Tag Archives: Shea Moisture

What’s New in My Shower

In-My-Shower

Remember when I said this week was wiping me out? Oh, did it ever. It totally owned me. I somehow made it through only to fall asleep at 8pm on Friday during a DVR’d episode of Love it or List It—my new HGTV obsession. I know next week will only be busier, so I’m cherishing every moment of the weekend. I’m secretly loving the eerily cool temps (in the 50s last night!) that have finally allowed me to open up the windows. Fresh air helps recharge the battery. So do long steamy showers – another perk of “cold” summer weather. What better time to talk about the new products in my shower that I am lov-ing?

I’ve been hearing raves about the Konjac sponge so when Victoria of La Bella Figura gifted me with a Dew Puff sponge, I was excited to finally try. Just add water and massage into your skin. With cleanser or not—it breaks down dirt and makeup while giving your skin a really gentle massage. The sponge phenom is another Asian skin care secret – the konjac plant is native to the region and known for its health benefits. I’m definitely hooked.

I first tried the Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo & Conditioner while showering at my parents’ house — my mom always discovers the best hair products. I must have raved to her because she gave me my own set for my birthday! The smell is beyond fresh, the ingredients all natural and it gives me second day hair. You know, not so clean it can’t pick up a curl? It is insanely moisturizing, so those with dry hair would go nuts for this. I try to only use it once or twice a week so I don’t weigh my hair down.

When I visited with Sarah Tay of TAY Skincare, she gifted me with one of her beautiful essential oils bar soap in almond silk. It actually took me weeks to use it because the packaging was so pretty I couldn’t bear to open it! Now that I have, I’m addicted to the clean smell (a mix of almond oils, peach and cotton flower).

I need a little boost of energy in the morning and the citrusy Yes to Grapefruits Body Wash helps alert my senses. I am a grapefruit body wash connoisseur and this one might be the best I’ve tried yet. There’s nothing syrupy or sweet about it, rather it smells like freshly squeezed grapefruit. Plus, it’s under $10.

Any new shower additions you want to rave about?

Hope everyone has a relaxing rest of the weekend! I have just a few chapters left in this book by Chevy Stevens that I plan to finish today. I discovered her previous two books this spring and while they are slightly disturbing, I can’t get enough of her writing!

The Balm Files

Skin-Balm

I have an affinity towards balms, for cleansing, calming and moisturizing just about everywhere — body, face, hands, feet, lips, etc. The ritual of balm-ing (you can make anything a verb) is a natural relaxer. Especially when you’re breathing in essential oils and massaging healing nutrients into skin. It’s the skin care equiv of a Xanax. There’s this whole world of underground balms – ones you’ve never heard of with a powerful list of ingredients that will have you doubting that jar of Vaseline.  As I explore new balmy territory, I’m going to share it with you. Here’s what I’m excited about at the moment.

Like so many balms or ointments, REN Mayday Mayday Rescue Balm is a multi-tasker that can be used anywhere you have dry or irritated skin. What sets it apart is the absence of petrochemicals, like mineral oil and petrolatum (the two main ingredients in Aquaphor) which act as a barrier on skin, making it impossible for oxygen to get in.

EOS Smooth Lip Sphere’s are the cutest little lip balms there ever were. I use these constantly during the day for a refresh or under lipstick. You can find them at almost every drugstore for about $3.

Ever since I read Beauty Huile’s thoughts on Shea Moisture’s 100% Organic Shea Butter with Hibiscus and Coconut, I’ve been meaning to seek it out on my next trip to Target. Think it’s on the official weekend itinerary! And because I can’t manage to stay focused at the Tar-jay, I’ve added it to my physical handwritten list. I’m old school on grocery runs.

I discovered African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Body Balm a few weeks ago. This brand is super luxe (you can find it at Space NK) and incorporates the antioxidant-rich Marula, indigenous to South Africa, into all products. I massage this into my neck and chest – basically the areas of skin exposed to sun and visible with clothes. I massage it on at night after a steamy bath and wake up with incredibly soft skin. This would be the perfect treatment to use for stretchmarks, scars or directly on sun-damaged areas. The ingredient list is insane — aloe, shea, calendula, honey and other strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Omorovicza is a Hungarian brand that just popped on my radar and the Thermal Cleansing Balm is at the top of my wish list. I perked when I read that it smells of orange blossom and love the idea of slathering Hungarian mud on to wash my face. It’s would be a major splurge, and what I don’t know yet is if it’s splure-worthy.

For more adventures in balming, follow my daBalm.com board on Pinterest and let me know if you have any balm suggestions!

*note: I received a sample of the African Botanics Marula Balm for editorial consideration.