Beauty Trick for Minimalists

on December 15, 2009
in All Posts

It’s a well-documented fact that I am really bad at “typical woman maintenance.”  In Project Glow, Angela weaned me off using a bar of soap to wash my face (thank goodness!).    But I cannot remember to regularly use facial moisturizer.  And I spend a LOT of time outdoors in the sun, rain, and wind.

 

Recently, I discovered that if I keep my beauty products next to my bed, I am so much more likely to USE them then if they are buried in my cabinets.

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Yes, I floss in my bed.  So sue me.

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My face is now as smooth as a baby’s bottom!

 

So, yes – I have a really minimal beauty routine.  I scrub my face twice a day using St. Ives Apricot Scrub (I know some people don’t like this; but I do!), brush my teeth twice a day, and floss once a day.  I pluck eyebrows every other day, and I’m trying to get into the habit of painting my nails (makes me feel feminine!).  I shave my legs once every three days (so bad!).  And I put on make-up when I leave the house for anything besides a run or the grocery store.  I was thinking the other day about how I hardly ever wear jewelry anymore.

 

I think my minimal routine started about 2.5 years ago, when I started to work from home.   In addition to using facial cream regularly, my new goals are to stop 1) waiting to shower until 4 PM and 2) wearing sweatpants all day.  I’m starting to become a smelly, hairy, beautiful hermit! 🙂

 

Anyway – keeping your beauty products in REACH is a good thing.  Now I will actually use the expensive, effective, and organic face creams I bought.

 

Breakfast:

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Just banana oatmeal with:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup rice milk (Zesty has an interesting quiz about milk up today!)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 banana
  • Toppings:  brown sugar, flax, and unsweet coconut

 

Last night, I got into the holiday spirit and made Gingerbread Man cookies.  I ate two un-iced cookies after dinner (we didn’t have any powdered sugar!):

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Oh, the winner of the Amy’s Kitchen Soup Prize Pack was ERIN.  Erin’s answers for the Would You Rather game were:  tropical beach, politician, wine, and speed.  Most of you wanted to go to the beach, be a movie star, drink wine, and have endurance.  🙂

 

Are you a beauty minimalist like me or do you have a really thorough routine?   Tell me about it!  I love to hear new beauty tricks – I love how Angela uses natural coconut oil instead of chemical-ly lotion!

{ 120 comments }

 

  • VeggieGirl December 15, 2009, 8:56 am

    Love the little gingerbread man!! My favorite Christmas cookie 🙂

    I use an EVOO-based cleanser.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 15, 2009, 8:56 am

    In the winter, I use a light facial oil on my skin. It help so much w/dry skin!

    One of my friends is an aesthetician. She said to always use olive oil to remove eye make up. That’s the only trick I know of.

    I’m anxious to read what others have to say!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 15, 2009, 8:59 am

    I have a routine, but you are not alone. If I can, I skip a shower for a day and live in the same dirty sweat pants. I always do make sure to wash my face, brush & floss, but that’s about it.

  • Christie @ Honoring Health December 15, 2009, 9:00 am

    I am a minimalist for sure. I don’t even wear any make up half the time and when I do, it is just mascara. I do wash my face and moisturize when I remember but thankfully, I have pretty tame skin as long as I am good about washing after doing a lot of sweating, or better yet, washing before and after sweating.

  • Lizzy December 15, 2009, 9:01 am

    I’ve never heard of using olive oil to remove eye makeup. thats such a great time. i bet it would do wonders to your skin! I’m a makeup junky and have to wash my face 2 times a day. some might think that i’m high maintenance when it comes to my beauty routines, but i do what i do because i have some minor acne and i have an oily face. but being as simple as possible is the best way to actually stick with your routine!

  • Carolyn December 15, 2009, 9:03 am

    I’m definitely a minimalist. I try to moisturize my face in the mornings, but I’m terrible about using lotions or exfoliating. Maybe I need to make a Target run. 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 15, 2009, 9:03 am

    Minimalist doesn’t even begin to describe me. Ha, I shave only once a week sometimes! On days when I don’t teach, I usually don’t shower until 5:00 in the afternoon (if then). Whatever…it’s a European lifestyle 🙂

    I also use an olive oil based facial oil in the winter (but I bet living in Florida, something like that would be too heavy for your skin. I didn’t need to use real moisturizers until I moved up north).

  • Leah @ L4L December 15, 2009, 9:04 am

    I am SUPER minimal. I have an organic face wash I use every time I shower and I moisturize daily. Usually, I only wear mascara too. And usually, I only do my eyebrows or shave my legs when I notice that it is REALLY bad (or if I have to wear shorts/skirt which is a rare occasion here in WA). Um, and I usually only shower every other day otherwise my hair gets really dry and gross. Unless I do something really active and I sweat but that hasn’t happened lately. Gross, I know. But I’m saving water, right? 😉

  • Lauren @ Reading and Running December 15, 2009, 9:06 am

    I never moisturize either. I use the St. Ives on my body every day and about once a week on my face but I usually use Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash because it is the easiest thing that keeps my skin clear. Pretty simple I guess!

  • Laura December 15, 2009, 9:07 am

    Beer is supposed to be good for washing your hair in- thats apparently what Catherine Zeta-Jones used to do, and deep conditioning the ends of your hair in olive oil is also good- it really moistures it, but if you put it too near your scalp you get greasy hair! I once tried to make my own body scrub with salt granules and ended up with such a bad rash… oh- and buttermik on your face a la Scarlett O’Hara DOES NOT work well… I used to use Clinique’s 3 step system which was brilliant, now I’m vegan I use a natural, chamomile based brand- ypu’re supposed to start using anti aging cream once your 25 appaently! BTW- I hope you’re not flying with British Airways when you come to England- theres a huge strike planned all over Chrsitmas and New Year ;(

  • Erica December 15, 2009, 9:07 am

    Hey girl! Love this post. I am SO a minimalist. Except with shaving my legs- that is done almost daily. Since I teach group fitness classes and people are checking out my legs for form….I figure they deserve some cleanly shaven ones. I use very minimal makeup, rarely paint my nails, I wash my hair and let it dry naturally and then just try to make it work before work in the morning….I am always impressed by those that look so put together (with their hair and makeup)…I just can’t get myself to do it haha

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:12 am

      We’re flying Virgin, thank God!

