My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

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2018 Update: See my updated skincare routine, here

In the fall of last year, I shared about my current (at the time) skincare routine. I’ve received many requests from readers to share my all-natural spring and summer routine, so let’s chat about the natural skincare products I’m currently using.

Just as our nutritional needs change with the seasons (heartier meals in the winter and lighter fare in the summer), I believe it’s also important to nourish our skin seasonally. For example: My family lives in Florida, which means we basically have two seasons: hot and hotter, or humid and unbearably humid. And then there’s strawberry season, so technically we have three unconventional seasons. In the fall, I find that my skin needs more hydration and moisture. During the spring and summer, when my skin is already saturated thanks to the unbearable humidity, lighter products are ideal.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

You’ll notice in my routine that some products are made in my own messy kitchen (yep, that messy one in the picture above), and some are purchased from the store. Enjoying an all-natural skincare routine doesn’t mean you must make everything at home; rather, it’s about using products that are made with quality, pronounceable ingredients that work for your skin, your time, and your budget.

My All-Natural Spring and Summer Skincare Routine

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

My Morning Routine

My morning routine hasn’t changed since the fall and winter seasons. I still keep my morning routine simple, especially since my focus in the early morning is on getting the kids to school, packing lunches, and making breakfast.

Upon waking, I take a shower and rinse my face with water. I wash my body with castile soap. That’s it! I still use a store-bought shampoo and conditioner (I’m currently using Acure Shampoo and Conditioner). There are days when time doesn’t allow me to wash my hair, so I use a dry shampoo.

For body lotion, I’m still using Everyday Shea. I love my homemade lotion recipe on the blog, but at the moment I know a decent store-bought lotion exists so my time is better spent elsewhere.

My skin faced a lot of issues in the past, so I still have a few scars that need to be lightly covered with foundation if I’m going out for a work trip, date night, etc. I currently use this skin care routine.

My Evening Routine

My evening routine involves a three step process (think: Clinique goes homemade), and it’s pretty much the same routine from the fall and winter, just with a few product changes.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

Step One: Aloe and Honey Facial Cleanser

After tucking the kids into bed, I rinse my face with water and massage my face with an aloe and honey cleanser. Then, I use my Clarisonic Mia for about a minute over the cleanser and my face. After using the Clarisonic, I rinse my face with a wet wipe. I’m still in love with these wipes for facial cleansing.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

Step Two: Rose Water Toner

Next, I move on to a homemade toner using rose water and witch hazel. I still love my apple cider vinegar toner, but I also love smelling like roses versus salad dressing each night. Dustin loves the change, too.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

Step Three: Moisturizer 

Finally, before I go to bed, I use a moisturizer. I was using my Vitamin C Serum before moisturizing each night, but I lost my momentum with this after traveling. I plan to start using the serum again, but for now, I’m just using a moisturizer.

I’ve been using an oil moisturizer since the fall. I’ve been concerned that the oil moisturizer might be too heavy during the hot-hot-hot summer months. For the past month, I decided to try a lighter oil (sweet almond oil) and mix it with a bit of aloe vera gel. This is similar to mixing oil and water, so every night I must vigorously shake the little bottle before applying a small amount of moisturizer to my face. So far, it’s working beautifully! I plan to share the “recipe” on the blog soon.

Other Skincare Products I’m Using

My skincare routine goes beyond washing my face, so let’s chat about a few of my favorite products for shaving, removing makeup, washing makeup brushes (such a disgusting and rewarding activity), and more…

Honey and Aloe Exfoliator 

Once a week I exfoliate my skin during my morning shower. My exfoliator recipe basically uses the same ingredients as my face wash (honey, aloe, and oil) with the addition of sugar for an exfoliating effect. I love how my skin feels after using this exfoliator: soft and clean.

Cleansing Mask

During the super hot months I tend to sweat A LOT, so I use a cleansing mask once a month. Right now, I’m using a combination of bentonite clay, honey, and aloe vera (recipe).

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

Eye Makeup Remover Balm

I’m OBSESSED with my makeup remover balm at the moment. If you’re looking for a gentle, soothing, and effective makeup remover, look no further than this little jar of oil and beeswax. I use this makeup remover every night (if I’m wearing makeup) to remove my mascara. I simply scoop a teeny tiny amount on a cotton ball, and then gently wipe away my eye makeup.

