Are you a New Year’s Resolution kind of person? I love a good goal setting strategy but “New Year’s Resolutions” tend to stress me out. Rather than put a ton of emphasis on starting fresh one day a year, I focus on planning and setting a few goals for the year (I write out an editorial calendar for the blog, do a clean sweep of my house, write dates in my new planner, etc.) and try to look at every day as an opportunity to start anew!
This year, I want to focus even more on my (& my family’s) health by eating more whole foods, learning more about ingredient safety, and making sure I’m moving my body daily. So, in the spirit of new beginnings (any time of the year!), I wanted to share what I use and love for my skincare routine plus a few self-care tips that help get me through these winter months!
Winter Skincare
My Morning Routine
I’m not always great at routines but my morning skincare routine is a non-negotiable for me. I typically don’t wear makeup during the day with the exception of some lip balm or color so, while I enjoy taking care of my skin, this also helps me feel at least a little bit more put together! Here’s my morning routine and what I use (in this order):
Cleanser: I switch between Beautycounter Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser & the Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser depending on how my skin feels. I’ve also been really wanting to try this Turmeric Glow Cleanser!
Toner: Beautycounter All Bright Triple Acid AHA Toner (brightens & exfoliates)
Eye Cream: I’ve been using Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream every morning for well over 6 months and I really love it instantly lifts and firms the area around my eyes!
Serum: Beautycounter All Bright C Serum (brightens & evens my skintone)
Moisturizer: Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion (THE best I’ve found!)
Face Oil: I was always afraid to use a face oil because I have combination (tending towards oily) skin but I’ve been using them for a few years now and they really save my skin in this cold, dry winter weather. Did you know your skin actually produces more oil when it’s dried out? This Beautycounter All Bright Brightening Facial Oil and this Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Firming Oil are my favorites!
SPF: I like the Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face for most days and I use Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer in No. 3 if I want a little coverage or extra help evening out my skintone.
Self-Care
What works for me
When I’m feeling the winter blues or just a little extra frazzled, here’s what helps me:
– Draw a hot bath with a scoop of Epsom salt and maybe some lavender essential oil. Or this mustard bath!
-Set aside time to read a book and put down my phone. I like anything light-hearted that feels like an escape! I’m reading this British period romantic comedy right now & love that it’s a series!
-Make a brain dump list of absolutely everything that’s on my mind and break it down into more manageable tasks.
-On a similar note, I love stream of consciousness journaling. I used to get up before the kids, make a cup of coffee, and journal this way. It was such a nice way to start the morning!
-Get outside for a walk. This one is hard for me (why?!) but I always feel better after I make myself do it.
I recently took a Vision Board Workshop with a few friends and I talked a bit about how I struggle with time management and I was kind of surprised when the woman running it said that I actually struggle with self management (and then time blocking) and that’s SO true! It was really inspiring and empowering, actually. So, this is something I want to actively work on this year and I think a big part of that is making sure I’m making time for and taking care of myself so that I can help alleviate some of those consistent flustered and scatterbrained feelings!
Shop this Chapter
