Post updated on 2/15/18 to reflect my current routine!
Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been diligent about my skincare routine–I can’t think of a single time I’ve slept in makeup! My skin is combination and acne-prone, so if I want it to be as clear as possible, I know I can’t skimp on taking care of it, not even for a day. A few months ago, I started to think that my just-the-basics routine of cleansing and moisturizing wasn’t quite cutting it anymore–I’d been doing the same exact thing for three years, and wanted to switch it up a little and start taking a few extra steps toward even better skin. Maybe it was the fact that turning 27 felt waaay closer to 30 than 26 did ;) Regardless, I’ve experimented with a bunch of Beautycounter products (you can read about all of the ones I’ve tried here), and think I’ve finally nailed down a routine that works beautifully for me!
Morning: I wash my face with Beautycounter Nourishing Cream Cleanser, moisturize with Beautycounter Nourishing Day Cream, and then spray on Beautycounter Balancing + Charcoal Facial Mist before putting on my makeup.
Night: I take off my makeup with a Jane Iredale Magic Mitt (works better than any makeup remover wipe I’ve ever used), and then wash my face with Beautycounter Nourishing Cream Exfoliator and moisturize with Balancing + Ylang Ylang Facial Oil. I also use Beautycounter Nourishing Eye Cream under my eyes and apply tea tree oil (from Trader Joe’s) to any blemishes with a damp q-tip. Right before bed (post-goodnight kisses!), I put on Beautycounter Lip Conditioner in Peppermint, which I keep on my bedside table.
Weekly: Once a week (or anytime I think I might be breaking out and want to get that under control), I use the Beautycounter Balancing + Charcoal Facial Mask. I’m a little obsessed with it–it makes my skin so smooth and doesn’t dry my face out like many masks do. I follow it up with Balancing + Charcoal Facial Mist and Balancing + Ylang Ylang Facial Oil. I have come to really look forward to this relaxing ritual, and sometimes save it for the end of particularly challenging days :)
Post-workout: I usually exercise in the morning, so if I’m headed to the gym, I skip my morning routine and just rinse my face with water. After my workout, I’ll use Nourishing Cream Exfoliator in the shower and then Nourishing Rosewater Mist (a great “little luxury!”) and Nourishing Day Cream before putting on my makeup.
Note that the Balancing collection can be bought as a set for a small discount, and also comes in a travel-sized version :)
If you haven’t tried any Beautycounter products yet, I have some good news for you…I’m giving away a bottle of Nourishing Cream Exfoliator! To enter, just follow me on Instagram if you’re not already and then leave a comment on this post to let me know a little luxury you’re loving lately (doesn’t have to be skincare/beauty-related). I’ll randomly select a winner on the 15th!
fall candles from anthropologie – voluspa baltic amber is my favorite at night
This is super silly, but we’ve been splurging on pesto recently out of our weekly food budget. Turns out it is not only amazing on pasta, but a delicious treat to dip cheese slices in or put on top of pizza! Sometimes it’s the little things that really make your week great :)
Sidenote – I am HORRIBLE with all things skincare — I love how diligent and thoughtful you are about your routine!
taking a bubble bath was the first thing that came to mind! haha! but really, with three little kids it really is so nice to sit down & relax for a few minutes…and taking a bubble bath pretty much forces you to do nothing but just sit there & relax!
Sugar scrubs! They feel sooo good.
I’ve been loving the sale Michaels has on all their fall candles! It’s 40% off and their 16oz candles are only $5.99! I got the pumpkin praline, and it smells amazing!
I got a new fresh end-of-summer pedicure with some friends (I don’t get them too often!) which felt amazing!
Fresh flowers are my favorite little splurge! They’re totally not a necessary purchase, but they make me so happy all week long as I spy them in our home!
Loving bright red nail polish for the fall & slippers on my feet during the crisp mornings :)
I have been splurging on nice sweaters for this upcoming winter in Rochester, NY! My husband and I are from Oklahoma, so we will not be used to the cold/winter that Western New York will have to offer! I also always enjoy reading your posts Lisa!
I’ve tried some beautycounter products but not the nourishing cream exfoliator! I’d love to try it. My current little luxury is getting an iced coffee at Starbucks and sitting on the patio. I work in a mountain town, and our starbucks has a perfect view of the Smoky Mountains. And since in house refills are free I always get a second to go before heading back to work. Its so nice to just slip away sometimes and just sit. :)
The “wine of the month” club my husband signed me up for on my birthday has been my recent little luxury!