  • Laura @ FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ POUND weight loss! December 15, 2009, 9:07 am

    TOTAL BEAUTY MIMIMALIST HERE!!! I wash & mositurize my face and about it for me……….=O

  • Kristine December 15, 2009, 9:08 am

    Okay, I have to come out and say this. Q-tips are bad!! HAHA! I am a future audiologist and have to make it known that people shouldn’t use q-tips! It can cause serious damage and i’ve heard too many stories about people popping out their eardrums. Also, you end up pushing the wax further in with them!

    Love you and your blog though 🙂

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:12 am

      Hahah I know they are bad but they feel so GOOD.

      • Kristine December 15, 2009, 9:14 am

        haha oh I agree but I just HAD to put it out there!

    • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 15, 2009, 11:04 am

      What are we to do about the wax build up!!!

      • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 11:05 am

        i know there is a wash you can use for your ears where you push in warm water (you can get the kit at the drugstore) and that flushes out the wax.

      • Kristine December 15, 2009, 11:40 am

        Sorry for the delay, I was taking my final! Haha, we urge people to go to their PCP for wax removal! Or you can buy a debrox wax removal kit, which is like what Caitlin just said. I know it seems high maintenance, but in the long run you will be much happier when you don’t have ear complications or hearing loss! I used to be the Q-tip queen til I learned about the bad effects!

        • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 15, 2009, 11:47 am

          Thanks for replying! I feel like the more you tip, the more wax you get. My bf feels the same way about them and he seems to never have wax. Hope your final went well.

  • Amanda December 15, 2009, 9:10 am

    I am definitely a minimalist! Luckily, going to my 9-5 job forces me to shower in the morning and get dressed/look presentable … otherwise, I can guarantee I’d wear yoga pants/leggings all the time (it’s what I did in college)! I basically wash my face in the shower in the morning and then before bed. I really like Olay Moisturizer which has spf 15 .. I also use it to remove makeup from under my eyes!

    I do like to paint my nails – makes me feel more put together .. and the only jewelry I regularly wear are diamond earrings and a watch! It just makes life easier 🙂

  • Neely December 15, 2009, 9:10 am

    I want to be in sweats all day too!!

    I am in the middle when it comes to beauty. That said, I want everything from Lush this Christmas. Love their stuff.

    And yay for those who aren’t over-showering I say!!

  • Karla December 15, 2009, 9:12 am

    I feel like I’m a beauty minimalist compared to some (i.e. my sister) but not compared to others. So I think I’m somewhere in between. Although since starting grad school, I never feel like I should dress up or anything, which is kind of sad. One of my goals for 2010 is to quit being a schlump!

  • meghann December 15, 2009, 9:13 am

    I have no routine at all. I really need to work on that.

    I brush my teeth twice a day, try to floss when I remember, shave my legs once a week, only wash my face in the shower, and only wear make up for ‘special occassions’ and rarely remember to wash it off.

    I came into work yesterday with traces of eyeliner still on from Sunday and my co-worker took notice that my make up ‘looked really good today.’ lol I told her I never wear make up and just forgot to wash my eyeliner off. Maybe I should take that as a hint to wear make up more often? But thats an extra 5 minutes in the morning I don’t care for. I’m lucky I remember to take my BC every morning!

    • chandra h December 16, 2009, 10:36 am

      ahahaha!! out of all the replies to this post, meghann this is my favorite. yesterday’s eyeliner? i’m wearing a little of that right now 🙂

  • Danielle December 15, 2009, 9:15 am

    I can’t believe you think shaving once every 3 days is gross! But then again it’s winter up north so we’re wearing long pants. And I have a feeling the minimalist thing is a “running” thing. If I know I’m running later in the day, I don’t see the point in changing 3 times and looking nice- bad I know.

  • Lindsay December 15, 2009, 9:15 am

    oh gosh, i am so high maintenance. i use like $1500 of crap on my face every day. im very fair and skin cancer runs in my family (im actually the only person in my immediate family who hasnt had it, even my little sister has!) so i try to take a lot of precautions and protect my skin as much as possible. i guess i feel like you only get one skin and once it gets damaged, it costs a lot more and/or is a lot more painful to repair it than it is to prevent.

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) December 15, 2009, 9:15 am

    Allegedly coconut oil is also a great organic/natural, errm, personal lubricant. So I’ve heard. I don’t know if I want my lady bits smelling like a pina colada though.

    I have a routine–I have to shower in the same order every day, and I use the same makeup every day too! My eyebrows are out of control, though…I hate pluckig.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:18 am

      hahahahah best. comment. ever.

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) December 15, 2009, 9:16 am

    Hahaha I’m also quite low maintenance — i LOVE that you floss in bed — so funny!

  • Matt December 15, 2009, 9:16 am

    I would consider myself a “minimalist” 😉

  • Stephanie December 15, 2009, 9:18 am

    I think that I am a minimalist, I use old school clean & clear to wash my face and an oil-free Neutrogena moisturizer – nothing fancy but it works for me. Some ladies last night at the Whole Foods cooking demo were talking about how great coconut oil was as a moisturizer, I really need to try it during these cold winter months!

