Lola’s Morning Hair and Skin Routine… Exposed!
Hello everyone! Meet Lola and her lovely routine! She is a green juice, essential oil and Lotus Wei fan…aka a girl after our own hearts. Read on…
Name: Lola
Age: 34
Current weather: The most bizarre NYC spring ever – too cold, too rainy, too gray, but seems to be getting better
Hair: pixy-short, super-fine, thin, oily.
Skin: Olive, combination (though tending towards very dry, especially during winter/spring), super-sensitive/eczema-y. It can be a source of annoyance, but also of many compliments due to nice texture and even tone (when not freaking out).
Favorite star or icon from the past: Jane Russell. Image via
In the shower…
A big part of my morning is not exactly skincare-related, but it has a huge impact on how I look and feel. I start every morning with a large green juice, full of gorgeous greens, ginger, lime and a green apple for a touch of sweetness. It makes me feel fantastic, gives a wonderful burst of energy and I always feel worse when I skip it for whatever reason. I have also been trying to embrace holistic wellness, so I take a whole bunch of herbs and supplements to help deal with my horrible, chronic migraines, give me energy and boost my immune system. Since I started doing this, my migraines got much better (and I am using a lot fewer drugs), I have much more energy, a better outlook and am able to fight off colds much, much better. I won’t mention the full list, but some of the herbals I would recommend for boosting energy and immunity and helping to deal with stress are Rhodiola Rosea, Astragalus and Ashwagandha. I use Gaia Herbs – they are organic and have very impressive quality controls (and their pills are small enough and easy to swallow). After my juice-n’-pills breakfast, I hop in the shower. I wash my face with the gentle Nude Cleansing Wash. It foams, but very little and I like the smell. A few times a week I use the One Love Organics Microderma scrub. It’s quite gentle, smells like oats (in a good way) and makes my skin silky-smooth. I wash my hair with the Acure Organics Shampoo and I alternate between Pure Mint + Echinacea and Argan and Lemongrass. I also brush my teeth in the shower (weird, I know!). I used to be a Tom’s of Maine fan, but I recently noticed that their toothpaste has sulfates. Even the kids’ version! Don’t know how I missed that, but it annoyed me enough to switch. I switched to the Melvita toothpaste for myself and my son. It’s organic and I really love it. I am a bit concerned about the lack of fluoride, but we’ll see how I get on. I use moisturizing Nubian Heritage soaps or 100% Pure Blood Orange Shower Gel only on the bits that need cleaning. When I have the time (so not often), I also use one of my DIY body scrubs. I combine organic, coarse brown sugar with honey and a mix of oils (I usually use jojoba and coconut) and add in essential oils. I tend to go citrus-heavy as that is my favorite scent. Another recipe I use is mixing old coffee grounds with coconut oil and orange essential oil. It smells heavenly and coffee is great for the skin. I usually make a batch of scrub and store it in the shower in sealable preserves jars.
Outside the shower…
I spray on my Thai Crystal deodorant first thing out of the shower to give it chance to dry. I have tried other natural deodorants before, but Soapwalla gave me a wicked rash and other ones just didn’t work. TC seems to do the trick, though I am yet to test it in sweltering New York summer (should it ever come). I tend to skip body lotion unless I have lizard skin and if I do, it’s usually whatever is lying around. More often than not, I prefer to use body oils, as they smell lovely and tend to stay on my skin for much longer. My favorite right now is Tallulah Jane Halona. It’s a gorgeous ginger-cintrus scent that doubles as a gentle perfume. For my face, I love oils and serums and am currently in love with the Dr. Alkaitis Organic Nourishing Treatment oil and think this will be a lasting love affair. I have been testing the OLO Love Springs Eternal serum, but I find that it’s not moisturing enough for my skin, so I usually layer it under the Dr. Alkaitis. If my skin is feeling extra-dry and flaky, I might use either the Dr. Alkaitis Skin Savior balm or the Dr. Alkaitis day cream over the oil/serum. I rarely use eye cream (usually I just use the same oils on my eyes), but if I do, it’s either the Kahina or Dr. Alkaitis eye creams.
Because my hair is so short, I never blow dry – I just run a wide-toothed comb though it to get it in place. I have a super-sensitive scalp and conventional styling products made it break out, itch and otherwise made my life a living hell. This was a huge problem because us, short-haired girls, really need product. I couldn’t use John Masters because it was far too greasy and heavy for my super-fine hair, but then I discovered Giovanni Wicked Texture. Initially I thought it was the answer to all my prayers, since it is free from the usual suspects like sulfates, phthalates, synthetic phragrances, parabens and, most importantly, petrochemicals (I found them to be the #1 culprit for scalp sensitivities), is vegan, organic and manages to provide the same kind of hold and definition as its conventional, nasty-toxy counterparts. I since realized that it does have silicone, so prolonged use can weigh down my hair, but I feel that it is definitely the best, mostly-clean hair product out there.
Finishing touches…
I don’t use makeup unless I go out at night and since I use makeup so rarely, I haven’t really bothered switching from my dirty make-up. That said, all my mascaras have run out, so I am going to try the Organic Glam mascara from Organic Pharmacy. I am hoping it’ll work as well as my Chantecaille. I also recently started using RMS Un-covereup and Living Luminizer. I love them, my skin loves them, so if I am feeling splotchy, I sometimes use just the Un-coverup or both of them during the day. I also don’t believe in using perfume in the workplace – I am tremendously sensitive to smell, so I could never expose others to my scents, however lovely I might think they are. That said, if I am feeling headachy, I might roll on some 21 Drops Headache essential oil blend. It smells lovely (while being thoroughly unobtrusive) and I find that it does actually kind of work. I also like the Lotus Wei Inner Peace mist. It helps me chill if I am extra-stressed and the gentle scent lingers on my clothes and doubles as perfume.
