The Eczema Edit—Your Eczema Starter Kit

We just concluded Eczema Awareness Month! Here are my tried & true favorites for treating my eczema.

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 11/2/2020.

As someone who has had eczema since I was a child, my hunt for the best products to help treat it has become well-refined, though seemingly never-ending. Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease where people experience itchy skin that can show up in different varieties of flaky, dry, patchy, and red. For myself, the hardest part of eczema is often the discomfort of the itch, and the soreness of the inflammation. Personally, I learned to accept the way it looked, but I know that sometimes that can be a blow to one's self confidence.

On my 20-something years of trying different products to treat my eczema, I wanted to make sure my products and practices contributed to my entire well-being, and would be something I could maintain for the rest of my life. I also wanted to put an end to topical steroids that are prescribed to me by my doctor, because they don't help much in preventing flare ups than they do in temporarily treating them.

My Practices for Preventing Eczema Flare-Ups

Because eczema is an inflammatory skin disease, the biggest culprits that can cause it are anything that can bring on stress to your body. Remember, stress=inflammation! So, the best thing in preventing eczema flare-ups is to prevent stress. A few things I like to do to reduce inflammation are:

1) Take evening primrose oil supplements

Packed with omega-6 fatty acids, evening primrose oil can help reduce inflammation in the body.

2) Meditate

Find peace amidst your stressors with a meditation practice!

3) Swap coffee for tea

Sometimes, drinking coffee can give you the jitters, and even more myself, I tend to feel a lot more anxious on caffeine! Swap out coffee for calming teas to help reduce eczema flare-ups.

4) A fruit (and veggie)- full diet!

You are what you eat! Consuming less anti-inflammatory foods and more alkalizing ones can help your body in preventing eczema flare ups.

Products I Love for Treating Eczema

For new inflammation: Tower28 SOS Save.Our.Skin Spray

I love this spray so much for treating new inflammation! It's even replaced my use of hydrocortisone, a topical steroid that reduces redness and itchiness. The star ingredient of Tower28's cult-favorite spray is Hypochlorous Acid which soothes redness, cleanses, and nourishes skin. I like to spray it on newly inflamed eczema to calm it down and help prevent itching.

For everyday upkeep: La Roche Posay Lipikaur Balm AP+

I first discovered this in Paris when my friend suggested it to me after I shared with her that I experience eczema. This body lotion is formulated for dry and irritated skin and its niacinamide and shea butter enriched formula helps soothe and protect irritated skin. I love using this everyday to keep my skin strong, silky, and smooth.

For intense spot hydration & protection: Cerave Healing Ointment

This healing ointment does it all! With essential ceramides and niacinamide, this ointment has become a go to for protecting and hydrating any eczema flareups. If I have an inflamed patch of skin, I'll spray Tower28's SOS to soothe and cleanse the area, then seal in hydration with the healing ointment.

To cool an itch: BEBOE Body Balm

CBD is one the buzziest ingredients from the last few years, and while I haven't found it incredible for my face, I absolutely love it for my eczema. The CBD balm I have from Beboe has a cooling effect, so I've found it to be a perfect alternative to hydrocortisone when I have itchy-beyond-control eczema. Bonus points for CBD balms because they are also anti-inflammatory!

For nourishment and repair: My Topicals Like Butter

Meant to be an ultra-nourishing and hydrating mask for eczema experienced on the face, I also like to use this amazing topical for the rest of my body, too. It's packed with soothing ingredients like anti-inflammatory turmeric, wound-healing madeassoside, anti-microbial Chinese rubharb root, and soothing colloidal oatmeal. If I have a particularly gnarly patch of eczema, I use a thick-layer of Like Butter to accelerate healing.

4 Easy Ways To Lift Your Mood, Energy, and Spirits With Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is just what your WFH life needs.

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 9/28/2020.

What if there was a scent that could uplift your mood in an instant? Or one that could help you sleep better? Or even a scent that could give you a burst of energy? It may seem farfetched, but these scents already exist! Essential oils are the wellness product your life is missing. Their strong scents help elicit certain feelings and emotions within you; also known as aromatherapy.

According to WebMD, aromatherapy works by "[activating] areas in your nose called smell receptors, which send messages through your nervous system to your brain. The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions." Think of aromatherapy similar to when you smell a familiar scent and it triggers a memory—but instead of a memory, essential oils can trigger positive emotions.

Convinced yet? Keep reading to see how you can incorporate essential oils throughout your day to cater to your moods!

1. Desk-side diffuser to minimize your WFH stress

When you're working from home, sitting by your computer all day completing task after task, meeting after meeting, the stress can really pile on. Set a diffuser right by your desk to help keep your spirits lifted! I love using simple essential oils and mixing them to create my own blend. Vitruvi recently released their Home Refresh Kit featuring four limited edition essential oils—and they all smell bold, bright, and fresh. Whether you grab Vitruvi's scents or try to find dupes of it on your own, check out their recipe card below for some oh-so revitalizing essential oil blends to fill your workspace (and home) with!

2. Anytime nasal inhalers for a jolt of energy

Having one of these essential oil inhalers handy has made a serious difference in helping me stay positive throughout the day. I love using the 'Energy' inhaler from Saje when I'm feeling lethargic and the 'Grounded' inhaler from Hellen NYC for when I start to feel overwhelmed and nervous. Both of these inhalers have incredible scents that really help bring me back to earth, feeling better about myself and my day!

Hellen NYC's inhaler comes with a suggested ritual and music as well; you play the included track, inhale through one nostril, then the other, hold for a few seconds, and exhale.

3. Aromatherapy neck pillow for shoulder tension relief

I don't have this product but recently saw it on my fellow cherie teammate @jenny during a Zoom call! She says: "Found this hidden gem in the checkout line at CVS and 'aromatherapy' and 'tension relief' were the magical words to convince me to add it to my shopping cart. This weighted neck wrap smells like a luxurious spa and can be heated or chilled to your preferences. I let this gently rest on my shoulders as I work at home to help ease any stiffness or tension in my upper body. Best part is that it feels like a warm, soft hug and helps melt any stress away!"

4. Essential oil-infused hair care for a scent trail of essential oils wherever you go

You know when you have an amazing smelling leave-in conditioner and the scent follows you throughout the day? Now imagine if that scent was an uplifting essential oil! Ankh Hair's Monarch Hair Oil has an essential oil blend that smells invigorating and energizing. I use this every time I wash my hair and the scent has literally lasted for DAYS. Whenever I get a whiff of the scent, I immediately feel a little bit brighter, and a little bit happier.

Filipino Beauty Tips and Myths I Learned From My Mother

Every culture has beauty myths and tips. Here's what has been passed down in my family through generations.

