Products Lately: A few recommendations

1. I love the Beauty Counter serums. They last forever. I do the Vitamin C most mornings and the Tripeptide at night, or occasionally in the mornings. I bought the Tripeptide serum in October, used it every day until February and now use it intermittently and that bottle is still going strong. I bought the Vitamin C serum in February and now use it every morning. This stuff really does last forever, so consider that if the price point scares you off. 

2. This under-eye concealer has been a nice addition. I'm still in need of a good blender recommendation!

3. I like trying out new eye creams, mostly because I hate the thought of dry skin around my eyes. I always did like the Rodan+Fields eye cream. I might order that again, actually, sometime this summer. I tried Beauty Counter eye cream last year and I didn't love it. It did fine for the moisturizing aspect but it didn't do much else. (They've since changed up their eye creams so I can't find the link.) The RF one did everything and more. 

This Cerave eye cream has been a fantastic placeholder.  It was a good $10 investment. I like it much better than the Cetaphil one I had tried previously. 

4. Resurfacing peel from Beauty Counter. I got this in a free gift ("free") paired with the charcoal mask. I do NOT recommend the charcoal mask. It's awful and drying and it physically hurts. Don't do it. 

The resurfacing peel is great though. I put it on maybe two nights a week after washing my face and it's very refreshing and my skin feels so smooth the next day. If you're going to splurge on a BC product, that's the one! (not the eye cream, not the charcoal mask, get the resurfacing peel)

5. Hourglass Blush. I bought this because someone did an Instagram story on it. I fell into the trap. I got the mini size, though, in Luminous Flush. It was definitely a Friday-night-impulse-buy. (Fridays are the most likely day for impulse buys. I just bought a pair of shoes seconds before I walked out the door this past Friday. Had my coat and shoes on when I clicked "buy now" while I was telling Wells it was time to go.)

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You can tell I really like Beauty Counter products: something about the textures and the smells and the general effectiveness really appeals to me. I've tried this exfoliating wash before so I think that's up next for me to buy again, but I may buy the Counterman version. I feel like it would work better. 

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What products have you been loving lately? 

Stuff and Things, Stuff and Things 3/9

+Whew. Thursday. I'm running behind today. I went to bed last night knowing this post wasn't written.

+I'm erasing my 75 books this year goal. It's the second week of March and I'm feeling actual panic over getting "enough" books read this year. Ridiculous. So that's gone. This is what we could lovingly refer to as "self-imposed panic" (I may patent that term if it's not already a thing.)

I've found myself pushing through books and really (really) trying to read each day. If I think back to 6 months ago, I didn't always sit down with a book each day. My new Kindle has made it really easy to do because it's so portable. But I may be stressing quantity over quality. Not that I'm reading books I don't like...but I may be pushing through books I'd otherwise not be reading, just because  I "started it, might as well finish it". This is not productive or helpful to reaching goals.

This is coming to mind now because I read a really great book over the weekend and the experience reiterated that I need to consistently choose quality. We don't always know when we don't like a book right away, but we KNOW when we DO like a book right away.

+Speaking of, I'm reading Eats, Shoots & Leaves and had a conversation with a friend about grammar the other day. I'm ready to start screenshotting bad grammar (apostrophe use mostly) and putting it on here. I found a ton of mistakes while I was looking at some school websites the other day.

+Some things I'm reading: Decision fatigue is why teachers are so tired, features of the Japanese education system, and John Hattie on why you shouldn't tell other teachers how to teach.


+OH! Today is the last day to get a fabulous deal on LashBoost + a regimen of YOUR choice from Rodan+Fields! If you order TODAY, you get a free SUNLESS TANNER!

Sorry, I'm not trying to yell. 

I'm going to be pulling out my Sunless Tanner this weekend. It's bare leg season again. 

+I really like this bag but can't justify it. Is there a word for that?

Stuff and Things 3/2

+It's sun season. Actually, it's always sun season in Colorado. Between spring, summer, and fall, I carry sunblock on my person. My go-to sunblock is Soothe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and Essentials Broad Spectrum Body Sunscreen SPF 30.

So I knew I had a bottle of the Soothe leftover from last fall and went to pull it out and couldn't find it. I don't lose things. Like, I just don't. It's part of my DNA. However, after a search of everypossiblelocation, it cannot be found. I ordered a new bottle. I'm disappointed in myself.

