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
Sometimes, I skip makeup all together. That DEFINITELY simplifies my beauty routine!
Posted by: A Twitter User | December 13, 2010 at 11:14 AM
I stop buying every product that promises me that I will look ten years longer, and stick with the basics. I agree with you, I am a big fan of Olay and have been for years.
Posted by: nancy | December 13, 2010 at 11:24 AM
I don't buy anything new until the old stuff is all used up.
Posted by: Hope | December 13, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Oh dear, I am still working on this. I really do try to buy very few products, but it still seems like I have too many. I at least keep them contained to one pretty small area!
Posted by: janet | December 13, 2010 at 01:22 PM
I try to minimize the makeup I wear during the work week and don't take too long doing my hair. I still look fine and it makes weekend nights when I go out and dress up momre feel more special!
Posted by: Meaghen | December 13, 2010 at 02:50 PM
I already keep things simple by wearing very little makeup.
Posted by: mami2jcn | December 13, 2010 at 02:56 PM
tweeted-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/14453556727775232
Posted by: mami2jcn | December 13, 2010 at 02:56 PM
I try to use as few products as possible! Natural is good!
Posted by: Kim | December 13, 2010 at 03:55 PM
I skip foundation and basically use a moisturizer, concealer, mascara and lip gloss.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Posted by: Margaret Smith | December 13, 2010 at 03:59 PM
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/peg42/status/14469868447338496
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Posted by: Margaret Smith | December 13, 2010 at 04:01 PM
The nice thing about thinning out your make up supplies and face creams for me is I actually remember to use the product when I don't have to dig through a field of them. Once and a while I even find something I didn't know I had
Posted by: cathy miller | December 13, 2010 at 04:04 PM
http://twitter.com/rewcath/status/14471675605159937
tweeted
Posted by: cathy miller | December 13, 2010 at 04:09 PM
I resist adding on products and use up one product before I buy another (eye cream, night cream, etc)
Posted by: Roxanne Ellis Raymond | December 13, 2010 at 04:31 PM
I simplify my beauty routine by wearing simple makeup. Usually just a swipe of foundation and some mascara & I'm on my way!(didn't say it was pretty--just simple! LOL)
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom
Posted by: Stacy | December 13, 2010 at 05:13 PM
tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/14488163858784256
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom
Posted by: Stacy | December 13, 2010 at 05:14 PM
I can relate to your moving episode as I just moved from the house I lived in for 14 years. You definitely acquire a lot of stuff along the way:) I can't do much to simplify my beauty routine because all it has ever consisted of it washing and moisturizing.
Posted by: nanjhall | December 13, 2010 at 05:40 PM
My tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/14495235308519424
Posted by: nanjhall | December 13, 2010 at 05:42 PM
I keep it simple by skipping makeup often and just sticking to moisturizer and washing face.
Posted by: Thuong Pham | December 13, 2010 at 05:44 PM
easy, I have about 5 minutes per morning to beautify, so Ive gotten the routine done pat.
Posted by: Adrienne gordon | December 13, 2010 at 05:45 PM
my tweet
http://twitter.com/5teapea/status/14496543843291136
Posted by: Thuong Pham | December 13, 2010 at 05:47 PM
learning to love yourself the way you are
Posted by: SANDY | December 13, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Now that I'm retired ... I skip most makeup other than moisturizer and foundation.
jtrophy at aol dot com
http://icoulduseadeal.com/
Posted by: Jeanine Peterson | December 13, 2010 at 06:27 PM
http://twitter.com/jtrophy/status/14506810153107456 tweeted jtrophy at aol dot com
http://icoulduseadeal.com/
Posted by: Jeanine Peterson | December 13, 2010 at 06:28 PM
Not much to mine, I just in the shower, wash and that's it. I don't wear much make-up.
Posted by: Jill L | December 13, 2010 at 06:50 PM
I moisturize. That's it.
Posted by: mickeyfan | December 13, 2010 at 06:57 PM
wash, moisturize - about all I can handle right now fighting cancer
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Posted by: Stephanie V. | December 13, 2010 at 07:39 PM
by not wearing makeup.
Posted by: Shannon b | December 13, 2010 at 08:13 PM
I keep things simple (just wash and maybe moisturize). Thanks!
