While it’s fun to read about the beauty habits of celebrities, I find it most helpful to learn about the beauty habits of women who have lifestyles, ages, or budgets similar to mine. In this series, I’ve asked amazing women I know to share their beauty routines. These are women from across the country, different ages, lifestyles, professions, and beauty/skincare priorities.
Tell me a bit about your skincare and/or routine.
I have a fairly unsophisticated skincare routine, and I thank my lucky stars that I have always had pretty easy skin that rarely “breaks out”. I do have dry very sensitive skin, and since my father is a true copper-penny redhead, I refer to my skin as genetically redheaded, even though I do not have red hair I have many redheaded skin issues, so my products and routine reflect my dainty skin.
I shower at night, so my routine is as follows: I wash my face in the shower using Neutrogena oil-free acne wash with salicylic acid, since I find that it helps with redness, If I need to exfoliate, I’ll use St. Ives Apricot Scrub but usually only one or twice a month, once out of the shower I moisturize with Oil of Olay + SPF for sensitive skin, if needed I’ll spot treat with witch hazel or dab a little clay/charcoal mask on a zit, but I can’t use all-over masks or I’ll start to peel. I am lucky to know some people who make awesome body care products, so I also use Priya Means Love body butter, hand cream and eye cream – I’ll even use the eye cream on the tip of my nose in the winter when my skin gets really dry from outdoor markets, and Maré Naturals mint lip balm. I keep a big stack of washcloths in the bathroom, so in the mornings I wipe my face down with a clean hot washcloth, it helps me wake-up and feel ready for the day. I reapply my moisturizer, and if I am wearing make-up that day, a foundation with SPF, I “do” my eyebrows (they are blonde, so they need help), slap on some mascara and if I’m feeling sassy, lipstick, my latest favorite is RMS lip color in Rapture. I rarely wear setting powder, eyeshadow, bronzer, or even eyeliner.
Has your skincare and/or beauty routine changed due to age, lifestyle, career, etc.?
As someone with pale skin who grew-up in Central Florida, I have always been committed to sunblock, when I was 14 I had my first pre-cancerous mole, and that REALLY made me aware of how much sunblock needed to be a part of my life. I have been an SPF evangelist ever since. I rarely leave my house without some level of SPF, and often, I will wear a hat if I am going to be outside for more than a few minutes. That doesn’t mean I don’t go to the beach or hide inside everyday, but it does mean that I am very aware of the special challenges of my skin, and what I need to do to keep it healthy.
What is the best skincare or beauty advice you ever got and from whom?
“Go put on some sunblock” -my Mom
What is your must-have holy grail beauty or skincare product?
A moisturizer with SPF, I am not even specific about brand. I won’t leave my house without it.
What is your biggest beauty or skincare regret or embarrassment?
Finding a self-tanner that works for the super pale has been an adventure, I have had streaky legs and accidentally made myself orange on many, many occasions. I now use Neutrogena Build-A-Tan in light/medium and it isn’t as streaky or orange.