my day + night clean skincare routine

YOU KNOW I LOVE my clean skincare. Aside from the obvious benefits to my skin and body, I also just love opening up a brand new bottle or jar of some gorgeous elixir and taking in the color, texture and smell of it, like an exotic spice you’ve never cooked with before [this is why the Beauty Heroes Discovery or Detox Box is magic]. There are a growing number of really notable clean beauty brands that have spent countless intentional hours, months and years researching and developing products that harness the inherent natural benefits of super powerful plants around the globe to target specific skin concerns and there is def no longer a feeling that you’re ‘settling’ with clean beauty - it performs as well or better than the toxic stuff out there with the added bonus of eliminating the yuck and actively working toward sustainability. A total win-win of the best kind.

HOWEVER, IT can be super confusing to know when to use all that stuff and which products you actually ‘need.’ While the need part is entirely personal to your skin concerns [and 100% up for debate], the order of operations does have a bit of rhyme + reason behind it and you want to make sure you’re getting the max benefit from those gorgeous [often expensive] elixirs that have been so carefully crafted. So I’ve put together a little peek into my own skincare routine for you, with the products I’m currently loving, the order in which I use them and why in hopes that it might clear up some questions.

IN GENERAL, despite my deep love of skincare products, the less you can get away with doing to your face, the better. Just like with anything else in your body, adding a few things to enhance its miraculous natural function is magic, but if you overdo it, your body might fight back and so will your skin. It’s a lesson I’ve learned SOOO MANY times. It can be hard to resist the urge to use ALL the stuff, especially when things are off balance, but your skin [and body] will thank you for using a bit of restraint. That said, everyone’s tolerance is obvs different and if your skin loves ALL the stuff, then totally go for it. If you’re a person whose skin likes almost none of the stuff [been there], you already know about that restraint and should find the few things that are serious powerhouses for you and stick with them.

I HAVE been using the same set of products for quite a while now and I have a good, effective routine down [which in no way keeps me from trying other beautiful things]. Lovelies, as always, I am obvs not a skincare professional and have learned these things from both trial + error and from reading a lot about skin health and skincare, because I find it super interesting. As always, if you have questions, do reach out. I love to chat clean beauty and would be so happy to hear what you’re using and loving. Check out the post on My Clean Beauty Favorites for much more on why I adore each of these beautiful products and many others. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My Morning Skincare Routine

STEP 1. CLEANSE
I used to just splash a bit of cool water on my face in the morning, but my aesthetician recently recommended I start cleansing and add an acid to my morning routine and it’s working really well. The Doré Le Cleanser is gentle but really effective. It’s viscous and hydrating and I really love it [and super reasonable].

STEP 2. TONER
I’ve been using Mutha’s Rebirth Amniotic Toner for a bit now and I really like it. The exfoliating combination of AHAs and PHAs are helping to keep my skin even, clear and soft, which is a serious feat in dry dry CO.

STEP 3: MIST
I add a spritz [or 4] of Laurel Hydrating Elixir for good measure. The scent is straight heavenly and it feels super refreshing and nice. The gorgeous single-farm pure hydrosols and other powerful botanicals she uses are too many to list, but I can tell you the slow, intentional effort put into making each batch of Laurel’s specials formulas is so worthwhile.

STEP 3. SERUM
Next comes the protective layer. I’ve been using Maya Chia’s The Super Lift Vitamin C More for a few years and absolutely love it. It’s magic. I’m also loving Mutha’s No 1 Serum Vitamin C, which has a slightly more liquid, silky, hydrating texture that feels super amazing on my skin, especially when it’s parched. It has vitamin c, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and rice kefiran that help protect your skin from environmental damage, even skin tone, reduce lines and on and on… The gist is that both of these powerhouse products [or others like it] set you up for the day to protect your skin from stressors, while actively combating fine lines and hyperpigmentation. I use these two interchangeably. For transparency, Mutha gifted me the No 1 Serum, but I like it well enough to buy it.

