Whenever I have a product change or addition to my green beauty skincare routine, it’s hard for me to keep quiet. Last week I shared my holy grail night-time product, this week it’s all about my new(ish) most-loved morning one. If you are looking for a hydrating serum that makes your skin totally quenched with hydration, super plump, and gives you a glow that lasts throughout the day, look no further.
Kypris Antioxidant Dew. You guys, why did it take me so long to start using this gorgeous product regularly?! Chock full of encapsulated antioxidants, nurturing amino acids, and an array of soothing botanicals, this lightweight hydrator is a lovely layering piece that makes my skin super plump and ready for makeup.
With 26 active ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Sea Algae Extracts, Waltheria Indica, and DPHP, my skin looks really radiant after applying this serum. And not just right after I apply it…since I’ve been using it daily over the past few months, I’ve noticed that the glow sticks around all day and creates this really nice lit-from-within glow under my makeup. That’s the one thing I notice when I don’t use the Kypris serum daily – my skin just doesn’t look as dewy and healthy. Also keeps my redness at bay which is huge. YUUUGE.
Another thing I love about the serum is the milky, featherweight texture. (You can see it in the vial in the below photo.) It’s so smooth and silky, and the scent is super light and neutral. I love the scent of Kypris products in general – very minimal yet so delicious…almost like the faintest scent of pumpkin or something. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just love it.
Lastly, I appreciate that there are no essential oils in this product. It’s a nice change and I would imagine fantastic for those of you with reactive skin. This serum would be especially beneficial for environmentally stressed, experienced, or imbalanced complexions.
This post is long overdue, my friends! Truth be told, although it’s a very common question asked of me, it’s hard for me to consolidate a specific skincare routine for you all. Given that I spend so much time researching and trying skincare, my bathroom vanity is like revolving door…products in, products out, rinse and repeat.
However! I do have those tried-and-true products that never fail me. In fact, if you check out my last skincare routine post (made in 2015 WHERE DID THE TIME GO), you might notice several products are still in rotation 3 years later. And the coolest part? Since it’s Memorial Day weekend, most of these items are discounted for the next few days! So what are we waiting for? Let’s get rolling.
MORNING ROUTINE
When I wake up, I’m all about invigorating my skin so I use either an exfoliating mask or an exfoliating cleanser. My exfoliating mask of choice is the True Botanicals Resurfacing Mask. This is a chemical exfoliation mask (as opposed to a physical exfoliator), and the process is very similar to the Body Radiance Mask I recently wrote about here. What I love about this mask is that it really minimizes my pores and makes my skin glow in such a short time. I put this mask on my face, go downstairs, start some water for my tea, and then rinse it off. (2-5 minutes is the recommended time to leave the mask on.) Boom, glowing skin. I do this every other day or so.
On the other days, I wake up and use an exfoliating cleanser. Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (all purchases over $150 get a free glam bag this weekend at Citrine!) has been a long-time staple of mine. You apply it to a dry face and it gently exfoliates and clarifies the skin. Fresh enzymes, clays, essential oils, and microspherical apricot seed powder make this quite a lovely product and it’s gentle enough to use every day.
But guess what? There’s a new product in town, and I am obsessed. Have you heard of the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Facial Cleanser? The fabulous folks at Aillea Beauty turned me onto this line and YOU GUYS. I have no words. (Except yes of course I do.) I am in love with this cleanser. It looks like a traditional sugar scrub in the pot, but when you apply to your face with water, it turns into the silkiest lather that feels so good on the face. It clarifies, rejuvenates, smooths my skin, AND smells like fresh citrus, which is my fave. Suki is a new line to me, and I have been loving it because the products work AND the line is totally affordable. You all really need to check this line out. (15% off May 25-28 with the code MEMORIAL at Aillea Beauty! You can find most of the products I mention in this post there.)
Wondering what I’m currently using and wearing? Everything is right here. (List is updated as things change, and please check the bottom of this page for discount codes!)
I twist my hair into a bun frequently and use 2 of these clips to pin it in place.
Skincare
My skincare routine involves the following steps on a daily basis:
Cleanse, Tone, Eye Cream, Treat with Serum(s), Moisturize, SPF
In addition to my daily routine, I use exfoliators and/or masks a few times a month, but I am careful with exfoliation because too much can definitely compromise my skin barrier and lead to problems.
