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2018 Update: See my updated skincare routine, here.
Since starting this little online space over two and a half years ago, I’ve shared a number of DIY recipes here on Live Simply; everything from cleaning solutions to personal skincare products. Due to the number of homemade recipes on the blog, I often receive blog comments and emails asking what I personally make and use for my daily home and skincare needs. Today, my plan is to show you exactly what I’m using for my fall skincare needs.
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 me, this means transitioning my facial cleanser from a soap-based sudsy cleanser to a gentle cleanser made with aloe and honey. Other factors also play into my natural skincare routine at the moment: 1) the time I have available to make products and the ones I feel most strongly about making 2) ingredients I currently have in my pantry or “medicine” cabinet that agree with my skin.
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!
My All-Natural Fall Skincare Routine
My Morning Routine
I keep my morning routine simple these days. Upon waking, I take a shower and rinse my face with water. I wash my body with castile soap (I love my homemade body wash recipes, but right now my time has been spent making other homemade products). That’s it! I still use a store-bought shampoo and conditioner since I haven’t been able to find or make homemade versions that work. Just being honest, friend.
For body lotion, I’m currently 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 Evening Routine
My evening routine involves a three step process (think: Clinique goes homemade).
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. The cleanser is washed off using a wet wipe (I’m in love with these wipes for facial cleansing!).
Step Two: Apple Cider Vinegar Astringent/Toner
Next, I move on to balancing my skin’s pH with apple cider vinegar. Since apple cider vinegar is strong stuff it must be diluted.
Step Three: Moisturizer
I use a simple blend of aloe and almond oil on my skin. This solution takes one minute to make, and it lasts for months! Previously, I was using this argan oil moisturizer (pictured), which is also fabulous, but it became a bit heavy for the Florida heat.
Simplicity at its finest, my friend. A homemade skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, just effective.
I really love your blog and feels so good to hear you’re loving Live Simply. Aloe and Honey are my personal favorite face cleanser that I apply on my face regularly. It is good for skin and also helps cure acne.
That’s great, Emmaackermann!
Hey thank you so much these are totally natural and helps lot for me.
Hey Kristin your natural skin care routine is really inspiring and awesome. It is all good to know that you have been using natural ingredients to manage your skin issues.
Thank you, Christina.
Hi Kristin, I have just discovered your blog and I am already loving it! I can’t wait to try the skincare recipes, I wanted to start making my own for a while and I thought it would be complicated until I discovered your blog, so really excited about it!
Hey Elia, Welcome to Live Simply! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog. Let me know if you have any questions :).
There should be a lot of post like this. DIYS are really nice as good as Solvaderm but as usual DIYs should be researched a couple of times before being tried upon. Honey is also good for the skin as it will really revitalize your skin
Thank you, Sheila Nico!
Thanks for sharing your skin care routine us. Good to know that you’re using all natural ingredients for your skin. Loving the aloe and honey face cleanser. The result will truly be great.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the aloe and honey face cleanser!
Hi Kristin!
I love your blog! So helpful!
I was wondering where did you get your adorable wooden spoon?!?
I also was wondering what shampoo do you recommend? I am having trouble finding one I like.
Thank you! ????
Hey Sabrina, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog!
The wooden spoon came from a local herbal shop. I believe HomeGoods occasionally sells similar products.
For shampoo, I really like a brand called EveryDay Shea. It’s not 100% perfect (when it comes to ingredients), but it’s much better than the majority of shampoos and conditioners on the market.
HI Kristin! I just wondered if you planned to make a post for a spring/summer skincare routine? I have been oil-cleansing all winter and my skin LOVED it, but now that it’s getting warmer and with all the moisture in the air from rain, I’m finding my skin is getting too oily and I’m starting to breakout again. I realize our skin and bodies need different things in different seasons, and I would really love some advice on what to use on my face during warmer months. Thanks!
Hey Becky, I’ve actually been thinking about writing an updated post. I’m glad you brought it up!
Right now, my plan is to stick with the honey and aloe cleanser. I absolutely love that cleanser, and have been very happy with the end result even with the warm weather we’ve been enjoying in Florida. I switched to a rose water toner, which I’ve been using for a couple of months. I love the ACV toner, but I’m really enjoying the floral scent for spring and summer. For a moisturizer, I’ve been using a couple of drops of moisturizing oil on my face. I’m not sure if I’ll continue this during the hottest months in the summer, but for now, I’m enjoying the moisture. I usually wear foundation powder, so I’m not sure if the powder helps absorb any extra oil and keeps my face from feeing greasy–maybe?
Thank you for the suggestion and motivation to write that post. I’ll get to work on it!
