To me, beauty begins with what you put inside your body. What you put on the outside simply smooths it out + gives it a graceful polish.
I take the natural + organic route when it works for me, but I also use plenty of conventional products too. I pick my battles and I’m not obsessive about any one thing — you never know when you’ll learn something new and it’ll change your outlook.
For example. All-natural makeup doesn’t really do it for me, so I wear plain ol’ drugstore brands because I like them. But I’m not passionate about coloring my hair or having my nails painted — so I don’t right now — and I celebrate having a few less chemicals on my body.
Here’s my beauty routine + a few products I love sprinkled in.
FACE
In the morning, I dab on rose water to tone my skin and give it a bit of radiance.
If it’s a workout day, I immediately wash my face afterwards with Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Face Wash + warm water + clean washcloth.
At night, I cleanse my face + remove makeup with Burt’s Bees facial cloths (the sage + cucumber is heavenly). Then I moisturize my skin with my personal secret weapon — Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic. I can’t say enough good things about it. It only has 6 ingredients and it’s an anti age cream, an eye cream, and a healing cream — skin damage and sun spots literally fade when I dab it on. Don’t be afraid to use it even if you skin is oily — it can actually help your skin regulate it’s oil production.
Usually, my real life makeup routine consists of eyeliner + mascara + lip balm.
But when I want to get fancier, I wear Tarte brightening primer + NARS sheer glow foundation in Fiji applied with an egg sponge + Tarte cheek stain in Exposed + Maybelline gel eyeliner + Jordana mascara (so cheap, so good) + Burts Bees lip balm + Burts Bees lip shimmer in Champagne. All together, it takes about 7 minutes and I spend most of my efforts on my foundation and eyeliner.
BODY
In the morning, I take Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with lemon juice and water. I’m not going to lie, it’s rough. It brings out my sailor mouth for a minute, but the long-term energy it gives is totally addicting. It also does wonders in warding off infections + illnesses.
I keep my teeth white + purge toxins from my body by oil pulling with coconut oil a few mornings a week.
The best things I do for my body + beauty? I stay hydrated + I get good sleep + I sweat regularly + I laugh a lot + I stay away from sugar, dairy, and flour.
It’s taken about a year for me to get consistent with these habits — and of course, there are still days when things get crazy and I let them go — but my skin, body, and brain are so much happier when I stick with them.
(Want a kick in the pants when it comes to habit building? Read The Compound Effect. Changed my life.)
There are plenty of things I don’t love about my body, but I refuse to trash talk my own body. That kind of negativity is poison — and totally within my control. The things I tell myself can either feed insecurities or starve them. I choose to starve the little bastards.
If something about the way I look is really bothering me, I consider what it would take to change it and then make the decision from my heart. If I decide to change it, great. If not, I decide to change my mind about it. Moving on + enjoying life.
HAIR
I wash my hair about twice a week now. Once I stopped over-washing, my hair got stronger, shinier, and it actually started growing longer. I’ve been reading up on natural shampoo alternatives — everything from vinegar to baking soda to just plain water. I’m about to try baking soda for a while. Have any of you tried it?
If I find my hair is getting a little oily between washes, I use Herbal Essences tapioca-based dry shampoo.
I use grape seed oil instead of conditioner. Bonus: it also works as a body lotion and shaving cream.
I have three go-to styles for my hair: a messy braid, a topknot, and loose waves. I don’t use any styling products in my hair, but I do tease my hair a tiny bit to get more volume + get curls to stay. To curl my hair I use a Revlon curling wand I got from Target for $30 (here’s a similar one). For a topknot in 30 seconds, I use one of these spongey donuts.
That’s it! That’s my happy blend of naturalness + made-up-ness. My own way of celebrating life + honoring what I’ve been given.
I love what Danielle LaPorte says:
“Love yourself enough to give a damn about looking your best. It’s all a sacred celebration.”
Do you have a beauty tip or trick that you swear by? We all want to hear it! Share away in the comments section.
Your blog is SO inspirational. I’ve literally read snippets every day for a week and keep coming back to it. So much great info here. Thank you!
I love these simple tips. I’m definitely going to try out that Medicine Mama’s stuff; it sounds great!
xoxo
Taylor
Love this :) I think we have the same philosophy on beauty products. I have a mix of natural / not natural products in my routine. I think I will check out that book and the Mama’s Medicine moisturizer. The moisturizer I’ve been using is kind of meh, but whenever I switch it up my skin breaks out.