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 8/82020.

Being a child of an immigrant means you're often reconciling two worlds; the one your parents came from and the one they brought you into. In my case, my parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines in the early 90's, just a few months before I was born. My home world was full of homemade Filipino food, Maaala Mo Kaya*, kareoke-filled nights, turning our plates when guests left, and listening to my mom speak for hours (and I mean HOURS) on the phone with her mares*. Outside of my home, my world was American pop songs, discovering the world wide web on Ask Jeeves, wearing shoes in friends' homes, wishing I could have a chicken sandwich instead of my baon*, and hanging out with my friends under the guise of extra-curricular activities. There were many places my worlds met seamlessly, leading me to never feel like they were so far apart; like when my dad would fill our pantry with Pop-tarts and gummy worms, right next to the Skyflakes* and mammon*. Or every single time we'd eat out at non-Asian restaurants and it felt so foreign because there wasn't any rice. And of course, Filipino family and friends, making the reconciliation of being Filipino in America a community effort, and effortlessly Filipino-American.

When I started getting into skincare and beauty around 15 years old, I was overwhelmed with beauty's "you can always be prettier" culture. It was something very different from the beauty rituals and practices my mom taught me which fell more along the lines of "just keep clean". While western beauty practices focus on adding ingredients, products, and lotions, Filipino beauty is a lot more simple, focusing on cleanliness and more "dont's" vs. "do's". In the spirit of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I wanted to share some of the myths and tips as quoted by my mother and debunked (or not) by me.

Myth: Don't wear deodorant, it will make your underarms stink
"Don't wear deodorant because it clogs your pores. Everything gets stuck and then you have more body odor." - My Mom, Nenita Buenaobra

There's definitely some truth in the whole "don't wear deodorant" part of this myth; many traditional deodorants have harmful chemicals, like aluminum and parabens, that have been proven to be bad for you. As for the whole deodorant makes you stinky bit, that's a bust. I will say that for me personally, I have never worn deodorant a day in my life. And I don't stink. Well, at least I don't stink enough that other people could smell me when they're nearby. While body odor is natural, it seems that never having worn deodorant has kept my body odor radius to a minimum. But it's probably genetics.

Tip: ALWAYS shower before bed

"Do this be fresh and clean and get good sleep." - NB

No matter if you showered in the morning already or barely lifted a finger through the day, always shower before bed. My mom never let anyone of us go to bed without properly cleansing ourselves, and I still stick with this tip to this day. At the very least, you're going to bed relaxed and clean—what could be the harm in that?

Myth: Don't shave your body hair, it will grow back thicker

"When you shave your body hair, it grows back faster and thicker, and then you have to keep shaving and shaving and shaving." - NB

No, shaving does not make your hair grow back faster or thicker (sorry mom!) but it can cause ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and dark spots, which can make it feel like you have to keep shaving for your legs to stay smooth. Similar to wearing deodorant, I don't shave my body hair and oddly enough, hardly grow any. When I was in high school, I shaved my legs for a year because everyone else was doing it, and the hair did grow back often. When I stopped shaving, the hair stopped growing. Another thing for me to chalk up to genetics, because I have no idea why I'm like this.

Myth: Vicks heals everything

"It just does." - NB

If you're Filipino, you know this one. There's no rhyme or reason, it just is. Have a cold? Vicks. Allergies? Vicks. Headache? Vicks. Sprained ankle? You already know what to reach for.

Tip: Coconut oil is the best moisturizer

“It's natural and helps in the growth of your hair. It keeps your skin soft." - NB

Period. No qualms here! I use coconut oil every night—but only on my body! Coconut oil can be comedogenic (pore clogging) on the face, so be weary with your use. I also use it on my hair, but only on the ends where it's extra dry.

Myth: Never go to bed with wet hair, you could go blind

"The head can't evaporate so the cold water goes to your eyes and might cause blindness." - NB

So this one is intense, but according to my mom, this has been a saying with elders in her village for a long time. This is a myth busted, since water in the eye doesn't correlate to blindness or impaired vision. That being said, going to bed with wet hair can be bad for your hair because when wet, your hair cuticles are open and more vulnerable to damage. Plus, it's a tad uncomfortable going to bed with wet hair.

Tip: Moisutrize while your body while is still wet

"The moisturizer will be absorbed more easily, plus your body is still clean so the moisture can protect your skin." - NB

A great tip that I still adhere to to this day. Moisturizing your body while it's fresh out of the shower helps seal in hydration and moisture.

Myth: Don't cut your nails at night, especially on Monday

"If you do this, you'll be cutting your luck and your growth because Monday is the start of the week." - NB

It's pretty safe to say that this myth is a bust. I've never tracked the days in which I cut my nails, but I doubt you'll be cutting your luck and growth short by trimming your cuticles. But hey, it is done onto you as you believe, so if you feel like any of this could be true, I suggest keeping your nail appointments to Tuesday-Sunday.

Tip: Keep a skincare routine every morning and night

"Siempre*! To nourish your skin." - NB

I watched my mom do her skincare routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing every day and night. She's 64 years old now, and easily looks like she's in her 50s. So, if you ask me, I'll be doing a skincare routine every morning and night for the rest of my life.

*Tagalog Translations:

Maaala Mo Kaya- A tear-inducing T.V. drama.

Mare- Girlfriends you gossip with

Baon- Lunch you bring from home

Skyflakes- The yummiest crackers

Mammon- Delectable sponge cake

Siempre- Of course!

These e.l.f. Products Might Just Replace Your Makeup Faves

Save a few extra $$ with these e.l.f. Makeup dupes!

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 8/26/2020.

Team cherie is always on the lookout for good makeup dupes! While we believe in spending on products with great quality, and that ultimately feel worth it to you, sometimes you can find comparable items for much, much less. Who doesn't like to save a few $$ and still get good quality products? So, we've put together some of the best e.l.f. dupes to a few of our most popular product's on cherie—at just a few bucks a pop, these dupes are worth a try.

Swap: NARS Orgasm Powder Blush for Studio Blush in Blushing Rose

NARS Orgasm blush is one of the most well-known blush colors, something you'll want a constant supply of! e.l.f's Studio Blush in Blushing Rose holds a similar shade, and at $4, you'll always be able to re-up.

Swap: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream for Superhydrate

Keep your skin hydrated and happy with e.l.f's Superhydrate cream. With ingredients like squalane, snow mushroom, and niancinamide, this cream is a star in it's own right!

Swap: It Cosmetics CC Cream for BB Cream

Give your skin a smooth appearance, and protection from the sun with a BB cream!

Swap: Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder for Matte Setting Powder

A good setting powder keeps you shine-free, makeup in place, and doesn't cake up! Luckily for us, both Laura Mercier's and e.l.f's does that.

