My To Go Make Up

Now that I'm a senior, I'd rather sleep in than get up early and actually try hard with my make up. Thats why I now I have a to go make up look for the days when I have 5 minutes to get out the door (which is most days). I think most everyone does, and here is mine: cargo bronzer, MAC skinfinish natural, one coat of rimmel sexy curves mascara, one coat of bad gal lash mascara, Revlon colorstay eyeliner in black used right up against the lashline, MAc fx+ spray, and korres lip balm in pomegranate. The effect isn't perfect but it's quick and natural. Glowing fresh skin, definition in the eyes, and a soft pink lip. It's perfect for my sleeping in days and days that I just don't care but I want to look like I do.

Hydrated skin

Hydrated skin is SUCH a challenge for me. I swim 5 days a week and that leaves my skin looking like a frosted mini wheat. I hate putting lotion on after the shower because I'm usually in a hurry and don't have enough time, but if you do, then you should definitly slather on the lotion when your skin is damp. To keep my face and body from looking like I might have had an accident with a cheese grater, I use the following products:
Face- Cetaphil gentle moisturizer with spf 15. I use aquaphor on especially dry spots like the bridge of my nose.
Eyes- It may sound gross but I use A+D on my eyeslids. It's safe and really thick so I retain a lot of moisture (I only use this at night.) Another favorite is Keihls creamy eye cream with avacado. I only use it under my eyes and it feels perfect on my dry skin. I see results almost immediatly.
body- My favorite lotions are Victoria's Secret lotions. They smell amazing! When I want really deep moisture, though, I use olay Quench body lotion. It's not greasy and it's really hydrating.
Feet- I love Burts Bees coconut foot lotion! I love anything coconut and this smells delish. I put this on my feet and then slip on furry socks. For REALLY rough heals, put some vaseline on it and then fuzzy socks. They will definitly be smooth the next day.
Lips: AQUAPHOR! My holy grail for lips! I'll put aquaphor on my lips at night and wake up with perfectly smooth lips. Its the only thing that gaurentees that I can wear lipstick the next day. Another thing that I find wards of chapped lips is a combo of a waxy, chalky lip blam like carmex and top it will a really creamy and slick balm like nivea lip balm.
Hands- Neutrogena hand cream is amazing. I've blogged about it before. It has won Allure's best handcream, too. It's non-greasy, has no smell, and works instantly. I wouldn't go anywhere cold without this.

Run to your nearest Victoria's Secret!

Yesterday, I took a little trip to my Victoria's Secret to try to get a job. They were going to let me work in the beauty section and everything but when they found out that I couldn't work Thanksgiving weekend they told me goodbye. I was really really bummed. Why, you may ask? You might think, "Whats so great about Victoria's Secret? There are other jobs out there." Or some of you may totally understand my pain. Anyways, I was bummed because Victoria's Secret has a GREAT beauty department! Seriously. I have more than my fair share of their eyeshadows and lip glosses. They are such a deal! All their make up is drugstore prices but better quality. (The new Heidi Klum collection is the exception. It's more expensive.) They have great pigmentation. So, after looking at all the items they have out for gifts and such, I had all of my friends and girl cousins covered! There is everything girly girls love for under 20 bucks. Bath sets, shimmery lotion, regular lotion, eyeshadow sets (I want one!), lip gloss sets, lipstick, shimmery liner, professional liner, I could go on forever. I want every single thing in their beauty department and I probably could of got it all for discounted prices if I had gotten that job. Maybe, I'll go back and say I can work Thanksgiving weekend? Haha. I'm smitten. I can't wait to go to VS and buy cute things for all my girls and still have money in my pocket so I can spoil myself with eyeshadows galore and shimmery lotion. Go check out everything at http://www.victoriassecret.com.

Glitz and glam

Recently I went to Sephora and spent way too much money on some appealing products. I got myself 2 eyeshadow brushes, Diorshow Mascara in plum (10$!!!), the Josie Moran argon oil stick, and gold sparkly nail polish! The nail polish is so festive and it reminds me that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! I'm thinking that when it gets closer to Christmas I'll coat the gold polish over some red polish and have instantly festive nails. haha. Cheesy, maybe, but fun. The Sephora by O.P.I nailpolishes are great! I have three and I love them all. The new glitter collection comes in silver glitter, green glitter, and gold glitter. I definitly recommend the collection! I'm sure that someone you know (maybe even yourself) would adore it as a gift. I know it might sound crazy but I've already started my gift shopping. I'm trying to be ahead of the game this year. Go me!

THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE MAC LIQUIDLAST OR STUBBORN EYELINER

Today I tried on my sister's liquidlast eyeliner from MAC. As you may know, I adore liquid liners because they stay put and this one definitly stays put. It's perfect for summer because it stays and stays and stays. You can swim, workout, be sweating in the himidity and it won't move. Thats great, but how do you get that sucker off when it's time for bed? Well, I have a great trick. Smear A+D or Vaseline on your eyelid, rub it in, wait a few seconds, and then wipe off the liner. It might take 2 times, but your liner will be off without using an oil based make up remover. (I don't own any so this trick was a lifesaver because I really didn't want to run to the store to get some or wear bright teal liner to school tomorrow.) Vaseline and A+D can also be used for other beauty emergencies. I know it says on the bottle that its for diaper rash or cuts but it is perfect for moisturizing lips, hands, or anything you need it to. It doesn't taste good, but if you use it overnight you will wake up with smooth and soft lips. It's cheap,too! Mental reminder to take some with me to college when I go...

Well, ain't this cute? and convenient!

Today, I was looking at the Hallmark store closest to me and I found the most adorable thing. It's a chapstick in a ball shape. It's so cute and easy to tote around. I put it in my backpack and one in my car.

My Beauty Wishlist

We all have our wishlists. This is mine as of now:
-Stila smudge pot in Grey $18
-New Make Up Art Collection from MAC pigment in Push the Edge $20
-The dark lipgloss from Make Up Art collection $14.50
-False Eyelashes $6.70
-Laugh with me Lee Lee perfume by Benefit $38
-Navy matte nail polish $9
-Bare Escentuals foundation $25
-MAC finishing powder $20
- Korres lip balm $9

The new MAC collection looks amazing! It comes out tomorrow.

Revlon colorstay liquid lipstick!

I have a new found love for the whole Revlon colorstay collection! As you may know, their colorstay eyeliner is my fav ever, and now I am obsessed with their new liquid lipstick. Holla! This baby stays put. I've worn it through eating, drinking, etc and it is still on, looking fab. It will be my go to color for my girls night out next wednesday! I have a red color and a pink color. I wanted them to look like the Stila Cherry Crush lipstain and the Posie Pink lipstain by Benefit. The revlon colorstay liquid lipsticks are a bit heavier and darker but I am ok with it. The one catch with this stuff is it is drying, so slap on some creamy lip balm and you will be a-okay.

Make up Expiriments

I was not born into a family of beauty addicts. My mom was a body builder and the only thing she has ever worn is black eyeliner. My granparents, aunts, cousins, etc could care less about the new chanel collection coming out or what eyeshadow color themselves or others are wearing. I, on the other hand, am all over the trends and I'm always trying new things. Recently, I decided red lips were my thing to try. I have strawberry blonde hair but I was determined to find a good color. I went to CVS (why spend a lot of money when I'm just testing?) and bought Revlon's cherry in the snow. I LOVE IT! My family, they aren't too thrilled. It's too red according to them. They don't like the red trend at all, especially on me. I like it though. The only thing is the lip stick comes off on everything. I know the rule of applying lipstick and then blotting and reapplying but I'm thinking that I'm going to try that liquid lipstick stuff from revlon, covergirl, or l'oreal. I'll see how it goes and report it back!

Braces Drama

My braces are driving me up a wall. I had 5 years of braces before I decided to get braces again in December of 2008. I want perfect teeth and my teeth had some flaws I was desperate to get rid of. I am so grateful for braces but I recently got rubber bands and they are fuh-reaking annoying. I only need them for 6 weeks though. yay! This will all be worth it when I get my braces off in May! Just in time for college. whoo! In the mean time, my days have been super busy. I'm juggling working, swimteam, and taking on a second job. Today I went to swimteam from 7-9 and then did bootcamp 9-10, I worked 10-3, babysat from 3:15-5:30, dog sat from 3:15-7:30, and I was going to go to divisional relays but I didn't have time. Swimteam is everyday for me. Its such good excersise though. I only hate getting up early. blech. But hot guys in speedos make it worth it. MAC's coulour craft collection looks stunning and I can't wait to get my hands on those eyeshadows! I spent my last pay check in one day so I have to budget this time.

