Over the last several years, I’ve become much more intentional about the products I use every day—from the food I eat to the skincare on my bathroom counter and even the products I bring into our home. It’s been a slow journey, but one that’s had a lasting impact on how I care for myself and my family.
The person who first inspired me to make the switch was Lauren Scruggs Kennedy. Years ago, I stumbled across her books, The Clean Sweep Volume I: Food and The Clean Sweep Volume II: Products, and they completely changed the way I thought about what I was putting in—and on—my body. I still keep my copies on my coffee table, although I believe they’re only available as digital downloads now. You can shop these HERE. If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, I can’t recommend them enough.
What I appreciated most about Lauren’s approach was truly how approachable it felt.
She never made clean living seem like an all-or-nothing lifestyle. Instead, she encouraged making small, intentional swaps over time. That perspective gave me so much freedom because I realized I didn’t have to replace everything overnight. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about making better choices as I learned more. Little by little, those choices became second nature.
Today’s conversation is all about beauty and skincare because, honestly, this was the area that surprised me the most. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and when I stopped to think about everything I used in a single morning, I was shocked. Cleanser. Serums. Moisturizer. Foundation. Blush. Bronzer. Eyeshadow. Setting powder. Setting spray. Perfume…the list just kept going.
Out of curiosity, I downloaded the Think Dirty app and started scanning products I already owned. I was genuinely surprised by some of the ratings. It opened my eyes to ingredients I had never thought twice about before and encouraged me to start paying closer attention to what I was using every day.
So I didn’t throw everything away. I simply started making a few swaps at a time. As products ran out, I’d replace them with cleaner alternatives. Over time, my routine slowly transformed into one that felt better aligned with how I wanted to care for myself. Looking back, it never felt overwhelming because I wasn’t trying to do it all at once.
To me, clean living isn’t about fear or chasing perfection. It’s about being intentional. It’s about taking control of the things we can control and choosing products that help us feel our best.
It’s become one of the simplest ways I show love to myself, my home, and my family.
So today, I thought I’d share a few of my current favorites—the products that have earned a permanent spot in my daily routine. I hope you discover a new favorite, too.
Oak Essentials – Gentle Milk Cleanser
Oak Essentials – Moisture Rich Face Balm
Augustinus Bader – The Rich Cream
Ilia – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 (shade Diaz)
Merit Beauty – Bronzer Stick (shade Seine)