+Speaking of Rodan+Fields, if you want the longer, fuller lashes without mascara, LashBoost Bundles are on a crazy special until March 9th. You can buy a bundle of your favorite regimen with the Lashboost at 30% off if you're a Preferred Customer. I don't know when this will happen again, but I'm glad so many people are taking advantage of it!

+Did you watch The Bachelor hometown dates? The four-wheeler Raven had looked very familiar. It's an older model of the one we have. I confirmed this with Scott, who was sitting next to me while "I" watched.

+Speaking of The Bachelor (aren't I always, by the way?)....this week's I Hate Green Beans recap was particularly funny. 

+I'm taking these shoes back to Famous Footwear. They showed up on Tuesday and they make my feet look big (I'm an 8, for reference) and they aren't THAT comfortable. What a waste. I'm going to browse the store when I return them and then maybe head to Target to try some flats on.

Happy almost Friday!

Linking up with Kristen for What's New With You?





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Last S&T of 2016

In the true spirit of Stuff and Things, these are truths and real thoughts that go through my head. Nothing prosy or curated today.

I find it fascinating that I began 2016 by telling Joey I was done with S&T and it took us months to wrap it up. Then, just a couple of months after that, we brought it back. I am absolutely directionless on Thursdays without it.

I also, at 8pm on Sunday night, realized that I had meant to recap Christmas (somewhat) on here. I didn't and life went on. I mean, I could tell you how we went to a friend's house for dinner on Christmas eve and we had a traditional Swedish Christmas dinner, and I could tell you how we opened presents and grouted a backsplash and made dinner  on Christmas and then watched lots and lots of When Calls the Heart all weekend (me) and duck-hunted (him), but come on now. It's not that interesting. I did get a Roomba. That was interesting. And my parents sent us lots of clothes, which is very welcomed, and my in-laws sent money that we'll put toward a few projects we're working on.

I deleted Instagram from my phone because it was shoving me into a comparison pit. Not a trap. A pit. The last time I posted was quite a while ago, because every time I think to post something I think, No one wants to see that. Then I realized that IG is full of things that no one ever really cares about so why not join in on the party? And then, to be 100% honest, the only time I look at Instagram is when I'm waiting for something, usually for my water bottle to fill up at the fridge.
I'll have to keep thinking on this.

I've also been thinking long and hard about Rodan and Fields. I don't know what kind of future I have with the company. I noticed that a fellow consultant has hopped off of RF and onto the Tupperware train (and is having great success). I noticed an acquaintance who went from some organic make-up to thirty-one to LuLaRoe to some nondescript clothing company...she is selling something different every nine months. I have some LLR and some You-nique make-up invitations on Facebook that I'm just kind of ignoring. I don't want leggings and I don't believe in tons of make-up. What I believe in is good skincare, but I don't know that as many people are on the same page. It's a conundrum.

Which ties directly into my IG/Facebook pit; the comparison thing. These applications are used primarily for just a few things it seems and one of those is advertising. I'm not sure how I feel about it. (Spoken from someone who has used the platforms to advertise.)

And, to end with something cheery...we went to see Rogue One the other night. It was my first Star Wars movie experience. Scott was very excited. I was trying to figure out how I could sneak a book into the theater. We didn't realize that it was Discount Day, which meant it was very crowded and we ended up in the second row. However...I liked the movie. I kept wanting more context though. Like, would I understand it better if I had seen the other movies? Or is this just pure story-building and no one reallllly knew what was happening?

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Stocking Stuff(ers) and Things

Fun fact: my camera, which hasn't been used in weeeeeeks, took one picture for me on Tuesday and then the battery died. It was 23 degrees and cloudy. I was not charging the battery and taking another picture.

Therefore, this is my "practice" picture. Usually I take 3 or 4. 

But this picture is really just to illustrate the point that winter is HERE and I'm layering up.

Also, my skin is dry. So I'm including some Rodan+Fields stocking stuffer ideas that will combat that dry skin. 

Microdermabrasion Paste // Lip Shield // Daily Body Moisturizer 

There's also Sunless Tanner, Gauze Pads for applying toner (I LOVE THESE!), and Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (if you're lucky enough to be on a tropical vacation this time of year :)

If you're looking for a bigger gift, the Lash Boost serum is getting rave reviews from consultants and customers.  There's a special that's running through January 2nd: with the serum, you get a travel pouch and a mini-eye cream. 

