My Simple Morning Routine

I think readers here know I try to keep things simple.  When I began This Simple Home, it was with the intention of sharing the ins and outs of our home and how we try to keep life simple.  Today I'm sharing how I keep my morning routine simple and how I saved 49% at CVS buying Cottonelle with a sale and a coupon.



My husband leaves for work at 4:45 a.m.  I roll over and try to return to sleep.  Typically Little Sister wakes up before 6 and my day officially begins.  Brother awakens on his own about six.  By 6:15 I wake up Big Sister, and the three children and I have a simple breakfast together.  By 7 we head out the door for the bus stop.  I hop in the shower upon returning home so we can get Brother to preschool.  I always dry my hair before leaving the house.  After I dry my hair, I get dressed and put on a bit of make-up.  Shoes on...and we're out the door.  No time to fuss.

Most days I wear at least a bit of make-up.  In the picture below you see the facial products I use.   
Clean
Every morning I wash my face in the shower.  For more than a year I have used an Equate Age Resisting Classic Cleanser.  (I don't know if it is truly "age resisting;" I just like how it cleans.  I use it before bedtime, as well.)  I've also used the Olay version and like both.

Moisture/Sunscreen
Even on days I do not wear make-up, I still take the time to moisturize my skin.  Several years ago my mother-in-law introduced me to Lancome daily moisturizer.  I loved it, but the cost made it difficult for me to always purchase it.  A friend mentioned L'Oreal may be similar.  Now I use L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming with SPF 15 Day Lotion.  Affiliate link.  (Once I purchased a different L'Oreal moisturizer and disliked the scent.  It was also a bit oily.  This moisturizer's scent is subtle and it is not oily.)

Lip Moisturizer 
Every day I use lip moisturizer.  I use Chapstick and Nivea.  The Nivea is my favorite.  (Little known fact about me: From junior high until my second or third pregnancy I carried Chapstick-or its equivalent- in my pocket.  I stopped when I ruined a load of clothes when it went through the dryer.)

Foundation/Cover Up/Blush
Most days I wear a mineral foundation, but cover up and blush are not a daily ritual.  I often need the cover up for blemishes or red spots.  Blush helps add some color to my pale face.  I use the L'Oreal True Match line because it works and I can almost always find a good coupon for it.  

Eye Liner/Mascara
Until recently I really didn't wear mascara or eye liner.  (Actually, that's not true.  I wore A LOT of eye make-up in high school.  I should show you a picture some day...you won't recognize me.)  I wanted to look nice on my own.  (My husband is not a fan of heavy make-up.)   However, as I age, my already-puny eyelashes are getting punier.  My glasses make my eyes appear small.  And, well, I'm often tired.  So in the past couple of months I bought some eye liner and mascara.  (I'd really like a recommendation for mascara that separates eyelashes but doesn't cost a lot.  I don't think this mascara makes my eyelashes look like spider legs, but it could be better, too.)  I only wear eye liner and mascara a couple times a week, but they really wake up my eyes.

I don't have time for a lot of make-up.  This routine works well for me.  Occasionally I wear lipstick, but not often even though my lips are nearly flesh-colored.  Do you have a recommendation for a brand that won't be flaky? 

Why?
I don't know if I'd look nicer with more make-up.  I do know I would look different...maybe too different.  Once upon a time during my teenage years I wore a lot of make-up.  At some point I realized when women where heavy make-up (especially around the eyes) they look like a different person than their true selves.  I don't want someone to not recognize the true me.  

Cleaning my face daily is a must.  Having a clean bum is just as important.  As part of my morning routine I appreciate Cottonelle's Flushable Cleansing Wipes and Clean Care toilet paper.  Together they complete the morning routine and, appropriately, make me feel clean.   They are safe for septic and sewer systems.  The cleansing wipes can sit on the back of the toilet for easy access.  The upright container blends right in, which I like.  When these are gone, I can simply buy refills for the container.
I bought my Cottonelle Cleansing Wipes and Clean Care toilet paper at my local CVS with a coupon.  They were both on sale.  Between the sale and the coupon I saved 49% according to the receipt.  Quite honestly I have used the same brand of toilet paper for more than ten years.  I have always been satisfied with it; I wasn't sure what I'd think of Cottonelle's Clean Care toilet paper, but I like it.  I appreciate that it cleans effectively and does not leave fuzzies behind.  (Ha!)  Any change takes some getting used to, but I think the Clean Care TP will remain an option for our family.  The cleansing wipes are a refreshing change.  (Pun intended!)

Have you considered using a wet/dry combo for cleaning?  If it works on children, it can work on us, too.

~ Annette W. {This Simple Mom}
Disclosure: Thank you, Cottonelle for sponsoring this post.  This is a compensated post, but all opinions are my own.  Linqia is looking for additional bloggers to work with them.  (Referral link.)  Ask me for more info or just sign up!  They match brands and bloggers, but are unique in how they operate.
Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

22 comments

  1. I have to admit I don't really wear make-up much...... Probably about as much as you do.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm not a big makeup kind of gal either :-) I do need to check out the Cottonelle wipes. I think they'd be good to have on hand!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I moisturize daily and wear light makeup - that being eyeshadow, mascara and blush... that's it. But, it has been my routine for many years and has just become part of who I am... Thank you for the making the coupon available...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I also don't do too much makeup. I'd like a fresh clean face always. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so glad I'm not the only one with minimal make-up. I know some have a natural complexion that doesn't need it...that's not me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can do my make up in about 7 minutes! lol I think that the more natural we look the better we feel!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love your make up routine- simple and elegant. If I had to choose one make up I could not do without, it would have to be my eye liner. I could never put on a mascara right so gave up on that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! Sorry, but I'm glad I'm not the only one with make-up trouble. It took me a while to figure out eye liner...wanting it to look natural.

      Delete
  8. My morning routine comes way too early for me to worry about make up before school.. :) One gets a very early bus, and the other gets dropped off at school with me still in my pjs or sweats. Luckily she is usually on the late side, and doesn't mind. Occasionally the 3rd one to go to school will see me made up before she is dropped off, because I sometimes will run errands before going back home. Maybe in the summer I will be better about it when I am not up before it is light outside.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Those wipes are great with kids in the house.

    ReplyDelete
  10. We use Cottonelle wipes all the time. I have a box in just about every room and in our vehicle... Wish my printer worked to get the coupon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bought mine day before yesterday and really like using them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you feel that lipstick is to flaky then you might want to try tinted lip gloss. That is what I use. It is usually a liquid with an applicator. They do have some stick forms now as well. I usually get mine from Avon and I love it! I am not a huge fan of lipstick either. Let me know if you try it. I do use eye shadow but I use lighter colors and do not use eyeliner. I think the eye liner is what makes your eyes look different.

    ReplyDelete
  13. These would be so great for family camp in the summer =)

    ReplyDelete
  14. your routine sounds nice and simple. Mine is pretty simple too now that I have a toddler :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm not much of a make-up girl either. My husband doesn't care for it so I seldom wear more than chapstick. It makes getting ready quick and easy in the morning. Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great post, my morning routine is solo however, I do miss having to get the boys up and ready for school - NOT! Have a wonderful week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  17. good job with the savings. :) I'm not a makeup girl but I do have my face care routine.

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's always a good idea to save some money when you can. I don't wear makeup but I'm often looking for a good moisturizer.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love cleansing wipes! Makes a routine much easier!

    ReplyDelete
  20. The only time I do "more" makeup other then powder, mascara and some medium brown eyeliner is for weddings, funerals and fancy gatherings...lol so I am with ya on this one!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!