STEP 4. MOISTURIZER
I’ve been using and LOVING Alpyn Beauty’s Super Peptide & Ghostberry Barrier Repair Cream for about two years now. I love the silky texture and ‘thickness’ of the cream. It’s formulated with 8 peptides and 5 ceramides and some beautiful botanicals. And there is no overpowering scent [or one at all], which is important to me. I also really like Tata Harper’s Repairative Moisturizer. It’s deceptively lightweight for the powerful moisturizing punch it delivers.

STEP 5. SUNCSCREEN
I use it every day, no matter the weather or what’s on my calendar. Even if you’re just sitting in front of your glaring computer screen all day, sunscreen will help protect you from the skin-damaging light that it emits, too. I searched for YEARS for a clean sunscreen that I love and recently fell hard for TWO of them [yay!]. I use Tower28’s Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen and Le Prunier’s Plumscreen interchangeably depending on whether I care about having the tint.

The Sunny Days is super reasonably priced, broad spectrum, designed for sensitive skin and has really nice light coverage that just evens everything out. I’ve sweated in it and it’s been great. If I know I’m gonna get super duper sweaty [like running in 90-degree heat sweaty] than I personally opt for no tint. And while this tinted version is WAY cleaner than the one I was using for years, there are still a few ingredients in it that I don’t love [ex. I try to avoid Phenoxyethanol], so I’ll keep exploring, but this is def ‘better’ and I LOVE it for now.

The Plumscreen is def on the more expensive side, but it lasts me forever. It’s broad spectrum, SO silky smooth, leaves zero white cast, doesn’t smell sunscreen-y and feels super hydrating. I sometimes foist it on my teenage sons and it’s magic for them, too.

STEP 6. LIPS + PITS
I put a luscious little swipe of Alpyn Beauty’s Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Mask on the lips and some Salt & Stone Neroli & Basil in the pits [for obvious reasons].

STEP 7. SCENT
A little spritz of gorgeous Liis Bo or Vyrao The Sixth and I’m off.

My Nighttime Skincare Routine

STEP 1. CLEANSE
I have learned over time that I need a little exfoliation just about every night to keep my maturing skin happy. I’m in big heart LOVE with Maya Chia’s Meringue Melt, it’s incredibly silky, plush and protective all while it uses a combination of 3 exfoliants [chemical, enzymatic and physical] to clear away dead, dry cells. Often exfoliating leaves you feeling a bit bare, but this leaves you feeling completely hydrated and smooth and so happy. It’s AH-mazing. I also use and LOVE Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser for super gentle, but very effective exfoliating. It’s one of the most subtle and perfect exfoliants I’ve used and it works really well for my skin. You could also use it as a little mask if regular cleansing with it is too harsh for your skin. I alternate these two cleansers throughout the week with no particular rhyme or reason. If you don’t need to exfoliate as often [or your skin won’t tolerate it] I also love Osea’s Ocean Cleanser and Doré’s Le Cleanser for a simple, but super effective clean. I’ve also started experimenting with double cleansing with One Love Organics’ Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil. I’ve tried oil cleansers before and didn’t love the experience or the results, but this is feeling really good and my skin seems to love it.

STEP 2: RED LIGHT MASK
On the nights when I can squeeze in 10 minutes for my Omnilux, this is where it comes into the process. You want to use it with clean skin. I use mine for 10 minutes a few times a week and it has with ZERO doubt improved my complexion, smoothed fine lines and changed the overall texture and appearance of my skin. It feels a bit painful to shell out $395 for a skincare tool, but when you consider that it costs the same as two facials or a few in-office red light treatments, but you get to use it forever, it becomes a no-brainer. I really love love mine.

STEP 3. MIST
I start AND finish my day with a healthy heavenly cloud of mist and I love a few, but the Laurel Hydrating Elixir and Maya Chia’s The Optimist are at the top of my list. The HA serum that follows this step really needs moisture, so you might as well layer in something gorgeous that’s going to add beautiful value to your skin in so many ways. I’ve also been layering on True Botanicals’ Microbiome Enzyme Essence after the mist. It kind of sounds like a fake product doesn’t it? But it’s really awesome. It’s not a spray, you pat on a few drops day or night, and it feels super soothing and calming and I love it. I love the idea of slathering those active prebiotics right on top and I think it really makes a difference in the hydration and evenness of my skin. You def don’t need both of these steps, but I’m loving the layers right now.

