Since having my schedule change back January, I've been working on self-care and my morning rituals to keep me motivated and feeling good. I know everyone and their mother has made a post somewhere about this but I personally love reading about someone's morning routine. I especially like to know what skincare specifics they use to begin their day.

I set my alarm for 7am every morning. I usually get out of bed between 7 and 8 depending on how late I was up the night before reading or what I have planned for the day.

My next step is skincare, I've been keeping an intense eye on skincare lately. Stress has been wreaking havoc on my complexion and I knew that something had to give - so diet and skincare are front and center right now.

The skincare products I use range depending on how my skin feels that morning or looks but one thing is always for sure - a good cleanse, tone, sunscreen! Glycolic peels have also been a must. I've been using one or the other of the following peels every morning and have seen a great change in my skin texture and clarity in just a little over a week. I'm working hard to decrease sun damage and I feel that these and my evening routine items have been making a difference. Routine and repetition are key.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peels

Pixi Glow Tonic


Next up are vitamins, water, and making myself a bulletproof coffee (which is now decaf, thank you acid reflux! lol). I love Nespresso personally and they have a decaf coffee for my machine that tastes like a normal coffee, not watery and gross when you think of original decaf coffees.

Nespresso Vertuo Machine - White

Nespresso Decaf

Lastly, I like to sit with my bunnies on the porch and either read something like a self-help book or most of the time it's checking emails and listening to a podcast. I have also been trying to meditate a couple times a week and that would be at this time as well.

I really feel that having a morning routine helps start the day on the right foot. It gives you that time for yourself and to set the tone and pace for your day. Please let me know in the comments what you do in the morning or what podcast you are loving right now.

It's a fresh year and a fresh month! I want to become more social with you guys and hear your opinions on topics so I can get to know you better! So, let's chat!

This week I received an email from Sephora about their digital customized skincare assistant. All you  do is fill out a survey and they provide you a list of products others have reviewed with your skin concerns. It sounds pretty simple and I like the interactive property but I can't help but wonder, would a real life person have a better understanding when they are meeting with me, looking at my actual skin, asking me in depth questions... etc.?

Now, I took the survey myself and it was two questions - "what is my skin type" and "what is my main skin concern"? I answered combination, because it can get oily on occasion but it is winter and my skin is dry as the desert. Just because I'm inching toward my 30's and want to get a head start, signs of aging was my main skin concern.

The results - They give you a list of different products to try out according your answers which include the following categories - moisturizers, facial serums, and face washes/cleansers. I would be willing to give some a try after reading reviews. But what about skin sensitivities? Allergies?

Don't get me wrong, I do think this is a good tool to find a product quick. But for the sake of my skin and what would really make a difference, I feel like a more personalized approach would do more good.

The cold weather has been lingering slightly for the past month so my skin has been on the dryer side. I have been trying out a couple different things and here are a few of my current dry skincare favorites since it's been a while!

Cerave Healing Ointment - I absolutely love this! When you first apply it it's a thick ointment and almost oily but it gently sinks into your parched skin leaving behind a silky touch. My morning "man hands" have been replaced with "baby hands". I also used it as a lip balm last night before bed. Definitely a must have! A little goes a long way. Find it here!

Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel - This gel is perfect for winter shaving. I love the fact that my skin doesn't feel tight or itchy after shaving when I use this. Find it here!

Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops - These are great for any time of year but I just love the customization they offer. I've been using the Vitamin F + Neroli or the Vitamin E + Chamomile every morning.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm - This lip balm is great for underneath liquid lipsticks and also as a night treatment! I love the smooth, buttery, but never greasy texture. It actually moisturizes my lips and prepares them for lipstick rather than just sitting on them. Find it here!

image from totalbeauty.com

Okay, so while everyone is posting Halloween looks (which are spectacular this year) I'm over here like, "What about removing all that stuff!?". So I thought the perfect post before all the Halloween festivities start would be about my favorite technique to remove face paint and heavy makeup. 

GREAT BEAUTY BEGINS WITH A GREAT FOUNDATION.

Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist nor do I pretend to be. The posts in this series are from research I've done online and my own thoughts. If you or your child are experiencing any skin concerns, please seek professional help.

Coconut oil is what I would call a miracle multitasker. It has so many uses from internal medicine to beauty that the list goes on and it continues to grow as we speak. After posting about children's cleansing I got to thinking about this oil as a cleanser for that list as well. It would make the perfect companion for baby to kindergarten and beyond. It works well with its antimicrobial properties to gently cleanse away dirt and germs while leaving behind a moisturizer. You can also use the coconut all over the face then take a warm wash cloth and pat away the excess oil left behind if moisturizer is not needed.

I can see this working on children with sensitive skin or normal skin just like adults. I love to use it for my eczema or dry skin. It can also make a fabulous all natural lip balm/ lip protectant or chapped nose soother during the cold winter months!

* Make sure to purchase a cold pressed, organic coconut oil to make sure you are getting the purest form.

Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist nor do I pretend to be. The posts in this series are from research I've done online and my own thoughts. If you or your child are experiencing any skin concerns, please seek professional help.

A child's skin is delicate as it is but sometimes between playing outside, school germs, etc. you may find they are coming home with "baby breakouts". Now is the time to start a cleansing routine. My grandma instilled in my brain, "brush and wash". Every morning and night I brush my teeth and wash my face. Washing your face is an important habit to start teaching young. Washing allergens, germs, dirt, and grime away can lead to clearer skin tone, softer texture, and so many other things.

If you are looking for a gentle but effective cleanser for your child this list is comprised of products worth looking into. I have used most of them myself and have found they work wonders.

Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash by Johnson & Johnson - This is, along with all others in this post, a drugstore find and I go back to this every once in a while when my skin requires something simple and straight to the point. It works great for taking off makeup (think Summer face painting and Halloween makeup).

Face:

Neutrogena Pure and Free Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 - This is a golden find! I love this sunscreen. It doesn't feel heavy or tacky and it totally sinks in! I have been using it on my face, neck, and chest for the past two weeks and have not had any problems with breakouts or sensitivity. It is a concentrate formula so you only need a small amount to cover your whole face. Holy grail material here!


Body:

L'Oreal Advanced Suncare Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 30 - I hate the feeling of a heavy sunscreen. That greasy film it leaves is not comfortable nor is it pretty. I've been on the hunt for a light feeling formula but also something that protects my fair skin. So far I've been really liking this spray oil from L'Oreal. It absorbs but leaves a glow in its wake. I don't feel any residue and it doesn't stain my clothing. It is scented so I hope one day they will release an unscented version but it is a light pleasant scent so it hasn't bothered me so far.