I like to treat myself with baths at night with a fall scented candle!
I’ve been splurging on nice pajamas recently – they make me so happy! I have my sights set on these (https://lakepajamas.com/collections/shorts-sets/products/blossom-long-short-set), but I think I may wait until my birthday to snag them :)
Heading into a new season of the year and a new, healthier season of life and my “little” (big!!!) luxury purchase of the month was a @beautycounter Five Minute Face!
Since we are expecting our first child this December, I’ve been splurging on relaxation. Instead of stressing over a clean house, getting out of bed, etc. I’ve been savoring these moments of not being “needed” all of the time.
My favorite little luxury is relaxing in bed with a face mask on with my favorite candle burning close by after a long day at work. :)
I just got the beautycounter plumping facial mist and it is such a ‘little luxury’! Even my husband likes a spray!???? I am so excited to slowly continue to build my beautycounter collection- I’m pretty hooked!
Lately I’ve been loving blackberry lavender lattes from a sweet little coffee shop down the street from me. I try to keep it to one a week since I do coffee at home most mornings but it sure is one of my favorite little luxuries!
You know I’m loving my Beautycounter face wash :) My favorite little luxuries are nice pajamas and a house robe :)
I like to treat myself by having a glass of wine while I watch one of my favorite shows on Netflix!
I love this!! Lately my favorite luxury has been using Young Living essential oils!
Does time without a baby count as a luxury?! Every now and then I love grabbing some blooms from Trader Joes – brings the outdoor in and adds that perfect amount of color to the kitchen :)
I’m in the market for a new night cream. We’ve been indulging in all the Tiff’s Treats I got for my birthday :) yummy
My fave little luxury these days is the Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa body lotion, so refreshing and fun :)
My favorite luxury lately is getting things delivered! Where we live (NYC) it’s frequently pretty reasonable and makes life so much easier. :)
My favorite luxury are nice candles! I love lighting them after I get everything settled in at night and can relax until bedtime!
I’ve been indulging in coffee whenever I feel I need/want it. It normally seriously improves my mood!! :D maybe that’s not a luxury…I’m thinking I need to treat myself more! Otherwise a little super dark chocolate is my treat of choice.
I am tempted to try Beauty Counter bc I’ve seen so many great reviews! This post really makes me want to try it out. I feel similar to you… I’ve been used the same face wash/beauty products since high school and I’m 26! Lately, I’ve splurged a little on a couple of new fall clothing items to add to my wardrobe. Now I just need to fall weather to cooperate. :)
I am pregnant so I’ve been indulging in pedicures to help my achy feet! The best!
I love my beauty counter charcoal cleansing bar! It’s pricy, but lasts forever and my skin looks amazing!!!
I’m loving the Peter Thomas Roth masks that I bought recently
I’m loving dark chocolate pomegranate candy bites. So yummy!
molton brown products are my little luxury
A new raw cold-pressed juice place just opened near where I work so I’ve been indulging in one a week! Cant beat that they’re all vegan and soy-free!
I love my essential oils diffusing 24/7! Insta: @elizabethh0220
I love splurging on good Mexican food take out! My husband and I enjoyed some very tasty burritos last night since I was traveling back from St. Louis for work!
A little luxury I am LOVING are all of my sweet pumpkin scented candles scattered throughout our home. Waking up to the house smelling like fall is the biggest treat!
Keeping my nails done! Even if it’s painting them myself (after baby goes to bed.)
I recently bought my first Jo Malone perfume when I was shopping with my best friend during a particularly stressful time– it smells so good and reminds me of that time with my bestie.
Sad to admit but lately my only luxury as of lately is a shower! I have a 3 month old and that time at night when his daddy is holding him and I can jump in the shower real quick to wash my hair and relax is a luxury!
Lately I’ve been indulging in a new collection of cozy fall sweaters. Anything soft and bulky enough to dress down with leggings or up with skinnies and heels has me written all over it! The Nordstrom Anniversary sale had a few that I just couldn’t pass up. Now if the weather could just get the message too that’d be great! ;)
Also, I just made a homemade pumpkin, chocolate chip bread last night and definitely had two pieces for dinner– no shame! Jon doesn’t like bread either, so I just know I’m going to end up eating the entire loaf myself ????????♀️❤️ Oh well– it’s layering season, right?!
I’ve been living Trader Joe’s sparkling pink lemonade!
I’ve been trying to take at least one night a week to take a bath, do a face mask, and enjoy a glass of wine