I sell Rodan and Fields and I whole-heartedly recommend the products. And if there's a product I don't use or don't like, I will tell you about it. All you have to do is ask my opinion and I'll be 100% honest with you. This is my disclaimer to say that, yes, it's a direct sales business but, also, the products actually work and I like to think that I'm providing a service by telling you all about them. It's not "stuff". It's not "things". It will not clutter up your house or fall apart after one wash or get lost at the bottom of a junk drawer. It will make your skin reach its full potential and heal acne, fix wrinkles, soothe dryness, and reverse sun damage. Seriously. 

How long do Rodan+Fields Products actually last?

When people try Rodan+Fields, I want to say that missing a day here or there won't make a difference and that's probably true. But my biggest secret as a consultant (and as a customer) is that I want you to use the products. I don't want you to buy them and never use them. You and I both get nothing out of that. I want you to love them and see results and become loyal to them the way I have. Most of all, I want them to heal your skin the way they healed mine. That won't happen if you never use them, or only use them once a week, or just once in a great while. In order to get these products to work, you have to go all in.

We go all in on 21 day fixes, and cleanses, and workout routines...and we often get them to work for awhile before we stop for one reason or another. (and unless you turn it into a lifestyle, you will, in fact, stop seeing results).

Life happens and that's okay, but literally all Rodan+Fields is asking us to do is wash our face every day. It takes minutes and it can change everything.

All that being said...here's what I currently use:

Disclaimer: I buy my own products. But since I have somewhat of a scaffolded schedule of how/when I use the products, they don't need replenished all at once, which makes it affordable. Also, I'm linking to the products, but they aren't *quite* affiliate links. You'd have to actually buy the products to make them such. 

Morning...

UNBLEMISH

I use the Sulfur Wash, the Clarifying Toner, and the Dual Intensive Treatment in the morning. Then I put on the Multi-function Eye Cream. I carry the Triple Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer with me, in case I have any dryness. However, if I know I'm going to be in the sun all day, I put it on before I leave the house. 

During the day...

I also carry the Essentials Lip Shield and the Soothe Sunscreen. If I'm outside for more than 10 minutes, I put the sunscreen on my face. It's matte and completely non-greasy. It can go on under or over make-up depending on your needs. I admit that I didn't used to love the Lip Shield, but I pulled it out to use again one day and, all of a sudden, I did love it. I can't explain this. But now I have a tube of it stashed everywhere. If I'm going to be outside, I put on the Essentials SPF 30 Sunscreen. I keep my tube of it by the door or I take it with me if I'll be outside elsewhere. 

At night...

REDEFINE

At night, I wash my face with the Redefine Daily Cleansing Mask, usually in the shower. The smell of this alone is what keeps me using it. It is the freshest, cleanest, most pleasant smell out of all the products I've ever used. It's spa-like and heavenly. If I could truly recommend one thing to the general population, it's this! 

Sometimes I use the Microdermabrasion Paste either before or after. As you can see, I'm a fan of mixing and matching! After that, I use the Clarifying Toner, the Dual Intensive Treatment, and the Multi-function Eye Cream....those are my three MUSTS twice a day, every day. 

This seems like a lot of products (I never said I was low-maintenance), but here's approximately how long each product, that I use every day, lasts me:

Sulfur Wash---3 months

Clarifying Toner---2-3 months

Dual Intensive Treatment---2-3 months

Eye Cream---1 year

Triple Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (moisturizer)---1 year (I don't use it every day.)

Daily Cleansing Mask---I've been using it once a day or every other day since February-ish and I'm halfway through the tube. 

Microdermabrasion Paste-1 year

This is not a 30-day supply, as you can see, so I think you do get your money's worth!

How long do your current products last? I'm kind of curious. I used to buy Proactiv and Neutrogena every couple of months. 

The reason you should up your skincare routine (right now)

I've decided to torture myself lately and look at puppy pictures.

Holy cow...these dogs were the cutest puppies I could ever imagine. I'm working on a gift for Scott so I've been pulling pictures and determining which capture our dogs' personalities.