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 15, 2009, 9:19 am

    I’m a step or two up from a minimalist. I have acne prone skin so I have to be a little more on top of my skin care routine!

  • Jocelyn December 15, 2009, 9:23 am

    I have to put on moisterizer after the shower…if not I can feel my skin turning all snakeskin like…NOT attractive lol

    I use some oatmeal based cream for my face…I was using st ives scrub to wash my face but it gave me pizza face and I broke out!

  • megan December 15, 2009, 9:24 am

    I am even more of a minimalist than you are. I almost never wear make-up (occasionally for church), and my hair is curly, so I just let it dry naturally. I do wash my face every night, and shower every day. 🙂 but sometimes I even go to bed after workout out without showering…gross right? 🙂

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 15, 2009, 9:25 am

    Estela-I totally use only evoo or Vitamin E oil to cleanse/moisturize my face. Takes off make up wonderfully and leaves my skin feeling healthy and happy!

    I’m a total minimalist and even though I do put a little foundation and mascara on each day I always try to get by doing less and less. It’s quite liberating.

  • kara December 15, 2009, 9:26 am

    Hi! Love your blog! I check it everyday and love reading what you have to say! I can’t wait for your book to come out! I would have to say I am a girly girl and love makeup and taking care of my skin. I also have more oily skin/acne prone so I wash 2 times a day and always moisturizer. I used to not but then I starting selling Mary Kay and love all of their products! I too just found out that you should use anti-aging cream around the age of 25. I just started about 3 months ago and can totally tell a difference around my eyes- no more under eye circles and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles! Great stuff! Hope you have a great day!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:37 am

      thank you so much kara for your sweet words 🙂

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad December 15, 2009, 9:32 am

    I am a mininalist by far! I only wear make-up to work, mainly because if I put it on just to go to the grocery store, I will have to wash it off before bedtime. Less make-up = less time spent face washing.

  • Susan December 15, 2009, 9:32 am

    Girl, I am a complete minimalist when it comes to beauty! I don’t even know how to use half the stuff out there. It honestly stresses me out haha.
    I think some girls look absolutely awesome with makeup bc they know how to do it right, but that’s just not moi. Ah, c’est la vie.

  • Mellissa December 15, 2009, 9:35 am

    I am not really a minimalist since I use a few products but I have my routine down. It takes me about 25 minutes from getting up to be ready to leave.

    A few of my favorite products-
    Shampoo- Bumble and Bumble Thickening and Garnier Volumizing (I alternate between the two)
    Face Wash- Purity by Philosophy
    Face Lotion- Mary Kay Time Wise Right now
    Body Lotion- Coconut Oil or Dove
    Make-Up Routine- Moisturizer, a bit of foundation, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, mascara and lip gloss of some sort. The Loreal True Match foundation is pretty good for around $8 dollars.

  • Elizabeth December 15, 2009, 9:35 am

    Beautiful Caitlin – you should only exfoliate once or twice a week (max!) with a coarse scrub like St. Ives or you may end up doing more harm than good. You might want to try a gentler exfoliant, or you can just use honey (apply over your face and rinse off after 5-10 minutes) (seriously). I really like the Alba pineapple enzyme scrub, but it’s another that I wouldn’t use more than 3 times a week. (It has good ingredients, though, and you can even get it at Target.)

    Great tip on keeping beauty products by the bed – I have small stashes of things like nail files, lip gloss, and moisturizer everywhere (in my purse, at my desk, next to the bed) so I’m never unprepared…my job doesn’t let me be much a total minimalist anymore, but I’ve managed to keep my routine down to 10 minutes. My biggest timesaver has been buying a nicer blow dryer and straightening iron – they do a better job than my 10-year old ones and take less than half the time.

  • Joy December 15, 2009, 9:36 am

    well i wouldn’t say i’m high maintenance at all, but i do put on mascara, concealer, and blush every morning and i always moisturize and wash my face before bed. but do NOT feel bad about shaving your legs every 3 days. one of the perks of living in the northeast is shaving your legs whenever you feel like it in the winter… aka every month

  • Kittay December 15, 2009, 9:38 am

    I am definitely a minimalist. Never been into makeup, but I look all of 12 years old without it, so I have been making an effort to throw on some eyeliner at least. I was my face twice a day with a cleanser, but I couldn’t even tell you what it is. I’m going to have to start paying more attention to these things. I painted my nails for the first time in months last night. Hot Pink!!

  • Lindsey @ EatReadRun December 15, 2009, 9:40 am

    I can go both ways. Usually during the week for work I am a minimalist. Powder and blush to work and sometimes I just clip my hair up after the shower. On the weekend sometimes I like to get glammed up – paint my nails, do my make-up and curl my hair. It’s nice every now and then. But I can’t do that on a daily basis – it’s too time consuming. I do wish I could switch to more natural products as well.

  • Jessie December 15, 2009, 9:43 am

    I am incredibly simplistic in my beaty routine. It hasn’t been that long since I consistently started using moisturizer, maybe a year. And the only reason I ever put on makeup is for work and church because I am embarrased of the constant dark circles I have under my eyes.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 15, 2009, 9:43 am

    I don’t think your doing too bad, esp. with the shaving routine. I shave maybe once a week now that it’s winter… and I mean maybe. My boyfriend likes to rub my leg and say, “Ouch Ouch Ouch” like he’s getting scratched. Tweezing every other day? Girl, you’re on top of your game. Out of all of your routines, you have inspired me to floss from bed. I hardly ever floss (I know, that’s bad) because it’s boring and annoying. Maybe from bed it wont be too bad. My poor boyfriend didn’t know what he was getting into.

