Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Let me preface this post by saying that we are all on our unique and personal "fitness" journeys. I realize that "fitness" can be loosely used to define the condition of someone's physical health, but can be more broadly rejected for its way of standardizing what is determined as "healthy" or "toned" or "strong". For the purposes of this post, the word "fitness" to me is unique to my own experiences with feeling good in my body and the progress that I'm making every day to achieve it. Hence, my "imperfect" fitness journey felt suit to my current feelings about my physicality and overall wellbeing.
This has been one of the most physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing year for all of us. Days where I would digress into negativity and forget to treat myself well before serving others. I found that what I needed was a new grip on strengthening myself in more ways than one. I lost a part of me that I used to love, cherish, and commit too. But I also gained a part of me that allowed for rest, self-forgiveness, and a moment for me to realign with what truly mattered to me and my body in that given moment.
Exercise, for one thing, has been a way for me to cope, release these pent up emotions, and do something bigger and better for my body and mental health coming out of a time that was and still is bearing a weight on all that we do. So, my imperfect fitness journey—throughout this year and many years—has brought forth a few honest takeaways. Ones that I hope will inspire the inner warrior in all of us.
Above all else, commit to yourself
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you have to be your own cheerleader and advocate for the betterment of yourself. It starts with how you envision your best and most healthiest self. Yes, you could scroll on every single fitness guru and influencer's Instagram hoping to manifest whatever good juju they're running on OR you can focus on what will truly help you in reaching realistic and mindful goals you want to achieve. This starts with choices.
Tiny tiny choices that have big big big impact. Switching sugary cereal with protein packed breakfasts. Choosing water over soda. Getting to bed earlier than usual. Doing one more rep. Or deciding that today is the day you'll go back to the gym. It's all about perspective and active choices you are making in the present moment. But sometimes, these choices are indulging in delicious pasta, having an extra cocktail, sleeping in until noon (or five, you choose), and these choices shouldn't be something you base your "fitness" on but rather how good doing these things make you feel. Check in with yourself, set your limits, establish healthy boundaries and stick to it. Above all else, listen to yourself and do what works for YOU.
The environment that we're in has a remarkable effect on our current feelings about ourselves and what makes us feel good. We all know the saying that the people we surround ourselves with reflect on us and our own self perceptions. But this time, I mean it in a good way. For many, like myself, we've been home alone and remiss of social interactions—positive, motivating, and encouraging social interaction. With REAL people! Whether it be in your inner circle or at work, there are always opportunities to find those select few who will also be your cheerleaders when times are tough.
Your fitness journey does not have to be a lonely one. You can competitively connect with friends on your Apple watch, social distance run with your dad, or join a virtual fitness group that constantly meets. There are many people trying to also better themselves and feel good, so why should you be alone in the process? In my experience, group workouts and team exercise has been the most empowering when it comes to finding the power within myself to stay motivated, challenged, and to be honest, less bored because of it. I'm rooting for you and so many other people are, too.
Keep Showing Up
When waking up at 6 in the morning sounds like an utter nightmare, let alone having to run at 6 in the morning. If there's anything I know to be true, it's that no matter what I do and at what energy or motivation level, there is always something to gain from showing up. Knowing that I was able to make time to focus on one part of my body, one mental issue I was dealing with, or zoning out in my tired mind and putting in the work just because I was there and didn't want to waste my membership. It's time to accept that all of your days, workout days, are going to be different. Things are going to hurt, things are going to swell, things are going to ache, but things are also going to feel good as hell. You need to be one with the process and be able to forget achieving perfection and achieve for progress. Taking each new day as a reset button and doing the most you can!
There will always be fear when it means making yourself vulnerable, specifically pushing your body in ways you never have before. I understand it's different for everyone and is definitely something I constantly feel and face when I'm experiencing a new workout, trying a new yoga pose, or going past a limit I know I may or may not be capable of. What we've learned from this year is that we are afraid of everything that is uncertain to us—isn't that how fear works? To hell with fear!
