Last week I had the “flu”? Idk. I got a flu shot at my OB appointment last Monday and then proceeded to get all the flu and cold symptoms at about 60% intensity for the next week. Right in the sweet spot of “I feel and look disgusting” and “I’m not running a fever and already took a day for my doctors appointment this week” where I just come to school and look/feel like a zombie. Another of pregnancy’s interesting characteristics is the ability to medicate oneself – you kind of can’t. So it was Diet Coke, Gatorade, Tylenol, soup and essential oils basically all week long. I smell like an apothecary.

Finally I’d had it with feeling so gross. I was in desperate need of a hair cut/color, mani/pedi, eyelash fill and general TLC for this pregnant body of mine. I usually see my mom for my hair but the ox was in the mire, as they say, so I saw my girlfriend Ali over at Amara Day Spa and loved it. She’s great and I had such a soothing experience at their facility – definitely check it out and ask for her if you’re in the market for a change. I got my lashes filled by my girl Chelsea (hit me up if you need extensions because she’s the best) and invited my sister Haley over for a nice manicure + chat session while our husbands worked on boring computer coding. I was finally feeling like a human being.

Then I decided it was time to clean out my makeup cabinet. Part of it was seeing all the cute and done up girls at the salon. Part of it was noticing how much my makeup wore off by the time I got off school and sat down under those bright salon lights. Part of it was the Sephora holiday rewards burning a hole in my wallet. BUT IT WAS TIME.

I love cleaning things out. I’m the opposite of a hoarder. I don’t have a big problem throwing things away. In fact, I love it! I feel great. The Beard, however, is a big time hoarder and you wouldn’t believe the napkins, stickers and post-it notes from his mission we still hold in a tupperware bin in our office closet. Ugh. Anyways. I was surprised at how much makeup I had that was old or pretty much useless. I highly encourage you to go through your makeup and do the same because wow. Perfect time of year for it too, because you’re bound to get some beauty products and/or gift cards for Christmas! Start fresh.

I used this chart and article just for quick reference as I threw stuff out. Usually I switch out my darker foundations for lighter ones in the winter, but according to this I really should be discarding them once my skin tone changes because by the time it’s back it’ll need to be discarded! I had a lot of “fun” eye colors and pretty tubes of lipstick that, let’s be honest, are NEVER going to be used. Pass that unused stuff on to roommates and sisters, or junk it.

Then if you’re pregnant or soon-to-be, you can fill that brand new space with THESE items:

L’Oreal BB Cream in Anti-Fatigue – kind of strange at first, because it autocorrects to a darker, warmer shade. At first I was like “Ah! No!” because it looked orange-y but as you blend and then layer a little powder over it the effect is quite nice. It definitely helps my sallow, tired skin after a sleepless night and an early morning.

Jergens Natural Glow  – this firms and builds color, which is extra nice. I mean, I cover up my legs completely these days because YIKES. But I still have to look at them so this is simply for my own benefit. Who knows if I’ll be able to even wear a swimsuit this spring because right now my legs are simply horrifying.

Benefit Porefessional Primer – I don’t use it nearly as much as I should but it’s great for smoothing out the pores around my nose and the creases under my eyes. I have to recommit to this quick extra step each day so my makeup actually sticks.

Benefit Push-Up Liner – This thing is the weirdest and best mix between a gel, liquid and marker liner. It took a little practice but now I love it. It smudges less than a gel and is way faster and easier than a liquid, for which I often don’t have the time. I look put together in a hurry.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes – these preserve my eyelash extensions but are a quick and easy clean solution for me when I’m tired or feel gross and want a quick clean. Pregnancy makes your skin weird, so I’m trying to keep mine as clean and healthy as possible.

Smashbox Photo-Op Undereye Brightener – The light reflecting quality of this thin serum is pretty impressive. I wouldn’t call it the Holy Grail of dark circle elimination, but it certainly helps.

Velocity Lightweight Moisturizer – I’ve been using this for years and will never stop. Until Mary Kay discontinues it, which they always do eventually with their best products. 🙁 It’s so thin and absorbs quickly. I love it so much. It feels like pampering my tired skin without making it greasy.

Water Bottles – yes, these count as a beauty product. I honestly notice a difference in the days when I drink more water because my skin looks better, my lips are softer and I don’t look as Tim Burton-y the next morning even if I slept horribly. The tumblers and bottles (I have this skull one)

from Victoria’s Secret are my favorite because they are cute and great quality. Keep them on your desk and in your purse or car and you’ll actually drink them!

AND LASTLY – What would a pregnancy beauty post be without a word about stretch marks?

Stretch Marks – I’ve used Burt’s Bees Belly Butter and Mother’s Special Blend Toner to try to prevent stretch marks (so far only a few small spots have shown up and only recently), and I’ll probably use my Sephora rewards and Christmas shopping excuses to try out some Mustela products. I’ve heard I need to have the nursing stuff on hand when Baby Holdy comes, but I think I’ll start early with the Body Restructuring Gel for stretch marks and flabby skin. We’ll see.

If you have other suggestions or new makeup recommendations send them my way PLEASE because I’m trying hard to get back in the swing of things. I’m even thinking about doing something like THIS next summer with my girl Katie… am I crazy?