The Lauren Letter Beauty Directory
Every single product & treatment I invest in (including how often and in what order!!!)
The Lauren Letter Beauty Directory is the full accounting: every product I use, every treatment I book, the exact order I apply things in, and precisely how often. It is also, by a wide margin, the most requested piece I’ve ever written!
Two convictions govern everything that follows.
The first is that beauty truly begins within. What you sleep, drink, and carry in your nervous system will always outwork what you apply topically.
The second is that I invest in products with a single goal — waking up and being ready to walk out the door with as little effort as humanly possible. Less is more. Complementary products from a few, tediously selected brands. Simple routines. Maximum effect.
The Lauren Letter will always be free. But if this space has become something you look forward to—a small ritual in your week, a source of inspiration, a reminder to approach life with more intention—you now have the option to support it.
SKINCARE
This is, without question, my biggest investment space, and also the one with the highest return. The payoff has been significant enough that I now wear face makeup only for special occasions — weddings, big events, the rare night out. What follows isn't just maintenance, either; it's genuinely become a self-care ritual I look forward to, not a chore I'm rushing through before heading out the door or going to bed.
In a rush? Shop all skincare products here.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Microneedling with PRP at Skin Pharm with Chelsie
I recommend booking this treatment 3-4 weeks before a special occasion — your skin will look like it has foundation on it naturally!
Skin Pharm has locations all across the country, and if you book with this link or mention my name at booking, you’ll get $100 off your first appointment!
QUARTERLY
41 units of Botox on my forehead (with focus on eyebrow lift) and crow’s feet at Skin Pharm with Chelsie or Dentique with Dr. Lauren Abes.
Skin Pharm has locations all across the country, and if you book with this link or mention my name at booking, you’ll get $100 off your first appointment!
MONTHLY
50-Minute Custom Facial with Dermaplaning at FACED
FACED has locations all across the Atlanta area, and if you book with this link, you’ll get $50 off your first facial!
BI-WEEKLY
Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer
Use after cleansing and before serums/masks.
WEEKLY
Oak Essentials Restorative Mask
This mask makes my skin literally GLOW.
I use this mask at night after the Dr. Dennis Gross Face DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Mask and before face oils (see below for daily routine order).
EVERY 2-3 DAYS
La Mer The Renewal Oil Exfoliator
I use this exfoliator at night after the La Mer The Calming Lotion Cleanser and before the DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Mask (see below for daily routine order).
Oak Essentials Nightly Retinol Serum
I use this serum at night after the Oak Essentials Firming Plant Peptide Serum and before the La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream (see below for daily routine order).
EVERY DAY
*Note: I let each product sit for one minute of drying between each step. I use this time to multi-task or complete other chores.
*Note: I do skincare after brushing teeth to avoid wiping off product or in case any toothpaste (which can clog pores) got on my skin.
*Note: I use a fresh washcloth every day. After one use, it goes in the hamper.
MORNING
1. Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes
If I take a shower in the morning, I will use the La Mer The Calming Lotion Cleanser. However, most mornings I do not, so I just swipe one of these across of my face!
These are amazing to also keep on hand for daily refreshers (or men/children who may or may not wash their face with a different soap than their body).
Keep them in the fridge for a cooling and depuffing effect!
3. The Skinny Confidential Mint Roller
Keep in the fridge for a cooling and depuffing effect!
4. Oak Essentials Ritual Oil OR La Mer The Renewal Oil
I alternate these oils. I like them both and alternating helps elongate the shelf life!
+ In the fall/winter add La Mer The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum
5. Oak Essentials Vitamin C Serum and Oak Essentials Firming Plant Peptide Serum
I mix them together before applying!
6. Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Balm OR La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizer
I alternate these moisturizers. I like them both and alternating helps elongate the shelf life!
For both, I pat about a dot on my forehead, temple of each cheek, and chin. I let the product warm up on my skin for about a minute, and then I pat (not rub) in.
NIGHT
3. DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Mask
I use the red light and combination light functions.
4. Oak Essentials Ritual Oil OR La Mer The Renewal Oil
I alternate these oils. I like them both and alternating helps elongate the shelf life!
+ In the fall/winter add La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask
I rub in and then let it sit; I do not wipe off!
MAKEUP
Less is more, ladies! Self-tan, Botox, and the skincare above have already done the work, leaving a base coat good enough that makeup becomes optional rather than essential. Plus, less products = less decision fatigue. Our heads are busy enough!
In a rush? Shop all makeup products here.