Posted by: Benny Williams | December 13, 2010 at 08:43 PM
I tweeted too:
http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/14540869315076096
Posted by: Benny Williams | December 13, 2010 at 08:43 PM
I just wear basic type of makeup - nothing fancy - My routine is fairly simple
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
Posted by: Debbie Bellows | December 13, 2010 at 09:40 PM
i tweeted
http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/14555583927554048
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
Posted by: Debbie Bellows | December 13, 2010 at 09:42 PM
I simplify, by not wearing makeup most of the time
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
Posted by: mistysunrise | December 13, 2010 at 09:59 PM
tweet
http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/14560215919755264
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
Posted by: mistysunrise | December 13, 2010 at 10:00 PM
I simplify my beauty routine by using a face product that contains everything I need(moisturizer, anti-aging, as well as diminishes age-spots). That way I'm not spending excess time and money on too many products!
the4peels at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Annette P. | December 13, 2010 at 10:39 PM
I Tweeted: http://twitter.com/2treasures4us/statuses/14543909698932736
(@2treasures4us)
the4peels at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Annette P. | December 13, 2010 at 10:41 PM
I wear just minimum make up. Not enough time to get all made up.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Rebecca Graham | December 14, 2010 at 12:07 AM
I keep my routine simple by sticking to basics, I cleanse and moisturize in the morn and eve.
Dove056 at aol dot com
Posted by: Cindy | December 14, 2010 at 12:36 AM
Tweet - http://twitter.com/Dove056/status/14601074451152896
Dove056 at aol dot com
Posted by: Cindy | December 14, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Y'know, I guess I'm weird, because I've been purposefully letting my skincare regimen become less stringent and just sort of let my skin care for itself :)
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
Posted by: Timbo | December 14, 2010 at 01:00 AM
I just tweeted this giveaway here :D
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/14605561693732864
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
Posted by: Timbo | December 14, 2010 at 01:00 AM
just tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/nellybarney/status/14613033120698368
nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Nelly Barney | December 14, 2010 at 01:30 AM
This is terrible to say but sometimes just to make things simple or have more time for other things, i skip my routine completely! i don't wash my face, no moisturizer! nothing! terrible right!?
nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Nelly Barney | December 14, 2010 at 01:32 AM
I simplify my beauty routine by not wearing makeup. I wash with just water most of the time. I definitely do use facial moisturizer! That's the important part.
Makeup gets saved for special days when I want to be a little fancy.
Posted by: Leah | December 14, 2010 at 05:35 AM
It used to be that I'd say I skip all makeup but mascara and lip gloss, but lately I've been so busy that I've been skipping those as well! (Which I do not recommend - no mascara makes me look even more tired than I actually am.)
Posted by: Gwen | December 14, 2010 at 05:42 AM
I'm having a hard time doing that unless I'm staying in the house all day. I skip eyeshadow sometimes, but other than that I need my makeup!
Posted by: Kerry | December 14, 2010 at 05:57 AM
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14680378144985088
Posted by: Kerry | December 14, 2010 at 05:57 AM
I try to keep my beauty routine minimal - everything needs to take less than 10 min, so I don't mess with a lot of makeup
Posted by: Laura | December 14, 2010 at 06:23 AM
I have probably needed to go through the drawers in my makeup table for the last two years and clean stuff out. It is a disaster that really needs to be organized. I have drawers and drawers full of products and only use the same ones over and over again every day (that aren't even in those drawers). It's a lot like my closet. De-cluttering your life is not easy.
One thing that I have done that has simplified my routine, is to use makeup remover/face wipes instead of liquid facial cleanser. It has replaced the eye makeup remover, cotton balls, kleenex, and facial cleanser for me. In addition, I have never seemed to master the splash water on your face and not get it all over the bathroom counter and floor thing, so the face wipes also prevent me from having to wipe down all of the bathroom surfaces every time I wash my face. A huge time saver!
***(Another great use for these face wipes is to take them with you to hot events in the summertime. I live in Georgia, and I always feel so gross after a day of tailgating and football game in the early fall. It feels so good to get back to the car and wipe down my face, neck, arms, and everything else that feels "sticky" from the heat and humidity).***
Posted by: Dawn P. | December 14, 2010 at 07:13 AM
I've always had a simple routine, and I have not changed it much over the years.
