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Have you been looking for a beauty routine that results in a glow up, without all of the unnecessary product ingredients? Our Ellie contributor, Ansley Gordon, is sharing her clean beauty regimen, giving us the rundown on her favorite products, and why she uses them. From cleanser to sun protection, we’re here for every one of her recommendations!
My skincare routine has gone through more wardrobe changes than a Rockettes performance, and you know what I’ve learned in the last year? Simpler is better. Both with the number of steps and the ingredients in the products. I recently switched to all-natural nail polish (and remover), shampoo & conditioner, and deodorant, and I’ve noticed a shift in my overall wellbeing. The majority of my time is spent in front of the camera, and I noticed (especially when I did the Geico commercial) that the products that are heavy in chemicals MESS UP my skin. So when it comes to my skincare routine, I wanted to clean it up, as well.
While our skincare routines will always be evolving, I feel like I’ve found my staples:
Glossier’s Milky Jelly cleanses my skin and doesn’t leave behind any unwanted residue. I use it both in the morning and at night. While Glossier is a cruelty-free brand, not all of their products are vegan. Their Milky Jelly is (and did you know it won Allure’s 2016 and 2017 Best of Beauty designation, and one of Cosmopolitan’s 2015 Beauty Awards? How cool!).
Namskara Vitamin C Serum has changed my life. No joke. On days when I don’t have time to do the whole routine, I just toss it on after I cleanse my face, and I’m good to go. I have noticed such a difference in discoloration/dark spots, texture, and blemishes, since I started using it three years ago.
After that comes The Ordinary Niacinamide. I just started using this as a way to balance out any imperfections in my skin. According to their site, niacinamide helps to reduce signs of congestion while balancing visible sebum activity. Niacinamide has also been shown to offer brightening benefits. It’s vegan and cruelty free.
After that is Tula’s Protect + Glow. I live in Southern California, so sun exposure is a big thing for me. With Protect + Glow, my skin looks dewy, but isn’t weighted down by heavy sunscreens. I’m embracing my natural skin right now, so I wanted something without any tint. This product gives me the perfect level of shine and protection.
*Bonus – my favorite natural nail polish brand is Zoya. Zoya is vegan, cruelty free, and free of the Big 10, which means the formula is free of harmful toxins, including formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), parabens, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and lead. The polish has good wear and is super durable!
LIGHTNING ROUND:
Matcha or Coffee – Coffee. Unless it’s the Lavender Matcha Latte from Lavender & Honey.
Yoga or Pilates – Yoga. The hotter the better.
Fall or Summer – Fall. Pumpkin everything!!
World Traveler or Backyard Explorer – Backyard Explorer. I love to “date my city” and really get to know it.
Gilmore Girls or Friends – Gilmore Girls. Always.
Early bird or Night Owl – Depends! When I’m working on a project, I tend to be an early bird, but when I’m on hiatus, I love to stay up late.
Tacos + Guac or Burgers + Fries - Black bean burger with sweet potato fries. Bonus points if there's beet ketchup (don’t knock it till you try it)!
Favorite Holiday? – Halloween! I loveeee spooky szn!
This clean beauty routine was contributed exclusively to Ellie by Ansley Gordon. Instagram: @ansleygordon. Ansley is an actress, screenwriter, and content creator based in Los Angeles. She has appeared on shows such as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CW), Better Things (FX), Survivor’s Remorse (STARZ), and Liberty (AMAZON), among others. Her movie, Always a Bridesmaid, just wrapped filming in Vancouver and is set to premiere in the spring of 2021. She loves fitness, her cats and husband, and a good board game.
Ellie is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the brands listed by our contributor, above, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.