Intervention...really?

So my friends and my sister decided that I buy too much make up and that everytime I buy new make up they will take make up from me. Whaaaaaaat? I have emotional attatchment to my make up! No one should touch it OR even think of taking it from me. Has anything like this ever happened to you?

Hey Guys! It has been so long! dang. So the reason I have been long gone (not that anyone reads my blog) is because I got a job and school is ending so I've been doing work and finals. Tomorrow is my last day thank the LORD. I'm so done! Senior year, here I come! anyways, MAC is having a 25% off sale on everything until the 18th. Of course I bought stuff. Did you even have to ask? I'm beginning to feel content with my make up stash but there are a still a few things I want. I have to focus on clothes though. I thought I would post a pic of how my hair looks now. Its grown out a bit and I think it looks a lot better!

Back to work now!

I'm loving....

Bobbi Brown's eyeshadow in forest! I picked it up over the weekend and I adore it. It looks like a dark (forest) green, but when you try it, it's more complex. On me it shows up like a smokey blackish grey but it's not overpowering. You can tap off your brush before you put on the eyeshadow and you will get more of the greenish color but it works perfect for a smoky eye! Thats why I love it. The smoky eye is my new obsession.

The make up binge is over!

It is true, folks. I have stopped my splurging ways. For now, anyways. I wrote a post of everything I bought while in my cosmetic rut and what I thought about them but for some reason it didn't post and it probably took me an hour to write. Bummer. Oh well! So now I have a list of the things I'm going to save up for! (none of which include make up! I'm all make up-ed out.)

1. Seven for all mankind jeans

2. Sandals from JCREW

3. longchamp beach tote

4. shorts and tanks for summer

5. new room stuff

I've been really into plans for redecorating my room so I'm looking all over the internet to find good deals on furniture and stuff. I love reading decoration blogs but I get so frustrated because I can't make my rooms as beautiful as theirs. Craigslist is fun to look through and so is Etsy.com. Also, I GOT MY HAIR CUT! its very different but I like it nonetheless. It's kind of in a bob but it gets shorter in the back and longer in the front. When is summer coming?!

WHY OH WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF?!

Today, I went to the mall. I dropped 70 dollars on make up. On saturday I dropped 30. Last Monday I dropped 46. What the hell?! I told you all that I am a make up fanatic and that there are so many gorg collections on the market right now, correct? Well, the problem is, I STILL WANT MOOOOORE! This is getting a little rediculous here, folks. The good news is, I have lots of new make up to rate and new make up looks to try and illistrate for you all. Thats the only good news though. I spent every penny I made on make up this week. I need to break this habit and start buying some clothes! Make up is just so appealing. I'm already making a list of the new cosmetic things I want. Oh, when I was at the mall I went into Victoria's Secret and they have a new perfume out called Very Sexy Now that is to die for! It's from their new brazilian line. It's like bottling a paradise beach. It smells all coconut-y and delish. It's a limited perfume and it's on sale right now for 35$! If I hadn't spent all my money on cosmetics today, I would have totally bought a big bottle right then and there. It's not strong but it's noticable and it is a perfect scent for both spring and summer. Bring out the sundresses and sandals, chicas! Needless to say, as soon as 30 dollars is in my hands I'm running to the nearest VS I can find. Maybe I'll grab some leather sandals while I'm at it.

Girls, I am totally dying in the make up department! So many gorgeous collections and colors are coming out and I want them ALL, but unforch my wallet isn't on the same page as me. One thing I can afford and I am planning to buy this weekend are 2 Urban Decay 24-7 eyeliners. This stuff is genious. It stays put through everything. Water, the heat, etc. I can wear it all day and look the same as when I woke up and put my make up on originally. I'm eyeing a bright purple called ransom and a glittery taupe color called underground. I'm usually all about the eyeshadow and I'll probably pick up a color or two of that but I NEED these eyeliners. They are 16$ but they are well worth it. It's always a challenge to get my make up to stay so if there is a product that helps me with that goal, I'll buy! Oh and ***SPOILER ALERT*** when I went to Sephora yesterday, I checked out the new No Frizz collection that was created by MIT scientists. I've only heard good things about it so when I went to find the collection I was shocked at how small the bottles were! They are tiiiiiiinnnnnyyyy! I'm talking mini. I decided that I wasn't going to pay 24$ for a bottle that I would use up in one week. Hopefully they will make the bottles bigger in the next two years. Until then, I'll just stick with my hair serum and anti-frizz hairspray, thank you very much.

