Beauty Routine

(A plan to help you feel confident in front of the camera by the time you hit 30.)

It's no secret that the beauty routine you did during your 20's isn't going to cut it once you turn the big three-oh. Let's be real, how many 20 somethings have an actual routine? At 29 (and a half) I've been doing some thinking. Your 20's are hard. My 20's were hard. For most (myself included) it can be the best and most difficult period of your life. The stress of so many firsts tend to show up on your grill. Even the great times, and some of my sunniest days still mean a few more dark spots and tiny laugh lines. Two huge blessings ultimately resulted in more than a couple bags (of the carry on variety) under my eyes. But I'm not naming names...

In all seriousness, I hope to age gracefully and still remain stylish and beautiful just as my Mom has. However, I have a sneaking suspicion I lean more towards that of Regina George's mom.     (Cocktails anyone?)

Having said that, I truly believe beauty comes from the inside. You can't harbor bitterness and expect to look youthful and vibrant. The first step in feeling and looking fabulous at thirty is a happy heart. Let go of past hurt or anger and make the decision to choose happiness all day erryday. Since that is easier said than done, always turn to the Lord and He will bring you joy in the midst of your ____ (fill in the blank).

Second, you need to get healthy. You know the drill: exercise, drink lots of water, and eat as clean as possible. Oh, and treat yourself too. Who can feel happy and therefore look beautiful if you are depriving yourself? Not this girl.

Finally my beauty routine! I was pretty much a wash and spot treat when necessary type of girl, up until this last year. Somewhere along the line I decided it was time to start a real routine.

So what do you do when you don't really know where to begin? Consult the experts. I hightailed it straight to Nordstrom, quickly followed up by a visit to my Sephora. I also spent an ample amount of time researching the products and reviews at home. And because I am a ride or die drugstore girl I also stopped by Target to purchase a few staples. If you are interested in seeing what I ended up with, in addition to checking out out a few of my tried and true favorites, keep reading!

1. Moisturizer: 

Day: Mac studio moisture cream. 
Night: Cetaphil moisturizing cream, for dry/sensitive skin. 

Make your moisturizer game strong. Hydration is key.

2. Eye cream:

Mario Badescu hyaluronic eye cream.

Eye cream is the key to looking fresh. Tip: store it in the refrigerator for a refreshing application.

3. Sunscreen:

Face: Hawaiian Tropic silk hydration face.

Oil free lotion style sunscreen. 12 hour broad spectrum SPF 30. 

Smells. So. Good. 

Body: Sun Bum SPF 50.

Say it with me...SPF on the daily. Bonus, I also use it on the babes.

4. Face wash:

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser for all skin types.

Really mild formula. I would recommend a wipe first to remove most makeup. 
Tip: use THIS handheld pore cleansing pad for a deep clean. Obsessed. 

5. Exfoliator: 

Neutrogena blackhead eliminating scrub. 
Getting rid of dead skin is essential for a bright complexion. 

6. Acne treatment (yes, unfortunately I still need this):

Mario Badescu drying lotion. 
How I lived most of my life without this product is a travesty. 

What are your ride or die products? Is there a step I may have missed? Leave your comment in the section below. Thanks again for reading and supporting what I do. I love each of you, and appreciate your time!

Xo,

T.