Skincare Archives - Embracing Beauty

Look Good Feel Better #Simple Giving

September 3, 2014 by Ashley 3 Comments

This post is on behalf of the Motherhood and Look Good Feel Better.

Women love to feel beautiful, don’t they? I know I do. When I feel put together I have a bounce in my step. The sun seems to shine brighter and the birds sing louder.

On not so great days, when I’ve feel as rough as I look, I don’t have that bounce and I’m doing all it takes to drag myself around. What do you do to renew that energized, “I’m a woman and I look great!” feeling? Sometimes a work out will do it for me. Other times I need a hair cut or a new out fit.

Life is all about balance and rolling with the punches that come our way but what if we get hit by a blow so hard that it knocks us down? Out cold. A blow that is so devastating that we need the help of our family and friends to make it back to our feet. What I’m talking about is the blow of cancer.

Women fighting cancer need all the love and support that they can get just so they can function. Think back to the last time you didn’t feel great about yourself and needed a change. Maybe it was after a stressful week at work, after a time of making unhealthy choices, or maybe it was shortly after having a baby. We’ve all been there. We’ve all had to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and do something to make us feel good about ourselves. Getting back up and feeling good about yourself while battling cancer is a much harder task. That’s where Look Good Feel Better is there to help.

Look Good Feel Better is a 25 year strong public service dedicated to helping women battling cancer to manage the appearance side effects of cancer treatment and help improve their self-esteem. The program is developed by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) Foundation, and delivered through a collaboration among the PCPC Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association. They offer free workshops and resources to teach beauty and styling techniques to cancer patients.

During its 25th anniversary, Look Good Feel Better is encouraging women to Reimagine Beauty and the importance of beauty in a woman’s life who is undergoing cancer treatment. They’re encouraging women to take a fresh look at the impact of beauty and a positive self-image can have on a woman. They don’t have to tell me twice, I think beauty is a powerful thing!

While how you look might not seem like a big of a deal in the grand scheme of things it is. Not merely for appearances sake but for how you feel when you look good. How you look effects how you feel, which effects your self-esteem, your courage, and your confidence. Every woman who gets a new outfit for a job interview understands this. There are countless studies that can relate how you look (because of how it makes you feel!) to your success.

Look Good Feel Better is partnering with women’s fashion retailer C. Wonder and Fashion Project {the leading online clothing donation and resale destination!} to raise awareness and funds for Look Good Feel Better.

The promotion runs through Thursday, September 18, 2014 at eleven C. Wonder stores nationwide and online at FashionProject.com/CWonder.

How YOU can get involved:
• During the month-long clothing drive, consumers are encouraged to donate their gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories in a donation bin at participating C. Wonder locations or online at www.fashionproject.com/cwonder.
o Customers who participate by donating items in-store or online will receive 20% off a C. Wonder purchase of $100 or more.
• The donated items will then be sold online by Fashion Project and 55% of the proceeds from each online sale will be donated to Look Good Feel Better.

In the United States alone, more than 900,000 women have participated in the program, which now offers 15,800 group workshops nationwide in 2,400 locations! Go search your closet for clothes, shoes, and accessories you don’t wear anymore and donate them online to help encourage other women. It will give you a good feeling!

Visit lookgoodfeelbetter.org, follow @LGFB on Twitter, and like Look Good Feel Better on Facebook to learn more and help spread the word.

Filed Under: Fashion, Skincare Tagged With: The Motherhood, True Beauty

Five Beauty Habits to Break for Fall

August 14, 2014 by Ashley 1 Comment

Skipping a few hours of sleep, forgetting to wash your face before bed, not apply sunscreen everyday all seem so innocent right? But odds are, at least one of these habits in your daily routine are the cause of those dreadful breakouts, crow’s feet and flakey or discolored skin. Fortunately, the fixes are simple! By nixing these everyday habits you can take years off your complexion, and leave skin protected, balanced and refreshed:

Mistake #1: Forgetting Sunscreen We know, we know – you hear this a million times but 90% of premature skin aging and discoloration is caused by exposure to sunlight! Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, an SPF of 30 or greater, and are water resistant.