We have learned so much this year about how to adapt to uncertainty. At times, getting too comfortable in our bubbles, but mainly because we had to! We are coming out of our cocoons, not really knowing which direction to go in, but yet we go anyway because anywhere is better than that depressing and claustrophobic cocoon of comfort. Take a leap of faith and have trust in yourself and the process. There may be dust in the wind for sure, but getting through it is how you grow into a beautifully independent and empowered butterfly that is you!
Breathe and Let Be
You are exactly where you were meant to be. Your time will come and it's okay to let yourself take a moment to pause. And do what you need to do in this exact moment. More stretching less pressing, smaller reps, a slower pace, one less mile, and all at one step at a time. You will have moments of doubt, regret, anger, jealousy, you pick your poison. Acknowledge it. Use it.
Breath has the power to transform your mindset, your strength, and motivation. Use your breath in harmony with and not against your progress to becoming a better you. Scream. Literally scream. You'll feel much better, I swear ;) You are going to have really rough sets, lousy reps, and just outright lazy days. Recognize how it makes you feel. Reflect and use this frustration or self-doubt to drive positive and more considerate thoughts. Breathe in the good and out the bad. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.
There is only one way to go—forward. No matter how you get there. Working out and focusing on your personal fitness, however you define it, doesn't have to be justified by measure of appearances or fulfilling a standard of what you "think" being fit is. Ultimately, the goal of reaching your best fitness is treating your body in ways that, at the end of the day, make you feel bubbly inside, smile more, and feeds your soul!
My fitness journey doesn't speak to everybody's, but if I can lift just one person up to make the next best moves for themself, I hope we can all radiate a collective understanding and tolerance for accepting our truest selves. By becoming vulnerable to our strengths and weaknesses, finding encouraging support systems, and trusting the process of each of our unique and imperfect journeys.
We are on the verge of spring cleaning season, so I thought it was about time to do a beauty clear out. I've been holding onto products from high school and old red lipsticks that I just will never wear, but fantasize about some sort of grand event I might need to wear it to. We can dream, right?
I really haven't been wearing makeup this year, but you might notice that my hair care collection has definitely expanded since the beginning of quarantine. I thought I would pile together some of my favorite products that have gotten me through the beginning of this year—out with the old and in with the new! It's about time for me to switch things up and give my look a refresh as things start to brighten up.
For the hair...
Speaking of a refresh, I have been loving giving myself blown out waves and curls recently, so using the Verb Ghost Dry Oil has maintained the style and body throughout the day. It gives you a beautiful, silky blowout without frizz and the perfect amount of conditioning.
If that isn't enough, I've been loving Living Proof products. Especially, the Living Proof No-Frizz Instant Defrizzer which has also been really good for dry wintery ends and also provides UV protection which is great for the summertime. Occasionally, I need to give my hair an extra conditioning boost, so I'll use the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray to save the damaged strands and brush through my hair smoothly after I shower. I have combo straight and wavy hair, so sometimes it can be nice to have a 2 in 1 detangling spray when I need it.
For the Face...
Okay, I admit, I gave into Tik Tok's trending L'Oreal Infallible Foundation in a Powder. I kid you not, this is one of the best full coverage powders. I've been through all the matte BB's and translucent powders, but this does not cake, it does not sit into fine lines, but smooths, blurs, and feels like the most weightless powder I've ever used. If that description doesn't sell you, watch the Tik Toks.
I have always been interested in trying things from Charlotte Tilbury, so when I received this sample from my last Sephora purchase I was excited to have a go at it. I rarely wear liquid foundation, but if anything is marketed as "airbrushed"—I'm all in. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation will become your best friend. If you're feeling like death before Zoom, this foundation will revive you. Pores are magically gone, it stays all day (even if you're just sitting on your couch), and has a natural matte finish so no shifting on your face. We don't want that!
These were just some of my favorite beauty finds from this month, and I'm excited to really get some use out of these products even if I'm just going to the grocery store! What have been your beauty faves this month?
