{beauty} My Summer Beauty Routine

When I started this blog I hardly ever wore makeup or used skincare products. But throughout my years of blogging I've been gifted samples of all sorts of beauty products and started to experiment with others. Over time my favorite products have changed. Previously I've raved about L'Oreal's Youth Code line and Simple Skincare, but I've moved on to more expensive products recently. Read on to see what I'm loving at the moment.  Keep in mind that I'm a super lazy person, so if I can do this, you can!

Morning Routine: In the morning I use 3 products, 4 if it's the weekend.  I start off with Lancôme Rénergie Eye Multiple Action around my eyes. Next I use Lumene Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF 15. On top of that I'll use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel for a nice kick of moisture. On the weekends I'll add in Chanel's Le Weekend de Chanel.

Lancôme Rénergie Eye Multiple Action, Lumene Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF 15, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Le Weekend de Chanel

Evening Routine: My night-time routine is similar to the morning, I have a product for my eyes, a serum and a moisturizer. I begin with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye followed by Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Next I use La Nuit de Chanel moisturizer. If I have any blemishes I'll apply some boscia Clear Complexion Willow Bark Spot Treatment. Once again, on weekends, I will replace the Chanel moisturizer with Le Weekend de Chanel.

P.S. If you are on the fence about the Chanel Resynchronizing Skincare line I recommend buying the mini sample size. I started off with that and it lasted about 6 months and when I ran out I bought the larger sizes. I haven't gotten the full size of Le Jour de Chanel yet because I'm so happy with Neutrogena's Hydro Boost which is a similar product.

boscia Clear Complexion Willow Bark Spot Treatment, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, La Nuit de Chanel

Pre- and Post-Shower: Back in February I read a post on Brooklyn Blonde about Dry Brushing and thought I would give it a try. I use the Mio Skincare Natural dry body brush before I shower to help easily remove dead skin cells and get the blood flowing. I shower at night rather than in the morning because I hate drying my hair before I go out so my hair either goes into a bun or I sleep with damp hair (I know, I know, not good!)

After I shower I use body lotion all over to keep my skin silky smooth. I'm currently using lotion I bought in Vermont, but previously I've used Bliss Body Butter and Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion.

Lotion from The Vermont Country Store, Mio Skincare Natural dry body brush

Makeup:  I learned how to apply makeup at my local Lord & Taylor's Chanel counter so I am a loyal Chanel user.  Many people used to ask why I would spend so much on makeup. My answer was simple: I knew if I spent a lot of money on it I would use it. It was a motivation to myself to use makeup. Plus, the packaging is pretty!

My makeup routine is pretty simple. Step 1: Blush. Step 2: Mascara. Step 3: Lipstick.  If I'm going out or doing something special I'll add some eyeshadow into the mix. There was a time when I would put on foundation every day even though I hated it and was never sure I was doing it properly.  So now I leave it out all together and only use it on rare occasions. I do use Lancôme Dreamtone Ultimate Skin Tone Corrector in the Winter.

See my current favorites below. I have my handful of lipstick shades and a rotation of mascaras. There are a few others waiting for when one of these run out, I don't like to have too many open at once!

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush (68 Rose Ecrin), Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine (61 Bonheur, 66 Bel Ami, 67 Deauville, 81 Fiction, 88 Esprit), Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge (Berry Noir)

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow (79 Spices), Physicians Formula Va Va Voom Volume Mascara, Benefit they're real! lengthening mascara, Lancôme GRANDIÔSE - Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara