My Skincare Routine (+ Tips for Saving on Skincare Products)

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There was a time, not so long ago, when I prided myself in the simplicity of my daily skincare routine. A simpler time. Uncomplicated: Cleanser, moisturizer, done. That was, of course, when I felt invincible against environmental factors, before the onset of visible wrinkles and dark circles caused by stress and lack of sleep, and all those other fun things that seem to crop up as soon as one turns 34 (and/or is living a perhaps too-frazzled life). As the birthday candles on my cake have increased in number, so has the intensity of my morning and evening skincare rituals – I'm not obsessive, I've just come to enjoy the ritual and process of it, and of course, the nice skin that comes with it. While it's no 10-step-Korean-double-cleanse-tango, it is definitely more involved. But it's also very much worth it, ever since changing a few things in my arsenal last fall, my skin has been considerably clearer and fresher looking. I'm not without the occasional breakout, but it's better. Much better.

Recently I've received several requests on Instagram to share my routine, so here we are. When we moved here in October last year, my skin was looking... haggard. After one final gross Philadelphia summer and the stress of moving (and some not-so-great food choices because of it), my complexion was congested and broken-out, and I was miserable. It took a lot of tinkering, but after several months my skin is back on track and frankly looking better than it ever has.

Along with the products and routine described below, two major factors that affect my skin are stress and diet. I'll be discussing both in separate posts because the topic is a big one. So while you read what follows, I ask that you keep the following two points in mind:

1. I am not a skincare expert, this is simply what works for me at this very moment in time. I'm happy with how things are going.

2. Stress and diet play a major role in the clarity and tone of your skin. You can use all the expensive products in the world, but if you're not taking care of your insides, it often (though not always) reflects on the outside. You gotta eat well and keep things moving.

Anyway, another post for another day. OK?

OK! Let's do this:

Oh... one more thing to keep in mind  I don't use ALL these products EVERY DAY. I swap 'em out! Some days I'll be feeling one product while some days I'll be feeling another. You gotta go with what moves you.

Morning:

• Cold water-only wash (usually – sometimes hot though)
• Tone
• Serums
• Moisturizer (gel cream)
• SPF
• Lip Serum

Cleanser: I don't normally cleanse my face in the mornings, instead I'll typically just splash with cold water and pat dry. Occasionally I'll use the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser on my chin since that's where I tend to break out most frequently. This cleanser can also be used as a quick mask, so if I'm feeling especially congested, I'll leave it on while I brush my teeth.

Toner: Usually just a few sprays with this rosewater spray. But again, if I feel like I need more or if I'm trying to clear a breakout, I'll swipe on this witch hazel toner.

Serums: Always vitamin C and something with hyaluronic acid in it. The vitamin C brightens and hyaluronic acid plumps and helps retain moisture. Right now I'm loving this vitamin C serum (which I found at TjMaxx) and this serum from Coola that contans hylaluronic acid and also adds a hint of tan (also LOVE their sunless tan for what it's worth).

Gel moisturizer: This is a new one for me, prior to this I was using oil for daytime and didn't put two and two together that it was the reason why my makeup was always tired looking. Not anymore! I picked up this gel moisturizer from Origins and it's been a game changer. It makes my skin feel super hydrated and dewy.

SPF: Confession: I only recently started wearing SPF consistently. I know. Regardless of my shameful ways, I found two that I LOVE: This gel SPF primer from Coola and this mineral SPF from Biossance. Both work beautifully - switch 'em out depending on how I'm feeling and what I'm doing (SPF primer for low-key days and mineral SPF for days hiking or at the beach).

Lip serum: Yes, lip serum. Guys, I am OBSESSED with this serum from Odacite. It's made to diminish fine lines on the lips and provides a gorgeous cooling sensation. Yes, it's pricey, but it lasts forever and in my opinion, it works. I barely need lip balm anymore.