STEP 4. SERUM
If you’ve been follow me for any amount of time, you already know that I LOVE Maya Chia’s The Straight A. It is a magical serum that has changed my skin and I think it’s essential. It combines 3 types of super gentle but powerful retinols with vitamins C and E and some super nourishing botanicals [including their signature chia seeds] to combat hyperpigmentation + fine lines and leave your skin super bright and nourished. Because this is the ‘active’ part of my nightly routine, I apply it first to get the most benefit from it. Use this only at night and make sure to use sunscreen during the day with any retinol product. Sometimes I get curious to try other serums and then always come right back to this because it just works so well for me.

STEP 5. HA SERUM
I’ve been using Osea’s Hyaluronic Sea Serum for a few years now and can’t get over the crazy moisture barrier it creates on my skin. I can still feel it when I rinse my face in the morning and I love it so much. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it’s like a serious moisture magnet and will pull water from anywhere it can [including deeper layers of your skin, so make sure you apply it over hydrating layers]. Hyaluronic acid is already present in your body, but like lots of other things, diminishes as you age, so adding a serum can help plump up lines and wrinkles. It’s also used for scar and wound healing, so might help heal acne scars and other damage on your skin’s surface. I LOVE this stuff and it’s now an essential part of my routine. I also really love the Ursa Major Forest Water Hyaluronic Serum and it’s about 2/3 the price.

STEP 6. MOISTURIZER
I LOVE Maya Chia’s The ARC for nighttime [and often daytime, too]. The ARC [Advanced Response Complex] is a crazy potent combo of amino acids, peptides and antioxidants that come together to address just about all of your possible concerns and it feels super nourishing and smooth. My skin soaks this stuff up any season of the year. It’s designed for nighttime use, but I use it many mornings, too, because my skin can handle it and it’s just goodness. I will say that I don’t love the packaging it comes in [the dispenser sometimes craps out on me and I wish they’d just use glass], BUT I love it so much that I overlook this inconvenience and use it anyway. It’s just that good. Alpyn Beauty’s Super Peptide & Ghostberry Barrier Repair Cream is also a perfect choice for day or night and is exactly half the price. I use them interchangeably .

STEP 7. OIL
Essentialist’s Daily Renewal Facial Oil is the last step in my routine. Face oils seem to confuse people most as far as timing and functionality and I totally get it. I was scared to try it, too, thinking like lots of people do, that it was just a greasy and weird layer that I didn’t need. BUT it is neither of those things and has really changed the texture and quality of my skin. Face oil is NOT a moisturizer and unlike the HA, it’s not a humectant that pulls in moisture, either. A face oil’s job is to keep the moisture you already have locked in like a little seal. Which is why it’s most effective as the last step in your skincare routine, on TOP of your moisturizer [it’s called an ‘occlusive’ if you want to nerd out with me]. If you want to be a ‘glazed donut’ at bedtime, this is the step you don’t want to skip. I’ve tried several face oils and always come back to Essentialist’s. It’s super natural, not at all oily and makes a huge difference in the texture of my skin, especially in the driest months. LOVE it.

STEP 8. EYES + LIPS
I slather on Alpyn Beauty’s Instant Bright Eye as the last step in my highly skincare regimen. It’s really nourishing and moisturizing and doesn’t bother my sensitive eyes at all. It’s the best eye cream product I’ve used and I love it. I sometimes dab on a bit in the morning, too. As for lips, I love several lip products right now, which is rare because I’m pretty fussy about them [I don’t want them to smell or taste like anything, be sticky or make my lips dryer than when I started]. My top 4 are Alpyn Beauty’s Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Mask, Tower28’s SOS Lip Softie [I have one in my car, bag, pocket…], Ilia’s Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment and Poppy & Pout Lip Balm. I love and use all of them interchangeably and carry one or more of them everywhere I go [see a whole collection of the lip goos I love here].

