My Beauty Routine

Everyday Beauty Derma Clear and Tata Harper Products

As promised, I finally put together a post on products in my beauty routine that I follow every day (and week and month). From when I wake up until when I go to sleep, these are the products that I use. None of this is sponsored and, although my routine changes from time to time, I’ve been on this particular one for probably about six months now. I added in things like toothpaste and deodorant, even though they aren’t necessarily beauty products. I figured I might as well cover all bases!

Some notes: I have oily/acne prone skin on my face and don’t have problems with dry skin on my body either, except in the winter a bit on my legs. I have fine hair, color-treated hair, and often get a dry scalp. I’m telling you this because, in my opinion, these products are the best for those conditions based on what I’ve tried.

I’ve put an asterisk (*) next to all natural/organic products. I’d like to switch over even more, but have difficulty with oral care as well as hair care so any recommendations are welcome. I’ve tried a lot of them but would love to find “the one,” especially with shampoo.

Morning

Toothpaste: I wake up and immediately brush my teeth with Crest with Scope toothpaste, in a stand up bottle. I’ve tried every natural toothpaste in the book and none of them make my teeth feel clean. At one point, I moved to Tom’s of Maine for a year and ended up getting my first cavity ever so I switched back. I know this isn’t a product in my beauty routine, but thought it was worth noting.

*Witch hazel: I pat Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera on my face and neck with a cotton round. I don’t wash my face in the mornings. It’s actually not good for your skin to wash it too often so I only wash at night, or when I have to take off make up during the day. I recently discovered this product after asking a beautiful woman in her 50’s (who looked 35) what she did for her skin. She swore by witch hazel so I tried it out and love it.

*Eye cream: I follow with a dab of Tata Harper’s Elixir Vitae eye serum under each eye. This product is the most expensive one I use (by far) but it’s the only natural one that makes a difference with my under-eye bags and works under make up. Luckily it lasts forever because you only need a small dab each day. I also love the Goop eye cream which is cheaper but still pricey. For a great affordable option, I just discovered and LOVE Mad Hippie’s eye cream. I had never used this brand before but am now a big fan.

Moisturizer with sunscreen: Every single morning I wear sunscreen. PCA’s Weightless Protection SPF 45 is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t break me out. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you should be wearing SPF (everywhere but at least on your face) daily. It makes a huge difference in your aging process, and, obviously, protects against skin cancer, which runs in my family.

*Deodorant: I have talked about how natural deodorants don’t work for me, but one of my Snapchat followers told me that you actually have to use one for a few weeks to get your body acclimated to it first. Whoever you are, thank you so much for the tip! I always felt so awful putting aluminum, which is known to cause many types of cancer, under my arms daily. Now I use Native Deodorant (in coconut vanilla), and after three weeks, it works. I’ll never go back to Dove again. I’m a serious convert!

Throughout the Day

*Essential oils: In the last few months, I’ve tried to steer clear of traditional perfumes and instead, I dab Aimee Raupp Beauty’s “love” oil on my wrists. It smells fresh and clean and is 100% organic and natural. I used to use stronger perfumes but I feel good about putting this on my skin so I’ve officially made the switch and added the product into my beauty routine.

*Lip balm: I’ll always be a Burt’s Bees addict. I have a tube in every purse, my desk drawer, my nightstand, and the kitchen. The addiction is real, people! I love the way the peppermint smells and feels.

Concealer: I have a dark under-eye situation from years of insomnia and genetics so concealer is a big one for me. Benefit Boi-ing is the best best best. I’ve been using this stuff for years and will never switch. It goes on smooth and not too thick, and it will last all day!

Powder: I use a powder instead of liquid foundation because I don’t like that cake-y look. Mac Studio Fix (my color is NC-35) is great for evening out my skin tone. I swap out the sponge every few weeks to prevent breakouts. That trick was a game-changer!

Bronzer: Benefit’s Hoola matte bronzer has been in my repertoire since high school and isn’t going anywhere soon. I like that it doesn’t have any of the sparkle of a lot of bronzers but gives me a subtle, sun-kissed look.

Mascara: I’m not as consistent about mascara, and change up the brand I use every year or two. Right now I’m obsessed with Chantecaille’s Faux Cils longest lash mascara but I would never spend that much on it myself (it was sent to me!). My other favorite, that I’ve bought multiple times, is Benefit They’re Real! mascara, which lengthens and thickens.

Eye liner: As you can see, I don’t wear a lot of make up. Eye liner is usually my last step unless I add lipstick into the mix which is rare. Nars Larger Than Life eye pencil (in Via Veneto) is my jam. Like the bronzer, I’ve been using this product in my beauty routine since high school.

Night

*Body lotion: During the winter I’ll moisturize in the morning with Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion (Original Scent), but I always shower right before bed so usually do it just once after my shower then. It has a subtle, clean scent, sinks right in, and makes my skin silky smooth without any of the crap in most moisturizers.