Night:

• Cleanse (with either oil cleanser or double cleanse with oil cleanser + Bioglycolic cleanser)
• Tone
• Serums
• Moisturizer (oil)
• Eye stick

Cleanser: At night, I use this oil cleanser from Biossance to remove my makeup and cleanse my skin. Depending on how my skin is feeling and the time of the month (I always get some problem spots before my period) I might follow that up with the Jan Marini Cleanser. I always, always remove my makeup and do my full skincare routine. It's a non-negotiable for me and has been since my 20's. 

Toner: Same as my morning routine (either this rosewater spray or this witch hazel toner).

Serum: In the evenings I'll usually use a serum or two that has some kind of AHA or exfoliant in it - right now I'm loving this vitamin A serum from Mad Hippie and I've also been using this AHA serum from Paula's Choice lately. 

Oil moisturizer: I'm a huge fan of oils for skin. I use Trader Joes coconut oil as a body moisturizer and after my serum soak in, I pat on one of three oils that I switch out: either this one from Biossance, which is fairly light, this rosehip oil from Trilogy, or this CoQ10 oil from Trilogy. Again, depending on my mood and the state of affairs on my face.

Eye stick: I learned of this eye stick from Evan Healy from a coworker and now I use it nearly every night. After my moisturizer has had a chance to soak in, I'll dab it around my eyes and sometimes swipe it over my lips for added moisture. It's super travel-friendly, too, so I always pack this with me when I fly for a little extra moisture (I fly with a clean face if the flight is over two hours - something I definitely recommend)

Lip serum: Before I hop into bed I swipe on the Odacite serum to moisturize my lips overnight.

Phew! That's "it" (it feels like a lot even though I know it's not). I understand a lot of these products are on the more expensive side, and I get that's not feasible for everyone, so I wanted to add a note about saving money on skincare. 

First, I guess I should say that most of these will last a full year for me. For example, I bought the Jan Marini cleaner back in October and I'm only about halfway through. 

Second, I'm a huge sale shopper. I purchased most of my Biossance products on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and I always look out for the beauty sales at Whole Foods (they carry Ole Henrickson, Trilogy, Mad Hippie, Evan Healy, the rosewater spray and witch hazel). I'm also a Thrive Market member, where I'll occasionally pick up a mask or reup on rosewater or the witch hazel. When it comes down to it, knowing when to buy will save you a ton of money, and also purchasing from retialers that accept returns on beauty items in the even that a product doesn't work for you.

And finally, investing in products when you know it's worth it. Yes, that lip serum is expensive. But it lasts forever, and for me, it was a product I deemed worthwhile. Some people pay for expensive spin classes, I go to a $10 dollar gym and buy expensive serums. We all have our vices.

I hope this was helpful! Hit me up on Insta if you have any questions! XOXO

Two Cruelty-Free Cleansers I'm Loving Right Now

I've had a few people ask me over on Instagram about my skincare routine – so I thought it was high time I showed you! Today I'm sharing two cleansers I've been using for the past several months that have made a huge difference in the clarity of my skin...

Honestly, when we transitioned from Philly to Maine last year, my skin wasn't looking so great. I let the stress of moving get the better of me, and when you pair stress with a side of depression-lite, things can go off the rails pretty easily (pizza! beer! all the sugar!) – at least for me.  In my world it's a slippery slope into emotional eating that's often reflected right back in the mirror by way of breakouts. So after a summer of pretty clear skin, I arrived in our new state with congested pores, dry patches, and breakouts on my chin (so fun!). Along with significantly cleaning up my diet, which has honestly taken several months to turn back around, I needed a new skincare routine. Especially a new cleanser. So I did what any normal person would do. I googled "cleansers for pore congestion".

My search led me back to a product I used years ago – Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser. This cleanser contains Glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates and clears away impurities and dead skin. When I first used it way way back, I didn't quite understand the benefits and how it should be used, but upon trying this cleanser again – it did what I needed it to do. Which was clear away the congestion so my skin could breathe. What do I mean when I say "congested skin"? While not exactly acne-prone, I noticed the skin on my chin was constantly bumpy and just looked clogged (I know, ew.). I learned that without proper, gentle exfoliation, dead skin cells can sort of "glue" themselves to new skin. Blocking pores and preventing skin from properly functioning. From October through February I pretty much used this cleanser daily (only at night), and occasionally as a mask (leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then wipe away with a damp washcloth and rinse, avoiding eyes). I did start to notice more dryness, which is when I switched things up and added a second cleanser to use on opposite days...

The Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil. I actually bought this cleanser back in November, as part of a Black Friday set (I'm obsessed with the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, which I'll talk about in a future post), but didn't start using it right away. Turns out, this cleanser is the perfect balance to the Jan Marini products. It removes stubborn eye make up super easily and dissolves impurities. I was worried it would clog my pores, considering how well the Glycolic cleaner worked, but it proved to be a nice balance. I use this almost daily in the evenings, and also when I just need to remove makeup before using the Jan Marini cleanser. On a broader note, I love the mission behind Biossance and their dedication to clean, science-backed sustainable beauty. I use several products from the brand and have loved almost every single one. Best part? You can order samples for free (+ the cost of shipping), so there's no huge commitment. This is actually how I got hooked on the oils – through Instagram (typical, haha). Also, pro tip: keep your small sample bottles and refill from the full size when you're traveling!

Lastly, what makes these cleansers ones I'll likely use far into the future is that they're both cruelty-free. I've been slowly overhauling my beauty/skincare/life products to ensure that none are tested on animals and I was thrilled to find out that not only is Biossance cruelty free, but Jan Marini is too (I was actually a little surprised about that for some reason). Also, there's an excellent app that scans bar codes and tells you whether a product is cruelty free – Cruelty Cutter. 10/10 recommend.

Do you have a cruelty-free cleanser you swear by? I'd love to know!

9 Cruelty-Free Beauty Essentials I Can't Live Without

Save for a brief period towards the end of college, I've never been a huge make-up person. I didn't wear it at all in high school (except for a few overly made-up and somewhat tragic homecomings and proms), and even now, I tend to stick with the same look from day to day: fresh skin, some neutral shadow, cat-eye liner, mascara. I have my routine, but within that I love to try out different products, always in search of the perfect one. 

I've mentioned my preference for cruelty-free products before, and today I'm sharing a few of my favorite essentials that I've been using lately. I'm still working to transition my beauty cabinet to be entirely cruelty-free (it takes me forever to use up a product, and I'm unwilling to throw away perfectly usable things), but any new purchases must fill that criteria whenever possible. If you're working towards the same, this site has been incredibly helpful in providing information. Read on and let me know your recommendations in the comments!

S.W. Basics 3 Ingredient Cream: I became obsessed with this "cream" (really more like a solid-to-liquid oil) after receiving a sample at TXSC. I'm always hesitant to stray from my tried and true jojoba oil, which I use as a facial moisturizer, but after a nasty cold at the end of March, my poor, chapped nose needed some serious healing and hydration.This stuff did the trick in record time! I now use this primarily at night on my face for an extra boost of hydration, but it's also great to rub into lips and hands for extra healing.

VERB Ghost Oil: Another sample received in Texas, this weightless oil does amazing things to my hair. I apply this to the ends of my air-dried hair in the morning before giving it a quick blast with the hairdrier. It smooths, shines, and conditions, and most importantly, de-frizzes. It also smells incredible.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Creamy Concealer Crayon: I'd been looking for a new concealer after finally using up the tube of my old stuff when I was introduced to this product. What I wanted was a creamy formula that went on smooth and stayed that way - no chalky consistency left beneath my eyes - and this easy to apply stick fit the bill. It goes on smooth, blends easily, and has the added benefit of argan oil. This also works perfectly when worn alone, blending into bare skin beautifully.

Urban Decay Naked Skin BB Cream: I've been using this BB cream for a couple of years now, and it remains my favorite. The 'medium' tone works very well for me, and I love how weightless this is.

To be clear, Urban Decay was recently acquired by L'Oreal, which is unfortunate because L'Oreal is a company that does test. BUT, Urban Decay remains cruelty-free, and as long as they stay that way, I will give them my business.

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream: After running out of my last tube of UD, I picked this up at Target to take it's place. This formula offers slightly more coverage and has a pearlescent quality to it, so now that I've re-upped on Naked Skin, I mainly use this in place of foundation for when I'm dressing up or desire a little more coverage.

