Coming Out Of Hibernation…Bathing Suit Season Is In Sight!
Molly Mesnick | Feb 16, 2011 | Comments 10
Throughout winter, I always feel myself getting lazier and lazier. I am constantly tired, and it doesn’t help that it’s pitch black when I walk in to work and when I walk out of work! On those cold dark nights, all I want to do is curl up in my sweats and a blanket, watch Real Housewives, and eat pizza and Doritos.
I will admit that I definitely “let myself go” a little bit during the winter hibernation stage. My skin falls pale, my tummy gets soft, and my hair becomes dry. (boy…I feel like I shouldn’t go out in public after writing all of that out! Haha)
Now, as the days are starting to get longer, spring is in sight…and it’s time to put myself back together!
Here are a few spring “cleaning” steps I’m taking as we drift into bathing suit and tank top season!
Self Tan
When I was brushing my teeth last night, I looked in the mirror and thought I saw a ghost…but really it was just me…with extremely pale skin! I knew I had to act fast, and nothing makes me feel better than a golden glow…but by doing it the safe way! I have physically seen the damage the sun has done to my face, and it has taken a lot of lasers to fix it. Now, I only use self tanning products to give my skin that perfect shade. When I need a tan in a hurry, I’ll use the instant spray on tanners, but right now, I’m just getting my body prepped for summer, so I use L’oreal Sublime Bronze tanning lotion. This is a gradual tanner that I use every night, until I’ve got the perfect shade. Then I’ll use it 1-2 times per week to maintain that color.
Teeth Whitening
It is no secret that I love my Starbucks, but that love intensifies when the temperature drops below freezing! Drinking so much coffee probably doesn’t help my heart rate…but we also know it can cause your teeth to stain. With that, I like to spruce up my grill twice a year to keep it shiny and white! I have found that your drugstore Crest White Strips work just as well as those expensive dentist trays…and they cost a fraction of the price!
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Deep Conditioning
One of my biggest pet peeves about the winter months is that my hair is full of static and dry! I should probably deep condition my hair more than I do, but this is definitely a step I like to take as I update my look for spring. I don’t have a specific product to recommend here. I usually use whatever my hair stylist suggests, but if you guys have any deep conditioners you swear by, please let us know!
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Body Scrub
Not only does my hair get dry during the winter…but my skin does too! I feel like I have to apply lotion to my legs 20 times a day just to keep them soft and smooth! Since our long pants will soon turn into skirts and shorts, it is definitely necessary to scrub off all of that dry skin and get those smooth stems in tip top condition! You can get a body scrub just about anywhere (drugstore, sephora, etc.), but I love the smell of Kai…so I use their body scrub and follow up with some kai body lotion!
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Cleanse
Finally, after months of cookies, chips, pasta and more comfort food…my body feels gross! I don’t workout as regularly during the winter because it’s cold and dark 24/7…so I’m just not motivated. Now that it’s becoming lighter outside, it’s easier for me to get out, but I also want to rid my body of all of the junk I have been eating for the past 3 months! I swear by the Isagenix 9 day cleanse to kick start healthy living for myself. Though it is a somewhat difficult 9 days…I feel SO good afterwards and I have a lot more energy.
This may seem like a lot of maintenance just for a change in season, but after all of it…I feel like a million bucks and can’t wait to shed those sweaters for some shoulder bearing tops!
You can probably save some money by using Target promos or coupons for all bathing-suit-ready beauty products!
Filed Under: Beauty
Molly!! I totally agree with you. I would just add one thing…pedis. My feet have been hidden all winter and are dying to come out. It’s been in the upper 60s-lower 70s here and I am already seeing the sandals come out. I need to get myself together. I am feeling kind of “fluffy” in my weight too! Time for change.
Thanks for sharing those products.
I use the Loreal self tan spray. Do you have any advise for applying the lotion?
Oh and I MUST try the Kai products!! I found them online and the description sounds awesome.
Molly,
The MOROCCANOIL Intense Hydrating Mask is great. I use it all the time as my hair gets super dry from styling and in the summer from the pool.
HI molly.
i love your blog as always.
THANK YOU.
You are such a inspiration for all women. I love you for giving us your tips and you let us follow you and J.
And you dont have to think about your body and beauty.
You are beautiful ALL THE TIME.
Say Hi to J and T from Me.
Xoxo From a BIG fan from Denmark.
Love this blog! And I’m going to definitely try the Loreal tan- thanks for the suggestion.
I can recommend the Fekkai Anti-breakage/Protein mask, on sale at Bath and Body Works for $29. It has been a godsend to me in repairing my hair and preventing future breakage. I can always tell when I go a few days without using it. I just keep it on for ten minutes with a towel my head to infuse it. Even though the jar looks small, it really goes a long way.
Molly-
I went and got the Loreal sublime tanner, I have used it twice so far and it works great!! Its so nice to have someone recommend something like that-I was always fearful to try self tanner because I was afraid of looking orange or streaky. Love this stuff!
Keep writing
Sara
Hi Molly! I also purchased the Loreal self tanner and so far so good….but I have a question…I’ve been using it on my face and neck putting it on in the evening after I wash my face. However, I also like using a moisturizer on my face and I’m not sure if I should put it on before or after the self tanner. Any suggestions on how you use it on your face? Thanks!!
Great Tips I live in Kirkland too and the darkness is getting to me. I need some sun. Who do you get your Isagenix from? I’m just curious. I know a few people who have done it but good to know your opinion. I’m thinking about it.
Hi Molly, I must say that I am with Brittany. I have been using the Moroccanoil Hydrating Mask and I love it. My hair was very dry and brittle and I have tried numerous products and nothing worked all that well. I highly recommend this product. The directions read leave in 5 to 10 mins. and rinse, but my hairdresser told me to leave it in and style as usual, b/c my hair was so damaged, now I have healthy, shiny hair . I hope you will find this helpful.
Hi Molly, You wrote about Isagenix a year ago in your blog. Do you still swear by it or is there another one that you are using now. I want to do one and was going to get this one but wanted to make sure this is still the best one out. Any tips on which flavor is best? Liquid or powder? My second question is about the self tanner, do you put it on your face as well?
Do you have a favorite black eye liner? Thanks! Love your new site!