Micabella Mineral Eyeshadows!

Today, I went to the mall for the first time in months so I could look at some new make up booty that I'm dying to try. After going to Sephora and getting some hair products (I know, it's not make up but it's high on my list), I left with 11 dollars left in my pocket. While I was walking all the way across the mall so I could get to my car, I was intercepted by one of those sale people that have little carts in the middle of the mall floor. She happened to be selling mineral eyeshadow. How I could I not look at it? The brand is Mica bella. You haven't heard of it? Yeah, I had never heard of it either. They had so many colors, not one ugly color in the bunch! There were browns galore and I love me some brown eyeshadow! I was instantly in love. The catch-they are 15$ and I only had 11. I told the sales girl and she said, "I'll sell you one for that but it's a secret." Of course I accepted! It turned out to be $10.50! I got a $4.50 discount and I picked out a gorgeous brownish gold with some subtle purple glitter. The minerals can be worn as eyeshadow, eyeliner, or lip gloss. You just wet a brush to make eyeliner and you dip a Q-tip in vaseline to make a lipgloss. Is that not recessionista status? A mineral that can be used 3 ways? Still not sold on it? If you buy 4 eyeshadows you get 4 free! If you buy 3 you get 1 free. I don't know if this offer is available online but it is in their cart-y things. If you have a micabella near you, check it out! If not, you can always look at the website http://www.micabella.com/ . I can't wait to buy the dark brown eyeshadow they have. A word of warning, though, these eyeshadows are packed with fine glitter! It's not in a tacky 80's way, it is subtle when you put it on but it should probably be used on women 30 and below.

Easy, Pretty Hairstyle in less than 10

Alright Ladies, today is the dreaded Monday. The day that most people just want to kick their alarm and do what they want. I am one who will splurge on sleep and then have to get ready in a hurry. So of course I woke up late and had 20 minutes to get ready. I jumped in the shower, put some anti-frizz serum and mousse in my hair then pulled this quick trick. I pulled all of my hair to one side and put two bobby pins in an X shape at the nape of my neck. What did I get? A pretty side swept ponytail type thing, will no elastic involved! It was so easy and pretty! I twirled my bangs and pulled them back so it looked like a twist turned into a side pony. Just make sure to place the two bobby pins so you get all the hair to stay to one side. The look will be ruined if some of the hair slips. Afterwords, I sprayed it with hairspray. If you don't have curly/wavy hair, make some quick curls or waves with a curling iron because this style looks best with some texture. If you just hopped from the shower like I did you can blow dry hair with a diffuser or just airdry. Try it one day when you don't have a lot of time.

Prestige Liquid Eyeliner

Speaking on the subject of liquid eyeliner, I found an amazing liquid eyeliner at the drugstore yesterday! It's called Prestige liquid eyeliner. The colors are gorgeous and the tip of the wand is stiff so its easy for beginners to draw a line. I've been looking for a pretty purple liquid eyeliner and finally found it! All the colors have subtle sparkle that looks amazing on the eyes. Plus it's only 5 dollars. It stayed on my hand for a long time when I tested it, but came off easily with water. I wonder how long it will stay on my eyes. I'll have to try it.

Liquid Eyeliner Feine

I LOVE liquid eyeliner! The biggest reason I love it is because it stays put on my oily eyelids. My pencil eyeliners just settle into my crease unless I'm wearing Urban Decay's Primer Potion. (I try to save that for special occasions like job interviews and dates, when I really need my eyeliner and eyeshadow to stay put.) Liquid eyeliner also adds a little drama to everyone. It is so flattering no matter how you wear it, thick or thin. Some people go a little overboard but since I have small eyes I stick to a thin cat eye line. For those of you struggling with your cat eye, I am here to help! Like most people it took me a long time to master the liquid eyeliner. For people just starting with the liquid I would suggest making a line on your upper lashline with a pencil liner. Now starting from the middle of your eye, trace that line with the brush. Then go an do the inner part. Always make the inner part near your tear duct a thin line and make the liner thicker as you go out. Mess up? Don't worry! Take some Q-tips and dip one side in water. Rub that over your little mess up and use the dry side to dry the skin so the rest of your line doesn't smudge. With practice, you'll get it! My favorite liquid eyeliners are Urban Decay (18$), Boujoris Clubbing Liquid Eyeliner (14$), and Victoria's Secret Eyeliner Pen (12$). The last one is great for beginners.