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush: I love this little brush! I use it to apply BB cream before adding concealer, it blends easily and ensures none of the pigment is lost on my hands.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: If you want a super sharp cat-eye, this liner is for you. It applies like a sharpie, comes out super dark, and the ultra pointy felt-tip means that you can get as dramatic as you'd like. Most of all, I love that this liner doesn't flake off.

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mascara: I've been using this mascara since the fall and I swear, my eyelashes have never been healthier or longer. I've had issues in the past with formulas flaking off and even making my lashes brittle enough to break, but this stays put and conditions. I think you can tell by the state of the vial that this is well-loved!

Smashbox Photo Op Shadow Trio in Focal Point: I received this in a Lucky FABB gift bag a year or so ago and fell in love with the combination of neutral hues. I rarely wear any other colors of eyeshadow, because these just work so well from day to day.

It should be noted that, while listed as cruelty-free by PETA, Smashbox does state on their website that they do not test on animals except when required by law. They don't currently sell in China, so this language is slightly misleading and up to interpretation.

+ Do you have a favorite cruelty-free brand?

My Weekend Beauty Routine

For a complicated amalgam of reasons, I didn't start wearing makeup -- save for the occasional school dance, prom, and graduation -- until my sophomore year of college. (For most of high school I just didn't see the point in taking the time to put it on everyday, plus, boys didn't wear makeup, so why should I? Among other opinions and thoughts that teens have).

In college, as I slowly became more comfortable with expressing myself outwardly through fashion, I discovered liquid eyeliner and asked a roommate to show me how to pluck my eyebrows. I could say I fell down the rabbit hole, but that wasn't the case. While I'm much more comfortable with makeup now (and have even amassed a small collection of it), I still keep things light, especially on the weekends, when I like to give my skin a break. Below are a few of the products I use on the weekends, sometimes I use more, sometimes I use less. Sometimes I use none at all, because the one thing that not wearing makeup for 20 years taught me was that while it's fun, it's certainly not necessary:

Alba "Even Advanced" Moisturizer: As long as the weather is decent, in the summer I spend about 90% of my time over the weekend outdoors, which means sunscreen and lots of it. I've been using Alba's "Even Advanced" formula on my face for a couple of years, it contains SPF 15 and is supposed to even out skin tone. I can say the SPF works and it soaks in easily and doesn't leave my face feeling greasy, but ... I have so many freckles in the summer that I can't tell if it really does even out skin tone.It has seaweed in it though, so maybe that counts for something...

NYX HD Concealer: I wear concealer beneath my eyes, on either side of my nose, and on my chin to cover some old acne scars. I really like NYX cosmetics, but to be honest, I feel a little "meh" about this particular concealer. It's a little too heavy to wear alone, and to me it looks a tad chalky.

Stila for J.Crew Creme Blush in Camellia: I stocked up on this color when I worked at J.Crew a few years ago, but lucky for everyone involved it still exists in a non-j.crew form. Somewhere between a blush and a bronzer, this terra cotta hue compliments my freckles and makes me look just a little bit tanner, I also love the dewy consistency and smooth application. I apply to my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose, places where I know I tend to get color from the sun.

Mary-Lou Manizer from The Balm: I apply a little to my brow bone and eyelids. On days when I forgo creme blush, I'll dust some on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and across my forehead.

NYX Eyebrow Pencil: Applied sparingly to the ends of my brows, which tend to be sparse.

Physicians Formula "Organic Wear" Mascara in black: In an attempt to make the tube last just a little longer, I give my normal mascara (Benefit "They're Real", for now) a rest on the weekends and use this instead. A few swipes on my upper and lower lashes does the trick.

EOS Sphere Lip Balm in Sweet Mint: I rarely wear lip color to begin with, but especially avoid it on the weekends. Instead, I'm a lip balm junkie. I love these fun little pastel spheres.

