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Much like passive income, I absolutely love passive beauty as well. As a busy mom who recently celebrated my 40th birthday, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of efficiency—not just in my daily routines but also in my beauty regimen. Much like passive income, a concept I adore for its ability to work in the background while I focus on life’s other demands, my beauty routine has evolved to enhance my appearance without demanding my constant attention.
In today’s post, I’m excited to share my favorite millennial beauty finds, all under $40, that allow me to age gracefully with minimal fuss. These products work their magic while I sleep or go about my day, delivering results that help me look vibrant and more youthful. Join me as we explore the secrets to enhancing your looks with little effort, because beauty should be as effortless as earning those dividends in your sleep.
- This sleep tape is something that I have recently begun implementing after reading this book. In it he covers the way we are truly meant to breathe and the ramifications of mouth breathing, including the way it changes our facial structure. I am definitely a mouth breather and wanted to see if there was any merit to this. The first few nights after trying it, I noticed that I woke up before my alarm went off and I actually felt very rested. I started to have vivid dreams again which I can only assume means I am getting into REM sleep more often. Mouth taping during sleep is an unconventional yet increasingly popular practice that can offer surprising beauty benefits. By promoting nasal breathing, it helps enhance oxygenation and improve sleep quality, both of which are essential for skin health and regeneration. Better sleep supports the production of collagen, which keeps skin supple and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, mouth taping can prevent dry mouth and dehydration, helping to maintain optimal skin hydration and minimize puffiness. By ensuring a restful night’s sleep, this simple technique can contribute to a more refreshed and radiant complexion. The mouth tape i use can be found here.
- Please don’t hate me but Number 2 is the only exception to the under $40 rule. It is so good that I feel like I would be doing a disservice by not mentioning it because it has become a part of my daily routine. Like many, I did not consider sun protection in my early 20’s and actually frequented the tanning salon (eek!!). I am now very conscious of my skin’s health and apply daily sunscreen. What I love about this particular one is that it is tinted and the color seems to be universally flattering on many different skin tones. It offers me enough coverage that I feel comfortable wearing it alone on days my kids have sports games or to the beach when I don’s necessarily want to wear makeup. The scent is pleasant and it doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. Beyond the UV protection, it actually helps repair your skin by fighting free radicals. Check the current price here.
- Over the years I have learned the true power of a bright smile. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling confident and making meaningful connections. Using teeth whitening strips has become a regular part of my self-care routine, reminding me that a bright smile is one of the most powerful accessories you can wear. These teeth whitening strips have quickly become my favorite. They do not cause sensitivity like others I’ve tried in the past and they work really well. I love to wear these while I’m doing housework, applying my makeup or even while working on the computer. Check the current price here.
- I have recently started incorporating collagen into my morning routine. Taking collagen supplements can offer numerous beauty and health benefits, particularly for skin, hair, and joints. Collagen is a vital protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, and its production naturally decreases with age. By supplementing with collagen, you can help maintain skin firmness and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen also supports hair strength and growth, making your locks appear fuller and healthier. Additionally, it can benefit nails by promoting strength and reducing brittleness. Beyond beauty, collagen supports joint health by improving cartilage integrity, which can alleviate joint pain and improve mobility. Many people find that incorporating collagen into their daily routine helps them achieve a more youthful appearance and feel more vibrant overall. The most notable improvement I have seen is with my nails. I must confess that I am a nail biter and this is my growth from only the past month (I haven’t changed anything other than adding collagen to my morning coffee). What I love about this particular one is that it dissolves easily and has no taste so you could essentially add it to any beverage of your choosing. Check the current price here.
- I love the way my hair looks curled, it appears healthier and I just feel more feminine and put together when I do but I rarely have the time to do it. I also don’t like to apply so much heat to it by using my curling iron. This has been an amazing solution for me. Not only does it help my hair get healthier by avoiding heat styling tools but I can wake up with beautiful hair that looks like I just stepped out of the salon. There is a bit of a learning curve to get the hang of it but there are so many youtube tutorials out there like this one that can help you be on your way. If you’re tempted to get a generic brand from Amazon, I would advise against it. I did in the past and the tubing was not comfortable to sleep with so I ended up throwing them away. This is the brand and I have been using and love.
