Notes on my (updated) beauty routine
Ok! What else to do with this forced time at home than…share with you all of my current favorite beauty products and routines?!
Although I am a big fan of all of the following skincare/makeup/hair/general beauty products, I do feel like the things that have made the biggest difference in my overall beauty routine are…getting eight hours of sleep, drinking a ton of water and managing my overall stress and anxiety (ty CBD + meditation!). I’m also realizing the huge effect that travel (planes, hotel bedding, early wake-up calls and erratic schedules) has had on my skin: just having a more predictable routine and access to all of my products every day has made such a big difference!
Morning
I’m very much a morning shower person: I cannot start my day without a shower, and I basically stumble out of bed directly into a hot shower every morning. I wash my face with the Botnia Gentle Cleanser every morning. After my shower, I layer The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and The Ordinary Buffet on my face and neck before putting on Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50+. I’m a huge fan of this SPF moisturizer: super high SPF and blends in really nicely without being greasy or leaving a white film. Perfect for everyday use or to take to the beach, and something that I’ve added to David’s medicine cabinet as well!
In related things: there are three Ayurvedic things that I’ve done religiously every morning since completing yoga training in 2014. I use a stainless steel tongue scraper as soon as I wake up, I oil pull with coconut oil right after I get out of the shower, and I either drink a glass of cold water with apple cider vinegar or a warm water with lemon juice before I eat or drink anything else.
Somewhat related: I put Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer in my coffee every morning, which I love for the taste–and if it’s helping my skin, hair and nails, what a bonus! I also take a couple of Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Softgels, which has made a big difference in my overall skin health and elasticity.
Evening
One of the best tips that I got from my facialist (BLH Beauty in San Diego–Brittany’s the best!) is to use a fresh washcloth every night: I picked up a simple pack from Target, and I use a new one every time I take off my makeup.
I recently discovered the Makeup Eraser and I am OBSESSED: it’s basically just a washcloth takes off your makeup with water–without any products and without adding more makeup wipes to the landfill. I’ve also started using this tea tree oil eye makeup remover to take off stubborn mascara: I have sensitive eyes that are prone to dryness (partly why I don’t wear much eye makeup), and my eye doctor recommended this to make sure I’m getting all product off every night.
If I haven’t worn makeup, I’ll just wash my face with the Botnia Gentle Cleanser and follow with the Rose Water Toner.
A couple of nights a week, I’ll use Innisfree Sea Salt Cleanser for a gentle exfoliator: this was another Seoul find, and I love it! If I feel a breakout coming on, I might dab a bit of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid on it although I’m careful to not overdry the area.
Other nights, I’ll just layer on The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, The Ordinary Buffet and Beautycounter Brightening Facial Oil. I also use Kiehl’s Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment. And I end the night with Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream: it’s a little splurgey, but a little goes a LONG way.
Lastly, I recently got converted to the world of silk pillowcases (supposedly great for reducing bedhead and not absorbing all of your expensive night creams): I splurged on a Slip pillowcase (and Slip eye mask), and I feel like it’s made such a big difference!
Makeup
My everyday makeup routine has stayed about the same for years, and it generally takes about five minutes. And honestly, even if it’s for something fancy, it doesn’t really change that much other than putting on a little extra eye shadow or opting for a bright lipstick.
Right now, I’m using Laura Mercier Perfecting Primer (which does a good job of mattifying my skin), but honestly, I have been using Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light since high school and I always try to find something better..and then I go back to Smashbox Photo Finish Light. It’s a great texture, works well without being heavy, and layers extremely well. I don’t know why I ever try to find anything better!
I start with Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint for a dewy base, but usually use a bit of Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder on my nose and forehead to smooth things out (especially good for T-zone shininess!). I still have some acne scarring on my chin and cheeks, so I might dab some Laura Mercier Secret Concealer there and under my eyes.
I’m currently obsessed with 3CE Back to Baby Glow Beam and Stylenanda 3CE Creamy Cheek Stick: I found both products in Seoul, and they’re both SO GOOD. Back to Baby Glow Bean is a fantastic highlighter, and the creamy cheek stick gives that perfect rosy glow.
That said, I’ve been a long-time lover of Nars The One Multiple and I still really like the Orgasm shade for a more everyday look. I’m also still very devoted to Nars Bronzer Powder!
Lastly, I use a bit of Glossier Boy Brow to straighten out my brows and I’m currently a big fan of Glossier Lash Slick for mascara–although I also still love Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume. I like to swap out my mascara at the beginning of every quarter, so I tend to stick to more affordable drugstore options.
When I want to spice things up, I either put on a layer of Glossier Lidstar or put on some lipstick. I discovered Jung Saem Mool matte lipsticks in Seoul, and I really don’t know if I could ever revert to another brand: the colors are fantastic, and they stay on SO well without being sticky.
Hair
To be totally honest, I’m not a huge fan of really “doing” my hair and I’m by no means a hair blogger: I have it in a top-knot half of the week. That said, I’m really enjoying Kristen Ess The One Shampoo and Conditioner (the shampoo lathers really well, and both smell nice!). I also am a big fan Kristen Ess Blow-Dry Mist for detangling pre-blow-dry.
I’ll use bumble&bumble Surf Spray when I’m wearing my hair wavy, and bumble&bumble Invisible Oil when I’m wearing my hair straight. Forever a fan of L’Oreal Ellnet Hairspray to set a style!
David surprised me with a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer a few weeks ago (I had been lusting after it for years!), and it is FANTASTIC. The diffuser attachment has been especially great for making it easier to get my naturally wavy-ish hair to hold a nice curl.
Weekly Masks
It’s no secret here: I love a good mask! I like to mix up a few different masks every week, depending on what I’m in the mood for: Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack if I feel a breakout coming on, Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel to wake up feeling extra smooth and radiant, Drunk Elephant Babyfacial for creating a tingly sensation that feels like it is actually getting rid of my wrinkles and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask for an extra dose of hydration.
Although I’m not traveling right now, I also swear by Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask for plane-induced dehydration–I always keep a tube in my overnight bag.
And of course, I’m always looking for an excuse to terrify David and put on a sheet mask! Although I brought home a lifetime supply from Seoul, my absolute favorite is the Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Sheet Mask: it feels super high-quality and does an insane job of hydrating.
What are your favorite beauty products these days? Anything I need to try?!
p.s. a peek back at my skincare routine a few years ago! One big habit I’ve changed since then: I don’t use makeup wipes anymore since they’re bad for the environment AND can really overdry your skin.
