Beauty is Only Skin Deep-Positive Tuesday

Thank you for the lovely comments to my picture Sunday. My daughter is a pretty, though she doesn't think so,  and yes, we got rest mixed in with getting homework and laundry done. While I think all my children are graced with good looks, I'm  most proud that they are caring young people with sound critical thinking skills, talents, and self defined resources that will positively contribute to the world in some manner. That's what I hope I've done with whatever gifts I've been given.

I'm not writing this post fishing for compliments. I'm aware I'm not considered pretty in the way a person looks at someone and  thinks, beautiful woman. With my asymmetrical face, that looks a bit droopy on one side,inherited from my mother, I've had more than one person ask me outright if I've ever had a stroke-really! I like to think I overcome this misfortunate physical attribute with my stunning wit and amazing disposition.

Seriously, self deprecating comments aside, I'm OK with my appearance. I suppose I could learn and take the time to do all the makeup tricks that cover up the imperfections. I'm not opposed to make-up use and God bless those that have the talent and confidence to enhance their natural looks. I'm just not interested in putting that kind of time and attention to it. Show choir has been a culture shock for me as a parent in that sense as DD1 is the same way. 

However, I do value a good skin care routine. I'm not a slave to any specific routine or product and am willing to try out different things. I battled acne off and on in high school, college, and as a young mom, but for the last two decades, my skin feels pretty healthy. I like the opportunity to try new products I get in the subscription box. Almost each box has had some sort of mask, cleanser or exfoliator. What I've learned though is while the composition amounts and textures vary, the ingredients to ones I like are pretty similar. I shy away from those that might test on animals though I'm pretty sure the boxes have all been cruelty free products. I look for those with the fewest ingredients. It has been fun to try out different types including these sheet masks that I am bravely modeling below. I call these "Silence of the Lamb" masks, and they freak out DD2 and the dog, which makes the fun factor higher. 

"Hello, Clarice."

I also use good old oatmeal, pulsed quickly in my coffee bean grinder, and applied with water. I use a lot of lotion on my face as well. I rarely use foundation, but if I do, it has to have a bit of sun screen in it, as does my face lotions. I see lines  starting around my eyes, the creases of my mouth where my smile starts, and my brow. These are just natural and show the world I've lived a good life. Still, while I think beauty is only skin deep, this face is the only one I'm going to have. Giving it a proper daily  cleanse, moisturizing and protection from the sun, and a little extra pampering from time to time helps me feel good, inside and out. Now, to do something about these winter hands!