EVERY 6 WEEKS
Brow Lamination and Stain & Lash Tint and Lift at By the Blade with Tanaz Ukani
This is my newest addition to my beauty regimen! I am always looking for ways to make my wakeup to out-the-door routine as quick as possible, and I think this may be my ultimate trick. I loved how natural the results turned out.
EVERY DAY
1. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly
I pat this on my eyelids with my finger as a base for eyeliner and to gently brighten my eyes.
3. Chanel Le Recourbe Cils de Chanel Eyelash Curler
The absolute best in the biz.
5. Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Blond Tendre
SPECIAL OCCASION
1. Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet in BR22
I apply with a beauty blender, which I run under the sink then wring out until its only slightly damp to the touch.
Word on the street is they are discontinuing this product which is a nightmare! I recently stocked up on 3 bottles of this product just in case.
2. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly
I pat this on my eyelids with my finger.
3. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in B20
I apply with the beauty blender on my eyelids, chin, temples, corners next to and under my nose, and forehead.
4. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Warm
I apply with the Louis Vuitton Eye Brush Set
5. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powder in Light Coral
I apply with the Chanel Precision Powder Brush N°107
6. Chanel Poudre Lumière Highlighting Powder in Ivory Gold
I apply with the Chanel Precision Powder Brush N°107
10. Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Blond Tendre
HAIR
I have an admission: I use almost nothing on my hair. Genuinely, insanely little. I cannot stand product build-up, so I’ve all but eliminated it from the routine. I usually get one good post-wash blowout day, a second day touch-up, and then a third slick back bun day.
In a rush? Shop all hair products here.
QUARTERLY
Highlights at Amaryllis Salon with Stephanie Runyan
This is the inspo picture I shared with Stephanie for my color:
In spring/summer, my natural hair color acts as the lowlight; in fall/winter, we add in lowlights
EVERY 6 WEEKS
Trim at Amaryllis Salon with Stephanie Runyan
I don’t have an inspo photo; I literally just tell her “bob it up!”
EVERY 2-3 DAYS
Shampoo
Right now I am using Champo’s Kapha collection and really enjoy it! It’s the top selling shampoo at Harrods in London.
I also like Crown Affair’s The Hydrating Shampoo, Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day, and Molton Brown’s Purifying Shampoo.
I admittedly switch up my shampoo a lot and haven’t found a “holy grail” yet. Accepting suggestions in the comments!
Conditioner
I don’t use it! I feel like this is crazy to admit!
After showering, I let my hair sit in this wrap until it is damp but no longer wet (i.e., if I squeeze a section of my hair, little water comes out).
For wet hair — Dyson Airwrap
First, I brush out my hair. I don’t use a detangler as I find almost all conditioning products make my hair lose volume quickly!
Then, I use the fast dryer attachment. Here is the most important part: Use the dryer attachment until your hair until it looks dry (but at touch it is still every so slightly wet/damp). This is the key to getting the best blowout with the Airwrap! 90% of issues with Airwrap styling are because your hair is too heavy and wet!
Next, I use the barrel, styling away from my face. I grab a small section (1 inch), let the barrel grab the hair and wrap it up, then hold the Airwrap horizontally against my scalp for 10ish seconds before releasing. Repeat all around your head; don’t touch or brush out the curls until the very end.
For dry hair, straight — Bondi Boost Infared Bounce Thermal Brush
For dry hair, curled — CHI Original 1'' Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
For a tutorial on how to curl short hair with a flat iron, watch one of my favorite creators, Laura Byrnes, here!
For a slick back bun —
For brushing wet hair or brushing out a blowout.
For adding in volume or smoothing down hair for a slick back.
EVERY DAY
Mason Pearson Popular Hairbrush
My Mom bought me this brush when I was a senior in high school, and I am still using the same one! With proper care, it is a worthwhile investment.
BODY
A study in contrasts: half basic hygiene; half the most indulgent, decadent purchases I make all year!
In a rush? Shop all body products here and all fragrance products here.
MONTHLY
Pedicure at Les Mains
I’ve been doing a french manicure or OPI’s The Thrill of Brazil
BI-WEEKLY
Manicure at Les Mains
I’ve been doing a french manicure or OPI’s The Thrill of Brazil
I ask for short and rounded.
WEEKLY
OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
I use in the shower before I apply my weekly self-tan base.
Lune Bronze Eclipse Self Tanning Mousse
I use this once a week; it gives you an almost instant tan so I use as my “base” before reapplying a more gentle glow with Beauty by Earth every few days.
I use this mitt to apply.
Lune Bronze Good Night Face Tanning Serum
I use this once a week at the very end of my nighttime skincare routine.