Makeup Brush Cleaner

I try to clean my makeup brushes and Clarisonic brush head every few weeks. I’m currently making my makeup remover as needed versus in a larger batch. To do this, I simply combine witch hazel, castile soap, a bit of oil, and water. I let the brushes soak for a few minutes, and then rinse them off.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

Shaving Cream

For a long time, I simply used water to shave my legs, and I was quite happy with the results. After many requests from readers asking for a shaving cream, I spent months working on a shaving cream that actually worked on my legs without clogging my razors. Finally, a homemade shaving cream was “born” in my kitchen. I’ve been using this shaving cream once a week for several months now.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

Sunscreen

I don’t use sunscreen on a daily basis. During the summertime we visit the beach frequently, which means the hot Florida sun beats down on our skin. I’ve been using BeautyCounter’s sunscreen when we’re in the sun for a prolonged period of time.

Deodorant

Finally, let’s chat about the most important tool in my spring and summer skincare toolbox: deodorant! I know how to make deodorant, and even shared my recipe on the blog, but this is one of the products that I’m purchasing from the store at the moment. The reason? Time. Right now, I have to prioritize what to buy versus make, and since a great store-bought deodorant exists (Primal Pit Paste), I’ve decided to spend my time making products that I can’t find at the store.

My spring and summer skincare routine isn't too different than my fall routine. Find out what I use and if it would work for you.

There it is, my friend, my current skincare routine in all her simple and natural glory!

Just because this skincare routine works for my skin, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. We all have different skin types and live in different environments. I hope today’s post encourages you to find a routine that works for you, one that’s simple and natural!

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12 Comments

  1. Hi Kristen,
    I am using your recipes for my skin. I would like to know how to keep my raw honey from crystallizing ? I buy a little bit in advance to have on hand for my face wash but it ends up going like sugar on me is there a way to prevent this?
    I love your natural products and lifestyle, I believe we have to do as much for ourselves as possible, we are Lready bombarded with chemicals and hormones in our food and who knows what is in our water. Thank you for doing what you are doing. Laura

    1. Hey Laura, I haven’t found anything that prevents honey from crystallizing. I have noticed a few things that seem to speed up the crystallization process for my honey: 1. dramatic changes in temperature. If our house goes from being really warm to cold on a continual basis. 2. If I keep the honey is a plastic bottle (which it normally comes in).
      Honey lasts forever, so it’s just frustrating to see it crystalize. You can put the jar of honey (if it’s glass) in a pot of hot water to help it return back to a liquid form.

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes and blog :).

  2. I keep hearing such good things about apple cider vinegar toner, I really have to try it! I keep my routine pretty natural though I don’t make anything myself. I found this skin care line I love out of Japan (but available everywhere) called Yu-Be and it has just a handful of simple ingredients. A little goes a long way (I use the moisturizing skin cream every morning and evening and the Foaming Skin Polish three times a week) and is super effective.

    1. Awesome, Catie! I’ll have to check out that brand. Despite the smell of the vinegar ;), I absolutely love this toner. I can’t wait to hear what you think.

  3. I’m impressed that you are able to keep your skin care routine all natural. I get frequent breakouts, so I have to add a few products that don’t contain natural ingredients. I’ve also been meaning to visit the spa for a facial soon too. I’ll have to ask what sort of products they use there.

    1. Hey Kairi, Thanks, I’ve definitely found it’s possible to use natural products on my skin, it’s just taken some tweaking and trials. I’ve also been able to find a couple of local spas in our area that offer treatments with natural products, which is wonderful!

  4. I made your face wash, toner, vit c serum and the oil moisturizer. I love my skin how it feels and like. I get compliments from co-workers. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Thank you for this. Over the years i had major skin issues snd reactions to cream and i learned to simplify my routine but in the past 2-3 months or so i was draged to 2 different direct sale skin care companies and both were duggesting using many steps process with up to 9 different products! Telling me i needed this and that. Bith tome reading your blog put me back on the right track i don’t need all of this!

  6. Hi Kristin,

    I have just stumbled upon your blog and love it very much. I am transitioning from ‘store-bought’ to home-made cosmetics, creams and lotions and it is so much fun. Thank you for sharing your recipes!! Your family is lovely!!!
    Thank you!

    Love from Canada!

  7. My skin care routine is, in morning after washing my face, I used to apply an anti aging moisturizer serum. This way, the vitamins and the antioxidants can be directly absorbed by the skin and then smooth a generous amount of sunscreen over my entire face. But inspires me a lot to do more 🙂