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.