Swap: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer for Jelly Pop Dew Primer

What makes theswe two primers different from the rest is their slightly tacky texture that allows for foundation to stick to your skin without it fading throughout the day.

Swap: Tarte Shape Tape for 16 Hour Camo Concealer

The concealer heard around the world! Shape Tape is a long lasting concealer that helps conceal, highlight, and contour. Find it's much more affordable twin in e.l.f's 16 Hour Camo Concealer.

Swap: Drunk Elephant C-Firma for Beauty Shield Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been on everyone's lips, and for good reason. This antioxidant can help fade dark spots, brighten overall skin tone, and can help with collagen production.

Trying Professional Microneedling To Combat Acne & Scarring

Miconeedling claims to give you even and smooth skin, so I put it to the test!

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 7/28/2020.

As much as I've loved skincare, I was always super skeptical about any sort of invasive procedure, even something as minimally invasive as microneedling. I think skincare should be comforting, fun, and make you feel good after! For a while I even stopped getting extractions because they are so uncomfortable, and they didn't seem worth it to me. But alas, as I get older, I've learned that a lot of things that keep us well aren't always comfortable; like working out, going to the dentist, taking supplements, and so on. There is a small amount of discomfort that has to be traded for a fabulous result.

Enter microneedling, a minimally invasive facial that promises you gorgeously smooth skin in exchange for a few minutes of discomfort... and a few days of redness. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling does exactly what it's says; takes microscopic needles to create small punctures in your skin, therefore inducing collagen production. I decided to try this seemingly masochistic beauty treatment (because I just don't think beauty should equal pain!) for the sake of research and to help with some stubborn comodones that were haunting my face. Here's how it went...

Disclaimer: If you're interested in this treatment, please do your research! This post is simply to share my experience and thoughts on microneedling.

First things first: how microneedling works

When our skin is damaged, our body sends collagen to repair it. Collagen is responsible for binding skin cells, and making it look plump and healthy. Microneedling creates very minimal damage; the microleasions made by microneedling are invasive enough to induce collagen, but not enough to create any lasting damage. The tears are so minimal they heal in a few days. Some benefits to microneedling include the fading of acne scars, smoother skin texture, reduction of fine lines, and more.

My understanding of microneedling is basic—you essentially "injure" yourself to heal and reveal better skin. If you'd like to learn more, I recommend doing thorough research from the links below!

Microneedling 101 - Warren dermatology

Microneedling 101 - Smooth Skin Centers

At Home vs. Professional

Don't do microneedling at home. That's totally my opinion, and this is always your choice, but any procedure that is even a tad invasive, should be better left to professionals. Again, you are intentionally injuring yourself and creating open wounds on your face, so that alone should convince you that this needs to be done by a pro.

Besides being cleaner and safer when done by a professional, the devices a licensed esthetician or nurse would use on your skin is going to be 1000x BETTER than the rolling microneedlers. For one, professional microneedling pens directly puncture your skin in an up and down motion where as at-home rollers drag along your skin, which can create trenches that can take longer to heal.

Microneedling is, again, a minimally invasive—BUT STILL INVASIVE—procedure that requires thought and investment.

The Experience

I should preface this by letting you all know that microneedling isn't a comfortable experience! I started off with a nice facial cleanse and massage by my esthetician, followed by an application of numbing cream. I lay dormant for about 20 minutes in order for the numbing cream to kick in, and once it did, a nurse changed places with the esthetician to operate the microneedling pen.

I can only describe the sensation as being snapped by multiple rubber bands at once, on my face. It is not comfortable, even with the numbing cream! I can't imagine how painful it would be without it. The microneedling takes no more than 15 minutes, and by the end of it my skin was RED and BLOODY. After the procedure, the nurse cleansed my face and allowed it to dry out for a few minutes. Next, she applied a cooling clay mask—this was crucial because my oh my, my skin was on fire! After the cooling mask, I laid under an LED light which was meant to kill any bacteria and leave my vulnerable skin, safe

The appointment took 1 hour total, and I left with my face feeling taught and sensitive.

Waiting for the numbing cream to kick in.

The Aftercare

This is important: for 24 hours after the procedure, I could not wet my face or apply any product. Keeping my skin free and away from potential infection is the main goal. So, for 24 hours, I didn't do a thing! Stayed home, stayed clean, and let myself heal.

After the 24 hours, I took on a very gentle regimen for 7 days; mild cleanser, rose water as toner, and a simple moisturizer.
My skin was red for about 7 days, with days 2 and 3 being dry and flakey.

Is It Worth It?

At first, I really regretted doing this. Like I said, it's not comfortable! But, once I saw my skin healing, I knew I would do this again. At the end of 7 days, when all the dryness and flakiness weny away, my skin was GLOWING. The stubborn comedones I couldn't get rid of for months had gone down by half, and as I type this almost 2 weeks from my procedure, they went down even more! For me, it made all of this worth it.

Sustainability and Us; How Small Choices Impact The Earth

We're putting sustainability in the spotlight with our "A Breath of Fresh Air" campaign.

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 4/19/2020.

I'm writing this piece to remind us all that small actions hold a lot of power. As residents of earth, every action we impose on our beloved planet has an effect; good or bad. Now, if you're paying attention to the news, or the weather, you'll notice that mother nature is changing in what feels like unpredictable ways. Drought appears where there should be rain, rain appears where there should be sun, bees are disappearing, migration patterns of birds are compromised... the list truly does go on. But what does this all mean for us earth residents? It means the planet we rely on so much is weakening and in danger; the ecological systems that have allowed us to live and thrive for millenniums are suffering due to the strenuous efforts of the earth trying to support the weight of a quickly changing world. We're making and consuming more things than ever, and in turn, giving the earth the daunting task of eliminating our waste; from greenhouse gases, to plastic waste, to tons and tons of garbage with no where to go.

While this is a harsh reality, it's also one where we can still make small changes with big impact. Mainly because consumer choices can have a big effect on corporate decisions (take the Shelter-in-Place ordinance for example; once the majority of people started staying home, corporations quickly pivoted to accommodate our needs). Realistically, we're so deep into the repercussions of global warming that huge, drastic changes will make the difference. So, it's less about one tiny choice and more about all those tiny choice made as a community that make the difference. As communities make larger sustainable choices together, corporations and bodies of government start to listen, and those choices we've made ricochet higher where even BIGGER choices and change occurs; with multimillion and billion dollar corporations who are contributing to most of the worlds carbon emissions. And let's be real, these larger powers should be held accountable for their large amounts of waste. With the state of the earth as it is, we need everyone to be all in. Here are some quick and easy ways to make more sustainable choices that start today:

1. Call your representatives

Your voice is one of the most powerful tools, believe it or not. Being strong in your stance against unsustainable practices from businesses (i.e. single use plastic, non-recyclable packaging), and even simply stating there's more we need to do to protect our earth can help shape the laws that will help do so.

