5 'must have' products every new mom should own...

Now that Bennett has passed the 3 month mark (otherwise known as the 4th trimester), I've quickly learned how to adapt on very little sleep.  Although Bennett is an excellent little sleeper, there are nights that I am still up multiple times to either tend to the toddler or feed the babe.

I remember when I first brought Nathan home from the hospital, exhausted, overwhelmed, and hormonal you wonder if you are ever going to feel like your old self again.  And then you get a little glimpse of yourself in the mirror one day and you convince yourself that you will never look like your old self again either.

For me, it took a good 3-4 weeks the first time around to feel somewhat normal again and I think a little part of this had to do with making me look like my old self again.

So here are some necessities I've used to make me look and feel like my former childless self (well, at least a remanent of).

1. Dry Shampoo.  This one really is essential.  A lot of days after I first brought Nathan home I hardly had time to shower, let alone wash and blow-dry my thick, curly, hair.  Now, I always try and shower every day to make myself feel normal, but I only get to wash my hair twice per week.  Less if the baby is extra fussy.  I've tried a few different brands but I keep going back to this one by Dove.

2. A moisturizer, primer, foundation all-in-one product.  My favorite is Smashbox's BB cream.  You will be amazed at how well this product can help with those sleepless nights.  Your skin is likely dehydrated (hello, breastfeeding every 2 hours) and pale and this product will just give it that extra little bit of help it needs (all in one easy step...bonus!!).  Plus there's an added sunscreen as well....quadruple bonus!!

3. A good concealer.  This one relates to #2.  You will be shocked at how puffy and dark your under eye area will look after a few weeks with little to no sleep.  I'm really liking this concealer by Dior.  It's hydrating with just the right amount of coverage.  If I also need a little brightening I turn to touche eclat.  Pricy, but it works.

4. A good blush.  I chose this one because it can also act as a lip gloss as well as a blush.  It's creamy and dewy and just perfect.  My favorite is Orgasm (isn't everyone's??).  Throw this in the diaper bag and you're good to go.

5. A good undereye cream.  More help in the eye area (trust me on this one).  I don't typically use an eye cream on a daily basis, but this one is just perfect.  It helps with puffiness, it's anti-aging (not that I need anti-aging or anything.... #yeahright), and this particular one is brightening.  This takes 2 seconds to slap it on in the mornings and it works.

I hope these help someone else navigate through the those first few months of parenthood!!!!

Favorites right now

I'm a major product junkie.  My husband keeps telling everyone that our top drawer in our bathroom looks like sephora.  And the sad part is, he's not completely exaggerating.  I'm by no means an expert in the area but I am a sucker for anything that promises to make me look better.

So, since I'm back on the blog-writing-train, I thought it would be fun to start posting about some products that I'm trying.

Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay:  Yes, you read that number right (#2 not #3).  I was a little hesitant to even buy this product.  It has a hefty price tag and I'm not a major eyeshadow gal.  Usually with any kind of palette I stick to 1 or 2 neutral colors and the rest barely will get touched.  But everyone kept raving about these particular sets so I thought I would give them a try.  I chose the 2 based on my skin tone and color preferences.  The #3 just looked a little too "rosy" for what I'm used to.  And this product does not disappoint.  I'm making an effort to try different combinations and get the most use out if as I can.  And I'm really in love.

EOS Lip balm:  This was actually a stocking stuffer that my husband gave me for xmas.  I can tell I'm wearing off on him because he actually picked it himself based on seeing this stuff around and other ladies using it (Yup, he's a keeper:!!!!)  I love the flavors and you can't beat the price tag!!!!

Ole Henriksen Oil:  I was kinda talked into this product by some lady at Sephora.  The truth was that I was a little hesitant to even try this product since I'm prone to hormonal breakouts each month.  However, she assured me that oils actually do the opposite and among other things will help with this issue.  I've been using this now for about a month and I've had multiple comments lately on how good my skin looks!!!!  I'm telling you, this stuff is amazing!!!!  Some of the reviews complain about the smell but I actually don't mind it all; in fact, I kinda like it!!!!  This one is going down as a new "cult favorite" for me.

Julep nailpolish:  I've only tried one color but so far I'm really liking this stuff.  It's fairly thick and the color lasts.  It's supposed to strengthen nails which is another major plus.  

Caudalie Beauty Elixir:  I bought this product because I've been reading a lot about it on some of my favorite beauty blogs.  Then when I saw it on Jillian Harris' blog I practically ran out to buy it (She was my favorite bachelorette and she's a total Canadian beauty).  I've been using it as a toner and as a finish once my make-up routine is done.  I also really like a mid-day spritz to freshen up my look.  I'm not sure if it's doing anything to my skin but I really like how refreshing it feels.

What's your fav???