Hello beauties! I’m back from trip to LA and am feeling more inspired than ever. Don’t worry, I’m doing a recap ASAP, but in the meantime I’ve got a little something special for you.
MY FAV SKIN CARE PRODUCTS + my morning skincare routine.
For years, many readers have asked me about my skincare routine and what I do to get such glowy skin. ✨ While I don’t believe in one magic solution, I practice a few things that I think make a big difference:
1) Hydrate yourself (duh). Water is essential to maintaining skin that’s soft and supple. Tip: I love drinking water with a proper ph level for your body. The optimal water is 9.5. You can buy ph strips and test your tap or filtered water at home to see where yours is at. Drink a full glass of water every two hours during the day.
2) Wear minimal makeup. If you find that your skin is acting up, or if you generally have a lot of acne, rethink your makeup. It’s probably one of the biggest things to change, but keeping clean skin helps it keep clear. And if you can clear up your skin, you likely won’t need to wear as much makeup anyway. Even after a week of wearing makeup every other day, I notice that my skin will get little bumps and I’ll develop a few zits. I realize that wearing makeup is normal for most women, so I suggest leaving it off during the weekends or any downtime you have. The more time your skin has to breathe, the better! Also, you may want to consider switching to a mineral based makeup powder.
3) Food matters. Be sure to eat foods that are high in antioxidants and healthy fats. That doesn’t mean you can’t ever have pizza, but it does mean that choosing a diet higher in plant based foods and veggies yields amazing results. You only have one body so treat is as best you can. And don’t forget to take a multivitamin.
4) Cut the alcohol (and possibly dairy). I love a good cocktail, but if you have skin issues (and dealing with them matter to you), then I suggest trying to cut back on alcohol for a week or two and see if helps. You might also need to do the same for dairy, as it can cause issues in some women. I personally love yogurt (but rarely ever eat cheese or dairy milk).
5) Develop a skincare routine. I started getting into skincare products at a young age. By no means are all of the products I own natural, but I do the best I can and I’m trying to move more that way. I also try to purchase mostly inexpensive or accessible products. Most of the products I try, I get from Whole Foods or Fresh Thyme. I do this because they have a pretty good policy that if you don’t like something, you can bring it back (even if it’s been opened). I also love that they carry mostly natural skincare products and have a variety of options. I have tried every single product on this list and use them for various skin issues.
If you are completely new to developing a skincare routine, here are my suggestions on where to start:
A good cleanser, toner, serum and facial oil are essential. Also, I love an exfoliant to use 1-3x per week.
Check out my natural morning skincare routine here:
Shop my favorites:
1. MyChelle Remarkable Retinal Night Cream:Â LEGIT obsessed with this retinal night cream and honestly I notice a visible difference when I use it. To be honest I’m a HUGE fan of MyChelle products because they’re developed by a dermatologist. All MyChelle products are Vegetarian, Cruelty-free, and Free of Phthalates, Parabens, Sulfates, Ureas, Artificial Fragrances and Colors, Petroleum, GMOs, and Gluten.
2. Beautycounter Purifying Charcoal Mask: I love to use when I’m breaking out. I put it on my zits and sleep with it on or leave it on for an hour while I bop around the house. Tony thinks I’m crazy but whatever.
3. Rosehip Seed Oil: If you aren’t using Rosehip oil, you should be. It’s wonderful for hydrating, but it’s a dry oil so normally it doesn’t cause problems for acne-prone skin. I’ve used this particular brand for YEARS. It’s cold-pressed and organic so I really trust it. I use this after I put on a serum and before I put on a moisturizer. Sometimes I mix it in with my moisturizer too if my skin feels extra dry.
4. Trilogy Make Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm: I LOVE this for taking off my makeup. It’s thicker than coconut oil (which I use sometimes) and doesn’t make your skin feel greasy. It’s also incredibly nourishing thanks to shea butter. And it will last you FOREVER because you only need about 1 teaspoon. Highly recommend!
5. evanhealy Wild Carrot Nourishing Eye Balm:Â Great for your lips, undereyes or entire face when you need a little extra moisture.
6. Andalou Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask:Â One of my favorite masks of all time. I use this 1x per week and end up with glowy skin. Avalon Organics was the first certified organic personal care line and the company founders successfully lobbied California to legislate organic standards for personal care products.
