skincare
skincare
I'm 37 and I've never had anything injected into my face. Here is my morning and evening routine, my body care, favorite spa day masks, and my wishlist at the bottom :)
good morning 🌸
this takes me less than 10 minutes
Biologique Recherche Lait S.R.
cleanser
I stopped getting small breakouts from excess sebum after I started using this.
1 pump on dry skin, massage it in (take your time), rinse it off with lukewarm water, + dry with a clean towel
Sandcloud Terra Bath Washcloth
towel
I use a clean towel every time I wash my face. It's excessive and effective.
These are thin, Turkish cotton and 10% of profits go toward marine conservation.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400
exfoliating "lotion"
I've tried almost all of the cult P50s and this is my favorite. I've been using it for 15 years. I will never not use it.
If you get one thing, get a Lotion P50. Email Biologique Recherche to find out which one will be best for you :)
SHISEIDO Facial Cotton
cotton square
Put a few drops of Lotion P50 on this and press it into your skin. "All cotton pads are the same" NO THEY'RE NOT.
Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water
water spray
Don't knock it til you try it. This magical water is from has minerals and postbiotic microflora that soften, hydrate, and restore skin. You could just use this and skip the serums below.
Biologique Recherche Liposmose
eye serum
One drop under each eye actually makes the puffiness and bags go down, and firms the skin up. Drop for drop, this will be more affordable than almost any eye product out there I promise you.
Biologique Recherche Elastine
smoothing serum
Smoother, tighter, wrinkle-free skin by stimulating the protein that handles elasticity. A few drops covers the face and prevents the need for freezing your muscles.
Avène Tolerance Control Crème
moisturizer
This is the only cream that doesn't clog my pores and aggravate perioral dermatitis around my chin.
I only need a couple pumps and it's really lightweight so it absorbs fast and locks in those serums you just used :)
Biologique Recherche Crème Contour Yeux et Lèvres Biofixine
eye cream
It's worth it, it pumps out only what you need, and it actually fills wrinkles and plumps the fine skin around your eyes and lips. I use a gua sha spoon to work it in. It lasts a surprisingly long time. It feels so fucking good.
Lanshin Sculpting Spoon
gua sha spoon
Using this drains puffiness, releases the under eye and jaw, helps sinus congestion, and it's very easy to use. I take about 3 minutes total to do gua sha and bo jin with the spoon and my eyes look 5 years younger afterwards. This code gets you $20 off :)
Isdin Photo Eryfotona Actinica® SPF 50+
sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens are better for my perioral dermatitis, this one is lightweight and actually helps repair the sun damage already there from my years in the desert. The same code works for $20 off :)
Violette FR Balm Amour
lip balm
This is the only waterless lip balm I have found that actually heals and nourishes my lips, it has a ceramic applicator, isn't sticky at all, and it is now the only lip balm I will use. It has phyto-collagen, natural peptides, and moisture-locking butters and no fragrance.
good night 🪷
this takes me about 15 minutes
Bioderma SensibioH2O Micellar Water
makeup remover
This is not the first time you've heard of this and it won't be the last. It's all you need. Put some on the same Shiseido cotton square and wipe off every single product on your face. It works! It's cheap! So easy!
SHISEIDO Facial Cotton
cotton square
This is all you need to take your makeup off with micellar water and it's *slightly* better for the environment than a makeup wipe. All cotton squares are not created equal.
Biologique Recherche Lait S.R.
cleanser
I stopped getting small breakouts from excess sebum after I started using this.
1 pump on dry skin, massage it in (take your time), rinse it off with lukewarm water, + dry with a clean towel
Sandcloud Terra Bath Washcloth
towel
I use a clean towel every time I wash my face. It's excessive and effective.
These are thin, Turkish cotton and 10% of profits go toward marine conservation.
These are the same towels I use in the morning but I use grey at night in case I wasn't thorough with makeup remover :)
Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water
water spray
Some people use hydrating mists that are more expensive and have more ingredients, but this is so gentle and just as effective for moisturizing the skin deep down. Drinking healthy water also really helps <3
15% Azelaic Acid
azelaic acid
I use a 15% Rx azelaic acid gel from my dermatologist, and I haven't found an OTC option to recommend yet. However, it has cleared up my skin in ways I didn't think was possible, so until I find a good one you an order, consider seeing a dermatologist. I pay $25 for it at CVS!
