The Beauty Edit
What's Earned a Place in My Summer Routine
One of the things I've come to appreciate most over the past few years is that a good beauty routine doesn't have to be complicated.
In fact, mine has become much simpler.
I'm no longer interested in trying every new product that promises dramatic results. These days, I'm looking for products that quietly do their job. The ones I reach for without thinking because they've earned my trust.
Some are everyday workhorses. Some are little luxuries. A few are products I'm still testing and will report back on in a future Edit.
These are the products that have earned a place in my routine, especially this summer.
David's Hydroxi™ Whitening + Enamel Health Toothpaste
✓ Currently Using
One of the small changes I've made this year is paying more attention to oral health.
After reading more about nano-hydroxyapatite, I decided to try David's Hydroxi™ Whitening + Enamel Health Toothpaste in Peppermint. Nano-hydroxyapatite is the same mineral naturally found in our tooth enamel, and growing research suggests it may help remineralize enamel while gently whitening teeth.
So far, I'm impressed.
The peppermint flavor is fresh without being overpowering, and my teeth feel exceptionally clean after brushing.
Also Worth Considering
Lumineux Oral Care
✓ Repurchased
I've also been a longtime fan of Lumineux.
Their toothpaste, whitening strips, and mouthwash have all worked well for me. What I appreciate most is that they're designed to be microbiome-friendly. Instead of harsh peroxide formulas, Lumineux uses ingredients like aloe, Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and nano-hydroxyapatite to whiten while helping support healthy enamel.
If you've been looking for a gentler approach to whitening, it's another excellent option.
Snow Diamond Series Whitening Serum
✨ Currently Testing
I'm currently trying Snow's Diamond Series Whitening Serum.
I'll let you know how it performs in a future Beauty Edit.
bareMinerals Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer
✓ Daily Use
As my skin has changed, I've found hydration matters much more than heavy makeup.
I've been loving bareMinerals Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer because it gives my skin a healthy luminosity without looking shiny or glittery.
On good skin days, I'll often wear it with a little concealer and skip foundation altogether. I’ll share my Jones Road Beauty find when we move into the Fall season.
My Foundation
bareMinerals BarePro 24-Hour Wear Powder Foundation
✓ Repurchased
I've worn BarePro for years.
It evens out my complexion beautifully while still looking like skin, which is exactly what I want.
As a Light Summer, these shades have worked best for me:
Winter
Summer
Having both shades makes it easy to adjust throughout the year as my skin tone changes slightly.
A Little Help During Stressful Seasons
OLLY Goodbye Stress
✓ Stress Season Favorite
The past several months have been unusually stressful at work.
Like many women, I've been looking for small ways to support my nervous system without overcomplicating things.
One product I've found helpful is OLLY Goodbye Stress.
What I've noticed
For me, it takes the edge off on particularly demanding days.
It's certainly not a replacement for sleep, exercise, or taking a break when I need one, but I do notice I feel a little calmer.
Pros
Pleasant taste
Easy to take
Helps me feel more relaxed during stressful periods
Cons
The effect is fairly subtle.
It won't solve chronic stress.
Some people report feeling sleepy, although I haven't experienced that personally.
Like anything in wellness, your experience may be different. You should consult your (functional) doctor before you try new things, especially if you are take medications or other supplements to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
The Hand Cream I Keep Buying
KÜR London Downtown Whipped Cloud Hand Cream
✓ Desk Staple
This is one of those little luxuries I genuinely enjoy.
It's rich without feeling greasy, absorbs quickly, and leaves my hands feeling incredibly soft.
I keep one on my desk and another in my purse.
My Favorite Lip Products Right Now
I rarely wear traditional lipstick anymore. I favor more hydrating lipsticks and lip balms.
This summer, I've fallen in love with hydrating lip balms that add just enough color to brighten my face.
ILIA Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
✓ Everyday Favorite
Current shades I'm loving:
They're polished without trying too hard and perfect for everyday wear.
The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
✓ Budget Favorite - The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
This has quietly become one of my favorite inexpensive beauty finds.
It's deeply hydrating and gives my lips a naturally fuller look without tingling or irritation.
My Skincare Routine Has Become Simpler
I've stopped chasing complicated skincare routines.
Instead, I focus on a handful of products that consistently work.
Morning
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
✓ Morning Routine - Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
There's a reason this has become a cult favorite.
Although I rarely struggle with breakouts, which the product is known for, I love how it gently resurfaces my skin and keeps my complexion looking brighter and smoother.
Evening
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
✓ Evening Routine - The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This is another product that consistently outperforms its price.
I use it a few evenings each week before bed as part of my nighttime routine.
My Favorite Summer Glow
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Florale
✓ Summer Luxury - NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Florale . It’s too warm toned for me, but the shimmer version is great for summer: NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Shimmer Multi-Purpose Dry Oil.
I’m also eyeing Beauty From Bees - Body Serum - Summer Glow but want to finish NUXE first. I recently incorporated the Body Serum into my after-shower routine and love it! It’s so much more hydrating than any lotion I’ve tired so this product will be on repeat for me.
Back to NUXE. This isn't a necessity.
It's simply something I love.
A few drops on my arms, shoulders, or legs leaves my skin with the prettiest glow, and the floral fragrance feels like summer without being overwhelming.
Sometimes it's nice to own something that's simply a treat.
Hair Update
Kitsch Smoothing Air Dry Cream
✨ Currently Testing
Quite a few readers have asked what I think.
After spending more time with it, my opinion hasn't changed much.
I think it's Kitsch Smoothing Air Dry Cream is a good product.
I'm just not convinced it delivers that "straight from the salon" finish on its own.
I'm still experimenting with how much to use because I've found my results vary quite a bit.
Interestingly, I've been able to achieve a similar, and sometimes even better, result by focusing on hydration instead.
For me, that means using:
PurA d'Or Advanced Therapy Conditioner
A nourishing hair mask once a week
A quality leave-in conditioner
Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
✓ Never Without It - Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
If I had to recommend one leave-in conditioner, this would be it.
I've repurchased it more times than I can count.
It detangles beautifully, helps control frizz, protects against heat, and leaves my hair noticeably softer without weighing it down.
In fact, my husband uses it too.
That probably tells you everything you need to know.
Ashley's Take
The older I get, the less interested I am in finding the next miracle product.
I'd rather have a carefully edited collection of things I genuinely enjoy using.
Products that quietly make my mornings easier.
Help me feel a little more put together.
And remind me that taking care of ourselves doesn't have to be complicated.
That's really what The Polished Reset is all about.
Buying less.
Choosing well.
Finding products that earn a permanent place in your routine.
Editor's Shelf
⭐ Most Repurchased
Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
💰 Best Value
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
✨ Worth the Splurge
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Florale
🌿 Gentle Favorite
David's Hydroxi™ Whitening + Enamel Health Toothpaste
💄 Everyday Essential
ILIA Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
🧪 Currently Testing
Snow Diamond Series Whitening Serum
Kitsch Smoothing Air Dry Cream
Have you discovered something that's earned a permanent place in your routine? I'd love to hear about it. Leave a comment below or send me a note. I'm always looking for thoughtful products to test in a future Beauty Edit.
Ashley
Founder, The Polished Reset