Tag: updated routine

Summer 2020 Skincare!

My updated summer skincare routine, for the muggiest and most humid days!

Hello everyone!

For all those out there with finicky skin, raise your hands! That’s what I thought… I’m definitely not the only one. My skin is extremely sensitive, and not only do I have to regularly change up my skincare routine due to the changing seasons, but I swear my skin also gets “used to” the products I use after a while. So every now and again I change up my skincare, but for about a year I seem to have struck a balance every morning and night that my skin seems to like!

So, I thought I would share with you all my summer skincare routine! Most of these products are old favorites, with some newbies added to the mix as well. Here’s my step-by-step process…

First off, I cleanse my face. While it is not pictured, I have used the Biore Charcoal cleanser for years! I’ve always been happy with how it makes my skin feel after I wash, almost tingly!

Then, I use the Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner in Rose Petal along with a cotton pad. If you’ve been following me for a while you know I’ve used this product for years and years. The other toners I’ve tried over time aren’t nearly as gentle and effective. The best part is, it’s so affordable!

Next up, I use the Lumene Nordic C serum. This is a newer favorite after discovering this in the beauty section of Target about 6 months ago! I really feel like it brightens my skin while not clogging my pores at all, which is something that I’ve struggled with in other serums.

The next step is where I like to add a little bit of variety, depending on the time of day. In the morning, I use the Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with 15 SPF. I actually didn’t like this product when I first tried it last year, so it got buried in the back of my skincare drawer. However, I decided to try wearing SPF every day since the spring, so I resurrected it back in March and I have really enjoyed it this year! I’m not sure what made the biggest difference between this year and last and what changed, but I do use a pretty thin layer since it’s a thicker moisturizer.

If it’s before bed, instead of the SPF, I like to use this Estee Lauder Perfectionist Serum. It may sound a little ridiculous, but I’ve been using anti-aging products at night since I was around 18 years old, since that’s around when our bodies stop producing collagen (some studies say between 18-25). I also just like how this products makes my skin feel really dewy in the morning when I wake up! And, when I remember, some nights I use the Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme eye cream.

Finally, to top it off, I either use the Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin spray, or the Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray. I do tend to prefer the Heritage Store spray because it feels a little more refreshing, but I’m almost out, so I switch between that and the Mario Badescu spray. I also like to keep the Mario Badescu spray in my bag sometimes on hotter days as a refresher!

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And that’s it! I try to keep it simple, because I’m either in a hurry in the morning or super sleepy at night, so I don’t want to spend too much time on my skincare. However, I like the way all of these products together make my face feel every single day! However, I should add a couple more products that I use from time to time that I also love: The Burt’s Bees spot treatment for when I break out during my period. My jade roller for when I’m in a mood to pamper myself, after using my favorite Peach Slices Calm face mask of course. I also love the Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots. I also use the Biore Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Pore Nose Strips about once a week.

If you’re still curious about my daily skincare routine, you can see my morning routine in action in my most recent IGTV get ready with me video! I have linked below the longer, unedited version on YouTube, and you can view the original IGTV video on my Instagram HERE!

What are your favorite skincare products? I would love to see your recommendations! Leave a comment below, or come say hi on My instagram, I’m @thegingerintrovert.

Until next time!

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No technology before bed?

Has the phone been controlling your bedtime lately? Join me in a challenge to avoid using technology before bed, and do one of these calming activities instead to help wind down!

Hello everyone!

I struggle so much with unplugging before I got to bed. But I know when I do pry my eyes away from a screen beforehand, I definitely sleep better. It is so incredibly hard for me to do this, it’s almost like an addiction. I know I’m not the only one. Scrolling through Insta right before I fall asleep does not help me sleep. In fact, it is so easy to waste an hour or two of prime sleepy time on social media.

I find it gives other people too much power over the beginnings and endings of my day. When I take the wheel and fill that time with things that I enjoy and aren’t pixelized, I feel more positive. And in this case, more well rested. So here are some of the tech-less alternatives I’ve come up with to help me wind down and get ready for sleep.