*Castille soap: Like I mentioned earlier, I shower at night and always use Dr. Bronner’s Castille soap (I like the almond and lavender scents). All vegan and organic, this soap is made with essential oils so your skin won’t get dry if you’re using this. It also lathers really nicely which I like.

Shampoo & conditioner: I’ve tried so hard to find a natural shampoo and conditioner that works with my hair but I can’t seem to find the right match. I use Kerastase Bain Vital Dermo-Calm shampoo for my dry scalp and Bain Volumifique conditioner for a little body.

*Face wash: I’ve been using Desert Essence Tea Thoroughly Clean Face Wash for years now. It’s the perfect consistency, smell, and does exactly what I need it to do- wash off the day without being to drying. That being said, if you have dry skin, this probably isn’t the best product for you as it’s tea tree oil based.

Clarisonic: I use my Clarisonic every night with the face wash to wash away dirt, and make up. When I don’t use it, I see a huge difference in the texture of my skin. I have this cute little pink one that is also easy to travel with.

*Toner: The SW Basics toner has been one of my all time favorite beauty products for years. I tried it for the first time because my friend, Adina, founded the company, but quickly fell in love. It keeps my acne in check without drying out my skin. I also love that it’s made with only five ingredients.

Makeup remover: I’ve been a Neutrogena oil-free gal on this front for as long as I can remember. It is the most efficient and doesn’t hurt my eyes. This product is in my beauty routine daily but I only use this on my eyes.

*Shaving cream: Nothing exciting to say about Kiss My Face Moisture Shave except that it smells good and works just fine. And doesn’t contain all the crap that most shaving creams have.

Moisturizer: I’ll dab on eye cream again but also use PCA’s Clearskin as my night cream. Most people need a heavier cream at night so, again, only go for this if you’re oily/acne prone. This brand is usually sold in dermatologists’ offices, but it’s on Amazon now which is great.

Weekly

*Face mask: I use Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask 1-2x/week because it keeps my skin clear but is also great for anti-aging. It’s hard for me to find anti-aging products that don’t break me out and this one is like gold! It makes my skin glow and feel extra soft for days after using it.

*Exfoliator: Before I do the mask, I always exfoliate. I use SW Basics Exfoliant made with only oat flour, almond flour, and sea salt. Seriously, that’s it! Just mix it with a tiny bit of water and it does the job. Side note: I also use it on my elbows in the winter.

*Blemish stick: I usually get one super cute pimple during my period, so I try to nip it in the bud the second I feel it coming up. I like Desert Essence’s roller because it has just one ingredient and really works. Fun fact: tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial!

Dry shampoo: I use dry shampoo in between washings. It’s hard to find a “clean” one but Herbal Essences has a new “naked” paraben-free line, and the dry shampoo is pretty great, so I made that switch recently and like it a lot so far.

*Arnica Cream: When my muscles get sore from a tough workout, or my bad knee starts flaring up (man I’m old!), Arnicare Cream is my favorite natural solution

Monthly

Facial: Once a month I trek into the city for facials with Bonnie. She gives me a full facial (with extractions), a natural enzyme peel, and 20 minutes of LED light treatment. I leave there glowing every time! As I’ve said time and time again, she has completely changed my skin and I can’t recommend her enough if you’re in NYC.

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Comments

  1. Caroline said:

    Love the deo tip! I’ve been using Axe actually because my Secret just wasn’t cutting it. I’ll have to try lavanila!

    9.29.16 · Reply
  2. Stephanie said:

    I love your attention to natural beauty products! My first natural deodorant was coconut oil based and felt terribly gross on my skin. I recently discovered Schmidt’s stick deodorant and it’s AMAZING. It’s formulated with baking soda, so if that doesn’t bother you, I definitely recommend it.

    9.29.16 · Reply
  3. Such a helpful post! Going to order a couple of these things. I love the products with simple ingredients and without all those chemicals – so frustrating how much crap is in normal beauty products!

    9.29.16 · Reply
  4. Have you tried Rahua shampoo/conditioner? I recently tried it for the first time and I love it. I’ve tried so so many natural brands and they all sucked. This stuff is so pricey but it’s worth it for how nice it makes my hair look and with good ingredients.

    9.29.16 · Reply
    • I haven’t! So amazing that you found one that works. I’m going to check it out right now!

      9.29.16 · Reply
  5. Cattleya said:

    I use witch hazel everyday. I didn’t know it was such a miracle product though! Benefit is my favorite makeup brand, I need to try the hula bronzer, I feel like it’s a crime not to. Thanks for sharing!

    x. Cattleya

    alittlecattleya.com

    9.29.16 · Reply
  6. Natalie said:

    I am obsessed with this natural toothpaste from DoTerra (an essential oil company). My teeth always feel “fresh from the dentist” clean when I use it. I prefer it even to “regular” toothpastes.
    http://doterra.com/US/en/p/onguard-natural-whitening-toothpaste

    9.29.16 · Reply
    • Awesome! I’m going to give it a try, thank you so much!

