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

[A Twitter User]

Sometimes, I skip makeup all together. That DEFINITELY simplifies my beauty routine!

[nancy]

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.

[Hope]

I don't buy anything new until the old stuff is all used up.

[janet]

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!

[Meaghen]

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!

[mami2jcn]

I already keep things simple by wearing very little makeup.

[mami2jcn]

tweeted-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/14453556727775232

[Kim]

I try to use as few products as possible! Natural is good!

[Margaret Smith]

I skip foundation and basically use a moisturizer, concealer, mascara and lip gloss.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

[Margaret Smith]

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/peg42/status/14469868447338496
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

[cathy miller]

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

[cathy miller]

http://twitter.com/rewcath/status/14471675605159937

tweeted

[Roxanne Ellis Raymond]

I resist adding on products and use up one product before I buy another (eye cream, night cream, etc)

[Stacy]

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

[Stacy]

tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/14488163858784256
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

[nanjhall]

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.

[nanjhall]

My tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/14495235308519424

[Thuong Pham]

I keep it simple by skipping makeup often and just sticking to moisturizer and washing face.

[Adrienne gordon]

easy, I have about 5 minutes per morning to beautify, so Ive gotten the routine done pat.

[Thuong Pham]

my tweet

http://twitter.com/5teapea/status/14496543843291136

[SANDY]

learning to love yourself the way you are

[Jeanine Peterson]

Now that I'm retired ... I skip most makeup other than moisturizer and foundation.
jtrophy at aol dot com
http://icoulduseadeal.com/

[Jeanine Peterson]

http://twitter.com/jtrophy/status/14506810153107456 tweeted jtrophy at aol dot com
http://icoulduseadeal.com/

[Jill L]

Not much to mine, I just in the shower, wash and that's it. I don't wear much make-up.

[mickeyfan]

I moisturize. That's it.

[Stephanie V.]

wash, moisturize - about all I can handle right now fighting cancer
tvollowitz at aol dot com

[Shannon b]

by not wearing makeup.

[Benny Williams]

I keep things simple (just wash and maybe moisturize). Thanks!

[Benny Williams]

I tweeted too:
http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/14540869315076096

[Debbie Bellows]

I just wear basic type of makeup - nothing fancy - My routine is fairly simple

debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

[Debbie Bellows]

i tweeted

http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/14555583927554048

debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

[mistysunrise]

I simplify, by not wearing makeup most of the time

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

[mistysunrise]

tweet

http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/14560215919755264

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

[Annette P.]

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

[Annette P.]

I Tweeted: http://twitter.com/2treasures4us/statuses/14543909698932736
(@2treasures4us)
the4peels at yahoo dot com

[Rebecca Graham]

I wear just minimum make up. Not enough time to get all made up.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

[Cindy]

I keep my routine simple by sticking to basics, I cleanse and moisturize in the morn and eve.
Dove056 at aol dot com

[Cindy]

Tweet - http://twitter.com/Dove056/status/14601074451152896
Dove056 at aol dot com

[Timbo]

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

[Timbo]

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

[Nelly Barney]

just tweeted!

http://twitter.com/#!/nellybarney/status/14613033120698368

nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com

[Nelly Barney]

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

[Leah]

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.

[Gwen]

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.)

[Kerry]

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!

[Kerry]

tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14680378144985088

[Laura]

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

[Dawn P.]

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).***

[Bacallsmom]

I've always had a simple routine, and I have not changed it much over the years.

[Courtney]

I'm with many of the other commenters - I just don't wear much makeup, so my beauty routine is pretty simple already!

[Ris]

SPF skin lotion (Olay, of course), mascara, and chapstick. That's it!

[Heather S]

I wear smaller amounts of makeup just to enhance my looks this saves time.

[Andrea S.]

I never wear makeup. I am well over 40 and simply keep my face clean and moisturized. Simple.

[Maria]

How about not having a routine, just wash and dry face daily.

[Sarah Hirsch]

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)

[Tarah]

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.

[callie]

I've moved enough that I've cleaned out all my beauty products every time--I'm now down to just the essentials!

[EMMA L HORTON]

sometimes...I USE A DIFFERENT MOISTURIZER FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT

[Suzanne K]

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!

[Holly Edwards]

I need to simplify my routine. It takes me way to long to get ready!

[Susan C]

My beauty routine is simple; a quick shower and moisturizer.
smchester at gmail dot com

[TerriAnn]

Put moisturizer on and go
cookiesandclogs[at]gmail[dot]com

[ohkeeka]

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!

[J. McRae]

wake up 10 minutes before you have to leave!

[Jessie C.]

My routine is always simple- cleanser and moisturizer/cream
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

[Jessie C.]

tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/14925442427387904

[janna]

I keep everything I need in one place!
Merry Xmas! Thanks!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
www.feedyourpigblog.com

[Cynthia C]

If I'm just going out to shop, I just use a little foundation and mascara. It goes on very fast.

[Cynthia C]

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/clc408/status/15029463658012672

[Johannah B]

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

[Johannah B]

Tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/1prizewinner/status/15094453257633792
Twitter name: 1prizewinner
1prizewinner(at)gmail(dot)com

[Lori hart]

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

[Alecia]

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.

[Lisa Q]

I wash nightly and use witch hazel!

[karen]

keepin' it simple with cleansing and moisturizing twice a day, makeup with SPF 15. that's pretty much it!

[Pat B]

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.

[Sunshyn V]

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

[Sunshyn V]

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/15237384257929216

[Judith]

Just moisterizer morning and night.

[Judith]

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/15247306207002624

[Gail Crawford]

I simplify my routine by using soap and water.

[Wanda]

I don't do a lot usually. Cleanse and moisturize. This product is definitely going on my shopping list. It looks awesome!

[linda lansford]

I just use soap

[joni]

Nothing is simple on my face!

[Mandala]

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

[Tari L.]

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.

[Susan Smith]

I use a couple of products that do two things like moisturizer/foundation, lipstick/blush

[Susan Smith]

http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/15463061326401537

[Happi Shopr]

I only use makeup on the weekend

[christie Bryant]

I cant wait to try this

[Kathy N Scott]

No makeup just lots of moisturizer.

[Carolyn G]

I have actually given up wearing a lot of makeup now it's mild soap and suncreen and it has helped my skin.

[Kathleen]

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.

[Danielle]

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!

[Leah]

I use an exfoliater, and then moisturize...that is simple

leahforlove at aol dot com

[Leah]

http://twitter.com/#!/leahforlove/status/15736576864686080

leahforlove at aol dot com

[katfam]

I stick with the same brand and the same core products. This makes me life easier.

[Paige]

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

[Liz Brown]

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.

[patricia]

I simply by using one moisturizer and not wearing makeup.