what I’m loving this week: a minimalized beauty routine (and the products that make is so)

As of recent, and mentioned in previous blog posts, the theme in our household is minimizing and simplifying — both as it pertains to stuff, as well as routines. Even before my boyfriend fiance (!) came along, simplification had been an intention of mine for about the past year or so and was put into the forefront more so when I changed jobs and adopted a longer commute (yes, I promise one day I’ll get over this — just not yet). However, combining my loose goal of having less stuff with his newfound learnings about minimalism, the effort has really ramped up.

I’m a firm believer that minimalism and simplification are in the eye of the beholder. I don’t have one method that I’ve really adopted, but have instead taken bits and pieces from books and techniques I’ve discovered. I will fully admit there is about a 101% chance I will never be a full-fledged minimalist as it is defined by, well, “minimalists,” but I’m doing my best to remove from my life objects (e.g., clothes, books) that are not serving me or adding to my happiness (sort of along the lines of Marie Kondo’s logic of “does it bring you joy?”). And, as mentioned previously, the whole process has taken more than a year, but I feel as of late that I’m actually getting to a place of comfort with the stuff I’ve allowed to stay.

Beyond that stuff, part of my simplification quest is around a daily “beauty” routine. For those who know me well, you know I don’t wear a ton of makeup and a good day is one when I actually blow dry my hair (I can probably count on one hand the times this has occurred in the past year), so I already had a pretty simple routine in place. However, what I did find was that I had many products — most of them unused — many of which had been acquired during my hunt for the best of <fill in the blank>. At this point though, I feel pretty good with where

At this point though, I feel pretty good with where things are for my daily routine so I thought I would share in the chance that maybe one of you are looking for a tried-and-tested <fill in the blank>. Plus, I always find those “what’s in her purse” listicles fascinating, but my purse literally contains a wallet, cell phone, keys and a pen so I’m certain I would fail to interest anyone with that article.

Gettin’ clean:

• Shampoo: Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Wash (I only use this once or twice a week)
• Shampoo + Conditioner (not shown): Biolage Hydrasource
• Exfoliator: Clarisonic (every other day)
• Shave gel: Dr. Bonner’s Lavendar Organic Shaving Soap
• Body wash + bubble bath: Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals 100% Pure and Natural Lavender

Post-shower + pre-bed

• Face wash: Tula Purifying Face Cleanser (use before bed, just rinse face with water in the a.m.)
• Toner: Burt’s Bees Garden Tomato Toner (use a few times per week)
• Dry Shampoo: Bumble and Bumble pret-a-powder (use in between washes)
• Deodorant: Native in Eucalyptus and Mint (technically in the men’s options, but I didn’t love any of the women’s scents)
• Make-up remover: Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes – Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser 
• Nighttime face (after washing): Anti-aging serum from The Zero Market in Denver (nightly)
• Sunscreen: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream in 50+ (daily)
• Anti-aging daytime: Obagi-C C-Clarifying Serum
• Body lotion: Everyone 3-1 Lotion in Citrus Mint (daily)

Puttin’ my face on:

• Tinted moisturizer: Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen
• Mascara: Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart
• Eyeshadow primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion – Sin
• Eyeshadow: Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette
• Powder: Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder
• Eyeliner: Lancome Le Crayon Khol in black coffee