Technology, Makeup, and Other Wintertime Delights: A Few More Of My Favorite Things

When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad!
“My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers

Wintertime in the northern hemisphere can be such a downer! So I thought now would be a good time to present a few more of my favorite things I’ve recently discovered. Maybe you won’t feel so bad about dark days and subzero weather after trying them, either!

1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Ever been on a flight seated near the engines and crying children? Or on a train when the kids in front of you forgot to bring headphones for their video games? Bleep-bleep-boooooouhhhhwhap! No More.

The Elder splurged last year and purchased the Bose Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for me. I could not be more thankful for them. I have a high sensitivity to noise – like crazy high! – and these have saved my sanity on flights, trains, cars, and in the office. They also have AMAZING sound quality if you’re watching downloaded movies or listening to music.

2. Lip Scrub

One of my favorite looks is a long-lasting, strong, red lip color. In order to seamlessly execute, lips have to be smooth and moisturized. Otherwise, instead of looking supple and glorious, they appear more cracked and lined.

In the winter, my lips can get a little dry, no matter how much water I drink. One of my favorite little tricks is using a lip scrub, like BITE Agave Sugar Lip Scrub. It helps plump and moisturize the lines around my lips and takes off any dead skin there, too.

3. Blur Powder

Maybelline Facestudio Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Translucent Loose Powder sets makeup and miraculously mattifies, blurs, and smooths skin. It creates a soft focus effect using micro-fine particles that eases wrinkles and lines and is virtually undetectable.

This one is in my makeup kit from now on!

4. Well-Heeled Soles

Last month, I saw my adorable sister-in-law, Megan, in the CUTEST pair of ankle boots. They were wedge-heeled, wool fleece lined, and had a lug sole for walking on ice and snow. “They are so comfortable!” she proclaimed.

When it’s COLD OUTSIDE, what are you wearing? My UGG boots rock my socks, but I am also absolutely loving sheep-fleece, SPANX, and smooth, secondhand short-bags from CHANEL.

She has the Sorrel Joan of Arc Wedge Chelsea in multiple colors. I went home and ordered the similar UGG Women’s W Pax Fashion Boot in Chipmunk. They have been on my regular rotation ever since.

Meg has a toddler, Baby G, and if SHE can wear heels to chase the baby, I am sold!

5. Shimmer Glimmer

PINK Disco Party Shimmer Foam with Coconut Oil is a surprise entrance onto my list this year. Normally, I am loyal to my Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion with Royal Jelly and mica flecks for a luminous glow, but this shimmer foam is a delightful, crackly experience that cools the skin as it goes on. My 11-year-old Lil Blu is a huge fan, too. It’s just fun to use.

Who doesn’t need a little more disco?

I’ve already written about my #hanacureeffect in Oh. My. Goodness! but here are a few more of my favorites for wintertime (clockwise from lower left): lighted magnified makeup mirror, Party Shimmer Foam by PINK, Sephora Solid Brush Cleaner, BITE Agave Lip Scrub, and DoTerra’s ClaryCalm and Rose Oil roller balls (for monthly mood management).

6. A Cleaner Brush

You wash your face twice a day but do you ever remember to WASH your makeup brushes? You should.

Dermatologists and makeup artists say you should be sanitizing them weekly(!) especially eye makeup and other brushes that apply pigment often to ensure you get a clean, pure pigment that is true to the color instead of one that’s muddy. You’ll also extend the life of your brushes.

When we apply concealer, foundation, or powder for Broadcast, my team always cleans brushes between people. I use Sephora Solid Brush Cleaner, warm water, and the silicone scrubber included to gently remove bacteria and debris from my tools.

Cuz, isn’t cleanliness close to godliness?