What ratio of apple cider vinegar/lemon/water do you use?
if you only wash your hair twice a week now you’ll have NO problem transitioning to baking soda/water wash. check how to hair girl’s blog about it. I use an old shampoo bottle with warm water and BS and mix it up that way I don’t have to mix it every time I shower. . .I put on the baking soda/water when my hair is dry, message it in and then rinse it out after my shower heats up. My hair has more body now. . . love it.
Then for conditioner I mix ACV and water and pour it over the ends and rinse out – it’s great! and it dries odor free. I let mine air dry at night and it doesn’t really bother me and my husband has never made any comments about the smell and he’s less hippie, ahem, than me about that stuff. good luck!
I just had to say, I recently stumbled upon your blog and I am absolutely loving it. I was in the process of creating a new wardrobe that I actually love and your idea of the capsule wardrobe is so inspiring to me. Regarding my best beauty tricks, I love to use apple cider vinegar as a toner and coconut oil as a moisturizer. I also just started dry brushing, I’m not sure what I think about it quite yet though :)
Ah I love this! The simpler the better, and it’s something that I am continually trying to cut down more and more (but a girl needs SOME beauty products am I right?!) I’ve been doing the baking soda and apple cider vinegar for about a year now and I’ll never go back! I have dry hair and so I normally don’t have to wash it too often but with this I only have to wash it once or twice a week and it just FEELS so much healthier! Hope it works out for you!
I just found your blog this week and love your minimalistic style and philosophy. Your beauty routine is right up my alley, too, even though I am a good 10+ years older than you. I have a similar beauty routine to you and I really think it has helped me slow down the aging process. :-) I am going to try that skin cream this winter once I start to need extra moisture. During the summer I use aloe with lavender essential oil for my skin cream. Love your blog!
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for your sweet words! I just checked out your blog and your post about working out + your thorn in the flesh totally spoke to me. Thanks for doing what you’re doing, and I hope to see you around Unfancy more! xoxo Caroline
I recommend reading the link below on baking soda. My experience with baking soda as shampoo was damaging and aggravated my already dry skin. I used it for a year. Luckily, everything is back to normal and healthy, but I did not have a good experience with it. http://empoweredsustenance.com/no-poo-method-damages-hair/
I recommend honest products, or the morrocco method, and the occasional ACV rinse to cleanse the scalp really well.
Hi Hilary! I appreciate you sharing that article + your experience — it’s making me think twice. I’m totally looking into the methods you mentioned. Excited! :) xoxo Caroline
I found your blog via Fitnessista. I’m intrigued!
How do you use grapeseed oil as a conditioner? Just like regular – work through then rinse out in the shower?
Hi Jamie! I basically use it like a regular conditioner. I only use the tiniest drop of oil (a little goes a long way!) and concentrate it on the ends. Then I make sure to rinse for about twice as long as I would with normal conditioner. Hope to see you around Unfancy more! xoxo Caroline
Thanks for responding! I’m gonna give that a try this weekend :)
Hi Caroline. I love this post so much and am so inspired. I’m definitely going to check out that book on habit formation. Also, I’d love to know what ratio or amounts you use in your morning apple cider vinegar concoction. Thanks!
Mary Beth
Hi Mary Beth! You’ll love the book! And I do about 1-2 tablespoons of ACV + about 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice + about 8 oz of water. xoxo Caroline
I recently discovered your blog and have been devouring it ever since. It is fabulous! Your style is very similar to mine; there are even multiple pieces in your capsule that I own as well. Thank you for your inspiration. I am very intrigued.