2. Educate yourself

Again, knowledge is power! Keep up-to-date with current policies, environmental groups, and practices that support the earth. Learning about how we got here can help appease where we're going. *Note, learning about global warming and the environment can feel daunting and stressful. Take care of your wellbeing and intake information as you can handle it.

3. Support eco-friendly businesses & brands

Yes, many businesses are greedy in their efforts to earn a profit, but there are so many incredible and conscious businesses and brands that truly give back to the earth. Look for brands that are carbon neutral or carbon negative, meaning they either remove as much carbon emissions as they make (neutral) or remove more than they make (negative). Brands certified by Eco Cert and EWG are also ones to watch.

4. Make smart everyday choices

Reduce single-use plastic, recycle, minimize your everyday waste, opt for more plants in your diet, and enjoy nature.

Lip Off: Lip Oil Edition

I heard lip oil is the new lip gloss, so I put four best-selling lip oils to the test.

This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 2/10/2020.

There's a high chance that I purchase a new gloss every week. I am so incredibly happy that lip glosses have come back into style because this whole matte lip situation was not a friend to my dry, flakey lips. Now, we love lip glosses for their high-shine impact, but they do tend to be a bit of a sticky situation—literally. We also love lip balms for how moisturizing they are, but they don't always give us that 'oomph' in our look (read: they're kinda boring). Enter lip oils, the latest trend that combines the best of lip balms and lip glosses. What makes a lip oil?Lip oils' main claim to fame is that they provide both a lasting shine AND soften your lips. So you can replace your lip gloss and balm duo with just one, high-performing product. Lip oils also contain, well, oils, which most glosses do not. So, to see which lip oil really lives up to the hype, I tried out four best-selling lip oils at Sephora. When testing these lip oils, I rated each product for four main points; shine, stickiness, hydration, and overall look. A winner in my eyes is a lip oil with high shine, very little stickiness, leaves my lips moisturized so I don't need lip balm, and, of course, looks good on me!

The Lip Oils, Rated

Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Malibu

The Claim: "100% treatment, 100% gloss". Plumps and hydrates lips with Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, and Evening Primrose Oil.Shine: 3/5 STARS. This gloss isn't incredibly shiny BUT it is incredibly pretty! I think since this is a pretty pigmented lip color, some of the shine is sacrificed.

Stickiness: 5/5 STARS. Not sticky at all! Throughout the day and even through reapplication, this product stays soft on the lips.

Moisture: 4/5 STARS. This lip oil does keep your lip hydrated and soft, but I wouldn't say it's a treatment. I wore this when my lips were a bit drier than usual, and I wouldn't say this helped them. They didn't dry them up even more which is much appreciated, but they didn't treat them either. Four stars because in any other situation (AKA lips not so dry) this would be wonderfully moisturizing.

Overall Look: 5/5 STARS. This color is incredible! Malibu is such a perfect pink and I love how it works with my skin tone.

Dior Glow Lip Oil in Pink

The Claim: Cherry oil nurtures and protects lips while Color Reviver Technology enhances lips natural color.Shine: 4/5 STARS. Lovely shine! It's glossy enough to look good on a night out.

Stickiness: 3/5 STARS. Not super sticky at first, but once I started reapplying, my lips got sticker. I think it might be because it never dries off fully, so the product continuously compiles. The wear is really comfortable though, and it doesn't feel heavy even when it gets sticky towards the end of the day.

Moisture: 4/5 STARS. Come through, cherry oil! I loved that this did a great job hydrating my lips, and even when it wore off at the end of the day, my lips stayed soft. In comparison to Dior's Hyaluronic Acid Lip Maximizer, this lip oil is sooo much better.

Overall Look: 5/5 STARS. I was kind of obsessed with applying this lip oil. First, the wide applicator is amazing; it feels so luxurious going on my lips! Second, the color is perfect! Because Dior's glow line is meant to adapt to each person's pH balance, you always get your perfect pink.

Artist Couture Diamond Lip Tease in Sugar Baby

The Claim: Hemp seed oil moisturizes lips while diamond-like pearls add a luxurious shine.

Shine: 2/5 STARS. This gloss was NOT poppin'. The shine is non-existent, and I just want to know... where are these diamond-like pearls??

Stickiness: 1/5 STARS. I did not want to keep reapplying this lip gloss because it was so sticky! I honestly was ready to reach for my lip balm after using this :/

Moisture: 0/5 STARS. Hemp oil didn't seem to do much. My lips shriveled up pretty quickly, not to mention the wear on this was not a thing. I want to say I had this on for about an hour before I needed to reapply again. Plus, at the end of the day, my lips were noticeably drier than it was that morning.

Overall Look: 2/5 STARS. The color I got (Sugar Baby) is super pretty in the component and when I swatched it on my hand. On my lips, though, it's barely noticeable! It might be because the applicator is bad. And I mean, bad. It's flimsy and feels like it's going to fall off when I put the gloss on. Overall, Artist Couture Diamond Lip Tease is a no from me.

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in Fire

The Claim: "Never sticky, always shiny lips!" Five nourishing oils protect and treat lips with high shine.

Shine: 5/5 STARS. GLOSSYYYY. The shine factor on this gloss is so good! It made my lips look plump and performed well in all my selfies 🤗

Stickiness: 5/5 STARS. Super impressed with how soft this gloss is. The wear is comfortable, and when I rubbed my lips together, I felt like I was rubbing a lip balm, not a gloss. No stick, baby! I honestly couldn't stop popping my lips together because of this gloss and my friends got a bit annoyed of me BUT HEY! They also wanted to know what I was wearing on my lips.

Moisture: 5/5 STARS. This is a hydration sensation. The gloss was actively making my lips softer, much more noticeably than any of the other glosses above. This is what I signed up for! It's truly a lip balm/gloss hybrid and I'm officially obsessed.

Overall Look: 5/5 STARS. I usually don't reach for lip colors in the orange/yellow zone, mainly because I have golden undertones so they usually wash me out, but this orange gloss is it. It's incredibly sheer, so it really adds a nice warm touch to your lips, instead of a full wash of color. Great job, Tower 28! I'm a new fan.