  • Kristie Lynn December 15, 2009, 9:47 am

    Ahahaha, shaving your legs every 3 days is way sooner than I do it (even in the summer). I may or may not be known to go 2-3 weeks without shaving in the winter, and in the summer I cut it down to a week. I’m pretty minimalist though on a “beauty” routine – I really don’t do makeup unless I’m in the mood to put some on, and even then I only own eyeshadow, mascara, blush and lip gloss. I definitely use a daytime moisturizer though – if I put it off for even 10 minutes after I shower I can feel my face shrivel up 😛

  • michelle December 15, 2009, 9:48 am

    as a fellow FL gal I’d love to see you add some spf to your daily routine!! 🙂 For us fair chica’s the derm recommends a vitamin c (I use skinceuticals) drop before applying sunscreen with zinc to make sure we stay cancer (and wrinkle) free. 🙂 My skin is FAB due to that stuff.

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 9:53 am

      oh i put on sunscreen before runs! i promise.

  • jessica December 15, 2009, 9:50 am

    Caitlin I am just like you! I think college has a lot to do with it. I was very high maintenance in high school and then I got to college and realized no one cared anymore! Now I am in grad school and I’m so busy that I let my beauty routine slip way behind – I don’t have time to do my make-up and I shower at 3pm! I am up for this challenge – thanks!

  • Rachel December 15, 2009, 9:54 am

    Are there any Lush stores in the Orlando area? Lush sells handmade soaps, shampoos and bath treatments. It is really amazing stuff. I was an Apricot Scrub addict, but I have weaned myself off it by using Lush’s Ocean Salt Cleanser. It is AMAZING. Seriously, AMAZING!

  • Amanda December 15, 2009, 9:55 am

    I am totally a minimalist! I put mascara and eyeliner on once every three days or so…I never wash my face, other than what water may splash on it in the shower (I have an issue with water touching my face near my eyes), so I usually have leftover make up for about 3 days 🙂 I do shower every day because my hair tends to get greasy, but I just pull my wet hair into a ponytail. I do not use any moisturizer unless I am going skiing, in which case I wear spf on my face to avoid goggle tan. I am also from the northeast, and I shave, maybe 3 times all winter :-/ There is just no point!

  • emily December 15, 2009, 10:00 am

    When I leave the house I usually just wear mascara because it makes a big difference on my face.
    I work in the dark (don’t ask), so I’ve gotten lazy over the years about makeup during the weekdays.
    Also, I find it really hard to incorporate anything new into my routine, which is apparently minimalist. I’m lucky if I blowdry my hair completely before leaving the house, and finger-comb it in the car on the way to work. Ugh.

  • Katie December 15, 2009, 10:03 am

    I’ve become more of a minimalist than ever in grad school! I work with all enginerds, mostly guys, and no one cares. I usually shower after the gym at night and so in the AM my hair goes in a pony tail, t-shirt and jeans, add some mascara and concealer, and that’s about it.

    The one “high maintenance” thing I do is shave my legs everyday because I can’t stand when they prickle each other in bed!

  • Anne December 15, 2009, 10:05 am

    i too am a bedtime flosser….i think its gross, but i can’t help it! and i feel for my squeeze who has to watch it!

    and i suggest buying 1-2 new pieces of costumy jewelery that is fun! i started collecting it a few years ago and force myself to remember to pick at least one thing out every morning and i’m always so happy i did. any by the time it breaks or wears out (cause its cheap!), it’s okay, bc im done with it anyway:) and i’m with you, pretty nails are easy as long as you remember to remove it when it starts to get gross. nails and jewels…that’s my secret from tomboy to lady routine:)

  • Aynsley - WrenLife.com December 15, 2009, 10:10 am

    Minimalist. I too work from home and will spend most of my day in lounge-y clothing. I run in the middle of the day sometimes so showering in the morning is useless. My mother and sister are ALWAYS prompting me to get dressed up more and play around with more make-up. It’s on my to-do list for 2010!

  • Teacherwoman December 15, 2009, 10:12 am

    I really don’t like wearing make-up. I usually look forward to weekends for that reason. I won’t put make-up on unless I am going out (besides the gym/grocery store)!

    Even when I do wear make-up, it just a bit of eye make-up… never the whole face!

  • Meredith December 15, 2009, 10:14 am

    I consider myself very minimalistic when it comes to my beauty routine! I wash my face twice a day with Neutorgena Clean & Clear, moisturize with Pond’s moisturizer, and that’s about it. I am out in the sun a lot, and I try to only wear make-up if I am going to work or going somewhere nice (i.e. besides just running errands). I can’t stand the thought of wearing make-up when I run – I can feel my pores clogging at the thought!

    Your two dachshunds are very cute – I have a mini dachshund (sable) myself!

  • emily December 15, 2009, 10:22 am

    I have no routine, I do even less than you! I do use sunblock 90% of the time (I grew up in the Caribbean so it’s not a choice) but my goal is start flossing more.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) December 15, 2009, 10:27 am

    I love un-iced gingerbread men! I’m not a big frosting person, honestly.

    Um, is it bad that at night I wash my face with Dove soap? In the morning I use a cleanser, but…

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 10:28 am

      oh my bar of soap was irish spring. i think dove is a majorah step up.

    • Ana December 15, 2009, 1:00 pm

      Joelle, i use Dove unscented soap on my face too, in the morning, per my dermatologist’s orders. and yes, i mean ‘orders’. shes a scary woman! and she knows when i haven’t been listening!

  • Christine December 15, 2009, 10:31 am

    When I have the money I use Lush skin care. All of their soaps and lotions are 100% vegetarian and a big chunk of them are even vegan. It always works WONDERS on my skin but it can be on the kind of expensive side. I use the following products:

    -Angels on Bare Skin (face cleanser)
    -Grease lightning (spot treatment)
    -Tea tree water (toner)
    -Ultralight (moisturizer)
    -Big (shampoo)
    -Veganese (conditioner)
    -Happy Hippy (shower gel)

    Sorry for the long comment but Lush is amazing and I 100% recommend their products.