Sarah
I dearly love to keep my beauty routine as natural as possible, but have had some massive failures in trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. FYI, egg yolks don’t really make your hair shinier and stronger, but when you rinse with hot water they do give you scrambled eggs in your hair. Most of the natural hair cleaning methods i’ve tried either left my hair smelling like salad dressing or seriously damaged because of the harshness of the products. Hands down best thing I’ve ever done for my hair/scalp is use Shea Moisture brand shampoo and conditioner. I was hesitant at first, as the products were located in the ethnic haircare aisle at my local drugstore and I don’t have ethnic hair, but they are a company I can stand behind with pretty kick-ass products to boot. My favorites are the african black soap and raw shea butter lines. I would definitely recommend giving them a try. Natural, organic, fair trade, family company, philanthropic. Yea. I like ’em a lot.
http://www.drugstore.com/sheamoisture/qxb98957?aid=336064&aparam=shea%20moisture&scinit1=shea%20moisture&gclid=CLW0yvyB7r8CFahj7AodS2YAYA
Hi Anna! Thanks for the awesome info + recs! I’m going to look into that brand. And scrambled eggs — oh man! I’m glad you shared your experience because I can totally see that being something I’d accidentally do. :) xoxo Caroline
What a great post! Thanks for sharing. What ratio of ACV to lemon to water do you use? I’m intrigued.
Thanks!
S
Hi Sara! I mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV + about 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice + about 8 oz of water. It’s intense, but worth it. I feel a huge difference between days when I take it and days when I skip. xoxo Caroline
Hi! What exactly does the ACV stand for? Sorry for being ignorant. Could you explain how it helps?
I’m also interested in your flour-less diet as I am trying to follow the wheatless diet which is very difficult where I am now as it is everywhere.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I’m curious what benefits you find from the ACV, water, lemon juice combo. I would also love to hear more about your food intake/diet. I am constantly trying to find a diet (by diet I mean food intake) that works for me and my lifestyle. Would appreciate your insight as I try to find peace with a routine for me. Thank you!! Audrey
Your blog is basically the best…every single post is better than the one before! Don’t know how that’s possible. I love the mix of personal posts, capsule how-to and outfit posts! Please never change or stop blogging :)
I only wash my (long, very thick) hair once or twice a week too, which my fiance thinks is insane…but he has a shaved head, so what does he know? :)
I love peeking into other people’s beauty routine. You always look fresh and glowing, so you’re doing something right.
Your blog is quickly becoming one of my favourites- love it!
Love this! I’ve mostly switched to natural products, but I can’t bring myself to do the baking soda “shampoo” thing ;) I’m intrigued by oil pulling, this is the first I’ve heard of it. It sounds… not very pleasant, but I’m really prone to plaque and I’d like to see if that helps.
I’d suggest trying shampoo bars for your hair. They are absolutely fabulous, and both condition and gently wash your hair. Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve carries a ton of different options for any type of hair and they ofter sample sizes which are perfect for choosing your favorites:) They have quickly become my holy grail shampoo and are the only thing I use in my hair- no conditioner, no styling products. I would be careful with baking soda because the alkalinity is so high that it can strip your hair and cause breakage although some people love how it works. To each their own and good luck! I hope you give the shampoo bars a try.
Hi Maddie! Love this idea! I’m going to look into them. :) xoxo Caroline
I just love your blog! I have found so much encouragement and refreshment from your style and your thoughts on living very intentionally. I especially love the books you recommend throughout your posts and would love to see a list of your favorite books. Thanks for being a mindful voice in this loud world!
Hi Chelsea! Thanks for your sweet comment! I love reading, so I’ll start putting together a Pinterest board of my favorites. :) xoxo Caroline
Out of curiosity, since you’ve created a capsule wardrobe for yourself, would you ever consider doing something similar with your beauty products? Or would you consider your current collection of products to be sufficiently streamlined?
Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic sounds pretty intriguing. I’m super oily and prone to breaking out so I’m always wary of putting more stuff on my face, even knowing that it might help with the oil production. Maybe next time I’m looking for new face products, I’ll have to try that stuff out.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who’s a fan of apple cider vinegar! That stuff is the best whenever I have a sore throat or any type of sinus issues! I’m not sure if you drink orange or apple juice but I’ve found that mixing the apple cider vinegar with either of those helps mask the taste a little. Just a thought to keep in mind if you ever notice that the acidic flavor is too much. How much do you usually take every day? I’ve found that a super tiny amount diluted with a toooon of water/other liquid is usually enough for me. Something like half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with two or three glasses of water?
Hi Alice! I can definitely see myself trying to pare down my beauty products sometime (I’m always down for some problem solving + simplifying), but for now, I think my current collection works great for my taste. And thanks for the suggestion about the apple/orange juice — totally going to try that with lemon juice too. Right now, I do about 1-2 tablespoons of ACV + about 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice + about 8 oz of water. It’s intense! xoxo Caroline
Do you follow a simple workout routine as well? I love your posts and ideas and am curious what kinds of workouts you do!
