This post has been updated now that I live in Florida & wear sunscreen every day
This post grew out of a long list I included at the end of another article about our home and personal care products. Because readers had trouble finding that information buried at the bottom, and because I frequently update my routine, I decided to create a dedicated, clearer post so everything is easy to find and kept up to date.
Hair/Shower Stuff
My current favorites include a reliable shampoo and conditioner, plus a curl cream I apply to wet hair right after the shower. The curl cream works whether my hair is curly or straight: it tames frizz and leaves hair softer and more manageable. For body wash I prefer a large, long-lasting mild cleanser, and I sometimes use conditioner as shave gel.
I also like a gentle deep pore scrub with fine exfoliating beads that I use 1–2 times a week to slough off dead skin on my face. Occasionally I apply pure coconut oil as a deep-conditioning hair mask—just be sure to wash it out thoroughly so your hair doesn’t look greasy the next day. Coconut oil is also an excellent multi-use product for skin and hair when used sparingly.
My Makeup
My makeup collection is intentionally small and simple. On most days I wear a light bronzer applied with a large brush, and occasionally a touch of concealer under the eyes. I use a warm powder shade under my cheekbones and a highlighter stick on the tops of my cheekbones and below my brows for a subtle glow. For eyes I sweep a medium brown shadow across my lids and lightly fill my brows with the same shade to darken them just a bit. I finish with a quick eyelash curl, a thin line of black eyeliner if I’m feeling fancy, and a reliable mascara that adds length and volume without fuss.
A brow gel or pomade that looks natural but makes a noticeable difference is a go-to product for me—on many days a tinted brow product plus a clear balm and a bit of mascara is all I need to feel polished. For lips I stick to a classic nourishing lip balm and keep a pair of tweezers and nail clippers handy for quick grooming.
Face Stuff / Skin Routine
My approach to skincare is intentionally simple and mostly natural. I don’t use toner, multiple cleansers, eye creams, or specialized scrubs daily. I skipped traditional face wash for years and found a routine that keeps my skin calm, clear, and hydrated. My dermatologist has seen these choices and agreed my skin looks healthy.
The three main products I rely on are organic apple cider vinegar, high-quality organic coconut oil, and a soothing witch hazel facial mist. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water acts as a gentle morning toner and helps with clarity; coconut oil doubles as a night moisturizer, makeup remover, and body lotion; and the witch hazel mist calms and refreshes the skin throughout the day.
Coconut oil is particularly versatile: used sparingly it moisturizes without clogging my pores, and I often apply a light amount thirty minutes before bed. If I wear makeup, coconut oil can be massaged on like a cold cream and removed with a warm damp washcloth—this removes most makeup and leaves skin soft. When I don’t wear makeup I simply apply a small dab before bed like any night cream.
Over time coconut oil has helped my skin feel more hydrated and plump, which reduces the visibility of fine lines. It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s become my affordable, effective nightly treatment.
My Nightly Skin Routine
At night I usually rub a thin layer of organic coconut oil into my face. If I’m wearing makeup I use a warm damp washcloth to remove it after massaging the oil on. Since moving to Florida and spending more time in the sun, I’ve added a gentle retinol and occasional lactic acid treatment to my evening routine for extra anti-aging support. I still avoid harsh cleansers or abrasive scrubs; those tend to provoke breakouts for me.
If coconut oil doesn’t fully remove makeup for you, gentle makeup wipes are a practical and skin-friendly alternative.
My Daily Morning Routine
Each morning I use a mild diluted apple cider vinegar solution as a toner: roughly equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, applied lightly with a cotton pad. The goal is a gentle, almost scentless swipe that helps reduce blackheads and clarify skin. I premix enough to last a couple of weeks and keep it handy by my coffee mug for a quick swipe while I pour tea.
After the vinegar dries, I mist a calming witch hazel facial spray over my face to soothe and hydrate. I also use a Vitamin C serum in the morning for antioxidant protection and a lightweight caffeine eye treatment to reduce puffiness. Finally, I always apply a thin, non-greasy sunscreen that dries down matte and doesn’t cause breakouts. On top of that, a hydrating stick on dry spots adds an instant, non-shimmery dewy finish.
Once A Week Stuff I Love
Once a week I microneedle in the evening with a at-home device that’s gentle and painless for me. Microneedling can help firm skin, even tone, and address fine lines when done carefully. I clean the tool thoroughly after each use and follow with a soothing product—often just coconut oil for me, though serums designed for post-microneedling recovery are worth exploring.
I also shave my face weekly with a gentle facial razor to remove peach fuzz and exfoliate dead skin, leaving my skin feeling very smooth. About three days after microneedling I apply a clay-based mask mixed with apple cider vinegar or water—this calms inflammation and helps keep skin clear.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove A Skin Tag
A concentrated application of apple cider vinegar on a skin tag can, for some people, cause the tag to dry up and fall off after several days of consistent use. If you try this, test a small area first, and be careful not to irritate surrounding skin. Some redness is normal; if the sensation is painful, dilute the vinegar or stop. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so proceed with caution and consider consulting a professional for persistent or sensitive areas.
If you want more visual detail about these routines—like microneedling or jade rolling—there are short video demonstrations and story highlights that show the process. This post simply outlines what I use and how I use it; your mileage may vary, and it’s always reasonable to patch-test new products.
*This post previously included affiliate links; the recommendations above reflect products and methods I use and continue to update as my routine evolves.