I used to spend more time + energy (+ cash money) on makeup than I did skincare… and then I turned 30-ish.
In recent years it has occurred to me that (for me) the keys to achieving that much sought after “no makeup” look are
- wearing less makeup (like, a lot less… ideally no makeup) and
- taking better care of my skin.
I’ve also found myself more conscious of what I feel the need to cover up or enhance, and the message that might send to my children (who are always watching). Makeup can be so much fun to play with, but I’d never want Grace to feel like wearing makeup was something women need to do in order to be successful or happy or productive or, like, normal.
Please note that this post contains some affiliate links, but it is not sponsored. Oh and also (we all know this, but hey), treating yourself well– staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, managing/limiting stress, embracing gratitude– is kind of critical when it comes to good, healthy skin. Regardless of which products you’re using. OK? OK.
With that long-winded (mostly unnecessary) introduction, here are some of my current skincare faves.
CURRENT SKINCARE FAVES
AM ROUTINE:
- m-16 Perfect Cleansing Cloths: I love how gentle, quick + effective these are. They’re sort of like a grown-up version of the Olay cloths I loved when I was younger.
- Skin Owl Beauty Drops (lavender): I am obsessed with everything Skin Owl makes. This facial oil my skin feeling hydrated + soothed– but never oily or greasy (I think this is a common fear when it comes to using facial oils). I use the lavender drops (to combat inflammation + redness), but they also make clary sage (to smooth, plump + hydrate) and geranium (to balance, decongest + fight first signs of aging).
- m-61 Vitablast C Serum: This is a new addition to my morning routine, at the advice of Lynne at bluemercury at Legacy Place. I saw Lynne, their talented esthetician, for a facial earlier this month — she recommended both this (to fight free radicals) and the brow serum below. Related: If you’re looking for a blissful treat, book a facial with this lady!
PM ROUTINE:
- Not pictured: Pacifica Beauty Kale Detox Deep Cleaning Wash (an old standby for face), plus a lash cleanser (for my precious eyelash extensions from RISE Beauty Studio). I’ve had lash extensions since November and I am fully obsessed (Elissa at RISE is a genius… and also so much fun to chat with while she makes me look fully rested/mostly alive). I no longer wear mascara (which was the ONE beauty thing I’d never leave the house without), and rarely wear eye makeup at all. I get compliments on my extensions all the time — but usually because people think they’re my real, natural lashes. They’re a sneaky enhancement. I love sneaky.
- Skin Owl Beauty Drops PM (Maqui berry): Same deal as the morning drops… but for night. Obvi. The PM drops are a bit more expensive than the AM drops (the bottle is bigger, so…), but this PM bottle has lasted forever (or… a year-ish).
- Lashfood browfood eyebrow enhancer: Because I want to have 2018 brows instead of 1998 brows. We shall see.
- Jade roller: I like to think of this as foam rolling, but less painful and… for your face. It looks weird, but feels amazing, and has become a nice addition to my pre-sleep routine. I like it for the ritual, more than anything, but according to these doctors, it does have some real benefits too.
- Speaking of rituals, Organic Bath Co. PeaceFull organic body butter (lavender): This moisturizer is dreamy… and a key part of my getting ready to sleep.
I recently KonMari’d our bathroom cabinets and whittled things down to these few skincare faves. Having a simple, streamlined, effective routine has made mornings (and evenings) so much less frenzied (life-changing magic, indeed)… and less frenzy means less wrinkles. I think.
Perhaps I’ll share which makeup products made the cut soon? Yes/No/Do we care?
Also On Tap for Today:
- Hitting up the Boston Flower + Garden Show
- 8 Surprising Things Your Physical Appearance Says About You from Business Insider/Science Alert
- The Best Books on Self-Care from Apartment Therapy
What does your AM or PM (or both!) skincare routine look like?