Thanks, Lola! Has anyone else been enjoying greens in the AM and feeling the results like Lola? How about the amazing herbal supplement success for decreased migraines?!
I love essential oils! I use them on the bus when I start to feel a bit motion sick (this depends on how the bus driver is driving) and to get rid of headaches (I don’t get anything as intense as migraines, though). I also really love Dr. Alkaitis. I hesitated for a long time before buying the line because the full size products are quite expensive. The trial/travel pack is really affordable, though, and I’ve figured out that’s because once you try it, you will be hooked (and the full sizes last for a long time). I use the cleanser, toner, soothing gel, and nourishing treatment oil. They really help to clear up my acne. It’s not immediate or anything, but a couple weeks to mostly clear skin is really fast when not many products do anything at all.
I love your routine! I’ve been hearing more and more about the crystal deodorant – maybe that will be my next thing to try! I have had similar resuls as you with making green smoothies. I like the fiber and such, but I don’t like the way kale tastes…but if I put it in a smoothie it tastes like raspberries and blueberries. :)
I’m also loving Dr. Alkaitis products. The moisturizers and eye cream are especially lovely and I’ve been experimenting using them in tandem with Acure organics products (the rosacea-prone aspect of my skin adores Alkatis while the acne-prone aspect responds well to Acure). My skin is super sensitive all around and it’s tough to find products that work & don’t irritate. This is especially true of deodorant… I recently tried Soapwalla and though I was eager to have it be my go-to deodorant (and it does work!) it leaves me with a terrible rash if I use it for more than 2 days in a row. :(
Green juice and green smoothies are a daily must for me. I find that smoothies keep me satiated longer, so I those are my go to. If i ever go 2 or 3 days without one, I notice a huge different in my energy, my skin, and my overall mood
I am SOOOO loving these morning routines! Thank you!
I need to get back in my morning green juice routine!
Loving this site as I switch over to natural beaty products (AND READ YOUR BOOK!)
Hi Lola, thank you for sharing your routine with us. You are so right when you say that whatever you put inside your body will reflect on the outside..and although I’m not into green juices, I try to do my best eating a number of greens and fruits daily. Love your body scrubs too ..I’ll definitely be preparing the coffe grounds & coconut recipe..
Interesting routine! I love green juice but have to admit I get a bit lazy in the mornings to make it and usually end up using a green powder (but the one I use is raw and amazing filled with superfoods) and of course taking all my EFA’s.
I might try Dr. Alkatitis, I wish I could find it locally instead of ordering it online. I love hearing other peoples routines it always gives you ideas or reminds you of a product you always wanted to try.
Nicole <3
I had the same trouble with Soapwalla deodorant. Fig + Yarrow, on etsy, makes an underarm lotion that is working really well for me and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Just a suggestion!
@Lola, I’m totally on board with the overall healthy approach. I don’t look/feel beautiful if I’m not feeling healthy. Good food and exercise are the most important part of my beauty routine.
I’m surprised you guys like Dr Alkaitis for sensitive skin… Both the day and eye cream were too fragrant and active for my sensitive, redness prone skin. That was actually my first purchase in the world of clean products and I was very disappointed, though it taught me the valuable lesson that natural often means very potent ingredients! I had better luck with Weleda and Karen’s Botanicals.
Robin,
Thanks for the tip about Fig + Yarrow!
I read the post on the other end of the “green juice”link. Was thinking about buying a vitamix. Can anyone tell me what model they use and how they like it?
Thanks in advance!
You’re welcome Jamie! I sometimes use a deodorant or crystal spray in the morning since I apply the lotion at night. It sounds like our skin is very similar. I find the soothing gel from Dr. A works really well for acne and you can mix it with a facial oil.
Emma B…you may like Keys Care or Blissoma.
@Emma B: I think skincare is such a wildly individual thing. For example, most folks love the Alkaitis face wash, but I found it to be miles too drying. Same with the OLO Love Springs Eternal serum: every single review on their site is beyond-glowing, but I found that when I applied it at night, my skin was actually drier in the morning!
I have been using the Absolution night cream and Anti-Age booster that I got in the recent Friday Deal and it’s great and very gentle (you can choose a different booster if you don’t need anti-aging and the other ones are cheaper). It’s quite expensive, but if you have the budget, I’d recommend it.
@Sarah C. I just bought a Blendtec (http://www.blendtec.com/products/total_blender_classic_wildside) and I’m obsessed (No plunger and shorter than the Vitamix). Green smoothies and tasty soups nearly every day! They are pricey, but I’ve been thinking about buying one for years and I’m glad I finally did.
@Sarah C, I have the Vitamix 5200 and I love it. I eat or drink something made with it every single day, it’s totally worth the cost as it does everything and holds up to constant use.
Lola, nice write up and routine! Do you take Gaia Herbs Adrenal Health formula? I ask because I just ordered it. Do you see a difference in your energy level from the herbs?
@Jacqueline: I don’t take the Adrenal Support, but that’s because I take Rhodiola and Ashwagandha on their own and that’s pretty much what comprises Adrenal Support. I really do feel a difference: I have been running on very little sleep the last few months, yet I have sustained energy throughout the day and don’t have my usual mid-afternoon comas. I also noticed that I don’t seem to get sick. I might have a day of “oh-oh, I’m about to get a cold”, but it just goes away the next day.
@lola: can you tell me what herbs and supplements you take for migraines? i get them a ton and will try anything! thanks!