  • Rosey Rebecca December 15, 2009, 10:32 am

    I used to work at Sephora so I was obsessed with makeup but now I don’t wear it that much anymore. In fact, I just wore it last night for the first time in months to go on a date with my boyfriend!

  • ashleigh December 15, 2009, 10:40 am

    I use biore perfect pore unclogging scrub (kinda like st ives) + toner every AM and PM. The stuff that the toner takes off my face is amazing! i like makeup and use a lot of Nars brand stuff i use their makeup primer and bronzer in laguna daily. I always add some blush + try and do my eyes every day.

  • skinnyrunner December 15, 2009, 10:41 am

    love this post and love reading what other people have to say about makeup and beauty routines. thanks!

  • Diann December 15, 2009, 10:44 am

    That’s a GREAT idea about the products beside the bed! I’m going to do it. Maybe not the flossing (ha ha that is kinda gross) but night cream, hand cream, etc. Perfect in that little cute box. I use Aveeno face wash pads and then Aveeno moisturizer. Love them.

  • KatieTX December 15, 2009, 10:45 am

    I am good at washing my face/moisturizing/wearing makeup etc..but shaving my legs…once a week in the winter is normal..and my bf never complains…and I teach group exercise..so maybe I am lucky and mine doesn’t show. I feel kind of gross now. Also, I need to get better about plucking my eyebrows! They get out of control so fast! How do you convince yourself to do that so frequently?

  • Krista December 15, 2009, 10:47 am

    I love the St. Yves apricot scrub and use it every morning in the shower. I also use a Clinique moisturizer morning and night. Other then that, I’m pretty plain Jane. Not a whole lotta make up and I don’t often change my jewellery up.

  • Nicci@NiftyEats December 15, 2009, 10:51 am

    I love Apricot scrub, wished I had used this stuff a long time ago. I use scrub three times a week and an all natural oatmeal bar to wash my face with. NO breakouts in the last 4 months from using semi-natural products.

  • Erin December 15, 2009, 10:53 am

    I’m excited that I won the soup give away! I hardly ever win anything!

    I LOVE routines. So, yes, I have one. I’d say I’m somewhere in the middle of the continuum regarding how much I do, though. I always get tripped up when winter hits, though, because in the summer I don’t moisturize my face at night but I pretty much have to in the winter. It’s just that it’s not part of my routine for half the year so it takes awhile for me to remember to do it!

  • Cyclist Kate December 15, 2009, 10:55 am

    I’m a little jealous that you can get away with not having a skin care routine! Living in the high desert makes my skin kind of high maintenance. I wash morning and evening with a super gentle cleanser (Boots extra sensitive gentle cleansing wash), then in the morning I put on a serum (origins white tea skin guardian) and SPF 40 (clinique city block). At night I use Neutrogena deep wrinkle for night that has retinol in it…once or twice a week I mix up Aztec healing clay with apple cider vinegar and slather that on a clean face and let dry. I’ve been loving http://makeupalley.com/ –I totally revamped my face care routine (mostly to cheaper stuff, actually!) based on reviews of products and what was recommended, and my skin’s never been better!

    Other than face care I’m pretty minimal. Sometimes I use bare minerals foundation, but usually I just put on mascara, eyebrow gel, and diamond studs in my ears and I’m done. It’s fun to play around with it sometimes, though!

  • Rachel S December 15, 2009, 10:55 am

    I am also a minimalist. I wash my face daily and usually wear an spf moisturizer during the day…I use the St. Ive’s apricot scrub about once a week. I’ve gotten more minimal with my makeup too…just mascara, some face powder and lipgloss. During the winter I only shave once or twice a week..gross I know, but if no one else besides me knows, it can’t hurt, right?

  • Natalie December 15, 2009, 10:55 am

    I love products and beauty stuff….but I’m lazy. I do have a routine down though:

    Clinique 3-Step–I thought I like stuff I was using before, but my skin has improved SO MUCH since I started using this. I’m combo and very acne prone, so I have gotten diligent about washing/exfoliating/moisturizing properly twice a day.

    I do slather on lotion (or use body oil) every time I get out of the shower , and I try to shave my legs every 2-3 days (hahha…sometimes every 4-5 in the winter). I like nail polish, but I get super anal about chips and maintenance (lazy, remember?) so I don’t do them as often as I’d like to.

    Eyebrows I keep up with, and I do get professional bikini waxes.

    Makeup routine is minimal unless I’m going out–some tinted moisturizer (Clinique!), a little dab of blush and/or bronzer (NARS makes the best!), and some mascara. If I’m extra motivated I’ll put on a little eye shadow.

    Going out calls for a smoky eye or red lips, but that’s a whole ‘nother topic… 😛

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 15, 2009, 10:59 am

    I don’t have a huge routine, but I need to get one down!

  • Mel @midwestmomtris.blogspot.com December 15, 2009, 11:10 am

    I am generally a minimalist, but there are certain things I must do daily – shower (may or may not wash hair), shave my legs, moisturize entire body and face (w/ an sunscreen). At night I am anal about my routine and always wash with Cetaphil, use my differin & moisturizer. I typically let my hair air dry and it is sooo much healthier now thanks to that. I’m hit and miss with make-up. If I’m going out of the house I usually do tinted moisturizer, some undereye concealer, mascara and clear gloss. I used to go out ALL the time without any makeup on, but at 36 years old I need a little more “help” than I used to. lol

    FWIW I think you look great without makeup. Enjoy that minimalism works so well for you!

