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!
Here are some popular posts you may also enjoy…
- The Best Face Oils By Skin Type
- The Top 10 Essential Oils for Skincare
- DIY All-Natural Blackhead Busting Blackout Mask
Konjac sponges are awesome for exfoliating if you have sensitive skin (which I do). They’re usually infused with either charcoal, green tea or turmeric (all of which are awesome for your skin) & it’s not necessary to even use anything other than water for them to work. Just get it wet & scrub. You can also use them for daily face washing with your usual cleanser because they’re not harsh at all.
Hi Nadia,
I’m so glad that I came across your web site today. I’m reading very useful information and I love it. I do want to ask you -I’ve spent a lot of money on skin care products for my face to get rid of hyperpigmentation, but I ended up damaging my skin due to all these harsh chemicals I used on my face, so I stopped using everything. I really did have the best skin, but now it’s so dry, i’m getting wrinkles, and have bad hyperpigmentation (dark spots on my cheeks and forehead). What would you recommend to use? I would greatly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you, Nadia!
Meenu
Everyone knows that when you start to really look after your skin, your beauty routine becomes so much more of a joy than a chore. I feel my best when I am able to let my skin breathe without makeup and have a natural glow shine through.
hello. I love your tips and information on the essential oils. However, I wanted to know if your skin care regiments and suggestions can work for African American skin?
Hi…i’m from Malaysia..happy n glad always when i’m follow ur diy beauty..do u have any treatment to decrease of pigmentation..if u got it pls send me thru my email..tq..beauty
Nadia,
What an inspiration you are! I’ve recently started dabbling in oils on my face. I was extremely frightened to try initially as I’ve battled acne issues my entire life & at the age of 42 it’s felt like an eternity. I actually started with coconut oil & jojoba with pretty great results. Then I met rose hips & fell in love! Just trying tea tree for the first time tonight, fingers crossed! BUT I really wanted to comment on how BEAUTIFUL & natural your make up looks in this pic!!! It’s the natural, but polished look I’ve been trying to achieve. Could you tell me which CC cream & blush you used in the pic? I’m excited to gather the additional oils I’ll needed to make your blend for clarifying oily skin. Thanks for any feedback you can provide & please keep providing the great advice! Thanks, Lisa
I am looking to become more natural in my home and my personal routine.
I really enjoyed reading about your beauty routine and your recipes sound wonderful!
I live in small town Canada. NO ONE (even at the health food store in my town) has heard of Castile Soap.
I have found a natural 100% plant based glycerine soap made by a Canadian company.
I guess my question is – what is the difference between Castile soap & Glycerine soap? Other than Castile Soap is made from olive oil and from what I read Glycerine is derived from the act of making soap.
Is glycerine soap a comparative soap to castile soap in your opinion?
I mean, I can order Castile soap online, but love to shop and support local shops.
Hi Giulia
Not Nadia, but I’m also outside the US and am equally bummed that Mountain Rose don’t ship to me! I can recommend iherb.com – perhaps they ship to the UK?
Good luck!
Anna
Hello Nadia! I am currently “washing” my face with jojoba oil only thanks to your amazing blog! However, the website you suggest(mountain rose herbs) for buying oils does not deliver to the UK.
I know it’s asking too much, but could you maybe recommend some other website that delivers to the UK?
Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that your website is beautiful! I’ve recently started making my own facial oils, facial cleanser and am even going to venture into shampoo. I’m having some girlfriends over this weekend to make some oils with my collection of wholesome ingredients ( plenty of Jojoba!!). Most of my research online has taken me to cluttered looking websites, but yours is just lovely! Love it’s simplicity and orderliness. Just wanted to let you know. 🙂
Thanks, Tara! Enjoy 🙂
I love your blog 🙂 I just ordered a whole bunch of oils and I’m so excited to make all of these skin care products!
Hi! I was wondering that since you only wash your face in the evening and apply face oils to sleep, do you apply sunscreen in the morning with the oils from last night on? Or how do you do?! Thanks
Juice Beauty!
Which would you say has fuller coverage, Juice Beaty’s CC cream or Andalou’s? Thank you!!
Hi Nadia,
I like your ideas, very realistic tips, clean, easy, no non-sense famous labels (inclusive reasonable products prices).
I hope you also increase your tips on real food, as it fits your expertise very well!
Thanks,
Sonia Jordão
Hello Nadia! I’m a new reader of your blog (and let me just add how much I enjoy it!) and have been using many of your tips for about 2 weeks now. I’m still in the “skin adjusting” to this new way of treating it phase. I hope it doesn’t last long! I’m 28 and have been dealing with acne since I was 12. Like you, I’ve used every harsh chemical product out there. I dream of the day where I can be one of those annoying girls who can freak out from a single pimple before my period! And to look at putting on makeup as a choice and something fun, instead of a MUST DO to try and cover up all the nasty… With that being said, I have a few questions. Do you mix the 50% Manuka Honey and 50% Tea Tree Castile Soap face wash ahead of time? If yes, how much do you make at a time and in what kind of container? How long does it last? Also do you have any tips for getting clear skin on the chest/back? Thanks again for all you have shared! I really am excited/hopeful that my skin will be transformed into something I love instead of something that holds me back!
Hey, Jackie! Sure – I use this one: http://amzn.to/1QvHYwi
Hello Nadia! May I know which jojoba oil you use? I want to know which brand is the best in terms of being organic and pure.
Thanks a lot!!
Jackie