Makeup used to be my favorite thing a few years ago. I loved spending hours playing around with it, watching tutorials on Youtube and I always had to have the newest thing at Sephora.
When I quit Victoria’s Secret and started pursuing my writing it meant that I had to become a lot better at budgeting and start spending a whole lot less of the non-essentials (aka eye shadow palettes). It was then that I really started to realize just how big my makeup collection had gotten and I decided it was time to scale back.
As I’ve gotten older I’ve also really begun to prioritize my skin which means that I keep things pretty natural these days. I like to let my skin breathe and really don’t wear any makeup unless I’m going out to do something fun, and even then I sometimes forgo it!
I’ve always been a low maintenance hair girl; I wash it a couple of times a week, let it air dry and often wear it up. If I’m going out I will curl or straighten it occasionally. Now that it’s so long I really just don’t have the time or patience to style it very often so I try my best just to focus on keeping it healthy.
My skincare routine is probably where I get my most elaborate but even that is something I try to keep simple. I love high-quality products (that doesn’t always mean high end!) and try to keep my steps as few as possible.
I just find that I have grown to appreciate simplicity and efficiency over the years and while I still love to have times where I go all out with my hair and makeup, realistically it’s just not something that I prioritize as much anymore. Less is more!
Here is my simplified beauty routine:
SKINCARE
Cleanser
In the mornings I really only cleanse and moisturize so I really try to get a thorough and effective cleanser! I also use this in the evenings when I shower.
Right now I’m loving the Versed Wash It Out Gel Cleanser you can get at Target. The entire line is clean and it’s simple and effective. I do try to change up my cleansers every time I finish a bottle because I feel like my skin “gets use” to them and it’s good to switch it up.
My all-time favorite cleanser is the Checks and Balances Cleanser from Origins, get it here!
Here are some other cleansers I love:
Serum or Toner
I’m going to be honest, this step really depends on what I see when I’m shopping skincare and I don’t usually use both. Toners are great for really cleansing the skin while also keeping it hydrated and serums have a variety of benefits depending on the formula.
Right now I’m using this brightening serum from Pur-lisse that I really like for keeping my skin from looking dull. I also really like a witch hazel toner to keep my skin balanced.
Here are some favorites:
Under-eye cream
I have chronic bags under my eyes from getting up at the crack of dawn so this is kind of a non-negotiable for me.
Right now I’m using the No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel from Dr. Brandt and really like it. I don’t typically have dark circles but I’m linking under eye creams that help with them, hydrate and get rid of bags below:
Moisturizer
This is a pretty key step for me because I am a dry ass bitch. I have used a lot of facial oils in the past and liked them fine but as I said, I like to keep my routine as simple as possible so I prefer to find a moisturizer that does the job all on its own.
Right now I’m using the Pond’s Face Cream for dry skin which is not only super budget-friendly but also great for dry skin. It’s super thick but absorbs quickly so I can use it both in the mornings and at night.
I love love love this hydrating mask from Origins and will use it as a moisturizer if my skin is really dry or is flakey (ew).
Here are some other favorites that really pack a punch:
My favorite facemasks
There is nothing I love more than putting on pjs, pouring a glass of wine and applying a facemask. I use them 1-2 times a week depending on what my skin needs.
The one I use the most is definitely the Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask by Origins. I use this for breakouts (it’s a lifesaver if you ever forget to take off your makeup!) and even as a spot treatment. Get it here!
Here are my favorite masks for breakouts, hydration, and brightening:
HAIRCARE
Shampoo & conditioner
Being a dry person doesn’t just stop at my skin, my scalp is a dry little b as well.
I use head and shoulders shampoo and I am not ashamed! It keeps my scalp hydrated and I don’t have to be worried about flaking (embarrassing!).
I use the 3 Minute Miracle conditioner from Aussie and I love it! My hair is very fine so it tangles a lot and can be a real pain to comb out. I put this in my hair (not my scalp) after I shampoo it and let it sit in until I’m done with the rest of my shower routine. Then before rinsing it out I comb through my hair and it makes it so much easier to get the tangles out! Then I rinse. It leaves my hair super silky and soft.