Beach Beauty: How to Keep Your Skin Safe in the Sun, Sand, and Ocean

I spent two weeks in Hawaii in the latter part of August, swimming my little heart out at every beach I possibly could. While I was enjoying my beach vacay, my skin wasn’t having nearly as much fun. The combination of saltwater, sun, and heat proved to be very drying for my already dry skin. Though saltwater can have antibacterial effects for acne and eczema, it does draw out hydration from your skin. So, by the end of my two-week stint in paradise, my skin had suffered quite a bit; think sandpaper textured skin, milia, and acne bumps under the skin. In retrospect, I was so busy during this trip that I neglected a lot of key components to keep my skin healthy in the sun. So, on top of sharing tips for safe sun, I’ll also share what I did for my skin post-vacay to give it much-needed hydration.

While You’re Thriving in the Sun

1. Drink Water. I know, I know, you’ve heard this so many times before, but it is crucial when you are on a tropical vacation. The combination of more activity than usual, heat, sun, and saltwater will draw out your energy and water is needed to cool down your body.

2. Rinse Your Skin Post-Swim. Before you let the sun dry you up post-swim, rinse your face of saltwater first! You’ll notice that when you let salt water dry on your skin, it becomes tight and dry pretty instantly. By simply rinsing it off before it dries, you’ll help save your skin of dehydration.

3. Keep A Hydrating Mist Nearby. Throw a gentle hydrating mist in your bag to refresh your skin throughout the day. I love using Evian’s Facial Water. It’s so simple and gentle—the only ingredient is Evian spring water.

4. Apply Sunscreen Often. We all know sunscreen is queen—all the anti-aging, expensive facials, and layers of serum mean nothing if we aren’t protecting our skin of UVA and UVB rays. When you’re on a tropical vacay, sunscreen becomes even more important. Reapply your sunscreen after swimming and every hour (because let’s be real, we’re not always reapplying our sunscreen every day…)

When Your Skin is Already Dry

1. Fresh Aloe Vera. Once I got back from Hawaii, my sandpaper skin was starting to bother me, mainly because it was also itchy. The first thing I did was apply fresh aloe vera every night. I slathered my face in it and my skin was drinking it UP. After just three days, my skin’s texture was significantly smoother! I kept it up for one week to get my skin back to normal.

2. Coconut Water. I also drank 8oz of coconut water every day for a week, in addition to my regular intake of 84oz of water. Coconut water is known to be a hydrator because of the electrolytes that naturally occur. Adding this daily helped me to get my skin back up to speed.

3. Cut Alcohol. Chances are, if you’re on a tropical vacay, you’ll want to sip on some mai tais on the beach. I know I did! I was also in Hawaii for a wedding, so it was only right that I drank as one does at a wedding with an open bar. I cut alcohol for two weeks after my beach vacay, not only for my skin but for my body and overall health as well.

I Dread Working Out but These 5 Habits Helped Change That

I swear I have the strength and stamina of a horse. I can climb, run, move, and dance, for what can seem like hours. I would naturally have the makings of an athlete except for one thing — for me, working out is so. boring. My attention span suddenly drops the minute I hit the gym. I will start doing 30 squats and stop at five. I will promise myself to run for 15 minutes, but will never go past speed four. In short, I have no self-discipline and no accountability when it comes to exercising my body. The mental strength did not match the potential of my body.

For years, I have always wanted to be someone who worked out, because I knew the importance of moving our bodies for good health. My resolution every New Year stayed the same; workout at least three times a week. Tone my body. Lose the fat. And every year, I took the path of least resistance, exerting the smallest amount of energy possible. It was all too easy to be lazy, especially since the results of working out are not immediate.

This changed for me in 2019. My biggest shift came with finally understanding that self-care includes self-discipline. How could I ever reach the top without taking the steps up? So, I dug deep into the understanding of myself to build these 5 habits that helped me be someone who works out. I've implemented these habits since the new year, and have found myself moving my body consistently four-five times a week! Along with building healthier eating habits, I have lost three inches all around and feel younger than ever.

THE HABITS:

1. MOVE OUTSIDE YOUR BODY'S COMFORT ZONE

Asking my body to show up for me in movements outside of its comfort zone helped me to combat the part of my mind that thinks working out is boring. Taking classes like dance, lyra, aerial silks, flexibility, swimming, pole dancing, and so on have satiated my longing to keep learning, while providing some of my best workouts. What's so effective about these classes is that learning a new craft takes the lead, so you're fully involved in every moment, while reaping the benefits of a full-body workout.

2. AFFIRMATIONS

Because non-traditional fitness classes can get expensive fast, I keep them to twice a week (currently, I take silks on Tuesdays and dance hip-hop on Wednesdays), which means the other two to three times I work out in the week, I'm hitting the gym. I truly never enjoyed running but this year I started listening to affirmations as I ran, or great positive podcasts (shoutout Super Soul Sundays!). The positive messages helped me turn something I typically did not like into a moment for self-improvement for my mind & body. I have also started to look forward to hitting the treadmill to get my dose of positive affirmations!

3. ENVISION IMPROVEMENT

My inability to complete a set of squats, or really anything when it came to weights, was due to not seeing the results I wanted right away. So I started envisioning my body improving with every movement; when I am doing squats, I imagine my booty getting bubbly. When I do push ups, I feel my shoulder blades coming together, then pulling apart. With every crunch I do, I imagine my muscles making its way through fat cells. We know how powerful of a manifestation technique vision boards are, and this takes it to the next level because it feels like your goals are closer than you think!

4. SPA AS A REWARD

Since I naturally take the path of least resistance, setting something I loved at the end of something I didn't necessarily enjoy helped me to be better at working out. My favorite reward for myself is hitting the spa. Knowing that after I put all this work in to my body, I can relax in a steam-sauna-jacuzzi combo makes it all feel worth it. You can put whatever you love as a reward for taking care of your body, just be careful on not making it something overly indulgent that might negate your hard work!

5. REALIZING I DESERVE TO FEEL AND LOOK GOOD

I love my body. I don't care if I lose a single pound. I just knew my sedentary habits were not going to work in my favor as I got older. Once I understood that this body is a gift that I have the responsibility of caring for, pulling myself out of bed and into a workout for the sake of my well being became effortless and easy.

What we do today builds our tomorrow. All the small steps we make right now require our commitment and consistency in order for our bigger goals to come to life. Whenever you are feeling discouraged on fulfilling your resolutions, whatever they may be, remember that you are worthy of having your biggest dreams come true... just take the steps!

How to Get Baby Soft Skin

Body Like Cotton Candy

Whenever a friend or acquaintance accidentally grazes my bare arms, they often stop stunned and comment something along the lines of:

"Why are you so soft?"
"Did you transplant newborn baby skin?"
"You feel like you just sit in a tub of coconut oil all day"

The quick graze turns into me being pet with disbelief—how in the world is my skin this soft?

I attribute my soft skin to my daily, weekly, and monthly whole-body practices, as well as being taught to moisturize my entire body right after showering (yes, while it's still steamy!) since I was in middle school.

