Tag: Skincare

This Simple Beauty Routine Can Do More Than Save Time

Three years ago, I started to do the unthinkable—wear only the bare necessities for makeup. This was before the simple beauty routine was actually popularized by Glossier and fresh-faced models. My decision to begin this no-makeup makeup routine required no complex thought process; it was simply a result of saving time in the morning. While I didn’t realize at the time that this change would result in anything more than a shorter morning routine, the benefits started pouring in. If you’re on the verge of cutting your beauty routine in half but are still unsure, keep reading below to see the hidden perks nobody tells you about. P.S.—your skin will thank you.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

1—You’ll focus your energy on your skincare routine

A lazy beauty routine implies putting minimal effort into your routine, but who says this applies to skincare? When I spent 30 minutes on my makeup every morning, I had zero skincare products. Fast-forward three years later, and now I own too many to count. Cutting back on beauty products that block your skin allows you to actually stop and care for the largest organ on your body. I now moisturize at least twice a day, use vitamin serums, and try to use a face mask on a regular basis. You know that meme where skincare can magically cure all of your ailments, even if every other aspect of your life is crashing and burning? I can confirm that to be 100 percent true. Just as Glossier says, skin is in.

PHOTO: Natalie Miller

2—Makeup will become a tool to enhance your features, not hide

Using only three to four beauty products makes it nearly impossible to hide your flaws, and will enhance the features you love. Like your cheekbones so much that you want to make them glow? Use a dewy highlighter. Have naturally bushy eyebrows but want to make them just a little more defined? Apply a simple brow gel to your brows. This technique not only saves money, but it also allows you to realize the features you love about your face. Say hello to a huge boost in confidence.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

3—You’ll have more time to do, well, everything

It’s clear that a simple beauty routine will literally cut minutes of time, but the free time will show up in more ways than the obvious. Time to decompress and take care of yourself will increase; instead of spending 20 minutes on eyeliner, you could meditate every morning. You won’t be worried about always looking your best when you leave the house, and this automatically gives you the energy to worry about more important aspects of your life, like your future summer internship. You’ll learn that makeup is only a tiny detail in your life instead of its basis—as it should be.

How has turning to a lazy beauty routine changed your life? Leave your response in the comments!

Additional photos by Amber Sudra and Lex Kelly.

3 DIY Face Masks You Can Whip Up in Your Kitchen

Beauty products can be expensive—especially when you’re trying to keep up with the latest masking trends. As someone who’s struggled with breakouts and uneven skin tone for the longest time, I always look for at-home natural DIY alternatives that offer the same benefits as many high-end face masks. Here are just a few:

PHOTO: Amber Sudra

1—Coconut oil. The benefits of adding coconut oil to your beauty routine are widely discussed. I love using it as a natural moisturizer. Simply rub about a teaspoon of coconut oil onto your face, and let the oil sink in for at least 20 minutes. Some people choose to leave the oil on their face until it’s all soaked in, but if it’s too much moisture for you and you have somewhere to go, you can wipe it off with a clean towel to reveal glowing skin.

2—Turmeric. Turmeric is known for being high in antioxidants, which helps with acne, dry skin, and overall texture. Not only is the orange colored mask fun to apply, but it’s also super easy to make. In a small bowl, combine a teaspoon of turmeric, a few drops of honey, two tablespoons of milk (or yogurt), and a tablespoon of flour. Mix all the ingredients together, and then apply the mask for about 20 minutes. You may have some leftovers which you can keep in the fridge to use later that week.

3—Baking soda. Baking soda is great for balancing the PH level of your skin. This allows it to help with blackheads, inflammation, and over time, it can slowly heal acne scars. The mask is really easy to create, just mix a tablespoon of water with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, apply and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water, and then apply a moisturizer.

Try out these face masks, and share with us on social @CFashionista!

Additional photos by Cassidy Clark.

3 Makeup Brands That Double as Skincare

Although the new year technically begins in January, students, teachers, and Vogue would argue that the year really begins in September. In elementary school, back-to-school season meant a new composition book and shiny new Mary Janes. In middle school, it meant a fresh haircut (remember side bangs?) and a new L.L. Bean backpack. In high school, it meant a new black eyeliner pencil (to match the teen angst) and a pair of Converse. Now that I’m in college, my back-to-school essentials have upgraded to include sheet masks and makeup that doubles as skincare.