I have very sensitive skin and when I am dealing with bouts of dermatitis on my face, I strictly use this 4-product regimenby Avene. If you have hypersensitive skin, you might find this video to be helpful!
Face Cleanser – Foaming:
Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil – This lathers but is actually an oil so it’s super hydrating and gentle while still removing all makeup and sunscreen. It keeps my sensitive skin so happy!
Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil – This is my go-to oil cleanser for double cleansing. Now that I religiously wear SPF every day, I want to make sure to get every trace of sunscreen and makeup off. This does it and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm – This cleansing balm is pure heaven. It effectively removes my makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities while nourishing my skin so it’s left clean, smooth, and feeling moisturized. It’s naturally scented with Ginger Root, Mandarin, and Neroli Oils so it smells like a dream. Oh, it’s also great for redness and rosacea.
Purito From Green Cleansing Oil – Best bang for your buck. This natural cleanser made from 5 oils is super soothing and so effective. I love it.
Full review of some of my other favorite face cleansers here.
Face Washcloths:
Microfiber cloths are the only types of washcloths I can use on my face. Anything else will cause irritation and swelling so these are perfect for me.
Toners/Mists:
Avene Thermal Spring Water Mist – My face loves this simple mist. Before moisturizing, setting my makeup, or throughout the day…I just love it.
African Botanics Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum – This is my holy grail and I become slightly stressed when I run out and don’t have backup. (Full review here.) Contains 0.5% retinol plus tons of incredible ingredients – a fantastic option for beginner/intermediate retinoid users.
Maelove Stargaze Retinol Serum – An incredibly affordable retinol treatment for beginners containing 0.25% retinol. Potent yet gentle and great for sensitive skin.
MARA Algae Retinol Face Oil – If you prefer your retinol formulation in oil, this one is for you. So impressed with this one – it works.
African Botanics Retinal Night Cream – Formulated with a creamy texture, this treatment serum contains 0.1 retinal so it’s for more advanced retinoid users. (Confused about all the different retinoid names? This post is for you.)
Maelove Moonlight Retinol Super Serum – Another very affordable serum by Maelove, this one is for more advanced retinoid users, formulated with 0.11% retinal.
Maelove The Glow Maker – Maelove hits it out of the park again – this time with an affordable Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic serum. If you are looking for a less expensive Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, this one’s for you.
True Botanicals Chebula Active Immunity Serum – If dryness/dullness, uneven texture, and fine lines/wrinkles are your concerns, I cannot recommend this oil enough. This hydrating anti-aging serum helps fight visible signs of aging while supporting the skin barrier. My skin always looks hydrated, glowy, and more youthful-looking upon application. (Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and pregnancy-safe!) Perimenopausal skin? Run, don’t walk.
I use this twice daily – in the morning before my vitamin C serum and at night before my retinol.
Hydrating Serum:
Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum – Anytime my face is feeling dry (which is basically half of the year), I apply this to my face morning and night.
True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask – Chemical exfoliant, reveals fresh skin. Great to use first thing in the morning and my sensitive skin tolerates it well.
African Botanics Fleurs D’Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil – *night only* I use this in combination with the Cell Recovery Serum and the results are very impressive. (I talk about the combo in this video.) I’ll never run out of this oil – love that it has retinol in it. #whysoexpensivetho
MARA Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil – Packed with algae, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids formulated to help nourish tired dry skin. My skin feels super nourished, clear, and very bright when using this oil.
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair – A serum-in-cream formula, this one is super hydrating and makes my skin wickedly soft the next morning. Unscented too!
Tata Harper Water Lock Moisturizer – Great bang for your buck. Incredible consistency, beautiful finish, doesn’t clog or irritate my skin, lovely mild citrus scent…chock full of peptides and macro hyaluronic acid. Also, It is engineered with a sustainable refill system to reduce overall waste. A recyclable refill pod locks into the refillable Water-Lock jar.
True Botanicals Moisture Lock Overnight Mask – Even though it’s called a “mask,” there’s no need to rinse it off as it feels like a night cream and absorbs rapidly. Simple, unscented hydration. Watch it transform my dry patches here.
Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream – My eye area is very prone to irritation, swelling, and redness. This godsend of a product keeps my eye area soothed, hydrated, and plump without any stinging or eye-watering.
Jones Road Miracle Balm – I dab this on during my makeup application and it makes my skin look gorgeous. I have three different shades, but Dusty Rose is my favorite.
Perioral Dermatitis:
I occasionally have bouts of perioral dermatitis and when that occurs, I switch up my entire skincare routine. My routine and best picks for PD can be found here.
SPF for Face:
Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 – Amazing. Perfection. Full stop. My daily go-to 100% mineral sunscreen.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 – This doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all, just a lightweight, non-irritating moisturizer. Obsessed! (FYI – this is a chemical sunscreen.)
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – This is a perfect everyday chemical + physical block sunscreen that absorbs well, doesn’t leave any sort of weird film on your face, and is especially great for those with acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Jones Road Miracle Balm – I dab this on during my makeup application and it makes my skin look luminous and natural. I have three different shades, but Dusty Rose is my favorite.
Rituel de Fille Rare Light Luminizer – These have been in my makeup bag for years. The most unique shades I’ve ever seen. I’m partial to Phosphene, Solar Flare, and Ice Bow.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks – This formula is hard to beat and the stick form is so easy to use! I have 5 shades and love them all. You can see them swatched on me here.
Fitglow Lip Colour Serum – My very favorite lip glosses. The shades, texture, scent, and hydration are all on point. Favorites are Nudie, Buff, Nice, and Go. Full review here.
Tower 28 ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly – I never thought the day would come when I would find a lip gloss that compared to Fitglow, but I have and they are a fraction of the cost! Run, don’t walk. I have all 4, but prefer Coconut and Cashew the most.
My most frequently asked question has nothing to do with clean beauty…it’s my jewelry. #gofigure I am a 14k gold loyalist through and through and very rarely switch up my jewelry – I shower, swim, and do everything in these pieces.
The holidays are here, so I wanted to tell you about some of my absolute staples in the green beauty realm. All of these products bear the Whoorl stamp of approval and would be fantastic gifts for the natural beauties in your life, but let’s face it, green beauty ain’t cheap and this is the perfect time for you to stock up on some major savings for yourself.
SKINCARE
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser – I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but this is the most fabulous daily exfoliating cleanser in the world. I literally use it every morning of my life. (Massage onto a dry face, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse.)
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask – Now, about 2-3 times a week, I put this mask ON TOP of the above-mentioned Regenerating Cleanser. This is Tata’s personal recipe for major glow, and she is not messing around. It packs a 1-2 punch and I am a forever fan.
Tata Harper Clarifying Mask – This mask is fantastic for those with acneic or congested skin. I love it a few times a month to clear any congestion. Great as a spot treatment too.
Tata Harper Daily Essentials – A fantastic gift and/or way to introduce yourself to Tata’s incredible line. Great price point.
Maya Chia The Super Couple – I alternate between this serum and the Super Critical Chia Seed Oil as my daily serum/moisturizer. (I use the Super Critical on the days my skin feels sensitive. It is AMAZING for sensitive skin types.)
Maya Chia Eye Achiever Serum – If you have been around these parts for awhile, you know I’ve never been a fan of eye creams or serums. This one made me a convert. I roll onto the eye area daily.
p.s. – Starting Sunday 11/26, when you spend $150 at Maya Chia, you will receive a full-sized bottle of their Body Illuminating Serum.
MUN Anarose Toner – Hands down, best toner. (So essentially, my daily skin routine is to cleanse with Tata’s Regenerating Cleanser in the morning or One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser at night, spray the MUN toner liberally on my face and neck, apply one of the Maya Chia oils listed above, and then roll on the eye serum. I’ve been using this exact method for months and my skin has never looked better.) Also, starting on Black Friday, 20% off all products at MUN.
(FYI, I spoke in detail about my morning skincare routine here and my evening skincare routine here.)
May Lindstrom The Honey Mud – Now, May Lindstrom doesn’t ever discount her products, so you can’t get a “deal” per se, but I willingly shell out the bucks for her amazing products. The Honey Mud is *the* quintessential moisturizing mask. So gentle you can use it every day and is made from raw honey and clays. Absolutely lush and plumps up your skin like no other.
