8 Beauty Must-haves You’re Probably Not Using
Unexpected nature beauty products and rituals for radiant skin, healthy aging, and a glow from the inside out.
I’m a feminine girly. I love makeup, doing my hair and investing in natural beauty tools to help me age well. HOWEVER, I vowed to never fall prey to the botox lie. No judgment to the botox girlie reading this — I get it. But botox and filler is a short term “fix” that in fact speeds up your actual aging, such that you continue to need the product because of sagging, atrophied facial muscles. Besides that, it’s a neurotoxin. Woof.
I want to be the woman that ages well, naturally. By naturally, I mean using beauty tools that come from nature while I also invest in lifestyle habits, like eating healthy fats and drinking structured water, which support healthy cells with age.
I want to be the 70 year old woman that people walk by and think, “Wow she looks amazing!” rather than cringing at how I’ve contorted my face to appear young, but it just ends up looking bizarre, not magically young. We’ve all seen these ladies, and it just makes me sad.
Yes I may have some laugh lines, but at least I’ll still look like ME.
All that to say, I want to share with you some of the natural beauty products I invest in currently. Ones you may not be using. And a reminder that I only share what I actually use and actually love.
Frownies Facial Patches // The non-toxic Botox alternative
Why I love it: This beauty hack has been used by celebrities and models since the 1800’s! That is the definition of tried and true, y’all. I love these because instead of paralyzing your face, these patches train your muscles to relax, thus minimizing the deep lines that form as we age. They have patches for basically every area of your face depending on your specific lines — forehead, crow’s feet and smile lines. I also love that it takes about 90 seconds to apply.
What I’ve noticed: Since I started using Frownies a couple years ago, I’ve noticed a major softening in my “11” lines between my brows. I was shocked!
How I use it: I use Frownies on my forehead and crow’s feet areas 2-3x per week. Once baby girl is down for the night, I take about 10 minutes of me time to apply my skincare and Frownies, usually while listening to an audiobook. It’s one of my favorite times of the day. I sleep with them on and remove in the morning to reveal a smooth forehead that even my baby is jealous of. Ha! To see exactly how I apply my patches, check out this IG post.
Who it’s best for: Anyone with a forehead. Anyone who wants to prevent or reverse lines. Anyone who chooses not to get Botox but still wants a smooth face! The before & afters on their website are definitely worth checking out!
Click the button below and use the code MEDICIN for 10% off all Frownies purchases.
2. MushyLove Latte // Glowing skin from a liquid graham cracker
Why I love it: This is one of those unexpected natural beauty products. MushyLove Latte is a non-caffeinated mushroom elixir that supports hydrated, glowing skin from the inside out. Each scoop is packed with 500mg each of Chaga and Tremella mushrooms. Chaga is one of the most antioxidant rich food known to man and Tremella is literally nicknamed The Beauty Mushroom, known to support plump dewey skin. It was the beauty secret of ancient Chinese royalty.
What I’ve noticed: With consistent use I can see a noticeable difference in “blotchiness” for lack of a better term. My skin looks more even and vibrant, like there’s life to it! This makes sense because of Tremella’s hydration skills. Hydrated cells are happier cells!
How I use it: MushyLove is often praised for its incredible versatility. It’s freakin delicious blended into steamed milk, cold milk, coffee, protein shakes, muffin mix, oatmeal, pancakes…and even dry scooped. You read that right, some people literally scoop the dry powder into their mouth, it’s that good! My favorite ways to use are blended into cold milk as a night cap (like a liquid graham cracker) or dumped into a vanilla protein shake. Add ½ a banana and it’s like cinnamon banana bread!
Who it’s best for: Anyone who enjoys a delicious mushroom elixir that tastes nothing like mushrooms. Anyone who appreciates ancient Chinese medicine. Anyone who enjoyed Golden Grahams as a kid!
Use code BLOG for 10% off your next MushyLove order.