7. Detroit Rose Glow Clay Mask Duo: I LOVE Detroit Rose so so much and this mask duo is a dream come true. The French Clay mask is both hydrating and refreshing.
8. Pacifica Glow Baby Walnut Scrub: Pacifica is 100% vegan + cruelty-free, and this little scrub is an AMAZING exfoliator. It’s made with rose hips, flax, coconut and walnut shells and leaves my skin feeling so smooth.
9. Derma-e Hydrating Night Cream: I love this super moisturizing night cream with vitamins C & E, and soothing aloe. It’s great for hydrating overnight when your skin needs a little boost!
10. Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick: this little stick is perfect for traveling and has just three natural ingredients: coconut oil, beeswax, and matcha powder. You can use it for undereye circles, dry lips, and even as a highlighter!
11. Andalou Age Defying Facial Serum: this natural facial serum is one of my favorites to pair with anything. It’s super hydrating, smooths lines, and has SPF 30 to protect your skin year-round.
12. Detroit Rose Aphrodite Face Oil: this magic is a mix of all-natural oils with vitamins A, C & E, and can be used as your daily moisturizer, makeup remover, or mixed into your favorite mask. A little goes a long way and makes my face sooo silky!
13. MyChelle Perfect C PRO Serum: this all-natural vitamin C serum is great for layering under your moisturizer to brighten up your face. It’s vegan & cruelty-free and packed with antioxidants for anti-aging properties.
14. Acure Brightening Face Mask:Â LEGIT SO OBSESSED WITH THIS. It’s probably my most favorite mask out there. It just feels so amazing on your skin. I use this 1x a week or 1x every two weeks.
15. Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner:Â I use this every single day after I wash my face. It tightens pores and helps to reduce redness. Absolutely obsessed.
16. MyChelle Remarkable Retinal Eye Cream:Â Ladies, your eye area is one of the most delicate areas on your face and you must take care of it. This eye cream is amazing and as mentioned above is by one of my favorite skincare brands.
17. Acure Brilliantly Brightening Cleansing Gel:Â This is my go-to cleanser. It never irritates my skin and helps it feel really clean. Highly recommend.
A note on this blog post:
I’m sharing this blog post because I genuinely love trying out new natural skincare products (what girl doesn’t love a good face mask?!) and because I’ve gotten the question from you for years.
Now I know the subject of BeautyCounter is probably going to come up. I have been sent their products by friends in the past, but to be honest, haven’t found that their products are that much more superior to other natural skincare products out there.
I know everyone is crazy about BeautyCounter, and there are a products few I like, but overall their marketing tactics have really turned me off from the company, even though I know the intention is good. Basically I want to let you know that there are other options out there besides BeautyCounter for natural skincare, some of them even more regulated and ‘clean’. The point is that you have some pretty amazing options out there.
Do your research and don’t let anyone shame you for not using natural skincare all the time either. Do what you can and make choices that are right for you and best for your lifestyle.
Question: What are some of your favorite natural skincare products? Share in the comments — I can’t wait to try them out. xo!
great content and an enjoyable read
Very informative and impressive post you have written,
this is quite interesting and I have gone through it completely, an upgraded information is shared, and keep sharing such valuable information.
Excellent beauty advice for anyone who is concerned about their appearance. A great overview about Skin Care Products.
I used Andalou Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask and it’s awesome. Its really worth it to make your skin more glow. Great work keep it.
Thanks for sharing!!
I love the ACURE Face Mask. In fact, I love all ACURE’s products. This mask is amazing, I’ve used many clay masks before Nd this one feels so good that I’ve even forgotten it on my face once. Doesn’t itch or burn and leaves skin feeling fresh and renewed.
Thanks for the article!
Thanks for sharing!!
Great review, I am glad you added amazon link I will surely buy these products in next weekend.
Cheers,
kate.
Hope you find new products you love!
Love your website! I was wondering if you still love all these products? Or do you have an updated list of favorite natural beauty products? I love bloggers that are authentic and really say which products they love and trust regardless if they are trendy like BeautyCounter. Give me the hidden gems that you’ve loved for years!! 🙂
Thanks, Megan! I do still love all of these 🙂 and I often update our shop page with more favorites if you want to check those out: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/shop/
Thanks for sharing your favorites. I love trying new naturals myself. I’ve tried most of what you have listed here. I love Andalou Naturals. I use their body wash and body lotion most days.
