89. Feeling 40, How I Went From Using a Makeup Wipe to Adopting a Skin Care Regimen, & All The Products I Use
It’s my birthday week! I thought I’d kick off this episode with how not great my 40th year has been… except when it comes to my skin! My adult skin hasn’t looked this good maybe ever and that’s because my skincare routine used to be: Step one: sometimes wipe my face off with a makeup remover wipe. Step two: There is no step two. Now I have lots of steps and I’m trying new makeup and honestly? It helps get me moving in the mornings.
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Article: Endometriosis vs. Adenomyosis: Similarities and Differences (via Healthline)
IGTV: Refresh Your Beauty Makeup Routine by Mego
Mentioned: The Popcast with Knox and Jamie, The Bible Binge
Jamie Golden’s 10-step Skincare (be sure to subscribe to her emails for the printable and product recommendations)
Podcast: Episode 14 of 10 Things To Tell You- Skincare and Makeup Favorites With Jamie Golden
Please note: DO NOT BE OVERWHELMED WITH THIS LIST. You DO NOT need all of this, but if you want to try to add one new step to your night routine or treat yourself to a beauty product or add any of these to your Christmas list, here’s what I’m using and some of my favorites. I’ve tried to find the best price at places we already use (Sephora, Target, Walmart, and if pressed Nordstrom or directly from the manufacturer). Anything with the note “Holy Grail” means I’ve finally found what I love and won’t switch products until it’s discontinued and I can’t find any on eBay.
Disclaimer: Most of the following links are affiliate links. The price of the product is unchanged, but I may make a tiny commission off the products you buy if you click these links. For example: If you purchase the $20 makeup remover from Clinique linked below, Sephora through rewardStyle will cut me a check for $2.10. This calendar year, I’ve made a total of $21.72 from rewardStyle, so… you could say that I’m on my way to becoming a full-time influencer. In any regard, click away knowing this!
My night routine products mentioned:
Eye makeup remover: Clinique Take The Day Off ($20 Sephora), Simple Micellar Water ($8.99 Walmart)
Holy Grail oil cleanse: Bambu Earth Makeup / Dirt Cleansing Oil ($22 Bambuearth.com)
Water cleanse: Hanalei Papaya Enzyme ($20 Amazon) which I got in my last Causbox (but if my acne is troublesome I use Glamglow Supercleanse Clearing Cleanser -$32 Sephora but my one tube has lasted me for four years so far!)
NOTE: Combine these three steps with a three in one: Fresh Soy Cleanser ($15 for the smallest size), Thrive Bright Balance 3-in-1 Cleanser ($32 at Thrivecausemetics.com)
Toner: Pixi Glow Tonic ($15 at Target for the smaller size), Bambu Earth Rosemary Toner ($24 Bambuearth.com), S.W. Basics Liquid Oil Control Facial Toner ($19.99 Target for the largest size, but check the travel goodies. The last time I was there they had a travel size.)
(Essence would go here… these people who left great reviews on SK—II’s Facial Treatment Essence are trippin’)
(I forgot to mention this, but my prescription Tretinoin and melasma cream go here)
Serums: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum ($19.99 Amazon with 39,000+ five star reviews)
(Sheet masks would go here, but this adds 10-20 minutes to your night routine)
Acne spot treatments if needed:
NOT MENTIONED-
Holy Grail Acne Patch: Mighty Patch Original ($12.99 for 36 on Amazon)
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17 ULTA)
Origins Super Spot Remover ($19 Sephora)Eye cream: RoC Retinol Correction Eye Cream ($17.99 Target)
Moisturizer: Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil ($72 Sephora), Keihl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil ($44.20 on sale for one ounce at Nordstrom), Holy Grail Acure’s Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Oil ($10.44 Amazon)
Lip mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($22 Sephora. I do not recommend vanilla!)
Lash serum: Lash Boost ($155 from Roden + Fields), RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($25.39 Amazon)
My morning routine products mentioned:
If I’m rushed… Holy Grail Kirkland Signature Micellar Daily Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($15.99 Costco)
If I have time and a lot of money burning a hole in my pocket… Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads ($88 Sephora. HACK: I cut them in half to make them last longer. Please, for the love, someone find me a cheaper dupe!)
