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, Ashley! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 (and my apologies for the belated reply!). Really, you can make the oils however you like! Though some are more moisturizing while others are dry, which is something to consider depending on your skin. When it comes to essential oils, just remember to dilute them (they should comprise 5% or less of the final mixture).
It is interesting you say you wan to “start taking care of my skin from the inside out” – most skin issues are a result of an internal imbalance. These oils and other topical treatments can help remedy things to an extent, but they cannot 100% resolve skin issues. That can only happen by resolving the internal imbalances (like balancing your hormones, as you mentioned).
Hi, Nik. Sorry for the super belated reply! I don’t see any reason why not, though I can’t say that from experience. A lot of the makeup brands I like sell products in all shades, and the skincare products I use are natural and non-irritating.
Breakouts along the jawline and on the chin do tend to be hormonal.
Hi, Muntaha! Beautycounter makes great eyeliner and brow pencils! -> Beautycounter
Hi Nadia,
Do you have any suggestions for natural eyeliner/brow fillers?
Thanks!
Hey, Ashley! So happy to have you as a new reader 🙂
You can mix any oils together that you’d like as long as you follow the EO dilution ratio, as you mentioned. Lavender and tea tree can be uses “neat” as a spot treatment, but I would only apply a drop or two at a time, not cover a large part of skin.
I buy from both Young Living and Mountain Rose Herbs. I believe they both have high quality oils so that choice is really up to you!
ALSO I just want to throw this out there: both eczema and acne are caused my inflammation and gut issues. I would suggest looking into that more. Perhaps adding a *quality* probiotic to your health regimen and some potent anti-inflammatory foods (fresh ginger – which you can make into a tea – is both great for the gut and anti-inflammatory).
Best of luck!!
Good Evening,
I have recently subscribed to your website and I am completely obsessed!! It is absolutely breath taking and exciting all the things we are able to accomplish with a much healthier, chemical free lifestyle. My new years resolution is to start taking care of my skin from the inside out and of course theres so much out there I really not sure who’s word to take on certain things. I am aware that what may work for others may not work for me, however I am more then willing to try new things so I can find something that works.
With that said I have super sensitive; eczema prone, oily/dry combo skin. I have a lot of pesky blackheads on my nose and cheek area and I also get a lot of hormonal whitehead/pimple/cyst looking things around my chin area especially during that time of the month!!
I am interested in making my own oil blends, however I’m unsure of what to blend with what. I did read both the acne blend post you have as well as the 10 best EO for the skin. I wasn’t sure if blending all of the below together would be too much or just fine (of course as long as the carrier oil essential oil ratio is correct)? Also, would you recommend any of them to be used alone?
Here are the oils I am interesting in purchasing from the links you have provided: Jojoba oil, Rosehip oil, Castor oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Tamanu, Lavender EO, Carrot Seed EO, Frankincense EO, Geranium EO, Lavender EO, Tea Tree EO… Would you recommend Young Living (whom I’ve purchased from before) or Mountain Rose?
Thank you in advance and hope to hear from you soon, Take care and stay beautiful!!
I honestly don’t use it very often – more in the summer when my skin is more oily than now when it’s cold. But toning should always come after cleansing (or exfoliating or a mask) and before you moisturize.
Hi Nadia, Can you please let me know how often and when you use your toner? Thank you.
Hey Maria — yes, you need to dilute essential oils in carrier oils. Sure, you could use all five carrier oils in a moisturizer if you’d like. You can do whatever you think is best for YOUR skin! Our skin (and our bodies!) are all so different, so it’s about finding what works best for your individual needs.
Do the oils need to be diluted before mixing them? How do you dilute them? Also you list top five oils but can you make a moisturizer us in all five. I didn’t see all five in you diy moisturizer.
I have not heard of that but that’s great to hear!
Have you heard of Cacay oil? Do you think its a gimmick? There isn’t very much information out there but I’ve been using it for 2 months and its transformed my skin in a good way.
Nadia,
Would these products work as well for woman of color/ darker ethnicities?
Hi Nadia, I’m curious if you rinse your face with water in the mornings or just wake up and put toner and moisturizer on? Morning routine?
And would you recommend washing the face after a morning yoga session after getting sweaty? Or do you think that once at night is enough?
I just found your site and am excited to try your recommendations. I’ve struggled with acne since I was a teenager.
Thank you,
Ju
Hi there,
What type of skin do you have? I am really keen to try out this skin care regime and do according to your receipes. My skin is already a bad state, im 29 and constantly having breakouts or pimples come up. 1 subsides before another 1 or 2 rears its ugly head. Anyway I dont want things to get worse so wondering id we have similar skin and age range to have the hope it can work for me too. This breakout skin has only been happeninh to me in the last 6 months before it was normal, a pimple here or there if I have my period or didnt take care of my skin all to well. Took a blood test and there was no problems there. So love to try something natural and have it work.
Do you think sandalwood essential oil will be good for my combination skin ?? because Along with small pores i do get acne and pimple at times which leaves mark.Please help
Hi Nadia,
Lovely tips.Feel like trying all of them but cant as some products are not that easily available in India 🙁 .But i still enjoy reading them 🙂 right now i want to make my small pores go away can you please suggest me some good essential oils for combination skin,which would help me in shrinking my small pores and get some radiance in my skin.
Thanks
Sanghametra