This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Laine, the winner of the gift basket!
Photo by Paulin’a
Today’s giveaway is the final gift basket before Christmas. And it’s all about taking care of yourself – great timing, since you’re probably a little wiped out from the holiday season. All of these products help enhance the little things in your life – and I love them all. One reader will win all of these products.
1. Skin MD Natural
Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion with SPF 15 sunscreen, and I love it. To be honest, the first few days of using it, it felt like your basic lotion – good, but nothing amazing. But around day three, I noticed my skin was feeling softer and tighter. And it looked a bit clearer and brighter – I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I looked healthier and more vibrant overall.
I love that a little bit goes a long way – you don’t need much to cover your entire face, and it’s very lightweight. It’s actually good for the whole body. With the dry winter weather, I’ve used it on my hands and elbows, and they stay moist most of the day. I’m now completely hooked on my Skin MD lotion.
At $25 a bottle, it’s not cheap. But it really does work well, and because a little goes a long way, it’s not too unreasonably priced. It actually bonds with your skin’s outer skin cells to form the shield, which keeps your natural oils in, and keeps the harsh environmental chemicals out.
The winner will receive two bottles of Skin MD Natural with SPF 15 lotion!
2. Naturally Handmade
Naturally Handmade is a shop owned by Angela, a stay-at-home mom of two little girls. Her oldest has a myriad of skin issues and allergies, so Angela has spent a lot of hours researching the best products for her daughter’s skin. Her favorite product was Soap Nuts – in fact, she loves it so much, she now sells it in her store.
To wash a load of laundry, you simply put four Soap Nuts in their muslin bag, and toss it in with the load – any washer can handle Soap Nuts, including high-efficiency and front-loading washers. What’s more, these four Soap Nuts can be used for four to five loads of laundry!
Soap Nuts are low-sudsing, fragrance-free, and perfect for sensitive skin. They are natural, hypo-allergenic, and chemical-free.
The winner will receive 100 grams of Soap Nuts, good for about 40 loads of laundry!
3. Heather Bailey
Heather Bailey is a designer and mom of two kids, and loves to create. Her blog and online store are pure eye candy, and everything she creates and photographs are inspiration. I can browse her stuff for hours, especially her fabric. Beautiful.
She is the inventor of Trash Ties, which are – well, hair thingies. They work like barrettes, bobby pins, and hair elastics to create an infinite amount of styles. I have shortish hair, so I was pleasantly surprised that even I can use them to do all sorts of things. And best of all, they stay – they really don’t move at all.
They’re really soft, washable, and durable, and they come in all sorts of colors and sizes. And they’re based on the concept of the twisty tie, hence the name.
The winner will receive a set of Trash Ties!
4. Organically Happy
Organically Happy is a boutique selling eco-friendly beauty products that help you adopt an organic, chemical-free lifestyle without compromising quality. They sell products from all over the world that are good for you and the planet, including products made from pure, natural sources, along with fair trade accessories. There are no harmful chemicals in anything they sell.
One hot item is their Anti-Aging Day Facial Elixir from Eden’s Kiss. It’s made for normal to dry skin, and it contains natural ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, rose oil, German chamomile oil, and vitamin E. This elixir helps restore skin cells, heal inflamed and irritated skin issues, and reduce the stress your skin faces.
The winner will receive a bottle of Eden’s Kiss Anti-Aging Day Facial Elixir!
5. Tracey Mallett
I used Tracey Mallett’s prenatal yoga and pilates DVD when I was pregnant with my second, and I loved it. It was a nice balance of relaxation, stretching, and a low-key workout, especially good in the later end of my pregnancy.
Her recent project is called “Sexy in 6” – specifically geared towards moms. As a mother of two (who gained 55 pounds during her pregnancies), Tracey Mallett knows how hard it can be to find the time and energy to work out and eat right. So her new workouts are only SIX MINUTES EACH. They’re created so that you can do six minutes here, six minutes there, whenever you have a chance. Does this sound like a mother’s lifestyle, or what?
