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,
Thanks for listing out instructions for all your DIYs but could you please let me know how often (and in what order) you use the moisturizer, toner & face mask?
I understand the face wash is every night and exfoliating is every 2 days. Thanks!
Can you please talk about an effective and natural DIY beauty routine for dry and wrinkled face and recommend good products to combat it.
Thanks
Oh thank you, Mona! Hope you found the post helpful! Have you made the transition to natural skincare yet?
You look INCREDIBLE and glowing! #skingoals
xx
Nice routine….
I have extremely oily skin that clogs my pores continuously. 🙁 Do you have any recommendations for my skincare routine or even diet?
P.S. LOVE YOUR PAGE!!! 🙂
Hi Nadia,
Do you remove your acne and blackhead by yourself using some tools?
I don’t have many pimples but acnes (the ones that are very small) comes naturally after a period of time since removing them.
And it seems they cannot be removed by just using facial clay mask or exfoliants.
So I wonder how do you deal with them.
Can you create an article about this?
Hello!
I love your blog and am excited to try your DIY skin care routine! i also have oily, acne prone skin and the idea of a completely natural approach is very appealing. I’ve had trouble in the past,though, when I switch a multiple products in my routine at once. If I, then, break out I can’t know which new product/step is causing it. Do you recommend switching one of my steps for yours at a time or just trying it all at the same time? I, also, don’t want one of my unnatural (lol) current products to skew the potential results of the new routine… Let me know what you think. Thank you so much for your time and tried-and-true tips!
Hey Nadia,
Does your DIY face wash or Castile soap/honey mix take off eye makeup, including mascara?
Hey, Kennedey! I list a bunch of natural hair options in The Natural Beauty Master List. Take a look and let me know if you still have questions 🙂
Hi, Nadia.
I love your blog! I’ve been trying to find a good shampoo/conditioner combo for my hair routine. The store bought brands aren’t the best eco- friendly ones. What do you use? Would pure castile soap work?
Hi Nadia,
I’ve been trying to read up on using oil for skincare when I stumbled upon your site. Great site by the way!
I am almost 40 years old. I have been using commercial products all my life and have relatively good combi/dry skin except for pigmentation and open pores. My routine is cleanser, toner, balancer, moisturising serum, whitening serum, and moisturiser ( + moisturiser in the daytime).
I want to start using oils for my skincare but am not sure how to. I am also worried about the effectiveness, ie would it render the same results or better especially for a person my age. Is oil the only product you use at night as a moisturiser? What about serum – do you add that in to your routine?
Thanks
Hi Nadia!
I moved to US from Russia 6 year ago and been fighting acne since then. It seems like diet and climate change affected my skin in a bad way. I’ve tried so many things and researched so much. After all the suffering, I have finally found my perfect skincare routine:
Cleansing – Mud soap
Exfoliating – baking soda mixed with jojoba oil and lavender oil
Daily moisturizer – Clinique moisture surge
Face mask – Dead sea mud mask
Spot treatment – Tea tree oil
Nightly moisturizer – Rosehip oil (sometimes with salicylic acid)
Only make-up that I use daily is Maybelline BB cream (has salicylic acid) and Clinique acne solution liquid makeup.
Even though I still get acne sometimes, it’s under control now and my skin looks much better. I’m really obsessed with essential oils.
Hi, Kura. Have you tried these? I see this comment is from awhile ago and missed my radar somehow! The ingredients are very clean but I would most definitely worry about mold growth – I would not want to use these on my baby, an open skin, or near my eyes.
It would be better to use those essential oils in a face oil blend or moisturizer where they will have time to settle into the skin and do their work. I feel like they’d be wasted in a toner (especially when you consider they’d float to the top and so it would always be hard to have one regular consistency/formula).
I have some major dark circles too! The thing is: it really depends from person to person. For some people, it’s a sign of a food intolerance or other internal imbalance. But for some of us (like me), it’s just genetics. There are some products with caffeine (like this coffee bean eye cream from 100% Pure) that can minimize the dark circles a bit, but in the case of genetics it’s almost impossible for them to go away completely.
You can just add the rosehip seed oil to the blend if you’d like – that way you’re not applying them separately (unless of course you’d prefer to keep the separate so you can apply them at different times of day).