I have always fluctuated in my level of interest in beauty products. In high school, I was a whore. A product whore that is. I loved makeup – I had handfuls upon handfuls of all different shades of shadows, lip glosses that made my lips plump and a makeup routine that left me looking what I thought back then, to be flawless.
Fast forward to now, on the brink of turning 29, and more than 10 years later not only has my makeup routine changed, but my skin care routine has taken a complete turn.
I care more, a lot more.
I noticed my skin breaking out still over the years – getting flustered month and month again. Thinking that phase of my life was supposed to be behind me. During the winter months my skin is so dry it is practically raw, and in the summer, my skin needs just as much tlc to prevent my fair complexion from seeing too many rays of sunshine. I stuck with the same facial cleansers and moisturizers because I was far too fearful that switching would only make matters worse, and I did not have the energy to cover anything else up.
I wanted to use products that not only were natural but ones that would be extremely beneficial to my skin. Not just remove my makeup at the end of a long day – ones that would do that, and leave behind properties that would take care of my skin throughout the entire night.
I wanted to share with you guys two products I have introduced into my nighttime skin care routine that have changed the appearance of my skin in such dramatic ways! I am truly a believer behind these, but like all products, I advise you to do your own research and consult with your doctor before jumping in.
SO – at night, in the past, I would always used a makeup removing cleanser. It appeared to take off my makeup, but always leaving a few streaks of eyeliner behind to finish off with a wipe. I found myself still breaking out – and wondering what in the world was going on when I was properly cleansing my skin 2x a day.
After following a few bloggers and reading numerous articles about these two products I am about to mention, I immediately flipped my regimen around. Not only has my skin improved drastically, but I feel so much better knowing that I am not putting harsh chemicals on my skin day in and day out. (which, come to find, is exactly why I was struggling with acne and uneven skin tone)
Welcome my new best friends ..
Now, if you are a foodie out there you already know the endless benefits from these two products. Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar can be found in my pantry, and in my bathroom closet now.
Organic Coconut Oil + Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
Is your head cocked sideways thinking, “what in the world do you do with those abby?” Well – here is your answer
Organic Coconut Oil
At night, before I shower I apply a “two peas” size dab of coconut oil to each of my eye lids as a makeup remover … rubbing with fingers and gently wiping away with a clean wash cloth. Coconut oil acts as an amazing makeup remover you guys! My waterproof mascara is removed so gently, and my eyes do not burn like the used to with other products.
You can use this on your entire face if you wish, but I tend to use it as a moisturizer at night a few times a month to give my skin an extra kick of nutrients.
Drink it up pores!
Benefits of coconut oil for your skin:
Dry skin? coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer, helping aid your flaky dry skin.
Anti-aging properties: loaded with vitamin E – which is loved for its anti-aging benefits!
Anti-inflammatory: helps with eczema
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Okay, I did not believe this one either …. until I watched this video by the gorgeous mama to be of 3 – pinkpistachio.
She breaks down a lot of information in this video tutorial – I HIGHLY recommend watching it!
benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother
Balancing: naturally balances your pH level. So if your skin is too dry, it will help keep it hydrated and if it is to oily it will level your pH out so it is not.
Exfoliates: it exfoliates dead skin cells and has properties to aid in regenerating new skin cells!
Clearing: helps clear acne + fade discoloration spots
I do not use this every night — I tend to use it every other night and have been completely obsessed with the results. Only thing she does not mention is the smell that goes along with it — it drives Dan crazy, but I think he will appreciate my glowing youthful skin in years to come! After I apply the apple cider vinegar (in the exact fashion as missy does in the tutorial) I apply my nightly moisturizer and that is that! So easy, and SO beneficial! You guys, just wait until you see your cotton rounds covered in dirt after you use this apple cider vinegar, I could not believe what was being left behind with my other cleansers! Also – please make sure you watch the video … it is important you follow the directions if you are going to do this (and ask your doc)
What are some of your favorite skin products that you cannot live without? I am all about using these lately — to embrace less makeup by helping my skin be the star so I do not have to cover it up as much! 30 may just be around the corner, but I am hoping I am taking the right steps to keep my skin at the top of its game!
xoxo Abby
Oooo can’t wait to try this!