Amazing! I’ll have to try some more Andalou products 🙂
There are few products in the market which are 100% natural. Thanks for sharing with us.
Have you been to Credo before? There are an amazing natural/clean beauty store, and they have a location in Chicago. I love to go to the store when I’m in town and get a facial.
I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the rec 🙂
skincare is the one area that I am sorely lacking in knowledge. Just started looking into products which I can substitute, hope to learn from everyone here!
Nice article! I love to use natural products in my skincare routine and these all brand seems good to try out. I will use them in my skincare routine. Thanks a lot for sharing.
I like the way you outlined all the steps to Skin Care. I like to see the cost of your products as you display the pictures you should also display the cost
Is there a reason few of Pacifica’s products weren’t mentioned.
Also I was told most items at TJ Max. are close to their expiration date as a result have lost their would be effectiveness??
My hands are starting to show age( Spots) a area I believe we forget about
any suggestions.
I haven’t used many Pacifica products, so I just shared ones that I use regularly. I’m not sure on the TJ Maxx issue, but it’s definitely something to look into! I focused on mostly facial skincare in this post, so great idea to expand into my favorites for hands, body, etc. 🙂
Rare Earth Skincare is my favorite @ rareearthskincare.com I highly recommend the Sun Cream, Dry Masks, Serum, and Toner – I never knew skin could be happy until I discovered this stuff.. It’s a dream, organic, sustainably sourced, wholesome goodness!
It sounds amazing! Glad you found a brand that you love, too 🙂
I really like these products & I’ll definitely try them out for sure. Thanks for the detailed guide on such impressive natural skin care stuff.
Absolutely! Let me know if you find any new favorite products.
Very informative article. Most of the people struggle with a variety of skin problems such as pimple, whiteheads, blackheads, skin warts or other serious skin issues. These tips are very helpful for healthy skin routine. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for these recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for a clean foundation? I
I haven’t quite gotten through testing foundations just yet, but will absolutely write about it once I do.
Was hoping i found a good moisturizer but I found Dimethicone in the derma-e cream. I was so disappointed! I’m not putting silicones in my skin care routine. I could see as a primer
Was hoping i found a good moisturizer but I found Dimethicone in the derma-e cream. I was so disappointed! I’m not putting silicones in my skin care routine. I could see as a primer
I don’t know about products and also I am sure they can be really expensive. I use natural way with good vegetable.
I don’t know about products and also I am sure they can be really expensive. I use natural way with good vegetable.
I have been very thankful to you for providing this solution. Keep updating thankyou.
I have been very thankful to you for providing this solution. Keep updating thankyou.
I love to read beauty and skin care blogs and I like this article so much. I will definitely try these skincare products. Thanks and keep sharing.
Happy to hear that! Hope you find some new products in here that you love.
I love to read beauty and skin care blogs and I like this article so much. I will definitely try these skincare products. Thanks and keep sharing.
Do you have an affordable natural body wash that you like?
Thanks!
I LOVE Dr. Bronners: https://amzn.to/2xO4i4q. I buy the large bottle. You only need a very small amount!
Do you have an affordable natural body wash that you like?
Thanks!
I LOVE Dr. Bronners: https://amzn.to/2xO4i4q. I buy the large bottle. You only need a very small amount!
Hi Monique,
I really love natural skin care products. First time I hear about the Kiwi Glow. Thank you for the review, it sounds like a great series of skin care!
Hi Riya! I’m glad you found this post 🙂 Let me know if you give any of these a try!
Hi Monique,
I really love natural skin care products. First time I hear about the Kiwi Glow. Thank you for the review, it sounds like a great series of skin care!
Hi Riya! I’m glad you found this post 🙂 Let me know if you give any of these a try!
I’m in the process of trying to go more natural with my skincare routine so this has been so helpful as a jumping off point. I appreciate you sharing!
You mention several times in your list (and the video) that you use the serum and oil before your daily moisturizer…..but I can’t see where you’ve included one in your list? I see the night creams but not your daily. Do you mind sharing what you use?
Hi Janna!!! How are you? I use number 13 for my vitamin C serum and then I use number 12 for my facial oil 🙂
OH!!!!……<>. Makes so much sense now. 🙂 Thanks for your quick response!
Are the cosmetics you recommend for mixed skin?
Are the cosmetics you recommend for mixed skin?
