Top 5 Skin/Hair Care Essentials

Arizona sun is different than anywhere else. I know, it sounds kind of dumb - and yes, I am aware it is all the same sun - but I swear it is just stronger here than anywhere I've been before.

I spent the first couple of days here with a constant headache. I can't seem to drink enough water, no matter how many reminders I set.  ( I feel like I'm Sponge Bob stuck in Sandy's house with no water... y'all know what episode I'm talking about, so don't even begin to laugh at me. )

My skin and hair were hating me for moving here; I knew I had to start trying new products to revitalize my body.

Disclaimer: I am not "sponsored" or paid by any of these brands. Nor did I receive any product for free. I wish I did, my finances would really love that, but I paid fully for each one. So these are tested and true reviews!

Here are my top 5 essential Skin/hair Care products for surviving Harsh environments :

1. Agave Lip Mask by Bite Beauty. $26

This stuff is a game changer. I have gone through almost every brand and type of lip care, and absolutely NON compare. It is definitely the most expensive "chap stick" I have ever bought, but it has lasted me so long. Clark has also been using it since his lips get really chapped from being on the field in the sun all day. You only use a little bit each application, so after doing the math this is the less expensive buy, long-term. It's a thick gel (that's the closest consistency I can think of to describe it). Next time you're in Sephora go test it right when you walk in and walk around with it on for a while. You will be singing it's praises also.

2. Ultra Repair Cream (Intense Hydration) by First Aid Beauty. $30

I was pressured into buying this by a brand rep in Sephora. She completely fooled me into believing she was just another employee and that First Aid Beauty was her favorite brand. But wow am I glad she sold me. It is made for all skin types and keeps my skin moisturized all day long. Plus it can be used all over the body. It also is free of scents, which I love! Clark uses this on his beard and is a fan, so it's husband approved. They give you an ample amount in the jar so I don't freak if he uses too much either. (You know you hate sharing your fancy, expensive products with others...don't lie to yourself)

3. Rough & Bumpy Skin by Gold Bonds $10

If anyone else out there has those red, weird bumpy things on the back of their arms that kind of look like zits mixed with Rosacea: this product is for you. I've always had them and was told there wasn't much I could do. I have tried the expensive prescribed moisturizers from dermatologist and they were a waste. I found this recommended online with weekly exfoliation and it has taken them away. Since being out in Arizona those bumps have gotten worse so this has become a daily application to my body. And you can get it from anywhere. I purchased mine on Amazon.

4. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. $38

I started using this before I came to Arizona, but it has kept my skin clear still even while experiencing a drastic change in environment. Its a soft gel cleanser and smells fresh (guess that explains the name lol). It doesn't have any added scents but you can tell they use cucumber in it. It has calmed the redness in my skin and I don't have many breakouts anymore. I've tried a lot of different skincare brands too, and my face always stops responding to them. But this is still going strong six months later. The 5.1 oz is enough for about three months; I wash every night and most mornings. I recommend trying the smaller travel size ($15) first, since it's pricier than your average Neutrogena. Everyone's skin is different but this is a must try if you can't get a hold of yours.

5. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque $10

This is one of my newer purchases. Since being in Arizona, my hair consistently feels dry even when I let it soak in my conditioner. I bought this three weeks ago and so far it has been revitalizing my hair. I used to use a hair mask weekly, but stopped about a year ago because the one I loved was too expensive and I was broke. Well, I'm still not rolling in money- but this masque was $10 so I had to go for it. I put it on after I have cleaned my hair and brush it through with a wide-tooth comb. I let it sit for 5 ish minutes and then rinse COMPLETELY, otherwise my hair will get greasy. It keeps it soft and healthy.

Let me know your thoughts if you try/use any of these. If you have questions feel free to ask!

How to Survive Camelback Mountain

Earlier in March Clark had an off day- which is rare. So, we decided to get outside and hike.

Now for a disclaimer, we are from South Carolina. Hiking for us looks a lot different than hiking out west. We have dense forest, moss, and an occasional view peeking through the trees every now and then showing you just how high up you actually are. Here in Phoenix, there are cacti on the mountain, dry red dirt, and large drop offs just a few steps from the trail showing you just how far you'll fall. Anyone who knows me, is aware I'm the opposite of a daredevil and have a large fear of heights. Hiking out here is just a joy....

We found Camelback Mountain online as one of the best hikes in the area, so we packed our lunches and headed on our way. After the first five minutes, I knew I was going to be sore the next day.

I've always known that hiking with Clark is like hiking with an actual mountain goat; if it were his choice we would speed race up the mountain. I tried my best to keep up and we only argued a couple times (a majority of these were because he still just can't seem to learn how to work my camera- But he's going to get it one day I just know it)! My legs were exhausted, my hands were scraped up from the rocks, and I had dust all in my nose but overall it was a strenuous, exciting hike and we both are ready to go again.

Our thoughts on the trail:

The climb up is the hardest climb I've done yet. It's more like rock climbing up and over boulders a majority of the time, instead of stepping up onto an occasional rock here and there during the path. Also at a couple points in the trail there are rails following the middle of the path to help you pull yourself up or to keep you from face planting on your way down.

The mountain is kept clean too. The parking is a bit crazy, but there are a couple different lots. Also, if you know you won't be able to do the whole mountain there are still a couple look out points on the way to the peak that are stunning. It took us around 3 hours total to complete, and we gained a 360 degree view of the city. Lastly, there are bathrooms and water fountains at the trail head.

Tips for those about to take on Camelback:

1. TAKE A LOT OF WATER. I know, it seems obvious. But we brought three bottles each and we still were super thirsty on the way down. Always bring more than you need. This Arizona sun soaks the water right out of you. Another common tip about water we've heard out here is: turn around when you have used half of your water.
2. Bring food. This was crucial for us. We also eat more than the average couple probably does...but still. When we finally made it to the peak, we seemed to be the only people eating. I would have been starving without a little snack. The hike and sun took my energy quick.
3. Be physically smart. We passed a good amount of people who had attempted something that may have been out of their physical ability. This left them sitting on the ground, searching shade from a cactus, and trying not to pass out. If you think you may need to take a rest or turn around- that is okay!
4. Don't wear any rings! I wish someone had told me not to wear my rings. I didn't expect to be using my hands so much on a hike, and I wore my wedding bands. They have some severe scratches now because you HAVE to use your hands to get down and really to get up. Those rocks aren't forgiving either.
5. Go early. Not only to beat the heat, but to find parking! We arrived close to 11:00 AM on a Sunday and luckily found a spot at the upper lot. There is a lower lot as well with more parking, but you have to walk a little way to get to the trail entrance from there. That lot was packed also- so be aware of this. 
6. Wear the right shoes.  If you have ever hiked this is a known thing. But we were shocked by the amount of people we passed who were wearing Toms and Vans while hiking! This is not a walking trail, you need shoes that grip onto the rocks here.

We took on this mountain for our first experience of hiking out west, and it kicked our butts a little bit. Let us know if you've done Camelback and your experience!

We made a short video of our trip below :)