I’ve always wondered how people go without washing their hair nearly every day. Sometimes even just by the end of the day my hair is covered in grease, and the longest I can go and still be somewhat presentable is two days with dry shampoo, (and by the end of that second day I’m regretting it, too). Is my hair just super oily and I have to live with that, or is there some secret I’m just not in on? Also, I LOVE the Burt’s Bees washcloths, they’re wonderful- as is your blog of course ;)
Hello Eros! I hear ya! I have very fine light brown hair, so it is obviously greasy by the end of the day after washing it. I recently switched shampoos/conditioners from cheap Pantene Pro-V to Acure Organics (the pure mint and echinecea one) and I have noticed a huge difference in my second-day hair! It is a LOT less greasy (and even has more volume) and I could definitely push it out to washing every third day with a good dry shampoo (I’ve heard great things about One Love Organics Healthy Locks and I will be picking some up soon). I still shower 4-5 times a week, especially on days when I work out, but could probably get away with 3-4 if I really wanted. So I think the shampoo/conditioner you use makes a difference. Just an idea?
It’s really like anything else we do that makes our bodies overcompensate – when you stop doing it, your body will keep overcompensating until it figures out it’s not necessary – which means the transition is rough (up-dos, hats and washable scarves are your friend), but if you can make it through the transition period, I think it’s worth it (if you Google “curly girl method” there’s a lot of information about going shampoo-free).
I have pretty dry hair so I’ve never shampooed regularly, and I don’t actually use shampoo at all anymore – I went sulfate- and silicone-free and just use conditioner now. I bleach & color my hair. Since I don’t shampoo & remove too much of the natural oil, my hair stays much softer & healthier.
I also did away with using anti-perspirant a couple years ago and it’s the same principle – it takes your body a while to adjust its sweat level to your new routine, and while it’s getting straightened out, you go through a few shirts a day and curse your stupid natural deodorant … but the end result is that my body isn’t absorbing tons of aluminum anymore, and I smell nice without needing to put anything under my arms.
This is true, and maybe baking soda is truly not good for some people in hair-washing, but for most of us it is very safe and healthy. I use only Bob’s Red Mill baking soda (BRMbs), and there is a definite difference between that and Arm&Hammer or store-brands.
There are a lot of people who start the day with a drink similar to Caroline’s, which has 1 teaspoon BRMbs + 1 Tablespoon organic ACV with “the mother” + 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed organic lemon juice + a dash of Himalayan Pink Salt in 1 full glass of filtered water. I used to drink it daily & it’s very refreshing; I now drink it 2 or 3 times a week.
BS & ACV are staples in my house-cleaning routine, you don’t need much else, actually. I do buy organic dish liquid and dishwasher tablets, and I use organic bleach & organic laundry detergent, and when I hand-wash I use Dr. Bronner’s. But those are the only products I buy other than BS & ACV. Sometimes I like to scent the air so I use an essential oil diffuser, which also can elevate moods in a healthy way.
My “medicine cabinet” is a beautiful bamboo box containing essential oils and the book by Valerie Ann Worwood, “The Complete book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy”. My “beauty products” are also my essential oils that I use in rosehip & jojoba oils with a book that I pull out about every 6 to 8 weeks, by Melissa McNeal, “71 Essential Oil Recipes”. My anti-aging-wrinkle serum recipe that I found online & I swear by: 2 T. rosehip oil, 10 drops sandalwood, 10 drops rose-geranium, 5 drops myrrh, 5 drops frankincense, 5 drops carrot. Put in an amber bottle and shake gently. You only need literally 2 or 3 drops at a time to cover your whole face, maybe another drop or two to cover your neck down to your cleavage. It takes about 30 minutes to mix everything up, and that’s less time than it takes to shop for conventional products.
Also, if you feel you can’t wait out the no-antiperspirant/deodorant routine, Primal Pit Paste is an excellent organic deodorant to try, or you can make your own with a little lavender E.O. and coconut oil, plenty of home-recipes on the internet to try.