I also really love the charcoal shampoo and conditioner by Drybar but ultimately I gotta keep this scalp moisturized!
I do occasionally do a hair mask (love this one from Drybar also!) but because I only wash my hair 1-2 times a week my hair stays pretty healthy so it’s not a necessity.
Here are some of my favorite shampoo and conditioners:
Dry shampoo
If I can avoid it I try not to use dry shampoo every day because it definitely doesn’t help my dry scalp situation. But I also don’t like washing it often (lazy) so sometimes I have to use it so I don’t look like a greasy rat. Usually, this is on days when I wear my hair down.
My favorite dry shampoo is definitely from Drybar! It is a little pricey so I don’t get it every time ($30 for a product I have to restock fairly often feels a little silly) but it is definitely the most effective one I’ve tried. It leaves your hair feeling super clean!
I also really like the ones from Dove and Batiste! Here are my favorites:
Hot tools
Like I said above, I rarely style my hair. It’s really just a wash, air dry, move on situation. After a day or two, I’ll transition into high point tails, buns or a hat to hide the fact that I’m a greaseball. However, if I got out or have a shoot I will curl or straighten it.
Clearly I am a huge Drybar fan because I am obsessed with their curling iron too. Honestly, I plan on slowly transitioning into all Drybar tools but for now, the curling iron is a holy grail product for sure.
It heats up super fast, is really easy to use and creates the perfect curl or wave. I use it and then shake out the curls with my hands and lightly brush them out to get more of a beachy wave look. Get it here!
I have a Nume straightener that I’ve loved for years that I’ll use but I’m definitely more of a waves kind of girl. Because my hair is pretty straight already it really only takes me 5 minutes max to straighten it with this bad boy. Get it here!
I rarely blowdry my hair and the one I have is so old and embarrassing haha! I am in serious need of an upgrade (hello Drybar) so I will list some that I have my eye on.
Here are some other great hot tools:
MAKEUP
Just the essentials
While most days I keep it au naturel when I do want to wear a little bit of makeup during the day or for something more low key I keep it very simple. Just brows, mascara and a lip!
I am a die-hard Anastasia Beverly Hills fan and have used their Brow Wiz pencil for years (I use medium brown). I like to use their brow powder as well to keep them looking natural and then finish with their clear brow gel.
For mascara, I have a few favorites that I rotate through but at the moment I’ve been using this one from MAC. I love love love Benefit’s They’re Real mascara and this Clinique one as well.
Finally, I usually go for a fairly neutral lip, although sometimes a dramatic red with light makeup and my hair pulled back can feel very chic. I love the NARS Audacious lipstick in “Anna” for a pretty mauvey rose shade.
Here are my favorite brow, mascara and lip products I use for an everyday look:
A little bit more
When I go out for drinks or have an event I do like a full face of makeup. It’s fun to get all glammed up!
I do have a pretty basic routine for my full face look although sometimes I mix things up depending on my mood. Here is what I typically use:
Primer: Make Up For Ever Hydrating Face Primer
Foundation: Make Up For Ever HD Stick Foundation
*I use a concealer brush and my foundation to cover up any blemishes!
Under Eye Concealer: LA Girl Pro Conceal
Setting Powder: Ciate Extraordinary Translucent Powder
*I think it was limited edition because I can’t find it anywhere except for Amazon!
Bronzer: Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer
Blush: Benefit Rockateur Blush
Highlighter: Becca Opal Highlighter
Eye Shadow: Tartelette In Bloom Palette
And of course the other products I mentioned above for brows and lips!
I have a lot of different eye shadow palettes and I do try to reach for different ones so they all get a good amount of use but the Tarte one is definitely a favorite and a great option for both day and night looks.
Here are other eye shadow palettes I have and love, along with all of the products I mentioned above:
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found my recommendations helpful. What are your favorite go-to beauty products? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo,
She
