A Journey in Adulting & Self-Care

 You may have seen Youtube videos or ads pop up for this strangely phallic device and I am here to help demystify this strange device. The high frequency device comes with different glass attachments that glow with neon gas when the device is turned on. Basically, this is a very old technology developed by Nikola Tesla and was originally used to clean wounds before the advent of antibiotics. The device works by creating ozone or enriched oxygen molecules on the surface of your skin. This is a naturally anti-bacterial and helps blood vessels push away toxins, while the cells in your skin are enriched with nutrients and hydrating volume. As a result, high frequency wands are wonderful at treating acne and stimulating blood flow. How to Use You can opt for either the gauze method or use oil to create a slippery surface and allow the wand to glide over your face. I prefer to use reseveratol + ferric acid from The Ordinary for its texture and anti-inflammatory properties. Put one finger on

 Ah yes...after a long, busy day, we are all ready to crash into our cozy beds and get a good night's sleep. But, not until you have completed your 12 step routine, facial yoga and taking a cryogenic nap in the anti-aging chamber! Ok, I kid but in all seriousness, one of the worst things you can do to your skin is sleeping with makeup. Your skin repairs itself at night and makeup is not something that contains goodies to be absorbed overnight. So, no matter how tired or drunk you are, clean your face before going to sleep every night! Here are some basic steps to include... Level 1: Augh! I can't...just get me to bed ASAP Ideally, you don't have makeup on and it will super quick to get your face clean but the reality is that you may have a full face of glam by the time you are ready to turn in for the night. If this is the case, at a minimum...keep makeup wipes so you can swipe your face before crashing to bed. If you are upright long enough to add a few more steps, conside

 Welcome my inquiring reader! I have noticed that false eyelashes can be quite baffling to many people and as the mask debate rages on, one thing is clear. A full face of makeup isn't necessary but fun eye looks are always a win. False eyelashes are a quick, easy way to make it look like you've got your $hit together, unless the thought of lashes makes your eyes water and eyelid twitch. I am here to break it down and offer different steps to eyelash wearing from beginner to advanced! You can also jump down to the end for a basic how-to guide in applying eyelashes. Stage 1: I want to look like I am wearing false lashes but there is no way I can apply them For total beginners, I recommend a really good curler and bomb mascara. If you can couple that with eyelash serum and are dedicated about applying it, you may see results similar to false eyelashes. She Umera's eyelash curler has never, ever pinched my eyelid and I love the KissMe Heroine Long & Curl mascara is my numbe

Alright, we can turn off the alarms, silence the bullhorns and call of the dogs...but yes, I identify as female and shave my whole face...with a razor. I can already hear the calls of mothers warning that now the hair will grow back thicker and before long I will resemble our simian ancestors but I am here to tell you that approximately a year and a half later, the only thing I have to show for it is soft, glowy skin. Obligatory disclaimer: Just like everything else in the realm of self-care and health, this is personal and will depend on each person. Some people will see similar results and some people will not want to repeat this. I recommend this to my mom and she hated it because she was convinced her hair grew back thicker. But it is a myth that your hair will grow back thicker if you shave it. Now, with that out of the way, let's get started! Benefits of Dermaplaning Dermaplaning is a great way to physically exfoliate the skin. As opposed to abrasive scrubs or harsh cleaning

One of the ways I approach skincare and try to make it more budget-friendly is by finding effective ways to recreate pricey procedures at home. While I know I cannot replicate the high-strength procedures or training of skincare professionals, slow and steady certainly has its benefits in the march against time. Microcurrent technology has been around since the 1980s and essentially uses low-voltage electric currents to help stimulate collage production, ATP development, giving a more lifted and defined look. As we age, most people are either sinkers or saggers...looking at my family, I am a sagger which means microcurrent facials may be use the thing to add to my routine. The Nuface device is one of the first FDA approved device that is available to consumers. Please know, this means that it is safe to use but it does not mean it will guarantee results. It comes with a conductive gel which helps ensure that you do not feel the currents as it zaps your skin. If you can feel it, you eit

 While there are a variety of interventions and procedures available to us, I firmly believe that skincare should suit you and no one else.  We have peels, lasers and other procedures that harness our body's natural healing abilities to help address skin concerns. If you (and your doctor) feel that fillers or injectables are the right step for you, go for it! Some people use these to preserve their features while others use it to enhance them. The latter can become tricky in this age of social media and issues like body dysmorphia can cause us to quickly spiral into uncanny valley. A person who doesn't look like a person...because their face doesn't move naturally = uncanny valley. However, I decided to get Botox when my teeth grinding was getting severe enough and I couldn't sleep comfortably with a night guard. Turns out that you can't just get a portion of a syringe so I figured, why not...let's get a sprinkle of Botox throughout the rest of my face. Oh, boy.

 Admittedly, I was a bit embarrassed typing out the title..."a guide to showering"? I mean, how complicated can it be?? Truthfully, it is not complicated but if you are like me, your showers are your escape for the day, that is until your kid is pounding on the door, insisting that she needs your help with a task that only you and no one else can accomplish. So sometimes, you are luxuriating in it and other times, you are trying to get in and out as quick as possible. Either way, you want your routine and products working just as hard as you do! 1. PRE-SHAMPOO Please take note of the all-caps I used for this sub-heading, yes, it is that important. Now, my natural and curly haired sisters may find they need a different routine but pretty much everyone from 1 - 2b...maybe even 2c, should be using a pre-shampoo. I go into more details with my hair routine here but do not get in the shower without either a pre-shampoo or a shower cap if it not a wash day. 2. Set the Mood Ok, thi