7 Things that Make Me Feel Beautiful

7 basic things that make me feel beautifulLately I have been seriously de-cluttering my life with regard to stuff. You know, things like those jeans that will never fit again or that lipstick shade that doesn't flatter my skin tone at all. It's made me give some thought to what products and pieces are my absolute faves - my go-to, couldn't give 'em up things that I've learned through trial and error really work for me. I think that having such a list, and knowing what I can depend on in the way of stuff (even if some of the items on it are wants rather than actual needs) helps to simplify my busy life because I don't waste time looking for alternatives. I already know what I like and what works. And if one of the products on my list runs out or wears out, I know that it's worth replacing, even if it's a bit of a splurge.



So without further ado… here are 7 must-have basics that make me feel beautiful:

Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin Lotion 1. Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin Lotion with SPF 15
There are a very few beauty rituals about which I am hardcore, but moisturizing is one of them. After many years of trial and error, a while back I discovered this inexpensive classic, which I now use not only on my face, but as my all-over body cream. Now that I am in my 40s, I am on the hunt for a more intensive facial moisturizer but this awesome, cheap (!) Oil of Olay will remain a staple for both face and body, even when I find my new, wrinkle-minimizing, heavier-duty cream to add to it.












Related: 10 simple ways to update your look instantly









Form-fitting, Feminine T-shirts2. Form-fitting, feminine T-shirts
I learned long ago that a well-made, form-fitting, feminine T-shirt with a scoop neck is the most flattering thing for curvy women, no matter their actual size. The version in this photo is J Crew's "perfect fit" T, but I find them at Target, Old Navy and elsewhere. The key is quality, light cotton that clings without being too sheer, and cap sleeves that look feminine rather than sporty. I have this T-shirt in every color, and I wear them all year round.















Pedicures3. Pedicures
This is the one beauty splurge I allow myself semi-regularly. If I get a pedicure every 2-3 weeks from March to November, I feel so much... prettier. Just by getting pedis, I find that I pay more attention to the rest of how I look. If you have never gotten pedicures regularly, ask around before starting because prices can vary hugely - from $22 at a smaller strip mall place that may do an awesome job to $50 at a high end salon where you may get a rush job.









Related: 10 must-have beauty products for spring 2012








Mist Spray Sunscreen4. Mist Spray Sunscreen
Being able to spray a fine mist of sunscreen all over children as they run away from me has made my life so much easier. My preferred brand is this Bullfrog kind, but other brands also now make the mist spray, and it's the delivery format that I am really devoted to, rather than a specific brand. Even for people with no kids, with this mist spray stuff, you can get sunscreen onto YOUR OWN NECK AND BACK without relying on anyone else to help you.















Prescription Sunglasses5. Prescription Sunglasses
The photo above of my 16-year-old daughter J and me was taken last week just before she left for her prom. As you can see, I am wearing sunglasses. I am kind of addicted to them, and if I ever happen to misplace them and have to drive or be outdoors any time of day until sunset, I feel naked and cranky.
Cheapskate that I am, I could never bring myself to spring for sunglasses with Rx lenses. Which meant I had never discovered the joy of sunglasses at all until I was packing for Bonnaroo 2005 and decided that sunglasses were a necessity. So I took the plunge, shelled out the cash for the prescription sunglasses, and now I would rather do without water on a hot sunny day than go outside without them.












Related: 20 eco-friendly beauty steals under $10










Wrap Dress6. Wrap dresses of all types
I loooove dresses for work and travel because you just throw them on and go, and over many years and many wasted dollars, I have learned that for curvy girls like me, you generally cannot go wrong with some variation on the classic wrap dress, like this one from Old Navy. They are generally made of easy-care fabric that doesn't wrinkle, and they really flatter just about anyone with my body shape. You can dress 'em up or down. Wear it with a light cami if you're worried the deep V could turn NSFW.










Eyebrow Threading7. Eyebrow threading!
Thanks to my friend and coworker Marianne (who always looks AMAZING) singing the praises of something called "eyebrow threading," and following her advice, I have now discovered the Mother of all Professional Eyebrow Shaping Services. While I don't completely know what it is the woman running the threads all over my brows is doing, I can tell you that the shaping results are far superior to waxing.














- By Katie Allison Granju

For 11 more basic things that make me feel beautiful, visit Babble!

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Katie Allison GranjuKatie Allison Granju is the married mother of five children, the youngest of whom was born June 27, 2010. She also also blogs at Mamapundit.com. She works full time in digital media with a large cable network.




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