Even though I’m fully aware that by November I will be rocking a paper bag to class, it doesn’t stop me from putting effort into my appearance at the start of the semester. However, since Tulane is basically in the swamp, the humidity makes it impossible to wear regular makeup. Instead of layering on foundation, my go-to is light and airy makeup that actually improves my complexion—which in turn lessens my need for makeup. Here are three makeup brands that double as skincare.

1—Glossier

Glossier prides itself on being a beauty brand inspired by what girls want in real life. Their mantra is “skin first, makeup second.” Every one of their products is built to enhance natural beauty as opposed to hiding flaws. Emily Weiss, the founder of the beauty blog Into the Gloss, founded Glossier in 2014. The cult favorite product is Boy Brow, which is a mascara wand meant to fill in and define your brows. Other fan favorites include the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Stretch Concealer, and the Moisturizing Moon Mask. In addition to arriving in the most aesthetically-pleasing millennial pink packaging ever created, all the orders come with an array of stickers and posters.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

2—Milk Makeup

Milk Makeup designs their makeup for “the girl-on-the-go, who spends less time getting done up and more time getting stuff done.” Their products are multi-functional, eco-conscious, and easy on the skin. Mazdack Rassi, Zanna Roberts, Georgie Greville, and Dianna Ruth founded Milk Makeup in 2015. My favorite product is the Blur Stick. I find that with just a tiny amount of product, it evens out my complexion. Their other lauded products that I want to try are their Cooling Water and Holographic Stick.

PHOTO: Natalie Miller

3—Dr. Brandt Skincare

While the line by Dr. Brandt does contain a few makeup products, the core is skincare (after all, Dr. Brandt did get his start as a dermatologist). My favorite of his products is the Pores No More Primer which instantly evens out my complexion and mattifies. While the primer is designed to prep the canvas before layering on the foundation, I prefer to wear the primer alone like a BB Cream on days where I’m just running errands or going to class.

Have you used any products from these brands? Share your experiences on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

Featured photo by Lex Kelly.

I Washed My Face with Oil for 6 Months—Here’s What Happened

While scrolling through Pinterest one fateful day, in the midst of all of the DIYs and healthy cookie dough recipes, I stumbled upon an article about the oil cleansing method (OCM). Now I’ve been to dermatologist offices, so I’m aware of the bad reputation that oil has in the acne industry. Even so, I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

I researched more about the method and found pictures of glowing skin and rave reviews. Some fans of this method had managed to clear cystic acne, and others hadn’t purchased a traditional facial cleanser or moisturizer in years. Some of you may be wondering what the heck the oil cleansing method is. This method is a skin cleansing regimen in which you smear oil all over your face, then place a warm washcloth over top to open up your pores. You massage the oil into your skin, wipe away the excess, and you’re done. The idea behind this is that the oil you put on your face dissolves the bad oils in your skin. This will supposedly leave your face clear and moisturized. I grabbed some olive oil from my kitchen and proceeded to forego traditional face wash for six months.

My research suggested that I would go through a transition period, where I’d break out before things got better. This period typically lasts two to three weeks, and then supposedly my skin would be glowing. It’s safe to say that in all my six months I never made it to this light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, there were days when my skin would look and feel great, but for every one of those days there would be two or three where I’d be sprouting pimples like crazy, and it was not a good look.

I figured that I may just be using the wrong oil, so I began to invest in a few different kinds: jojoba, rose hip seed, coconut, and castor, just to name a few. Nothing worked, and I began to feel my skin grow oddly dry and even more zit-infested.

In an act of despair, I drove to the drugstore and picked up the chemical-laden cleanser I had been using before my OCM journey. And you know what? It worked. Soon after, I discovered my holy grail face wash, black African soap, and I’ve never looked back into my greasy past.
In conclusion, this method didn’t work for me. There are obviously people who it does work for, though, so if you feel inclined, try it out! You may regret it, but you might love it.

Do you have any crazy beauty tips? Let us know on social media @Cfashionista!

Additional photos by Cassidy Clark.

Think Skincare and Makeup Are 2 Separate Things? Think Again.

Loving makeup is nothing new, but as time goes on we as a society have become more conscious of what our skin doesn’t like. Over time, makeup can make you feel more oily and dry based on your skin type and even cause more breakouts.

Here’s the good part: we don’t have to sacrifice makeup for skincare! Shocking, right? But here’s the thing; there are healthy ways to take care of our skin while still having an everyday makeup routine.

