Johnson’s isn’t just for babies anymore! Their Soothing Naturals line is an excellent way to add needed moisture to your skin. The Soothing Naturals Intense Moisture Cream has an uplifting scent, which lingers after cream is absorbed into skin. This cream is thick enough to last through several hand washings and soothes extra-dry skin for 24hrs. Olive oil and Vitamin E replenish skin for optimal moisturization.

Johnson’s Soothing Naturals Intense Moisture Cream retails for $4.50 or less.

Did you know certain beauty products should be avoided during pregnancy?

While I encourage you to remain a “Hot Mama” during your pregnancy, there are a few precautions you may want to take when using your beauty products. There is little proof that most beauty products will harm your baby, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Remember to always consult with your OB-GYN if you have questions or concerns. (This article is for informative purposes only and does not substitute the care you should receive from a medical professional.)

Limit or avoid the use of the following:

~ Products containing Vitamin-A. This would include retinol products such as Retin-A. A certain Vitamin-A derivative has been shown to cause birth defects when ingested. It is possible retinoid products can be absorbed into the skin.

~ Nail polishes containing DBP (dibutyl phthalate). If your brand of polish does not state it is DBP-free, avoid using during the first trimester.

~ Hair dyes that are used for coloring hair close to the scalp. The chemicals in hair dye can be absorbed through the scalp. It is best to avoid hair color altogether during pregnancy, but if you must, try waiting until the end of the third trimester.

~Products with salicylic acid. This acid is in the same chemical family as aspirin, which should be avoided during pregnancy. If you are battling acne due to fluctuating hormones, try using benzoyl peroxide products. Be sure to let your doctor know of any new, over-the-counter treatments you choose to try.

Remember to pamper yourself during your pregnancy! Staying healthy and beautiful is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby!

L.A. Minerals has the stuff mineral dreams are made of! This company is one of the few I’ve found that ships their samples for free. That’s right, L.A. Minerals ships samples free, even worldwide!

Since eyeshadows are my niche, I’ve only ordered the $1.00 sample baggies and I couldn’t be more pleased! These shadows are richly pigmented and glide smoothly onto the eyelids. Sample baggies contain 1/8 teaspoon of shadow and come in 28 stunning colors.

For those who love mineral foundations, L.A. Minerals provides a color wheel and photos of models of every skin tone. This helps to ensure finding a foundation shade to compliment your skin color.

L.A. Minerals ships any $1-$2 samples for free, worldwide!

If you’re having trouble getting your hair to grow, breakage may be to blame. Keeping hair strong and healthy is the key to a luxurious mane. Mane ‘N Tail Conditioner was originally made for horses, but people started using it themselves years ago. This protein-enriched conditioner adds instant shine and strength to hair.

Mane ‘N Tail Conditioner has a fresh scent and works wonders as a rinse-out or leave-in treatment. For instant repair after any chemical services, apply this conditioner to hair. Sit under a dryer or wrap a hot towel around hair for up to 30 minutes. The heat allows this conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft, resulting in silky locks.

Mane ‘N Tail Conditioner can be found at most retailers, with the cheapest being Walmart. Check your drugstore circulars for frequent B1G1 free specials.

After searching high and low, I now have a new, favorite OPI polish. Too bad it’s been discontinued! OPI’s Perfection is part of the Designer collection and from the moment I saw it on a co-worker, I knew it had to be mine! This shimmery pink is made with a unique diamond-dust formula which adds instant glam to nails.

A thorough online search only gave me one retailer with this polish in stock. Nail Polish Diva carries the majority of OPI colors, including current collections and hard-to-finds. My polishes arrived within a few days of ordering and were still in the original OPI packaging.

Nail Polish Diva stocks well over 100 OPI polishes with prices averaging $7.32-$9.10 a bottle.

Now, now, there’s no need to pretend there isn’t a hidden Sasquatch in most of us! Getting rid of facial hair can be a painstaking process if not done correctly. Nair Sensitive Formula Face Cream with Green Tea, with its slanted tip, makes hair removal a breeze. This cream removes hair gently from sensitive facial skin and nourishes with extracts of green tea and sunflower oil. It works its magic in about five minutes, leaving skin soft and fuzz-free.

Nair Sensitive Formula Face Cream with Green Tea averages $5 or less at most retailers.

Hailing from my neighboring state of Indiana, is a lovely lady after my own heart! Meredith of Shakeup Your Makeup keeps you updated on the latest beauty bargains and drugstore finds. Thanks to her site, I now have an ongoing affair with Beauty Crunch! Get to know more about Meredith, one of my favorite beauty bloggers…

MEREDITH: I highlight my own hair, so it would have to be Clairol’s Nice & Easy ‘Frost & Tip’. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t find that anymore! I don’t even know my true hair color I’ve been using that for so long!