Great material! I have sensitive skin and in the sun a lot (I live in California, distance runner who also works outside). I use Elta MD Sport Sunscreen recommended by my dermatologist that is AMAZING and holds up even on my super long runs in the mountains.. but still on the hunt for a daily moisturizer (with sunscreen) Any suggestions? Thank you!
I started using paraben/phalate/sulfate-free skincare products a few months ago. I love them and I think my skin has improved since using them. I really like Alba Botanica products. I use their Good & Clean Daily Detox Foaming Cleanser for sensitive skin as my daily face wash. Even though I don’t have sensitive skin, I like the gentleness of sensitive products (especially on my–ahem–aging skin). I use Alba’s Even Advanced Daily Cream as my daytime moisturizer. And my favorite facial scrub for 2-3x week is from Trader Joe’s!–their Blueberry Acai Facial Scrub. It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and smells sooooo good, too! And it doesn’t have any of the microbeads that hurt our lakes.
Side note–I love Fresh Thyme and didn’t know they had them outside of Michigan! I just discovered them a few months ago.
Amazing! I’ll have to check those out (especially that blueberry facial scrub). LOVE Fresh Thyme too!
I seriously loveee Thayer’s witch hazel rose water. My go-to and it’s so inexpensive! I’m so interested in trying the Andalou Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask because I’m a sucker for a good mask. I’m currently using Glossier’s Mega Greens detoxifying mask and it has helped my skin so much. You can truly tell it’s working because when you take it off, you literally see everything that was clogging your pores on your wash cloth- plus it’s affordable too!
Isn’t it the best?! Love that pumpkin honey mask. Okay that mega greens mask sounds super satisfying too!
So over the past year I have been transitioning to clean beauty skincare. I am finally there and happy with these so let me introduce you to my clean beauty routine
Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil
Pacifica Cleanser (whichever one i pickat store, they are all good I’m using the lemongrass and quartz now)
Kora Noni Glow oil amazing
Youth to the People Vit C Serum
Burt’s Bees Intense renewal Serum
Herbivore Prism Glow Potion
Herbivore Pink Cloud Moisture Creme
Korres Brightening Eye Tx
Korres Brightening Sleeping Facial
They compliment each other and meet my needs so far. I’m at a month and a week into using just these everyday.
Now I’m trying to get my husband on board and am going to begin best clean for men for my next project
Love this! Thanks for sharing your go-to’s 🙂 I’m definitely curious about what’s out there for men, too!
Some MyChelle products now contain gluten, they didn’t really announce it as they just randomly changed some formulations recently. Just FYI for anyone that it matters to – I have Celiac disease so I need to use only GF products as a safety thing.
That’s a great heads-up!
Some MyChelle products now contain gluten, they didn’t really announce it as they just randomly changed some formulations recently. Just FYI for anyone that it matters to – I have Celiac disease so I need to use only GF products as a safety thing.
I can’t wait to try some of these products
Hope you find some new ones that you love!
I love Acure!! I have their scrub and I use it in the shower 1-3x a week. FYI-if you have a Marshall’s/TJMaxx/HomeGoods near you, can find some of their products there.
Thank you for sharing. I love how all these products are reasonably priced and I can get them through Amazon. Win-win in my book!
Yes LOVE finding them on Amazon (and great tip on checking TJMaxx, etc.!)
Saving this post! Do you have any natural dry shampoo recommendations?
I can’t wait to try your moisturizing products! Nothing I’ve tried has worked. I’ll let you know how these work for me!! Thanks for the tips!! 💖
I can’t wait to try your moisturizing products! Nothing I’ve tried has worked. I’ll let you know how these work for me!! Thanks for the tips!! 💖
Pestle and Mortar is my go to for moisturizer, hylauonic acid and eye cream. The moisturizer is so light.
Pestle and Mortar is my go to for moisturizer, hylauonic acid and eye cream. The moisturizer is so light.
Some of your favorites are my favorites, too. I definitely want to check out the MyChelle products you mentioned — this was an awesome post. A girl can never have too many face masks! 😉
Some of your favorites are my favorites, too. I definitely want to check out the MyChelle products you mentioned — this was an awesome post. A girl can never have too many face masks! 😉
Love this! Thanks for sharing your go-to’s 🙂 I’m definitely curious about what’s out there for men, too!
Yes LOVE finding them on Amazon (and great tip on checking TJMaxx, etc.!)
OH!!!!……<>. Makes so much sense now. 🙂 Thanks for your quick response!