Recently, I've been (very slowly) transitioning my products to be cruelty free. When one product runs out, I replace it with a new brand that doesn't test on animals. Because of this, I've had some hits and misses (I'm still looking for a good CF drugstore concealer - any recs?), but a couple of CF brands that I really like are NYX and E.L.F and when I have a little money to spend, I'm a huge Urban Decay fan (I swear by their BB cream, but that's a whole 'nother post).

Looking for more recs? Check out my (almost) all natural skincare routine.

My (Almost) All Natural Skincare Routine

I (semi) recently shot a series detailing the products I use on a daily basis and my general routine. And then I realized that my routine changes constantly! Ha! It's taken me awhile, but I seem to have landed on a pretty solid combination of products and habits, so over the next couple of weeks, I'll be sharing my routine and what I use for hair, make-up, and skin care.

Today, I'm sharing my daily skin-care regimen and the products I use on my face and body. Up until last March, I typically used much harsher cleansers to deal with deep-seated blemishes on my face and exercise-related skin problems, I would usually then have to compensate somehow for the dry patches those products left behind. After cleaning up my diet (and by 'diet', I mean what I eat day to day) - eliminating most dairy, sugar, and processed foods and upping my water intake by a lot - most of my skin problems went away, which was super freaking awesome and made life so much easier. To me, forgoing certain foods (cheese and milk) is worth it just to not have to fight my skin on a daily basis. So, that's what I do for the inside of my body, and this is my routine for the outside:

A.M.
Wake up: I don't use cleanser on my face in the AM, usually just a few very reluctant splashes of freezing cold water to wash the sleep from my eyes and stimulate my skin, or sometimes I'll do the exact opposite and use a steaming hot washcloth to massage my face (I'm not sure how great this is for my skin, but I like it anyways).

Treat: I received a sample pack of Boscia products at Lucky FABB in November, and I've been using the Clear Complexion Gel in the mornings. Despite my skin clearing up significantly, I still have some blemishes from time to time. These products contain no preservatives or sulfates, and so far have been working really well, I'll be investing in them once the set runs out.

Moisturize: This winter has been so harsh, a friend at work turned me on to Egyptian Magic, and it has been a savior this season. I use a pea-size amount, first warming it on my hands and then massaging onto my face. Since it's a little greasy, I do this right when I wake up to allow it time to soak in while I make coffee and eat breakfast. Once it has soaked in a little, it provides a smooth base for my make-up. It is more of an oil than a cream though, so it may not be right for those will oil-prone skin. I love it though. In the summer, I use Alba Botanica Even Advanced with SPF.

P.M.
Remove makeup: Always. I've never understood how anyone can sleep with makeup on. It takes 30 seconds to remove it, and it's better for your skin. Seriously. This has been built into my routine forever since I shower at night (I work out in the evenings, so this just makes sense, but I also cannot understand why anyone would want to go to bed with dirty feet). I've been using a bit of coconut oil on a cotton ball for this lately, which seems to work better than anything else at removing Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara, which is some serious shit.

Cleanse: I've been using Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser, from the same set I previously mentioned, and I love it. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin's texture after just a few uses, plus it's great at removing any excess makeup (and, magically, also amazingly good at removing Benefit mascara). After, I spray my face, neck, and back with the Clear Complexion Tonic. For body, I like African black soap, though I'm not tied to a brand (I want to try this one next). Because of my gym routine, I'm still prone to occasional breakouts on my chest and back, but black soap does a really great job of keeping me clear naturally with no harsh astringents or cleansers.

Moisturize: For body and for face (at night), I use coconut oil. It goes on smooth, smells amazing, lightens scars, heals etc. etc. to infinity (just Google "benefits of coconut oil" for millions of articles extolling its virtues). I scar really easily (I have some cat scratches that look like stab wounds), and since I've started using coconut oil, many of my darkest scars have lightened significantly. Just be sure to do a patch test on the back of your hand to make sure you're not allergic before using, and always purchase organic virgin coconut oil. Also, be aware that you will smell slightly like an Almond Joy bar at all times.

+this is what works for me, opinions expressed are my own. I do not claim to be an expert and recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist if you're unsure about making any major changes to your routine. But yeah, coconut oil, check it out.