If my eyes look puffy or I have dark circles and someone is going to see me… BaeBody Eye Gel ($24.95 Amazon with 19,000+ five star reviews)
If I’m going outside at all… Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence ($14 Amazon, Korean import). I’m going to try Purito Comfy Water Sunblock next ($15.90 Amazon). Oops! I said in the show that it was cheaper than the Biore.
My makeup routine following a scaled-down, cheaper version of Emily Ratajkowski’s 5-Minute Date-Night Look:
Holy Grail Concealer: for under eyes I use Benefit Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer ($22 Sephora). Not mentioned: Clé de Peau Beauté ($73 Nordstrom). I have had the SAME TUBE for SIX YEARS and I use it all the time. It must be magic.
Foundation: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation ($27.30 Sephora)
Brow gel: Glossier Boy Brow ($16 Glossier.com)
Holy Grail Eyeliner: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner ($5.99 Target)
Blush: NARS ($30 Sephora — I cringe at the names but I like Deep Throat and Orgasm; heaven help me if my girls ever turn it over and read the color name!)
Lip products: Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick (Sephora $16, on sale from $32) in J’Dore, which I think is being discontinued but that’s okay, I think this lipstick is overpriced even at the sale price. Not mentioned, but I do very much like Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick ($7.99 Target) and have three sticks, so once I find a color that I love love love, this will move to Holy Grail status. Lately I’ve been topping whatever lipstick with a tiny dab of Thrive Lip Mate High Shine Reviving Topper in Glinda ($24 ThriveCausemetics.com)
If I’m going full out I add…Mascara: I like a very natural look for my lashes and use whatever. Once all my little samples run out, I want to try Glossier Lash Stick. Since I’ve talked about them before and they’re a past advertiser, I do want to say that I do like Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($24 Thrivecausemetics.com) but despite the directions saying “simply rinse off our mascara with warm water and a washcloth using a gentle downward-sweeping motion” I learned the hard way that it has to has to has to be taken off at night with an eye makeup remover. My lashes got sparse when I slept in it too many days and when I tried to take it off with just water and a cloth.
Holy Grail Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer ($12.29 Amazon) which I also use as eyeshadow in the outside corners and lower lash line (I’m addicted to the smell and will eventually try their blush and highlighter so I smell like this on EVERY SQUARE INCH OF MY FACE)
Highlighter: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Twinkle Stick (discontinued)
Not mentioned, but if I’m doing all this I also use Anastasia Highlighting Duo Pencil ($23 Amazon) on my brow bone and in the inner corners of my eyes
Other products not mentioned:
Holy Grail Toothpaste: Supersmile Professional Whitening Toothpaste ($12 Amazon… I know, I know, but I am paranoid about my teeth and will splurge here for something that works well without making my teeth sensitive).
Holy Grail Body wash: L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil ($25 Sephora)
Holy Grail Body Moisturizer: JR Watkins Natural Hydrating Body Oil Mist in Coconut Milk & Honey ($8.99 Amazon)
Holy Grail Hair Treatments: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Protector ($28 Sephora), Playa Ritual Hair Oil ($38 Sephora; I just finished my sample and need budget to buy a full sized one), VERB Dry Shampoo ($18 Sephora; I have had the same two bottles for five years and there is PLENTY left in both! I do a few shakes before bed and then rough it around in my hair in the morning.)
Good Time / Good Deal:
30 ULTA Beauty Hacks That Will Save You Serious Cash (via The Krazy Coupon Lady) // Also check out ULTA Black Friday 2020: Our Best Insider Tips
34 Insider Hacks from a Sephora Employee (via The Krazy Coupon Lady)
#TBTWChallenge:
Inspired by Mego and EmRata, let’s mix up our makeup routines!
Tag your selfies with #TBTWChallenge on Instagram and head to our FB community to share your favorite products
QUESTIONS: Anyone have any recommendations for Vitamin B and Lactic Acids? Does anyone use The Ordinary? That price point can’t be beat but I’m so overwhelmed with trying to choose products.