My Super-Simple All-Natural Skincare And Beauty Routine
Body DIY DIY Skincare & Beauty Natural Beauty Natural DIY
Looking to make the switch to an all-natural skincare and beauty routine? Wondering where to start and which products actually perform!? Take a peek inside my super simple routine, targeted to prevent blemishes and fight the signs of aging… naturally of course!
A lot of readers ask me for all the details on all the things I put on my face.
(Oh hey!)
If you’ve been around these parts before, you’ll know this is because I struggled with adult acne in my early 20s.
During this time, I spent a small fortune on dermo appointments and skincare products, wasted countless hours orchestrating the daily battle between my concealer and blemishes, cried a lot (true story), and put a ton of unhealthy chemicals on my face — harsh, kill-all-the-acne-causing-bacteria-there-ever-was chemicals.
As I learned more about health and body burden, I knew I needed to get these chemicals out of my life but was scared. What about my skin!?
Didn’t I need these chemicals?
Ironically, doing a full 180 and adopting a very gentle, totally natural skincare and beauty routine (along with a nutrient-dense diet, of course!) finally helped me achieve the clear skin of my dreams.
Nowadays, my skincare routine is also geared towards anti-aging.
(Hello, 33!)
And since I geek out on natural skincare and beauty more than anything else in this whole wide world, it seemed only appropriate to finally put a post together about my natural skincare and beauty routine.
My routine is actually very simple and I hope will be inspire you to go natural or simply try something new!
Now you may still be wondering…
Do natural skincare and beauty products actually work?
Oh absolutely!
Yes, once upon a time it was pretty hard to find a natural mascara that lasted more than an hour without flaking under your eyes.
But as demand for safer products and the natural beauty market has grown, we know have a ton of safe, natural, high-performing options to choose from.
So no, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty in the name of health or vice versa!
And many natural, non-toxic skincare ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, charcoal, and niacinamide are so effective that they’ve even snuck into mainstream beauty lines. And skincare practices like exfoliation help prevent blemishes and increase collagen production — whether you’re using a natural exfoliant or nasty-filled exfoliant! So why not choose the nasty-free version, I say!
OK so let’s get to it!
My Super-Simple All-Natural Skincare And Beauty Routine: Skincare
CLEANSER
I wash my face just once a day, every evening. Yes, just once a day!
Over-washing your face can easily throw off the pH and microbiome of your skin, both of which are key for keeping skin healthy and clear.
I alternate between InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Cleanser which is a very gentle gel cleanser, and InstaNatural’s Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser so as not to over-exfoliate my skin. That being said, glycolic acid is a wonderful exfoliant that helps to both keep blemishes and signs of aging away. Win win!
EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation is an absolute MUST. So if you’re not doing it yet, you need to start ASAP, my friend. Because it helps to keep pores clear and stimulates collagen production. Plus, it improves skin texture and helps makeup go on much more smoothly.
But when it comes to exfoliation, it’s so important not to overdo it! Those with oily skin should exfoliate 1-2 times a week while those with more sensitive or dry skin should exfoliate no more than once a week. And since I do use an exfoliating face wash every other day, I exfoliate just once a week.
I prefer and recommend chemical exfoliants (acids and enzymes) over granular exfoliants (scrubs). Currently loving: Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask and my own Body Unburdened Pink Perfect & Protect Customizable Mud Mask mixed with yogurt (which contains exfoliating lactic acid)!
FACE MIST
I have a small hydrosol obsession! They smell amazing and provide skin with the benefits of these pure botanical extracts. I’ve honestly tried nearly all of them (embarrassing to admit!)… but love lavender and neroli most.
VITAMIN C SERUM
Vitamin C does it all. As a powerful antioxidant it helps to reduce blemishes by preventing sebum oxidation, increases the production of collagen, and helps lighten dark spots.
Now I’ve tried A LOT of different vitamin C serums and my favorite is definitely Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum. Rather than l-ascorbic acid (which can be very irritating and oxidizes easily), it contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is very gentle, much more stable, and studies have found to be beneficial for fighting breakouts and acne. It also contains a bunch of other skin-loving goodies like hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant ferulic acid, and konjac root (which helps fade hyperpigmentation). So much to love!
