Let's Talk Lotion

Summer is here and with the warmer weather, many of us are probably finding ourselves in shorts, skirts, and sun dresses that show a little more skin than our typical winter wardrobe. Naturally, we want that skin to be soft, smooth, and even-toned when we present it to the world. Below are a few fabulous finds to help with this goal.


Cooling Effect

You know the feeling. It's so hot outside, and all you want to do is take a cold shower. How many times, though, have you taken that cold shower only to get out, dry off, blow dry your hair...and feel hot all over again (especially if you worked out prior to your shower)?

Mary Kay Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion for Legs and Feet is so helpful in this circumstance! I love this lotion. It has a light, minty scent and leaves my legs and feet feeling soft and smooth, without a greasy or oily feeling.

But the most amazing thing about this lotion is how my skin absolutely tingles after I apply it. Sometimes, I literally get goosebumps, the lotion cools my skin so thoroughly. In fact, I never apply this lotion of I'm cold, because I know I will only feel chillier.

Mary Kay Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion for Legs and Feet is a great way not only to moisturize, but also to cool off on hot summer days.

Self Tanner

It's been about two years since I used a self-tanner lotion, but when I did, I usually preferred Jergens. I found that when I used this self-tanner, I got lots of compliments about my tan. It looked natural and even.

I should warn you, though, that this self-tanning lotion will come off on your clothes and towels, so be careful. Don't dry off with white or light colored towels...unless you want to give them a tan, too.


Intense Moisture

If you have extremely dry skin, you can use plain old olive oil in place of lotion. Simply rub the olive oil into the dry skin. Of course, your skin will feel oily and slippery for a bit afterward, but it will also have benefited from some pretty concentrated moisture.

Another trick you can try--and I have not yet experimented with this--is an olive oil/salt exfoliant. You can make this at home by simply mixing olive oil with salt. The idea is that the salt will exfoliate your skin while the olive oil helps to restore moisture to your skin and helps your skin retain that moisture. I would imagine this could be a good method for dry, cracked elbows; ashy knees; and dry, cracked hands. I have even read on some sites that you can use an olive oil/salt exfoliant on your face


Tips:
1. Don't Rush. Instead of quickly swiping lotion across your skin, take a minute or two to rub it into your legs, especially into muscular areas like the inner thighs and calves. Doing so can help stimulate blood flow, improving your circulation.
2. It's All in the Timing. The two best times to apply lotion are before bed and/or after you shower. I don't know the science behind it, but your skin's ability to retain the moisture provided by the lotion is at its highest during these two times. Part of it is likely due to the fact that after a warm or hot shower, your pores are opened up.