 

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

Keeping Clean

First, never sleep in your makeup. Giving your skin a good scrub at the end of the day is always a good idea. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and it deserves some time to breathe. A great way to refresh your face at night is to use an all-natural cleanser, like Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser. This brand specifically goes by the phrase, “Skincare first. Makeup second,” so they are super credible in their intentions when it comes to healthy skin. Another great way to leave your face feeling extra fresh is doing a fun face mask. I’m a big fan of Yes To’s face masks. The ingredients check out, and they offer so many great options in their products.

Makeup That Helps

Another tip in taking care of your skin is to try to use the best makeup for it. You’re essentially feeding your skin, and just like food, some things are healthier to digest than others. This is why some beauty products leave you feeling oily while others don’t phase your skin after removal at all. Glossier carries an array of awesome products, all putting skincare first. I feel safe using these products, and you totally should, too. Glossier isn’t the only brand that cares about your skin’s health, of course. Some brands carried by Sephora that also value being all-natural are BITE Beauty, RMS, Lilah B., Antonym, and my personal favorite, Milk Makeup. Some of these natural products I would highlight are the Holographic Stick and Cooling Water by Milk Makeup and the Certified Organic Baked Blush by Antonym.

See? It’s easier to take care of your skin than you probably thought. Beauty companies aren’t out to hurt our skin; in fact, many want to help us! Just be cautious of what products you’re using, and stick to a skincare routine that works for you.

Let us know on Instagram what beauty products work wonders for your skin, and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista. We can’t wait to see your beautiful faces!

Additional photos by Lex Kelly.

4 Pampering Products You Can’t Pass Up

Everyone needs a little pampering once in a while. Here is a list of some products I highly recommend you nab immediately for some end-of-summer self-care!

1—Coconut oil. I’m a little embarrassed it took me 24 years to get on the coconut oil train. Now, though, I use it on everything. I put it on every inch of skin below my face and a dab in my hair after every wash. I really dislike lotion because it usually feels like there is a filmy residue left on my skin. Coconut oil is perfect for people like me: You put it on right after the shower (in small amounts—a little goes a long way), and it keeps your skin moisturized without that filmy feel. I use the oil left on my hands to hydrate the ends of my hair and then my skin is soft, hair is soft, everything is soft!

2—Opalex # 3/hair mask. This is the holy grail for my hair: Pampering never felt so good. Opalex has kept my hair so healthy between salon visits. While it’s only a small bottle, you don’t need to use too much. I apply this product once every two weeks to clean, product-free hair, sleep on it, and then wash it out the next morning. You don’t have to use it like I do, but the longer it’s in, the better. You should also be going to a hair stylist that uses Opalex products if you dye your hair often. For an added dose of softness, grab a hair mask at least once a month and your hair will thank you for it, trust me. These products together make for fabulously healthy hair, and mine has grown so long and strong with this routine.

3—Face mist. This face mist has saved my life on Florida’s hottest days. It refreshes your face through the day, and it won’t feel sticky or tacky on top of your makeup. I carry it around with me everywhere. I used to be the type of person that laughed at products like this, but I’m happy to say I was very, very wrong.

4—Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum Turning 25 made my wrinkle-anxiety blow through the roof. To be honest, this serum is heaven-sent—it’s my go-to when it’s pampering time. It helps rejuvenate my skin and reduce fine lines so well, I don’t go a day without it! I hate products that leave a film, as I said before, but this serum moisturizes my face without the greasy residue. It really does make your skin feel like it’s fully quenched.

What are some of your favorite pampering products? Show me on social media, and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

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What a Makeup Break Can Do for Your Skin and Confidence

As someone who has struggled with their skin for several consecutive years, it is a rare sight to see me, confidently, without makeup. Wearing makeup every day can get tiring and I have longed for the day to leave the house with clear and confident skin. I tested a theory on what a makeup break can do for my skin. The whole month of June I drank water, worked out, and stopped eating late to help clear up my skin. By the time July came around, I was ready to live a makeup free week.

Day One

My boyfriend took me out for our anniversary so of course, I was nervous about being out in public, bare face. I could not resist brushing through my eyebrows and putting on a nude lip, but I washed my face as soon as I returned home. My nighttime routine is to wash with Burt’s Bees facial cleanser, tone with Thayers, and use a CeraVe night cream. I also add Mario Badescu drying lotion to any blemishes.

Day Two

Fourth of July—it was hard for me to back off festive makeup, so I had a slight red lip for most of the day. Showering, I used my Cetaphil face wash and moisturized with Garnier afterward. I went bare and felt comfortable surrounded by friends and family and finished out the day with my typical nighttime routine.

