Simple Morning Skin Care Routine

(Last Updated On: )

Minimalism, Self Care, and Beauty Products

About two years ago, I started my minimalism journey. I first simplified my closet. If you’ve read any of my other blog posts on minimalism you’re reminded that after simplifying my closet, minimalism took over my entire life: finances, time management, relationships, and home. I wanted simple choices everywhere. One area in my life that has opened up because of minimalism is self-care. However, my cluttered cosmetic collection has continued to trap me.

I’m sure it’s because I have little knowledge on this topic. I don’t know the difference in quality, and often fall into the trap of quantity. I would dabble in all types of products and never really stick to any in particular.

Now in my 30’s with less time to give to self-care than ever before, but prioritizing it more than ever, I find myself stunned at how difficult it is to make beauty product decisions. I’ve tried to use up most of my existing products so that I could make quality decisions and stick to the same products for years. However, upon entering any drug store, or beauty salon I’m overwhelmed with all the products, names, bright lights, shades, and the varying prices. What works and what doesn’t?

Who Really is an Expert?

We also happen to be on a debt-free journey while growing a small family. I’m interested in buying quality products, but not breaking the bank in the process. Seeking advice on beauty products also feels like I’m just asking someone to pitch the products they sell themselves. It’s hard to discern who is an expert?

On top of the confusion, the varying prices, and deciding who is an expert or not, I don’t even have the time to do a full face of makeup. I need a routine that takes minimal products, and 5 minutes max!

This is exactly why I reached out to Rebekah of the_makeovermama for her expert opinion. She boasts 18 years in the beauty industry, and now is a busy mom herself. Just because I mentioned her working in the beauty industry, doesn’t mean she’s pushing products on us. She genuinely relates to moms searching for easy solutions, and she’s not trying to sell products, which to me makes her credible.

(Pssst! I don’t make any money off my blog either. We’ve just listed product recommendations as a guide. Look at it like help from one busy lady to another!)

She started her Instagram because she wanted to help new moms make simple decisions on beauty products, and demonstrate quick and efficient beauty routines. Basically, she’s speaking directly to me and I’m sure I’m not alone. You also don’t have to be a mom to be busy, and I really wish I would have found her expert opinion in my 20’s. Perhaps I wouldn’t have as much sun damage…Read on to understand the steps of a simple routine, and follow the demonstration video linked below.

Simple Morning Skin Care Routine

Guest Writer – Rebekah of the_makeovermama

There’s one word that pretty much sums up most of our lives: busy. We make excuses to ourselves everyday on why we can’t or won’t do a few steps each morning to feel more confidant. Here are 5 simple steps & product recommendations to help you feel fresh and ready to conquer the day. Our lives are hectic enough, your simple morning skin care routine shouldn’t be.

Step 1: Wash Your Face

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? You’d be surprised how many people don’t do this in the morning. Sure, using a face wipe or toner will work in a bind, but there’s something so refreshing about having that squeaky clean face. After cleansing, finish with 1 last splash of cool water to help tighten up those pores and it’s a great way to wake you up.

Product Recommendation: My current favorite is the SA Cleanser by Cereve’. It gently exfoliates your skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. It’s gentle enough to use everyday and my skin feels so clean and supple afterwards. It’s great for all skin types. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist and I haven’t turned back since. It can be found at Target or other large retailers with an affordable price point of around $10. 

Step 2: Moisturize

Again, it sounds pretty simple but it is a step that shouldn’t be missed. Oily skin? Combination? Dry? It doesn’t matter! Everyone should have a moisturizer. (If your skin is in the oily/combo range don’t be afraid to moisturize. Find something that is “oil free” or uses natural oils. Believe it or not your skin still needs hydration.) Using a moisturizer has so many benefits; from being a protective barrier with SPF, adding anti aging benefits, to helping your makeup blend more smoothly over the face. Picking out a moisturizer comes down to texture preference and price point. Some people prefer a cream, some a gel.

Product Recommendation: For the day time I’ve been loving the Hydrating Water Gel from the brand Simple. It’s light weight but I still feel so hydrated, not greasy. It can also be found at Target or other large retailer for around $10. 

Step 3: Concealer, Concealer, Concealer

This is the holy grail of makeup products for any tired, busy, on-the-go gal. Don’t have time for foundation? Concealer. Have dark under eye circles? Concealer. Blemishes or sun spots? Concealer. You get the point. This is a product that can do so much. Quickly blend around the eye area, don’t forget the eye lids, and touch up any spots on the face for that fresh “well rested” look. It will have better staying power if you dust a light layer of powder on top, but it’s not necessary.

Product Recommendations: Two of my favorites are:

• Conceal & Define by Makeup Revolution – Found at Ulta for $7. It’s great for any area of the face. It’s so good! 
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – Found at Target or large retailers for $6. Its more on the creamy side, works best for under eyes. 

Step 4: Black Mascara

Yes, there are lighter shades, but nothing brightens or opens up your eyes like black. It’s another way to give your face that fresh, awake look. The whites of your eyes immediately appear brighter. It also helps to draw attention away from those pesky circles underneath. I wouldn’t recommend using a water proof formula on a daily basis as it can dry out your lashes and make them brittle over time.

Product Recommendations:

• Lash Domination by Bare Minerals. Found at Ulta/SEPHORA for $19. 
• Total Temptation Mascara by Maybelline Found at all Large retailer for $7. (I love ALL Maybelline mascaras! They’re all so good)

Step 5: Lip Product

Lip balm, Lip Gloss, Lipstick…. Doesn’t matter. Just put something on that pretty pout of yours! No one wants to walk around with dry, cracked lips all day. Using a lip product will give a smoother, more youthful appearance. Also having even a light wash of color on your lips helps your teeth seem brighter & whiter (who doesn’t want that?!).

Product Recommendations: My current favorites are:

• Kopari Lip Glossy Balm can be found on Amazon & Ulta for $13. 
• Buxom lip glosses, they have a beautiful cooling sensation that I can’t get enough of, can be found at Ulta/SEPHORA. 
• Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks, Found at all large retailers for around $7. 

– Rebekah of the_makeovermama

Final Words

Self care shows up in a variety of ways, and honestly I never thought too hard about a morning routine, but during my social media detox I realized how my mornings used to be so much better. I had a practice of waking up much earlier, taking my time, washing my face, and then sitting down to meditate or write, all quietly before my family awoke. You’d be surprised how I could rush through my day never actually being present, and feeling behind on every task.

A simple morning skin care routine with minimal products can be the start of an intentional day. As I finish up the last of the remaining products I have cluttering my bathroom, I’ll be following Rebekah’s suggestions. I want to stick to a routine and products for years that are simple and will help me feel my best. Thanks for your expert advice Rebekah. Feeling refreshed already!

Join the Discussion

How have you simplified your morning routine? What products do you recommend for the average busy middle class mom?

P.S. I always ask readers to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. I consciously try to document my everyday simple life. Since we happen to be on a debt free journey it can be motivating because most of my activities are intentionally inexpensive. However, if you’re trying to cut out social media, you’ll need to subscribe directly to this blog.

Don’t forget to follow the_makeovermama on Instagram and subscribe to her Youtube Channel. 🙂