I start my morning with this African Black Soap Body Wash. African Black Soap is traditionally made from natural ingredients like palm ash, tamarind extract, tar, and plantain peel and is used to treat skin conditions. My skin is prone to being dry, red, and irritated, and somehow this seems to help. I also love that it’s free of nasty things like parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil, and it’s organic, fair trade, and cruelty-free. Plus, it has a fresh, non-cloying scent. It’s really kind of perfect.
→ Buy the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Body Wash, $8.99, at target.com.
I have to admit, my body moisturizing routine is borderline excessive. But, I really love the results. Step one is Nivea Skin Firming Body Lotion from toe to waist. I’ve been using it for so long I can’t really comment on how long it takes to see skin firming results, but I am a believer. My skin looks great, and the lightweight formula sinks in quickly.
→ Buy the Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion, $5.99, at amazon.com.
Step two is Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion SPF 15 from waist to chin. We all know we’re supposed to be wearing sunscreen daily, right? But full body sunscreen is generally either thick and sticky (physical block), or expensive (chemical block). This is neither. It’s a lightweight, quick-absorbing, and clean-smelling, and actually feels like a moisturizer. It's not for days you are going to have prolonged sun exposure -- I rely on Anthelios 60 for those days. But, I've found it's just enough protection for incidental exposure, like the sun I get during my drive to work. It’s one of my all-time holy grail beauty products.
→ Buy the Eucerin Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $9.99, at target.com.
I’ve been struggling with hardcore, medically-related dry mouth and chapped lips for several years. As you can imagine, I’ve tried every fancy balm and salve that Sephora/ SpaceNK/ Barney’s has on the shelf. Aquaphor is the only thing that works for me. I slather it on throughout the day, and in an extra thick layer at night. It keeps the corners of my mouth from cracking and bleeding, which is a miracle.
→ Buy the Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $9.96, at amazon.com.
Finally, one non-moisturizing-related favorite. Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes. I’m big on double-cleansing. And I figure if I’m going to be following up with a higher-end cleanser, there’s zero need to splurge on pricey makeup removing wipes. These Neutrogena wipes make quick work of my practically budge-proof CC cream and cost pennies per wipe. I follow them up with the more indulgent Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.
→ Buy the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $6.99, at walgreens.com.
What do you think are the best drugstore beauty products? Let me know in the comments!