Mistake #2: Applying Makeup with Dirty Brushes This may seem innocent, but applying makeup with the same brush month after month causes dirt and bacteria to buildup which can lead to breakouts. It’s important you wash brushes every two to three weeks (if not daily). An easy DIY quick fix is to mix a couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo with lukewarm water in a cup. Then swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat on a clean towel to air dry. {By the way, I’m totally loving my new Sigma brushes!}

Mistake #3: Skimping on Sleep Your skin and body go into repair mode when asleep. This is why sticking to a regular sleeping routine will not only keep you well rested, but will help to renew and regenerate new skin cells. For an extra boost, try incorporating just a glass a day of soy milk into your daily routine as this can help improve the structure and firmness of your skin, as well as soften those crow’s feet.

Mistake #4: Not Cleansing Daily Going to bed without washing your face is one of the biggest skin care no-no’s. Leaving makeup and dirt on skin doesn’t just clog pores and cause breakouts, it can also lead to excessive dryness and even skin dandruff. To clear out the gunk without drying out skin, opt for a soap-free cleanser like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam and start cleansing on a daily basis! The cleanser is soap and alkali-free wash that gently cleanses pores to eliminate pimples and blackheads, with a coconut oil-based antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples.

Mistake #5: Waiting To Moisturize Most creams and lotions have key ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture to maintain a healthy pH balance of 5.5. For optimum moisture, slather on your moisturizer immediately after cleansing or a hot shower, before the skin cools and your pores begin to close.

Filed Under: Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Cleansers, Makeup, Moisturizers, Skin care, Sunscreen

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant + Sweepstakes

August 12, 2014 by Ashley 17 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for Dove Advanced Care Deodorant. I received a promotional item to facilitate my review. #Sponsored #MC #SleevelessSummerSweeps

Let’s see a raise of hands…how many of you moms of young kids occasionally skip taking a shower some days? It’s not that you WANT to but you do. Oh good, I’m not alone! Dove has some good news to share with us. Those of you who are totally on top of things all the time and are rolling your eyes at me right now you can continue reading if you want or you can click away. It’s okay, this deodorant will still work great for you while you’re running around being awesome but if you have other things that you need to do now I understand.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture helps keeps you dry and odor-free for a long-lasting 48 hours!

48 hours! Yea, it’s okay to do a little happy dance, it’s allowed! Just don’t raise your smelly arms up too high until you try this deodorant. : )

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant is clinically proven to reduce irritation from shaving and provides softer, smoother skin in just three days. What more could you ask for? A lovely scent? Oh yea, it has that too. You can choose from their three available scents.

But….there’s more!

Dove is challenging women across the U.S. to ditch their sleeves for a chance to win a trip to New York City Fashion week and a VIP styling session with A-List Hollywood stylist, Erin Walsh! Woot Woot!!

Click here to participate in The Sleeveless Summer Challenge for your chance to win!

Have you tried Dove’s Advanced Care Deodorant? I’m excited to be trying it. I’ll be back here in a few weeks to tell you what I think of it.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Skincare Tagged With: Dove

Jergens BB Body Review

April 2, 2014 by Ashley 51 Comments

Disclosure: This post and video were sponsored by Jergens BB Body Cream through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post and create a video about Jergens BB Body Cream, all opinions are my own.

Here is my video review of Jergens BB Body Cream. I think this stuff is pretty great and I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about it. It’s a brand new area of beauty products for crying out loud. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video. If you do give me a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel. Thanks.

