File this post under RANDOM OTHER TOPICS… but honestly, I get asked about this particular thing constantly. I am definitely not an expert in this area, but skincare is something that I love to research and play around with, so I’m happy to oblige all the inquiring minds out there.
I’m going to break this topic (my particular skincare routine) into three different posts: AM, PM, and extras (think masks and tools). There’s a clear order there, so I’ll begin with my morning routine today.
Cleanse – Some mornings (particularly in the winter) I actually won’t cleanse my face at all. I’ll simply splash water to rinse off last night’s product, then swipe with a refreshing toner. But now that the weather is getting warmer, I’m waking up wanting a really clean face. This cleanser is somehow simultaneously gentle AND effective. It smells lovely, gets all my make-up off (if I’m using it in the evening), and has tiny jojoba beads that gently exfoliate. Plus you really can’t beat Beautycounter’s mission.
Tone – I always use a toner, morning and night. This one is gentle enough for me to use twice a day, yet effective enough for me to use alone on those mornings I don’t feel like fully cleansing my face. This is another one of those products that Fultz and I share, so it’s definitely not just for the ladies. They actually make face wipes already drenched in this product that are perfect for travel or throwing in a gym bag.
Treat – My skin is extremely breakout-prone, and as I age I seem to hold onto pigmentation in my face more than ever. So, incorporating a vitamin c serum in the mornings has become a must (you can read all about the benefits by clicking here). This one (also by Ursa Major – man, I love this brand) goes on smoothly, leaves a pretty glow, and smells divine (this is also a good one, but I’m spot on when I tell you it smells like hot dog water).
Protect – I’ve raved about this product before, but it’s seriously one of those holy-grail, dessert island, can’t live without parts of my routine. As I’ve mentioned before, my skin is on the oily side and definitely blemish prone. Because of that, I’m looking for a couple of important things when it comes to my sunscreen. First, it has to be lightweight (check). Second, it has to have a high SPF (sun damage on top of a breakout basically will brand the marks into your face). And finally, it has to be a combined product; by that I mean I don’t want to apply a moisturizer, then go back and apply a sunscreen (it took me a while to realize that not all sunscreens are moisturizers). This one checks all the boxes. I’ve been using it for years and have no intention of switching things up.
Bonus – I’m adding these two products in at the end because first, I love them; and second, they are definitely part of my morning routine.
- I feel like I don’t need to make the case for natural deodorant (we’re all on board, right?). BUT, I’ve had a hard time finding one I like. I feel like I’ll use one, it’s great for a month or two, then all the sudden it stops working. I’ve been using this brand for over a year now, so I feel like we’re having a great run. The scent I’m using was a limited release (Neroli. Heaven.), but this one smells great, too.
- A couple of swipes of this oil on my wrists and neck and I’m feeling good. to. go. I love this smell so much I even have a candle of it.
So that’s it, folks. My morning. It’s evolved and changed over the years and seasons, but it’s been serving me well for the last long while.
xo,
sarah
read or leave a comment