I love these workouts. My daughter does them with me, because six minutes is about her concentration span, and because they’re so short, I can grab a little workout here and there. My biggest block to working out is finding the time, so with Sexy in 6, I no longer have an excuse. These exercises are a combination of Pilates, yoga, cardio, and strength training.
Tracey also has a pretty vibrant online community and a blog, both good for moral support and accountability. Believe me, I’m so excited about her new workouts.
The winner will receive three Tracey Mallett DVDs – two Six Minute Quick Blast DVDs, and her 3-in-1 Prengancy System DVD!
How to Win
1. Enter a comment in this post, and answer this question: What’s one of your tried and tested beauty secrets?
2. For a second entry, email me at simplemomblog (at) gmail (dot) com with the secret code in the email’s subject line (no need to write anything in the email’s body, as it won’t be read). To find the secret code, make sure you’ve subscribed to Simple Mom’s feed either via RSS or via email, and look in the footer of any post. I promise you – the code is there.
3. For a third entry, blog or Twitter about this giveaway and make sure I know about it.
This giveaway will end this Saturday, December 20 at midnight CST. I hope you win!
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My beauty tips: sleep (hard with a 15-month old and being nearly 7 months pregnant), lots of water (especially in the winter), and some daily exercise outside in the fresh air gets my cheeks glowing. Hope I win the giveaway basket – what great gifts!
My beauty secret is that I put Vasaline on my lips everynight before I go to bed. I never have chapped lips (unless I forget)
I would love to win.
Robin
my secret is Aquaphor ointment. I use it on everything from cuts and scrapes to chapped lips and blemishes. I slather it on at bedtime for a facial moisturizer, especially in winter. It is cheaper than boutique creams and works better !
MelissaS´s last blog post…I Just Love This Project!
I just e-mailed you the secret code!! YAY!!
what a great giveaway! Mine is using a really good moisturizer in the winter. It makes all the difference. That and drinking a lot of water.
darah´s last blog post…seven and seven.
I think finding happiness everyday helps reduce stress lines in the face. It is easy to get stressed out and overwhelmed but looking for the little happy things all around us can really change our outlook. And sleep – sleep is a huge one!
Lara´s last blog post…Christmas Knitting….and a bit of knitting for me
My beauty “secret” is to not wear a lot of make up and use L’Occitaine hand lotion. To keep things plain and simply
Unsinkable Kristen´s last blog post…Internet Fast.
Thanks for the great giveaway! It would be nice to receive such a fabulous gift. My beauty secrets are an eyelash curler, lip gloss, always makes my whole face shimmer, a smile and aloe vera for smooth skin and it helps with acne – which i seem to be getting a lot of in my adult life
I use moisturizer religiously, and try to drink lots of water. I also notice that my skin is better without caffeine, but I’m not willing to give it up!!
What a great giveaway. All of the items are fantastic.
My biggest beauty secrets? Sleep, water and mascara! I could never leave the house without mascara. As much as I try to go natural in all aspects of my life, I haven’t been able to give that up yet.
kendra´s last blog post…Let’s talk about milk for a moment
Hi, I think drinking lots of water to flush and hydrate my mom is a great beauty tip! Your giveaway prize package is fantastic. How fun!
Please enter me my name in your final giveaway basket before Christmas.
I appreciate it. Happy Holidays…..Cindi
Sleep is my #1 beauty secret. The other is Cetaphil — it’s hand down the best (affordable!) face cleanser I’ve ever used. My skin never gets dry and feels sooo soft when I use it.
Beauty secret? That’s a hard one. How about having a husband who likes the natural look?
FishMama´s last blog post…Kids in the Kitchen, Joy or No Joy?
My tried and true secret is sunscreen year round- the sun harms and dries the skin and cause damage a little bit at a time
washing my face with lowfat yogurt…
Water, yoga, sleep, Bare Escentuals Concealer, and Burts Bees chapstick. That’s it.
My tried and true beauty secret is a good night’s sleep!
What’s one of your tried and tested beauty secrets?