- Another sleep related product I have used for years is a silk pillowcase. I used to wake up with wild hair, looking like Mufasa. Since switching to a silk pillowcase, my hair is much more smooth and tamed. All I usually need to do is brush it and go (unless I’ve done heatless curls). Sleeping with a silk pillowcase offers a range of beauty benefits that can enhance your skin and hair health. Unlike cotton, silk has a smooth, non-absorbent surface that reduces friction, helping to prevent hair breakage and split ends. This means you wake up with fewer tangles and less frizz, making your hair easier to manage. For the skin, silk’s gentle texture minimizes the potential for sleep lines and wrinkles that can develop from fabric creases pressing against your face overnight. Additionally, silk doesn’t draw moisture away from your skin and hair, allowing your nighttime skincare products to remain more effective and keeping your skin hydrated. The hypoallergenic properties of silk also make it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin, as it can reduce irritation and help maintain a clear, radiant complexion. Check out my favorite here.
- Something about having a tan makes me feel like I look healthier, makes my teeth appear even whiter and just makes me more confident all around. I find that I use less makeup when I use these drops. I simply mix a few drops into my moisturizer at night and wake up with a healthy looking glow. Easy peasy. To check the current price, click here.
- This has changed my skin more than I ever would have anticipated. I was starting to get crepey fine lines when i would smile and my skin just appeared all around dull. Once I started incorporating this into my nightly routine, I noticed changes within a week or two. Initially your skin will slough off like a lizard but just hang in there, it gets much better. This is definitely something I can’t live without. So what is Tretinoin? Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, is renowned for its powerful anti-aging and skin-renewing properties. It works by accelerating cell turnover, helping to shed dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new ones, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion. Tretinoin effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation by promoting collagen production, which enhances skin elasticity and firmness. It can also help clear acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation, leading to clearer, more even-toned skin. Over time, consistent use of tretinoin can transform your skin, making it appear more youthful and resilient. However, it’s essential to use it as directed by a dermatologist, as it can cause irritation when first introduced. With patience and proper care, tretinoin can be a cornerstone in achieving healthy, glowing skin. You do need a prescription for it but I like to get mine from this site. They make it so incredibly easy. They ask you a few questions and have you send in pictures and a dermatologist will prescribe it for you. It’s affordable and gets sent to you automatically on a schedule you pick. Get started today here.
- Last but not least is my favorite product of them all. The ads for this started popping up on social media accounts and I ignored them for the longest time. I have gotten botox twice in the last 2 years and after shelling out $$ and not being totally happy with the results (does anyone else feel like they look weird when they get botox?) I decided to try these. I noticed a difference almost right away, especially with my 11’s. I initially thought that these would just help maintain my botox results by further atrophying the muscles but I feel like I will be taking a long break from Botox because of these. I must warn you, you will look weird with these in conjunction with your mouth tape…it’s a whole vibe and the jokes from my husband continue to come.
Frownies Facial Patches are natural anti-aging products designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by gently smoothing and retraining facial muscles. These adhesive patches are applied to areas prone to expression lines, such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes and mouth. By holding the skin taut, they help to prevent the repetitive movements that cause wrinkles, encouraging smoother skin over time. Made from natural materials and free of harmful chemicals, Frownies are a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to cosmetic procedures, offering a simple way to achieve a more youthful appearance while you sleep. I apply them at night but also on days when I’ll be staying home doing housework, while working out, etc. There is a slight smell that people have complained about but it has never bothered me enough to not use them (it does go away once they dry). They are so much more affordable and healthier than Botox. Check out the current price here.
That finishes up my list of passive beauty must haves for Millennials. I hope you found this helpful and I will update as I discover more finds! If you’ve tried any of these please let me know how they worked for you!