10-Step Everything Shower Routine
This is my once - a -week “Everything Shower” shower routine because doing all this daily is a full-time job, and I’m not available for that.
On dry skin about 1-3 minutes, before getting in the shower.
Long strokes towards your heart. Use light to medium pressure. Avoid the face.
Dry brushing exfoliates the skin and helps with blood flow.
2. Clarifying Shampoo (Budget/Splurge)
You MUST use a clarifying shampoo if you are using product in your hair during the week. I clarify once a week. Clarfying shampoo removes all the buildup on your scalp that normal shampoo can’t fully cut.
My budget friendly favorite is Kristen Ess Clarifying Shampoo. It’s easy, affordable, and does the job.
If you want top-notch haircare, Keratase products are your go to. I recommend Keratase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo. Seriously, Keratase products will change your hair. If my budget allows, I always purchase them. I wish they weren’t so dang expensive! They are soooooo good!
I use a scalp scrubber while I shampoo, and I’m not being dramatic when I say it changed my life….especially for scalp cleanliness and hair growth (more on this in another post because my hair journey deserves its own moment).
A scrubber helps you actually clean your scalp, not just your hair. It lifts buildup from products, oil and sweat, and gets shampoo down to the skin where it needs to work.
If you have oily hair like me, you will notice a difference.
4. Conditioner (Splurge/Budget)
After shampooing, you will move onto conditioner. My budget friendly go to is Kristen Ess Signature Conditioner. Reliable and affordable, just like their shampoo.
If your looking for a splurge option, once again I recommend Kerastase Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Conditioner. She is that girl. She is lovely. That’s all.
Be sure to only put the conditioner from the mid-length to the ends of your hair. Stay about two inches away from your roots to avoid greasy, flat hair.
While your conditioner sits in your hair, move onto shaving. I’m a shaving oil person for one reason: it gives you slip without the fluff. Shaving creams just don’t cut it. Shaving oils give you a smoother finish and a better shave.
Now the razor is super important. If shaving is giving you irritation, bumps, or that “not actually smooth” finish, it’s your razor. Skip the “Pink Tax” on women’s razors. Buy a men’s 5-blade razor. You will save money and get a closer shave since they are made to cut thicker hair. After shaving, wash out your conditioner.
6. Glycolic Acid Body Wash (Silicone Body Scrubber)
Glycolic acid is an AHA exfoliant that helps with: dead-skin buildup, strawberry skin, KP bumps, ingrown hairs, and body acne. It also lowers the skin pH which can make it harder for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Use it on your legs, underarms, inner thighs, underboobs, and feet. It is a MUST. Need I say more?
When I wash, I use a silcone body scrubber. THROW AWAY THE LOOFAHS! Silicone is way more hygienic. Loofahs are porous and hold water, which makes them a happy little daycare for bacteria and mildew. Silicone doesn’t absorb water the same way and dries faster. Silicone also gently exfoliates the skin and can be easily cleaned with white vinegar and warm water in a 1:1 ratio to be used over and over again. You’re welcome!
Yes, you heard me correctly. We’re washing twice. The first wash (glycolic) is for smoothness and skin texture. The second wash is for smelling amazing.
My budget friendly go-to is the Cremo Palo Santo. It gives “Baccarate Rouge” energy for a small price. LOVE IT! The white jasmine amber scent is lovely as well.
If you want to splurge a bit, you cannot go wrong with the Salt and Stone body wash. The scent is absolutely beautiful and elevated. It gives that polished, high-end shower feel …like a boutique hotel.
8. Body Oil
Once you are done with your second wash, it is time to exit the shower. Do a quick towel pat, but do not fully dry off. You want your skin to feel damp.
Apply SALTair body oil immediately. You want to apply body oil when your body is still damp, so your skin will absorb the oil. If you dry off completely before applying the oil, you will feel greasy.
The SALTair body oil scent will compliment both the Cremo Palto Alto scent and the Salt and Stone scent. It’s lovely. Body oil seals in moisture and makes you skin feel instantly softer. It also gives a glossy finish and reduces the look of ashiness/texture.
As we age, “crepey” skin begins to set in. Crepey skin is basically a combo of dehydration + rough surface texture + laxity from collagen loss/sun. Lotion can’t time-machine your arms, but the right lotion can measurably improve dryness/roughness (which makes crepiness look way better), and few formulas have actual clinical data.
My budget pick would be AmLactin 12%. It gently exfoliates while deeply hydrating, so it smooths rough, “crepey” texture, and helps skin hold onto moisture for a softer, more even look.
If you want to splurge, my pick would be Revision Bodifirm. It’s one of those rare body lotions with clinical data behind it. It’s designed to visibly firm. and smooth crepey skin over consistent use. It’s expensive….but you get what you pay for.
10. Microfiber Towel
If you have fine hair, hair that tangles easy, heat style often, or hair prone to fizz (I think this covers every women in the world)….then you need to invest in a microfiber towel.
Microfiber towels are a small, low effort habit that can help your hair look smoother and reduce breakage over time. It also cuts down drying time (hallelujah).
Be sure to gently squeeze excess water out of your hair with your hands, flip your hair over, place the towel at the nap of your neck (as you would a regular towel), then wrap. Secure the end of the towel on the button. Easy, peasy!
If you try my routine, tell me how it goes! And remember…consistency beats perfection. Once a week, every week is the goal.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I genuinely love and use.