Hello. So I just found this blog, I’m so glad I did. So I’m trying to swap everything out for myself and kids. I looked on etsy for all natural body, lotions, home remedies etc.. But it ends up being super pricy and having 5 kids ages 3 months – 8 years old. I decided maybe start doing my own to save money. Anyway I’m looking through all the diy beauty and it doesn’t really say but which are best for dry and sensitive for skincare routine? I live in San Francisco so weather over is bi-polar.
Hey May, For the most part, the recipes on the blog should work for various skin types (except when it comes to an oil moisturizer–then you’ll need to research which oils are best for dry skin). Honey, castile soap, aloe, and the oils used in most of the recipes are all very gentle. I’m excited for your new journey!
I have acne. As I have gotten older, I have had more whiteheads and blackheads than zits though I occasionally get those too. I have tried hundreds of products from medication to natural. If you have any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. I am also starting to get more body acne which frankly I think is worse than having it on my face.
Hey Emily, I would definitely try the aloe and honey cleanser. Honey is very soothing and should help with the acne. And using a toner, like the apple cider vinegar or a rose water/witch hazel toner may help, too. I’ve also found the Clarisonic paired with a homemade cleanser (like the honey and aloe cleanser) is really helpful!
I just wanted to tell you that I discovered your page a few hours ago and I’m HOOKED! I’ve been wanting to start making my own skin care products, but there are so many conflicting sites and bits of information out there that I’ve been having a hard time getting started. You seem to have everything I need in one place! I’m looking forward to getting started!
Hey Lacey, Welcome to Live Simply! I’m so glad you’re finding the skincare information you’ve been looking for…yay!! I agree, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there on the web that can lead to a lot of confusion. I truly believe natural skincare should be simple, and strive to present this philosophy through the posts on Live Simply :).
Hi there! Wondering if you have since found an all natural shampoo that you like? If not, this stuff is the BOMB. They make it with only the best ingredients, and it smells heavenly!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/236987267/natural-non-toxic-hair-care-set-new-size?ref=shop_home_active_1
Thanks so much, Haley. I’ll check it out!
Hi there. I live in a tropical country. Will this aloe vera and honey cleanser work for me? We also grow aloe vera here so is it okay to use fresh aloe vera instead? How long will these mixture last if I use fresh aloe vera then?
PS I like your blog 🙂
Hey Jaye, I live in Florida which is pretty tropical, and I love the cleanser! Fresh aloe would be amazing in the cleanser. You’ll want to keep the mixture in the fridge (if possible) and reduce the recipe by half so you’re making a new batch weekly. If refrigeration isn’t an option, I recommend making a small amount every couple of days to keep it from spoiling.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Live Simply!
Do you wear a sunscreen everyday, after you apply your moisturizer? Could you suggest a good one to use? Sunscreen is must here in Texas!
Hey Nicole, I don’t wear sunscreen, except when we go to the beach or a park for extended hours. Here’s a guide from the EWG for the best store-bought sunscreen products: http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/?tag=2012SunscreenAd&gclid=CJytxZ-5s8kCFVcbgQodqvkDxw.
Hi Kristin!! I love your blog.
I haven’t used a serum, and I’m wondering… does it leave your face feeling oily? Are you able to apply a powder after? I’m trying to imagine doing this in my head and my brush is getting oily 🙂
Hey Brianna, The oils in this serum will quickly absorb into the skin, so after just a few minutes there shouldn’t be an oily residue left on your face. I use a serum many times before applying my foundation powder without any issue with the brush picking up oily residue :). Just wait a few minutes (about ten or so) before applying makeup :).
Thanks for sharing this. I love that you mentioned that after you put the kids to bed, you do this routine. I don’t– I wait until right before bed, but half the time it doesn’t get done because I’m so tired (so bad, I know!). Maybe I’ll try to work mine in after I put my boy to sleep. And, I’ve been wanting to try acv as a toner forevah! I just checked out the “recipe”– looks awesome and thorough. Thanks, Kristin!
I totally understand, Katie! I was doing that for a while, too. I think you’ll love the ACV toner/astringent–it’s my favorite natural product!!
I really love this post! So many great ideas. I need to try out the aloe & honey facial cleanser. It sounds wonderful. I love how simple and effective skin care can be with natural ingredients.
Thank you, Donna! It’s so true–there’s so much beauty and simplicity in natural ingredients. I think you’ll love the honey and aloe cleanser!!
1. Your photos are to die for. Love this post for that.
2. I totally want to try this now. I’ve been obsessed with apple cider vinegar in my food and for home remedies but now I need to add it to my skincare routine for sure.
3. I use the Clinique 3 step so that makes it easy for me to switch. Really cool, love this.
Hey Marina, Thank you so much!
Yep, vinegar is a pretty amazing natural product!! Enjoy!!
Your blog and youtube channel are so freaking incredible. I love what your doing and i just found you about 10 minutes ago. never stop! Everything id like to be when im your age. besides my mom of coarse. haha
Hey Kayla, Thank you so much. It’s so great to hear you’re loving Live Simply! 🙂