Embracing My Inner and Outer Beauty Routine

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Like most women, I am always striving to look my best. I wake up early every morning for my morning workout, down copious amounts of water and blend up a green smoothie on most days. While not every day or week is perfect, lately, I’ve been trying even more to look my best, from the inside, out. There is just something about feeling beautiful and confident, it really boosts my mood!

Outer Beauty Routine:

Hair: A couple of years ago, I decided to cut my hair short. I loved it! I even wrote a post about why you should cut your hair short, but as usual after a drastic chop, I started to miss my long hair. The sad part, it takes forever to grow your hair out. So, for the last two years, I’ve been trying to grow my hair back out. I have really fine and thin hair, which is prone to breakage. So, I try to limit heat styling as much as possible by letting my hair air dry for a good hour before styling. The days I don’t have anywhere to be, I just let my hair air dry. Since my hair is prone to breakage, I avoid tying my hair up as much as possible. I feel like I have so little hair, I can’t afford to break it with a pony tail. I should skip shampooing every day, but I haven’t yet found a routine, that makes me feel good. I’m envious of you girls with your two day old hair, in a cute top knot! I just can’t seem to get those same results.

Nails: I am a nervous nail biter. I have tried to break that habit for years! It’s pretty gross and definitely not good for my nails. Although I hate to spend money on a bi-weekly manicure, the only thing that keeps me from picking my nails is a gel manicure. The second I skip a manicure and go bare nails, I start to pick. It’s terrible. I will sometimes paint my nails myself, but that doesn’t fully keep me from picking my nails. So, I stick to a bi-weekly manicure as much as possible.

Skin: From Monday’s post, you know I’ve been putting a lot more emphasis on my skincare routine lately. I’ve been trying some new products and really trying to fight the signs of aging as much as possible. I really wish I had taken more care sooner, my years of sunbathing and slacking on skin protection has already left me with wrinkles around my eyes. Take a look at Monday’s post for more details on my skincare routine.

Inner Beauty Routine:

A beauty routine really is full circle, if you’re not taking care of yourself on the inside, the outer beauty of your hair, skin and nails, just can’t shine through.

Fitness: I’ve always loved fitness, so about five days a week, I wake up early and fit in a good workout. Exercise has always made me feel refreshed and makes me feel like my skin is brighter. Some days I just go for a walk or play a game with the kids, but I try to stay active as much as possible.

Sleep: That age old recommendation to get at least 8 hours of sleep, still holds true for me. Getting enough sleep is so important to your health and of course, your appearance. I feel my best if I get about 9-10 hours of sleep. Now, if I’m being honest with you, lately I have been letting this part of me slip. I haven’t been getting enough sleep (thanks Instagram) which is really showing through with the puffiness under my eyes. Not to mention my allergies don’t help with that puffy eye situation.

Hydration & Diet: Hydration and what you eat plays a big role in how your look on the outside and how you feel on the inside. I aim to only drink water (aside from coffee) and eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies. With that being said, I’m not perfect, I still have lots of treats and indulgences. It’s all about balance! I’ve really been loving smoothies lately! They’re so refreshing in the summer heat and a great way to get a lot of fruits and veggies. Plus, my boys love them too!

Vitamins: I recently starting adding Nature’s Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies to my daily beauty routine. I was invited to take their 30 day hair, skin and nails challenge. I do so much for my hair, skin and nails, I figured adding a few vitamins to the mix couldn’t hurt! The vitamins are not only a tasty little treat, they contain 2,500 mcg of Biotin per serving and Vitamin C & E to support healthy hair skin and nails. The Vitamin E, supports skin health, Vitamin C is involved in collagen production, which helps with vibrant skin and Biotin is a B complex beauty-supporting nutrient, which plays a role in hair, skin and nail health. Sounds like a winning combination to me! I’ve only recently started taking the vitamins, but so far, love them. You can take the 30 day hair, skin and nail challenge yourself. Sign up here! It’s a no obligation trial, if you don’t love the vitamins after 30 days, you can get your money back! Plus, you’re entered to win fun prizes.

I don’t claim to be an expert, I’m always trying new things and learning myself. In general, I’ve just been trying to love myself more lately; love who I am and embrace the body and beauty I was given! What about you? What does your beauty routine consist of?

-Brooke

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.