So, if super-soft skin is something you want to achieve, here are some practices to get your body feeling like cotton candy.

Soak in Goat Milk & Honey

There's something about being wrapped in a warm bath that makes us feel nurtured and taken care of. To make this experience even more nourishing, follow in the footsteps of Cleopatra; add a couple scoops of powdered goat milk, coconut oil, and powdered honey. Goat milk contains naturally occurring AHA's which gently exfoliate your skin while powdered honey works as a natural humectant, locking in all that gorgeously softening coconut oil. Powdered honey more easily and evenly dissolves into warm water than regular honey, but both will yield the same results.

Moisturize While You Wash

Most body washes can strip your skin of moisture, leaving you feeling tight and dry. A body wash that still protects your skin's lipid barrier while cleansing is the way to go. Look for body washes with emollients, like shea butter or coconut oil. A favorite choice is La Roche Posay's Lipikar Oil Wash (I think this is only available in France, but this is what it looks like).

Get Scrubbed Like a Slab of Meat

Once a month, make an effort to visit a Korean spa for their signature scrubs. They run for about $60 but a good Korean scrub can really take your skin to a new level of soft. You will get the craziest exfoliation of your LIFE, watching all your old skin pile up around you. If you have extra dollars to spare, most Korean scrubs can be done followed by an oil massage and milk rinse. How yummy!

Sugar Up Weekly

On top of a once-a-month deep scrub, weekly exfoliation is also a must. Sugar scrubs are the best because sugar is not as abrasive as salt and melts more easily into your skin. Herbivore's Coco Rose Sugar Scrub is loved by many!

Get Your Omegas In

Omega 3 is a fatty acid that plays a vital role in the structure of your skin. Consuming supplements like fish oil or evening primrose oil can help regulate oil production and boost your skin's hydration. There are even amazing body lotions to up the omega ante, like Fresh's Seaberry Omega-Rich Body Cream.

Ayurvedic Oil Downs

Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage. The idea is to use warm oil and massage as a form of self-intimacy. Beautifully enough, the Sanskrit word for "oil" also means "love" - Sneha. By taking the time each night (or once a week) to give yourself a gentle massage, you are promoting overall body stimulation, deep relaxation, and nourishing the skin.

FRENCH PHARMACIE POWER PLAYERS

If you're in Paris and see one of these flashing green signs: 

WALK IN. At least once. It's an entire world of beauty rooted in nature and science, devoted to efficacy. I don't think I've ever been disappointed by anything I've bought at a French Pharma. 

We all know about the elusive "Effortless Parisian Beauty" people love to write about, and as someone who thinks it's annoying, but also lived in Paris for a year... I'll tell you right now there's truth in it. In my observation, it's equal parts a pull to be conventionally pretty and wanting to care for your skin knowing full well that diet of butter, bread, and wine is not changing. 

The POWER PLAYERS

Seriously... try not to miss out on these! 

Miceller Water - Bioderma

Now a staple in most skincare & cosmetic brands, I remember stumbling upon micellar water in 2012, particulary Bioderma Sensibio, and thinking "how even". This stuff wipes it all away so gently and effectively. I often come home from a long night out, soak a couple of cotton rounds with this, and wipe away, not feeling the need to wash after (though, technically you should!). I haven't used another makeup remover since. 

Thermal Water - Avène

Yes, this is just water in a can. But it's really, really good water. Sourced from a natural spring in France, this water claims to sooth sensitive skin, redness, and itchiness. There is also a specific mineral content that softens skin and it has a neutral pH of 7.5. I love this right after a shower or washing my face, then letting the water soak into the skin. Tap water can be very harsh on your skin! I see this as the face equivilent of drinking filtered water over tap—filtered is preferred, but it's still ok to drink tap.

Acne Toner - Serozinc by LA ROCHE POSAY

This is also a form of thermal water, but with different mineral properties that are supposed to be more helpful in healing acne and cleaning any blemishes. I love this when I'm experienceing an acne or eczema breakout. Just spritz and let soak, then add whatever serum or moiturizer you like. 

Body Wash - Lipikaur Baum AP by La Roche Posay

An incredibly creamy formula with a neutral scent is the perfct anti-irritant for sensitive skin. Leaves you feeling clean and moisturized, and also provides really great relief for inflamed skin. I don't use this everyday, just if I am experiencing dry, irritated skin, like in the winter time. 

Feminine wash - Rouges Cavillas

This is the number 1 feminine wash in France for a reason. It's a soft formula that leaves you feeling refreshed and balanced. Great for all over as well! 

Supplements - Fenugrek & Propolis Ampoules

These two things were recommended to me by the pharmacist during my last trip to Paris. Fenugrek (or fenugreek) is an herbal supplement that is amazing for digestion and breaking down heavy food. I like to take one every morning and if I've had a particularly unhealthy meal. If you're ever feeling constipated, this stuff does wonders in making sure everything moves along. 

The ampoules are super interesting- it's honey, propolis, and vitamin c. Super yummy, and apparently good as a supplement for natural defenses. You could take it everyday as a vitamin c supplement, but I like to save them for when I'm feeling a little under the weather. 

So, what's on your french pharma list?

Are you into the greatness of French beauty, just interested, or planning a trip soon? Let me know what your faves are, or of other amazing products you've heard of! 

Favorite Unique Japanese Beauty Buys 2018

Royal Large

What it is: Placenta & rosehip oil in individual packets.

What it does: Firms, lifts, hydrates, and brightens skin. 

My experience: INCREDIBLE. I had no idea what this was when I bought it; I walked into a random duty-free store and noticed loads of visitors leaving with bags full of these pink boxes. After a few days of use, my skin was noticeably softer and brighter! I was obsessed! I found this again at a beauty store and learned more about what it's supposed to do and also learned that it's so popular that on their website they have pages on how to determine whether your product is real. Oh, and it typically sells for around 15,000 Yen, which is why everyone was leaving with so many boxes of it at the duty-free shop I got this at (they were going for 4,500 Yen)! 

Price: 15000 Yen/$150USD. 

Where to get: This is only available in Japan and I assume it's because of the ingredients and the advanced formulation here. Their site translated into English isn't the best, so it's quite hard to get a gauge on exactly what they do—you just know they're so popular that counterfeits are a problem. To learn more, visit their website here. 

Senka Perfect Whip

What it is: Whipping face wash in three versions: original (blue), collagen (pink), white clay (white, not pictured here).

What it does: Hyarulonic acid and natural silk essence help introduce and retain moisture into the skin while cleansing it. Incredibly gentle and allergen free, this face wash feels like a dream!

My experience: This seems to be Japan's #1 face wash because it is absolutely everywhere and there are off-brand versions of this exact product. A little goes a very long way as it really does whip into a thick foam. I personally have been using the collagen version and thoroughly enjoying how soft and clean my skin feels after I use it. This is easily the best face wash I've ever used and beats out my $30 washes any day. 

Price: 3-400 Yen/$3-4USD

Where to get: Because Senka is a part of Shiseido, it's actually quite easy to find this online! Try here. 

Meishoku Whitening Eye Cream

What it is: Whitening undereye cream

What it does: Plumps and hydrates undereye area with collagen and barely seed extract. Placenta compound claims to whiten undereye area and "block pigmentation".

My experience:  I've been using this for months (I bought it at Japantown in SF) and have definitely seen a difference in dark circles under my eyes. It goes on smoothly and instantly hydrates. I have a few lines under my eyes and I love working this in with a jade roller—you really see a plumping effect after. This is also a really popular one in Japan as I saw it E V E R Y W H E R E as well!  

Price: Around 800 Yen/$8USD

Where to get: I bought this at a beauty store in Japantown, SF for about $12USD... much cheaper in Japan and available at every drug store. Also available online here. 

Shiro waki Hime Peeling Cream

What it is: A whitening peeling cream for underarms. 

What it does: Whitens hyper pigmentation under arms. 

My experience: This stuff SHOOK me. It works sooo well! You slather an opaque layer onto your underarms, give it some time to dry, then rub it off. It rubs off like a peeling gel. You can see the difference right away. I first used this almost every day for a week, but after it significantly whitened, I only use it every so often.

Price: Around 1200 Yen/$12USD

Where to get: Amazon.

How the cream goes on.

How it peels off.

Sante Beautéye

What it is: Eye drops.

What it does: Taurine claims to regenerate and moisturize corneas while B12 alleviates fatigue. Drops claim to "combat aging".

My experience: I really wanted to try eyedrops in Japan because they are such a thing, seeing as work takes up most of everyone's day, and there are high levels of stimuli available around every corner. I read that these were very popular so I tried them and MAN do they burn. They burn in a refreshing sort of way, if that makes sense. I still haven't exactly gotten used to the sensation of these drops, but I love using them every morning to wake up my eyes. They really do refresh! Anyone who has to be in front of a computer for 8 hours should 100% get. 

Price: Around 1500 Yen/$15USD.

Where to get: There's an entire eye drop section in every drugstore in Japan. And of course, Amazon. 

Fujiko Mayo Tint

What it is: One-day eyebrow "tattoo".

What it does: Tints eyebrows overnight and lasts about 1 day in full, 2-3 days sparsely.

My experience: I love using this during the week because I paint them on and have eyebrows for about 2-3 days! It's a bit hard to work with, though, because it's so sticky, and eyeballing the right amount of product is something to master. My first try I didn't realize how thick it is and in turn effecting how much my brows would be tinted—I peeled the formula off the next morning with WAY overdrawn/overcolored eyebrows.

Price: Around 1000 Yen/$10USD.

Where to get: There are a lot of one-day eyebrow tattoos in Japan, right at the eyes section of any drugstore. For online, try here. 

Shiseido The Collagen 

What it is: Collagen supplement. 

What it does: Collagen is a structural protein that can be found everywhere in your body—it's the "glue" that helps build you. In skincare, it claims to bring youthful skin and strong hair + nails. 

My experience: I've been wanting to try collagen for some time as it's definitely gaining popularity here in the U.S. I never took the dive here because supplements were expensive and I was even advised at a store that it's not that effective. So, going to Japan and stepping into a 7/11 and seeing a Collagen Energy Drink from Shiseido in the cold case made me want to try Collagen out for myself. A "shot" of collagen was around 150 Yen/$1.50USD, so I could afford to take one every day for the duration of my vacation and see if collagen supplements really work. It's hard for me to gauge if this helped my skin, but it for sure helped my digestion. I mean I was eating anything on vacay and the only supplement I was taking were these collagen shots, and my digestion was immaculate! I bought the powder version to bring home to try mixing them into masks and continue to take in my smoothies. I love that it doesn't change the consistency or flavor of any liquids you choose to mix it in!

Price: Powder about 2000 Yen/$20USD. Shots about 150 Yen/$1.50 each.

Where to get: Drugstores, conbinis, and beauty stores in Japan. Amazon here. 

Powder form of The Collagen

An "energy shot" form of The Collagen available at conbinis around Japan

                                                         

Kao-Megrythm Steam Warm Eye Mask  

What it is: One-time use warming eye mask (dry). 

What it does: Warms up and smells delightfully of lavender (other scents also available). Feels very relaxing and helps induce sleep!

My experience: These are so fun to use and one of my favorite things after a long day! I love bringing these on my travels since I sometimes have a hard time falling asleep on planes, trains, cars, etc. The warming sensation around your eyes is unexpectedly pleasent. 

Price: Box of 14 is about 1000 Yen/$10USD.

Where to get: I found these in the health section of beauty/drug stores! Another popular product that can be bought online here. 

Onsen Culture: What To Know Before Bathing In Japan

Bathing culture isn't something we're used to as Americans—our idea of a spa day is usually at-home masks or to splurge on treatments at a fancy spa. There's not much in-between for us; not much casual spa options for the days you want to unwind but not spend a fortune. 

Queue: The Japanese Onsen

Outdoor Onsen boasting magnesium-rich waters! Tamanoyu Onsen, Uno Port 

On my recent trip to Japan, I visited an onsen every other day (for two weeks!), and was surprised about certain expectations and behaviors around bathing rituals. An onsen is a bath built around a natural spring and each onsen boasts different mineral content and healing properties, so every visit is a unique one. Price of entry averages around 1500 Yen (about $15 USD) with the ability to add on treatments a la carte at an extra cost. While on my onsen stint, I saw a few foreigners going into the baths not knowing what to do and getting evil-stared by locals because of it. So, for my fellow foreigners traveling to Japan and wanting to bathe in an onsen, here's what you should know:

Everyone Is Butt Naked

I frequent Japanese and Korean style spas at home in California, so this wasn't a surprise to me, but I did see a few foreigners go into the baths wearing swimsuits and looking highly confused. It's considered unsanitary to wear your bathing suit into the baths because of how pure the water is, it being natural spring water pumped from deep within the earth. 

Shower First! 

Speaking of unsanitary, it's very important you soap and shower before getting into the baths! Again, the waters are pumped from natural springs deep within the earth, so going in without washing off your dirt from the day is considered rude to other bathers. 

