Simplifying

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Olay.

Moving. Isn't it the worst? I'm not a fan of packing boxes, loading boxes, unloading boxes, unpacking boxes--the whole process is just so tiring, so completely exhausting. But one thing I actually enjoy about the process of moving is having the opportunity to go through things. To donate or throw out all the unnecessary things that have gathered in drawers and on shelves.

I recently moved out of an apartment that I had lived in for three years and, let me tell you, I acquired a lot of stuff throughout the house. By far, the room that had accumulated the most junk was my bathroom. The drawers were full of old mascaras, lipsticks that were not the right shade, face soap bottles with less than an eighth of the product remaining, nail polish too thick to use, and half a dozen lotion bottles with just a tiny bit of lotion left in the bottom of the jar. There were broken hair clips and stretched out bobby pins and at least five pair of nail clippers. Under the bathroom counter was a collection of those tiny hotel toiletries, half used (I don't know what compels me to toss these into my luggage when I leave a hotel). (A confession: we stayed in Santa Barbara recently and I brought home the toiletries. What? They were fancy toiletries, people. I'll use them this week, I promise.)

As I was filling a garbage can with these items, I made a promise to simplify. I threw out all the old mascaras and eyeliners and powders and left with a single bag of makeup--one bottle of foundation, one blush, one eyeliner, one mascara, a couple of eye shadows, and two shades of lipstick. I threw out the ridiculous number of hair care products and kept only my favorite items. I did the same with my skin care products, limiting myself to a single day cream and a single night cream (both Olay, I'm a long-time fan). I'm promising to use things up before I buy something else--or throwing things away that I don't like when I replace a product with something new.

The simplicity is helping. My morning routine is faster, more streamlined. I don't have to dig through a drawer of old makeup to find an eyeliner. I also notice my skin looks better--I'm using a limited number of products and have plenty of time for the basics, including moisturizing my face every morning. I've been using the Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration every morning since it arrived and I've noticed that my foundation to go on more smoothly and leaves my skin with a natural sheen.

Now, on my bathroom counter, I have just the essentials: the Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration, a small makeup bag, a toothbrush and toothpaste. The simplifying efforts have meant more time in the morning, a fresher and more classic look, and a less complicated regimen. It feels good to simplify and I actually think my skin looks better for it.

More about one of my new essentials: New Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration instantly cools and leaves skin with a moisturized fresh feeling that lasts from morning to night. This oil-free daily moisturizer provides 7 anti aging benefits in 1 lightweight formula--complete with vitamins, minerals and cooling mint extract for an invigorating burst of freshness. For more information visit Olay.

For a chance to win $100 from the wonderful (and beautiful) folks at BlogHer, leave a comment telling me how you simplify your beauty routine. Then, visit the BlogHer.com Exclusive Offers page where you will find 14 other bloggers’ beauty stories and 14 more chances to win!

Rules:

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: (a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post, (b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post, (c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post, (d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
• Sweepstakes ends 5 PM PST on December 20, 2010.
• This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected

Check out the official rules, too, if you like that kind of legal stuff.

Comments

[Amy J]

I'm getting old! My routine has only gotten longer, unfortunately. It takes so much upkeep to look young!

[Norma]

I have only one skin product - moisturizer. I have one small bag of make-up. That's it!

[LAMusing]

I don't wear anything but lip gloss most days, but when I do I use a mineral foundation and the Lauren Hutton disc for everything else. It has simplified my make-up!

[LAMusing]

tweet! http://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/15921262538784768

[Jaque R.]

I simplify my skin care routine by cleansing and moisturizing. I use Bobby Brown's make-up remover that moisturizes as it cleanses. :-) Thank you.

[Amber]

Makeup is like dressup for me, so it's not routine it's a chance to transform myself!

[b]

Simplify. Or, dont' do! I am guilty of the latter :(

[Jeanette Huston]

I ususally like to start out the day with a nice warm shower but then it has been really cold lately so I take my showers at night for now. I will spend from 10-15 minutes on my hair, 20 minutes on my makeup, 10 minutes on lotioin ans purmfume. I will then take 10 minutes for put on my uniform for work. On special occasions when going out it will take anywere from 1 hour to 2 hours to get ready. It take me 30 minutes to find the right outfit. 30 minutes on makeup and 30 mintues on hair, lotion, and perfume. It is a rouine and ritual. I am very seriuos about it!

Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com

[Jeanette Huston]

Tweeted

http://twitter.com/josephvh1982/status/16189518428241921

Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com

[julieh]

I simplify my beauty routine by taking care of my skin (moisturize and sunscreen), so I need less makeup to hide imperfections.

[Karen M]

I simplify by not buying multiples of things I already have. That way I don't have more than one of the same thing opened and started at the same time. Thanks.

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmmn3fscp8xeLkpDcnWOyT6tXWQQhWeaaI]

i keep it simple by not having alot, a good face cleaner, eye cream, lotion for when needed..i don't want to over treat/process my skin
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

[Gina]

I try to do a 5 minute face in the morning meaning that I keep my makeup routine simple and stick to the basics.

