Everyone needs to do what is best for them individually, and for me at this point it was a mindset choice to celebrate the smile lines around my eyes rather than critique myself for them. How many times have I laughed until I cried, had the giggles, and smiled at people I love or even someone I just met. Those lines were created with genuine happiness and I want to celebrate them.

Anyway, I am off on a tangent and it’s time to talk skincare routines. Time to focus!

Time for a New Routine

A few years back, I opted to switch out the products I had been using since high school (Clinique – anyone else?) for as many clean beauty choices as I could manage. This was around the time that Goop introduced their skincare line. I am a HUGE fan of Goop but more on all they do and offer another time because that is really an ode-to-Goop post all on its own! I purchased the Discovery Set which also works really well for travel size containers when you’re on the go and fell in love with the Revitalizing Day Moisturizer, Replenishing Night Cream, and especially the Exfoliating Instant Facial. I purchased full size versions of those for daily use on the Moisturizers and twice per week for the Facial. The Instant Facial makes a huge difference as my esthetician for my last facial in the Fall commented that she was surprised I hadn’t had a facial in years when I told her how long it had been since I pampered myself.

How many times have I laughed until I cried, had the giggles, and smiled at people I love or even someone I just met.

Face Wash/Cleanser

When it comes to face wash, I tend to use two options depending on whether I am washing in the shower or at the sink. For no reason other than convenience, I tend to use the Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash in the shower and the Goop Luminous Melting Cleanser at the sink. The Ursa Major product always leaves my face feeling clean and fresh and the Goop product contains several types of oils that melt into your skin to pull away the dirt and oil and leave it moisturized. It can feel counterintuitive to wash with cleanser containing oils when you want to remove the oil, but science is cool and demonstrates that oil attracts oil so what better way to do that than with almond, olive, and coconut oils and at the same time moisturize with shea and cocoa seed butters. Yes, please!

Serum

One of my absolutely favorite products that I discovered through Goop is Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum and while the price tag may appear significant, know that it lasts for a while. I think I only end up purchasing a bottle once per year. I found that I don’t need to use the full dosage for my skin and cut it in half from the recommended instructions. I’ve tried other serums that contain essential oils and nothing keeps my skin clear and glowy like this product. It is amazing!

Eyes

Eye cream is a little more challenging for me. I am currently using Lavido Alert Eye Cream. I have been through several kinds over the years and while I like this one, I’m open to others. I seem to have an issue where throughout the day, my eye cream gently starts to seep into my eyes with my makeup, lotion or whatever and doesn’t feel so nice. This is not a reflection of this product at all, this seems to be an issue that started for me after I had my first daughter – oily eyes, is that a thing? I’ve only been applying eye cream at night lately to try to avoid it. If you experienced this and found a product you love, let me know. I’m all ears or eyes I should say!

Lips

For lips, I am a huge fan of Sara Happ. I heard her on a podcast talking about her product and I immediately started researching and then ordered. If you think lips don’t require exfoliating, give the scrub a try and notice the immediate difference. I use the Lip Slip exclusively instead of chapstick or lip balm now and also the Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit (but there are lots of flavor options for the sugar scrubs). The scrub smelled delicious and worked to exfoliate my lips (especially in the drier winter months) and I applied the Lip Slip after to moisturize and also any time I would typically use chapstick or lip balm throughout the day. My lips have never been smoother and I also find that I am not constantly reapplying like I would with a standard chapstick or lip balm. Big fan!!

Dry Brush

One other important skin item in the photo that is not for my face is a dry brush. I use this daily on my skin to brush off dead skin cells and activate circulation. There is a system to it, moving from outer most body part toward the heart (feet, legs, hands, arms, chest). Have a look at this detailed guide on Goop’s website if you are new to a dry brush. I always have a surge of energy and feel refreshed after I complete my rounds.

Tinted SPF, Face Wipes, Makeup

I also always opt for a tinted moisturizer or foundation with an SPF to protect my skin, which is not pictured. I use Beautycounter Dew Skin or Juice Beauty CC Cream most of the time, but it depends on the humidity and what I am doing that day. For on the go, I love the Ursa Major Face Wipes and always have one or two in my travel bag.

Makeup is a completely separate post, but in general I typically just use the tinted moisturizer/SPF and mascara. My makeup bag currently has a mixture of Juice Beauty, Tata Harper, and RMS Beauty for the most part.

What is your skincare routine and favorite beauty products?