Less is more, right?

Which, had me thinking… 

Instead of having drawers full of overwhelming products followed by a 10-step beauty routine that could take an hour + there has to be another (more effective) way. I feel like I know what works for my skin now (and what will preserve it through the years to come) without eating up so much time. 

So today I’m sharing my updated, simplified beauty routine full of personal tips that are tried-and-true (based on where I’m at in life).

Dress: (c/o) Black Iris Earrings: sold out, Rebecca de Ravenel Clutch: vintage, found on eBay 

1.  Skincare = priority #1. Will forever take precedence in my beauty routine. Why? Our skin is constantly changing with every season (from dry to combination to oily) and it’s so important to me to be on top of how mine reacts to these changes by using the best products. I’ve always started my mornings by rubbing two ice cubes (eliminates dark circles and tightens skin) over my face for about 5 minutes (best, natural skin elixir!) as seen here.

Now, with a wedding in mind, I’m making some small adjustments to ensure my skin looks flawless. Including a multivitamin supplement that I take in the morning and evening (contains Vitamin C, D and E) while I increase my daily intake of leafy greens and water. I’m also working on decreasing sugar and dairy, without depriving myself – in any way – of the things I truly enjoy. 

When I think about creams, Retinol is one I’d advise for everyone. My favorite is the clinical strength Skin Medica, .25. The common misconception is to stop using it during the summertime, but if you do a pretty good job of keeping your skin out of the sun (and wear sunscreen daily), it’s OK to use and actually helps combat aging. Fact: clinical strength retinols are one of the few products on the market that reverse aging. Though, it takes some getting used to, the results are worth it. My tip: try using .25 every other day – then increase to once a day when your skin becomes more familiar with it. 

After I wait about 2-3 minutes for the Retinol to set, I use Caudalie face oil or Cle de Peau La Creme to seal in the moisture. Then, I’ll apply a little bit of Charlotte Tilbury’s eye cream in an upward motion – the movement helps lift the skin and prevent wrinkles as well. And on the days when I stay home, I make sure to put on a Summer Friday’s Jet Lag mask.

Listen, I used to get spray tans regularly, but lately I’ve opted for a more subtle approach: Tan Luxe Sleep Oil along with their Tan Water. It goes on clear and leaves such a nice dewy finish. (If you’re looking for a great spray tan, the best spot in West Palm Beach is at Sun Spray Tanning & Boutique! Ask for Julie.) 

2.  Commit to sunscreen. Unfortunately, the sun is responsible for all those fine lines. Reasons why I can never leave the house without sunscreen! Thankfully, there are amazing products that have combined sunscreen into foundations like my YSL’s Touche éclat All-In-One glow. I always use this before heading out the front door and depending on the day, I’ll add a touch of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Away Liquid concealer. When I’m not wearing makeup at all, I like to use my two favorite sunscreens from Glossier and Supergoop! as both set clear and create a nice, dewy glow. Later in the day, if I decide to apply makeup, my sunscreen will have already made for a great primer!

3.  Some eye-deas. Since my lashes are fairly long and straight and my eyelids are oily (the most oily part of my face), I avoid mascara during the summertime otherwise I get smudges all over. Instead, I focus on my brows. I use IT Cosmetics or Hourglass eyebrow pencils every single day, then I apply Glossier Boy Brow on top of them to set. Although I have thick brows, I still have to fill them in (as mentioned here). There was a point when skinny brows were in, but I repeat, do not over-tweeze your brows. A full brow frames the face so beautifully (and it’s much more classic).

4.  Power of lipstick. The one thing a woman should never fail to emphasize are her lips. Nothing is more quintessential. Not only is it a symbol of power and femininity, but it creates a sense of fascination and can dress up any look. Especially, a classic shade of red as seen in my previous post – a timeless nod to old Hollywood glam. It’s the very last thing I apply before leaving the door! Because my natural skin tone is fair, yet warm I lean towards orange reds or bubble gum pinks to complement it. It’s amazing how much lipstick can help (I usually prefer matte-lip stains over super glossy lipsticks)! My current favorites right now are: YSL Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain, “01 and 11,” Givenchy Lip Ink, “02,” Charlotte Tilbury, “Tell Laura”  and Huda Beauty, “Spring Break.” 

Dress: (c/o) Black Iris Earrings: sold out, Rebecca de Ravenel Clutch: vintage, found on eBay 

I think over time, I just realized simple is significant. Less makeup, less time (you aren’t stuck washing so much off)…and more natural. Finding out what works best for you and sticking to that daily routine is the most important. Our beauty routine doesn’t need to be complex, sure it’s fine to spend the extra time where it’s needed, but I think it’s great to remember that it’s the little things done consistently that preserve the skin in the long run and finish a look. 

Xo, Stephanie

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