We all know the beauty industry can sometimes feel overwhelming with its endless products and routines that could easily stretch into hours. But over time, I’ve learned that you don’t need a million items or a complicated 10-step routine to look and feel your best. In fact, simplicity has become my guiding principle—simplifying my beauty regimen so that it not only saves me time but also delivers lasting results.
So, in the spirit of keeping things straightforward and effective, today I’m sharing my updated beauty routine with a focus on simplicity and the products that truly work for me—without overwhelming my skin or taking up precious time.
1. Skincare: The Foundation of It All
Skincare has always been a priority in my beauty routine—and it will always remain at the top of my list. No matter what trends come and go, I believe glowing skin is the ultimate goal. I’ve learned that our skin changes with the seasons—what works in winter may not work in the summer, and what was perfect for dry skin may be too heavy for more oily days. This understanding has helped me fine-tune my daily skincare, with a few trusty products that really do the job.
One of the best tricks I’ve picked up is starting each morning by gently rubbing two ice cubes on my face. It sounds simple, but trust me, this quick, at-home facial works wonders for depuffing my skin, eliminating dark circles, and tightening my complexion. I do this for about five minutes, and the result is an instant refresh that feels natural and invigorating.
With my wedding coming up, I’m making sure to give my skin even more attention. I’ve upped my intake of leafy greens, water, and vitamins like C, D, and E, while reducing sugar and dairy—without depriving myself of the things I love. This dietary shift, combined with my skincare routine, is helping my skin stay vibrant and healthy.
For topical skincare, I swear by Retinol. I’ve used Skin Medica’s Retinol .25 for some time now, and while some might suggest pausing its use during summer, I’ve found that if you apply it carefully and wear sunscreen every day, it’s perfectly fine to use year-round. Retinol is one of the few ingredients that truly helps reverse aging, and while it can take a little getting used to, the results are worth the investment. My tip? Start with every other night, and then build up to nightly use as your skin adjusts.
After waiting 2–3 minutes for the Retinol to set, I apply Caudalie’s Face Oil or Cle de Peau La Creme to lock in moisture. These two products give my skin the hydration it craves, keeping everything soft and supple. And when I’m staying in for the day, I indulge in Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask, which is perfect for that added hydration and radiance.
Lastly, I’ve ditched the regular spray tan for something more subtle: Tan Luxe Sleep Oil paired with Tan Luxe Tan Water. This duo gives my skin a natural, dewy glow without the commitment of a full tan. It’s the perfect solution for a summer glow that doesn’t overwhelm.
2. Sunscreen: Non-Negotiable
Let’s talk about the importance of sunscreen—because, honestly, nothing ages the skin faster than exposure to the sun. I can’t leave the house without it. I’ve recently fallen in love with products that combine sunscreen with foundation, like YSL’s Touche Éclat All-In-One Glow. It’s a lightweight foundation with built-in SPF, which is perfect for daily wear and doesn’t feel too heavy on my skin.
On makeup-free days, I still don’t skip sunscreen. I’ve found two favorites that set clear and leave a beautiful, dewy finish: Glossier Invisible Shield and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. Both are excellent for protecting my skin while giving me a fresh, glow-y look. Bonus—these also make for great makeup primers, so they’re the perfect base for any additional products I apply later.
3. Brows Over Lashes
While I’ve always had fairly long lashes, I’ve also got oily eyelids, which makes mascara a hassle during the summer months. It always smudges, and I end up with raccoon eyes, so I’ve opted to skip mascara altogether. Instead, I focus on my brows. I use IT Cosmetics or Hourglass eyebrow pencils to fill in any sparse areas, and then I lock them in place with Glossier Boy Brow. A full, well-defined brow is timeless and frames the face beautifully, plus it’s a whole lot less effort than mascara and eyelash curling. Pro tip: don’t over-tweeze! A fuller brow is always in style and looks more natural.
4. The Power of Lipstick
If there’s one beauty product that can truly transform a look, it’s lipstick. A bold lip is powerful, feminine, and timeless—it’s one of those small touches that can elevate any outfit, whether you’re in a little black dress or sweatpants. I’m a firm believer in using a classic red lip to make a statement, and I’ve found that shades of orange-red or bubblegum pink complement my fair, warm-toned skin best.
Right now, I’m loving a few matte lip stains that last for hours without the sticky, glossy finish: YSL Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain (shades “01” and “11”), Givenchy Lip Ink (shade “02”), Charlotte Tilbury’s “Tell Laura”, and Huda Beauty’s “Spring Break”. These shades are my go-to for both day and night, and they always make me feel put together, even on the most casual days.
5. The Beauty of Simplicity
Over the years, I’ve realized that less truly is more. A simplified beauty routine doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means choosing the right products that work for you and using them consistently. You don’t need a cluttered bathroom cabinet or a drawer full of unused products to feel your best. It’s about finding what enhances your natural beauty and sticking to a routine that’s easy to maintain, saving you both time and effort.
The simpler my routine, the better my skin looks. I’ve come to appreciate that it’s not about the quantity of products you use, but the quality—and the consistency with which you apply them. Whether it’s a few minutes of ice-cube magic or choosing a standout lipstick, it’s these small, thoughtful steps that truly make a difference.
So, here’s to embracing simplicity in our beauty routines, because sometimes, less is more—and it’s always about finding what works best for you.