It's that time of year when the Chicago winter chill is excruciatingly unforgivable and all you want to do is snuggle up with your pup. I am prone to dry skin during the cold months, as you might know, but I've also had to manage my acne prone skin without using products that are going to overly scale and dry out my skin as most acne products do. It's the constant struggle, but I am loyal to the brands that I've been using and have mastered using small amounts here and there. I used to be the type of person to glop everything on and hope for the best, but piling on product can do much more harm than we think.
Using a light, foaming cleanser has helped keep my skin hydrated and also helps gradually treat my acne. I have always heard praise about the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser which has three percent sulfur to help with blemishes and doesn't overly dry out the skin either. When I'm looking for an even deeper clean, which I would say is once a week or so, I will use the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Red Clay Mask around my T-zone and the more oily-prone areas of my face. I love it because it is a gentle peel off mask to help get rid of pesky black heads!
After my face is all cleansed, I have been using very light moisturizers so that I can regulate my skin's oiliness. I have always been a huge fan of Clinique because of my sensitive skin. The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is my go-to during the winter months. If you are trying to minimize pores, reduce acne, and also tackle dry skin, this is a great lightweight moisturizer for it!
I can never leave out my dry eyes. I always have extremely dry eyelids in the winter because there's no humidity and there's nothing worse than not being able to open your eyes in the morning. It's the worst, itchy feeling, so I always make sure to have an eye cream on hand. I've used the Cera Ve Eye Cream, but at the moment I am using the First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream that helps moisturize, firm, and get rid of dark under eyes. The perfect Zoom meeting savior.
When I am really feeling like a self-care night, I will bust out the Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub to refresh and exfoliate my dry skin. It smells like a tropical vacation in a pot! With grapefruit oil, coconut oil, and avocado butter, it's the perfect, mineral rich product. It is coarse, hence the sea salt, so personally I would not recommend using it on your face (as it might scratch delicate and sensitive skin), I like to use it on my arms and legs the most!
I love sharing the evolution of my skincare routine. Honestly, because I can recall what I liked and didn't like as my skin ages and also when the weather changes. I have had to become more mindful about how much I put on my skin, but also what I don't put on my skin. For someone who has combination skin that is sensitive and at times, uncontrollable, I have also been talking to a dermatologist since middle school and that has definitely helped with my hormonal acne. What are some ways you take care of your skin this time of year?
I've been at a bit of a crossroads with my hair lately. I've managed to change my side part to a middle part, gotten layers, had a balayage, and have worn it down more than I used to. I've shuffled out some of my old products and have been more cognizant of how many times I wash it now that the winter chill makes my hair so dry and dull.
My hair is pretty fine with dry ends — not a great combo! But I think I have this lineup down to a tee. With however many products I've tried and that are on the market, it constantly feels like a treasure hunt. These are some of the products I've found to help create a silky and effortless blowout look.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer - I've always grown up with Revlon hair tools and every Christmas my sisters and I were always gifted a flat iron or curling wand, but this year, I hopped on the Tik Tok trend and gave into trying this 2-in-1 hair dryer brush that has been raved about for creating an effortless blowout in minutes.
And let me tell yuh folks, it works like magic! Probably one of the best things I've purchased last year. There's no fuss with a normal hair dryer and having to hold your arm up with a brush in the other hand. It is truly a game changer.
Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray - I've always loved Amika as a brand, so I thought I would try this spray to accomplish an even better blowout with the Revlon hair dryer. I've also been keen to using heat protectants more again. It gives the perfect amount of texture and volume without build up.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo - I've been through the dandruff shampoo phase and I could never find a shampoo that was free of parabens and toxic chemicals.
So, I was reluctant to find shampoo for dry and itchy scalp, but I happened to receive a sample of this from Sephora and wanted to give it a proper go. I was very skeptical because it seemed almost like a face mask.
The texture is infused with charcoal that helps exfoliate and remove dead skin. It also fills your shower with the scent of peppermint and spearmint oils and my head always feels so clean and healthy after!
