My Full Skin Care Routine

I am so excited to be sharing my entire current skin care routine with you.  I completely changed up my entire routine at the beginning of the year.  I’ve been doing the same thing for a full 9 months and I love it!  My skin has never been happier!  And the best part is, I simplified my skin care routine and it is now so simple and easy!!

side note: Before I jump in I want to state that this post is not sponsored in any way.  The majority of the skin care products I use are from Tula.  And that is because I truly love them and think they have amazing products!  With that being said, if you want to try these products I am obsessed with and also want to save some money, use discount code lifescandyjar25 at checkout on all Tula products to get 25% off + free shipping.

skin care morning routine

Morning Routine: In the morning I am always pressed for time and I need my routine to be simple and fast.  This should not take any longer than 2 minutes.

tula cleanser

Step 1 : Cleanse : Tula Purifying Cleanser

Cleansing the skin in the morning is very important.  While we sleep the skin rejuvenates.  Thru this process the body will push impurities to the surface of the skin.  These need to be cleansed off, not just rinsed off with water.  Also, cleaning the skin in the morning gives a clean slate to apply makeup.  Clean skin will make your makeup last longer through out the day.

tula illuminating serum

Step 2: Serum : Tula Illuminating Serum

This serum does exactly what it is called, it brightens.  It gives an overall smoother, brighter skin tone.  When you first start using this it will take 2-3 weeks to see the full results. (if your budget is tight, this is a step you can skip)

tula hydrating day & night cream

Step 3: Moisturize : Tula Hydrating Day & Night Moisturizer

It is so important to moisturize!  Keeping the skin hydrated will keep the skin looking plump and less wrinkles.  If you have been following my blog for some time, you may remember I have been on the hunt for the perfect moisturizer.  I tried soooo many moisturizers at all price points.  I have never been more happy and impressed with a moisturizer in my life as this one!!!  And that is saying a lot!

This moisturizer is light enough you won’t feel it and my foundation goes on perfectly.  But it also hydrates my skin so well I haven’t had dry skin issues since I started using it.  It also helps to even out skin tone and give an overall smooth look to the skin.  Like I said… I’m obsessed!

skin care night time routine

Night Time Routine: This night time routine also doesn’t have many steps.  Unless I am extremely tired, I usually spend my time doing my night time routine.  I like to gently apply everything and massage the oil into my skin.  I find it very relaxing.

tula purifying face cleanser

Step 1 : Cleanse : Tula Purifying Cleanser

I use the same cleanser both day and night.  This cleanser is both a makeup remove and a cleanser.  I do not use makeup remover wipes.  It doesn’t matter how much makeup I am wearing, I cleanse my skin with this cleanser and I have perfectly clean skin.  It is completely safe to use on the eye area, it completely removes all eye makeup.

tula revitalizing eye cream

Step 2 : Eye Cream : Tula Eye Cream

This is a step that should never be skipped.  The eye area is the most delicate and will show age first before anything else.  Whether you are using an eye cream for prevention or for repair, always use eye cream every night on clean skin.  Use your ring fingers and gently dab the eye cream from the outer corner to the inner corner of the eye area.  I go pretty far out on the outer corner of the eye, prevention for those crows feet.

leanne grace miracle beauty oil & serum

Step 3 : Beauty Oil : Leanne Grace Beauty Oil & Serum

I have to use oil on my skin every night.  Using oil bring so much hydration and is what makes my skin dewy.  I load on the oil!  The directions say to use 2-3 drops, but I use almost a whole dropper.  I put so much oil on my face looks like a grease slick for 20 minutes till is soaks in.  This beauty oil is my favorite ever!

Tula Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment

Step 4 : Moisturize : Tula Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment

Applying moisturizer on top of oil locks in the oil for ultimate hydration.  This night time moisturizer is the newest addition to my skin care routine.  I added it about a month ago.  Before that I used the day/night moisturizer that I use in the morning.  I also loved that combo.  But I have noticed since using this new night time moisturizer my skin is more plump, dewy, hydrated, even and glowing.

skin care extras

Extras

These are the products I don’t use daily.  These are weekly or even monthly things I do for my skin.

exfoliate

Exfoliating: You should be exfoliating 1-3 times a week.  This gets off the dead skin cells that are sitting on the surface of the skin.  This will remove dullness and reveal brighter, smoother skin.  The lack of exfoliating will give you dullness, clogged pores and break outs.