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 11:11 am

      thank you 🙂

  • Jill Will Run December 15, 2009, 11:15 am

    I have to use moisturizer all the time, living in the desert is harsh! But I’ve found that BioOil is kind of nice for dry patches, especially ones that pop-up on the face (I am acne-prone and it doesn’t seem to aggravate it).

    I’ve been telecommuting since 2005… my hygiene needs have down-scaled A LOT during that time. Sometimes a little too far down! 🙂

  • Julia December 15, 2009, 11:17 am

    I totally NEED a beauty routine. It’s a good day for me if I brush my hair.
    Or shower. (ummmmm…. yah… embarrassed now 😉 )
    I finally bought SPF face moisturizer; I feel like a grown up now!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 15, 2009, 11:18 am

    I’m even more minimal than you. I have to remember to wash my face each day because I’m super busy. But I do put on minimal makeup almost everyday.

    I plan on getting in a better routine after the holidays but now I’m too busy.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels December 15, 2009, 11:18 am

    Caitlin – even though I’ve worked in the beauty industry for 9 years now, I’m even still a minimalist. Except for my skincare and makeup, I’m a lazy beast about everything else. Hair styles – forget it. Manicures – well I bite my nails. Getting out of sweatpants – not on your life!

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) December 15, 2009, 11:22 am

    Definitely a beauty minimalist.

    Brush teeth 2wice a day, floss when I remember (i try to every day),wash my face with just water, hardly ever use a moisturizer, hardly wear makeup unless going out somewhere nice, shave my legs um…er… yeah you get the point. I think I may need to step it up!

  • Susan B December 15, 2009, 11:31 am

    I am sure my husband wishes I was a minimalist, but I am far from it. I am a bit OCD about my morning and night routines. I always use face wash (Dove in morning and Neutrogena deep clean at night to get all makeup off), astringent (I know it’s supposedly bad but only thing that keeps my face clear, I swear), and moisturizer. I wear makeup for work everyday and try to go bare-faced on weekends. I like the idea of being minimalist but in reality it just isn’t me.

  • rungirlrunn December 15, 2009, 11:31 am

    I’m definitely a beauty minimalist…the only thing I’m consistent with is probably brushing my teeth. I usually don’t remember to even wash my face except for in the shower–oops! And since it’s winter, I’m definitely in sweatpants mode; they’re usually on within 3 minutes of walking in the door!

  • MelissaNibbles December 15, 2009, 11:49 am

    I’m a minimalist too. I’m good with skin care though. I wash twice a day with Oil Of Olay Regenerist and use the lotion and eye crap that goes with it.

    However, I don’t wear makeup to work. I wash my hair and put it in a ponytail, throw on jeans and a sweater and I’m out the door. I’m not wearing a bra today because the straps annoy me. It helps that I have the chest of a ten year old boy so it doesn’t matter anyway.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing December 15, 2009, 12:01 pm

    I have a bit of a routine but that’s important for me or else I tend to skip everything! Face lotion is one thing I never skip, otherwise my skin gets flaky – ewww!

  • Julie December 15, 2009, 12:15 pm

    I’m very minimalist. I wash my face twice a day (soemtimes I skip this if I’m not wearing make-up. I’m just lazy like that), use moisturizer in the morning only (terrible!), and brush, floss and mouthwash 3x a day. I’m a tad obsessed with oral hygiene. My makeup routine is done in 3 seconds flat -foundation, concealor, powder, blush, ansd mascara. I’m pretty makeup retarded so I keep it simple. I basically only groom myself during the week for work. I take weekends off from straightening my hair and doing my face to look like a homeless cat collecter. It’s cool, but it interferes with my hopes of meeting someone in the produce isle of whole foods.

    This is gross – but I shave my legs maybe once a week if that. No one sees my legs so I don’t really care. I do take care of the pits though! That be nasty.

  • Ellen December 15, 2009, 12:21 pm

    Oh I am totallly a minimalist! The only makeup I wear is under eye concealer, powder, eyeliner and mascara. Oh, but I did just start using Benefit’s blush…it’s a pretty soft pink color that brightens up my face, which I totally need in the winter. I’ve also recently been wearing cherry Chapstick with clear gloss on top. I hate lipstick, so this is a good way to give your lips a pop of color–not to mention, keep them moisturized!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • audrey w. December 15, 2009, 12:39 pm

    i guess i’m one of the few high maintenance people here haha..every morning i use toner,moisturizer, bare minerals, bronzer, highlighter, eye liner and mascara and usually a light shadow too. sounds like a lot but it only takes me about 10 mins start to finish, at night i wash my face with a patricia wexler wash i found at bath&body works that im in love with..one thing i’m not good at is washing my hair i only do that 2-3 times a week haha but i straighten it and it takes forevs so i make it last w/dry shampoo.

  • Good Taste. Healthy Me December 15, 2009, 12:39 pm

    I am a severe minimalist. I’m good about washing my face and putting on moisturizer. Lately for makeup application I’ve just been throwing on some foundation and blush and calling it a day. I used to put mascara, eyeshadow and liner on….not so much anymore. I’m just being lazy!

  • Katie December 15, 2009, 12:44 pm

    I think I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, although I feel high maintenance after reading the other posts! I have my routine down pat, and it takes me about a half hour to shower and get out of the door for work. My hair is pin straight so I never blow dry it (even in the winter, which isn’t the smartest), which cuts some time out. I just started using coconut oil as a body moisturizer, and I love it! I wear undereye concealer, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara and blush every day. If I don’t wear eye makeup I look super young.

    I agree with you about the nail polish- I just started wearing it on a regular basis and it definitely makes me feel more girly. Now if it only it would stop chipping so quickly!

