This post has been updated now that I live in Florida & wear sunscreen every day
I originally listed much of this information at the end of another post about our home and personal care products, but readers had trouble finding it buried there. I also kept updating that bottom section whenever I changed something, so I decided to create this dedicated post to keep everything organized and easy to find.
Hair/Shower Stuff
These are the hair and shower products I use most right now. I have a favorite shampoo and conditioner that work well for my hair, and a curl cream I apply to wet hair straight out of the shower. It helped me realize my hair is actually curly rather than just frizzy, and it tames thick hair while leaving it soft. For body wash I use a large, long-lasting bottle, and I sometimes use conditioner as shave gel.
I also like a deep pore facial scrub that gently exfoliates with tiny beads and leaves skin feeling soft; I use it one to two times a week in the shower to remove dead skin. Occasionally I use organic coconut oil straight from the jar as a deep hair mask. It works beautifully to soften and detangle, but you must shampoo it out thoroughly afterward or your hair will be greasy the next day.
My Makeup
This is essentially all the makeup I use regularly. I don’t keep a big basket or drawer system in the bathroom—just a few staples. For bronzer I use a powder applied with a large brush. I occasionally use a concealer under my eyes, though I’m lazy about it most days.
I use a flattering powder under my cheekbones and a highlighter stick above the cheekbones and under the brows, blended gently for a natural glow. For eyes, I sweep a neutral brown eyeshadow across my lids and lightly fill my brows with the darkest shade to subtly darken them. The lightest shade from the palette goes under the brow to lift that area.
I curl my lashes, do a quick line of black eyeliner (I’m not great at lining, but it helps), and apply mascara. One inexpensive mascara I tried stood out above all others for lift and volume—it’s what I reach for on event days. Finishing touches include a brow product that gives a natural but noticeable difference; many days I wear only that plus lip balm and a bit of mascara and feel put together.
For lip care I use classic natural lip balm—nothing else on my lips most days. I also keep a pair of reliable tweezers and a small set of nail clippers in my makeup pouch for quick grooming.
Face Stuff / Skin Routine
My face routine is simple and somewhat unconventional: I don’t use toner, specialized makeup removers, eye creams, or a long list of cleansers. I don’t use traditional face wash—this is what works for my skin. I’m not a dermatologist, but my dermatologist has said my skin looks healthy.
My approach relies on three natural products that cover most needs: organic apple cider vinegar, high-quality organic coconut oil, and a witch hazel facial mist. I use coconut oil as a moisturizer and occasional makeup remover, apple cider vinegar diluted as a morning toner, and witch hazel mist for additional soothing and balancing.
Coconut oil doubles as a hair treatment, body lotion, face moisturizer, and makeup remover. I generally apply a small amount to my face about 30 minutes before bed; it absorbs and doesn’t stain my pillow. I have sensitive skin and haven’t experienced breakouts from it. In my experience it feels hydrating and helps skin look plumper and less lined.
Regarding wrinkles, using coconut oil nightly has made my skin feel more hydrated and plumper, which softens the appearance of fine lines. It’s a simple, affordable habit that works well for me.
My Nightly Skin Routine
At night I apply a light layer of organic coconut oil as a moisturizer. It also removes makeup effectively if you massage it on like a cold cream and wipe away with a warm, damp washcloth. After wiping, if skin feels dry, I’ll dab a little more coconut oil, but not too much. When I skip makeup, I simply use a small amount of oil as night cream.
Update as of 2022: after turning 40 and moving to Florida, I added daily sunscreen each morning and introduced a retinol and a lactic acid treatment into my evening routine. On nights when I need a hydrating boost or to remove makeup, I still rely on coconut oil first, followed by the retinol and lactic acid on alternating nights as appropriate. I continue to avoid traditional face cleansers, which tend to make my skin break out.
If coconut oil doesn’t remove makeup fully, gentle makeup wipes can be a helpful backup and are unlikely to irritate sensitive skin.
My Daily Morning Routine
In the morning I use a diluted apple cider vinegar solution as a quick toner and skin refresh. I mix roughly equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a small container and dip a cotton ball to wipe my face. You want a light application that dries without a strong smell; if it smells when dry, dilute the solution more. This routine helps clarify skin and reduce blackheads for me.
After the vinegar dries, I mist a witch hazel facial toner over my face for added soothing. I also use a Vitamin C serum in the morning, often followed by a jade roller to help absorption and provide a cooling feel. I apply a caffeine-based eye solution to reduce puffiness when needed.
The last morning step is sunscreen: a thin, matte, non-greasy sunscreen that doesn’t break me out. On top of that I sometimes use a hydrating stick to target dry spots and add a subtle dewy finish without sparkle.
Once A Week Stuff I Love
Once a week I microneedle in the evening. It’s intended to improve skin texture, even tone, and firmness by encouraging gentle regeneration. It feels similar to a strong exfoliation rather than painful. I clean the device with alcohol after each use and let it air dry. After microneedling I typically apply a soothing moisturizer; coconut oil has been my go-to so far.
I also shave my face about once a week using a facial razor to remove dead skin and peach fuzz, which leaves my skin very smooth. Additionally, I use a clay-based face mask weekly to help with acne and exfoliation, sometimes mixing it with apple cider vinegar or water. That mask makes my skin feel soft and refreshed.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove A Skin Tag
A cotton ball soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar held against a small skin tag for a few minutes each day can, in some cases, cause the tag to dry up and fall off after a few days. This method worked for me near the eye, but it can cause redness or mild irritation, so test it on a small area first and discontinue if it burns. Diluting the vinegar initially can reduce discomfort.
Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so proceed with caution and consider consulting a professional for persistent or concerning skin growths. For simple spots that bother you, a careful, short trial of apple cider vinegar can be effective.
If you want to see these routines in action—microneedling, jade rolling, or quick daily steps—I occasionally share short videos and stories that demonstrate the process. I also have a collection of favorite products across categories like cleaning supplies, clothing, tools, and beach gear that I reference elsewhere.
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