Filed Under: Skincare Tagged With: Jergens, Skincare

10 Makeup Tips to Look Gorgeous This Winter

February 17, 2014 by Ashley 46 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensBeauty #CollectiveBias

Are you feeling less than beautiful this season? Do you need a few makeup tips to perk up your demeanor? With the dropping temperatures it’s common to have a dull complexion, frizzy hair, and blotchy skin. I’m here to share my favorite 10 tips {and products} to help you banish your winter beauty blues. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1.) Choose a new foundation. As the seasons change so should your makeup…and I’m not just talking about colors. As the cold weather approaches it’s important to choose a foundation that leaves your skin feeling dewier than the one you previously used in the warmer months. I recommend skipping powder all together. If you’re skin has a tendancy to shine here and there try CoverGirl’s mattifier. It will tame the shine without settling in your wrinkles or drying out your skin. This is one of my new favorite drugstore buys! Products to try: Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Makeup and CoverGirl TruMagic Mattifier.

2.) Swap out your shampoo. Most shampoos contain sulfates, which do a great job at cleaning hair so much so that they can also strip away important oils. Using these shampoos will leave your scalp feeling itchy, flaky, and dry during the colder months. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners to keep your locks looking lovely. Products to try: Yes to Cucumbers, TRESemme, and Organix shampoos and conditioners.

3.) Paint your nails. A new shade of nail polish can brighten anyone’s spirits. You could go with a natural or a bold polish, the choice is yours. When removing polish use an acetone-free nail polish remover to help nails maintain their moisture. {Check out my natural secret to beautiful nails.} Products to check out: Sally Hansen Salon Manicure, Revlon, or Maybelline.

4.) Ban the hot water. Okay, if you’re like me and just can’t give up your long, hot baths, try substituting your regular bubble bath with a few drops of bath oil. You can also swap your old bar of soap for a moisturizing bar or body wash. When you get out of the shower don’t try off completely and apply body cream all over. Body creams are better than lotions. The thicker and richer the product the more moisture it gives your skin. Products to try: Olay moisturizing beauty bar or body wash and Gold Bond Soothing cream.

5.) Cleanse gently. Washing your face with a product that over dries it will cause your face to produce more oil, lots of it, leaving you with shine and if you’re like me, acne. If you can stand creamy facial cleansers that don’t require rinsing those would be great to use during the winter. {I personally can’t use them because it seems so wrong to have a creamy cleanser. It just weirds me out. I know that’s stupid but I can’t get past it.} Instead, I opt for facial cleansing cloths that remove makeup and grime without rinsing. Products to try: Aveeno Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes, Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, or Oil of Olay Facial Cleansing Cloths.

6.) Moisturize your lips. The winter temps and wind can quickly chap and crack your lips. Protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm, not the waxy ones, or enjoy a creamy layer of Vaseline Lip Therapy like I do. {I know it doesn’t treat or moisturize my lips but it seals in moisture and well, I just like it.} {Check out 15 Beauty Uses for Vaseline} I also alternate between Vaseline Lip Therapy, Burt’s Bees colored lip products and Carmex. I love all three brands so much that it’s hard to chose just one. I keep one, at least one, in every diaper bag, purse, and if I’m honest…in just about every room of our house. I hate to be without my lip products in winter! Nobody likes dry lips, nobody. Products to try: Vaseline Lip Therapy, Carmex, or Burt’s Bees lip products.

7.) Hydrate while you sleep. Indoor heat dries out the air in every home so grab a humidifier {or two} to help combat itchy, dry skin. Products to try: Crane humidifier.

8.) Drink more water. It’s no secret that water is good for you but many of us don’t drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. Thinking about why I’m drinking water it a good motivation for me to continue to drink. It helps flush out things that shouldn’t be there, keeps your body hydrated, and drinking water also helps improve the appearance of your skin. Win-win!

9.) Use a primer. A primer will help protect your face and keep those blotchy spots at bay. It also prevents a cakey look that can happen when makeup is applied over dry skin. A good primer will help your makeup go on evenly and last all day. Don’t forget to quickly swipe on a coat or two of your favorite mascara to make your eyes pop. Products to try: L’Oreal Paris Anti-Redness Skin Primer, CoverGirl Bombshell Volume.

