the comments or email me.  What are your favorite products or best tips for dry winter skin?

                    

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, and Weekending.

Holiday Skincare Tips

Who doesn't love the holiday season?!  I mean they call it the most wonderful time of the year for a reason!  There's so many fun events to attend from family gatherings to office parties to getting together with friends and more, we're all running from place to place all season long.  One thing to keep in mind is that all of this running around, partying, drinking, and indulging in sweets can definitely take a toll on our skin.  However, there's a few simple things you can do to keep your skin looking its best through the new year.  Below I've got my ten best tips for getting your best skin during the holiday season so it's the perfect accessory to any of your holiday looks!

1. Drink lots of water.

It's always important to drink water, but especially during the holidays because it is such an indulgent time.  During the holiday season a typical person eats more sugar, drinks more alcohol, and has more caffeine than usual.  I mean who can turn down all the amazing desserts, cocktails, and holiday coffees/teas that are available this time of year?  While being indulgent is fun, it's important to know that it does take a toll on your skin (sugar can cause breakouts and both alcohol and caffeine are very drying to your skin).  Drinking water helps to flush out toxins and keep everything hydrated.  Aim to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses (64 ounces) of water a day and make sure to increase that on a day when you're a little extra indulgent (especially with the alcohol).

2. Always take off your makeup.

Another thing that's important to do all year long.  If you only do one thing for you skin please make it is this.  This is especially important during the holidays because you're more prone to sleeping in your makeup after a holiday party.  Leaving your makeup on clogs your pores, ages you, irritates your skin, and overall just makes you feel gross.  Do yourself the favor and take off your makeup no matter what, even if you just use a makeup removing wipe and don't wash the rest of your face (not that I am recommending this, but it's better than leaving your makeup on), your skin will thank you.

3. Put together a quick and simplified skincare routine for late nights.

For those late nights at holiday parties, family get togethers, etc. put together a paired down skincare routine that you can quickly do before climbing into bed.  Take off your makeup with a wipe, wash your face with gentle cleanser, and apply a moisturizer or treatment (depending on what your skin needs).  By doing this you'll save valuable time and get in bed earlier without sacrificing your skin's needs.

4. Listen to your skin.

Pay attention to what your skin needs and use products to target that.  Your skin might be behaving differently based on what you're indulging in this time of year and also your skin may be affected by the weather too.  If your skin is dry from alcohol and caffeine add a more hydrating moisturizer, if your skin is breaking out from sugar use a product with salicylic acid, and so on.  In order to keep your skin looking its best you need to be able to see what it needs and treat any issues that arise.

5. Use a sleeping mask for a quick fix.

An overnight mask is great way to quickly fix any issues your skin may be having.  Sleeping masks are gentle treatments that are meant to be left on the skin for long periods of time and therefore they do not contain any harsh ingredients.  They can treat a variety of issues from dryness to dullness to acne and more, you can find one for pretty much whatever your skin needs.  Cleanse your face like normal and then smooth on a thick layer of a sleeping mask, allow it to soak in for about ten minutes before getting it bed, and wash off in the morning.

6. Use a face mask once a week.

To keep your skin in tip-top shape it's important to do a face mask once a week, especially this time of year.  A face mask is a way to treat your skin more intensely than you have been during the rest of the week and therefore address any issues you may have noticed.  Face masks can be used to deeply clean skin, exfoliate, deliver intense hydration, and more.  If you want to get fancy you can also multi-mask to treat multiple skin issues, you can learn more about multi-masking here and here.

7. Always wear a good lip balm to sleep.

This is the time of year when lips get super chapped and crack, which is not fun or cute.  You want smooth, hydrated lips for comfort and for optimal lipstick application (especially for matte lipsticks).  Putting on a rich lip balm or mask every night before bed is a great way to show your lips some TLC and prep them for any holiday makeup looks.  My all time favorite nighttime lip balm is this, and I also love this super hydrating lip mask.

8. Use a sheet mask after a long flight or drive.

This time of year a lot of people are traveling whether to see family or take a vacation and it's really important to remember to take extra precautions for your skin to keep it looking its best.  My skin gets insanely dry when I fly so my trick is to take off my makeup and do a hydrating sheet mask as soon as I get to my hotel room (or someone's house if that's where I'm staying).  By doing this I replenish all the moisture my skin loses during the flight and help it to recover better.  If you're driving to your destination it's also a good idea to use a sheet mask once you get to your destination to give your skin a boost of hydration and deal with any stresses your skin encountered during the drive.

