Notes on my beauty routine
I’m a very routine-driven person, and nowhere does that shine through more than in my self-care. I am not a person who buys a lot of products or likes to experiment: when I find something I like, I stick to it. And because my schedule can be tough, it’s really important for me to carve out regular pockets of time to take care of myself.
A few people asked about my skincare/makeup routine, so figured I would share! Although this is by no means an exhaustive or expertly-vetted list, it is a bunch of stuff that works for me and that I hope might be helpful for some of you.
Skincare
I’ve been using a variety of Murad products off and on since high school (which is when I struggled with a lot more acne!). Right now, I like this cleanser since it prevents breakouts AND fights wrinkles and use it mornings and evenings–except on Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings, when I swap it on for an exfoliator. In the evenings, I also use this toner and then this lotion (except on Sunday and Thursday nights, when I use a more intense night mask). To take my makeup off, I love Garnier Micellar Water.
I do a clarifying mask every Monday morning (letting it set in while I do my daily 20-minute meditation), and a moisturizing sheet mask every Friday night (my favorites are these Dr. Jart’s hydrating ones, although I also get a kick out of these ones). Have you seen how nutty I am about routines yet?!
For the past few years, I’ve been committed to quarterly facials: I find that my combination skin gets especially prone to breakouts when the seasons change (aka super dry in the winter and very clogged with sweat and product in the summer). I recently upped my game with an alternating membership at Heyday Facial: I get a facial with extractions every other month, and a more basic deep-clean on the off months.
One thing that I do need to get better about is regular skin protection. I spent a lot of time in a tanning bed in high school and college, and I still love lying out on the beach (usually with SPF 30-50, but I have to confess: not always). I do always travel with this 70 stick for my face and neck since I’m most sensitive about that area, and because it’s easy to take carry-on.
Haircare
I haven’t colored my hair since I was 19—trying to cover up bad highlights with a bad dye job has forever scarred me. I’m now very committed to NOT coloring my hair—it’s such an expensive habit! That said, I’ve spotted a few gray hairs, so I reserve the right to change my mind (although I do think it’s pretty bad-ass to just embrace going gray).
I really like Living Proof products, and currently use Perfect Hair Day shampoo and conditioner as well as this styling cream and overnight protector. In the summer, I don’t usually blow-dry my hair so I’ll use a bit of surf spray to make it extra wavy. In the winter, I try to keep it straight and glossy with a bit of invisible oil.
I wash my hair every other day (sometimes every third day if I can swing it), and I swear by Batiste dry shampoo on those off days. I prefer the brunette version, but I also keep the travel-size bottles in my desk and gym bag.
I’ve got my eye on upgrading to this hair dryer (although holy moly what an investment!) since I actually still have the hair dryer that I bought for the college dorms. I use this straightener and this curling wand, and really like them both.
Makeup
My makeup routine takes about 10 minutes total, and I really don’t change it for much. Maybe I’ll put on some eyeshadow and eyeliner for a fancy evening event, or I’ll put on a bold lip—but the base is basically always the same (and I also can’t remember the last time I wore eyeshadow). My mom always said that makeup should just make you look like a better version of yourself, and that’s still what I try to adhere to. That’s part of the reason why I’m so regimented with my skincare: clear skin means I wear less makeup.
First step is always a primer—if I’m just running errands, that and mascara might be all I put on. I really like this Laura Mercier oil-free version. I then use Glossier perfecting skin tint (which makes my skin super dewy), a quick swipe of Benefit highlighter on my cheekbones, the NARS Multiple for blush and then a brush of NARS bronzer. The Multiple is actually one of my favorite products–in a pinch, you can use it on your lips or eyes too, and I usually keep it in my purse for pre-happy-hour touch-ups. I’ve used Covergirl mascara since high school, and try to buy a new tube at the beginning of every quarter. For everyday lips, I like Glossier Generation G; for something a bit bolder, I love how glossy YSL lipsticks are.
I also try to give myself makeup-free days whenever I’m traveling somewhere with a beach, and at least one weekend day a month.
Health
In general, I do believe that I always look (and feel!) better when I’m eating healthfully, drinking lots of water and moving enough. I start every morning with a mug of warm water and lemon juice (in the summer, I swap that warm water for a cold glass of water with apple cider vinegar) as a gentle cleanse. I make a smoothie every morning—it usually has banana, almond milk and coconut water as a base, and then I swap out different frozen fruits, fresh spinach, protein powder or chia seeds depending on what’s on hand. I try to bring lunch to work as much as possible, which is almost always vegetarian (a standard go-to is rice, beans, pico de gallo salsa and avocado in a mason jar). Although I definitely eat more meat now that I live with my fiancé, we try to stick to chicken, ground turkey, fish and lots of eggs as protein sources.
Probably the best thing I do for my health is meditate for 20 minutes every morning (and sleep with my phone on airplane mode). I’m pretty prone to stress and anxiety, so starting with a very calm and intentional practice helps me set the tone for the rest of the day.
I honestly don’t work out as much as I would like to or as much as I used to—I don’t have a gym or yoga studio near my apartment that I love. That coupled with commutes, a puppy and a hectic work and social schedule has made it tough to squeeze in regular exercise. Alas! I have a five-class-per-month Classpass membership, which means I go to at least one Pilates or barre class a week. When the weather is good, I bike commute several miles a day. And beyond that, being not-rich in New York City is what I consider my gym: I walk a lot, take a lot of subway stairs (and stairs up to my 5th floor apartment), and carry heavy grocery bags from Trader Joe’s many city blocks.
What’s your beauty routine like? Any products that you swear by and want to recommend?