I like the Fresh sugar scrub for a gentle exfoliation that also has hydration.  This is so gentle I can use it every other day.  I keep this one in my shower and use it just after I cleanse several times a week.

For a deeper, more intense exfoliation I use Colleen Rothschild dual enzyme polish.  It is enzyme based, so you apply it to clean skin and let it sit for 10 minutes.  The enzymes break down the dead skin.  After 10 minutes you can rub the exfoliator around your face for a deep, intense exfoliation.  Or for a less vigorous option, you can just rinse it off.  Either way you will get a great exfoliation.

facial mask

Facial Masks: A facial mask is the quickest way to bring improvement to the skin.  If your skin is dry, apply a hydrating mask and in 10 minutes your skin will look dewy and hydrated.  I like to apply a mask 1-2 times a week.  I cleanse my skin (if you are going to exfoliate do it right after cleansing and before your mask), then I look at my skin to see what it needs.  Then I choose which mask to use.

I actually have waaaaay more masks than just these 3, I’m mask obsessed!  Like I said, a facial mask can work wonders!  I wanted to share these 3 because they are my favorites.  The other one that I’m obsessed with is this sheet mask.  (it’s not pictured because I just ran out and ordered more).

The Tula exfoliating mask is great because it’s like a 2 in 1.  It exfoliates, getting off the dead dull skin.  Then the mask part of it evens out skin tone and gives a smoother brighter skin.

The GlamGlow super mud clearing mask is perfect for congested skin.  I always have to use this during “that time of the month”.  My skin likes to act up and go a little crazy.  I typically just apply this in my t-zone.  Since I have dry skin I do find it to be slightly drying if I use it all over.  This mask is amazing for spot treating zits!!!  I had a big nasty one a couple weeks ago, I put a dot of this mask on it and left it on overnight while I slept.  I woke up and my zit was almost gone!

This GlamGlow power mud dual treatment mask is probably my #1 all around favorite mask.  It’s a mud to oil mask.  The mud clears out impurities and pulls out decongestion.  Get your hands wet and massage the mask into the skin and it turns to an oil.  I like to massage it for 1-2 minutes then rinse.  My skin is very clear, smooth and hydrated!

rachel barkules skin care

I know this post is long over due!  Thank you so much for reading.  If you try any products that I love, let me know how they work for you.  I love knowing what you think :)

Don’t forget if you order anything on tula.com to use code lifescandyjar25 to get 25% off + free shipping!

XO, Rachel

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Wishlist

sephora rouge vib sale

Twice a year Sephora offers 20% off the entire purchase to their Rouge & VIB members.  I always look forward to it!!! I love that I can stock up on needed items like clarisonic brush heads and mascara.  Get new items, like a new lipstick shade.  Splurge on a new curling wand.  Or start thinking about holiday gifts.

Details of the sale:
November 4-7 : Rouge Members get 20% off entire purchase
November 11-14 : VIB Members get 20% off entire purchase

There are so many great new products at Sephora I am dying to try!!  And with the holidays right around the corner, all of the holiday gift sets are out!  I loooove holiday gift sets!!  It’s a great way to try new products!

What I’m getting: I am definitely getting my favorite mascara I use every day, my favorite perfume that I just ran out of and my old fave perfume I haven’t used in years.  I’m thinking of getting this Tom Ford perfume I got a sample of a couple months ago and looooved.  It’s a little pricey but I’m obsessed!  I’m also getting my favorite sheets masks, some new body lotion and my most used dry shampoo.  Also this lipgloss in the color ‘sugar sugar’ that I keep stealing from my sister when I am at her house.

I asked Jaclyn what else I am needed that I might be missing.  She told me to definitely get this foundation and this bronzer.  So of course they are already in my cart :)  I also added this lipgloss in the color ‘undressed’ from her October favorites video.

