For someone who is obsessed with skincare, my routine is extremely simple.  I have only a few great products in my rotation.  In the morning, I cleanse with Pai's cleanser, followed by an oil of my liking, then Ursa Major of VT sunscreen.  In the evening I do the same sans the sunscreen - that’s it.  I will occasionally add in a serum or an extra oil, and I do a mask once a week.  My skin loves simplicity and has been so much calmer since I stripped down my routine.  I still get breakouts, but they’re usually less severe, and when I do get them, I just allow my skin to be where it wants to be.  

I recently started to use F. Miller Skincare products, and I am in love with everything I’ve tried so far.  I’ve been using the face oil day and night, and my skin loves it.  My skin has been less red/irritated and very hydrated and dewy (without being greasy).  I’ve also noticed a reduction of the small comedones I get on my chin and forehead.  It doubles as a beautiful essential oil blend to inhale before applying - with neroli, jasmine, frankincense, and bergamot.  These are some of my favorite essential oils, and they smell so delicious together.  

I’ve also been using the eye treatment oil.  I especially love the stainless steel roller - it’s incredibly cooling and refreshing to the touch.  The skin around my eyes is easily irritated, and I often get eczema on my eyelids, which is why I can only use select oils/creams on my face.  Typically, when I try something new, it’s an immediate no.  This product is so gentle, and it has the opposite effect - it’s calming, and it reduces my puffiness in the morning.  I'm completely in love! 

The body oil is so yummy and luxurious.  I’ve been using it after every shower, and it soaks easily into damp skin.  Try it.  You'll love it.

I’ve never used hair oil, and I have no idea why because I have very coarse, frizzy hair.  This hair oil does not make my hair greasy at all, and calms my frizz.  I use it on both my naturally-dried and blow-dried hair.

Not only is this line ton-toxic and cruelty-free, it's also independently owned by an incredible woman, Fran.  I had the pleasure of meeting her recently, and she's amazing.  If you try any of these products, your skin and hair will thank her.

This past summer I was with my friend Lacy and describing some of my health issues to her, when she said "infusions!  You have to try infusions!"  She told me that I was most likely mineral deficient and that drinking nettle infusions saved her skin and aided with some of her other health ailments.  I was not immediately able to implement them into my then nomadic lifestyle, but as soon as I settled down in one spot, I knew it was time to start. 

While searching youtube videos to learn how to make the infusions, I found Susun Weed.  I immediately fell in love with her, read extensively about infusions, and started to implement nettle as an everyday staple in my life.  Just three weeks later, my eczema (that I've had on and off for years, and persistently for the last two years) went away.  It didn't just subside - it completely vanished.  I have been eating a processed-free, incredibly clean diet (the basis being no gluten, no refined sugar, very minimal dairy) for five and a half years, and I have tried every natural eczema remedy to no avail.  Thank you Lacy and Susun!  

Infusions are made from herbs steeped with hot water for a long period of time.  They are extremely rich in minerals and vitamins, which are easily absorbed by our bodies (unlike taking them in other forms).  I've taken minerals in supplement form in the past with no results.  Nettle is incredible for the skin, adrenals, kidneys, and overall immunity.  I've been making a half gallon sized nettle infusion every night before bed, so that it's ready in the morning to drink all day.  When I know I will be out and about and not home, I make a quart instead.  I drink this all day instead of plain water.  Or, I fill up my cup half-way with the infusion and top it off with water.  The taste is quite earthy, which I actually really enjoy, and sometimes I'll add fresh mint for a flavor boost.  You will most likely only need a quart.  I am dealing with some extreme health issues from autoimmune/mold exposure, so I'm consuming it overzealously.  

I also recently started to add oatstraw into the mix.  This herb is incredibly calming.  It's nourishing to the nervous system and helps with anxiety, insomnia, and stress.  It's full of B vitamins, calcium (good for bones and teeth), and it's also known for increasing libido.  I love to infuse the oatstraw with lavender to sip before bed. 

In the mornings upon wakening, I drink a full cup of infusions (half nettle and half oatstraw).  Then I sip the nettle mixed with water all day, and switch to the oatstraw around 8:00 pm to help calm my energy for the evenings.  

Infusion Recipe 

• Put approximately 4 heaping tablespoons of nettle (or oatstraw/herb of choice) in a quart sized canning jar.  

• Boil water and pour into the jar, filling it to the top

• Close the lid and let the infusion steep for 4+ hours

• Strain the infusion through a tea strainer and into your cup. 

* For a half-gallon jar I add 6 heaping tablespoons.  

I like to drink them room temperature, but many prefer to have them iced.  Be sure to consume within 36 hours.  The infusions will ferment and may cause stomach upset beyond that time (you will notice if they've gone bad by a funny smell).  You can also mix different herbs together into one jar.  I'm eventually going to add more herbs into my infusions, but for now I'm introducing them one-by-one and keeping them separate so I can see how each herb effects my body/health.   Shop necessary products below.

I love skin products.  Well, not all skin products.  But I love how we can nourish our largest organ in a healthy, sustainable way by choosing products mindfully.  Ursa Major of Vermont has a beautiful, natural/cruelty-free line of skincare, and I’ve been adding the products pictured above into my routine (with fantastic results).  

The Morning Mojo Bar Soap is refreshing and invigorating, yet soft enough for my eczema-prone skin.  It also gently exfoliates, which is so necessary for my skin with the dry Southern California air I live in.  

Their Force Field Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 18 is my absolute favorite face sunscreen.  It’s incredibly lightweight.  I use this every morning after cleansing and putting on oils, prior to my makeup or any extra moisturizers.  

Another lovely moisturizer is the Golden Hour Recovery Cream.  It's very soothing, calming, and hydrating.  It’s my go-to “anti-aging” product because it also firms the skin.  It smells lovely with notes of sandalwood, neroli, and a hint of rose.  

My absolute favorite product of theirs is the Vitamin C Serum.  It brightens, evens skin tone, firms, and lightly hydrates.  It’s the perfect summer serum, and I used it all season.  I was traveling (read all about it here) all summer getting very little sleep, and this serum was my rescue. 

Another must-have for traveling/being on the go are the Essential Face Wipes.  These remove dirt, grime, and grease so well that the wipes turn tan after using them with no makeup on!  Gross, and also amazing.  Be sure to hydrate after use.