Some things are just worth repeating

Being in the beauty industry for as long as I have and being around for as long as I have, I have picked up a lot of tips over the years. I would like to share some of these tips along with products that I have been using.  Some of these products  I have been using for years.   I do not even want to do the math on my product purchases over the years.  Most of the products I have featured in this post are the ones that I keep going back to.  The products are either beauty supply or drug store finds. A lot of these tips are standard but I believe they need to be repeated.  I hope you find something to incorporate into your routine. 

- I deep condition at least once a week. Hot oil treatments are great, you can do them right in the shower. I sometimes even sleep with deep conditioner in my hair. I will put it in early enough so that it is not wet when I go to bed and put it all up in a bun.

I mix these two conditioners together. Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe and TIGI S Factor Serious Conditioner. This is a great over night treatment.

-Use a satin pillowcase if you can.

-I try to use sulfate free shampoo only. I do have weak moments though.

Pureology Hydrate shampoo and conditioner

-If you have color treated hair, use color treated shampoo or sulfate free shampoo. If you don't, you are stripping your color.

Organix Cherry Blossom and Ginseng shampoo and conditioner. You can find an Organix product that is right for your hair type. They are all sulfate free. This is a great alternative to the pricier Pureology.

-Don't go too long in between trims. If you have split ends and wait, it can travel all the way up your hair shaft. I go about every two months.

-If you are going to use heat on your hair, protect it every time with heat protecting spray.

Not Your Mothers Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Shield Spray

-Invest in a boar bristle brush. Your hair will thank you. They are gentle on your hair.

-Do not try to lighten your hair above two shades. Leave it to the experts. It will cost you more in the long run to fix it.

-Clean your hairbrushes when you clean your makeup brushes. Use shampoo to clean them.

-If you find you are having a period where your hair just wont do anything and lies flat, use a clarifying shampoo. I really like Neutrogena. It is not as drying as some clarifying shampoos can be.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo. Great for removing product build up

-Moisturize every inch of your body every day when you get out of the shower. Your skin will look and feel better. It doesn't take long.

If you ever come across Body Drench products in your travels, get it.  The smell is great and its a great moisturizer.  Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion works great too.

-Never sleep in your make up. I too get lazy at times. I keep a package of those pre-moistened face wash cloths under my couch so that I have no excuse to not wash my face. I do it while I am sitting there watching TV.

Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes

-I started using eye cream in my 20's. We all know there is no way to really get rid of wrinkles. Once they happen, it is too late. You may be able to diminish them but they are still there.

Elizabeth Grady Anti-Age Eye Care. Elizabeth Grady is a salon known for its facials. They are located in Massachusetts but there are a few shops in Connecticut. You can find this product here www.ElizabethGrady.com

-When you moisturize your face, don't forget your neck. You don't want a turkey gizzard when you get older.

Elizabeth Grady Mineral Complex Cream.  For some reason when I use a product with copper in it my skin looks better. This contains copper.  (see the link above to find out more about this product)

-If you wear foundation, blend it. I use a cotton round and go around the perimeter of my face so that there is no line.  I always use a foundation brush. I will give you an analogy, it is like using a brush for painting as opposed to finger painting something. The painting painted with the brush is going to look better.  Use a downward motion when applying your foundation with the brush so that any facial hair (not that you have any) will lie flat..

-I always have nail polish on. If you don't have time, at least keep a clear polish on. It will keep your nails strong. I know I should wear gloves while cleaning but I typically don't.   I only wear them if I am doing heavy duty cleaning or doing yard work.

Nail Tek and Sally Hansen are my favorite strengtheners

-I keep a tube of scrub near my kitchen sink so that my hands get exfoliation too.

OPI Royal Verbena Scrub

-Do not skip your dental appointment. Just get it over with! You will save thousands.

Oral B Whitening Floss is great for the pesky coffee stains in between teeth.

I  love Crest 3D White Whitening Rinse

-Drink as much water as you can tolerate. If you don't like plain water, try one of the flavor packets that you add to your water.

-If the nail salon you are going to looks dirty, it is. Walk out the door.

-If you use one of those bath puffs, put it in the wash at least once a week. Replace it every six weeks.

-Use a facial scrub at least once a week. Your skin will look fresher.

Elizabeth Grady skin smoothing powder. You can mix this with water, your cleanser or some toner. It also brightens and blends your complexion. You can use this every day, it is that gentle.


Elizabeth Grady Pore Refining Exfoliator. I use this scrub a few times a week.

-Do not over pluck or over wax your brows. Over time, that hair wont grow back (except of course in places you don't want it to)

-Move and get your blood flowing every day.

-Before applying self-tanner, exfoliate. I  like to mix self-tanner with moisturizer to get a more gradual, natural look.

Body Drench Daily Replenish moisture lotion with a hint of color. I use this all winter long on my face to give it some color. It gives such a natural color.

-You know when your black clothes get that faded/old look? Get 3 to 4 boxes of black RIT dye and soak your blacks in the hottest water possible overnight.  Use the rinse cycle twice after you do this. Your blacks will look new again.

-Don't be afraid to try new products or a new look that you normally wouldn't. Life is too short. As long as you like it, it will make you feel good. Nail polish and makeup can come off at the end of the day. Have fun with it.

-Clean your jewelry with Mr. Clean. It does not damage or eat away at your jewelry. I let mine soak a bit then scrub it with a toothbrush.

There is only one you!  Take care of yourself.  Your older "you" will thank you.