Water, lots of water, drink
use conditioner to shave with. the cheapest conditioner you can find works GREAT! not only will you save a lot of money, this will leave your legs very smooth. i did it once in a pinch and suddenly discovered the one thing that prevented razor burn
i haven’t had it since. and i have VERY VERY sensitive skin, so this should work for everybody.
I don’t have any great secrets, but if I have time to blow dry my hair after I shower it really makes me feel like a different person. I do not get to do this often so that probably makes it such a treat.
Go to sleep early!
Sleep and water! With three kids, all under the age of 4, this is not always easy! I have worked hard to get my younger two napping at the same time while my oldest has a “quiet time” I take a short 20minute nap during this time! It works wonders! I am a better wife and mommy because of that nap! I also make myself drink a huge glass (approx. 2 cups/16oz) of water in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Yeah, it’s still not the recommended 6-8 cups, but it’s better than nothing! The more water I drink, the more water I WANT to drink! I leave the glass out on the table or counter so I see it all the time!
I have two beauty secrets which really work for me–first I wear nothing but a light dusting of foundation, and I smile. It saves money, and people respond so much more positively to a smile than a new shade of lipstick. I know it sounds corny, but it works.
Second, no matter how bitter the weather I try to get outside for a short walk each day.
Rinda´s last blog post…My Favorite Attribute in Others–Mercy
Mine would be staying out of the sun. Not avoiding it all together, but being smart about when you are in it. Not laying around soaking up the rays that often.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I always slather myself when I get out of the shower and it makes such a huge difference in my skin!
Plenty of water, sleep…and Chapstick!
Sunscreen! I recently reconnected with an old highschool friend who commented that my face still looks young. I attribute this to wearing sunscreen on my face everyday.
I would have to agree…sleep, water, and time for yourself to “refresh”
I love to get a work out in too, that always helps ease stress and makes you feel better.
woohoo! great giveaway:)
Beauty secret. hmm…Make a concerted effort be reflective (every day!). It makes one more beautiful on the inside and that just radiates!
tara´s last blog post…true but not valid
I have 2. The most important is sleep! The other keeps my hands soft and smooth. I rub some olive oil in my hands, then sprinkle sugar on. Rub really good. Then add a bit of hand soap and wash. Follow with a great lotion. Soft smooth hands!
Heather G´s last blog post…
Drinking lots of water throughout the day. This is a wonderful giveaway.
Tan slowly. Instead of hitting the beach for a full day at the beginning of summer, I try to get short periods of sun throughout spring. it gives a healthy base tan and helps prevent burning, believe it or not!
Sleep! And if I can’t get enough of that, a good eyelash curler to make my eyes look brighter!
Sleep, water, exercise of course… but my real “beauty secret” is definitely waxed AND TINTED eyebrows! Huge difference =) No one can figure it out and I always get tons of compliments when I get them done (obviously I go too long between!)
Sunscreen and sleep: My mother and grandmother are beautiful in part because of sunscreen and sleep.
I use an oil-free daily moisturizer with 15 spf – my skin stays nice all year round!
Drink a lot of water
Mascara- nothing big
. Even if it’s the only make-up I put on I look so much better with mascara.
Candace (Mama Mia)´s last blog post…My eyes are burning
I don’t really have a beauty secret, but the only thing that I can’t do without is moisturizer!
Darcy´s last blog post…Oh, Come On Mom…
I don’t obey any beauty rules – and as my 30th approaches, need to! I have started using moisturizer… most of the time.
Susie´s last blog post…Craftiness Update
sleep and excersise seem to make me feel the best.
I get acne because my skin is dry–sounds strange, but the dry skin traps the bacteria. I hate using petroleum products, but Vaseline on my face overnight clears it right up. Use a towel over your pillow though.
I don’t really do that much beauty-wise (seldom wear makeup, etc) but one thing I do is wash my hair at night & let it air-dry. It saves time, energy, and is one less heat-processing thing my hair has to endure. In the morning, it’s dry & ready for my flat-iron!