3. CLEARSTEM’s Glass Effect Mask // Instantly hydrating, zero pore cloggers
Why I love it: You've probably seen those viral Korean skincare masks that promise the coveted "glass skin" look. Some stay on for hours, others overnight, and many feature collagen as their star ingredient. What I love about CLEARSTEM's Glass Effect Mask is that it takes a slightly different approach. Instead of relying on collagen as the only headline ingredient, it combines multiple forms of hyaluronic acid with bakuchiol and soothing botanicals to help hydrate, plump, and refresh the appearance of your skin. And probable my favorite part? You only need about 15–25 minutes, plus they make a dedicated neck mask, an area that's so often neglected in our skincare routines. Putting a high quality mask on your face triggers “me time.” You can’t really go anywhere, or be too active — it encourages you to slow down and ABSORB.
What I’ve noticed: My face and neck feels incredibly plump and hydrated. My makeup goes on smoother too!
How I use it: Sunday is my face mask evening. I find that choosing a specific day of the week makes me more successful at self-care follow through. Plus when you have something to look forward to on Sunday night, it neutralizes the “Sunday Scaries” a bit.
Who it’s best for: Anyone who may be acne prone — Clearstem is both anti-aging AND anti-acne. Anyone who may need to slow down and take a little more “me time.”
Use discount code MIMI for 15% off all Clearstem purchases. :)
4. DIME Beauty Blue Facial Oil // The viral facial oil that’s worth the hype
Why I love it: This oil went viral on TikTok last year, and for good reason! The “blue” comes from one of the star ingredients, Blue Tansy Oil, known to help calm redness and promote skin evenness. I’ll admit, I was intrigued by the viral nature of this particular product, but I’ve used other DIME products in the past, so this was an easy grab. It’s formulated with clean ingredients in a glass bottle too.
What I’ve noticed: The most significant benefit I’ve picked up on is how insanely soft this makes my skin feel! Because of all the anti-inflammatory properties, I also like using it for a spot treatment in the rare occasion that I have a pimple or blemish. (That sounds kind of conceited, ha. But it’s the truth. I did my time with painful cystic acne for years, and after overhauling my lifestyle and finding the right products, inside and out, I can say that blemishes/acne is pretty much in my rearview mirror.) I loved it so much I bought a bottle for my mom’s birthday!
How I use it: I use this 3-4x a week in the evening, after cleansing and usually one other serum (like Clearstem’s Bounceback or Vibrance-C serums).
Who it’s best for: Anyone in the market for a clean beauty serum that actually does something. Anyone who wants an insanely soft face. DIME says this serum is suitable for all skin types.
5. Clearstem Eye Candy Patches // Non-slipping and de-puffing to hydrate and erase the bags
Why I love it: Non slip! I’ve tried a few other eye patches (gifted to me) that are…fine…but they always end up slipping down my cheek after just a few minutes. Clearstem is known for listening harddd to their customer base and creating exactly what we ask for. Plus every product is anti-aging AND anti-acne. This is why I was literally one of their very first affiliate partners. I loved their flagship product, and every product since then.
What I’ve noticed: On days I use these my eyes look less puffy — thank you, caffeine — and the bit of darkness under my eyes is softer. I need less under eye concealer.
How I use it: I use 1-2x a week, usually mid week since I use a face mask on the weekend. And also whenever I have to be “camera ready,” like for a podcast interview. I wake up, spritz with rose water, and wear these patches for about 30 minutes while I drink my bone broth and hdyrogen water.
Who it’s best for: Anyone with under eye puffiness or darkness.
Use discount code MIMI for 15% off all Clearstem purchases.
6. Be Here Farm Summer Solstice Serum // Top shelf, regenerative-farmed, hand-picked ingredients. Skincare you could eat.
Why I love it: It’s called a Serum but behaves more like a facial oil. This one is really putting the natural in natural beauty products. Aside from the delicious slightly floral smell, the primary reason I love this Gold-In-A-Bottle is the fact that there is zero opportunity for adulteration or contamination in the bottling process. The ingredients are hand-picked from the wild and a regenerative farm and processed so intentionally, you could literally drink it. The star ingredient is the wild St. John’s Wort. This golden flowering plant is much more than just another herb. It contains powerful botanical compounds studied for their ability to calm inflammation, support the skin's natural repair processes, and provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. This little plant packs a punch! Or should I say…hug. You won’t find this in the drug store — this is elite skincare.
What I’ve noticed: My skin LOVESSS this stuff. When I use it, my skin feels happy and hydrated well into the next day. And because of the literal golden glow of the serum, I swear it brightens my skin immediately.