NATURAL MOISTURIZER
It’s all about the face oils, baby. Whenever anyone compliments my skin (it still blows my mind when that happens!), I immediately blurt out “FACE OIL!” and start gushing all about it the way a young child gushes about a day at the beach/their favorite movie/mermaids/anything remotely exciting — you know, very quickly and with an intense enthusiasm.
I’ve tried dozens of different face oils over the years — I’m fascinated by the different fatty acid compositions and the impact this has on different skin types. Their unique vitamin and mineral contents, scents, and textures. And I’ve recently taken this years of obsessing research and bottled up my very best blends for you too — Body Unburdened Beauty Blends!
At night after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, I very generously apply Beauty Blend No.1. While I used to apply oils both day and night, I now often use a natural CC cream during the day (see below) for some SPF coverage and sheer color.
FACE MASKS
Oh goodness, do I love a good face mask. I apply a mask about twice a week — an exfoliating mask like mentioned above once a week and either a clay-based or hydrating mask depending on my skin’s needs.
If my skin is dry/irritated, I’ll just slather on some organic raw honey — honey is a natural humectant that draws and holds water to the skin.
Most typically though, I mix the honey along with some water into one of my Body Unburdened Customizable Mud Masks for the added benefit of pore-perfecting clays, hydrating marshmallow and aloe, and powerful fruit and herbal extracts! (Yes, I had a lot of fun formulating and testing these!)
The cult classic DIY All-Natural Blackhead Busting Blackout Mask is also still occasionally on rotation 🙂
My Super-Simple All-Natural Skincare And Beauty Routine: Beauty
NATURAL SPF + COLOR
I’m obsessed with
On days when I need a little extra coverage or to prevent shine, I apply 100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Powder Foundation on top.
I also use 100% Pure’s Long Last Concealer with Super Fruits under my eyes. Thanks to genetics, I have pretty bad dark circles AND eyes that scrunch way way up when I smile. So a lot of concealers look cakey and accentuate my expression lines around my eyes — not a good look. This is the only concealer I’ve found so far that doesn’t!
NATURAL MASCARA
100% Pure’s Black Tea Mascara. Hands down. The best. Enough said.
EYESHADOW
I’m obsessed with creamy eye shadows that give a little bit of color and shine without making me look like a 13 year-old from 1998 (in other words, really glittery) — they somehow make my whole face seem brighter and all glowy. Little miracle workers!
My favorites: RMS Beauty Eye Polish (in just about every color!).
LIP COLOR
Ahh I love a colored lip! Even when I’m a total mess, it makes me feel pulled together and lady-like.
For a night out or more bold look, Jane Iredale’s Forever Pink Lip Stain is where it’s at — as the name suggests 🙂 it’s a bright pink that lasts forever.
That’s it! Pretty simple, huh?
My morning beauty routine only takes about 2-3 minutes using the above products and THAT is a beautiful thing. Honestly, I spend more time staring at the fridge deciding what to eat for breakfast.
And like I said, it’s ironic that adopting a very simple, natural skincare routine was able to totally change my complexion — I used to think that I really needed all of those harsh chemicals in the products I was using, and the more the merrier. Now I know better (heck, I even only wash my face once a day!) and my tears are spent on much more important things, like the movie Up (seriously, I had no idea it would be such a tear-jerker!!).
What are your natural skincare favorites? Anything in particular that’s really saved your skin? Or do you have any questions or comments? Share below in the comments!
Interested in natural skincare and beauty? You’re in the right place!
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Hi Nadia!
I have really enjoyed reading your blog and own your book as well. I saw you use the Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum – I was curious as to whether you had tried their Exfoliating Serum at all? I am looking for a product that contains glycolic acid but doesn’t have added junk in it and wondering your opinion.
I have been planning on doing your own makeup for the wedding season as it is a budget-friendly option but it’s so hard to ace it! I guess this beauty routine can help me keep my skin glowing and healthy. I’m always looking for inspiration online for the same!
This is such great information, thank you!
