week 30: the beauty issue
this week on the little dream farm
You asked for it. I said I’d deliver it. So here it is!
Ladies and Gents…The Beauty Issue!
A little while back I did a call out to see if y’all were interested in me sharing my beauty routine, products, brands, etc. and y’all said - Y E S P L E A S E ! -
I have ONE caveat before we begin this issue and I want you to promise you read me loud and clear…capeesh?
This issue is not intended to set, follow, or uphold any one standard of beauty. It is up to you to define what beauty means to you.
But because we live in a world with such messed up, mostly unrealistic, mostly unattainable, mostly outdated, mostly ridiculous beauty standards, I’d just like to simply say this:
You are beautiful. As you are. Just as you are.
You do not need to treat, fix, enhance, nip, snip, hide, lift, boost, improve or correct a thing in order to be beautiful.
You are beautiful. As you are. Just as you are.
I didn’t always have this mindset. So I couldn’t have shared this with you honestly years ago.
Back then, I very much felt the pressure to fit in, to measure up, the desire to be pretty enough, thin enough…the exhausting and endless chase to be and to feel enough.
It took me many years, a lot of soul work and healing, a lot of letting go of old, unhealthy habits and replacing them with sound, loving, nourishing ones; a lot of figuring out what I like and what is pleasing to me, and to be comfortable with and enjoy that. Mostly, it took me being comfortable with who I am instead of trying to be someone I’m not.
My approach to my beauty routine these days is wholly different…it comes from a deeper place of self-respect and self-confidence as opposed to self-loathing. It is born out of the desire to love myself, to take care of myself, to pamper myself and treat myself well, and to have fun and enjoy the process and journey of living in this only vessel I have and am going to get.
I hope you find things in this list that you LOVE. I hope that if you add them to your routine that they make you feel special, pampered, important…that they make you feel beautiful. I hope that when you use these items, that you do so in a loving and caring way and that you might pause to reflect on this.
Before you shop the list will you do one thing for me today?
Please go find the nearest mirror. Meet yourself there. Even if it feels stupid or corny or weird or difficult, please tell yourself aloud (or in your head if you’re not there yet), “I love you.”
If you’d like to go a step further, try these on and see how they feel:
You are beautiful.
I will take care of you.
I would like to pamper you.
I would like to appreciate you more.
I would like to tell you all the things I like about you.
We live in a world where it is so easy to get lost in not measuring up…in never feeling like we’re enough…in always trying to fix ourselves to be and do and have more.
So today, I hope that you’ll go meet yourself in that mirror. I hope that when you tell yourself “I love you” that it eases and softens something in your soul. And I hope you don’t go too long before meeting yourself there again to tell you those words we all so freely say to others but so rarely ever say to ourselves.
You are beautiful. I love you.
XO,
Sarah
The Beauty Issue
I’ve broken this list into sections so you can search by something specific you might be wanting or looking for. I’ve included descriptions of what I use the product for and how, why I like it, or why I chose the brand specifically.
Where possible, I always opt for the “cleanest” products and I read ingredient labels, I’ve learned a lot about the beauty industry in the last several years, and I try to find brands who have a mission, vision, values, ethics, and ethos I can trust. If you’re interested in making the swap to cleaner products, may I make the suggestion that you go slowly and swap things out over a period of time. It’s not about perfection, and certainly it’s not about spending a ton of money, either.
I really like simple makeup, simple hair styles, simple clothing, and a simple beauty care routine. I don’t dye my hair anymore (used to be a bleach blonde!), I do my own manicures and pedicures, and I don’t have any sort of cosmetic procedures done. No botox or fillers or injections or the like for me. I prefer natural over everything else, and my go-to anti-aging techniques include eating well, moving daily, hydrating, getting daily sunlight, and getting enough sleep.
If you have any questions, want more info, or want my take on something—ask away!
With that, let’s dive in, gorgeous!
Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic Acid Serum - I use this as my first of three steps in my daily AM and PM routine. Two pumps is all you need all over your face, neck, and décolleté.
Organic Beauty Facial Oil - Second step in my daily AM and PM routine same as above. In summer I use just two drops. In winter I use three to four.
Omega+ Complex Moisturizer - Third step in the daily AM and PM routine same as above. I’ve used this every single day for the last four years. This stuff is gold.
RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser - I found that so many cleaners I’ve used in the past dry my skin out then cause me to break out. This is the perfect combo that cleans your face while keeping that skin barrier in tact.
Brightening Facial Scrub - I use this once a week for a gentle full face scrub. I generally do this in the shower and spend a few minutes gently massaging my entire face, neck, and chest. You will love the way your skin looks and feels with this as part of your weekly routine!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 for Face - The only sunscreen I think I’ll ever use for life.
Frownies - I tend to hard furrow my brow all the time so I like wearing one Frownies between my brows at night to soften that up while I sleep.
Makeup
True Skin Serum Foundation - I’m on my sixth bottle of this and I don’t think I’ll ever change. Somehow, your face and makeup looks better as the day goes on. It’s magic!
True Skin Serum Concealer - I use this in one shade lighter than the foundation and love it for under eyes, on blemishes, and to even skin tone.
Extreme Length Clean Mascara - I buy two tubes at a time every time I get this because I just love it so much and hate to ever run out. This is my ride or die mascara—wait til you try it!
Micro Brow Pencil - I spent the last few years letting my natural brows grow back in after so many years of plucking them to death, as was the style in high school and college. This pencil is thin enough not to pull your hairs out but gives you just enough color where you need it with the very fine tip.
Soft Focus Setting Powder - I actually prefer a more dewey look and really dislike having a matte-looking face, so I hardly ever use this but it is great!