Verb Ghost Dry Oil - I recently got onto the Verb train and am glad I did because I found this perfect finishing spray for blowouts.
It acts as a spray-on conditioner, adds a lot of shine, and de-frizzes which is something my hair always does, even during the winter. I'm not a fan of using hair spray, especially when I'm just working at home or don't mind my style falling a bit throughout the day. This is the perfect final touch for my hair.
Living Proof Instant De-Frizzer - If you're looking for a product solely for de-frizzing, I would recommend the Living Proof one!
I used this a lot during the summer, even on my natural hair and without styling it. It leaves your hair silky and smooth and is the perfect touch up during the day when you don't have time to get the flat iron out.
What do you normally do to maintain your hair during the winter?
I am always up for a bargain, especially when it happens when all you're looking for is a new face cleanser— et voila! More deals than you could have imagined! I'll be honest, staying home has not done anything for my online shopping habits, but I am way more inclined to purchase products that I know will be quality and also give me a bang for my buck.
Since the holiday season is coming up, you might be already gathering lists together, have decorated a tree maybe, or might be doing things a little bit differently this year. Holidays should be spent with your loved ones, so gift giving shouldn't have to break the bank either! Sephora always has some great deals going on, plus you can always find something for yourself along the way, self-care amirite? Here's a recent Sephora beauty find I scored that I think will be on everyone's wishlist this year.
I was immediately drawn to this set because I was in need of a new Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and those things are not easy to come by. I could have gone out of my way to buy a $23 eyebrow pencil OR invest a little more and get a little more with this $48 Sephora Favorites Makeup Must-Haves Value Set which comes stocked with a couple full-size classics and some travel-size samples of products I've never tried before!
I am a sucker for when there's a well-balanced set because I want cult beauty products that I know I'll love and a couple new ones to try. I was especially excited about the Nars Orgasm blush ($30) which is full-size by the way. I don't wear blush that often, but in the colder months, I like to add a bit of color and I know this is the perfect warm-y pink. I was also thrilled to try out the Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick ($23) in First Kiss. It's the perfect blush nude, with a bit more red toned to it. I have heard people rave about Huda Beauty, so I can't wait to wear it to the grocery store (lmao).
One product I was a little disappointed in was the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir ($27) Mascara, which I had originally high hopes for, but when I pulled the brush out, it was covered in product and clumped together immediately on my lashes. Unless you like really dramatic lashes and not feathery ones like I normally have, this might be able to work for you, but I was just not that impressed by it. Another product that didn't do it for me was the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($15), only because I don't use them or think they actually work. However, I know a lot of people live for it, but maybe I'll try to give it another go! There's always one or two products in these types of sets that miss the mark, but overall, the value of this set is just too good not to pass up.
Whether you love makeup or finding good deals, I think this set isn't something to sleep on. It has a great variety of cult classic products that I think everyone could enjoy. Granted, you are getting a mix of full and travel size products. There isn't color variety either, which it would have been nice if Sephora offered value sets with different shades for different skin colors (or even eyebrow colors). You could divide this set up and gift someone one of the products or gift it to yourself. As holiday deals come out, be sure to snag this one before it sells out, you won't regret it! What will the holidays look like for you this year?
I have embraced warm tones this fall, and it's safe to say that the oranges, bronzes, browns, and reds of fall are definitely my shades. With makeup and clothes especially, I have been experimenting with some new finds. I always think back to middle school when I was watching all of these YouTubers and their extravagant Sephora hauls, but I can assure you that a couple of these products were found at TJ Maxx or were part of a sample set. I'm never really on the "hunt" for makeup products, per say but am always on the look out for some cult classics whenever I need to replenish the products I love. Here is my fall beauty roundup...
For the face...