Love this post! I’m also super low-maintenance with my beauty routine so this is right up my alley. I’m definitely trying out the Medicine Mamas Sweet Bee Magic and gradeseed oil for conditioner. You should definitely check out Herbivore Botanicals’ pink clay face mask. It feels and smells so amazing.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HerbivoreBotanicals
xo Jess
I love reading other people’s beauty care routine and we have a very similar philosophy. Leaning organic and natural but with the occasional conventional product thrown in. I figure maintaining a simple routine with less products means it’s okay to have that mix because I’m buying much less than most. I still have too many lipsticks but I’m working to use them up! I also love everyone’s comments and suggestions. So many good things to try.
I absolutely love your blog. Every post resonates with me and I feel like we could easily be friends (as creepy as that sounds). That is to say, this post feels like a heart to heart over coffee or something. I appreciate your honest talk on beauty and self worth. In a blog about style it’s easy to get caught up in the superficial and forget the importance of the person wearing the clothes. I’m grateful to see you keeping this important element in the conversation!
I also use burt’s bees products, and I love them !!!! but I’m trying to live with less waste (I have read “zero waste home by Bea Johnson”) and it’s hard to find beauty products without packaging. I may give a chance to “Lush” products which have soap bar, shampoo bar, even styling hair gel bar ! and we can give back face packagings….
For make up, I don’t know whether you know that MAC cosmetics have a recycle program which is call “back to MAC”. You can return packagings to the MAC shop.
What do you use to shampoo your hair? And how long did it take you to go from regularly washing your hair with chemical products to twice weekly with natural products?
Love this post! Your tips are so helpful xx
I could never remember to put lotion on after a shower so I got a bottle of jojoba oil and at the end of my shower, a few drops is all I need to moisturize my skin and hair. Easy and I never forget. Plus I added a few drops of lavender and mint essential oils so I smell nice to boot.
love these tips !
I use apple cider vinegar instead of shampoo – I have really thick hair but i only need about a cup – I pour it on my hair then put my hair in a shower cap while i shave (this way it sinks into the hair folicles) then I rinse it out + use the morrocan oils conditioner. :)
I was kinda “half in/half out”, then a year ago I went completely organic and paleo/primal, and I haven’t regretted a second. I am in extremely good health, better than ever before in my life, I feel happy and relaxed all the time, I have so much energy & physically I can do anything at all I want to do, and people tell me I glow. I also have a capsule wardrobe, and boy does that ever take the stress out of shopping & dressing! I absolutely love getting dressed in the morning now, no stress, no confusion! I Love your blog, & I’ve gotten tips from you that have helped me out even more in this area.
I clean the makeup off my face with coconut oil (takes my mascara off faster & easier than anything else I’ve tried) and an organic baby wipe, then use a combination of jojoba & castor oils to remove every trace of makeup (better oleic to linoleic ratio than coconut oil) with a fresh organic baby wipe. Baby wipes are even more gentle than face wipes, and a ton cheaper! I follow with a rinse of 1/4 ACV mixed with 3/4 water. Moisturize with rose hip seed oil with several essential oils added (I mix this up once a month). Then I’m done, and I have no break-outs at all, my skin is firm and virtually wrinkle-free. In the morning I just rinse my face with water, apply the ACV mixture, allow to air-dry a little bit, then put the rose hip seed oil with EOs on my face. I adore Vapour cosmetics, they make my skin look glowing, not shiny or matte, lasts all day, a little goes a long way & the products last a long time, in the long run it’s well worth the initial cost for me.
I’ve been using the BS-ACV hair-washing method for over a year now, my hair is your length, Caroline, but blonde. It’s longer, stronger, healthier than ever before in my life, and people constantly comment on how shiny & healthy it is. As others have commented above, it works much, much better than conventional shampoos, & I highly recommend it.
When I use nail polish (usually just my toes) I use the Acquarella system, which is a water-based nail polish system with virtually none of the stuff you get in conventional nail polishes, even 3-free and 5-free polishes. You use it a little differently than conventional nail polish, but it’s no more complicated & takes absolutely no more time by any means. You have to use the entire “system” in order to have successful results.
