winter glow skincare routine {beauty}

The winter time can be taxing on your skin, especially when it's dry and with the weather changing dramatically from day to day.  I already have dry skin to begin with, and sometimes I feel like I just can't get it hydrated.  This year I've been on a mission to find a beauty routine that works for me, and after a lot of time and effort, I finally got that winter glow down to a science.  At the same time, I'm going through the long and expensive process of transitioning to a completely clean routine--meaning no animal tested products, no chemicals, or icky stuff in any of my beauty or household items. 

Just consider the amount of chemicals you are potentially applying to your body everyday, via hair products (shampoos, conditioners, hair spray, etc.), body products (body wash, lotion, deodorant, etc.), and last but not least, your makeup (I'll share my routine in a future post). Harmful ingredients can affect your hormones or worse; not to mention they're bad for the environment.  Aside from ethical and health related reasons, stepping off my soap box and  speaking from pure vanity here, my skin has never looked or felt better since making this change. 

I have suggested alternative products in addition to what I use, as your personal routine will depend upon your own skin type.  There are many great options out there, but I want to point you in the right direction if you're interested.  The best advice is to just go out and have fun testing different products.  Most beauty places will be happy to give you samples to try at home.  My favorite clean beauty shops are The Detox Market and Credo Beauty; you can rest assured that all products from these suppliers are clean, safe and ethical.

1.  Every day, morning and night, I wash my face with an oil cleanser and water. I love this one by Jurlique, all of their products just smell beautiful.  If I'm in a rush or doing an early morning exercise class, I pump the cleanser into my hand, apply it to my face and neck, and then use a cotton ball to gently remove the cleanser from my skin; then I apply a hydrating mist (see options below).  Many people also like Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil (it is a bit too pricey in my opinion, and it tends to travel down to my eyes which stings; however this doesn't happen to everyone).  Here are some other suggestions. 

2.  After washing my face with an oil cleanser I use Jurlique's Skin Balancing face oil. Using a face oil has been one of the most noticeable changes to my skin care routine.  It also helps with an even application of makeup, particularly if you have dry skin.  Again, there are many options out there for face oils. I like ones that contain rosehip as it has powerful vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate skin, while reducing fine lines--basically a miracle worker.  Evenhealy makes one that I like too.  Here are some alternative options.

3.  Next I use a moisturizer. If you naturally have more moisture in your skin, you may be okay to apply your makeup at this point if it has sunscreen in it.  Otherwise, I recommend applying a moisturizing mineral based sunscreen to your face, especially if you live in California or the Southwest. I like this one, but here are some other options.  Whole Foods or any natural market should  have a nice selection of mineral based sunscreens as well.   If the weather is dry or you just have dry skin like I do, you may need to apply some of your nighttime moisturizer to your face before applying your sunscreen.

4.  Last, I apply a hydrating mist.  I am obsessed with hydrating mists and have one close to me at all times: a travel-sized bottle in my purse, one by my bedside table and a bottle or two in the bathroom with the rest of my products.  There is nowhere I go without hydrating mist!  I use it throughout the day whenever my face feels dry and it's perfectly fine to apply over your make up.  I use a few different kinds...I really like Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist and this one by Josh Rosebrook.  I use to swear by Murad's Hydrating Toner, but I'm not sure about all the ingredients; I know  some of their products contain parabans.  Here are some other options.

5. I always apply a lip balm with SPF, and reapply it throughout the day as needed.  I like this one by Coola, they have tinted color as well as a sheer option.  More here.

1. Once a week to a few times a week I use a face mask.  Incorporating masks into my routine has really brightened up my skin and helped achieve that smooth, glowing look.  I like Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask. Susanne Kaufmanm also makes a nice enzyme peel mask. 

2.  I use the same cleansing oil as I do in the morning.  However, once a week I use an exfoliating cleanser.  I haven't really settled on any one in particular, since I use this type of cleanser so infrequently.  I just tend to like ones that aren't too rough as I have sensitive skin.  Test some samples and see what works for you. Right now I'm using Tata Harper's Regenerating cleanser because it came with the mask I purchased, but there are plenty of other products available. 

3. Again, I follow up with a face oil.

4. At night I like to use a super hydrating moisturizer with a brightening agent in it, such as vitamin C.  I am currently using this pressed serum by Maya Chia.  It is an investment, but it does last a long time.  It's one of the only moisturizers that keeps my skin hydrated all night long; regular lotion just doesn't cut it. I even use it during the day if it's extremely dry. 

5. Next I use an eye serum, as the skin around the eyes is very delicate.  I like to use Beauty Chef's Beauty Fix Balm, as it has many uses, or Bright Eyes by Goldfaden MD because I can wear it under my makeup during the day. Tata Harper has a great  Boosted Contouring Eye Mask but it's so expensive.

6. I also use Beauty Chef's Beauty Fix Balm for my lip balm and put it on any other areas of my skin that are dry.  It smells delicious!

7. Finally, I finish it all off with some hydrating mist.