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation- My newest favorite foundation! I have always strayed away from foundations, but the "airbrush" quality of it has me swoon. Since I'm not going out too much, it doesn't make sense for me to put a full face of makeup on, but there are definitely those days I want to clean up a bit or experiment.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion- I am all about moisturizing as it gets colder. I hate the feeling of dry and scaly skin on a cold fall or winter morning, so to prevent that, I use this right before I go to bed. It's a lightweight moisturizer and won't clog your precious pores.
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Good Times- Nars has to be one of my go-to brands and since I don't wear lipstick often, I find these lip pencils to be the perfect in between for getting a neutral lip tint when you wanna spice it up a bit.
Clinique Chubby Stick in Whole Lotta Honey- Along with Nars, I love the Clinique Chubby Sticks. I can throw these into my bag and also have it as a back up to chapstick if needed. They come in a ton of different shades for all different tones, but I always gear more toward the natural blush and nude tints. No lipstick marks on my coffee cup please!
Bath and Body Works Sweater Weather Body Cream- This is my scent of the season and always will be. It is so hard to find it sometimes because it is so popular, so I make sure to stock up on hand creams, body gels, and candles in this scent for sure. It's the perfect blend of spice and woody scents.
Chloe Nomade Perfume- Along with warm and spicy scents, the Chloe Nomade perfume has been my choice of fragrance for the past couple of months. It's a warm floral with Oakmoss, Freesia, Mirabelle Liquor.
For the nails...
OPI Nail Polish in Stop It I'm Blushing- I always love a good creamy neutral or blush pink, so I happened to pick up this new shade that has a slight powder pink tint to it! You can never go wrong with OPI polishes.
For the eyes...
Glossier Lidstar in Cub- If you are someone who HATES eyeshadow creasing or having it move around on your face, Glossier Lidstars are for you! They're perfectly pigmented so you can build the color up with your finger and it lasts for so long. It also has a bit of copper shimmer, which is just divine. For the hair...
Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo- Okay, Ladies. Dandruff is a no-go this season. I got this Briogeo shampoo from a trial pack and have been using it sparingly to prevent the dreaded winter head itch and dry scalp. It works wonders! I've never paid much attention to the moisture of my hair, but realize it's really important this time of year. 
I am trying to put aside time for self-care more as the weather gets colder and the days get darker quicker. As a result, I'm getting more into experimenting with different looks. However, there are days when I just don't want to wear a single dab of makeup and that's okay! I feel like the makeup world is evolving and more people are becoming confident in their own skin, so remember to use makeup because it makes you feel good. We need a little bit more of that comfort nowadays.
The only thing I want my skincare to accomplish is making sure my face looks somewhat alive during my Zoom classes—that's not too much to ask, right? Well, as the season transitions, my skin has actually been doing quite well considering how dry it usually gets. Maybe it's because I have more time to dedicate to self-care and more time to consider what I'm putting in my body that might be affecting what happens on my face.
It's always a constant experiment, but I think I have it down to a tee because there are only a few new additions to my skincare routine. I don't always want to achieve the "glowy" skincare look, but my face has favored the extra moisture and I'm just rolling with it!
Drunk Elephant
My absolute favorite new addition to my skincare has been Drunk Elephant's array of cleansers, which I have to say are not financially the best products to choose (I always refer back to the Cera Ve cleansers), but I got these mini trial sized products and cannot get enough of them. Before you go and look up how much the Drunk Elephant Polypeptide Cream really is, for someone who has extremely sensitive skin to the point where most moisturizers make it burn—this has done wonders. I will keep buying trial sizes until I end up convincing myself to get the full size container. It also came with the silkiest makeup remover, which is the Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter and it sounds as delicious as it is effective. You apply it onto your dry and dirty skin at night and everything just vanishes. No rubbing, no burning, and no grime.
First Aid Beauty
First Aid Beauty is F.A.B. in so many ways. First of all, I can always score on products at TJ Maxx, who doesn't love a good deal? And it is always my default when I'm looking for hydrating and exfoliating products because I know it won't harm or be abrasive to my skin. The Facial Radiance Polish is like no other St. Ives product you've used. There are no harsh beads, but just flecks of natural shea nut shell powder which is biodegradable and supports your skin barrier. The height of summer left my skin a bit loved by the sun, so I revert to the Ultra Repair Cream on days when scaly hands, arms, and even my face arrives this fall and winter. To have the ultimate eye lift and de-puff, I've still been using the 5 in 1 eye cream which apparently tackles five common signs of aging!