STEP 9. NAILS + HANDS
The dry CO air makes hand and nail care an essential part of my routine. I experiment with lots of different products [my bedside table is littered with goodies], but right now I’m really loving the Londontown Nourishing Cuticle Oil. It’s obvs an oil, but somehow not super greasy if that makes sense. It soaks in quickly and leaves my nails and cuticles super healthy. I also LOVE Prima Skin Therapy as a very last-step hand cream. It’s incredibly thick and hydrating and nourishing and not at all greasy or watery and it smells absolutely divine. Also love The Seaweed Bath Co’s Collagen Hand Cream for a super reasonable option and for easy travel. Check out my Clean Hand + Nail Care Collection for lots more yummy products for keeping your precious hands healthy.

My Weekly Skincare Add-Ons

ABOUT TWICE a week or as needed, I like to give my skin a little ‘extra’ with a combo of both super active peels + exfoliators and a few very gentle, nourishing masks. I have a pretty good stash going, so reach out if you have questions about specific products, but these are the ones I grab most often.

+ Osea Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub: This is technically a cleanser and not a real mask, but I use it a few times a week, especially when the weather is changing or it’s super dry out and it is ah-mazing. It’s another potent combo of physical exfoliants and flower acids and takes just 3 minutes to completely brighten my skin. It’s really awesome.

+ GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator: This is an awesome double whammy of both a physical and chemical exfoliant - I scrub it on gently in circles for the physical and then leave it on for a few minutes while I do my other stuff for the chemical. It’s gentle enough not to bother my sensitive-ish skin but the result is seriously instantaneous and awesome. HOT TIP: I buy the li’l 15 ml size and it lasts me a good while without getting dried up. It’s def more powerful than the exfoliating cleansers I use, so more of a treatment.

+ Laurel Honey Berry Mask: This is a gorgeous, super clean mixture of locally-sourced honey and real fresh berries that brightens like nothing else I’ve tried. This unassuming-looking little mask is jammed with antioxidants, polyphenols and and vitamins and it leaves my skin super soft, smooth, SO bright and clear. My 15-year-old son also uses it when things get off and it makes a huge difference in his skin, too.

+ Activist Mānuka Honey Mask: This is a super simple and pure, but potent, mask that has just one single liquid gold ingredient and I love it, especially when my skin is off balance. Real, pure mānuka honey is rare and this is wildcrafted from native bushes in NZ. It’s MGO certified [850+], indicating that it’s both authentic and has the potent, effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that you want. It feels super calming and nourishing and I love putting it on my lips, too. It’s the only thing I use when my skin is broken out because it’s so gently and calming.

+ Blissoma Lavish Loving Recovery Mask: This silky mask is heavenly, especially if I’ve had too much exposure to the elements. It’s incredibly calming, moisturizing and nourishing and feels amazing. It goes on thick and velvety, but doesn’t feel cloggy or harsh. I love it after skiing or when my skin is a bit off from weather or wear.

MORE IN… clean beauty + wellness

my beauty tool favorites

I’M ALL about the ‘right tool’ for the job, whether I’m cooking, camping, traveling or simply caring for my skin. To me, the right tool enhances the experience, but doesn’t require any extra fuss, because while I love caring for my body and skin, I do not love spending more time than necessary doing it. I want serious bang for the buck.

THE MOST effective beauty tool I own is hands-down my Omnilux Contour Face Mask. It was slightly painful to pull the trigger on it, but I’d had red light treatments at my aesthetician’s office in the past and had used [and loved] a Solawave Wand for months, so I knew super well the power and efficacy of red light treatment. Then when you parse it out and realize that the Omnilux basically costs the same as two facials, but lasts forever, it became a no-brainer for me. I’ve been using it a few times a week for a bit more than a year now and I can honestly report that it’s awesome. I see a significant improvement in my complexion when I use it consistently, a noticeable reduction in fine lines and an overall improvement in the texture and look of my skin. It only takes 10 minutes and sometimes I take the opportunity to chill for a few and listen to a podcast, or if I’m short on time I just wear it while I do my other post-shower stuff or fold the laundry. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for an effective way to care for your skin over the long term.