When Scout was a little guy, life was good.

When we got Jett, it was in the middle of a really hard time. There were medical issues, a move, ending a school year, starting a remodel....Jett got the shoddy end of the deal.

And something I noticed in particular, around the time we got Jett, was how terrible my skin was.

Jett, himself, has perfectly gingered fur.

I have make-up on in this picture. Make-up couldn't even hide it. At this point, I had even been to a dermatologist and they had given me nothing that worked (truly, I don't believe in dermatologists...they spot-treat acne and that's not how acne, that's severe enough to see a dermatologist, needs to be treated).

What did work?

Well, you probably already know that the Unblemish regimen from Rodan and Fields did.  

Truthfully, monthssss after I got my Unblemish results, I ended up with a diagnosis of a hormone imbalance and that's what caused my skin to do what it did. While I take a medicine now that's supposedly working to correct this over the long-term, guess what has kept my skin clear all along the way?

Rodan and Fields. 

Do you know what I keep using, not only for acne purposes, but for anti-aging and skin-soothing purposes?

Rodan and Fields.

I have to say that if you are looking to live your *best* life, skincare is a huge part of it.
I don't even like to think about the year of 2014 because of the skin problems I dealt with. I don't read back on those blog posts. I don't reflect back on the decisions I made or food I ate or the trips I took. I want to remember none of it. Which is really awful. It's why I don't like to think about our move to Colorado, or our last 6 months in Missouri. It was just...awful.

My point is: if you think something concerning your skin is holding you back... holding you back from being yourself, or participating in life, or going after something you want... you need to change your skin. You can! It works! You will get what you want out of your skin if you treat it with products that are meant to make it better!

These are pharmaceutical-grade products. I became a consultant because THEY WORK!

Unblemish is the #1 Premium Acne Brand in the country. And, to really put it bluntly, even if what you use already is good, this is better. Good enough is not good enough. Trying and testing and spending money and switching products is not worth it. I played that game. It was terrible and uncertain.

Whether it's acne, or sun damage, or eczema, or rosacea, or wrinkles, or dryness, or bug bites, or sun protection...I could go on and on...There is something that will help you get to the skin you need.

Try out this 30 second Solution Tool and see what products would be a good fit for you. It's a starting point. A jumping off point. It's not set in stone. Your products you use aren't static either. You can change your order every 60 days. You can mix, match, and test out whatever you want. I currently use a combination of two different regimens, because I have (I've discovered) a few different skin needs at this point.

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I'm writing this post because there are few things I'm this passionate about (puppies and skincare just happen to be two of them). I feel a little like yelling it from the rooftops...RODAN AND FIELDS CAN HELP YOU TOO! 


So, ask away. Questions welcomed! I'll help you along the way, because I'm a customer too.

Links and things

The secret to the perfect no-bake cookies.  Here's my recipe too. It's worth a read if you're trying to figure out if/why it hasn't worked.

Getting rid of things that have served their purpose. A real passion of mine.

Principles healthy women practice. Consistency and habits is my takeaway here.

5-Ingredient Butter Tomato Sauce. I'm thinking over a mixture of zoodles and noodles?

In case you can't tell, I love audiobooks. This is the single best way I've ever discovered to do two things at once. Other people like them too!

On Treat Yo Self. This is often the excuse people give for why they need this or that. I, for instance, just bought a rather expensive tote bag and the insane turkey-trail train of thought that got me to click "Complete Purchase" was really a stretch. However, this is my new school year present to myself. For me, it's about the experience, promise, and usefulness of the new bag. It's not just feeling like I want to spend money on something just because.

Speaking of...this blogger wrote about school supply lists in the best way. I swear that I, as a teacher, am not trying to break your wallet if you're a parent. I don't even make the list! I have nothing to do with it actually. And I spend about $500 a year on supplies and books. Maybe more. It's really too depressing to keep track of, so I don't.

JP Sears on the Olympics. I'm not really watching. They're on in the background (because what do I pay for if I can't leave the TV on all day?), but I prefer the winter games.

Speaking of links...have you tried the Rodan and Fields Solution Tool?
I've been contacting A LOT of people lately and just asking What would you change about your skin? If you had a choice (and you do!) what would you want to improve upon?
The Solution Tool will help with that! It takes about 7 seconds. 37 seconds if you read over the results kinda carefully.

