I know that we’re basically through February and that the new year is in full swing, but I wanted to chat about some of the changes I’ve made since 2017 started that I’m digging a ton right now. The new year always brings lots of plans for change and I’ve been busy making some changes in my life (big and small.) I can’t wait to share more of these with you in the next couple weeks, but I wanted to start today by sharing 3 beauty changes I’ve made since the New Year that I am LOVING!
Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant
At the beginning of the year, I got to collaborate and participate in a photo shoot for a boutique here in Utah. It was such a fun project and it really helped me step outside of my comfort zone and showed me how far I had come in terms of self-confidence. However, the one thing I still struggled with during the shoot? B.O.
I’m always open here (probably too much at times) and I know that we all have those moments where we realize we reek. This was a moment for me. I know I put my deodorant on that morning, but I had gone to work, and then went straight to the shoot afterward. I had changed clothes several times and was feeling a bit warm in a tight space. I was so embarrassed by how much I smelled that I went into the bathroom and doused myself in hairspray just to cover it up. I’d rather smell strongly of hair product than B.O. After that shoot, I decided it was time to upgrade my current deodorant and find a new solution.
Enter the new Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant offers 48 hours of odor and wetness protection plus added skincare benefits of Dove ¼ moisturizers and NutriumMoisture for softer, smoother underarms. So, not only am I reducing the amount I sweat and having longer odor protection, but my underarms are smoother and less irritated altogether. This is a huge relief since my skin has taken a huge hit since moving to dry Utah and was getting really red and tender after shaving.
Gel Manicures
I have had the worst nail-picking/peeling habit since I can remember and it’s something that I’ve always been insecure about, but had a really hard time stopping. Over the last year, I decided I would try to be really good about painting my nails to help prevent me from picking at them. The theory was great, except that it made my habit 10 times worse by giving me an additional layer to pick off.
At the end of last year, I decided I would treat myself to a gel manicure. I had just started my new job at Boost and was tired of looking at my ragged nails while typing and shaking hands with important people. I picked a dark purple polish, enjoyed an hour of being pampered and went about my day. It wasn’t until two weeks later that I looked down and realized that I had not picked my nails since my manicure because Gel/Shellac is cured so strongly that it’s impossible to pull off. Another thing I noticed? My nails were the longest they had been in years because I hadn’t touched them in two weeks. They felt stronger and looked so much healthier!
I haven’t gone without a Gel manicure since. My sister and I go to a little nail salon down the street every three weeks to have the Gel polish properly removed and a new color put on. I was worried that it might be a little pricey to keep getting my nails done, but it comes out to 25 dollars (plus a tip) once a month. If I bring my lunch from home 3 times in one week instead of going out, I’m able to afford my manicure. I know that this may seem a little frivolous/spendy to some, but for someone who has literally NEVER had long or
I know that this may seem a little frivolous/spendy to some, but for someone who has literally NEVER had long or strong nails, this beauty upgrade has been well worth the money. Plus, it’s fun to go “treat yo’self” every few weeks and to spend time with my sister.
Water
A weird thing to call a beauty upgrade, right? But, hear me out. My skin has been in meltdown mode for months. I probably sound like a broken record, but it’s been the worst it’s ever been – lots of painful, cystic acne and discoloration. I’ve been very insecure about it and it’s been driving me crazy.
Pretty much every beauty article about skin care talks about the importance of drinking water, but I always thought “I do drink water!” and left it at that. But, I decided at the beginning of the year to seriously cut back on all other kinds of drinks and have water 95% of the time. I completely cut out soda for the first month and now allow myself 1 or 2 sodas a month (on special occasions/dinner-dates.) But, it goes beyond just soda. I don’t drink any juice, sports drink, or even much milk (just the occasional splash with granola) and try to have 5-6 water bottles of water daily.
My skin has improved DRASTICALLY! It’s still not perfect, but the amount of cystic bumps has reduced significantly and my skin tone has evened out. I don’t even miss soda anymore (and when I get bored of water, I just put in some cucumber and mint leaves to spice it up.)
Seriously, one of the best beauty upgrades out there and it’s free!
I’d love to know what upgrades you’ve made this year (or want to make) in the comments below!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