No Tattoos

I'm not entirely sure what the reasoning behind this is, but every onsen I visited asked that those with tattoos please refrain from using the baths and that if caught with a tattoo, they would be immediately dejected from the premises. But, I went to one onsen with a friend who has a small tattoo, and they just requested he purchase a bandage to cover it so the other bathers wouldn't see. So I guess if your ink is small enough, just hide it from the other guests. Always check with the onsen to see how closely they adhere to this rule—I noticed at more popular onsens, like Spa World in Osaka, they were quite strict about tattoos.

Lay-down baths.

Rose flower bath. 

Shower, Soak, Steam, Scrub, Soak, Sauna, Soak

In that order. Onsens typically have many different soaking options, and you can easily spend hours there. One onsen I visited had individual clay pot tubs, a warm bath, an extremely hot bath, three outdoor baths, a lay-down bath, and a rose petal bath. Another one I visited had an herbal soak, fruit water bath, and geranium foot bath... the options are endless! In-between soaking, make sure to visit the salt steam room where they provide a pile of sea salt in the steam room for you to exfoliate. Many bathers spend a lot of time in the dry saunas, to the point that they usually have T.V's playing local programming! 

Come Empty Handed

Dinner after bathing at the Tamanoyu Onsen in Uno Port.

Onsen's provide EVERYTHING you need; shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, robes, combs, face wash, toner, moisturizer, body lotion, hair dryers, cotton swabs... you can even eat lunch and dinner there and take a nap if you please! You can come with whatever products you're dedicated to, but showing up empty handed adds to the stress-free atmosphere because you don't have to worry about bringing or forgetting anything.

Shhhhhh! Leave Chatter At The Door

This includes your phone, too! Onsens are for relaxing, so chatter is kept to a minimum. Though it is also a social event and you'll see many friends and family going together, they keep conversations to a whisper. Also, they don't allow pictures. Bringing your phone is very tempting, especially when every onsen is absolutely beautiful, but since everyone is nude, putting your phone away is out of respect. (But if it's empty, there's no harm in snapping a pic, right 😉). 

Salt room at Spa World, Osaka. Fell asleep here for 30 mins! 

Reset & Relax

There's a reason why onsen's are a dime a dozen and why Japanese go on a weekly basis; it's incredibly relaxing. There's nothing better than soaking in mineral-rich water from the earth's core and being disconnected from your stressors, even for a few hours. So, sit back, relax, and ease your mind. 

Retrograde Skin Routine

My emotions have been out of control since this Mercury Retrograde hit. I'm one to awknowledge where the planets are in my life, but I never give it too much power, but in this case, it's just all a little too coincidental. So, it's time to lay low and take my normally loud Sagittarius mouth piece and retreat from drama and non-sense. I'm prone to putting my two cents in, regardless of whether or not someone asks. It comes from an innate desire to find truth. Always wanting to understand what's happening—but damn is it draining. To be a nosy empath is a recipe for spiritual drainage. So for this retrograde, I'm choose to carry nothing, and renew everything. 

Starting with my physical self—more specifically my skin. I'm spending time renewing, rejuvenating, then resting. For the first two weeks of August, the focus will be renewing with the use of AHA/BHA's to promote cell turnover. I focus on my PM regimen, since my AM one is just sunscreen. 

PM: More focused on the renewal

Cleanse skin with Glo Skin Beauty Photo-Active Cleanser. 

• Papaya enzymes gently exfoliate, and the hyaluronic acid moisturizes! 

Tone with Pixi Glow Tonic

• If you know, then you know. This toner is everything. The Glycolic Acid is perfect for promoting skin cell renewal, and preventing breakouts! Your skin will really glow. 

Wear Neutragena Light Therapy Acne Mask for 10 mins.

• This mask is a bit uncomfortable, just because of the lights. It's hard to multitask in it, and when you lay there with eyes closed, the lights are still super blinding. But, I have noticed a difference in texture and very minimized breakouts! 

Apply Luminance Acne Serum

• Easily one of my favorite products, I love the tingly sensation of this serum! It's vegan and raw, and tea tree oil is one of the main ingredients. 

Massage in Sunday Riley U.F.O Oil

• This stuff is so expensive, but I scooped a bunch of deluxe sizes using my VIB points! And I'm pretty convinced to drop the full $90 on this stuff—the salicylic acid is the BHA in my routine that completes the renewing process of my skin! 

Next week, I plan to move on to "rest" and do a full week of only plant-based, raw products, just to take a break from all the AHA/BHA's. It will look like this:

PM: 

• Cleanse skin with Luminance Delicate Skin Cleanser
• Tone with Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel 
• Mask with Luminance Clarifying mask (1x/week)
• Apply Luminance Acne Serum
• Light moisture from Luminance Blue Chamomile Cream
• Heavy moisture from Biossance Squalene Oil.

Even if we all bash on retrogrades, having the discernment between self-care and self-indulgence can make this time really special for your well being.

What does retrograde time mean for you?

let it begin with me

I used to be so simple, you know. Washing my face with Cetaphil and moisturizing with Aveeno. Now I have an 8-step nighttime regimen that includes copious spritzes of rosewater and a rose quartz facial massage. How did I get so bougie? Is it worth it? What's the point? (To answer: I lived in Paris, yes, and self-care) 

My gradual upgrade in skincare has roots in having grown up with problematic skin. I had eczema, I was allergic to damn-near everything, I had bad breakouts, and, as a young girl, it really took a toll on my self-esteem. The day I realized I could do something to help and heal me, instead of being privy to my body's reactions, was as empowering as seeing women of color in a normally disenfranchised space. It started with trying out different face washes from the drugstore, new moisturizers, toners, make-up removers, and so on. I had such a time reading the back of bottles at the drugstore. Being 15 years old thinking "wow, the stuff in here will do that for me?". In retrospect, I was really becoming a polarizing figure in consumerism and falling for the industry set standard of beauty, but at the time, there was nothing more thrilling than feeling like I could be better. Eventually, none of these products did much for me. They were empty promises, and so I switched over to natural goodies. I began to moisturize with coconut oil, do essential oil blends, using African black soap, raw shea butter, you know the deal. It helped my skin tremendously. My eczema waned, and the act of self-care was a ritual that brought me a lot of peace. My beauty rituals became self-prescribed therapy on the road to self-love.

Through my travels, I got a taste of what drives us to these beauty rituals—from an unattainable need to be anyone else but who we are, to being products of colonialism, to just having a deep respect for the human body—which has brought me to a place of almost-peace. You know, where I love who I am but at the same time I wish my skin was clearer, my nose was smaller, and my lips didn't get so dry. So, this is where I want to meet full-on-peace with my beauty. Where I look at all the glory it brings around the world, and shift my lens from "I need to be better" to "I am at my best". May my beauty habits be dedicated time slots to the enjoyment of being me. A time when I owe nothing to no one and focus on the well-being of my God-gifted body.