​Our lives are exceedingly busy, and it seems like it gets harder to get things done as the years pass. One excuse we should never use when it comes to our skincare routine is “I’m too busy”. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars or spend more than two minutes to have magnificent skin all day long. 

Let’s take a look at what a 2-minute morning skin routine looks like.

Step 1: Cleanser
A good cleanser is the start of it all.  You want one that removes dirt and makeup but doesn't strip your skin of natural oils or moisture. With that said a good cleanser doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.  I moved away from fancy cleansers a few years ago and started using a natural bar soap.  Bar soap on your face, what!  Yes, not all bar soaps are created equal.  A good bar soap with nourishing oils and minimal ingredients is key.  You want it to clean and not dry out your skin.  One of the many reasons I started making my own and now offer them to you. My favorites for the face are the Chamomile Tea and the Calendula Facial Soap.  

Step 2: Toner
Using a toner after washing your face benefits your skin in many ways.  Add a bit of toner to a cotton ball or reusable cloth and apply to your face, paying particular attention to your problem areas. The toner removes any dirt or oil that your facial soap may have missed. However, is it necessary?  Not always, especially if you have a good cleanser.  Depending on your skin type a toner can do wonders but try to limit to once a day or every other day.  Many toners contain alcohol that can dry out your skin.  So look for one with a limited amount of alcohol.
One of the great things about toners are that if used consistently, you will see a drastic reduction to blackheads and overall acne breakouts.

Step 3: Serum/Moisturizer
It is essential to look for a high-quality serum or moisturizer that contains the right ingredients for your skin type.  Serums/moisturizers have a big job. They soak deep into the skin to moisturize, condition, clean, as well as tighten the skin to make it look firmer and younger. It is even said to reduce and prevent wrinkles.  It is a definite must in your daily routine.
There are many options out on the market and they can be expensive.  Remember just because it's expensive, doesn't mean it's the best for your skin. Read the ingredient labels.  More ingredients on the label doesn't mean it's actually better.  Look for items by skin type.  Oily, sensitive, dry skin all have different needs.  I usually change up my serum in the winter since my skin gets a little dryer.  With my combination, acne prone skin I use Face Potion #9 during the summer and switch over to FP9 Advance the rest of the year.  

Step 4: Sunscreen
Don't forget the sunscreen. Sun damage is one of the best ways to age yourself prematurely. Protect against UV rays and wear sunscreen – even in the winter. 
There are many ways to get sunscreen in these days.  One of my favorites is in foundation or tinted moisturizers.  Also make sure it has at least and SPF 15.  SPF 30 is even better, especially if you are going to be out in the sun all day. 
 
It doesn’t take much to have gorgeous skin, but you must be consistent. A skincare routine can take fewer than 5-minutes out of your morning, and your skin will look radiant, reduce/prevent wrinkles, and have fewer acne breakouts. 
The benefits of treating your skin nicely in the morning far outweighs the time it takes.
                                                                                                                     

Do you ever feel bad just throwing used up product containers in the recycle or trash? Not to mention, some of the containers are cute. I thought I would put together some fun ideas for people to repurpose those empty product containers.

Each section gives you different ideas for some of MB Botanicals specific containers. Hopefully, these ideas get your creativity flowing.

Sugar Scrub/Body Butter Tubs

• Glue a figurine (or anything that you can use as a handle) to the top of the lid and spray paint the lid and jar for a reusable container
  • Store cotton balls
  • Hair things
  • Nuts & bolts
  • Spare change
  • Jewelry
• Or use as is to store office supplies like paper clips, small sticky notepads, etc
• Store craft supplies like stamps, feathers, ribbons, etc

Serum & Beard Oil Bottles

• Bud vase
• Hair regrowth serum or another homemade oil recipe
• Oil diffuser 

Lotion Bar Tins

• Hair things
• Money
• Vitamins or pills
• Jewelry
• Emergency sewing kit
• Connect a few to a stand by drilling a hole (or gluing) through the middle of the tin to create a layered display
• Fill with a homemade candle
• Decorate as desired and add cash or small items to gift family and friends
• Or, keep small things safe for your teen’s backpack: house key, headphones, etc.

Bath Salt Bottles

• Use MB Botanicals bath salt refills to keep reusing the bottle
• Oil diffuser
• Collect a few and make a homemade rain chain
• Use to store herbs and spices – homegrown or store-bought
• Store small craft items like glitter, googly eyes, etc.
• Plant a small succulent

Lip Balm Tubes

• Match holder
• Bobby pin holder
• Fill it with solid homemade perfume

Foot Balm Tubes

• Hidden money
• Paper clips
• Decorate the outside as desired, remove the inner spiral and fill with a wad of one- or five-dollar bills to give as a gift

Cleaning:
Remember to rinse them out well before use. A sudsy bath with liquid dish soap, or vinegar and warm water solution should remove the left behind product. 
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To clean glass oil bottles that have a lingering scent, try adding baking soda to the bottle and letting it sit overnight.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Remember to recycle or reuse when you can. 
If you reuse an MB Botanicals container, I would love to see it. Tag me on Instagram and use the #reuseMBB to show off your creations.