First thing’s first.

Set your morning alarms and plug the phone into the charger across the room. That way, you’re not even tempted to scroll. I’m the laziest person ever, so if the phone is far away, I won’t get up out of bed to go get it unless I seriously need it.

Stretch out.

I’ve recently enjoyed doing a little bit of yoga before bed to shake out the day’s frustrations. While I admit, I do sometimes use my phone to listen to instructional YouTube videos to guide me through a flow, I have been trying to do the moves on my own. Concentrating on breathing and clearing my mind puts me in the perfect mindset for sleep.

Read a book or a magazine.

I feel like this one’s a given, but reading is the best way for me to forget about the events from my day and put my thoughts onto something else. Read a set number of chapters/pages/articles, and then put yourself to bed after you’re finished. Or until you feel tired enough to sleep.

Do something to nourish your soul.

For me, it is doing a devotional and reading my Bible. For others, it might be meditating or journaling. Or even completing a page in a coloring book. Whatever it is, as long as its relaxing and enjoyable for you.

Write out your goals for the day to follow.

When I write out my goals and read them in the morning, I find that I go throughout my day more mindfully and intentionally. Also, crushing that to-do list and rereading my completed goals and intentions makes me feel super accomplished and relaxed before I head to bed.

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I’ve found that when I do any number of these things before I sleep instead of using technology, I’ll feel so much better and sleep so much easier. However, a habit isn’t built overnight. I would like to challenge any of my readers who would like to join me in a 21-day bedtime technology detox. Starting tonight, put the phone aside with me. Let me know if you’re joining me in the comments!

XOXO

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Updated Skincare Routine

I share with you my favorite skin care products that I have recently cobbled into a routine. Take a look!

Hello everyone!

I was thinking about it, and it’s been a while since I’ve shared my skincare routine! I change things up pretty frequently, since I like to try new products. However, I’ve found a balance with this routine over the past few months that I’ve really enjoyed. And coming from a girl who used to dread washing her face before bed, that’s a revolutionary change in attitude!

// Morning Routine //

Up first in the morning, depending on how lazy  I am, or how late I am, I use the ELF Daily Face Cleanser or this La Roche-Posay micellar water. A less expensive alternative that I love is from the Simple brand’s micellar water, or the Say Yes to Coconut brand (I’ve gotten all three at Target). In any case, I try to keep it simple. I use my all-time favorite Clinique moisturizer, and I’m off to start my day.

For my lips, I usually use this Burt’s Bees medicated lip balm. I love the texture, it’s almost exfoliating! I also keep the Dr. Bronner’s Naked Organic Lip Balm in my pencil pouch in my school bag to use when I’m in class or studying. I’m one of those people that needs a lip balm on me at all times. Either that, or I feel dry and cracked all day!

// Nighttime Routine //

In the evening, I take off my makeup (if I wore any) with my micellar water. Then I use this Elizabeth Arden 2-in-1 cleanser (which has been discontinued sadly!) and normal/dry skin alcohol-free toner. I wait for the toner to dry, and then I touch this Burt’s Bees blemish stick on any pimples I may have. I take a drop or two of this tea tree oil from The Body Shop and pat it all over my face. I also sometimes do in the morning, just because I love the refreshing tea tree smell! Finally, it’s time to put on my moisturizer and lip balm, and head to bed.

About once a week I try to use a face mask. I really like this exfoliating Ole Henriksen truth sugar glow polishing mask (similar is linked!). It smells like citrus which is so refreshing, and I always feel rejuvenated after I use it.

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I change things up so frequently, my skincare routine is probably liable to change sooner or later. Especially since I found out my favorite Elizabeth Arden cleanser has been discontinued, which is a bummer! C’est la vie, I suppose. If you have any recommendations for my next product to try, leave it in the comments below!

XOXO

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