[Gina]

http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/16319779371491330

tweet!
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com

[chris]

just lipstick

[Suzanne Lewis]

I just keep the makeup simple, moisturizer, base, powder.

txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

[steph]

i brush my teeth in my shower :)

[steph]

http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/16364975496892416

[Tabathia B]

I don't wear makeup I just use facial wash and moisurize and chapstick and that's it
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

[Tabathia B]

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/16376661876408321
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

[Preppy Pink Crocodile]

I simplify my routine by wearing only the basics on my face. And I set out my clothing before I go to bed. My groggy morning self should not be trusted with daily wardrobe decisions.

[Debbie C]

My skin routine is already pretty simple. Wash twice daily with the cleanser a dermatoligis recommended, apply moisturizer, avoid the sun.

dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

[Debbie C]

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/DchrisG3/status/16400248687566848

dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

[Bryanna P.]

Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!
Would love, love, LOVE to win this!
Happy holidays!
=]

[Georgia]

I have a pretty simple routine. I cleanse, moisturize when needed and get plenty of sleep.

gmssycat at yahoo dot com

[Georgia]

Tweeted here too

http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/16476203812659200

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

[elizabeth p]

I keep my routine simple by using the products that work for me.

[FotoMacro]

My beauty routine has been simplified MUCH since high school. In high school I wore ALL the types of makeup available! LOL Now, all I use is lip balm after washing my face and lotioning with an organic cleanser and lotion.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

[FotoMacro]

I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/16537395457433600
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

[erma]

I just use lotion on my face.

[RePurrPussed]

My routine is more involved now that when I was young. I have a facial wash for sensitive skin and a lotion I use after. I use wax in my hair and always have my lip balm! LOL
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

[RePurrPussed]

my tweet http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/16548769940111360
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

[Ronald]

I want to give this to my wife for her birthday.

[Amy B]

I dont wear eye makeup.
abehles88 at gmail dot com

[latisha depoortere]

I use Olay day cream and I have Olay night I love Olay have for years! Great giveaway thank you!
tishajean@ charter.net

[latisha depoortere]

Tweeted too
http://twitter.com/#!/latishajean/status/16612622774308864
tishajean@ charter.net

[Tammigirl]

I simplify my beauty routine by drinking lots and lots of water, living clean, not smoking, and not drinking so I don't have a lot of 'repair' work to do.

If I'm in a pinch I'll cleanse, tone & moisturize and be out the door with a bit of softlips or lipstick.

[Daniel M]

i don't have a beauty routine, simple (just a shower a day)

[amy h]

I simply my beauty routine by only wearing mineral foundation. It is seamless so I don't have to worry. :) Thanks for the giveaway.

[Debra F]

My philosophy has been to use the best moisturizer that I can afford, but other than that, I try my best to age naturally and with grace.

[Charity S.]

I have a system setup with all of my beauty products.

[Shawnna]

I keep it real simple. wash and go

[Pauline M]

There's not much time in my life for a long beauty routine. I tend to use basic products and one's that are simple with no perfumes. I can't handle them!

[Jean D.]

I have eczema (yuck!), and have to stay vigilant about moisturizing daily. Sometimes, on days like today when the furnace runs full-blast, I have to reapply moisturizer several times. If I don't, my "simple" plan requires lots more attention. As for makeup, I keep my daily basics in a small bucket--easy to use, easy to put away.

Thanks for a great giveaway!

[Jean D.]

Tweeted you!
http://twitter.com/Ida_Sessions/status/16688913468882944

[Tammy Darling]

Most days I just shower and go.

[Patricia Treskovich]

I simplified down to a facial moisturizer and lipstick

[MelissaO]

I only use the basic both for cleaning my face and making it up...in fact, for make up I often only wear mascara and lip balm.

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

[Crystal F]

My routine couldn't be much more simple. I really don't do anything other than try to was my face at night. I'm starting to get up there in age so I know I need to start doing something. thank you!

[rebecca]

Not sure whether it was never having the time, or a tad of laziness, but I have always kept it simple. While I may pour the fraction left in one bottle into another, there is seldom any throwing away unless it is empty.

[Erica C.]

I simplify my routine by having an all-in-one moisturizer...it has spf and a bit of acne treatment.

[oona b]

I lay out my Burts Bees moisturizer and Tarte cheek stain (which does double duty as lip stain) on the sink so that I can do everything in a flash after I brush my teeth. 5 minute beauty routine after a shower works for me!
Thanks! foxsquirrelrabbit at gmail dot com

[Auriette]

My daily beauty routine is to splash water on my face and (if I remember) to comb my hair. I don't do hair spray (hubby has allergies) and I don't wear cosmetics on a daily basis. Simple.

[Heather H.]

