I was just browsing through my own blog the other day and wondered why there isn’t any post about girly things like beauty or hair or makeup. You’d think you’d find such posts on a girl’s blog, right?
Well, I decided to remedy that with this post.
First, a confession. I am no beauty expert by any stretch of imagination. I am very very lazy when it comes to taking care of myself. Until I got married, I didn’t know how to apply lipstick properly. (My dear Bhabhi taught me that.) I can apply Kajal very well, but eye liner beats me. I can’t draw the curve with it. Haven’t tried mascara, but that’s on my list to try someday. (Not in a hurry here, though.)
But there’s always been one thing people compliment me on. My skin. Yes, I admit, most of its goodness is thanks to my parents / my genes. But I do have a very simple skin routine that I try and follow on most days. I have observed good results when I do follow it vs when I don’t. So that’s what I am going to share with you all today.
Just like most other recipes / crafts on this blog, you can trust this one is going to be simple and easy. It just involves two steps in the morning and two at night. I’m listing my current favorite products too, but you can substitute those for yours. Ready? Here you go:
-:Day time:-
Step 1: Wash with a gentle face wash. I used to apply soap on my face until a few years ago. I switched to face wash for the sheer convenience of it and because coming from a tube, it feels more clean than a soap which has been out in the open all day.
I am not particular about any brand, but while I was in India I liked the one above from Himalaya.
I recently have switched to Pond’s daily face wash and it is kinda okay.
Before Pond’s I used Olay foaming face wash and really liked that.
Step 2: Moisturize and sun-protect. I like to use very few products on my skin, so I always go for a day moisturizer which has sun protection. Currently I am using this one from Olay and liking it a lot.
Other than the face wash and moisturizer / sun-protection cream, I apply Sindoor, sometimes a light color lipstick and Kajal on my face. That’s all. I don’t feel the need to apply anything else. If my skin feels dry during the day, I use a travel size moisturizer that I like to keep handy. Currently I am using this one from Aveeno
:
Night time:
Step 1: After I brush at night, I like to take a couple minutes to scrub my face. It feels so good. You have to try it!
I think when it comes to facial scrubs, I am partial to walnut / apricot ones. Currently I am using this one from St Ives
.
I’ve also used this one from Equate and liked it.
Step 2: Apply some moisturizing / rejuvenating cream.
I like the L’Oreal night cream I am currently using. In the past, I have also used Aveeno moisturizer. But my skin just *feels* better when I use the night cream.
I have also noticed that the more regular I am, with getting on the treadmill, drinking plenty of water and taking multi-vitamins; the better I feel overall and it shows in my skin too.
As mommies, most of us battle guilt when we take care of ourselves. I know, I do. Elaborate mani-pedi sessions or facial treatment sessions always leave me questioning myself whether it is really worth it or I should be spending that time with my kids. That’s part of the reason why I’ve reduced the task of “taking care of my skin” to a bare minimum. It works for me.
I hope this helps you and inspires you to take care of yourself without feeling guilty!
With much love, ~Varada
