Time for a treat... I'll skip the trick.

As I’ve mentioned in the previous blogs, I’m not one for high-end pampering. I’d rather go out for dinner with friends and family or save up for a fun trip than spend high dollars on beauty products that go unnoticed by my busy husband, indifferent toddler and like-minded mom-friends. When I run out of face wash, shampoo, and foundation I hit the drug store and go to the old-standbys that never let me down. Except…. except, when I’m pregnant. Then all bets are off.

Pregnancy brings out the worst in me. I think my husband would attest to that. And anyone else that knows me. Not only am I exhausted, cranky, and a stick-in-the-mud, but my skin and hair takes on a new attitude too. I guess like my emotions, my body goes into high-maintenance mode when gestating. So for those of you out there looking for a little “high-maintenance” to add to your routine, here are a few of my favorites treats!

1. C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream, $19.50, 8 oz.: I love the simple scent, the silky texture, and the light moisture of this cream. Whether it’s genetics, good luck, or this cream, I didn’t suffer any stretch marks from my last pregnancy, when I used this product religiously. Will lightening strike twice? 2. Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin Starter Kit, $32.50: I generally can’t complain about my skin. An occasional blemish here or there, but nothing terribly unpredictable. Now? During pregnancy? My zits are worse than a chocolate-eating teenager’s. Time to bring out the big guns, and Clinique’s acne-fighting wash, toner, and “moisturizer” does the trick. It’s strong stuff. I only use it twice a week now that my skin is second-trimester shiny as opposed to first-trimester oil-slick. But… it gets the job done.3. I’m In The Mood For Scrub, $26.95 for 16 oz.: They say that when pregnant, you glow. And while I can not attest to everyone’s state of “glowiness” during pregnancy, I can say that mine only results from a tough scrub with this product. I like that it foams, isn’t too rough on my skin, and has a very soapy-clean scent. Sadly, this product looks like it may have been retired from the Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa line, but is still available on the infamous World Wide Web, so therefore is still worthy of a mention.