10.) Sleep! This advice isn’t specific to winter but it’s a good thing to be reminded of all year long. Wanna know a little secret? Beauty sleep is a real thing. It’s true! Our bodies repair themselves while we’re sleeping so not only is our mood improved with a good night’s sleep but so is our skin.

Because I love affordable beauty products all of the items I suggested above can be found at your local drug store. The items I pictured above were purchased at my local Walgreens which has a great makeup aisle and incredibly friendly makeup department workers. {They always have extra beauty coupons on hand, I love these ladies!} Here’s a picture of my husband making a silly face while shopping with me in the Walgreens beauty department.

What changes do you make to your beauty routine during the winter months? Also, what are your favorite winter beauty buys? I’d love to know!

Filed Under: Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Makeup, Skin care, SocialFabric, Walgreens

P&G and Walgreens #OnMyWay2Fab Giveaway Ends 1/6

December 26, 2013 by Ashley 101 Comments

Disclosure: I received complementary products to write this post but no compensation was received and all opinions remain my own.

P&G, Walgreens, and Tim Gunn have partnered to help us get on our way to looking fabulous for the holidays! They’re showcasing some of the wonderful products that can be found right inside Walgreens stores. I’ve received all of these products and you have the opportunity to as well. Check the bottom of this post for a giveaway.

This Fab Bag {valued at over $85} includes the following:

– COVERGIRL Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick
– COVERGIRL Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara: The two-step Bombshell Boost System combines extreme volume with an intensifying top coat for big, sexy bombshell lashes. Step One: Apply the extreme volume basecoat. Step Two: Finish with the intensifying top coat.
– COVERGIRL truMAGIC Pore Minimizer
– Crest 3D White 1 Hour Express Whitestrips
– Pantene Damage Detox Cream: Pantene Damage Detox Cream is designed to reset damaged hair to look and feel like new.
– Crest 3D White Vivid Radiant Mint
– Oral B Toothbrush Advantage 3D White Vivid Soft
– Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
– Venus and Olay Sugarberry Exfoliate Razor: The Venus & Olay razor’s 5-blade technology exfoliates for surface skin renewal, while Sugarberry-scented Olay Moisture Bars help lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness*verses Venus Breeze over time.
– Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream: It penetrates rapidly to deliver anti-aging ingredients 10 layers deep into skin’s surface.
– Delish Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel: Indulge yourself with a taste of creamy German milk chocolate. This chocolate bar is a decadent treat made with real Black Forest milk combined with sweet caramel and a touch of salt -hat are guaranteed to ignite your senses.
– Studio 35 Nail Polish Remover Pads
– Studio 35 Blender Brush: The perfect tool designed to create a flawless look. The foam tip utilizes an exclusive micro-pore formulation that will not absorb too much liquid makeup, while the infused vitamin E provides a superbly smooth surface for application.

One lucky reader will win a Fab Bag containing all the goodies above. Oh, and did you know that this same Fab Bag is the one that will be featured during the People’s Choice Awards?! How cool is that?

~~This giveaway is open to those 18 years and older who have a US address. Enter via the Refflecopter below and if you have any questions feel free to email me. Good luck!~~

Update: This giveaway is now over and out of 800+ entries, Stephanie S. is our winner!! Congratulations, Stephanie!

Filed Under: Giveaways, Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Giveaways

Rosacea: What You Need To Know

November 21, 2013 by Ashley 3 Comments

This informational article is brought to you by Alaska Dermatlogy, Laser & Skin Cancer Center. I hope you’ll find it helpful!

When you look in the mirror, have you noticed your face is turning red? Is the redness sticking around longer than it should? If it doesn’t want to go away, that rosy color might be Rosacea. Rosacea is a rather mysterious skin disorder, in that there is no known cause or cure. Rosacea can affect several places on the face, neck, chest and back, making it difficult to conceal, and while it isn’t life threatening, it can make a person quite self-conscious, as the redness often starts out resembling a sunburn that doesn’t go away. Alaska dermatologist Michael Cusack encourages people with rosacea to “visit a dermatologist and get back the confidence you deserve.”