Other Hit Favorites
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask —Origins' products have always been a classic go-to when it comes to finding a charcoal mask for anyone who is prone to breakouts, oily skin, and visible pores. You can always find Origins products at TJ Maxx, as well, so check there first! Any of their products are worth trying out, especially their masks and exfoliants.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum —This was a bougie little trial size I received from Sephora. I'm not too keen on using serums, probably because I associate serums with aging, but I've found my skin to be much more perkier when I use this on my cheeks and neck.
Cera Ve Tinted Hydrating Sunscreen —Cera Ve was a new discovery thanks to Tik Tok, but I already knew their eye cream took the cake. When I found out they made a tinted sunscreen, I was all on board. It's one of the most affordable skincare and safest brands out there. The only downfall of this sunscreen is that they do not make any other shade, which is a missed opportunity. However, It was perfect for daily application during the summer and I'm trying to be more active using sunscreens all year round.
I've probably invested more in skincare than I have in makeup this year, which might not be such a bad thing. What products check out on your autumn vanity?
If there's one thing I've been asking for, it's a hair cut. My last hair cut (as gross as it is) was last October. When I was in high school, I was getting hair cuts every two or three months to maintain my long bob, but now that I'm growing my hair out I figured that I might as well see how far I can go with managing my hair. I think I've been doing a good job with it because I haven't felt the need to use hot tools or a ton of products to hold it in place—like I do that normally—but it's been nice to let my hair hang loose a natural for a while.
Thankfully, I have secured an appointment with my hairdresser to fix up my color and length. I'm thinking about going brighter and possibly blonder, but my sisters say they love my brown hair, so we'll see what I'm feeling! I started coloring my hair about two years ago and I have to say, I think I'm obsessed. It's true—the new seasons bring new hair reasons!
My hair routine has not evolved much since I last talked about it, but I do continue to use my trusty staple products in moderation. Every now and then I like to use a little spritz of styling spray to make my hair feel more "done". The newest addition is this Tresemmé Compressed Mirco Mist. I use it to add more texture and volume than I do for hold. I love it because your hair is not frizzy or sticky and it's a great pick me up when you feel like wearing your natural hair down.
There are other products I love like the Ouai Texturizing Hairspray for some added hold and body. I also have a new find, the OGX Honey Hold spray for indestructible hold on more humid days when I want my curls to stay in place.
I will fully disclose that I am not sponsored by Amika products, but if the opportunity arose, I would definitely love to be a brand ambassador for them. Growing up I used mainly Tresemmé, so I thought it was about time to give my hair some love, especially now that I am coloring it.
My hairdresser got me obsessed with their products and I realized that my hair has become so dry over the years, partly because I wasn't using the best products for my hair, but also because I was using chemical stripping shampoos and conditioners. I also shower a lot since I workout and am constantly active, so I made sure to put my hair first and find products that won't strip it away of its nutrients and color.
I scored and found this set at TJ Maxx and would highly recommend looking there first for more higher end hair products. They have a great selection of salon rated brands for decent pricing. Plus, I've had these bottles for a few months and I have barely used half of it. One product that has really saved my hair has been Amika's The Shield Style Extending spray. Now that it's starting to get humid, I like to spritz this on top of my hair as the finishing seal and it has really proved to have staying power. Most products I've found that promise to keep a hold, will flatten within a few hours, but I think I've found my staples and will continue to enjoy them throughout the summer.
How have you been managing your hair recently?