  • Sarah December 15, 2009, 12:53 pm

    I’m an ultra minimalist – I still use soap (from The Body Shop)to clean my face, my skin’s very oily, so I think it’s not so bad, right? The only thing that I’m absolutely *religious* about is sunblock. I wear it everytime I go out because it’s sunny here a lot.
    Flossing in bed, though, is a really good idea. That’s something I always feel kinda guilty for not doing often enough.
    Oh, and petroleum jelly is my best friend. I use it for chapped lips, dry skin (as an overnight treatment, or on the back of my hands) and as eye-make up remover. It works a treat!

  • Kc December 15, 2009, 12:53 pm

    You really should not use St. Ives Apricot Scrub twice a day. It’s not a cleanser, but an exfoliator and unless you have very oily skin, you should use it every other day, but in no circumstance twice a day. What you are doing is over exfoliating and increasing the chance that you burst the blood vessels in your face, resulting in red patches as you get older which are near impossible to get rid of sans very expensive laser treatments. Also, since you are not actually cleansing your skin, you are more prone to breakouts and blackheads. You can find a daily cleanser at the drug store- one that is targeted for oily skin that has micro beads if you like the exfoliating sensation and continue to use the St. Ives every other day to get rid of dead skin cells. You should use moisturizer, but if that’s not in the realm of possibility, try to get a foundation with sunscreen already in it to protect your skin from the Florida sun. Sorry to be so preachy, but I’m a little older than you and the way you treat your skin now will effect it’s health for the rest of your life!

  • Chelsea December 15, 2009, 1:04 pm

    I made those gingerbread cookies the other night..and the dough was realllly crumbly!? It was hard to role out because it kept breaking apart.. must have done something wrong??

    • Caitlin December 15, 2009, 1:29 pm

      you know what, i halved the recipe last night and my dough was crumbly, too! did you half it?

      • Chelsea December 17, 2009, 2:31 pm

        Yes I did half it! Maybe thats it..hmm.

  • Jenna December 15, 2009, 1:08 pm

    yummy banana oats!
    jenna

  • Carolyn December 15, 2009, 1:17 pm

    I loved reading everyone’s comments about their beauty routine. I get a lot of teasing for my “hippie hygiene”, but it works for me! I’m very minimalist (but I’m also lucky as I seem to be naturally quite hairless and smell-free). Wash my hair once a week, only wash my face when I’m in the shower (max 3 times a week unless I’m running). Don’t shave my legs, don’t own make-up, I don’t even use deoderant as it’s not necessary for me. Honestly, I think that the more products you use, the more your body starts to need them. Years ago, I used regular products like most women, but found that the more I washed my face, the more sensitive it became and thus the more washing it required. Same went for hair, armpits, etc etc. The fewer products I use, the fewer my body needs. My two indulgences are chapstick and lotion, as my skin tends to run dry. I like sweetgrass products the best (I use sweetgrass soap, oil, and lotion). The simpler the better.

  • Stacy R. December 15, 2009, 1:26 pm

    I am totally cracking up right now! I started working from home a little over a year ago and I totally feel you on the daily maintenance. Some days I totally don’t brush my teeth until after lunch ( still do it twice a day!) MOST days I don’t shower and get dressed until right before my boyfriend gets home.

    Some of my New Years resolutions are to exercise, shower and get dressed EVERY DAY before 9:00 AM even if I don’t have to 🙂 it makes me feel more productive when I’m showered and dressed.

  • Wendy December 15, 2009, 1:52 pm

    Minimalist here, too. My skin went beserk when I turned 30, though, so now I cleanse daily w/Cetaphil, moisturize, and use a cream prescribed by my dermatologist when I have breakouts. I prefer to wear as little makeup as possible, b/c I tend breakout more when I wear it on a daily basis. Plus my more, ahem, mature skin looks so much better when I use as little foundation as possible. When I do wear makeup, I mostly just use a little concealer where needed (hello, dark circles), shadow & mascara. Oh, and I rarely pluck. I pay a professional to do it for me once every 6 weeks or so, b/c I have super-thick brows and would totally look like Bert from Sesame Street if I didn’t.

  • Kate G. December 15, 2009, 1:59 pm

    Be careful with the St.Ives scrub 🙁 🙁 The exfoliant is literally crushed walnut shells shards and because of the rough edges it causes micro tears in the delicate skin on your face!!

    It’s fine for body use but seriously reconsider it for using on your face! There are so many good inexpensive exfoliators out there…

    Neutrogena Grapefruit Microbead Exfoliator
    Biore Warming Blackhead Cleanser/ Exfoliator
    Clinique Daily Scrub

    to name a few! Please please please consider these, you have such pretty skin you don’t want to tear it up!!

  • Tracy December 15, 2009, 2:01 pm

    OMG I almost died when I read this post!! You freakin’ rock!!! hahaha! I can relate on many things, such as showering really late in the day and wearing sweats all the time. I run our business from home, so there’s not ever much motivation to get ready until we need to go somewhere LOL…But I am determined to become more of a morning person. It feels good when I’m all done up and ready to go at the start of the day; it’s just the DOING it part that I need to work on.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 15, 2009, 2:02 pm

    I am definitely a minimalist. I only wear make up when I’m going “out” and don’t shave nearly as often as I should (haha). But I do wash my face twice a day, brush, floss, etc. I shower every other day though 😉

  • Kelly December 15, 2009, 2:15 pm

    Until recently I was even more of a minimalist than you. I never wore makeup or even did my hair. I love the curly look and just left it that way. My sister pulled me out of the 80s kicking and screaming. Now since I spent $18 on mascara (Tarte) I am making myself wear it every day. Why are vegan products so darn expensive? I even flat iron my hair now during the week. On the weekends I’m back to plain old beautiful Kelly…no make up and no crap in my hair. I agree with Susan (#30) I have no clue how to use half the stuff and it all scares me. Mascara and lip gloss is as far as I go (for now). I do wash my face twice a day..once in the shower and once to take off that really expensive mascara. I am on the hunt for inexpensive natural & organic beauty products. I love the comment about olive oil as a makeup remover. I’m so trying that.