For Flawless Straight Hair...

Girls, I have had my fair share of hair straighteners (SUCH and understatement). In the past four years I have burned my way through 6 hair straighteners! I started out with the cheapo ones from Conair that just made my hair frizzy and moved up from there. I have always been on the lookout for a hair straightener that makes my hair godess-like. When I straightened my hair everyday, I could never find a hair straightener that could keep up and not break my bank! Now, I have moved on to embracing my natural curls, but I wanted to give straight hair a whirl again. My sister got a GHD hair straighener for Christmas. It makes curls, kinks, and it straightens while leaving her hair shiny, smooth, and oh so soft. I decided I needed one of my own and bought a cute pink one on ebay for 80$. It's perfect! Its thin but will still work on all you chicas with thick hair, it heats up in 30 seconds or less, you can do a lot of gorgeous looks with it, and it leaves hair feeling like silk and not looking scraggly or hay-like. I am obsessed! 80 dollars isn't too bad but it is on the higher end. If you don't buy the GHD hair straightener on ebay its a whopping 300 dollars which does leave a big dent in your pocket in these recession days. There is an added bonus to these hair straighteners, though. If you travel the world, you can plug these into an outlet without an adapter, even if you're going to Japan, France, Australia, whatever! They also last forever. Next on my list, a good blowdryer. Any suggestions? Any suggestions for slightly cheaper hair straighteners that work miracles?

Move to nude and ditch the white

Maybe you've heard of the tip that you should draw white eyeliner onto your waterline otherwise known as your lower lash line. Well, that tip makes my eyes look chalky and not even remotely more awake. I think it makes me look worse. It also looks super tacky on me. I have small eyes and I want to open them up. I recently heard that make up artists have started to replace white eye pencil with a nude colored eye pencil. It blends in with your skin so your eyes really do look bigger not just chalky. I figured I'd give it a chance and I love it! I suggest Stila Kajal eyeliner in Topaz (18$). Its the perfect nude and it will work for everyone. Thats what the Sephora people told me, anyway. Do you think you'll try it and ditch your white pencil or are you loyal to the white?

Mark has Saved My Soul

Ladies, the recession has finally come and bit me in the butt. What a shame. I never considered myself a recessionista before. I splurged on things without thinking, but now I have to really budget and save. I admire all of you who have been doing this for months! As you may know, I am addicted to make up but I love clothes, shoes, hair supplies, and a great handbag. ( I only need 1 incredible one.) On top of that I love to travel. I don't travel much, but this summer I am planning a trip to the fabulous Los Angeles. I am totally torn on what I should spend my money on. Should I go for the make up or should I look at some new clothes? Well, maybe I can do both! I am in love with the Mark Cosmetics line that Lauren Conrad endorses. I looked online and with eyeshadows for 4 dollars, who cannot fall in love?! I've placed my order on about 8 eyeshadows, 2 lipglosses, and some curly hair janx for 50 bucks. Pretty make up and enough money for that trip to Cali with money to spare? That makes me a recessionista, right? Yay, for good make up deals! Now, I just hope that the shadows are pigmented and worth those four dollars. A review of them to come!

Crabtree and Evelyn's Gardener's Hand Therapy

Hello friends, I am at my grandma's house, which happens to be my favorite place to go- ever. My grandma is amazing, like most grandmas are. She took me out to dinner and bought me these super cute sandals that just beg to walk on the beaches of Aruba. Anyways, My hands were really dry and cracked, so my grandma walked into her room and handed me Crabtree and Evelyn's Gardener's Hand Therapy. I instantly fell in love. It smells amazing, can be packed into anything, and it made my hands buttery soft in a matter of seconds! The stuff is made for planter's rugged hands so it can work miracles on all people. This product with definitly be a stable in my handbag since my grandma GAVE it to me. God, I love her!

When life goes downhill, play with purple!

