A Journey in Adulting & Self-Care

 So as summer winds down for us in the Northern Hemisphere, our Southern Hemisphere friends are getting ready for warmer temperatures and bare limbs. Depending on your personal choice, you may opt to shave/wax/expilate your limbs. This can lead to ingrown hairs, especially those who epilate. But no need to fear, there are plenty of ways you can go about addressing these annoyances. Step 1: Exfoliate If you can reduce the loose, dead skin on the surface you can help prevent ingrown hairs. Dry brushing or brushing your skin before removing the hair with a stiff exfoliating brush (I like this one) helps prepare your skin. Skin on our body is much thicker and stronger than skin on our neck or face and can withstand much more exfoliating. I also like exfoliating in the shower. Wet skin makes it easier to permeate deeper and remove more than the surface skin layer. A good body scrub combined with an exfoliating towel (I use Frank's Body Scrub and Salux cloth) can work wonders at leaving

 Similar to my Skincare sins I will never repeat, my journey has had me overdoing or messing up my skin in more ways than one. Luckily, I was able to fix these fairly easily as well. So pull up a chair and learn from my mistakes! - Overexfoliating my skin So, if AHAs are good...and BHAs are good...and retinol are good...then all three must be good! Nope, I damaged my skin barrier so much that my skin had a weird plastic-y sheen and felt so tight. After some research I realized I had stripped all the moisture our and had damaged my skin barrier. I had to use the seven layer method and lay off actives for a while before my skin stopped looking like Saran Wrap - Actives every day...and night I had blackheads on my nose and was so excited when I saw results from the CosRx BHA lotion. I started applying it twice a day and had my skin flaking off. Even with sunscreen, it wasn't enough to help protect my skin and I was shocked that I could pull dead skin off my nose. Again, slow and gentl

 Even if you are brand new to skincare, you have most likely heard of The Ordinary.  One of the first skincare companies to approach skincare from a scientific approach and less marketing-oriented, The Ordinary believed in empowering customers to gain knowledge around skincare ingredients and routines but they also priced their products incredibly low. There are other subsidiaries with different formulation and higher price points but the Ordinary quickly gained traction with simply, transparent ingredients, clinical packaging and helpful routines. It was my first foray into cherry-picking products to customize my own routine. Below are the items that worked...and what didn't: The Good Argireline Solution This was huge at erasing wrinkles around my eyes and eyebrows. It could have also been an issue with hydration but I noticed when I stopped using this, my wrinkles were deeper and more noticeable. I will continue to use this as a spot treatment, especially for my tech neck! Retino

 Does it seem like whenever you have a big event or project where you'd like to put your best face forward...your skin somehow decides to go rogue and bam! A giant pimple hits you out of no where? Unfortunately, the cortisol we produce when we are stressed can increase sebum production which can acne. So while relaxing spa treatments are not an everyday option, we can certainly take some steps to help minimize any unwelcome visitors. - Do not pick I hate this advice because as a WOC, my skin always left hyperpigmentation marks, regardless of whether or not I picked at it. I did notice that they healed faster and there was less collagen damage if I didn't pick at it. So if possible, hands off! No matter how tempting. - Ok, but you want to pick at it, don't you? Ah...I see you ignored the last advice. If, and only if, your pimple has come to a head and is soo close to oozing that you just can't help yourself...we can get through this together. First of all, wash your hand

 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