Posted by: Bacallsmom | December 14, 2010 at 07:59 AM
I'm with many of the other commenters - I just don't wear much makeup, so my beauty routine is pretty simple already!
Posted by: Courtney | December 14, 2010 at 08:10 AM
SPF skin lotion (Olay, of course), mascara, and chapstick. That's it!
Posted by: Ris | December 14, 2010 at 08:34 AM
I wear smaller amounts of makeup just to enhance my looks this saves time.
Posted by: Heather S | December 14, 2010 at 08:46 AM
I never wear makeup. I am well over 40 and simply keep my face clean and moisturized. Simple.
Posted by: Andrea S. | December 14, 2010 at 08:53 AM
How about not having a routine, just wash and dry face daily.
Posted by: Maria | December 14, 2010 at 10:31 AM
my beauty routine is super simple, I barely do anything other than wash my face and occasionally moisturize. but for people who do a lot, a good way to simplify is to find products with multiple functions (moisturizer with spf, etc)
Posted by: Sarah Hirsch | December 14, 2010 at 11:38 AM
I take a shower at night, let my hair air dry and then quickly use a straightener to get the kinks out in th emorning.
Posted by: Tarah | December 14, 2010 at 12:09 PM
I've moved enough that I've cleaned out all my beauty products every time--I'm now down to just the essentials!
Posted by: callie | December 14, 2010 at 01:00 PM
sometimes...I USE A DIFFERENT MOISTURIZER FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT
Posted by: EMMA L HORTON | December 14, 2010 at 01:12 PM
I wore makeup, out in the 'working world' for so many years that I'm taking advantage of working from home. My simple routine is washing with warm water, moisturizing, and sun screen if I'm going to be outside. (moisturizer also has SPF protection). Only on rare and special occasions do I wear makeup, and not much then!
Posted by: Suzanne K | December 14, 2010 at 01:35 PM
I need to simplify my routine. It takes me way to long to get ready!
Posted by: Holly Edwards | December 14, 2010 at 02:12 PM
My beauty routine is simple; a quick shower and moisturizer.
smchester at gmail dot com
Posted by: Susan C | December 14, 2010 at 02:15 PM
Put moisturizer on and go
cookiesandclogs[at]gmail[dot]com
Posted by: TerriAnn | December 14, 2010 at 02:18 PM
When I'm not going anywhere important, I skip make up altogether--not only does it save time, but I think my skin really appreciates being allowed to breathe once in a while!
Posted by: ohkeeka | December 14, 2010 at 07:08 PM
wake up 10 minutes before you have to leave!
Posted by: J. McRae | December 14, 2010 at 07:15 PM
My routine is always simple- cleanser and moisturizer/cream
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Posted by: Jessie C. | December 14, 2010 at 10:10 PM
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/14925442427387904
Posted by: Jessie C. | December 14, 2010 at 10:11 PM
I keep everything I need in one place!
Merry Xmas! Thanks!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
www.feedyourpigblog.com
Posted by: janna | December 14, 2010 at 11:09 PM
If I'm just going out to shop, I just use a little foundation and mascara. It goes on very fast.
Posted by: Cynthia C | December 15, 2010 at 05:02 AM
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/clc408/status/15029463658012672
Posted by: Cynthia C | December 15, 2010 at 05:05 AM
I have it down to a science ~ and use the same 3 makeup items every day. Foundation, blush and lipstick. That's it.
1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: Johannah B | December 15, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/1prizewinner/status/15094453257633792
Twitter name: 1prizewinner
1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by: Johannah B | December 15, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Simplify? HA! I feel like I've made it more complicated lately. If I am rushed, I just use foundatin and mascara. That's it
Posted by: Lori hart | December 15, 2010 at 11:07 AM
I keep my routine simple by just not wearing much makeup. Mascara and lipstick are a must and anything else I add is optional. Such as coverup for a breakout or something like that.
Posted by: Alecia | December 15, 2010 at 01:48 PM
I wash nightly and use witch hazel!