I know we can be hesistant to order from a direct sales organization, but think of this:

RF was actually only sold at high-end department stores 10 years ago. The doctors who created it decided they weren't reaching enough people that way, so they pulled a completely successful product line from the shelves and put it into the hands of consultants.

We're not all Blair Waldorf and don't all shop at Bendel's, right? Right. 

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What's your favorite link this week?

Weekend Work

I think I did more work this weekend than I did all last week. Productivity breeds productivity breeds satisfaction I guess. 

I spent some time mowing the pastures. 

^^Sigh. I can't believe I typed that. 

I took a good chunk out of the front pasture.

And then I mowed down the back pasture. I completely forget about it because it's behind the trees, I never go back there, and I don't see it from the road. I really hope that's our pasture actually, because otherwise I just mowed down the neighbor's field.

I found another snake. Not a poisonous one though, and I spent a lot of time trying to figure this out. It is a Great Plains Rat Snake. I will take one of those any day of the week.

AND, to end on an exciting note (because my weekend was super exciting), I really love my Rodan and Fields sunblocks. I mentioned on Instagram that I keep them by the door or in my bag because I put them on every day. The Soothe Mineral Sunscreen doesn't clog pores, is very lightweight, and doesn't cause breakouts. It's the jackpot of all facial sunscreens if you're looking for a new one!

Before I went out to investigate the snake that I saw through the window, I put on my sunscreen. You never know how long those snake ordeals will take. 

Full disclosure: Scott googled the snake for me. But I tossed some rocks in the general direction to see if it would strike. It was a joint effort. 

How was your weekend?

My Rodan-niversary.

I've been on board with Rodan+Fields for an entire year now. I've been using it for two years and selling it for one.

This week, I didn't really think about that when I posted this color run photo on Instagram but, truthfully, I wouldn't have done a color run two years ago without putting on, at least, powder. On this day, I just slathered on a ton of sunscreen and went at it.

The point is: good skin provides you with a freedom you didn't know you could have. It might be like losing an excessive amount of weight. You didn't know how good you could feel until you actually felt it.

Here's the vlog I made last year about not wearing makeup. I fully support wearing makeup to work, when out and about, and whenever you want to. I wouldn't really say you shouldn't wear makeup to work or certain places because #professionalsetting and all.
I do not support feeling like you should HAVE to wear makeup. It should always be optional.

If you're ready to go #foundationfree this summer, let me know....I promise there's something that will help you get there!

Here's the link to the Unblemish regimen that I use and then there's Reverse, which can get rid of the past damage many of us try to cover up.

Here's to another year of clear skin and helping others find the same relief!

Everyday Make-up

I wear make-up 5-7 days a week during the school year and 1-2 days a week during the summer. It just depends on what's going on. Every time I wear make-up, I put on the same array of products. This is it (and a lot of this is satire...I get that I'm not good at make-up).

Eyeliner. Nothing that would ever need sharpening. That's too much work. These kinds go on nice and smooth. I buy whatever is under $7.

Eyeshadow. I have a brush that I use instead of a sponge. If you buy a little palette, you can blend in the colors (hashtag lifehack). I buy whatever is under $7.

Mascara. I buy whatever I *think* I bought last time or whatever is under $7.

Bare Minerals powder. This is my "splurge" at $25ish. I only need like one container a year because a little goes a long way.

I use an e.l.f. brush for the powder.

I usually buy make-up at Target because they have the e.l.f. brushes there. I buy Bare Minerals at the PX on base because it's a little cheaper than Ulta or online.

I always have a tube of Eucerin dry skin treatment with me. It makes the best lip balm. I have a tinted lip balm too, but I only use it when I'm on my way to work. I usually have some type of lipstick with me too, but rarely wear it.

And that's it.

My skincare routine is more high-maintenance than my make-up. It's Unblemish, which is sulfur wash + clarifying toner + dual intensive acne treatment + eye cream, twice a day.
I think, honestly, I spend more on skincare so I don't have to spend more money or time on make-up.

Do you like to play with make-up and try all the new products? I'm very clearly a creature of habit in this way.

Pictures and such

Outer order equals inner calm? It absolutely does. 

That must be why I keep trying to clean things up around here. 

I didn't really like this book.

