Skincare

I don't know about you, but the older I get, the more I care about my skin...

I should have cared all along, but when you're young and beautiful and things don't sag, wrinkle, or freckle...what's the concern?

Now, as I approach *almost* 28, I think it's time to get into a good routine.

Sure, 28 is hardly old, but I want to get into using all natural products with results and play defense before I have to play offense. There are 2 skincare lines that I use- The Essential Skin Care System for everyday use and maintenance, and The Verage Skin Care Collection on days when I need a little extra boost. I also have a home-made moisturizer that's quick, easy, and affordable that I use when I travel.

Here's the rundown:

MORNING

I am not a shower in the morning person. I am a shower at night kinda girl- it just seems to make more sense to me. To be honest, I actually don't wash my face in the morning at all...for me it's easier to wash your face in the shower because let's be real- washing your face at a sink makes the biggest water mess. If you've found a splash proof way, please share!

I wake up, maybe use a warm washcloth to wipe away crust and then apply my moisturizer. I do this first so the moisturizer can sink in while I make coffee, fix my hair, feed the dog breakfast- whatever your morning jam is, just give it about 10 minutes before applying makeup.

I have different concoctions that I've made from things I already had, and ones that I've bought and added to. Some can be more pricey than others (due to the oils I add) so I'll give you the most affordable to the most pricey (but worth it!) I typically choose just 1 a day, depending on what my skin needs.

Most Affordable: raw, 100% organic coconut oil mixed with a few drops of Geranium, Lavender, and Melaleuca (Frankincense too if you're feeling up to it). The coconut oil gives you a nice hydrated glow, and all 3 of the oils are purifying and cleansing. This is a great way to make a homemade, all natural moisturizer from scratch! I typically travel with this one because it's easy, effortless, and if I leave it behind I'm not too panicked since its easy and affordable to make again. Also, its a miracle makeup remover- win win! When you stir them all together, the coconut oil may turn to a liquid state- no worries! It will solidify back up and become more of a salve than a liquid. If using for traveling, make sure it's in a TSA approved sized container.

Middle Ground: doTERRA Hydrating Cream from the Essential Skin Care line. This stuff is the best for an everyday go-to! It's infused with probiotics to help restore skin's natural barrier, as well as essential oils such as Geranium, Frankincense, Lavender, & Jasmine. I typically grab this one when I'm at home and into a pretty normal routine. It's relatively lightweight, sinks in pretty quick, and just feels refreshing and really hydrating.

**Bonus: follow with the Brightening Gel

The Bomb: This one is for those mornings you just need a lil' extra help, or simply just want a moment of pampering. Maybe it was a really fun wine night with the girls and you're in a bit of a doozy the next morning, or you have a nice outing/ function that night and want a boost of glow for the event. I even like to grab this one after a beach trip where my skin may have gotten too much sun, or a mountain trip where the wind and dry cold weather sucked out any moisture I had left. Either way, this is a knock out repairing combo. It's a heavy hitter and works like a charm. It's the Hydrating Cream from above with 10 drops each of:

-Blue Tansy (see Vogue's article on Blue Tansy in skincare here)

-Immortelle Blend (Frankincense, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Lavender, Myrrh, Helichrysum, and Rose)

-Yarrow Pom (one of the NEW oils! Truly, you could even use JUST this oil applied neat to your face and neck!)

I definitely follow up with the Brightening Gel & Anti-Aging Eye Roller after applying the moisturizer.

What's really neat about this one is it creates a blue-grey color due to the Chamazulene in the Blue Tansy and Yarrow Pom. Thankfully, it soaks in pretty quick, so you only look like a smurf for a brief minute or two. Here's what mine looks like:

NIGHT

At night, I run through a *few* more steps than in the morning. Mostly, because I have time to and I like the idea of it sinking in as I sleep and rejuvenating my skin after a long day.

Before I go any further, let's break it down into what I would use from here, depending on the kind of day I had:

For normal, light days working at home & lazy weekends (Essentials System):

In the shower, I like to alternate between the Facial Cleanser and Invigorating Scrub with my Clarisonic. After using the cleanser and drying off, I apply (in order), the Pore Reducing Toner (it absorbs FAST), followed by the Anti-Aging Moisturizer (let that one sink in about 3ish minutes. I brush my teeth while I wait), and I top off the routine with The Tightening Serum. DONE!

For heavier, intense and busy days at the office, running errands, or a serious gym sesh (Verage System):

I'll reach for my Verage Cleanser in the shower and use with my Clarisonic. After drying off, I will apply (in order) the Toner and let that absorb, then use the Immortelle Hydrating Serum which I really let sink in while I put on PJs, and lastly I'll use the Moisturizer. TAH-DAH!

Some other routines I am getting into that are more weekly, monthly, and quarterly are:

-Once a week I try and do a mask of some sort. Im currently testing recipes with coffee, charcoal, & avacado- stay tuned! As a staple and easy, hassle-free choice, I will always love doTERRA's Detoxifying Mud Mask. A little goes a long way!

-Dermaplaning once a month- yes, ladies... shaving your face. Living with Landyn made me do it, and I love the dead skin and peach fuzz that comes off. Makeup and skincare products also go on way better and stay all day!

-Facials (ohh la la). I was never in a routine of visiting an esthetician until I met Libby. Libby, you're life changing and I love the glow you give me after you work your magic on my skin. She uses predominantly certified organic and Image Skincare products (which are pretty clean and free of harsh chemicals), as well as all natural enzyme peels. I try to visit her at least once every 3 months.

And that's a wrap-

I know it seems like a lot, so if it's totally overwhelming I would suggest picking one of the systems that best fits the kind of days you normally have and roll with just that one.

Naturally,

Nicki