May Lindstrom The Problem Solver – This mask it the do-it-all for skin issues…like its name, it truly is a problem solver. Made with clays, cacao, and warming spices, it smells like the holidays. Plus, it’s a powder mask that you activate with water so it lasts forever. This would be such a great gift, friends. (Oh, and also? The mask of all masks? Mix equal parts The Honey Mud with The Problem Solver and apply. Insane luxury.)
FOR MY FELLOW LIPSTICK JUNKIES
Ilia Mini Lip Trio – Okay, I don’t need this because I already have these colors, but if you want an intro to Ilia’s gorgeous lipsticks, this is it. Also, who wouldn’t love it as a gift? In the Baggu pouch? It’s adorable!
Ilia Lipstick – Try the trio if you are new, but some of my favorite shades are Blossom Lady (worn here), Madam Mina, and Crimson and Clover. Also, love the Ilia Lip Gloss in Love Buzz (worn here).
RMS lipstick – Oh, the brand new Wild With Desire line is beyond. I am OBSESSED with Jezebel (worn here) and Russian Roulette (worn here).
Jane Iredale Lip Pencil – These are the only lip pencils I use. I have Spice, Nutmeg, Terracotta, Rose, Berry, and Crimson.
MAKEUP
Kjaer Weis Eye Shadows – Love these shadows. Pricey, but the performance (and the packaging) is superb. However, if you want to save money, just buy the refills and put them in a Z Palette.
Jane Iredale Mystikol Liner – I wear this in Onyx every day lining my upper lashes. Depending on my mood, I apply it very thinly or make a cat eye like this. (I love this brush for application.)
Jane Iredale Brow Pencil – I searched forever for a replacement for my Anastacia Brow Pencil, and I finally found it. Easy to use, and good color match! I wear the dark brunette.
Antonym Cheek Crush – I don’t what it is about this peachy-pink sheen, but it lights up my face like no other. I receive compliments every time I wear this.
Vapour Aura Multi-Use Stick – Love these easy-to-use cream blushes in stick form. My favorites are Spark and Courtesan.
Rituel de Fille Cream Blush – With the above being said, if I had to pick one blush to wear for the rest of my life, it would be this blush in Lovesick.
Ilia Palette in Prima – I keep my shadow colors super natural, and these shades are perfectly wearable.
Rituel de Fille Luminizer – OMG. The shade Phosphene is so dear to me, I might have become a bit teary when I recently lost it in New York. #thestruggleisreal
RMS Blush Brush – This is the best brush for applying cream blush. Puts the perfect amount on the cheeks and blends beautifully.
Antonym 6 Brush Set – Antonym brushes have quickly become a favorite of mine. This one has everything you need. (It includes the short angle brush that I mentioned above for eyeliner application.
HOME AND WELL BEING
Indie Lee Bath Soak – Divine. Jasmine and ylang-ylang have never smelled better.
Osmia Milk Bath Soak – So relaxing and I love the scent. Bath soaks are such a great gift too.
Moon Juice Sachet Box – Have you all heard of Moon Juice? They make great supplements for all aspects of you…brain, beauty, sex, power, dream. You can dissolve them in coffee or tea or put them in smoothies.
Beauty Chef Boost Set – Along the same supplement line, except these boosts are liquid. (They actually taste great!)
Love Mist Spray – This mist smells so. dang. good. Spray it around your room, on your body, pretty much wherever you want. If you love the scent of red mandarin, you will love this. (Interested in checking out all their scents? Try this mini sampler!)
As always, I am happy to answer any questions you might have about any of these products!
I finally put together my green skincare routine for you all, and decided it would be much easier to film it, opposed to writing for days on end. However, if you have any questions about the products mentioned in the video, please leave a comment and I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge!
Also, if you are thinking of pulling the trigger on some of these items, there are some great promotions going on today for Cyber Monday. Detox Market has up to $100 off your purchase, and Integrity Botanicals has 15% off orders over $100 with code THANKS15. Promotions end tonight, though!
So long, 2022! Here are the products that I used the most frequently and/or impressed me the most in 2022…some were launched this year while some oldies but goodies continue to be at the top of my list.