ALL OF the beauty tools listed below are awesome and can create a little spa moment at home [or while traveling] and they all make fantastic gifts, too. Everyone can use a little pampering and you might as well go straight for the ‘right tool’ to do it. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Beauty Tools

+ My boys are super scared of my Omnilux Contour Face Mask, but I LOVE it. I use it a few times a week for just 10 blissful minutes and without a shadow of doubt have seen a real change in my skin. The fine lines, pigmentation and my mild rosacea are all def improved since I started using it. I just turn on a podcast or audiobook and sit back for a few chill minutes while it works its magic and I truly love it. If you’re considering red light therapy and want to hear more about my experience, reach out, I’d love to chat. But know that I LOVE this thing and think it’s worth every penny [It’s basically the cost of two facials, but will last MUCH longer]. I’m totally eyeing the Contour Neck and Décolleté next. + $395

+ I love this little Solawave 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment for breakouts. You just hold it over your zit for 3 minutes and let it zap the blemish with its combo of blue and red light. It’s not a miracle, like your zit won’t be magically instantly gone, but I do think it for sure helps accelerate the healing process. It’s great for travel and teens, too. + $69

+ Solawave’s Red Light Therapy Wand combines 4 powerful technologies to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and blemishes [hello, I have ALL the things]. When I use it consistently, I can totally see a difference in specific dark spots, areas of fine lines and overall quality of my complexion. I use the Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum with it and the combo is super effective for such a li’l tool. It’s a perfect solution if a full mask isn’t in the cards for you [though they have those, too] or want a compact travel buddy. + $169

+ I LOVE my silk pillowcase. Silk is less absorbent than other natural fibers, so it doesn’t suck up your skin’s natural oils or your precious overnight products [I ruined SO many cotton pillowcases]. And because silk is a bit slippery, there is less friction and less tugging on your hair and skin. I have been super happy with this Lilysilk version, which not only feels super luxurious, but is also OEKO-TEX certified, so you can rest knowing you’re not laying on gross chemicals. You can even have a whole bed full of Silk Sheets if that’s your fancy. Ooh la la. + from $39

+ I’m so happy that dry brushing has all of these amazing lymphatic benefits, but what I love each time I use my Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush is the amazing benefit to my skin. It feels awesome, like a bear [gently] scratching its back on a tree. You slough away all the dead skin and leave a perfect canvas for what comes next. I love the long handle on this one. + $25

+ This Detox Mode Body Crescent is meant to stimulate the lymphatic system, sooth sore muscles and reduce the look of cellulite. It’s a bit like giving yourself a deep tissue massage. If you want a spa-like treatment at home, pair this with some Prima Beyond Body Oil [or any oil you love]. after a hot shower. + $15

+ Cadence Capsules have solved every issue I’ve ever had with travel containers. They’re leakproof, easy to clean, perfectly sized and pack well. I use them for cosmetics, supplements, jewelry + meds and they’re absolutely perfect. I’ve reordered like 5 times because I keep finding new uses for them and have now gifted a few to my husband, too. +

+ Ok, this is obvs not clean beauty, but it does pertain to my wellness, so it’s on the list. These Port + Polish Pill Cases are perfect for travel. I got one and then bought another, so I have one for my morning supplements and a separate one for the nighttime set. They don’t hold a ton, so if you’re carrying a lot of big pills, it might not be the best solution, but for a few medium to smalls, it’s perfect. + $20

my clean makeup favorites

I WAS A VERY girlie girl growing up and probably imagined myself sailing through my adult life with perfectly coiffed hair and a perfectly lined lip. I still have that fantasy on occasion, but… my casual, active lifestyle just doesn’t really call for it and I’m usually in a pretty minimalist, ‘natural’ state. I mostly choose to focus that girlie energy and long-standing clean beauty obsession on my skin and skincare [and the 11 lip glosses I always have in my bag]. That said, I do use some pretty things when I want to get gussied up to go out or sometimes just because it’s fun to be a little extra. I try out a lot of makeup even though I don’t use it everyday. It’s just fun and I guess some of that girlie girl love of makeup is still thriving inside, even if it doesn’t always show on my lids and lashes. I love to stay up on the latest clean brands and trends, plus I learn a lot from the cutie teen girls in my life.

