Have You Tried Eggwhite Soap?

Last week’s travels brought not just a visit to High Point Market but also a stop in Asheville. While there, I stepped in to a beautiful shop filled with kantha-stitched quilts, linens, and this soap. I mean seriously, you wouldn’t expect me to pass up that packaging would you? I mean I’ve never tried eggwhite soap but between the typography, the little girls, and the price tag of $5, I could only assume it would change my skincare routine forever.

So I brought the lovely package home, instagrammed it (obviously), and then proceeded to actually open the box. As I said in my instagram, it smells like raindrops on roses and Julie Andrews running through the Alps (in the nun habit, not for her life).

So here’s the deal: You lather up this little bar and put the lathered soap on your face as a mask. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, rinse it off. I’ve used it a couple times now and have really enjoyed it. It felt like it really cleaned my pores, but it doesn’t feel goopy or contain elements that I can’t pronounce (my latest beef with the entire skin care industry). I also love the smell of chamomile, which is an herb that’s known as an anti-inflammatory when used on skin.

So I started doing a little research and apparently this little magic bar came over from Sweden. It’s meant to mimic the benefits of an actual mask made of egg whites that has been used for years all over the world. Bonus: it’s said to be a favorite of the Queen of Sweden. (OMG you guys, she’s JUST LIKE US.)

Read a little more about this thing I didn’t know was a fad here and here. You can also order some for yourself by clicking here.

So am I just totally late to the party on this one? Have you tried Eggwhite Soap or an eggwhite mask? What did you think?

3 Beauty Products to Try Now

When I find fab beauty products, I can never resist telling all my friends. Likewise, when I hear about new products, I have to try them for myself. (Remember this winter skin care post from January?) So today, I’m sharing three of my favorite beauty product finds of late.

L’Oreal EverCrème Nourishing Leave-In Spray

Since my locks went blonde, I’ve been searching for the perfect way to condition. Conditioning in the shower wasn’t enough. Oils tend to leave my locks a bit flat (and my head a bit itchy) and other leave-in creams have just seemed to gunk things up. This “nourishing leave-in spray” from L’Oreal is amazing! It’s sulfate-free so it’s not as harsh on my already-treated hair, and it detangles like nothing else I’ve tried. Bonus: it’s less than $10, and I can buy it at Target!

Essie Quick-E Drying Drops

Manicures are my idea of the perfect weeknight me-time. I blame the “nights of beauty” my mom and I used to have when I was little. But I am always going to bed too quickly and waking up with ruined polish. These quick-e drying drops from Essie have totally changed that. I still recommend waiting about 15 minutes to change the sheets or cook, but that’s better than the hour or two it used to take. Bonus: they leave my nails with extra shine. My only tip is don’t overdo it. If you use more than a couple drops per nail, they can darken your favorite red just a bit.

They’re Real! Mascara

I use eye drops like they’re going out of style so when it comes to mascara, I’ve had a hard time finding anything that will stay put. They’re Real! Mascara from Benefit has changed all that. Not only is the waterproof actually waterproof, they make your lashes look swoon-worthy!

So what are your favorites right now?
Anything I must try?

Winter Skin Care

A couple of weeks ago, I asked the people of Social Media Land what skin care they loved for those cold winter months. Between the cool temps and dry weather, my skin was going a little crazy, so I wanted to try switching things up. Instead, I discovered that there are a few parts of my routine that are perfect just the way they are. But I also found a few products that are fabulous and cost-effective. So here goes…

For several years now, my go-to routine has been Clinique’s 3-step process. I try other things, but always end up going back. I used Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap for a while, but this time of year, it just leaves my skin feeling dried out. I’m also a fan of Aveeno products, especially their Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes.

My newest favorite product? The Laura Mercier Face Polish a good friend introduced me to in December. I use it a couple days a week, and it is the best scrub I’ve ever found!

Fall through winter my skin really dries up, and my hands crack. It’s been a problem since I was really young, so I’ve always carried a little bottle of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with me. My dad got me hooked when I was in elementary school, and it’s the only thing I’ve found that does the job.

Now to my little survey. I’ve tried a few things off the list so far. My two favorites: virgin, unrefined coconut oil and baby oil gel with shea & cocoa butter. I didn’t like using the coconut oil on my entire body because everything smelled like coconuts. But I have adored it on my face! A little dab’ll do ya. It looks greasy going on but absorbs perfectly just a minute later. I’ve replaced body lotion with the baby oil gel, and it’s amazing how much longer it seems to seal in the moisture.