Who am I kidding, I haven't worn makeup in like a year, but hey! It still brings me joy and that's all that matters. Today, I wanted to do a rather light-hearted post, as much as I also would love to briefly update you all on my life, it has been pretty slow-moving. Home life has ramped up, though, I have now designated a place in my childhood bedroom for work and school. I try to assimilate a routine every morning: wake up at 8 a.m., get dressed, eat breakfast, and get on with whatever class I have that day. I know my situation is much different as everyone else's currently, but one thing I know for sure is that I have not been wearing makeup at all.
I have not realized the power of makeup until I started becoming more and more of a zombie trying to get work done and feel somewhat like a presentable human. It goes to show that sometimes putting even a dab of concealer can make you feel more alive than ever.
Clinique has been one of my favorite brands for an all-day "no makeup" look. It's a power concealer in a bottle, the Skin Perfecting Foundation and Concealer allows my face to breathe, feel natural, moisturizes and conceals perfectly without having to feel it on my face. It's the perfect stay-at-home foundation.
Another one I've loved for a while is the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. It's a great full-coverage concealer for those really long Zoom meetings. It doesn't crease and your professor will for sure not know if you stayed up watching Grey's Anatomy until 2 a.m.
On days where we have had some sun, I've been really trying to maximize the time I get to have outside. With that, I've noticed tan lines! However, the unwelcome oil is back on my face, and I have been mitigating it with the Physicians Formula Super BB powder. I bought this recently at TJ Maxx and have been using it ever since, the best part is that it's a powder with SPF 30.
Red eyes can become a common theme with heavy screen time, so every now and then, I'll dab a little bit of the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer to mask some of the redness and oiliness that builds up during the day of e-learning.
With a bit more sun-kissed skin and brighter days, I've been brushing on a bit of Nars Laguna Bronzer to my cheekbones and forehead. Another tip I have if you really want to look presentable with minimal effort, is using a brow pencil. The IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal brow pencil does just the trick for framing out your face in just a couple small swipes.
I hope you all are doing well, despite the circumstances, there are a lot of small ways we can make big impact and if that means putting on a bit of makeup, doing your hair, showering, or washing your face. Self care is the most important during these uncertain and rather worrisome times. A boost of confidence might be key, positivity goes a long way, so just know that we are all in this together.
On days when I just can't bear to wake up at 7am, or any normal day really, I try to minimize the number of steps I have to take in my morning routine. Wearing makeup has become less and less of an event in the morning. I remember in middle and high school I would dedicate a half hour to hair and makeup—fifteen minutes for curling and fifteen minutes for covering every zit on my face with powder that didn't even match my skin.
I would like to think that I've perfected my makeup routine with only three fundamental products: concealer, bronzer, and an eyebrow pencil. All of which have been my tried and true staples to get me ready to take on the day ahead.
Recently I have been drawn to reading Vogue articles about the one makeup item that people MUST have with them before they run out the door, I agreed with these three specific ones because they all serve a purpose in making me look alive and, for the most part, put together.
Concealer is just a given always. I have no time to slap on a face of foundation, nor the patience to let it settle, and I think concealer does just the job even better. It really depends on the type of concealer, though. I've had concealers that crease and fall off my face, so I would highly recommend the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. This is a full-coverage concealer that hides all of your imperfections, dark circles, red eyes, fine lines, and all of the above! The great thing is that it's multi-use and can be used for an eyeshadow primer, too. A couple dabs of this bad boy and I'm glowing.
When I want to glow, even more, I skip the blush and redness altogether. Bronzer is my saving grace on days when I wake up a little extra pale than normal, especially during the winter. The Nars Laguna Bronzer adds just the right amount of warmth I need.
I feel like a lot of people think that mascara is the one eye product you need before leaving the house, but for me, having structured and groomed eyebrows are essential. Most mornings, I wake up with mangey looking eyebrows and make it seem like I've been asleep for hours and hours. I never forget to do my eyebrows, or at least comb through them. The IT Cosmetics Brow Pencil is a two in one spoolie and pencil that I throw into my bag—having eyebrows on fleek frames my face and filling them in defines it even more.
