Pull It Together

Calling all mamas.. or you non-mamas who just don’t want to spend an hour to an hour and a half of your day getting ready. We all have shit to do and our time is precious. So, today I’m sharing my go-to easy breezy tips for looking your best au natural. I’m saving you time and money on all the hoopla we women feel pressured into and helping you get your life back.. a few hours at a time.

I recently did an Insta Story showing my quick and easy step by step routine for getting ready to head out the door, no shower or heavy makeup required. The story was so popular that I’ve decided to share those golden nuggets with you here. While my life was not always so simple, let me tell you, these changes have made everything easier. I can even run out for a last minute meet up and still feel put together.

First, tweak your morning routine if necessary. Salted lemon water and Bulletproof coffee or matcha are a must for me. So, I make sure to leave enough time for that and a quick grounding/sun-gazing session if I need to get out the door in a hurry for an AM appointment. I often combine drinking my lemon water with walking barefoot on the earth and looking toward the sky, especially when on a time schedule. While I do this step my coffee or matcha can be brewing so it’s ready to blend when I head back inside.

Next up, multi-task. Drink your coffee or finish off your lemon water while steaming clothes, applying moisturizer, etc. Bulletproof coffee/matcha is my breakfast so this is a SUPER important part of my day. No skipping! If I don’t have time to finish it off I pour it in a to-go mug before heading out the door.

If you read Magical Mornings you know the hygiene portion of my morning routine and while I didn’t dive deep into moisturization it is a HUGE part of my morning ritual. Since I have dry skin slathering essential oils diluted in coconut or olive oil on my face every morning is a must. I pull my hair back in a clip to do this and let the oil sink in before taking down. Otherwise my hair would become one big oily mess. Fine for a day in, not so great if I have somewhere to be. I like to use Rose or Frankincense oil as part of my skin hydration routine because they are both soothing to my dry skin. Frankincense is also great for smoothing blemishes and wrinkles, so it’s perfect for taking care of the skin on my face. I also sometimes us Grapefruit, especially when exfoliating, to tighten and brighten. Dark circles? You may want to go for Lemon or Roman Chamomile around the eye area. Puffiness? Try some Eucalyptus or Rosemary (dilute well and pay attention to any sensitivity).

Once I’m energized and hydrated I can start pulling myself together. If I haven’t washed my hair in a few days or it’s a hot, frizzy mess I pull it in a sweet little bun. Buns most always look stylish and can also help with puffiness or wrinkles by pulling the skin on the face up and back as well. Double duty! Sometimes it’s easier to let my hair be free. In that case I’ll apply a bit of coconut oil to tame flyaways and dry ends and go. I always let my hair air dry so sometimes I even apply a bit more water, shake, and scrunch to allow my waves to re-shape themselves. If roots are getting a bit greasy I sprinkle in some corn starch mixed with a few drops Rosemary oil and rub, making myself look much more presentable.

I personally love the look of fresh skin and honestly only wear makeup when I’m in the mood, which isn’t often! However, I do usually use two products to freshen my face, especially when going out and about. One - a highlighter. I apply a teeny bit of this product to my cheek and brow bones to give my face a dewey, fresh feel. Then I glide on a little lipgloss (often not tinted) to moisturize and soften my lips. That’s it! Plain and simple. If I want to feel extra put together I use an eyebrow pencil to fill in and shape. I always feel like that makes my face a bit more “done.” Just make sure whatever products you choose to put on your skin, many or few, are non-toxic. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is a great place to check the safety rating of products and get suggestions on what to buy instead!

I also think it’s helpful to have a few closet staples that are easy to pull together and mix and match. I tend to lean toward denim and comfy options like paper bag pants, leggings, plain t-shirts, sweaters, the occasional blouse, and comfy shoes (sneakers, boots, and slides are my most common go-tos). Whatever your look, keep it simple so you don’t have to fuss over what to wear when it’s time to head out. Having a wardrobe full of mix and match options makes pulling yourself together a breeze.

Finally, I like to add accessories to amp up my style game. Being an earthy artist I’m naturally drawn toward jewels. Putting on some fun bracelets or rings, maybe even a necklace is the final touch that pulls it all together for me. Any accessory works, or nothing at all if that’s what you prefer! P.S. hats can do double duty hiding a bad hair day while providing a touch of style.

I hope you found these tips helpful. Remember, you are beautiful just as you are. Express yourself in ways that feel good and bring you joy and you’ll always glow. XOXO ~Amanda