9. Make eye cream and under eye masks your besties.

There are lots of late nights during the holiday season, which can result in puffy, tired looking eyes.  A good eye cream and eye masks can both help to prevent and treat tired eyes.  For prevention make sure to use a hydrating eye cream at night before bed (even in that paired down routine I talked about in #3); I love this and this.  In the morning using an eye gel to cool and treat puffiness is also important, something with caffeine is great to make you look more awake, try this or a roller like this to massage the eye area.  For a more intense treatment use an eye sheet mask, I recommend using these at least once a week and then when you need a quick fix.  These are my absolute favorite eye masks and then I really want to try these too.

10. Use an illuminating primer.

If all else fails an illuminating primer can go a long way.  I love this one from Erborian because it hydrates skin, while giving it a subtle glow that blurs imperfections.  The illumination in the primer distracts from any issues you may be having and gives your skin that coveted glowy look.  Even if your skin is looking amazing from all your prep an illuminating primer is still a great product to use to make your skin look even better.

What are your best tips for getting your skin ready for the holiday season?

                    

Today I'm linking up with Friday Favorites, and Fab Favorites.

Beauty Review: Willing Beauty HY+5 Regimen

Dry skin is something I've struggled with for years now so I always love products that hydrate.  I was really excited when Christy, one of the co-founders of Willing Beauty, reached out to me about trying their HY+5 Regimen.  The HY+5 Regimen is a simple, non-irritating skincare regimen that pairs nature’s most powerful moisture-magnet, hyaluronic acid, with five anti-aging powerhouses: uber-absorbable vitamin C, anti-inflammatory prickly pear oil, marine glycoproteins with anti-wrinkle powers, thermally-activated bacteria to protect skin cells, and antioxidant-rich edelweiss flower to fend off free radicals. The five step skincare system includes a cleanser, day moisturizer, tinted SPF primer, serum, and night cream, which are created in small batches. In addition to this all of the ingredients in their products are EU compliant, reviewed by a member of the American Board of Toxicology, and Leaping Bunny certified.

I've been testing out the HY+5 Regimen for a few months now and I absolutely love the cleanser, day moisturizer, serum, and night cream. The DO OVER Nourishing Cleanser is creamy and gentle, but still works to sweep away dead skin cells, thanks to apple extract, without irritating skin. The DAYDREAM Illuminating Day Moisturizer is my favorite of the bunch because it is incredibly lightweight and makes your skin glow throughout the day. For nighttime there's PARTNER IN CRIME Age-Defying Night Serum and SLEEPOVER Replenishing Night Cream, which feature strong antioxidants and brightening fruit acids, respectively, to improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and encourage cell turnover and stimulation of collagen while you sleep.  I have to admit though was disappointed in the GET SET SPF 30 Tinted Primer as it was too dark for me to use with my fair complexion and I wish there was a tint free option.

Overall, I've really enjoyed using the HY+5 Regimen and have seen great results with my skin.  I love that all of the products are both safe and effective so I don't have to worry about what's in them and I can feel good about using them on my face.  I am especially excited to use the products during the fall and winter when my skin gets drier with the colder weather!

Fall is the perfect time to start this regime and Willing Beauty is challenging you to take the HY+5 Challenge!  For the challenge you use only the HY+5 Regimen for your skincare for 5 days and then share your results on social media with #HY5Challenge!  Also make sure to tag @willingbeautycompany and @thelbushblonde so we can see your results!

*I was given the HY+5 Regimen by Willing Beauty to facilitate my review, however opinions of this product are all my own.

                    

Today I'm linking up with Friday Favorites, Fab Favorites, Five on Friday, and Friday Favorites.

Skincare 101: Pre and Post Botox

I started getting botox injections to help with my chronic migraines in February.  I now go every twelve weeks to get them as they've been a very successful treatment for me, which I am so thankful for.  Prior to my first experience with botox I didn't know that I was going to need to make skincare a top priority pre and post injections.  You need to do this because you cannot touch the injection sites (in my case the ones in my face are in my forehead and temples) with anything other then a very light touch for a few days after you get them.  I've now developed a whole routine that I do before and after I get injections to both prep my skin for it and carefully take care of my skin for a few days post treatment.  No matter the reason you get botox (health or cosmetic) you need to make taking care of your skin pre and post injections a priority too.  I've put together this post detailing my routine for everyone who gets botox to use next time they get injections. (If you want to learn more about botox check out articles here and here.) 

These are the steps I take after I remove my makeup.

1. Deep Clean

I use an anti acne cleanser that detoxifies my pores.  Since I will need to be very gentle on my skin the next few days I want to make sure that my cleanser deeply cleans my skin and eliminates anything that might cause blemishes or clogged pores.

2. Chemical Exfoliation

I typically exfoliate my skin three days a week, but this won't be possible in the week after botox.  The night before botox I use a strong chemical peel that removes all the dead skin from my face so that won't build up and cause acne or dull skin over that week.

3. Toner Pads

I use these every night after cleansing.  They tone and exfoliate to reveal brighter, more even looking skin and give you that "glow" that everyone wants.

4. Treatment

In this step you will use whatever treatments you use in your typical skincare regimen.  I use this oil which is a retinoid oil that moisturizes, shrinks pores, reduces wrinkles, calms redness, and improves skin smoothness.  I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it and I recommend checking it out (Pro Tip: Go to Sephora and ask for a sample of it!).

5. Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated is always important and the night before botox is no different.  I use this cream which provides a dose of high-potency, advanced vitamin C.  This vitamin C works to "visibly repair the effects of aging, environmental stress, and pollution-induced damage."  This moisturizer is high in antioxidants and will also help to brighten skin.

The products I use...

1. Cleanse with Clarisonic Brush

Since I used such a strong cleanser the previous night that could potentially dry out my skin I use a much gentler moisturizing cleanser the morning of my appointment.  I wash my face using my Clarisonic since I will not be able to use this for at least a week after the injections.  You cannot touch the injected areas for a few days in order to avoid spreading the botox to other muscles and since the Clarisonic uses sonic technology to really deeply clean your skin I personally like to wait at least seven days after my injections to use it again just to be safe.

2. Toner Pads

I use the same toner pads as mentioned above.

3. Moisturize and Protect

You need to not only hydrate your skin, but make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF to protect it from the sun as well.  I use this lotion which is very moisturizing, but also lightweight.  It also contains vitamins and antioxidants to further protect and nourish skin all day, creating the perfect canvas for botox.

4. No Makeup

I don't wear makeup to my botox appointments and I recommend doing the same.  The sites of injection on your skin with be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, just like for any other injection, and it will remove your makeup.  Additionally, taking off your makeup that night will be difficult since you can't really put any pressure on your skin or rub your face.

The products I use...

1. Facial Spray

I bring a facial spray with me to use after my appointment.  I do this because the alcohol they use to prep your skin for the injections is drying so I want to gently hydrate my skin.  I typically do a quick spritz of this when I get back to the car after the appointment.

The products I use...

1. Cleanse

I use the gentle cleanser mentioned above and wash the areas of my face that were not injected (the lower half of my face: cheeks, nose, chin) with my hands.

2. Micellar Water

To cleanse the areas that were injected I use this micellar water.  I pump some of it onto a cotton pad and extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe my forehead, temples, and between my brows.

3. Toner Pads

I use the same toner pads as mentioned above.  For the areas that were injected I again extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe over them.

4. Moisturize

Since rubbing alcohol was used to prep your skin from botox and that can be very drying it is really important to use a rich moisturizer to hydrate your skin.  I again use the same one I mentioned above because it does a great job of restoring moisture to my skin.  To apply it to the areas that were injected I am very, very gentle and do not use any pressure or massage it in.

The products I use...

1. Micellar Water

My skin is very dry so I prefer to use micellar water in the morning, not to mention it is the best way to cleanse the injection sites post botox as you can do it extremely carefully.  I use the same one that I mentioned above.  For the areas that were injected I again extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe over them.

2. Toner Pads

I use the same toner pads as mentioned above.  For the areas that were injected I again extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe over them.

3. Moisturize and Protect

I use the same moisturizer as mentioned above.  Again to apply it to the areas that were injected I am very, very gentle and do not use any pressure or massage it in.

The products I use...

I repeat the steps in "Night After Botox" and "Morning After Botox" for five to seven days just to be safe and not disrupt the botox.  One adjustment though is after the first night after botox I again include a treatment like this or this (or even both in combination) before moisturizing my skin.  I also make sure to be extra gentle with the injection sites during this entire time.

These are all of the steps that I take to care for my skin both before and after my botox appointments and I hope that if you decide to get the injections that you follow a similar routine.  Have you ever tried botox before?

                      

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Hello Monday, #HowISummer, and Weekending.

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To celebrate The Blush Blonde's 4th Blogiversary we are bringing you a giveaway made for summer.  This giveaway includes a straw handbag, pool floatie, beauty products specially picked for the warm weather, and a gift card to Nordstrom!  Here are all of the goodies you have a chance to win:

Mar Y Sol Tybee Tote- This summery Mar Y Sol handbag is detailed with bright contrast stripes and a strand of pom-poms.

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$45.00 Nordstrom Gift Card- This is included to buy any other summer essentials you might need!

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Products from Physicians Formula- Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer, Murumuru Butter Blush, Bronze Booster Highlight & Contour Palette, and #InstaReady™ Multi-Finish Eyeshadow

Fine Print: 

This is open internationally, pending shipping laws/restrictions. You must be 18 or older, or have a parents permission to enter. This giveaway is open for exactly one week. Winner must respond within 48-hours or a new winner will be chosen. Your form of entry will be double-checked.