Rx Tacrolimus Cream
tacrolimus
Another Rx, and it usually comes in an ointment form (which I hate), so I have a compounding pharmacy make a cream version for me. A $60 custom cream formula lasts me 2+ months :) TBD if my dermatologist will have me use this much longer but I won't be mad because it fucking works.
Avène Tolerance Control Crème
moisturizer
The tacrolimus cream also works as a moisturizer, but if I feel like I need another layer I'll add 1-2 pumps of this on top after the Rx cream has settled in. If my dermatologist has me taper off the tacrolimus cream, I'm happy to use this every night because it's lightweight and effective :)
Timeless 100% Squalane Oil
squalane oil
I make a little oil mixture with squalane, volufiline, and castor oil just to use around my eyes. It's too occlusive for the rest of my skin, but it has been transforming my eyes overnight and it breaks down to be cheaper than any eye cream out there. This is $18 and I use 2 drops per night.
Volufiline 100% Volume Boosting Serum
volufiline
I add 2 drops of this to the 2 drops of squalane oil on my fingers. It visibly plumps sunken areas, softens fine lines, and restores lost volume. It's made from a beloved Chinese herb called Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract (supports natural lipid storage in areas prone to hollowing), Centella Asiatica Extract (nutrient-rich oil), Vitamin E, and PRO-VITAMIN B5.
Kitsch 100% Pure Castor Oil
castor oil
I hated castor oil when I first tried it. Turns out it has to be mixed with a lighter moisturizer or other oils to be able to penetrate the skin. I add 1 single drop to my 2 drops of squalane and 2 drops of volufiline, and mix it all between my fingers before pressing it in ONLY around my eyes. Turns out I love it now I think? This bottle is $12 and I use 1 drop each night.
Lanshin Pro Gua Sha Tool
gua sha
Yes it works, and it doesn't have to take long. This one is made from Nephrite jade so it's hard to break (and valued for its unique healing properties), and it was specially designed by TCM expert Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac., who also offers so much free content on how to use it effectively. Use this code to get $20 off :) It's worth it I promise! And keep an eye out for their holiday sales. You only need to buy it once.
Violette FR Balm Amour
lip balm
Same as the AM and really all day. If I want to make a little lip scrub, I put this on my finger and dip it in a tiny spoonful of castor sugar and exfoliate my lips with it. It is the best lip balm in the world and don't forget that the applicator is CERAMIC and feels incredibly indulgent.
body care 🧚
I've tried so many products and this is what makes the cut
TheNOW Copper Dry Brush
copper dry brush
Dry brushing and lymphatic drainage detoxifies and reduces cellulite, and copper neutralizes digital lint. I do this for a few minutes before showering and it makes my skin so much softer.
DIY body scrub
sugar scrub
My recipe:
in a 7oz jar, I use chopsticks to mix:
- 7 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 tablespoons fine pumice powder
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil (+1 tablespoon added at the end)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- vanilla extract (few drops)
- essential oils (frangipani is my favorite)
and then I spoon it into a 6oz humangear Refillable Silicone Travel Bottle. It's better and cheaper than anything for sale in the stores and I feel like I'm in Hawaii.
eos Vanilla Bliss Shave Cream
shaving cream
I shave my entire body maybe 1x / month and this $5 shaving cream makes it easy in the shower or my beautiful clawfoot bathtub. It's also moisturizing! If I'm going to shave, I use the DIY body scrub *after* I'm done.
The Leaf Razor
razor
This is the most sustainable razor I've found, and the company is great. I'm still on the first box of razor blades, and I replace them every season. It's worth the one-time investment and it helps save the planet :) Check your local waste management to see how to properly dispose of the razor blades, it's usually pretty easy.
