Notes on Beauty

A look into my routine and the rituals that make me feel my best - externally and internally. As for products, these are ones I have used for years and years and don’t often switch. Let’s start with skincare.

Skincare

My skincare routine mainly stays the same and I am loyal to the products that have served me well. I like to use gentle, barrier supporting products as I have sensitive and redness-prone skin. I try to avoid perfumes, dyes, etc. and stick to simplicity.

Pre-Wash: Remove all makeup with this.

Face Wash : This gentle cleanser daily is great and I rotate with this glycolic cleanser to keep skin deeply cleaned.

Toner : Spray with hypochlorous acid after cleansing.

Actives : I use 15% prescription azelaic acid twice a day. At night, I will use a prescription retinoid a couple of times a week.

Eye Cream : I always come back to this one.

Moisturizer : Depending on how dry my skin is, I may use this hydrating serum and layer with this moisturizer (great under makeup) or this whipped one I use at night.

Sunscreen : I use this sunscreen everyday and then layer with this tinted one which gives you a flawless finish.

Neck : Prescription retinol alternating with this peptide serum.

Lips: Nothing else compares to this lip balm. It’s thick and hydrating, no scent.

Extras : These peel pads weekly, an LED mask, regular facials with Shani Darden, and the only face mask I buy over and over again that purifies and revives.

Body

While I may be more high maintenance with my face, it is the opposite for the body. But here is my regular routine.

Pre- Shower : Dry Brush

Cleanse : I love a simple bar soap like this olive oil one.

Moisturizer : This really is a great moisturizer for somebody who hates to moisturize. It sinks in really nicely and lasts a long time. I think this is their best product.

Extras : For a shoot, I will get a spray tan at Sugared and Bronzed. I like this gradual tan and natural body lotion, this CBD stick saves my neck, and these silicone pads for the chest.

Supplements

For hair, I have taken these supplements for the last couple of years after a particularly stressful time where I felt like I was shedding some hair.

For skin, I have been taking these sea buckthorn oil supplements.

For general well being, I like these encapsulated vitamin C, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and hormone balance supplement. I also like to add trace minerals to my water.

Makeup

This could be an entirely separate post, but a few honorable mentions for a glowy natural face. I like this tinted moisturizer, bronzing drops, this nude blush, and forever and always the lip liner.

Hair

As mentioned previously, I went through a time where I felt like my hair was shedding a lot and I have been religious repairing it since. “Hair is everything,” in the famous words of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag.

Shampoo: I switch often, but I am using this revitalizing shampoo currently.

Conditioner: I never switch. This conditioner just makes your hair look and feel transformed, almost like you have had a gloss.

Blow Dry Essentials: I like to use this leave in hair conditioner on ends and spray this volumizing spray at the roots. I have been using this blow out spray all over which adds a nice lightweight shine and hold and I set with this hairspray.

Brushes: I think this is the best detangling brush that no-one has ever heard of and this boar bristle round brush is the only one I will use. The natural bristles grip and add shine.

Styling : If I am blowing out my hair, I like to use the round brush and then I set in velcro curlers for at least 10 minutes. If I want to add a little more wave, I use this big barrel curling iron. For touch ups the next day or on a photoshoot, I have been using this thermal brush.

Treatments: For hair growth, I have been using this scalp serum at night and this bonding oil on the ends. For hair growth, I use a microneedling roller and apply this hair serum at night.

Mental

External beauty routines are one thing, but I have found that counts for nothing if you don’t have some things you can count on to get you through hard times. Whether it’s exercise, therapy, or breath work, finding what works for you is key. Here are a few things that help me:

1. Meditation - I specifically love this guide on Insight timer. He has a gentle and re-affirming voice that I like to start my day with.

2. Walking - I wear ankle weights for this.

3. Acupuncture - For me, this has changed the way I see balance in the body. The woman I have been working with has taught me so much. (If you want her information, message me and I will share.)

4. Olive Oil - I like to use really good quality olive oil whether it’s a morning shot or in the dressing of a salad. I have a few bottles left- Certified organic and the first press of the season- shop here.

5. Prioritizing sleep.

6. Being in nature is number one.

I hope you enjoyed a look into my routine. Comment any questions below.

Photography by Maddy Pease Creative