Jeni´s last blog post…Quick Request
as a mom of three kids under the age of four- my tried and true beauty ‘secret’ would be sleep. sleep, and water. oh, and sunscreen. nothing worse than an exhausted, dehydrated, burnt momma.
Kristin´s last blog post…Tweets for Today
I twittered your giveaway!
http://twitter.com/Jenidvm/status/1065450287
Jeni´s last blog post…Quick Request
I try to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and moisturize with lotion every time I get out of the shower. This keeps my skin feeling soft and healthy.
Maintaining balance in life – when my spiritual/psychological health is strong, I find I sleep better, I exercise more, I eat healthfully. It helps me reach out for help when I need it too. I hug my husband and kids more.
Heather´s last blog post…Stop #3 – ScrapMatters’ Black Friday Freebie Blog Train
i love my beauticontrol natural primer. for those days that i do put makeup on, i put some primer on first and the makeup stays put longer.
I love adding a little baking soda to my face wash. It’s a cheap and gentle exfoliator. Sometimes I add some to my shampoo as well- it strips styling products that have built up…
My little beauty secret is I keep a foot pummace in the shower. I scrub my feet while my conditioner is doin it’s thing and then my feet are soft and smooth. I paint my toenails when I’m done and it makes me feel sexy. Even in the winter time when I have socks on most of the time, it’s fun to have cute toes and feet.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
I love to lather up my feet with lotion and sleep with socks on. Makes them so smooth!
Stephanie B´s last blog post…Holiday Traditions
What instantly popped into my mind was: sleep.
Then I saw how many others are on board with that, lol!
May seem like a boring no-brainer, but obviously it works!!
Sleep and water…I wish it was as easy to get enough sleep as it is to drink enough water!
MaryAnne´s last blog post…Work in progress
Twittered this (thrftycraftmama)
MaryAnne´s last blog post…Work in progress
Sleep and water are the tried and true best beauty secrets. But I also wanted to add that it always helps me feel more confident when I dress up a little bit, put together a cute outfit, even if I’m just going to be around home. Great ideas, everyone and great giveaway!
Kit´s last blog post…Conspiracy theory
Wow. Well, I think these are wonderful products, but I’m not sure I have a beauty tip per se… more keeping-the-body-healthy tips, I guess. Like making sure to use lotion and gloves at night, because if my hands get dry and cracked, I get sick more easily. Or co-sleeping with a nursing baby – that nets you a LOT more sleep than having to get up to nurse countless times a night! (You have to do it safely, of course, and with common sense, but if you’re comfortable with doing it it’s wonderful.)
shaving every day in the shower keeps those little razor bumps away.
allie´s last blog post…What We’ve Been Up To
Beauty secret? Wash your face every morning and night… no matter how tired you are at night, just do it. Makes a difference!
My tried and true beauty secret is drink water and cook with olive oil. Both do wonders for your skin and hair.
Yolanda´s last blog post…Unscripted
Get a good night’s sleep!!!!
I need to implement some of these beauty secrets.
I think I am too low maintenance, as I can’t think of a secret to share. Makeup–even just a little mascara and lipstick always makes me feel better though.
Mama Koala´s last blog post…Free Movie Monday, Redbox Code 12/08/08
Not sure how secret it is, but my one thing I can’t live w/o is mascara. I don’t have the time or desire to put on full makeup every day, but mascara seems to be the perfect pick-me-up.
Cheryl´s last blog post…Gingerbread House
My secret is that I like to make homemade salt and sugar scrubs just for me to use. I drink lots of water, take a nap when I can and try to laugh more than cry, be angry or frown.
I have very dry skin and I also have eczema. For so long no matter what kind of eye cream I tried the area around my eyes would be dry and flaky in no time. So after hearing about how preperation H helped with bags under the eyes I decided to try it. I actually use the generic cream form and it keeps my eyes hydrated all night or all day. I will never try an expensive eye cream again.
Drinking lots of water and working out. I have added weight training to my workout and saw significant changes and weight loss!