I find this simple routine of three easy steps great for traveling. No mess, no worries, and I still feel put together and ready to get on with my busy day. What are the three products you can't leave without?
I feel like if you asked me in high school what I thought about my natural skin, I would probably respond with "I have to wear concealer every day" or "I can't go without powdering it in the morning". My skin over the years has gone through a lot of phases: it was very acne-prone and oily, to the point that I had to get prescribed meds to control my hormones for it. While this is fairly common with a lot of my friends, I've always felt like there's an insecurity to walk around in public bare-faced.
When I first got into makeup, I made it a point to find products that would hide my acne bumps and redness, to rid all of the oil and pubescent stress that lived in the pores of my face (gross I know). I have this distinct memory of me putting on loose face powder that was three shades darker and oranger than my normal skin tone and still preceding to cover up my T-zone with it. No one told me it looked bad until I realized that you weren't supposed to look like an Oompa Loompa.
Whether or not that traumatized me from using a lot of face makeup, or the fact that I just didn't have time to put on a full-face of makeup, covering all of my impurities just wasn't ideal for me. Caking on a ton of makeup didn't make me feel better, of course I still wear makeup, but not the way I used to.
Social norms and the internet tell us that having acne or "problem areas" should be covered up. I'd like to believe that this norm has been gradually dismantled, while the trend of "natural beauty" is making its way to the forefront. Flaws, insecurities, and stereotypes lead us to believe that the only way we can be accepted is through self-validating beauty norms that drive us to Sephora and emptying our wallets.
My story is that I've come to realize that it's all bullshit. Finding confidence and acceptance of your insecurities takes strength. I'm not quite sure when I came to realize this, but it must have started my senior year of high school going into college. I was done putting on a mask and as I continue to enjoy using makeup, I've reevaluated its purpose in my own terms, to feel good about myself and not for anyone else to decide how it makes me feel.
Accepting ourselves is a constant, life-long struggle—we all have things we wish we could change, alter, or modify our physical selves. Resisting these norms, saying "I don't need makeup today," and at least considering more broadly how the things we're exposed to online affects us internally. It's something I've managed to ignore and inspire others to do the same.
I believe in bedtime routines and their impact on our wellbeing—without them, I feel like it's very difficult to fully settle in at the end of a long day. As someone who has watched so many night-time routines and regimens on YouTube, I thought it'd be a good time to share my own.
On most nights, I'd like to think that I have a pretty well-managed schedule when it comes to getting ready for bed. With that said, my sleep schedule is not strict nor is what I do in order to get ready for bed. However, I like to allow myself at least an hour before I fall asleep to pamp and prep for the next day ahead. When I do this, I can feel refreshed and relaxed, especially when I use some of my favorite essential items.
I like to keep things simple. After I've done my evening skincare, showered, etc. I am always sure to moisturize and keep lotion or cream at my bedside. I've gotten into the habit of using it right before I go to bed—who likes cold and dry hands? Not me. The Bath and Body Works Orange Ginger Body Lotion from their Aromatherapy collection is my current bed-side pick and while orange is not the most "calming" of scents, it's a pleasant fragrance nonetheless.
On the topic of aromatherapy, recently I've been using a lot of essential oils especially when it comes to my nighttime routine. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have been my favorite fragrances at the moment and I use them in my diffuser and in rollers applying them to my temples, neck, and wrists when I'm feeling anxious or restless during the night.
I've never underestimated the power of fragrance as a stress-reliever or a sleep inducer, but when I was first introduced to pillow mists, I couldn't go back. Bath and Body's Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist is soothing and instantly relieves feelings of stress or discomfort. The ultimate spa-like experience.
Sometimes I like to play a sleepytime playlist and it was only until recently that I found out you can set your music on your phone to a timer so that it stops when you fall asleep. I'm always reaching for my wireless headphones before bed and am thankful that they are comfortable to sleep with. I've even explored meditation apps like Headspace to help with uneasy sleep. If there are any other ways I can get good and restful sleep, I am always open to trying it. What are your bedtime routine essentials?
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