Talk about aging gracefully!

One of the downsides of leaving your twenties behind, is that primarily, Rosacea affects most people beyond the age of thirty. However, it’s also true that women typically notice the changes in their skin sooner and don’t wait around to see a doctor. Men, on the other hand, generally tend to wait-and-see until the condition makes itself more difficult to treat. If you recall the actor, W.C. Fields from the 1920’s, one of his trademark facial features was a rather bulbous, red nose. Though at the time it was blamed on Fields’ heavy drinking, modern research leads us to believe now that this was actually a case known as Phymatous Rosacea, which leads to skin thickening, which occurs most often around the nose.

Symptoms

Of the four main sub-types of Rosacea, symptoms often come and go, in varying degrees of severity. Many times Rosacea first appears as reddened cheeks, chin and nose, which may or may not leave and reappear suddenly. It can also manifest itself as pimples and bumps on the skin, making you wonder if you are unknowingly revisiting your teenage years. If your eyes water or itch or if you develop excessive dryness and more than your fair share of styles, it’s possible that Ocular Rosacea may be making an unwelcome visit there. This situation really must be dealt with promptly, as it could cause damage to your corneas, something that may be very difficult to repair.

Treatments

Now, as far as those treatments that you’re sure to seek out, there are several of them to choose from and most are quite manageable. Since you’re an individual, the treatment of your Rosacea will be individualized as well. There are several topical creams and lotions to apply to your skin that can help, as well as an oral medication that is specifically made just for Rosacea. If tiny blood vessels have appeared on your face, gentle laser treatment by a dermatologist may also be an option. To keep your skin as calm as possible, consider adding a gentle skin-care regimen which includes a non-irritating cleanser and as always, a lotion with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Coping with Rosacea

Of course Rosacea is not high on anyone’s list of things to deal with, but bear in mind that it is not life threatening. It’s treatable and oftentimes will become nothing more than a nuisance. Your red face doesn’t have to stay that way! The National Rosacea Society provides readers with FAQ on rosacea and how to cope with this skin condition.

The Alaska Dermatlogy, Laser & Skin Cancer Center provides the best skincare for dermatologic patients. You can connect with them and read more about their center and services by visiting their site.

Filed Under: Skincare Tagged With: Rosacea, Skin care

LTD Commodities: Christmas Decorating & Gift Ideas

October 28, 2013 by Ashley 17 Comments

Today, I got a catalog in the mail from LTD Commodities {You can also shop LTDComodities.com}. This is a Christmas catalog that I usually look forward to every year but this year I’ve been a bit busy and completely forgot about it. It was a nice surprise to say the least. I have a few gift ideas picked out for friends and family but I can’t share those with you because they might see them. I can, however, share the adorable Christmas decorations they have. Check out some that I’ve pictured above. Super cute, right?

Okay, check out this ADORABLE and AFFORDABLE little dolls. I’m kicking myself that I’ve already bought my daughter a similar looking brown haired doll that came with a heftier price tag. These dolls are only $16.95. That’s right, just under $17!! Plus, they have a few different sets of outfits and accessories that you can buy for only $13.95. Each clothing set comes with three complete clothing outfits and accessories (minus shoes) and the 11 piece accessory set comes with shoes, boots, tights, socks, glasses and more. Go to LTD Commodities to check it out for yourself. These dolls are at an unbelievable price. You all know the brands that look similar to these that have a huge price tag, even the ones at Walmart are around $30.

Want something nice but inexpensive for yourself? Look no further than these $4.95 Moisturizing Gel Heel Socks. I love these gel moisturizing socks but I’m always afraid that all that moisture will give me a nail infection. With these there is no worry! Just comfortable, soft heels. I’m definitely buying a pair of these for myself.

I could go on and on but I just wanted to share one of my favorite places to buy and request Christmas gifts from. Plus, I’m pretty much in love with their inexpensively priced Christmas decor. Definitely check out LTD Commodities if you’re still shopping for Christmas gifts!