I am really curious about Serums. I have Sensitive skin and I’m 33 so I need to start making that part of my routine. What would you suggest?
Is that face mist considered a toner? I’m trying to figure out exactly what my tween girl needs for a SUPER simple routine… I’ve figured out cleanser, moisturizer and the weekly exfoliating but I’m not sure if toners, serums, face oils, masks and sunscreens need to be implemented or could be combined with the others to keep so simple. Also, I figured my routine can be expanded from hers.
I’m new to your site, but I love it!! I love DIY everything!!!!
I’m 66 and am going to make some your recipes. My skin is slightly dry with large pores. I’m not sure which oil to use, I want to use rosehip oil, but not sure which other moisturizing oil to add to it. I’m concerting carrot seed oil.
Hi Nadia,
I recently got off of my birth control pills. My skin used to be amazingly clear but now as a result I am having a lot of breakouts. I have switched to safer skincare. I have been using Beautycounter for several months. The products feel amazing on my face but I’m still getting these occasional breakouts. I’m not sure what else to do. My acne has always been hormonal. I do not have any other medical issues and do not take any medication. My breakouts were a direct effect of getting off of the pill. Help!
Best cleansing for dry skin
So if you don’t wash your face in the morning do you only apply toner and serum once daily at night after you wash?
Hi there!!
Can you recommend a natural daily moisturizer I can purchase for very dry but very acne prone skin? I have used face oils before, and they made my acne a lot worse.
I currently have no skincare routine except for using a prescription sulfur face wash because it’s the only thing that helps with my acne but of course dries my skin out so much.
Also, for my skin type, do you recommend exfoliating, toning, and applying the vitamin C as well? I’d like to have a skincare routine, especially since I can tell my skin is aging due to being dry all of the time, but I am so afraid to apply anything to my face because of my acne.
I’d appreciate your help!! Thank you!
Nadia, you are my skin sister! I am so excited to add some of your routine to my regimen. My basic skin routine is essentially identical down to the ratio of Dr Bronners to water… weird. Now that I’ve finally fine tuned my cleansing/exfoliating/toning, you are about to save my future skin from my present self.
Thank you for doing the leg work on moisturizing because I have been STRUGGLING! I have every faith that the balance you found will work for me as well. Stay tuned!
This blog post is for you – Green Beauty on a Budget! Affordable Natural Makeup & Skincare Picks
🙂
HI Nadia- I’m new to natural skincare & I’m happy to have found you on Pinterest. The downside of natural products (for me) is the high cost. We’re a one income family of six with two special needs kids, so we’re on a very tight budget. Do you have less expensive recommendations for natural beauty products? Specifically one like Beauty-counter’s charcoal cleansing bar & Juice beauty products. Thanks in advance & hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Nadia,
I found your blog recently and love it! I already ordered your book and can’t wait to learn more. I have a few questions…
1) For acne prone/oily skin, would you recommend your Toning & Clarifying Foaming Facewash or the Charcoal Cleansing Bar for a nightly routine? (followed by exfoliating 1-2x per week and Jojoba oil daily)
2) Since you don’t wash your face in the morning, will you please elaborate on your morning skincare routine?
3) I exercise very vigorously in the morning, but I’m hoping to switch to only washing my face in the evening. What do you recommend for skin care after working out? Is it harmful to not cleanse my face after sweating so much?
Thanks so much for all of your insight!
Hi Eleanor – ah I’m sorry to hear that and know the frustration well! The high activity level could definitely be contributing but breakouts around the mouth tend to be hormonal and so something that needs to be addressed with an internal approach. Check out this page and see if any of these sound like you! If yes, I’d love to talk 🙂
Hi Nadia!
I have been breaking out on my temples and by my eyebrows and around my mouth. I am a competitive cyclist, so I am often drenched with sweat, plus I have to wear a helmet and sunglasses. I have been putting Tea Tree oil on my acne, and it isnt terrible, but it wont go away. What do you suggest?
yrs,
Eleanor A.
Glad it was helpful! And yes, I do – usually at night.
Hi Nadia!
Great article and guide! Do you apply the vitamin C serum everyday?
Thanks!