I’ve heard people say that living the lifestyle I live would be too expensive & complicated for them, but in fact for me it is much simpler and cheaper than when I used conventional food, body-care, & medical care. I totaled the cost of my expenditures this past year and for each of the previous five years: this year I spent 1/3 of what I spent in each of the previous five years! Yes, that’s 2/3 less by going completely organic & paleo/primal & functional-medical care! And I can attest that my lifestyle now takes Far Less time than what I was doing a year ago, so I have more time and money to do things I enjoy doing, and the good health & energy to enjoy doing it. And the organic produce & grass-fed meats are mouth-watering delicious, much more tasty than conventional produce & meats!
You have such a fabulously healthy and refreshing outlook on life and living your life. Best wishes on your wardrobe/career/marriage/body-care/etcetc-journey and many thanks for sharing it with us on your Great blog!
Hi Caroline!
Thanks for sharing your beauty routine, it’s super interesting. I’d be curious to hear how you feel about sunscreen? Specifically sunscreen in a daily moisturizer. I am starting to think it may not be the best idea, but I really don’t want premature wrinkles, if ya know what I mean. It’s seems like we’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t. Also with your dry shampoo – do you put it on in the morning, or before bed?
PS – Lovva your blog! I am currently wearing my first capsule wardrobe. :)
That is great that you are sharing your beauty routine! I’m different. I don’t simplify or go all natural. Having acne most of my life, natural does not work. As you age, cellular turnover goes to sleep, so it is must to care for my skin.
I use Dr. Zien Obagi ZO Medical & Skin Health line and as for makeup, I usually pay attention to my eyes for definition & is enjoy wearing lipstick and blush. I do wear foundation when needed and I just discovered contouring. What amazing dramatic change!
I love your perspective on all of this! I also appreciate your blog so much – I’m on a slow quest towards minimalism, and your blog has been an inspiration on how to do that with clothes and still look good.
On another note, like a couple other previous commenters, I had a bad experience with the baking soda no-shampoo method. I got two washes in (a week apart) before I realized that even though my hair and scalp were in great shape, it was doing terrible things to the rest of my skin (and it took lots of Vaseline for weeks to get those dry spots to heal after I switched back to more traditional shampoo/conditioner). I know I’ve read lots of praise for it, but if have dry/sensitive skin issues, I’d proceed with caution. I did adopt the 50% diluted apple cider vinegar rinse for my hair whenever it seems dull/has buildup, and it always makes my hair soft and shiny, and removes any buildup.
If you’re interested, I did a post a few months ago about my still ongoing quest for more natural products that still work for me. :)
http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2014/04/living-green-search-for-greener.html
Loved this post! I am a huge fan of rosewater as a facial toner. You’ve inspired me to order some of the Medicine Mama’s moisturizer– I’ve never tried it, but I’m a huge fan of natural moisturizers! Fingers crossed that it can work some magic on my skin!
I tried the baking soda method on my hair for about 3 weeks – wash with baking soda, condition with apple cider vinegar. It was awful. My scalp literally ACHED. I think the baking soda made my scalp too dry. However, the apple cider vinegar worked wonders in my hair and made it crazy soft and luscious. I still use it as a conditioner every once in awhile!
Baking soda is actually really bad for your hair (though it’s popular). It strips your hair of its natural moisture. Apple Cider Vinegar is also popular, but shouldn’t be used more than once a week or it damages your hair too. Some people like using honey, but after a month it starts to weigh down your hair. I have yet to find a natural method that’s both good for my hair and doesn’t come with a bunch of cons. Maybe it will work differently for you.
On another note, I adore what you have to say about body image in this post! YES!
First off, LOVE your blog/style/everything. I discovered it from FItnessista and so glad I did.
I’ve been using Medicine Mama for a few weeks now and I’m absolutely in love with it. Also, I started drinking the lemon/ACV water and just wanted to say adding 2-3 drops of stevia makes it so much more bearable, dare I say I actually crave the taste! I used to just do lemon water but love the idea of mixing the two. Great start to my mornings.
Can’t wait to see the fall wardrobe capsule! =)
I’m super curious about how you use the curling wand in your hair! I just bought one and have watched some tutorials but it never turns out quite right. Maybe that could be your first video tutorial? I love how natural yours always looks!
Hi Jessica! Definitely planning a hair tutorial in the Fall! :) xoxo Caroline
I’ve been doing the baking soda + acv rinse for my hair care and my hair has never been better! The transition phase wasn’t as bad BUT it’s worth it! I also do a couple of other “natural” things (toothpaste, mouthwash, face mask, etc.) and have noticed a big difference. The make up thing is something I’m still trying to figure out… but like you said, you gotta pick and choose your battles. Thanks for posting this!
