My Beauty Routine

This isn't a post I ever thought I would be writing. To be completely honest, I'm pretty low maintenance and definitely find it hard to spend loads of money on expensive beauty products, no matter how wonderful they may be. But when reader Carla e-mailed me asking for my routine, I figured it would make a fun mix-up from my typical recipe-related ramblings. So, here it goes...

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover  
Use: Morning and Night 
Lately I've been trying to move toward using more natural skincare products. Seeing as that our skin is our largest organ, it only makes sense that we try to eliminate the number of chemicals we use in regards to it. That's why I was so excited when Neutrogena came out with a line of natural skincare products. For years, my dermatologist recommended I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, which I loved. This product is it's more eco-friendly, natural cousin. For years I struggled with acne-prone, oily skin. My derm also told me that over-washing oily skin can make symptoms worse so I try and stick to only washing my face in the morning and before bed now. 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Use: Morning and Night 
In the past, moisturizing was one area I was seriously lacking in. I was never able to find something that didn't leave my skin feeling greasy and didn't cause breakouts. Enter another Neutrogena product (no, they didn't sponsor this post). This moisturizer is lightweight and perfect for summertime. During the winter, I typically switch to something a little richer, such as Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, which does wonders for parched winter skin. 

St. Ives Naturally Clean Green Tea Scrub
Use: Two to three times a week 
I was formerly a devotee to St. Ives Apricot Scrub but was always secretly worried that the scrub itself was a little bit more abrasive than it should be. About six months ago I picked up what looked to be a gentler alternative to my favorite scrub. The package claims it helps reduce redness in skin and also keeps skin clear of clogged pores and breakouts. I can honestly say I've noticed a difference on all three accounts. 

Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup 
Use: Daily
Goodness I LOVE this foundation. I've never been one for heavy makeup and prefer my skin to look natural and dewy so I require a lot from my foundation. Even though this particular product is fairly lightweight, I still work a few drops of my moisturizer into the amount I'm going to use on my face for a dewy, moisturizing look. It also makes my makeup last much longer, which is a major bonus. 

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Berry Delight
Use: Daily
I'm a blush freak. If there was one beauty product I couldn't live without, blush would most certainly be it, followed by bronzer. I know there are quite a few cheaper options out there for blush (hello CoverGirl!) but I keep coming back to this particular type since I use it every single day and it lasts forever. 

Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara
Use: Daily
I can't get enough of this stuff. It doesn't weigh my lashes down and keeps them clump-free. Naturally, I have pretty long lashes, but this mascara takes them to the crazy-long realm and makes me feel like I am wearing false lashes every time. Bonus: the wand is delicate enough to get those tricky bottom lashes, too. 

bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color 
Use: In the winter when I'm looking pale 
We live in Iowa. The sun takes a lot of days off here and in the winter my skin doesn't get many rays at all. It's great for warding off wrinkles, but not so great if you don't fancy looking like a ghost. This bareMinerals powder is my go-to bronzer in the winter months because it gives me natural looking color. 

Kerastase Conditioner Resistance Age Recharge Firming Gel Masque
Use: Once a week 
Helllooo beauty splurge! When my stylist first recommended that I use this product on my hair I almost dropped dead at the price: $41 for a small jar of deep conditioner? But I had already purchased the product before I noticed the price (big mistake) so I took it home and waited for it to work its magic. Quite honestly, it's been the best thing I've done for my parched, bleached hair that I'm desperately trying to grow longer.