I did this and then I ate the Oreos when the kids left.

This picture is really dark but Scout was up to his old tricks while I was in the shower the other night. I came out to find this. 

This is much more enjoyable and helpful than I thought it would be. 

I got some self-tanner in the mail. 

Let me know if you'd like some. 

$24 a bottle (via PayPal) and shipping is on me!

My friend is reading the Rose Gardner series. I'm enjoying her daily updates.

And last but not least, I found this on Facebook the other day, reposted it, and now several of my coworkers want to make one. I will have one on my wall next fall, but I need to find something to replace "Peyton Manning" with. 

Suggestions?

A list of 5 things

1. I need to set a reading timer or something. I've been reading before bed and I just don't stop when I should stop and then I go to bed late and then I'm reminded that this is why I prefer audiobooks these days. I get too involved in the physical act of sitting and reading and nothing else gets done.

2. I have to actively force myself to make something other than pancakes for dinner most nights.

3. My class won a pajama party yesterday. This was a school-wide incentive, because I would never offer that up.  I'm super competitive, so I really wanted to win that contest (and we DID), but of course the prize is a pajama party. Much like adults, pajamas are the favorite attire of children.

This Schmidt moment sums up my everyday life. That's why I use it all the time.

4. I didn't wear pajamas.  I still don't believe in pajama day.

5. If you're still thinking about self-tanner, here's my post from Monday...I plan on using it again this weekend.

Even though we're getting plummeted with rain and snow again this weekend. I had previously signed up for a 5K tomorrow (ha ha) and I might just not go if it's cold and snowy/rainy. Maybe they'll cancel. Coloradans aren't exactly tough. 

Kidding. Kind of. 

R+F self-tanner is for everyone!

Seriously. If I can do it, you can too.

I put this on around 6pm, after I showered*. I took the "after" picture around 10am the next morning, but the color is supposed to appear within 2-4 hours. (I was in bed by then.)

I let it dry for an hour with shorts on before I put pants back on.

It's a very light-weight foam that dried awfully quickly. In fact, the few little mistakes I did make (just being honest) were because it dried quickly and I probably didn't put enough of the product on to begin with. I'd never used a self-tanner before.

However, all in all, it came out just fine!

And the self-tanner itself made my legs softer and smoother than any lotion I'd ever tried. I would use it again immediately just for that effect.

Anyway, I'd never used self-tanner before and was even scared to try this. My two co-workers bought it from me and raved about it so I had to get on board.

The retail price is $24 for a bottle that will probably last me the whole season. I might put it on every other week. The Preferred Customer price is $21. 

You can order here if you'd like to try it out for yourself! It would also be very easy to add to your bi-monthly order if you're already a PC.

*I don't always shower and turn in for the night at 6pm. It was Friday. I was exhausted. Plus we'd had a fund run at school and I was still kinda gross and sweaty.

Free Product for New Preferred Customers!

If you're looking for a reason to jumpstart your skincare routine, here's an opportunity!


My Rodan+Fields team (<< click to place an order) is offering a FREE Essentials product if you sign up as a Preferred Customer this weekend!

May I recommend the sunless tanner? Last year it sold out!

If you sign-up for a regimen as a Preferred Customer before midnight tomorrow night, your free product will be on its way Monday morning.

I know this isn't always the kind of incentive that gets people on board, but IF you were thinking of trying the products anyway, now is a great time!

(I totally wasn't planning on doing this until I saw that my team was offering the incentive and I wanted to share it with all of you...back to regularly scheduled postings on Monday :)

Sun Protection, Sunless Tanner, Etc.

Do you tan?  Do you tan well? Do you know that, deep down, tanning is the worst possible thing you can do for your body? Yeah, they've likened it to smoking which is awful because I used to intentionally tan. Having a tan just makes you feel good, I think, but it's clearly not worth the health risks, so I've been lathering up with sunscreen and wearing hats while outside in the summer for a few years now. This was never something I worried about in Alaska (not one sunburn in 4 years), but that quickly changed when I started hanging out at the pool in Missouri, and then working outside on our 35 acre ranch in Colorado. High altitude makes sunburn that much more likely, I've discovered.