I am in a sad, frustrated, angry, willynilly mood today. The reason? I would like to forget about it. Let's just say not all my friends are good ones. Anyways, when life gets me in a bad mood, I go for pretty make up! That makes me a lot happier. If I could go buy make up right now, I would. Unfortionately, I cannot so I looked in my make up drawer and whipped up a look that screamed fun. At least it did to me. I got my inspiration from the Gucci advertisments for Spring. Here is my step-by-step how to guide:

1. Prep eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion

2. Draw a thick line of plum eyeliner on your top lid. I used Urban Decay 24-7 eyeliner in 1999.

3. Pat on a light purple eyeshadow, like Bare Essentials eyeshadow in bloom, over the eyeliner.

4. Add a richer purple shade in the creases. Stila eyeshadow duo Vieux Carre is really pretty.

5. Line eyes with black eyeliner.

6. Take a thin eyeliner brush and dip it into a bright silver eyeshadow. Put the silver eyeshadow in the "V" of your eye near your tear ducts and pull it a little farther so it ends where your lower lashes start.

6. For the finishing touch, I put on Diorshow mascara and used a pink covergirl lipstain topped with a berry gloss.

Now go out and show the world what a gorgeous, fun, super star you are! Who says make up can't cure the blues? They can sure cure mine.

LUSTING LUSTING LUSTING!

This Tarte palette is so perfect to me! There are 10 colors that transition you from day to night. You can do smoky eyes, subtle eyes, or subtle smoky eyes for day. Plus its in the cutest pouch thing so you can take it everywhere! I can't wait to buy it! Hopefully, that day will come soon.

Inspiration via make up?!

To put it nicely, I really dislike school. I would rather be at the beach or traveling the world or watching TV or WORKING. Yes, working. At least I would be making money. Anyways, I decided that I needed to actually care about school this week. Last week I had the flu so I only went to school two days. My decision? To plan exactly what I was wearing all week and the coordinating make up. It seems a little controlling but it helped me be ontime for school! So I did a different make up look for each day. I did a soft brown smokey eye, a blue eye, a silvery smoky eye, and my classic, favorite look. It inspired me to actually get up and go to school looking nice instead of just wearing my sweatpants and no make up. I won't do it every week but it's a nice change. Here are the steps to get my favorite look. I use the NARS palette (45$) and Victoria's Secret eyeliner pen (12$).

1. I first prime my eyes with Urban Decay Eye Primer. It's amazing! It makes your eyeshadow stay put forever!

2. I put Ondine eyeshadow all over my lids. The palette description says that Ondine is "plum with gold shimmer" but I find it to be more light a light brown color with gols shimmer.

3. Put the copper color called Surbaya II into the creases and blend

4. Draw on the liquid eyeliner. It's in a pen form so it super easy! Draw the line out a little so it becomes a cat eye. Make the the liner thicker on the outside and thinner near the tear duct.

5. Put on mascara and swipe on a pinky lip gloss. You're good to go!

Revlon Gets a Gold Medal!

Revlon color stay eyeliner is amazing! I never thought that I would find an eyeliner that would actually stay put on my lower lashline. It just seemed impossible. Then, my sister bought Revlon color stay liner. It says it stays on for 16 hours! It doesn't stay quite so long on me but it definitley stays on for a long time. I was skeptical at first because I have tried A LOT of eyeliners. Especially expensive ones and they just don't stay. I thought Revlon couldn't possibly make an eyeliner that was better than the ones at Sephora or MAC. I was so wrong! Even though no other make up from Revlon has impressed me, this stuff will never leave my make up bag. Its in there forever! I got it in black and brown. Its only 7.80, too!

Never Put on Cold Lotion Again!

Hello bellas, It has been awhile. I've been super busy but not busy enough to leave you without this perfect tip for silky smooth skin and warm lotion! If your anything like me then you don't like getting out of a warm shower and putting on cold lotion in the winter time! I learned this tip from the Glamour magazine beauty blog. Put your lotion on a radiator while you hop in the shower. When you get out your lotion will be warm and that will make you want to put it on. If you don't like the radiator idea, you can fill your sink up half way with hot water and stick your lotion in it while you take a shower. Another option is to take your lotion in the shower with you and leave it under the water. When you get out of the shower, put your lotion on three minutes or less after you step out. (A new years resolution of mine.) That way your skin soaks up more moisture and in this cold weather, we all need that extra moisture. Even you cali girls! Get ready for buttery soft skin! What is your favorite lotion to use?