SO HERE are my current favorites for cheeks, lips and lashes. If you manage to sail through your life with perfectly coiffed hair and a perfectly lined lip, please do share how you do it, there’s still time for me to make my 12-year-old self extra proud. And to learn more about the skincare I love, check out My Clean Beauty Favorites for a BIG list. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My Clean Makeup Favorites

+ Ok, I recognize that sunscreen does NOT qualify as makeup to normal people, but I LOVE Tower28’s Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen and I wear it everyday for some light coverage. It’s about as close as I get to a daily ‘foundation’ type product, so it’s ON the list. It’s a broad-spectrum SPF formula that comes in 14 shades [I like Ocean Park]. It goes on smooth, doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and doesn’t get all caught up in my wrinkles. It leaves my skin looking even and maintains the moisture that it so badly needs. It’s basically awesome. + $32

+ This Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is the closest I get to a foundation. It’s awesome. The coverage is light, but enough for me, and it’s super hydrating so it doesn’t settle into my wrinkles and make them look worse like some products do. It comes in like 87 shades, so you’ll def find one that works for you. I hoped when it launched that it could act as my daily SPF, but it’s just a bit too thick for that, especially when I’m working out + sweating. But for a low maintenance makeup person, this is perfection. + $48

+ I love a multitool and this Gen See Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip is versatile, so pretty and easy to use. It’s buildable and blendable and a little goes a long way. I like Lychee for my complexion, just a little dab on the cheeks and a swipe on the lips and I’m ready to go. + $24

+ I love this Ilia Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint so much. It can be as subtle or pop-y as you like, it doesn’t get stuck in my wrinkles and it comes in a ton of pretty colors for every skin tone. It’s easy to apply, too, and doesn’t stain. I use Dreamer on cheeks and lips and it’s perfect for me. + $36

+ Saie is a gorgeous clean beauty brand that combines sophistication with accessibility. I really love their Glossybounch Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil and SuperSuede Powder Blush. I have the Dew Blush on my list. The lip shades look super bright, but they’re sheer and blend perfectly when they’re on. People also love the Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF, but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s all super clean and lovely. +

+ Ok, this Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara won the Allure Best of Beauty award BEFORE it even launched and has since become a bit of a cult favorite and I think it’s totally deserved. Tower28 is formulated for sensitive skin and this def doesn’t mess with my super sensitive eyes. I love the silky, lightweight formula and the applicator, which combine to give you a super smooth and not at all clumpy look. LOVE it. + $20

+ I love the way this Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara doesn’t clump up my lashes. It goes on really smoothly because the unique brush has a different pattern on each side, one that lets you lift and separate while applying. It also has a bunch of super nourishing ingredients and it doesn’t bother my sensitive eyes. Love it. + $28

+ Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm ticks all of the boxes for me and my fussy lip needs. It has no bothersome taste or smell, isn’t sticky or tacky, has universally flattering colors and is super hydrating even after wearing it for a while. I have Cool Beige and it’s a pretty, neutral with enough hint of color for me. + $38

+ Love the Tower28 LipSofties even though they actually violate one of top my lip goo rules - they smell. But yummy. Not in a saccharine sweet Lip Smacker kind of way, but in a subtle, yummy way. Dulce de Leche and Red Bean Mochi are my favorites. They’re both super pretty neutrals. And the SOS clear balm is in my car, bag or pocket at the ready at ALL times. I also love Tower28 ShineOn Lip Jelly [love Pistachio]. + $16

+ I also love this Exa All Smiles Universal Glow Lip Oil. It’s not sticky, doesn’t smell, has a little hint of shimmer and is super hydrating. The colors looks wild, but they’re sheer and pretty. LOVE it. + $15

+ Kosas’ Wet Lip Oil Gloss is super hydrating and not sticky or stinky, so… I love it. It’s intended to ‘plump’ but I can’t make that claim, I don’t notice a difference. I will say it doesn’t feel all bee-stingy like some plumping glosses [personally do NOT like that feeling] and instead just feels really nourishing. Unhooked is an everyday go-to shade for a no-fuss, but put together vibe. + $24