How I use it: After spritzing some rose water on cleansed skin, I use this morning under my makeup, or evening as my final step either before bed.
Who it’s best for: Anyone who values top shelf products. Anyone with redness, irritation, uneven complexion that needs some love. Anyone who would like to lower their overall toxic load.
7. Mouth Tape // Breathe through your nose & age better insurance
Why I love it: Another unexpected natural beauty product. Ensuring nasal breathing while you sleep is so important! 1) Your oral health: When you mouth breathe at night, your tissues become dry and irritated. Nasal breathing supports a healthy oral microbiome as you age. 2) Softer, healthier lips: Mouth breathing chaps everything. 3) Better beauty sleep in general. Addressing breathing problems that disrupt sleep may indirectly support healthier-looking skin over time.
I’ve tried the expensive mouth tapes. I’ve even been an affiliate for a fancy mouth tape brand. But I just can’t justify telling people to pay $30+ per month for mouth tape when there’s a $9 minimalist option that works just as well, that will last you 4-6 months (I will always be straight up with you).
What I’ve noticed: Better breath and deeper sleep. When I keep my mouth closed all night, I don’t wake up with Sahara Desert mouth.
How I use it: I use one ~2.5 inch strip down the center of my lips, perpendicular, from bottom of my nose to mid-chin. Every single night! I even travel with it. I like doing it this way because if I need a sip of water I can slide my straw in on the side. Some mouth tapes cover the entire mouth! Not necessary.
Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants to ensure nasal breathing. Anyone with bad morning breath. Anyone with puffy, red gums.
8. Sleepy Tie // Less heat, less breakage, longer beautiful hair
Why I love it: I’ve tried 3 or 4 overnight heatless curl techniques — the sock donut, the octopus thing, the silk rod, the bonnet. They all work, but they were uncomfortable or took way too long or just flat out looked psychotic. The Sleepy Tie is the easiest way to protect and enhance waves/curls overnight that I have found. It takes about 30 seconds to do. Plus, it’s actually kinda cute! You could go to the grocery store with it in your hair and not get stares. It just looks like a top knot held in with a big silk scrunchy.
What I’ve noticed: I’ve been using it for about a year and my hair is the longest and healthiest it’s ever been! I was honestly just looking for the easiest overnight waves, but I got major growth too! It makes sense because the ends are wrapped up in silk all night, rather than under me and all over the place, breaking off as I roll around at night.
How I use it: I wear it every night. Sleepy Tie won’t curl your hair from straight, but when I do curl my hair, it protects and enhances my curls to the point where they look nice twice as long. Pro tip: if I have an event, sometimes I keep my Sleepy Tie in all day rather than taking it out as soon as I wake up. The extra time keeps my curls fresh for whatever and whenever the event is.
Who it’s best for: Anyone wanting easy heatless waves upon waking. Anyone actively trying to grow their hair. They have various sizes to fit your hair length/thickness and ton of colors too. It also makes a great gift for your girlfriends!
Below is a 6:30 am photo of my waves immediately after taking my Sleepy Tie out. Pretty nice!
BONUS: Here are some free bonus beauty tips!
Don’t use scalding hot water to wash your face. Use lukewarm.
Get early morning sunlight if you don’t have the cash for a red light device. The sun is a free red light device available to us all.
Facial lymph massage — look it up on YouTube. You don’t need tools, you can just use your hands and fingers. Or a smooth rock.
Sleep with a rolled up pair of socks between your boobs to decrease chest wrinkles.
Limit alcohol. It ages you and your organs prematurely.
At the end of the day, I don't want to spend my life fighting the aging process. I want to embrace it while doing what I can to age beautifully, gracefully, and intentionally.
I'm not trying to look 25 forever. I want to look like the healthiest, most radiant version of myself at 40, 50, 60, 70 and beyond. Laugh lines, wisdom, and all.
And if a few unconventional natural beauty products, nourishing ingredients, and intentional daily rituals can help me get there, I'm all in.
Here's to aging well, feeling beautiful in our own skin, and never losing the faces that tell the stories of our lives. I hope you have enjoyed my beauty must-haves! If you try them, let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram! (@mimi_themedicin)