  • Hethir December 15, 2009, 2:45 pm

    wow. A ton of comments on this one. Yes, I am a minimalist and I work from home also. I think that makes it so easy to not do all the girlie things most women do. There is no one to see it until hubby gets home. Way into my skin care though. I purposely make sure to get dressed every morning and do my hair, which is easy as it is a really short pixie cut.

  • Laura December 15, 2009, 4:14 pm

    I use raw local honey as a facial cleanser. I read about it in an artical or blog once and thought “hey why not try it”. a year and a half later, my skin is the best it’s ever been.
    I also use raw sugar as a scrub. It’s a bit much for my face most of the time but it’s perfect for scrubbing legs, knees, feet, elbows. Makes me all soft and smooth 🙂

  • Cindy December 15, 2009, 4:45 pm

    When I work during the week I do my hair (wash and blow dry quick, brush and that is it) and makeup (Bare Minerals foundation w/SPF, eyeshadow, liner, mascara). On days I don’t work or on the weekends I’m in sweats or gym clothes and don’t shower until after the gym. I try to be as minimal as possible on the weekends. I shave far less frequently in winter than in summer, maybe once a week if that. I live in the NE so it totally is not worth it in the winter. I try to moisturize frequently since my skin is SO dry but I get lazy. I do color my hair with Natural Instincts every 6 weeks or so since it is growing in all grey now. 🙁

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) December 15, 2009, 5:28 pm

    OMG I can SO relate to this….ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I used to have a long routine when I worked out of the house, now I can barely be bothered to blow dry my hair these days or put on a dab of make up. Some days I clean myself up before eric gets home because I am such a mess from baking all day and I have oats stuck to my clothes. LOL

  • Nicole December 15, 2009, 5:29 pm

    Definitely a minimalist. I only wear mascara and a little powder for makeup. I use Pro-Active to wash my face twice a day, but after realizing that it is what has been bleaching my towels, I want to find an alternative. I’m not too comfortable using a product that bleaches my towels on my precious skin!

  • Alison December 15, 2009, 5:47 pm

    My best tip is: always wash your brushes/change your sponges! A lot of people think they have “bad skin” or say “this product breaks me out” but really it’s because every day they are spreading the same filth and germs all over their face! (My best friend is an esthetician – she recommends shampooing and disinfecting.)

  • Jordan December 15, 2009, 8:47 pm

    I’m mostly a beauty minimalist. I have very sensitive skin, and I have to be careful about the facial cleanser and lotion that I use. I do stick with sensitive skin versions from the drugstore…and Burt’s Bees products if the bank account can handle them. Can’t wash my face in the shower or my face will dry out. In the winter, my skin is dry but still breaks out! It’s maddening.

    For makeup, I use a bit of concealer, liquid powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow and Burt’s Bees chapstick. I swear by their Herbal Blemish Stick.

  • whitney December 15, 2009, 9:48 pm

    I am a 100% beauty minimalist. I rarely wear make up out, sweat pants are a necessary in my life and I wear them almost every day. I rarley care what my hair looks like, I have horrible style so I never know what to buy. I do however wash my face with pro active because I was having severe break out issues since the summer. I don’t have any fun products and I don’t really do much for myself in the beauty department but I am working on it.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 15, 2009, 10:25 pm

    I will not go to bed without washing my face with cleanser every night. I use something organic, and then in the morning before putting my makeup on I moisturize with DermaE Tea Tree and E cream. It is wonderful!

    I also brush my teeth at least twice a day, and floss sometimes 🙂

  • maria December 15, 2009, 10:48 pm

    I am 100% a minimalist. I forget to do the basic stuff sometimes and that is so bad! I like your bedside idea. It’s a great one!

  • Jenny December 15, 2009, 11:24 pm

    Definitely not a minimalist – I’m pretty rigid about my face washing/lotioning routine – but everyone has their things! What are those juice products? I think I saw those on Gina’s website too?

  • LadyLara December 15, 2009, 11:50 pm

    I love makeup and I own a ton! I’m most obsessed with sunscreen, though. Most of the sunscreens out there don’t prevent wrinkles or skin cancer, look into it! Personally I love Clinique City Block, it contains high % of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.

    Caitlin you mention plucking every other day, I think you could hold off on plucking and take a swing at reshaping your brows! This is a great diagram: http://www.mpiclinic.com/eyebrows/shapingtips.htm

  • Jess December 16, 2009, 3:16 am

    I’m the lowest maintenance person ever. I believe in natural beauty and am really just a big hippie at heart. I concentrate almost all my beauty efforts on clothing and accessories and even that is often minimal.

    I don’t wash my face, use moisturizer or wear makeup (except for special occasions). I never brush, blowdry or style my hair (it’s wavy and I’ve got no hairstyling skillz so it looks better if I just let it dry naturally). I shave, but pretty irregularly and I don’t think I’ve done my nails since I was in high school.

    It’s weird because I really do like makeup and hair on an artistic level but for the most part I don’t think they’re important to how I view myself so I never think to worry about them.

  • Amy December 16, 2009, 4:30 am

    🙂 I work from home too and I while it’s pretty awesome to sit around in my Pjs all day, I always make sure I shower within an hour or two of getting out of bed 🙂 This puts an end to the quizzical looks from delivery men who I bet were wondering why a 20-something girl was still in her pyjamas at 3pm.
    My only other beauty regime is moisturise! I only use mineral makeup and natural products that don’t contain any nasties, but apart from that I’m a simple girl.
    I love reading your blog and it’s really making me think that I should start running (once the Australian summer is over though, otherwise I may pass out 🙂 )

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