Hey I saw that you use Mama’s sweet bee magic cream and I love it. I tried it and I saw a huge difference after the first application. I was out in the sun and burnt my nose and almost instantly the redness went down and the dryness disappeared. It is also very helpful with acne and pores shrink after 2-3 applications. I live by this cream. Love it and recommend it to everyone in the world. Hope I helped to anyone with questions about it.
Hi! I learned about your blog from my coworker (and friend) Cortnee Brown. :) Love it! I’m a huge natural beauty girl myself and thought you may like Sappho Liquid Foundation instead of Nars! It has the same kind of coverage. I found it in Canada in a little shop called The Green Kiss…I am sure there are other places too.
Thanks Caroline, this blog is very inspiring.
Hi! I just discovered your blog and am totally OBSESSED! I love your style and your website. Can you please do a tutorial on how you do your topknot hairstyle? I know you linked the donut, but how do you use it? Thanks!!!
Caroline –
I discovered your blog about a month ago and have fallen in love with your style, tips, philosophy to life. Also, big fan of your bangs. I have a website (www.ablissfulinterlude.com) and would love to chat further. Let me know if you’d be interested.
Happy New Year!
Sarah
What an amazing site. I’m so inspired. I live a minimalist life too and work further towards it daily.
Do you oil pull with the oil starting out solid or liquid? I’ve read that people do both – not sure if one is better than the other or if it even matters?
I have been shampoo free for 2 years now – I wash my hair once per week with baking soda and water and condition with apple cider vinegar and water. You can buy a great set to make your own mix from http://www.howtohairgirl.com/shop/deluxe-shamphree-kit/ – I highly recommend. I have fine, straight hair, which breaks easily and since going shampoo free my hair is so manageable and healthy and long! I can’t say enough good things about.
Hi Caroline, I only found your blog last night and i am already obsessed with it!!! Where have you been all my life!
I do the same as Bri with baking soda and ACV, it is the best, it does amazing things for your hair, wallet and the environment all in one.
I also have my morning ritual of oil pulling and warm lemon water with ACV. This way of life become addictive.
Your blog has really helped me purge and make the transition into a capsule wardrobe like not other blog – hooray for you, your are and inspiration.
Anyways, peace out from Australia and have a fabulous day.
Hi Caroline, I’m interested to know why you decided to cut out dairy, flour & sugar? What made you take that decision and what way do you feel different? (and when you do put these things in your body, what happens??!) Rebecca
Hello, I’m new to your blog but already obsessed! Pretty neat that you’re in Austin too. What Rose Water Toner do you prefer?
Thanks!
i am SO happy I found your blog. I have only recently begun to start trying to blog :) I noticed we basically have the same beauty routine! how fun! and I didn’t realize how I was minimizing my closet and living with fewer things etc. was an actual ‘thing’. who knew?! Anyway, glad i found you – will become an avid reader I’m sure.
XO
Ok ! Just discover your blog and I love it soo much ! Such an inspiration !
Love this post! It’s such a simple routine, I’m definitely taking tips and trying to make mine a bit easier and quicker. I’ll have to try the oil pulling! It sounds like a good addition to the hygiene routine. Also, I have full faith in the magic of coconut oil, I wrote a blog post about it myself!
https://confessionsoftheshopoholic.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/drugstore-fixes-for-a-mean-winter/
I drink warm lemon water every morning as well (minus the acv) and love the effect it has on my immune system and skin. One of the easiest hair tricks that I recently learned is to French braid my damp hair before bed and when I wake up in the morning I have beachy waves.
What kind of deodorant do you use? The Tom’s of Maine lavender does not work for me at all and I’m trying to find a natural option that works well.
Try Soapwalla or Meow Meow Tweet! Soapwalla worked really well for me, but was too drying if I didn’t apply jojoba oil first. The baking soda free one from Meow Meow Tweet is a little more gentle and is a great everyday deodorant for me, while my husband sticks to the Soapwalla one.
I love your idea of using some natural products and a few that are conventional. I’ve been conflicted a lot lately with switching to all-natural and sustainable products. But i believe that it works for my hair and cleaning products, but not completely for skincare. I think I’m going to use your approach to it!