Well I simplify by moisturizing and cleaning my face in the shower with one product and all I wear make-up wise is masquera so most days my routine is pretty simple.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

[Heather H.]

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/HendyMartin/status/16760168687599616
hmhenderson At yahoo DOT com

[Betty C]

I simplify by doing as little as possible. I don't even own a lot of make up and it gets used only on special occasions. I'm a "natural" lady.

[Betty C]

Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/willitara/status/16781633289981953

[justine]

I simplify my beauty routine by using one moisturizer allover and I skip mascara usually...

[justine]

I tweeted

http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/16782345650569216

[Claire]

I don't use foundation anymore -- takes a good 5 minutes off my routine and my skin looks better for it.

[Heather @ Creative Family Moments]

I admit that simplifying is not my strong suit. My way is trying to do it faster!

[Leslie S.]

I only wear make up on special occassions and really do not do much other than wash my face.Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

[Selene Montgomery]

My beauty routine is simple cleansing and no makeup.

kg4rmt at arrl dot net

[Patrice]

I use basic products, such as cleanser, toner and moisturizer, and try to only have one of each at a time, to reduce clutter and confusion.

[shel]

In my teens and 20's I had a makeup routine that took me almost a half hour to apply. After having kids, I decided that less is more and now I only wash, moisturize and use a bit of mascara. I like my face feeling clean and fresh without all the heavy foundation.

[shel]

http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/16892320523751424

[marilyn]

I wash my face twice a day with a simple cloth..no fuss,super fast

jdmimi at gmail dot com

[Sonja thompson]

I have simplified by only adding make up when I know I'm going out. The skin care is essential, the make up is not. My children love me just the way I am.

[dddiva]

I buy moisturizer with an spf of 30

[dddiva]

http://twitter.com/dddiva/status/16910158365990912

[kimbly]

I wear a limited amount of makeup. I find for myself that too many products and makeup gives a cluttered heavy look. I stick with a few classic items and strive for a clean, fresh look.

[pixie13]

I don't wear make-up (at least, not often), so my skin care routine is pretty much as basic as it can get already :)

[pixie13]

tweeted
http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/16919595549982720

[Lewis F]

I try to find one product which does multiple tasks, that means less products on the bathroom sink.

[Lewis F]

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/LuigiFranco/status/16921524388757504

[lisa]

I cleanse and moisturize that's it.

[lisa]

Tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/16928947690274817

[lisa]

Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2010/12/reviews-simplifying.html

[Katie R.]

I simplify my beauty routine by using a powder fondation. It gives me perfect results everytime and I don't have to worry about blending foundation.

[Margie]

I like using some basic products daily, like moisturizer and night cream.

[Ellie W]

I used to buy all the new products that came out. Over the years I've learned what works for me and what doesn't. I stick to the tried and true now.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com

[Ellie W]

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/16936777449209856
eswright18 at gmail dot com

[Tamara]

I just try to make sure that I use a moisturizer, even if I do not have time to do anything else.

[Lisa G.]

I simplify my routine by keeping the number of products I use to a minimum. It get to complicated to have numerous products to put on at one time and with a young baby I just don't have time.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

[Lisa G.]

I Tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/16938371221815296
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

[Darcy Bishop]

Once I had kids--my beauty routine had to be trimmed --I love mineral foundation because it''s quick and easy--add mascara and lip gloss and I'm good to go.

[PauleyD]

I keep it simple by using all in one products: mositurizer and sunblock in one, rather than separate products.

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

[PauleyD]

http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/16951425435181056

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

[LeAndrew Taylor]

I wash my face twice daily and use my wife's moisturizer!

Thanks for the chance to WIN!

Good Luck and Happy Holidays to All!

[Erica Best]

i just use a face wash and a light moisturizer

[Erica Best]

i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/16960768234749952

[kathy]

I try to keep my routine simple by only use a few products, face moisturizer with SPF, a bit of makeup and I'm ready to go.

[CATHARINE R]

Gentle cleansing and daily moisturizing, make-up on special occasions

ceriehl at gmail dot com

[CATHARINE R]

Tweet
http://twitter.com/norcalgal52/status/16963811739172864

ceriehl at gmail dot com

[April]

My routine is pretty simple anyway - moisturize and go. I do have to use two moisturizers though so I put one on after my shower and the other after I dress. This allows the first to be absorbed (or dry off or whatever) before applying the second. If I don't wait, they don't combine well and I end up with an icky streaky look.

[charline]

I make it simple with just moisturizer and lipgloss and mascara.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

[Danielle]

Being a stay home Mom I don't have much of a makeup routine, most days I don't wear makeup at all!

[ANGEL JACKLYN]

I OFTEN USE LOTIONS AND MINERAL MAKEUPS WHICH DO WONDERS FOR MY SKIN kytah00@yahoo.com

[ANGEL JACKLYN]

http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/16969812559269888

[Amy Delong]

I rarely wear make up,when i do i keep it simple and save tons of time
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com