      9.29.16 · Reply
  7. Caitlin said:

    I’m glad you mentioned the Toms of Maine toothpaste! I’ve been using it for awhile, and while I have never had a cavity, my dental hygienist was a little concerned recently that I might be developing one. This could be a good catalyst for me to switch back, and my fiance would be happy, ha.

    I’m also interested in trying the Lavanila deodorant! I’ve tried Geodeo and Primal Pit Paste to no avail, although I never went three weeks to acclimate. I am obsessed with Lavanila’s perfume, so I bet the deodorant is as great as the reviews say.

    9.29.16 · Reply
  8. Virginia Merati said:

    Love this post! Thanks for sharing. I’m always trying to perfect my makeup and skincare routine. I’ve been using the Tata Harper resurfacing mask for a while now in the areas I typically break out and like it, but am scared to use it on my sensitive cheeks! Will definitely try out that moisturizer you recommended.

    Can you share with us what the Dr. Jart micro water is for? I see it in the picture but not in your write-up. Thanks!

    9.29.16 · Reply
    • Oh man, good catch! I’ve only been using it for a few days so didn’t want to include it yet, but I like it so far. Jury’s still out on if it will make me break out or not. It’s basically like the witch hazel- but can also be used as make up remover.

      9.29.16 · Reply
  9. I really like the Yarok and Innersense Organic hair care lines, although I should caveat that I have very thick, curly hair (that is also color treated). I also adore the Tata Harper resurfacing mask. It’s one of my “desert island” products and I even used it the morning of my wedding for added glow.

    9.29.16 · Reply
    • Yeah it’s tough because my hair is so fine that most natural shampoos make it look kind of limp. But I might try it just in case 🙂

      9.29.16 · Reply
  10. These are great! I use a few of the same products actually, and look forward to checking out some of the other ones you recommend! I have recently started using tea tree oil as well – so so helpful for breakouts (also acne prone skin – but on the dryer side). The big problem for me with a lot of these products are they have almond in them, and my boyfriend is allergic to tree nuts! Not that he’d be using them, but it just doesn’t feel right to use a face product that uses them!

    Thanks for these! Can’t wait to explore all of the tabs I just opened 🙂

    xo christa | http://www.gardeniasandmint.com

    9.29.16 · Reply
    • also – SO many products make me break out as well! I feel like I’m constantly saying “this is my new favorite” and then 1 week later it’s awful!

      9.29.16 · Reply
  11. Julie said:

    Wash thanks Julia, that’s great list and there are tons of products I had never head the name before (maybe because I’m based in the UK?) so I shall investigate a few of them. Have a lovely weekend, Julie xx

    http://www.jafinthebox.wordpress.com

    9.30.16 · Reply
  12. Julie said:

    Waoh thanks Julia, that’s great list and there are tons of products I had never head the name before (maybe because I’m based in the UK?) so I shall investigate a few of them. Have a lovely weekend, Julie xx

    http://www.jafinthebox.wordpress.com

    9.30.16 · Reply
  13. Sara Gordon said:

    Hi Julia, I feel that if fertility is a priority then you should seriously consider reevaluating the products you are putting on and in you. May of them have hormone disruptors, cancer causing agents, petroleum based ingredients. In all seriousness if you are interested I’d be happy to chat to you about it on the phone.

    9.30.16 · Reply
  14. Jennifer said:

    When you run out of your current natural deodorant, consider trying a pot of Soapwalla Deodorant Cream. Works like a dream and I don’t have to swap it out on hot and humid days!

    9.30.16 · Reply
  15. Virginia Merati said:

    I hate to comment twice on the same post, but I was thinking about your toothpaste comment last night and realized I’ve been using a great solid toothpaste from Lush that makes my teeth feel super clean and seems to help with brightening! It’s vegan and the company is responsible in all regards, from packaging to product development. Just a suggestion if you want to try something different!

    http://www.lushusa.com/face/toothy-tabs/boom%21/04342.html

    9.30.16 · Reply
    • Woah, that looks so cool! I’ve never heard of solid toothpaste before.

      10.3.16 · Reply
  16. If you’re a fan of S.W. Basics. Check out their ‘Cream’ for a winter body lotion. Perfect for cold weather!

    10.1.16 · Reply
    • Oh I’m obsessed. It’s such a great product. I love everything they make!

      10.3.16 · Reply
  17. Luna said:

    I’m sorry, this might be an obvious question, but which hair conditioner do you use? I don’t think it said (unless its the partner of the shampoo)? I seem to have the same problems you do, so this post is VERY helpful! Thanks, Julia! 🙂

    10.6.16 · Reply
    • You were right! Just added it in. I use the Bain Voluminique from Kerastase for conditioner. I have no volume to my hair so it helps with that!

      10.6.16 · Reply