Multi Stick for Lips + Cheeks - I don’t think I’ll ever buy just a blush or just a lipstick again when you can have both in one perfect tube! Every color is great.
Sunshift Cream Bronzer - This is sold out right now but get on the waitlist - trust me!
Lightshift Cream Highlighter - This is also sold out right now but get on the waitlist - trust me!
The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette - I hardly, if ever, wear eyeshadow but when I do I like very light shadow and neutral colors.
Lip Treatment Kit - This is both a lip scrub and a lip mask and they have the most heavenly scent. I keep the scrub in the shower and the mask by my bedside and have been using this duo for several years now!
Oral Care
Electric Toothbrush - I get asked how I keep my teeth white being a coffee and tea drinker. You need this brush—it is the key ingredient to white teeth!
Clean Whitening Toothpaste and Strips - This is one of my absolute favorite brands for keeping your teeth white without the harsh chemicals or sensitivity.
Clean Whitening Mouthwash - Same as above sans chemicals!
Activated White Charcoal Powder - I use this once a week with a manual toothbrush to keep my teeth white.
Hair & Body
Shampoo and Conditioner - I love a lot of the scents from this brand but this is a classic go to. I buy a handful of these both at once so we don’t run out.
Tea Tree Shampoo - I have super thick hair and because I don’t blow dry it, it’ll smell like mildew at the back of my head in the summer if I don’t use this shampoo. The tea tree takes care of that, thankfully! Sharing in case you encounter this and need a fix!
Body Wash - Been using this for several years and love this scent. I keep a few of these on hand so we don’t run out.
Deodorant - I’ve always always worn mens deodorant and I’m obsessed with this scent.
Undaria Body Lotion - This is a luxury that is well worth it!
Heat Protectant Blow Dry Cream - If you’re not currently using heat protectant on your hair, start, and use this!
Sunscreen
PLAY SPF 30 Lip Balm - You’ll love this in mint, get two to keep one in your beach bag and one in your purse.
PLAY SPF 50 Body Sunscreen - Grab two of these while you’re at it. This sunscreen is amazing and made by a female founder who cares a whole heck of a lot about the ingredients.
Beauty Tools
Gold Brow Tweezer - I’ve had this for ages and would get it again.
Brow Scissor Set - Love the rubber on the handles of this pair.
Eyebrow Trimmer - Essential for lip, nose, brows—the best little go to tool.
Nail Clipper - Is it silly to add this? Don’t care, I love this one!
Metal Nail File - I’ll never use cheapo emory boards again - I keep one of these in my wallet, my car, and my purse.
Nail File and Buffer Set - This metal nail file is so worth it. Got one a few years ago and absolutely love it.
Nail Buffer Block - I do my own manicures and pedicures at home so I love this tool for both!
Makeup Brushes
A few years ago I treated myself to some really nice makeup brushes and they were so worth the investment! I highly recommend the cleaner and to clean them weekly or bi-weekly. I listed them in order below based on the brushes I use most to least frequently.
Hair Styling Tools
Hair Dryer - I bought the very expensive Dyson air wrap when it was on sale and promptly sent it back. I just don’t really need or care about stuff like that. This dryer does the job!
Lange Le Duo Styling Tool - Ok, if you buy nothing else on this list…GET THIS TOOL! It’s SO good, it’s SO easy to use. I would have paid double for this. I can’t get enough of it. I don’t even use my curling wand anymore because this is so much gentler on your hair with the cooling fan.
Nano Titanium Flat Iron - Just got a new flat iron this year and while I don’t dry my hair a lot or straighten it a lot, I do love this tool for when I do!
Brush - I only have one brush and it’s this!
Body Tools
Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone - I use this in the evening to de-stress, de-puff and just give myself a little extra love.
Jade Gua Sha Stone - Same as above, I interchange these two.
Jojoba Body Oil - For face and body gua sha massage
Jade Face Roller - I take this on the go with me so I can use it when I’m traveling.
Facial Ice Roller - Add this to your routine in the morning to de-puff, you’ll love how refreshing it is!
Fascia Massage Tool - I use this on my legs and bum and love how it soothes sore muscles and keeps my legs looking toned and strong!
Face and Body Dry Brush Set - Do you dry brush? You may want to try it! This set has a gentle brush for your face and one for your body. I recommend watching a few YouTube videos to get the hang of it for lymph drainage—so important to detox for your overall health and wellbeing!
Foot File - Because I do my own pedicures I keep this handy for the shower to use on my heels every few weeks.
Pumice Stone - I also like using a pumice stone for my feet and heels and I prefer this for my fingers when my hands get really beat up from gardening.
Gua Sha Metal Scraping Tool - I use this on my legs when they’re really sore or tight to work them out.
Theragun Massage Tool - This is worth every single dollar I paid for this five years ago and I use it religiously on my back, shoulders, and legs. Treat yourself—it’s so worth it.
Nail Care
First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener - I don’t paint my nails much but I do love this clear strengthener coat!
Illuminating Nail Concealer - I rarely ever paint my nails but love this concealer!
Perfecting Nail Veil - This is thicker and more coverage than the concealer above.
Soy Polish Remover - Without the harsh chemicals.
All About the Base Base Coat - A perfect base coat.
Manicure Set - This set has everything you need for an at home mani/pedi.
I really hope you LOVE this list and can’t wait to hear what you think about the things you try! Please do reach out to me via Instagram or leave a comment here and let me know what you’re loving! I really do love to hear that from you all!
*Note: Not all, but most of these links are affiliate links. That’s no matter to you, as it costs you nothing. However, if you make a purchase, we -may- receive a teeny weeny commission.
I’ve always loved this quote so so very much.
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So if I’m understanding this right, you use the serum, then the oil, then moisture, and then wash with the face cleanser? Or the first three steps come after the cleanser?