EVERY 2-3 DAYS
This scent is heaven. On days I don’t apply self-tan, I apply body butter after my nightly shower.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Mousse in Medium to Dark
On days I don’t apply body butter, I apply self-tan after my nightly shower.
Beauty by Earth Bronzing Face Tanner Spray in Medium to Dark
I spray the face spray all over my face after I’ve finished my nighttime skincare routine.
EVERY DAY
I am not a fan of the container, so I purchase the Body Wash Refill and decant it into my own aesthetically pleasing jar.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
I keep the Globe Trotter travel bottle in my purse; perfect for on-the-go and daily refreshing!
You can purchase travel refills, too.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Everything below is proof that beauty starts within. Poor sleep and unmanaged stress age you faster, hold onto water you don’t want, and dull what skincare works so hard to achieve. But beyond looks and longevity, the real payoff is confidence — which, unlike a serum, can’t be applied topically!
In a rush? Shop all health & wellness products here.
SEMI-ANNUAL
Teeth Cleaning at Dentique with Dr. Lauren Abes
QUARTERLY
Relaxation Massage at The Spa at St. Regis
I have spent years finding the perfect combination of price point and luxury experience in Atlanta, and I have found it here! The amenities (think a welcome ritual, sauna, steam room, champagne and macarons, tea service, and the most beautifully designed quiet room) are impeccable, and Jarrett is a must-book therapist. You can definitely find treatments in Atlanta for $50ish less, but you will sacrifice the elevated totality, which to me is more than worth it.
WEEKLY
I love using it at night on my neck and shoulders and following it with Yoga Balm or my Weighted Heating Pad.
Jo Malone Lavender & Moonflower Pillow Mist
I like to spray as part of my weekly sheet laundering.
EVERY 2-3 DAYS
Pure Barre or The Daily Pilates
I try to do 3-4 sculpting/classic classes plus a restorative stretching/meditation class each week.
I sign up via ClassPass — I love that credits roll over!
Sign up for ClassPass with this link and you’ll get 20 bonus credits!
A quiet night in: reading, needlepointing — preferable no television and phone on do not disturb.
EVERY DAY
ALL DAY
I style it with this ring jacket.
I try my best to reach for my Kindle to sneak in some reading when I am tempted to grab my phone and scroll.
I style it with this Kindle cover! It goes with the sage green, perfectly.
I HATE having my toothbrush sit out on the counter, and this electric option comes with a UV Charging Case that removes 99.9% of bacteria, re-charges your brush, and allows you to travel or keep tucked away every day without worrying about gunk!
Phone on Do Not Disturb
I spent copious amounts of time customizing my do not disturb settings, and I try to carve out specific periods of my day when I check any alerts to cultivate a less reactive mood.
Incredible for lowering cortisol. As much as I love top hits and podcasts, I try to sprinkle in a few classical sessions each day (especially in the morning).
My husband instilled this great habit: I am constantly drinking water and aim for half my body weight in ounces each day. It truly can fix skin problems, mood, headaches, and more — a true universal, natural salve! And a big ‘ole water jug makes it even easier to get your daily intake done!
MORNING
I alternate these apps! Joy 101 has more holistic life coaching, longevity tips, and mantras, whereas Headspace will provide the basic building blocks of meditation and tailored courses for whatever life is presenting you with.
Nothing instantly romanticizes and brings a lyrical note to your day like a bit of morning poetry. I highly recommend Lyndsay Rush or Mary Oliver.
NIGHT
Carter rubs on my neck and shoulders each night when we go to bed. It’s instantly relaxing and relieving, but also a sweet connection point for us before turning in for the evening.
Part sleep mask, part weighted blanket for your eyes!
Whether you’re trying to conceive or not, the Perelel Conception Support Pack is a great pre-packaged collection of nutrients for women with possible benefits for hair, nails, energy, or general wellness.
I keep them right in my nightstand for easy access, and I find taking them right before bed minimizes any possible nausea that can accompany daily vitamins.
Tea Forte Chamomile Citron Herbal Tea
My favorite nighttime tea — an instant signal to my body it is time to wind down. I use the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle to brew.
Maison Louise Marie No. 4 Candle
Another instant signal to my body it is time to wind down. We light when we get in bed for the evening.
8 Hours of Sleep
Of all the beauty tips I can list here, this is probably the most impactful. Sleep significantly impacts hormone levels, including cortisol, and your physical appearance in turn.
One hour before bed, I try to put my phone fully away and read to help my body and mind settle in for the night.
P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.
