A few years ago, I thought self-care looked like a perfectly clean house, a long bath, a face mask, a good book, and hours of uninterrupted quiet.
Now?
Self-care looks a little different.
Between raising little kids, being postpartum, running The Paint Post and LemonMoon, and trying to keep up with everyday life, I don't have hours to dedicate to myself most days I don't have minutes.
And honestly, I don't think most moms do.
I've learned that self-care doesn't have to be elaborate to matter.
Sometimes it's ten minutes after bedtime.
Sometimes it's washing my face before crawling into bed.
Sometimes it's taking a few extra moments in the shower before the day begins.
Lately, my favorite self-care routine has been surprisingly simple.
💜 A clay face mask
I love taking a few minutes to mix one of my powdered clay masks and enjoy a little quiet time while it dries. It's one of the easiest ways for me to slow down and feel like I'm doing something just for myself.
💧 My Hydrating Serum
I've been testing and using this serum for months, and it has become one of my favorite products I've ever made. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated, soft, and refreshed without making my routine complicated.
🌿 Summer Salve
I keep reaching for Summer Salve on my hands, cuticles, elbows, and any dry spots that need a little extra love.
And here's one thing that might surprise people...
🧼 My Orange Coconut Milk Soap.
For years, I've used my favorite LemonMoon soaps as my facial cleanser, and lately I've been reaching for Orange Coconut Milk Soap again and again.
In fact, whenever I mention using handmade soap as a face wash, I hear from so many other moms who do the same thing.
One of the reasons I love using handmade soap as a facial cleanser is because it's simple. I don't have to keep a separate cleanser on my bathroom counter or add another step to my routine.
My soaps are made with olive oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil, which create a gentle, creamy lather that leaves my skin feeling clean without feeling stripped or tight.
The Orange Coconut Milk Soap has become a favorite because it feels bright, cheerful, and uplifting. It's one of those little things that helps start my day on a positive note.
Of course, everyone's skin is different, and what works for me may not work for everyone. But after years of using handmade soap as part of my routine, it's still one of my favorite skincare products.
Maybe that's why so many moms tell me they do the same thing.
When life is busy, simple products that can do more than one job are often the ones we reach for most.
Most of us aren't looking for a cabinet full of products or a 10-step skincare routine.
We want something simple.
Something that works.
Something that helps us feel cared for without creating one more thing to manage.
That's really what inspired the Soft Summer Collection.
Not perfection.
Not complicated routines.
Just simple products that fit into real life.
Because in this season of life, self-care looks a lot less like a spa day and a lot more like finding a few intentional moments for yourself whenever you can.
And honestly, I think that's enough. 💛