Check out more of my favorites:

5 Reasons to Use Dry Shampoo & Review

how to use dry shampoo

how to use dry shampoo

Dry shampoo really is one of my best friends.  I don’t know how I used to live without it.  There are so many reasons I use dry shampoo, here are my top 5 reasons:

  1. Skip shampoos.  This is probably the most obvious reason.  Using dry shampoo on dirty hair removes the look of oil and makes the hair look fresh and clean.  Allowing you to go another day without shampooing.
  2. Saves lots of time.  You get to skip the whole process of washing, putting in products, then blow drying.  I always save a good 20 minutes!  Time that can be spent doing other things, like extra makeup steps, stopping for your fave latte, or sleep!
  3. Use on clean hair for texture and volume.  Let’s face it, dirty hair is easier to style.  I always like my hair better on the 2nd or 3rd day.  On the day I wash my hair I spray dry shampoo in at the roots for volume and through out my hair for texture.  It gives my hair that grit I need so I can style my hair how I want.
  4. Keeps my hair healthier.  Hair is the most fragile when it’s wet.  By skipping shampoos it saves you from using heat tools on your hair every  day, so your hair stays healthier.  Plus letting all those natural oils sit on your hair is very healthy and hydrating.
  5. For blondes, it is a great way to cover up those dark roots.  I am guilty of never pre-booking my next highlight appointment.  I walk out of the salon and continue on with my life, never thinking about when I should go in next to get them touched up.   Then one day I wake up and my roots went from livable to “oh my gosh I need to get these done today!”  And of course I can’t get in for at least a week.  So in that time I spray dry shampoo that is white on my roots.  It lightens the color a ton and I can make my hair stretch another week.

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Best Moisturizing Facial Mask EVER!!

best moisturizing facial mask

I have dry and sensitive skin.  I am always on the hunt for skin care products to make my skin look dewy and hydrated.  I have tried so many different moisturizing masks and have never found one that makes that much of a difference.  I may see results right away, but they are gone by the next day.

This Intense Hydrating Mask from Colleen Rothschild seriously changed my life!  I saw results just after the first time using it.  Results that last!  I have used it 3 times in the last 10 days and my skin has never looked better!

What did it do for my skin? My skin looks more hydrated, plump and dewy.  It has more of a radiance and natural glow.  Also, a result I wasn’t expecting, my skin tone is more even and smooth looking.  You can see why I love this mask so much with results like this!
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#NSale :: Best of Beauty

There are soooo many great beauty items of the #NSale this year!!  During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you will see exclusive sets, palettes and items that are only available during the sale.  You will also see brands and products on sale that never go on sale.  Now is a great time to stock up on your favorite skincare and body products, invest in a high quality hair tool or Clarisonic, or try something new!

 Make-Up

Beauty Blender Best Friends Set :: Best make-up applicator ever!  I use mine every day.  I love the natural look of my make-up when applied with a beauty blender.  This set comes with 2 beauty blenders + the cleanser.
Sale: $35 | Value: $56

Hourglass Ambient Luminous Light Palette :: This is an exclusive palette that has never been made before.  I’m so excited about it!  It has a bronzer, blush & highlight.  I love Hourglass so much!  These colors are gorgeous!  I use their bronzer every day and I love this blush color.  Their highlight is very natural looking and is great on mature skin because it won’t settle in fine lines.
Exclusive for Sale: $62

Laura Mercier ‘Flawless Icons’ Eye & Cheek Palette :: I am in love with this palette!  I love the eyeshadow shades.  It has a nice balance of shimmer and mattes to create beautiful looks.  And it also has a bronzer and highlight in the palette.  This is a great palette for everyday and for travel.
Sale: $65 | Value: $155

MAC Look in a Box :: Every year during the #NSale MAC does a ‘look in a box’.  I especially love this ‘fun & flirty’ set because of the shade of lipstick and gloss.  It’s a sweet girly pink.  The white shade eyeshadow is a great highlight shadow for fair skin (me!) and this is MAC’s best mascara.
Sale: $39.50 | Value: $70

Sigma ‘The Power Pair’ Set :: So excited about this set!!  This is my favorite foundation brush!!  I’ve been using it for years and still love it soooo much!  And I have this cleaning mat and it is my favorite way to clean my brushes!  It’s so easy, you put it in your sink and swirl your brushes around on it with soap.  Instantly clean!
Sale: $34.50 | Value: $49

Bobbi Brown ‘Bobbi on Trend – Sultry Bronze’ Eye Set :: I always love the Bobbi Brown set on the sale each year!  Great shadow colors that can take you from day to night.  You also get an eyeliner and mascara.
Sale: $65 | Value: $149

