Every body needs a good scrub now and then, and this is one product so pure and natural that everybody can enjoy it.

Technically 100% Pure Organic Strawberry Butter Body Scrub is, well, a body scrub. But part of being beautiful is using your brain to be, like, even more prettier. Some body scrubs are way too harsh and you’d end up looking like you have rug burn on your face if you tried using it all over. However, I observed the grains of this concoction were finely granulated and very soft in texture and it therefore proved to be a superior face product as well.

I could literally eat this stuff with a spoon. It’s just that yummy. And I’m almost not kidding. There are great big chunks of strawberries in the scrub, adding juicy goodness to the mix.

100% Pure also happens to be a line that vegans can use. Actually in this case I think that’s the whole point; to make a vegan product — hence the name.

That’s right! Nothing gets by me. Anyways, it’s very good. I might be so bold as to say the best body scrub I’ve ever used. Top of the line!

Organic Strawberry Butter Body Scrub | 100% Pure $22

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I have a list. It’s called the “When I am a Millionaire, I will have… a massage and a facial everyday, plus a steam room in my house”. There are a few other daily extravagances on that Millionaire list, but until that day comes, I guess I’ll just have to be satisfied with my favorite pampering products and create a little at-home spa of my own.

For best results, start your facial in the evening, just before going to bed. Complete this facial process at least once a week, but no more than three times per week.

Step #1: Facial Steamer
It’s imperative that every at-home facial start with steam. Steam helps to unlock the pores of your skin, in preparation for a deep clean. Pollutants, sweat, make-up residue, dirt and grime build up each and every day. Steam will detoxify your skin, prevent ache flare-ups, and serve a foundation for a radiant complexion. Adding an organic essential oil will help you to relax: try Eucalyptus or Geranium. Do not steam more than 10 minutes (or until your face breaks a small sweat).

Wide-Mask Sauna
at Cachebeauty.com, $29.99

Step #2: Facial Mask
Follow the steam with a gentle face mask. I prefer a ‘mud’-based mask for it’s cooling and refreshing effect. As a rule, wash away the mask after about 10 minutes (or when it looks just about dry). Any longer than this is probably not necessary and can even cause irritation. Rinse away thoroughly. A face mask is the deep cleansing portion of your facial and will extract any remaining dirt and oil build-up.

Nars Mud Mask (with kaolin, sea silt, algae and white lily)
at Sephora, $45

Step #3: Facial Toner
The toner is a very important part of your facial process. It helps to sooth and balance the pH of your skin. Almost all skin pH values fall in the acidic range (high pH). Skin that is more alkaline (lower pH) has a better barrier function and greater moisturization. Alkaline skin with a lower pH level will also maintain the necessary skin bacteria, which helps protect the integrity of skin. Always use a clean cotton ball or cotton pad to apply the toner (never use a wash cloth or bathroom towel, as they may carry contaminants).

Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner
At Kiehls.com, $15

Step #4: Facial Night-Time Lotion/Cream
A cream or lotion designed to work on your skin overnight will help off-set regular day-time damage, address fine lines and wrinkles and certainly make your skin feel firmer. You’re never too young to start adding this to your nightly regime. Be sure to cleanse face in the morning.

Elizabeth Arden Good Night’s Sleep Restoring Cream
at Elisabetharden.com, $38

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Men have very different facial needs than women. Scrapping a razor across one’s neck does things to a man. Bad things.

Normally I would never, ever splash a toner/aftershave across my face after I’ve just shaved. I’m not into searing pain. Maybe a light slap now and then, but that’s a different story — and on a different set of cheeks.

At any rate, Kiehls Men’s Alcohol-Free Herbal Toner is specially formulated to provide a cooling effect to freshly shaved skin. There is a tingle, but not a burning sensation.

Suitable for all skin types, especially guys with sensitive skin. Also contains herbal extracts such as Lavender and Ivy to help sooth away blotchy red marks. Leaves face feeling clean and fresh, with reduced redness and irritation. It also smells really good!

Another good thing — a little bit goes a long way.

The only potential drawback is the tingling effect. It can also be irritating if used too close to the eyes.

I highly recommend for those with dry, sensitive and easily irritated skin.

Men’s Alcohol-Free Toner | Kiehls $19

For normal to oily skin, I suggest the Tea Tree Oil Toner, which also helps prevent breakouts. I have combination skin, so I rotate because I just can’t pick a favorite.

Tea Tree Oil Toner | Kiehls $15.50 (4oz) & $24.50 (8oz)

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I used to think that fake eyelashes were just for strippers. Then I got a college roommate who had the most beautiful long eyelashes I had ever seen. After just a few days of living with her, I realized, they were not real. Needless to say I was a little freaked out. But then I thought, why not? I should try this whole fake eyelash thing.

So I went to Sephora and I picked up their Make Up Forever Fake Eyelashes. I didn’t buy a full set, just the kind that stick at the far outer corners of your eyes. Their individual eyelashes. The kit came with glue and was super easy to use, although I will say, make sure you put on your mascara before you apply the lashes. They will come right off with the mascara brush. I love them because I feel like a movie star with them on

You can get them for $14.00 here.

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Sometimes I just want to move into the nearest high-end spa and live there forever, basking in a warm glow of beauty. Yet other times, I’m broke and can’t even afford to think about that kind of stuff. This past year, paying off my debt meant I had very little leftover. Sometimes it was difficult to budget food, let alone beauty products. You can imagine my dilemma. I found alternatives. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner is one of them.

A lot of guys, myself included, have moderate to severe dry skin in the beard area. Therefore, I do not generally use this toner right after shaving.

I use after washing with Cetaphil in the sink.

A good alternative at a great value, about half the price of my usual toner — at double the quantity!

I don’t like cotton balls. Those things just fall apart, so they bug. I use cotton squares and highly recommend them over cotton balls for any application — be it applying toner or removing nail polish.

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner | DrugStore.com $7
Rite Aid Cotton Squares | DrugStore.com $3

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