Within the past year I’ve become really aware of ingredients that are in my beauty and grooming products. I was motivated to start switching them from my beauty and grooming routine. This was a more daunting task than I realized, as I found almost every single product I used included many unfamiliar ingredients. I knew I had to make easy and simple changes so that I wouldn’t be so overwhelmed by the process and give up. Simplifying my beauty and grooming routine is probably the most important way I take care of myself and the self-care habit I am most consistent with. Here are my tips for easy ways to simplify your beauty and grooming routine.
Start small with the changes you make
When I first started overhauling my makeup bag and medicine cabinet to simplify my beauty routine, I learned I needed to switch out every single one of my products and that totally freaked me out. I decided to start small so that I could be successful with my goal. I treated it as journey, rather than an overnight transformation. First, I started with my products that were almost finished and I needed to replace. I found alternative options for these products instead of repurchasing my usual. Then I started looking to the products in my routine that I didn’t really care about. If the product was more than halfway done, I just threw it out. If it was relatively new, I returned it. Switching out the products I didn’t care that much about was painless and made it easy for me to make the changes I wanted to make.
What was hardest was switching out the products I had used for years and loved. We all have those holy grail items we can’t live without and those were the hardest for me to get rid of. Those were the very last products that I switched out which made it a lot easier. By this point, I had found new brands that I loved and looked forward to trying their version of my former holy grail items. I’m really glad I waited until the end to replace my favorite products, because I think if I had started with them first I wouldn’t have been successful with this journey. I’ll be honest through, I’m still working on this. I have yet to find an alternative to the chemical hair straightening process I do, the hand soaps I love so much, and the nail polishes I use.
Know which ingredients to look for
It’s important to know exactly which ingredients to look for when purchasing new skin care and grooming products. I try to read the ingredient list whenever possible. I’ve prioritized a few ingredients that are most important to me to avoid and so I always look for those. I highly recommend doing some research on ingredients to avoid in beauty and grooming products and selecting a few that you can commit to always avoiding.
Don’t forget about your vagina!
Yes, I’m going there! Sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but it’s really an important topic. Looking at the ingredients used in my feminine sanitary products is a really new one for me and I’m not sure what took me so long. I’ve spent so much time and energy finding alternative products for my beauty routine, I realized I needed to give the same love and care to my vaginal skin which is thin and sensitive. Once I realized this, I went in search of alternative feminine care products and was happy to find Seventh Generation™ feminine care products at Target. They are all hypoallergenic and free of chlorine processing
The Free & Clear products do not have dyes and any sort of fragrance, natural or artificial. Even though it’s not required by law, all Seventh Generation products have all the ingredients listed right on the package for transparency. They are also working to fight to make this required by law, which is something I have advocated for in the past. Here are the feminine care products they offer. All of them can be found at Target in the feminine care aisle- not like any of us need another excuse to go to Target! They can also be purchased online: click here!
Find them in the Target feminine care aisle!
- Seventh Generation Comfort Applicator Tampons: This one is a new product and made up of 95% plant based materials. They have 0% added fragrance so your sensitive and thin vaginal skin isn’t exposed to unnecessary chemicals. This is one of the only plant based plastic applicators on the market!
- Free & Clear fragrance-free Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings: Leak free protection without dyes, fragrances, or chlorine.
- Free & Clear Pantiliners: No slip adhesive and keeps you dry without dyes, fragrances, or chlorine.
My biggest concern when I started simplifying my beauty routine, and I know this is a concern for others as well, is do these alternative products actually work. I’ve worked really hard to find alternative products to incorporate into my routine and I can assure you, they DO work.
Cleanse Gently
Washing your face removes dirt, oil, sunscreen, and other buildup from the day. Choose a cleanser that feels comfortable on your skin rather than one that leaves your face feeling tight.
Avoid scrubbing aggressively. Gentle cleansing is usually enough for everyday care.
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizer helps your skin stay comfortable and hydrated. If your skin feels dry, a richer cream may work well. If your skin becomes oily quickly, a lighter lotion or gel may feel better.
The goal is to help your skin feel balanced rather than overloaded with products.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
One of the simplest long-term skincare habits is applying sunscreen during the day when appropriate for your activities. Protecting your skin from sun exposure can help support healthy-looking skin over time.
Consistency matters far more than owning an expensive collection of skincare products.
Give Your Hair the Care It Needs
Hair care becomes much easier once you understand your own hair type. Straight, curly, thick, fine, oily, and dry hair all have different needs.
Wash your hair according to what works best for you rather than following someone else’s schedule. Some people prefer frequent washing, while others find that washing less often keeps their hair healthier.
Conditioner can help keep hair feeling softer and easier to manage, especially if your hair tends to become dry.
If you regularly use heat tools, try reducing the temperature when possible and avoid unnecessary heat styling every day.
Regular trims also make a noticeable difference. Removing damaged ends helps hairstyles look cleaner and easier to maintain.
Choose a haircut that fits your lifestyle instead of one that requires constant styling.
Keep Facial Grooming Natural
Facial grooming is about maintaining your preferred look rather than completely changing your appearance.
If you shave, use a clean razor and avoid rushing. Taking an extra minute can help reduce irritation.
If you keep facial hair, regular trimming helps maintain a neat shape. Even a simple beard looks more polished when the edges are tidy.
Eyebrows deserve attention too, but they rarely need dramatic reshaping. Removing obvious stray hairs while keeping their natural shape usually creates the most balanced look.
The goal is to enhance your natural features instead of trying to achieve perfection.
FAQs
1. What are the basics of good grooming?
Good hygiene, skincare, hair care, oral care, and neat nails are the main basics.
2. How can I simplify my beauty routine?
Focus on a few essential products and choose habits that are easy to maintain every day.
3. How often should I wash my hair?
It depends on your hair type, scalp, lifestyle, and how oily or dry your hair becomes.
4. Is sunscreen important for daily grooming?
Yes. Daily sunscreen helps protect exposed skin from UV damage and premature skin aging.
5. Do I need expensive beauty products?
No. A simple routine with suitable, reliable products can be enough for everyday grooming.
