Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Organic Doctor in coordination with the Mom It Forward Influencer Network. All opinions are my own.
More than anything else, your skin’s health depends on sticking to a routine. Finding the right products, recipes, or ingredients can be really helpful, but it’s taking the time to use your everyday beauty essentials that will make the biggest difference in your skin’s health.
The following products are my everyday beauty essentials. It takes me between five and ten minutes at bedtime, and just a few minutes in the morning to complete my routine. When I stick to it consistently, my skin feels so much softer and helps me at least APPEAR well and rested – even if I was up all night with a cranky 3-year-old.
Cleanser
Any skin care routine should include a cleanser. Whether you prefer a foaming face wash like this Organic Doctor Tea Tree Face Wash, homemade washing grains, or a hand-blended oil cleanser, it’s important to wash your face regularly. This is especially important during warm weather or after exercising. I like to use an oil cleanser about once every week to give my skin a super deep cleanse. Once a week I also use washing grains to exfoliate. On the other days, I stick to a simple foaming face wash or natural bar soap.
Toner
Toner can help remove leftover residue from your cleanser. It’s also used for specific benefits, like soothing redness, balancing ph, fighting acne, or regulating oil. Something simple like rose water or witch hazel is great for everyday toner. You can also make your own using natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, hydrosol, or herbal tea. Check out my recipes for Marigold Facial Toner and Honey Chamomile Toner.
Moisturizer
Lately I’ve been leaning on a simple whipped butter made with raw shea and argan oil. Sometimes I like using a facial oil instead. Rosehip is one of my favorites. A readymade facial cream or elixir is another nice choice. I’ve been enjoying this Organic Coconut Oil Hydrating Radiance Elixir from Organic Doctor.
Serums
If you feel like your skin needs an additional boost, adding a serum to your daily routine can be just the thing. Organic Doctor Organic Rose Otto Facial Serum is made with the same kind of wholesome ingredients I put into my own homemade serums. I have really been enjoying it. The other serum I have been experimenting with is Organic Doctor’s Snail Gel. Yeah, it is exactly what it sounds like, snail slime! The natural secretion used to protect and hydrate the snail’s shell is harvested from live roaming snails and added to this unique beauty product. From what I understand, the snails aren’t harmed during this process.
If you prefer a snail-free or simply homemade serum, try blending your favorite facial oils with a 1% dilution of helichrysum, yarrow, or rose essential oil. I love using intensely moisturizing oils for making serums – like pomegranate seed oil, prickly pear seed oil, or fruit seed oils. Check out my recipe for Sacha Inchi Facial Serum on The Natural Beauty Workshop to make one of my all time favorite recipes.
Body Care
My body care routine is super simple. I use a natural handmade soap bar (my favorites are either local or made my my good friend Kelly.) Once a week or so I like to sneak off into the bath tub for a nice soak. These usually involve a natural salt like Himalayan Pink Salt or Dead Sea Salt. For moisture, I stick to homemade whipped body butters or simple lotions like Organic Doctor’s Organic Virgin Coconut Skin Lotion.
Scent
I’m still searching for the perfect store bought natural deodorant, but for now I’m making my own. My latest batch uses a blend of natural antibacterial oils and creamy murumuru butter. You can find the recipe here if you’d like to give it a shot. Now and then I also splash on a little handmade perfume oil. I usually start with clear jojoba oil, then add a few drops of my favorite essential oils for scent. Lately I am loving the combination of sandalwood, vanilla, and neroli.
Balms
Finishing up my everyday beauty essentials is a great “everything balm”. A good lip balm can also double as a quick all-over moisturizer. My favorite recipes right now are Sweet Orange and Calendula Lip Balm and Coconut Plum Lip Balm.
What are your everyday beauty essentials?
Have you found any natural products or recipes that you love? I’d love to hear about them. Drop your recommendations in the comments below!
Speaking of recommendations, I have really enjoyed checking out the products Organic Doctor shared with me. If the brand sounds new to you, that’s because their award winning product line started out in the UK, and just recently became available here in the USA. Now Organic Doctor products are easy to get your hands on. Find them at your local CVS or online at Amazon.com.
The formulators at Organic Doctor are creatures after my own heart. They search the world for botanical and naturally inspired ingredients to make their products with. These special ingredients help to ensure that their products contain bioactive properties in every product. That’s what I love most about natural skin care – the ingredients benefit your skin so much more than the junk found in so many typical beauty brands.
Have you tried any Organic Doctor products? If so, I’d love to hear what you think!