Salt & Stone Body Wash
body wash
I've been following Salt & Stone since only surfers on Hawaii used it, and it really is great. I like that they use seaweed extract in this body wash. Even if I use my DIY body scrub, I wash all of the under-areas of my body before jumping out of the shower. I'm on the Bergamot & Hinoki line but I want to try the Lily & Yuzu if they ever restock it <3
Salt & Stone Deodorant Gel
deodorant
This has been my favorite natural deodorant for awhile, I go for the gel version because the original gets on my clothes and I don't really need it. The packaging is *ok* but the product is amazing, and I love that they have a travel size for Bergamot & Hinoki at least. Please make this in Lily & Yuzu!
Salt & Stone Body Lotion
lotion
I want my body lotion to absorb quickly, moisturize deeply, and smell amazing. I also want to be able to get into my bed without feeling like it's rubbing off on my sheets. This fits the bill, and the travel size is convenient. Honestly no complaints!
Salt & Stone Body Cream
body cream
This is more luxurious and creamy than the lotion and if I have time to let it sink in or it's extra dry outside, this is a dream. I especially love it after a bath because that usually means I have more time to be a cozy spa girl. For the price, it's a perfect body cream.
C & the Moon Malibu Made Glow Oil
body oil
I've tried them all. This one has the best combination of oils: Jojoba, Argan, Olive, Rose Hip, and Sea Buckthorn, and it smells like vanilla. The bottle lasts a very long time, the oil absorbs quickly, and I can also use it in my hair <3
Supergoop Glowscreen Body SPF 40
body sunscreen
I've used this while working at Coachella and Stagecoach for years and years and haven't gotten burned, it makes my skin sparkle, and it's a conveniently shaped container to throw in a bag to go to any beach.
Le Labo Hinoki Hand Soap
hand soap
Most of the time we're using something organic and more affordable, but when we're feeling fancy we put this in the bathrooms and kitchen. It's soap. And it smells so good!
Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main
hand cream
I have a feeling that this is the one product beauty-lovers will wish they started using 20 years ago. This one is a tiny bit more expensive than the original, but works and smells a lot better in my opinion. A little bit goes a long way and it's quite the little luxury :)
face masks 🧖🏻♀️
they only work if you use them, these ones are easy and effective
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
clay mask
Volcanic clusters and AHAs in a mask that isn't drying and comes off easily. Best clay mask I've tried and it's only $18. One jar has lasted 10+ masks and it looks like I've only used 10% of the jar. Worth a try if you want to clear out your pores :)
Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN pink collagen jelly gel mask
sheet mask
It's the one all of those celebrities use and it really works. It's cheap. It's the first thing I do when I'm on day 1 of my cycle. It's a little slippery at first, but it starts to hold after a couple minutes and then it's easy to do things around the house. It's also really fun to peel off once it's transparent :)
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant
magic mask
It's my holy grail mask but it's also $98. It lasts a VERY long time and it works actual wonders. Some people hate the smell but I get amnesia after I take it off because my skin looks like I just got a facial. My boyfriend calls it my chocolate syrup mask and it's honestly a great descriptor. I'll use it forever if I can <3
wishlist 🪄
these are the things I'm planning to try one day
Biologique Recherche Extraits Tissulaires
hydrating serum
The number one thing I can do for graceful aging is hydrating my skin and I want a product that is potent and easy to travel with. I've tried hydrating toners and mists, and heavy creams make me break out. This is up next :)
Dermatology M Qu Ban Mian Mo Brightening Mask
brightening mask
Rumor has it, using this Chinese herb filled mask several nights in a row has similar effects to an in-office laser treatment. I'm willing to try it when I have an extra $45 for a face mask.
Kashoen facial cleansing brush + soap set
cleansing brush
In a parallel universe I'm certain I'm Japanese. These brushes are made from generational craftswomen and each goat hair is hand selected for each brush. It apparently helps cleansers penetrate the skin for a deeper clean, and I think it would feel so good. The soap keeps it from being like your old Clarisonic :)
PureLift Pro Plus
facial stimulator
This is the most advanced facial sculpting trainer on the market, with patented muscle stimulation for non-invasive facial elevation. An adorable aesthetician named Olivia at Sous La in LA used it on me once and it's been on my wishlist ever since. I also think it will help with my TMJ! It's a luxury item at a luxury price point, but it's still probably cheaper than an appointment at Facile (which I also want).