BUY FROM KOSAS or FROM SEPHORA

gifts i love: geometry

GEOMETRY’S towels are undeniably gorgeous and you know I’m a total sucker for pretty things, but I assure you that’s not even close to their best quality. Aside from brightening up my kitchen, they’re also super duper soft and quick-drying, which keeps them from getting that gross musty smell that my cotton kitchen towels cling to even after being washed. And they’re super absorbent, actually soaking up water instead of just pushing it around. PLUS they’re made entirely from recycled post-consumer materials, diverting all kinds of crud from the landfill, which is a total win-win. Because of the enormous selection of prints, they are a seriously gorgeous gift for just about everyone, including teachers, therapists, yoga instructors, book club members, mothers-in-law, pet-sitters, neighbors and hosts [or yourself, of course]. In case you’re not familiar with Geometry’s awesome lineup, I’ve outlined my favorite products for you, but you really can’t go wrong. Use code Darcie15 to save 15% off your Geometry order any day of the year. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Geometry Products I Love

TEA TOWELS: Ok, for all the reasons I just shared, I have almost entirely replaced my whole dish towel collection with Geometry Tea Towels and banished the old ones to the bike wash station in our garage. The Bar Towels are same-same, just a little bit smaller if that’s a better option for your space. And they introduced Double-Sided Tea Towels that have a different print on either side, they’re super cute.

DISHCLOTHS: I love the pretty little Geometry Dishcloths for all kinds of uses. They’re such a nice size for things like soaking up the water from a colander of dripping berries, wiping down counters and even as little napkins. They have some mixed sets with different prints or some all the same and either way, they’re a perfect little gift for just about anyone.

WASHCLOTHS: I loathe using those crunchy over-bleached washcloths on my face when we travel, so I started bringing my own. Geometry’s Waffle Washcloths and Luxe Washcloths are super compact, soft and dry fast. Plus they’re pretty. I have and love both.

BEACH BLANKETS + TOWELS: Whether you’re headed to the beach, pool. picnic, camping or your backyard sprinklers, Geometry Beach Blankets and Towels are perfect. They come in a ton of super cute prints, dry quickly and fold up small for easy transport.

FITNESS TOWELS: I keep a Geometry Fitness Towel in my car for post-sweaty hikes and runs. I mop my drippy forehead and lean on it so I don’t get stinky sweat on my seat and then jam it back into my center console when I’m done. Don’t judge, I promise it doesn’t smell AT ALL and is like brand new the next time I need it. It’s incredibly durable and the quick-drying, anti-stink nature of it is pretty darn awesome. They also make a Yoga Towel that goes over your mat to keep it clean and dry. It has a grippy backside to keep it in place and the same quick-drying, anti-stink properties. AND a Magna Towel that sticks magnetically to the equipment at the gym, keeping it off the grody floor. They’re all fantastic gifts for your favorite sporty teen, gym rat, golfer or yogi.

NAPKINS: I have used only cloth napkins in our house for the last 20 years. I just pop them in the laundry with the kitchen towels and I feel good about not wasting paper napkins. Geometry Dinner Napkins are soft and absorbent and the edges don’t curl up when I wash them like my weathered cotton ones do. I have friends who iron their cloth napkins [I’m looking at you, O], but I for sure can’t be bothered with that, so these are perfect.

BATH TOWELS: I love the Waffle Bath Towels, too. They’re pretty, very lightweight and dry quickly. We have the Dusty Rose color and it’s subtle and neutral and really pretty in our bathroom. They’re an awesome gift for grads or newlyweds or anyone launching out into the world on their own.

DOG TOWELS: I have gifted a few of the super adorable Geometry Plush Dog Towels and Paw Towels to favorite pooches. The Plush Towels are a really nice size for the car or couch and are super duper soft and fuzzy. Of course, the whole collection features the same awesome prints you’d expect from Geometry. They make such a great gift for the dogs and dog-lovers in your life.

GIFTS, OF COURSE: I love gifting Geometry Towels to friends, family, teachers and hosts. Seriously EVERYONE can use a new pretty towel [or like 10] so you really can’t go wrong.