 Skin Care

Philosophy Purity Cleanser :: Amazing cleanser!  This cleanser is a makeup remover, cleanses the skin and is safe to use on eyes.  I recently started Sofia on a simple skin care routine and this is the cleanser she is using.  She loves it and I love it for my skin too.  Great for any age!
Sale: $53 | Value: $79

GlamGlow Mask Glamazing GRAVITYMUD Set :: Obsessed with this set!  I loooooove GlamGlow masks.  I love that they did a set of 3 of their masks.  I love all of these masks so much!
Sale: $69 | Value: $113

Clarisonic Mia 2 :: If you don’t own a Clarisonic now is the time to pull the trigger.  I use mine every day and it really helps my skin.  If I’m traveling and forget to pack it I notice a difference in my skin in just a couple of days (in a bad way).  Using my Clarisonic daily helps keep my skin clear of clogged pores, texture and blackheads.  The new Clarisonic Mia Fit is also on the sale.
Sale: $118 | After Sale: $169

Clarisonic Sensitive Brush Head Set :: You need to be changing out your Clarisonic brush head every 3 months.  With this set you have all the brush heads you need for a whole year.  Now you don’t have to think about it again till next year!
Sale: $74 | Value: $108

Mario Badescu :: The drying lotion in this set is bomb for drying up a zit!  This is a great brand of skin care for someone starting a skin care regimen or for someone on a budget.  They have great products for a great price.
Sale: $33 | Value: $50

 Body & Hair

Whish Body Butter :: I just tried this for the first time a couple days ago when I purchased it at Nordstrom.  I am in love!  After using it once I went online and order several more in different scents.  This body butter is thick, creamy & hydrating without feeling sticky or too thick.  It’s perfect!  And it comes in more scents!
Sale: $15 | Value: $47

Whish Bath & Body Gel :: Love this!  It’s extremely gentle on my skin and gets me clean!  It’s hard to find a shower gel that does both of those things.
Sale: $10 | Value: $16

T3 Featherweight 2 – Black & Rose Gold Hair Dryer :: A high quality hair dryer makes a world of difference to the overall look of your hair.  Until 2 years ago I have always used cheap hair dryers that I picked up at the grocery store.  Then I finally invested into a high quality hair dryer.  I had no idea it makes such a difference!!!  My hair is so much healthier, smoother, less frizz and fly aways.  Definitely worth the investment!
Sale: $139 | After Sale: $200

Drybar Beach in a Box Collection :: I am obsessed with Drybar products.  And right now everyone wants that tosseled beach hair.  I recently got my hair styled at my salon and I asked for beach waves.  They used a curling iron with the clip.  I have been using a clipless curling wand for more than 5 years.  I thought a clip curling iron was very old school.  She used the clip part of the curling iron to pull thru my ends.  She said to achieve the beach wave you curl the hair gently and the ends have to be straight.
Sale: $140 | Value: $209

Supergoop Sunscreen Set :: Amazing sunscreen!  This stuff works amazing and you can’t even feel it on your skin!
Sale: $38 | Value: $57

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Set :: I was given a Crabtree & Evelyn hand therapy a couple months ago.  I have always thought of this brand as something that Grandma’s use.  So I tucked the hand cream away in a drawer with no intention of using it.  A few weeks ago I ran out of my normal hand cream, with the craziness of moving I didn’t have time to run out and repurchase my typical hand cream.  So I grabbed this one out of the drawer.  I was shocked at how much I love it.  I love the smell (not Grandma-ish at all!).  I love how creamy and silky it feels going on.  And it’s extremely hydrating!  I have been using it every night since.
Sale: $18 | Value: $27

GHD Platinum Flat Iron :: I own the ghd curling wand and am obsessed!  I tried their flat iron once and it was amazing!  They have the most incredible technology for hair tools.  It makes my hair so shiny and healthy.  I use mine every day and I never feel like it’s damaging my hair.
Sale: $174 | After Sale: $249

Kiehl’s Jumbo Creme de Corps :: This is the most all time popular body moisturizer.  It’s been around since 1851.  It is creamy, it is moisturizing, it smells fresh.  It comes in the hugest bottle ever and will last you 6-12 months (depending on how much you use).
Sale: $52 | After Sale $75