I’ve found that the older I get (hit the big 5-0 this year), I really need to apply a moisturizer every night. I can totally see the difference when I wake up.
My best beauty secret(s) are to make myself wash my face before bed and drink lots of water. Often, I’m so tired that I just want to fall into bed, but the extra mintue or two to wash and moisturize my skin do help to prevent breakouts as I have sensitive skin. I’d love it if you’d pick me, as I’ve been wanting to try some new organic products and never know which are the best to choose! Thanks for this great offer!
Denise
I try to stick with the basics. Enough sleep and lots of water. Without those I don’t function very well and I can forget about beauty!
Emily´s last blog post…I Won Cuff Links!
For me it’s turning off the TV and doing my nighttime routine immediately after putting the kids to bed. ( at 7:30) Then with my clothes ready for the next day, table set for breakfast, bags and stuff near the front door and to do list out of my brain and on paper, I can RELAX. I do the brushing flossing moisturizing etc, and put on the on the jammies. Crawl into bed with a cuppa hot water, my gratitude journal and a good ( not to stimulating) book by 8:30. Lights out by 9 ( if I last that long……it’s been quite a few years since I’ve had a full nights sleep sans toddler calls). A few days of early bedtimes and I am positively radiant. Boring I know, but it works.
mine is eating well and getting plenty of rest. boring, i know but i can totally feel the difference when i stray!!
erika~ inspired mama musings´s last blog post…hey, i know her!
i added this to my giveaway page
http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2007/11/fabulous-fun-giveaways.html
erika~ inspired mama musings´s last blog post…hey, i know her!
y’know, i read somewhere that Joanne Woodward would daily apply witch hazel to her face to combat ruddiness. I’ve started doing that too, and so far, so good! I have very sensitive skin but just a little dab of witch hazel on a cotton ball seems to work well.
Hi Tsh!
I can’t live without my Dr Hauska basic products, i.e. a toning and a cream that is good for both day and night. These products are amazing and they smell good essential oils.
Manon´s last blog post…Des créations bien inspirantes
Washing my face everyday and using moisturizer. I don’t even really need to use special soap or moisturizers. Just as long as I do it every day.
My beauty secret is Bare Minerals makeup. Love this stuff!
Candy M´s last blog post…Another 12 Days of Christmas
Every night I put petroleum jelly on my lips after washing my face and brushing my teeth. No matter how dry they were that day, I start fresh the next (and drink extra water…) : )
Exercise and drinking plenty of water each day
hmm, i don’t put my emphasis on my beauty, i do exercise often which I believe helps my overall appearance
Just tweeted about it here: http://twitter.com/sarahjbray/statuses/1065534459
My beauty secret is to get a good haircut that doesn’t require blow drying! That way if you’re short on time, you won’t look like a bum.
Sarah Bray´s last blog post…A janky way to receive Twitter @replies on your phone
Beauty secret…get enough sleep and smile. but, you just mentioned those the other day!
Brandy´s last blog post…But Still Celebrate in Grand Style!
Staying out of the sun, which comes naturally to a this homebody bookworm. Also being a minimalist–not wearing make-up every day, not attacking my skin with cosmetics (even ones that are supposed to be good for it), not attacking my hair with heat (blow dryer) and styling products (gel, hairspray, etc.) or chemicals (apart from occasional highlights), using salon quality shampoo, and natural products whenever possible.
It is on my blog! http://mcommemaman.blogspot.com/2008/12/participez-au-concours-de-simple-mom.html
Manon´s last blog post…Des créations bien inspirantes
olive oil. Every few months(every month in the winter) I take a long bath and when I get out, I cover myself with a light amount of olive oil, head to toe. Its a secret I haven’t told anyone before. I found out about it from an italian friend of mine that said her grandmother used to do it….and rumor has it, so does Sophia Loren. My friends still ask me how I keep my skin so soft, especially in the winter.
Amiyrah´s last blog post…Wordless Wednesday- First Snowfall edition
Oh TSH! WOWZA! What a fab, fab, fab giveaway.