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thanksgiving + autumn books

THANKSGIVING is such a lovely holiday. I mean, a day reserved just for cooking and eating with family and friends is a total winner in my book. I love hearing about other family’s traditions and the dishes they HAVE to have on their holiday table [def sweet potatoes with marshmallows here]. Plus there’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Westminster Dog Show and football… I love it all.

IT FEELS to me like the wealth of super amazing books that perfectly illustrate the lovely tradition and sentiment of Thanksgiving are a bit trickier to find than with some other holidays. Maybe it’s something to do with an adorable [only in books] farm animal being eaten at the end or the controversial history of the holiday that just makes it tough to honor properly? BUT, never fear, I totally have you covered. Our little family def has a few really beloved favorites that are meaningful and funny or sweet and help start a conversation about gratitude and enjoying family and friends [plus a few more that I have my eye on]. I also included a few really lovely books about nature and the magical season change. As always, if you know of some Turkey Day gems, please share them in the comments so we can add to our collection. And Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies. I’m so grateful for you. xo

thanksgiving + autumn books for kids

> Bear Says Thanks is our hands-down FAVORITE Thanksgiving book. We really love the whole series of ‘Bear’ books, they’re all so charming and lovely. And the perfect lilting rhyming aside, this is just the sweetest story and it beautifully captures the real spirit of the holiday.

> ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is such a cute + FUNNY book from the creator of the super popular Dog Man and Captain Underpants series’. It follows the rhyming structure of its original counterpart, but has a VERY different ending. See what happens when a class full of kids on a farm field trip discover the fate of their new feathered friends. And of course Dav Pilkey’s illustrations are so fun and whimsical.

> Fans of Bruce will love this wee, funny Thanks for Nothing. The mice are SO thankful for everything that they accidentally leave nothing left to celebrate with.

> Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie is a super inclusive, interesting and cool story that both teaches you about the origin of some of your favorite Thanksgiving desserts AND gently encourages ‘particular’ kids to try something new.

> Holly's Thanksgiving Wish is a super cute book about following your dreams with the loving support and encouragement of family and friends. It has a fun rhyming style and adorable illustrations.

> Poor Fletcher is concerned about all of the leaves falling from the trees. When winter comes he gets a sweet surprise in Fletcher and the Falling Leaves.

> Learn about the puppeteer who invented the original balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Balloons Over Broadway. With incredibly detailed collage illustrations, this cool book really shows the genius behind the beloved tradition.

> I love Tomie dePaola [I mean, who doesn’t?]. Strega Nona was one of my absolute favorite books growing up. Strega Nona's Harvest has the beloved Italian grandmother teaching you about the season’s bounty and what it takes to get there.

> I am Thankful is an inclusive book about the true spirit of gratitude. It also includes a little section to practice your own gratitude.

> A sweet simple story about gratitude for nature that ends with all the ingredients needed for you to make an apple cake at home. Apple Cake: A Gratitude is super sweet for littles especially.

> The Leaf Thief is just about the cutest way ever to learn about the changing of the seasons. The illustrations are so adorable.

> Cynthia Rylant is known for her poetic + peaceful stories. In November is about nature’s seasonal cycles, people gathering together and family.

> Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is such a sweet celebration of nature in all of its transitional glory.

> Thanks for Thanksgiving is a cute, simple book that highlights everyday things to be grateful for, like puppies and piggyback rides and rain boots. But MOSTLY for family. There’s a page in the back for kids to write their own list of things they’re thankful for, too.

> Ok Peppa Pig Day of Giving Thanks is just adorable. It’s a super sweet story about being thankful for the little things in nature. The end is pure Peppa and very cute, especially for little fans of the Pig family.

> The Scarecrow is a really precious story of unlikely friendship and defying expectations. The illustrations are very detailed but serene.

> Turkey is terrified when Moose comes looking for him for Thanksgiving dinner. A Turkey for Thanksgiving is a sweet story about friendship and a big misunderstanding.

> We are So Thankful is a guided gratitude journal that provides prompts for you to talk about what you’re grateful for each day.

> In true Peanuts style, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is about friendship and being together with a few of the gang’s silly snafus and life lessons along the way.

> Gratitude is my Superpower teaches kids that happiness is about simple things like family and friends and that gratitude is always in their hearts.

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