This post has been updated now that I live in Florida & wear sunscreen every day
This post started because I kept adding product updates to the bottom of another roundup about our home and personal care items, and readers had trouble finding the info. Rather than bury these favorites, I pulled them into this dedicated post so they’re easier to reference and update.
Hair/Shower Stuff
My current go-to shampoo and conditioner work great for my hair, and I use a curl cream right out of the shower to tame frizz and define curls—this has been a game changer for my thick hair whether it’s curly or straight. For body wash I use a large bottle that lasts for months, and I often use conditioner as shave gel.
I also love a gentle deep pore scrub that exfoliates with soft beads and leaves skin smooth; I use it 1–2 times a week on my face in the shower. Occasionally I apply pure coconut oil as a deep hair conditioner or mask—just be sure to rinse thoroughly with shampoo so hair doesn’t stay greasy.
My Makeup
This is essentially all the makeup I use regularly. I keep it simple: bronzer applied with a big brush, concealer under the eyes when needed, a shimmering powder under the cheekbones, and a cream highlighter along cheekbones and under brows blended gently. I use a brown eyeshadow on lids and lightly in the brows to add subtle depth, and a lighter shade under the brows to blend with the highlighter.
I curl my lashes, add a bit of black liner (I’m not great at applying it, but it helps define the eye), and finish with mascara—this one gives dramatic results that often prompt compliments. For brows I use a tinted brow grooming product that looks very natural yet makes a big difference; some days I only wear that with lip balm and a touch of mascara and feel polished.
My everyday lip product is classic balm—nothing flashy. I also keep my favorite tweezers and nail clippers in my makeup pouch for quick grooming.
Face Stuff / Skin Routine
I don’t use traditional toners, makeup removers, eye creams, or face washes. I’m not a dermatologist, just sharing what works for me; my dermatologist has said my skin looks happy. I rely on three simple, mostly natural products: high-quality apple cider vinegar with the “mother,” pure organic coconut oil, and a cucumber witch hazel facial mist. Together they cover cleansing, moisturizing, and toning for my routine.
Coconut oil doubles as a body lotion, face moisturizer, and makeup remover. I apply a small amount to my face about 30 minutes before bed; it soaks in without staining pillowcases and helps hydrate and soften skin. I’ve found it doesn’t cause breakouts and may even help reduce blackheads thanks to its natural antibacterial properties.
Regarding wrinkles: I do have them, but nightly coconut oil has made my skin feel more hydrated and plump, which softens the appearance of fine lines. It’s a straightforward, inexpensive step that works for me.
My Nightly Skin Routine
At night I usually rub a light layer of organic coconut oil into my face as I would any moisturizer. It also removes makeup when used like a cold cream and wiped away with a warm, damp washcloth. If I feel dry after that, I add a tiny bit more oil. Since moving to Florida and using sunscreen daily, I’ve added retinol and a lactic acid treatment some evenings: coconut oil when needed for dryness or makeup removal, then the retinol and lactic acid afterward on nights I use them. I still avoid traditional cleansers and exfoliating scrubs, as those tend to irritate my skin.
If coconut oil isn’t removing all makeup for you, gentle makeup wipes are a good, non-irritating alternative some people prefer for quick removal.
My Daily Morning Routine
In the morning I use a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse as a light toner/cleanser—about half water and half ACV. I keep a small container pre-mixed for convenience, dip a cotton ball, and wipe my face while making tea. The goal is a light coating that dries without a strong smell; dilute more if needed. This helps clarify skin and reduce blackheads and breakouts.
After the ACV dries I mist a cucumber witch hazel toner across my face—it smells nice and has helped with occasional adult acne. I also use a Vitamin C serum in the morning, sometimes paired with a jade roller to help absorption and feel cooling. A caffeine eye product helps reduce puffiness.
Finally, I apply a thin layer of sunscreen that dries matte and won’t clog pores, and I often finish with a hydrating stick on dehydrated spots to plump fine lines and add a subtle glow without shimmer.
Once A Week Stuff I Love
Once a week I microneedle in the evening with a gentle device to help improve skin texture and firmness; it feels like light exfoliation. I sanitize the tool after each use and currently apply coconut oil afterward, though serums intended for post-needling can also be used. On a different night each week I shave my face with a gentle tool to remove peach fuzz and slough off dead skin, leaving the surface baby-smooth.
I also use a clay mask about once a week, usually a few days after microneedling. It softens skin and helps with acne when mixed with water or a little apple cider vinegar.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove A Skin Tag
A cotton ball soaked in undiluted apple cider vinegar held against a skin tag a few minutes a day for several days can cause the tag to fall off. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so test a small area first and dilute if it feels too intense. Mild redness for a short time is normal for some people. I’ve had success with this method myself, but proceed cautiously and stop if it causes significant irritation.
If you want to see these routines in action, there are short video clips and stories I’ve shared that show microneedling, jade rolling, and other steps. This post focuses on the simple products and routines I rely on most—straightforward, mostly natural choices that fit into a busy life.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.