This post has been updated now that I live in Florida & wear sunscreen every day
This post started because I kept listing all of these personal care details at the bottom of another article about our home and personal care products, and readers had trouble finding the information hidden there. Instead of adding more updates to that post, I created this dedicated roundup so everything is easier to find and update as my routine changes.
Hair/Shower Stuff
My current go-to shampoo and conditioner leave my hair feeling clean and manageable. For styling, I use a curl cream on wet hair that calms frizz and defines curls—works great for thick hair whether it’s curly or straight. For body wash I use a large, long-lasting bottle that stretches for months, and I often use conditioner as shave gel.
I also like Burt’s Bees deep pore scrub to gently exfoliate my face 1–2 times a week in the shower. Occasionally I use organic coconut oil as a deep hair mask—apply, leave for a bit, then shampoo thoroughly to avoid grease the next day. Coconut oil is multi-purpose and appears again in my skin routine below.
My Makeup
I keep my makeup simple and small—no big baskets or organizers. My routine is minimal: bronzer applied with a large brush, concealer under the eyes when needed, and a luminous powder under my cheekbones. I use a highlighter stick above my cheekbones and under my brows for a natural glow. A neutral brown eyeshadow on my lids and lightly on my brows subtly enhances them, and I set a lighter shade under the brow bone.
I curl my lashes, apply a thin line of black eyeliner (I’m not great at it, but it does the trick), and use a reliable mascara that adds noticeable length and volume. For brows I use a grooming product that looks natural yet makes a big difference—most days that and a swipe of lip balm are all I wear.
My staple lip product is Burt’s Bees lip balm. I also keep a pair of dependable tweezers and nail clippers in my pouch for quick grooming touch-ups.
Face Stuff / Skin Routine
My skin routine is simpler than many expect. I don’t use toner, special eye creams, or commercial face washes. This isn’t medical advice—just what works for my skin and has been approved informally by my dermatologist, who said my skin looks happy.
My regimen centers on three natural staples: Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with “the mother”), high-quality organic coconut oil, and a cucumber witch hazel facial mist. I recently added the mist and find it complements the other two products well. I keep coconut oil handy because it doubles as a hair treatment, makeup remover, moisturizer, and body lotion.
At night I lightly apply coconut oil to my face—usually about 30 minutes before bed. A small amount soaks in without staining the pillowcase, and it leaves my skin feeling hydrated. For makeup removal I use coconut oil like a cold cream, then wipe it away with a warm damp washcloth. This removes grime and makeup effectively. If I’m not wearing makeup I simply apply a dab like a night cream.
I’ve noticed since using coconut oil consistently that my skin looks plumper and less dry, which softens the appearance of fine lines. That extra hydration has become a cornerstone of my bedtime routine.
My Nightly Skin Routine
Nighttime is usually just a light layer of organic coconut oil. Since moving to Florida and using sunscreen daily, I added a retinol and a lactic acid treatment to my night routine. Now I use coconut oil if I need extra moisture or to remove makeup, then follow with retinol and a lactic acid product on alternating nights as needed. I still avoid cleansers and abrasive scrubs because they’ve caused breakouts for me in the past.
If coconut oil doesn’t fully remove makeup for you, gentle makeup wipes can be a helpful backup that don’t irritate sensitive skin.
My Daily Morning Routine
My morning routine starts with a light swipe of diluted Bragg’s apple cider vinegar as a toner/cleanser—mixed 50/50 with water. I premix a batch and dip a cotton ball to wipe my face while I make my tea. Use a light touch; once it dries it shouldn’t smell strongly—if it does, dilute it more.
After the ACV dries I mist Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel facial toner to refresh and help control breakouts. I also apply a Vitamin C serum in the morning and sometimes use a jade roller to aid absorption and reduce puffiness. Around my eyes I pat a caffeine solution to minimize morning puffiness.
Last steps are a thin layer of a non-greasy, matte sunscreen I prefer for daily protection, followed by a hydrating stick on dry spots for a natural dewy finish.
Once A Week Stuff I Love
Once a week I microneedle in the evening with a gentle device that helps firm skin and improve texture. I clean the tool with alcohol after each use. After microneedling I apply coconut oil; some people prefer a specific post-needling serum.
On another night I shave my face with a dedicated tool to remove peach fuzz and dead skin, which leaves my face very smooth. I also use a clay mask about once a week—often mixed with apple cider vinegar or water—to soften skin and help with acne. It’s an intense but effective weekly treatment.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove A Skin Tag
A cotton ball soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar and held on a skin tag for a few minutes each day for several days can sometimes cause the tag to fall off. Test first on a small area to make sure your skin tolerates ACV, and dilute if it feels too harsh. Some redness after application is normal and typically fades quickly.
If you want to see these routines in action—microneedling, jade rolling, or other steps—I’ve shared stories demonstrating them. This list is my personal selection of products and practices that have worked for me, updated over time as my needs change.
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