STRETCH MARK MIRACLE WORKER

Not everyone gets stretch marks with pregnancy. With Elle I hardly got any, but I did get quite a few of them with Levi. He was a bigger baby than Elle, and I got them all across my stomach. I don't really mind them, but, I won't lie, I would prefer they didn't exist in the first place. My skin is also looser as a result of my second pregnancy, which isn't uncommon either. 

Of course, I would happily do it all again in a heartbeat, and I got a beautiful baby boy which matters WAAAAY more than stretch marks. However, if you can do something about lessening the appearance of the marks why not, right? After sharing a post-partum update I received an email from Nina asking me if I wanted to try Nerium to firm up my tummy and reduce the appearance of the stretch marks. I was definitely skeptical because there is no real fix for stretch marks, but if she was going to send me something I may as well try it, right? 

And so I did. I applied this lotion to my stomach for six weeks. It claimed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and firm up my skin. And it worked as you can see.

These photos were taken at the same time of day in the same location (you can email Rennai to confirm that). They are not edited in any way, shape or form. They are straight out of the camera. The only difference is that I have short hair and wearing workout clothes. 

I can't say that my stomach looks firmer necessarily. I'm starting to do pilates now to really correct that issue, but my stretch marks have faded significantly after six weeks. If you have stretch marks that bother you I would highly recommend giving Nerium a try. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Product Reviews

Ever have one of those shopping trips where you feel like you're stocking up on face wash, body lotion, tooth paste, etc. all at once? I had one of those weekends awhile ago, and I decided to try some new products. I've definitely found some new favorites!... Johnson and Johnson Deep Hydrating Body Lotion - I'm not a fancy shmancy lotion person. Scent is a factor, but I'm definitely about results. This body lotion really does keep my skin moisturized all day long! It does have that baby smell, which you may or may not like, but I definitely recommend checking it out.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer - I've tried Aveeno's products before, and nothing ever wowed me, but this daily moisturizer with SPF 15 is definitely working for my sensitive, combination skin. This product is oil-free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser - I've always been a fan of Johnson & Johnson's PURPOSE Facial cleanser because my dermatolgist recommended that product, but I decided to take a risk with this one. I'm loving it! It's super gentle on my face. Suds usually dry out my face too much, but because it's such a light cleanser I haven't had any problems. Not to mention, it takes my eye makeup off with a breeze.

Benefit Boi-ing - Now this is a product that I did not find in Target, but rather at blissful Sephora. Best concealer on the market times ten! This concealer is creamy, stays on and covers anything up. I highly recommend it! I've tried a lot of concealers in the past with LORAC, MAC, etc., this is the best. I'll keep coming back for this one and I don't mind paying the bigger bucks because it works!