Filed Under: Deals, Skincare Tagged With: Christmas, Gifts

Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Products – Shop for the Cure!

October 19, 2013 by Ashley 24 Comments

Each October I have mixed feelings when I see the color pink flooding the stores. On one hand, I think it’s great that Breast Cancer Awareness is raising money and reminding people to get their regular check-ups. On the other hand, I am sickened by all of the companies that promote a pink item in October and donate 0% of the proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness. Because I like to be an informed shopper and I like beauty products I’ve created a round up of beauty products that donate a portion of the proceeds {or a set $ amount} to breast cancer awareness or research foundations. I do have my affiliate links included in this post because it took me hours to research and put together. Trust me though, it won’t cost you a penny more if you buy anything after clicking the links on my site.

I have a few dozen more to add but I’ll get started with the beauty products that donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Check back on this post tomorrow for even more beauty products that “pay it forward.”

Breast Cancer Research Foundation:

This year Bobbi Brown is donating $10 for every French Pink Set ($45) they sell. You’ll get a lovely pink shade that can blend with many different skin tones and it comes with a brush too. The $10 of the purchase will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Esteé Lauder is donating 100% of the profits from the Dream Perfume Compact ($50) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The embossed compact is filled with the popular Pleasures fragrance.

Clinique’s Dramatically Different Lotion ($38) recently got a formula makeover to give even more powerful hydration. This new moisturizer comes with a pink ribbon key chain and with each purchase $10 will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Själ skincare’s Rose Aura Cleansing Set ($140) will donate 10% of each purchase to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

30% of each purchase from the Sole Goddess Limited-Edition Blister Protection Balm ($10-$19) will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation this month.

With each sale of Sonia Kashuk’s Proudly Pink 5-piece Purse Brush Set ($16) 15% of the purchase price goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Coach’s Signature Scent ($68) is going with a colorful design for the cure. 20% of the proceeds are going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this month.

With every purchase of the limited-edition La Mer Hand Treatment ($40) $10 will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The very popular Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36) is donating $5 of each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Sephora Brush Set Breast Cancer Awareness

Sephora has released a limited-edition five-piece brush set in a beautiful pink snakeskin travel bag ($36). $1 of the sale of each set goes toward the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Ahava has a limited edition hand cream which is on sale from $31.50 for only $21 during the month of October. Plus, 10% of the proceeds are being donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation:

MATRIX is offering a selection of hairsprays for women with any and every hair type ($11-$16). MATRIX is providing 10% of sales to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

My absolute favorite tweezer brand, Tweezerman has produced a limited edition “Precision in Pink” set ($22) and $1 of every sale will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as to the CEW Cancer and Careers organizations.

Crane & Canopy Hot Pink Eye Pillow ($12) will donate 50% of proceeds this month to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Leila Lou by Rosie Jane Body Lotion ($29), candle, and two separate fragrances is giving 20% of it’s proceeds to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Filed Under: Body, Fragrance, Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Breast Cancer Awareness, Charity

The Gift of Sleep from Pampers & a Giveaway! Ends 10/26

October 17, 2013 by Ashley 79 Comments

I can remember it like it was yesterday. My husband and I simultaneously jumping out of bed in the middle of the night to care for our fussy newborn. First we’d check to make sure she was dry, wasn’t hungry, and that everything was right with her sleeping conditions (no hairs wrapped around her toes, etc.). Then one of us rocked her while the other one searched the internet (seriously, what did parents do without it?!) for a sleeping solution. After we gave her tummy drops it was time to hold her in just the right position till she felt comfy again. This is the point where the one who wasn’t holding the baby would sprawl out on the nursery floor for a few minutes of shut eye.

Fast forward two years and now both parents wake up early in the morning to a crying child (or a singing child usually, our girl is happy), dragging ourselves out of bed to change a toddler who has peed through her diaper. One tosses the pjs and sheets into the wash and heads for a shower while the other one starts breakfast for the family.

