oprah for mommies.

Bennet's arrival has made my life all about simplicity. The faster I can get in and out of the shower and dressed for the day looking somewhat presentable, the better. Finding products that make this possible is not an easy task for a self-proclaimed beauty products junkie like myself. Before Bennet came along, I thought nothing about spending 45 minutes in the shower using all kinds of body washes and scrubs, and then spending another 20 minutes washing my face and using all kinds of lotions and masks, and then...well, you get the idea. Those days are long gone, or at least put on long-term hold! I recently watched Oprah's "Favorite Things for Summer" show and was thinking in the shower this morning how I should share my favorite make-life-easier-for-a-mom things for summer. Maybe even my non-mom friends may find something they like in this list. Here goes nothing...

1. Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15
This stuff rocks! I definitely do not have time for foundation and concealer right now, but I have found that I need some kind of coverage for my tired eyes and stressed out skin. I have been working my way through a free sample of this stuff from Sephora and I like it so much that I just ordered a full-size version. It's thin like a moisturizer, but still somehow gives you the thicker feeling of the coverage of a foundation. Perfect for hot summer days, and perfect to throw on as you rush out the door or off to tend to your crying baby. I have always been impressed with Stila's products and this one is no different. Pair it with some bronzer and some mascara and you almost look like you spent time on your makeup!

2. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer
Something else I've spent a LOT of time doing in summers past that I won't have time to do this summer - laying out in the sun. (That's probably a good thing for my skin!) I still need to ditch the paleness - and after seeing Kristen Bell on the 'Rachael Ray Show' promoting this stuff, I figured I'd try it out. I'm on my second tube of it and I can honestly say I have a little bit of a sun-kissed tint going on. (I can't say much about the firming part, I just picked that kind at the store because I figured something else new moms need is all the help they can get with firming up what has been altered by pregnancy. The jury's still out on what is firming back up on its own and what I am getting outside help with.) Basically I figure any help I can get with my tan while still moisturizing my skin (something I do anyway every day) is fine by me. It's killing two birds with one stone and getting a tan while I moisturize - genius!

3. St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion Scrub
I can't get enough of this one. I own a few very expensive microdermabrasion products and this gives them a run for their money. It runs about $6 at drugstores and it rules. I find it gentle enough to use every day, but still powerful enough to slough off all my dead skin and leave my face feeling new and shiny. I keep it in the shower and use it every morning just like this next one...

4. Clean and Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Facial Scrub
Aaaaah, I love the smell of this stuff. I use it every morning in the shower (before the St. Ives stuff) and the smell is amazing. If you would have told me I needed a lemongrass scented face wash, I wouldn't have believed you...but I'm telling you, YOU need a lemongrass scented face scrub and THIS is it.

I think that wraps up the list for now. As more fun summer time-saving beauty products come to my attention, I'll keep you all posted. For now, happy shopping!