Posted by: Lisa Q | December 15, 2010 at 03:30 PM
keepin' it simple with cleansing and moisturizing twice a day, makeup with SPF 15. that's pretty much it!
Posted by: karen | December 15, 2010 at 03:53 PM
I don't use soap on my face, just moisturizer after my shower, and I don't wear makeup (hate the way it feels), so my routine is very simple.
Posted by: Pat B | December 15, 2010 at 04:31 PM
I've been trying to cut back on my products, but with the husband laid-off, I only give away or toss those items I won't use at all. Most days, I use those which don't work so great in order to conserve those which I like so well that I plan to buy replacements of when needed.
chainmail (at) iwon (dot) com
Posted by: Sunshyn V | December 15, 2010 at 06:49 PM
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/15237384257929216
Posted by: Sunshyn V | December 15, 2010 at 06:51 PM
Just moisterizer morning and night.
Posted by: Judith | December 15, 2010 at 07:30 PM
http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/15247306207002624
Posted by: Judith | December 15, 2010 at 07:31 PM
I simplify my routine by using soap and water.
Posted by: Gail Crawford | December 15, 2010 at 07:38 PM
I don't do a lot usually. Cleanse and moisturize. This product is definitely going on my shopping list. It looks awesome!
Posted by: Wanda | December 15, 2010 at 08:07 PM
I just use soap
Posted by: linda lansford | December 15, 2010 at 08:09 PM
Nothing is simple on my face!
Posted by: joni | December 15, 2010 at 10:41 PM
I simplify my beauty regimen by sticking to basics: washing, moisturize, sunblock. Lip gloss with a shade of pink color, and mascara. I don't wear make-up unless I really have to (attend parties or events).
mandalarctic at gmail dot com
Posted by: Mandala | December 16, 2010 at 12:12 AM
I don't have much of a beauty routine. I wash my face with facial cleanser and wear very little make-up; mascara and lipstick mostly.
Posted by: Tari L. | December 16, 2010 at 04:12 AM
I use a couple of products that do two things like moisturizer/foundation, lipstick/blush
Posted by: Susan Smith | December 16, 2010 at 09:48 AM
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/15463061326401537
Posted by: Susan Smith | December 16, 2010 at 09:49 AM
I only use makeup on the weekend
Posted by: Happi Shopr | December 16, 2010 at 11:02 AM
I cant wait to try this
Posted by: christie Bryant | December 16, 2010 at 11:31 AM
No makeup just lots of moisturizer.
Posted by: Kathy N Scott | December 16, 2010 at 01:37 PM
I have actually given up wearing a lot of makeup now it's mild soap and suncreen and it has helped my skin.
Posted by: Carolyn G | December 16, 2010 at 03:42 PM
I try to use products that are multi-purpose as much as possible, like a lipstick that I can dab on my cheeks as blush.
Posted by: Kathleen | December 16, 2010 at 06:49 PM
i dont like to skimp on my skincare routine so to simplify i just organize my products and just start grabbing them in order. saves like 10 minutes a day!
Posted by: Danielle | December 16, 2010 at 10:38 PM
I use an exfoliater, and then moisturize...that is simple
leahforlove at aol dot com
Posted by: Leah | December 17, 2010 at 03:53 AM
http://twitter.com/#!/leahforlove/status/15736576864686080
leahforlove at aol dot com
Posted by: Leah | December 17, 2010 at 03:54 AM
I stick with the same brand and the same core products. This makes me life easier.
Posted by: katfam | December 17, 2010 at 06:35 AM
I try to keep things as simple as possible. I try my best to not get seduced by all of the beauty products out there. A simple facial cleanser and moisturize usually do the trick for me!
paigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com
Posted by: Paige | December 17, 2010 at 09:03 AM
We have moved so many times! My best tip? Get several colors of construction paper and tape them to the door of each room. Get coordinating duct tape and slap a piece on each box to write the contents on. Then when you get to your new home tape the paper to the new doors and unloading is a snap. Just match the color of the tape to the paper on the door.
Posted by: Liz Brown | December 17, 2010 at 10:26 AM
I simply by using one moisturizer and not wearing makeup.
Posted by: patricia | December 17, 2010 at 10:49 AM