We’ve tried limiting her drinks in the evening, going up a size or two in diapers, trying the expensive overnight diapers, and well, sadly the truth is we’ve just made peace with waking up early 3 or 4 nights out of the week. Hey, at least a load of laundry is done before we would regularly get up!

Pampers had a better solution in mind. They’ve came out with TWO new diapers and I’m excited about both of them.

{Quick disclosure: This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links.}

The first new type of diaper is a new absorbent Pampers Cruisers. These are supposed to hold 12 hours of wetness. Our family is more than a little excited about these!!

The second new diaper isn’t exactly new, but they’re extending the sizes that the Pampers Swaddlers comes in. Now they’re available all the way to size 5. Isn’t that nice? I’ve always loved the comfort and softness of the Swaddlers and couldn’t understand why they couldn’t keep that softness an option as the child grows. I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought that. Thank you, Pampers for hearing the desires of moms and dads and doing something about it!

Pampers sent me on a mission. They provided me with a $100 gift card to buy the supplies to make a gift basket and give the “Gift of Sleep” to a family I know.

My mind raced as I thought through the numerous pregnant women I know and then I remembered one friend who just gave birth to a sweet baby boy. He wasn’t even a week old yet! With my $100 in hand I went in search of supplies for my basket.

I realize I could have given her a blanket, slippers, and candles but chances are she already owns those and already has her favorite brands of each. I thought about cozy baby clothes, swaddlers, or a sound machine but since this is her second son I knew she already had those. What I decided on was beauty products for a time-rushed, sleep-deprived mama who just wants to feel pretty.

There’s no denying that having a newborn will turn your life upside down and you’ll have learn to temporarily manage without a full night’s sleep. I still believe that those tired mamas want to look their best for themselves, for their husbands, and for those who come to visit…at least, I know I did.

I chose a Senna lip gloss which contains two shimmery shades I thought would look great on her. She can toss this in her diaper bag so it’s always an arms reach away.

The blue tube (pictured above) is Naturopathica’s Aloe Replenishing Gel. This is a miracle product that reduces redness and inflammation while restoring collagen. Ideal for those mornings when you’re not sure if it’s 8am or 8pm.

The orange box (also pictured above) is a wonderful product from Ole Henriksen. It’s their Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster. Here’s a description from the Sephora website, “Formulated…to support natural collagen production, brighten, and minimize fine lines, this must-have serum defends from environmental aggressors and free radical damage, leaving skin healthy and protected. ” A quick solution to brighten your skin and a refreshing orange scent to boost your mood.

Last but not least in this beauty bag from Vera Bradley, is a Julep nail polish that I got to name! This color, Evie, looks great on fingers or toes for the perfect shimmery combination of red and pink.

Along with two packs of Pampers’ new diapers, I threw in a box of my favorite baby wipes, Pampers Sensitive wipes. They’re actually the only wipes I’ll use. They’re thin, easy to maneuver, soft, and have a pleasant scent.

I added all the goodies into this reusable canvas bag that would be great to house baby blankets or other items in the new baby’s room.

I added a little fun crinkle cut paper to the gift bag and we we’re off to deliver our care package to the new mom.

As I should have assumed, the new mom, Sara, didn’t want her picture taken but her husband and son didn’t mind being included in this photo I took. Their son, our daughter, and my husband were playing dominoes in the floor while I was able to catch up with the new mom and her darling little baby Austin.

***Quick update about Sara and her family. Without going into much detail I just want to say that it looks like Sara’s father will probably go home to meet his Heavenly Father soon. Please keep her family in your prayers. Thank you!***

Enter to win! Pampers wants to give Embracing Beauty’s readers a chance to win a prize pack of their own. Below you can enter via Rafflecopter to win a Sleep Sheep Sound Machine (which I am a big fan of!), cozy blankets for Mom/Baby and a $50 gift card.

This giveaway is open to those 18 years and older with a US mailing address. We will pick one lucky winner when this giveaway ends on Saturday, Oct. 26th at 1pm EST. Good luck!

Update: This giveaway is now over and congratulations to Jennie S!

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