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Which brings me to sun protection from Rodan+Fields!  These are the products I use for sun protection, or would love to try this spring. I've included the prices for both retail customers and preferred customers (PCs) and so many of these products will last you a very long time. I'm still using the bottles I bought last summer. They're so concentrated that you don't need very much for the product to be effective.

I can't wait to try this sunless tanner on my legs very soon. While we've had some spring-like weather and I don't even feel like we've gotten a real winter, it's always nice to wear skirts to work. $24 retail/$21 PC

A sunscreen that's not greasy? Sounds good. Especially because there's not really a smell and it doesn't feel like you're wearing sunscreen. $24 retail/$21 PC

Soothe Mineral Sunscreen. Part of the Soothe Regimen. Designed for those with facial redness or very sensitive skin. It's moisturizing and doesn't clog pores.  I carry it with me all summer long in case I have to be outside for more than a few minutes. $41 retail/$36 PC

This powerful sunscreen is SPF 50+ and is part of the Reverse Regimen. It fixes damage while protecting your skin. $41 retail/$36 PC

The Oil Control Lotion is part of the Unblemish Regimen and is a moisturizer with SPF for acne-prone skin. I used it all the time the first summer I was using Unblemish. Great for everyday, and I also carried it with me to reapply in case I needed to be outside. $28 retail/$25 PC

And perhaps my favorite:

The Triple Defense Treatment Broad Spectrum moisturizer with SPF 30. I use it every morning. It smells good, makes your skin feel soft, and won't clog pores. It feels nothing like applying sunscreen (and one jar will last you forever), but protects your skin just the same. $80 retail/$72 PC

There's also a Lip Shield that I don't currently use but many people do and love it. I use super-moisturizing lip balms and am more concerned with that in the winter than sun protection. However, it's always worth a try if you're going to be in the sun a lot!

What kind of sun protection do you use? I get really paranoid about sunburns during the summer months  (so uncomfortable, right?) so I keep bottles of this stuff stashed all over the house, car, in bags, etc.

Since it's the last week of February and spring is (hopefully) on the horizon, I'm offered a f-r-e-e sunless tanner to the next Preferred Customer!

How Being a Rodan+Fields Consultant Works

One of the hesitations I had in becoming a Rodan+Fields Consultant last year was What am I paying for? What do I get? What is EXPECTED of me?  
That last one was the million dollar question.  We all have those days and weeks when we just kind of shut down and things get pushed to the back burner. Priorities, right? I didn't want this to be something I invested in and didn't follow through on.

If you are interested in becoming a Consultant, here's the basics:

You buy a kit. That's your buy-in. But it's not just an investment (in the fastest growing skincare company). It's product. Product for you and for your customer-base.

A lovely consultant made this graphic and I think it explains things nicely.  I bought the $395 kit because I'm skeptical and hesitant by nature, but the more expensive kits are actually the better value when you compare the costs of what you actually get in them. I got a Redefine regimen and an Unblemish regimen with my kit.

You pay $25 a month to run your website. It's really like your office and holds everything you need to know and all of your data (that's my teacher-talk coming out).

You have access to SEVERAL Facebook groups that are full of information and questions and graphics and just camaraderie with other consultants.  It's a source of inspiration for me because, after a long day, sometimes the last thing I want to do is start a second job. But seeing what others are up to is really encouraging.

You have the chance/ability to buy products at a discounted rate each month. This is called a CRP and it requires you to spend $80 a month. This might seem like a lot, but I was spending $160 on my own products every 60 days as a customer. I still get my same products but, because of the discount, I have some wiggle room to try new products without spending much more.

You earn commission on orders.

There are no quotas.  You do as much or as little as you want.  This is where it diverges from a MLM type business and really stands out as direct sales. No one will kick you out or say you're not doing enough. The incentives and opportunity are there if you have the time to take it on (some months I do, some months I don't).

Speaking of, you hold onto NO product. Nothing goes through you. It all goes through the website. There's no parties to host (unless you want to), no boxes to lug around, etc. Did you know that this year the Girl Scouts require the parents to buy and hold the cookies and whatever is not sold is the responsibility of the parents?  Rodan+Fields doesn't even ask me to do that.  If someone doesn't order or if something doesn't sell, oh well.

There's always more details and I'd be happy to chat with you about them, but this is the nitty-gritty as I see it. The important stuff I wanted to know when I signed up.