Well, first of all, my tried and true beauty secret is one that I’ve only come across in the past year. It’s the Oil Cleansing Method (I’ve blogged about it and there are TONS of resources online – just google and you’ll see). It sounds CRAZY at first – using olive oil (or some kind of emollient oil) and castor oil on your FACE to CLEAN, but it really works and I will never return to traditional face care again.
Okay, I just twittered my other entry to ya.
Megan@SortaCrunchy´s last blog post…Troubleshooting and Testing (with a big dose of GRRRRRR)
at least 7 hours of sleep, exercise, and try not to go to bed angry!
Getting enough sleep! And not eating too much junk food.
My tried and tested beauty secret is to drink plenty of water and eat lots of berries! In the winter I am constantly incorporating frozen berries into my meals and in the summer I get fresh berries weekly from my CSA!
Shannon Angelos´s last blog post…Christmas Tree and Decorations!
I always look and feel better when I’m getting enough sleep and water. I also use noxema, witch hazel, overnight firming cream, and bare minerals.
Steph´s last blog post…Keeping romance alive – Staying connected even when things get busy
Be happy! When you are happy on the inside, you look beautiful on the outside.
My beauty secret is to not do anything. I mean, I usually brush my hair and teeth, but beyond that…nothing. I let my hair air dry and don’t overwash it, which keeps it healthier. I only wear make up on special occasions which makes those occasions even more special and protects my skin from the constant wear and tear of application and removal.
Princess Leia´s last blog post…Two From Galilee
so, sounds like I’m not going to say anything new. Water, sleep and vitamins….oh and I just found a new exfoliating scrub that I love: St. Ives Elements Microderabrasion. LOVE IT
Dolly´s last blog post…Yes, Virginia There is a St. Nicholas
I need a beauty secret. I don’t get enough sleep and the only water I drink is my coffee. I am famous for eating junk food. So my beauty secret is don’t do what I do.
I use hydrogen peroxide to lighten up my hair…dilute with water and use as a rinse after the conditioner. It’s non-toxic and mess-free!
I also love Avon’s Moisture Therapy creams and the Soft and Sensual line of body lotions/gels/bath gel. I generally avoid strong-smelling lotions, but this has a very soft, rosy smell that my husband loves!
Lanolin cream does wonders for scabby, dry elbows or other rough spots! It can also be used for diaper cream-I use it when the kids have that really red, painful rash and it works better than regular cream…
I agree with others who have said that a smile is the best beauty treatment…my husband fell in love with my smile before we were married and still finds it immensely attractive.
Becky Aguirre´s last blog post…Jkaile
Not a “new” one, but hair conditioner works for shaving cream in a pinch!
In an attempt to mention something other than the wonderful “plan” of plenty of sleep and lots of water, here is the best thing I can do to look my best each day: plan out an outfit before I go to bed.
If I pick out something to wear, especially on days when I’m just going to be at home, I am more likely to get out of my pj’s, fix up my hair, and get dressed. If I am dressed, I am more productive and feel better about myself. If I feel good about myself, I make better health decisions thoughout the day. It initiates a positive cycle.
Brownie´s last blog post…My 100th Post!!
It’s not really a beauty secret but one thing that is part of my “beauty routine” is that I don’t shave with shaving cream/gel. Instead I use cheap hair conditioner. It saves money, and I think it works better.
Clara S.´s last blog post…Early morning SNOW
My only “secret” is Water! I drink tons of water consistently and have many people tell me that is the reason behind my even, rosy skin… either that or good genes!
I’d have to say that staying healthy is the best tip. Healthy food, healthy exercise & maintaining a healthy weight.
And always wear a little lipstick!
I don’t really have any beauty secrets to share. I’m in need of beauty secrets.
No surprise, it’s good old fashioned water and plenty of sleep. Water helps keep the organs hydrated while helping to move things through the system, including toxins that can make you feel and look less than your best. Plenty of sleep helps me feel relaxed and confident, and that’s true beauty! Thanks for brining these new products to our attention.
Erin´s last blog post…Family Portrait
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