Day Three

This was an easy day for me because I didn’t have to leave my house. I washed with Burt’s Bees in the morning per usual and later decided to do a charcoal face mask. Masks are a great way to brighten and clear up skin without makeup, and they leave you feeling incredibly fresh afterward.

Day Four

On this particular day, I did have to go to work. I like to feel confident while talking to customers, which is hard to do with a face full of acne. Luckily for me, my skin was not looking too shabby. The day went better than expected; I think my skin was enjoying the break.

Day Five

On this day, I watched a lot of YouTube videos as I was starting to miss the feeling of makeup and how beautiful it truly was. Going makeup free made me realize I didn’t need all that, even if only for a few days. I saved so much time getting ready for work and was able to sleep in.

Makeup is just an add on and not a necessity, especially in summer. Giving your skin time to relax is key to clearing it up. Every girlboss knows confidence is skin deep and makeup on the surface only enhances the beauty you already own. Although I drank plenty of water and did a continuous workout routine, I also take a regular birth control pill that, in combination with other products, may have helped clear my skin. This may or may not work for everyone, but is another option.

What are your best acne fighting secrets? Post them in the comments below!

A Busy Girl’s Guide to Healthier Skin

Glowing, healthy skin is what everyone strives for especially in the summer when you want to wear a fresh face. It’s easy to get caught up in summer jobs and internships, and maintaining a skincare routine can get lost in the wind. Get into the habit of treating your skin, so it’ll be the least of your worries when you’re running from class to class. Here are my holy grails when it comes to achieving that natural summer glow and maintaining it into the new school year.

1—Cleanser.. A good cleanser is the foundation to better-looking skin. You want a cleanser that will remove all the dirt, oil, and impurities that collect in your pores throughout the day. If you’re more acne-prone, I’ve found that washing my face with Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash ($8) twice a day is the way to go. If you’re looking for a do-it-all cleanser, Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser ($38) is perfect for all skin types.

2—Toner.. If you have oily or acne-prone skin or just want extra cleansing, consider adding this step into your beauty routine. Toners help remove oil and dirt. Wiping away makeup and other heavy skin products with a gentle, soothing toner is the best way to end a busy day. Mario Badescu offers toners for all skin types.

3—Moisturizer.. The benefits of moisturizer are endless; it can help prevent and treat dry skin, improve skin tone and texture, provide a protectant layer, and help keep those wrinkles away. Neutrogena has an oil-free moisturizer for all skin types (oily, dry, combination, and sensitive).

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer ($13)

4—Face masks. From pore strips to sheet masks, face masks are a quick and simple way to detox your skin. Hop on the charcoal train and pick up Bioré’s Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips ($7). The activated charcoal helps draw out build-up and blackheads. Sheet masks are the most relaxing part of my day. They’re the easiest way to hydrate, brighten, firm, and soften your skin. Tip: Keep sheet masks in the fridge for an even more refreshing experience, and the cold will help minimize your pores.

Tonymoly I’m Real Red Wine Mask Sheet ($4)

5—Facial spray. It works as a makeup primer, setting spray, and facial hydrator—a versatile product for girls on-the-go. Keep Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater ($7) in your bag for a refreshing pick-me-up throughout the day.

6—Serums. Eye cream has become an essential part of my morning and nightly beauty routine. There are your eye creams that help battle fine lines, but then there’s Origin’s GinZing ($30) that helps to brighten and depuff your eyes; it’s perfect for those tired mornings.

7—Spot treatments. If you’ve been searching for the holy grail of acne spot treatments, you can stop at Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion ($17). Dab this on nightly to be on your way to clear skin.

From one busy girl to another, which skincare products leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle another day? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Achieve the ‘Summer Glow’ From the Inside Out

The ’summer glow’ is something we all desire. While there are loads of amazing products out there (self-tanners and highlighters) that help achieve the look, there’s nothing as beautiful as creating the look au naturel. Here’s how you do it.

1—Hydrate. The number one action you can take to healthy, glowing skin is staying hydrated. Your skin is an organ (crazy, right?), and organs, being made up of cells (which are made up of water), need water to stay healthy. Neglecting to drink water can lead to dry and dull-looking skin, as well as make you more prone to wrinkles.

2—Get some zzzs. Sleep is another important factor in how your skin looks and feels. When you sleep, your body creates blood flow to the skin that makes you look more fresh and lively in the morning. As well as creating blood flow, your skin creates new collagen while you sleep that repairs your overall complexion. (Not having dark, saggy eyes helps, too.) Strive for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

3—Sweat. While getting sweaty sounds like a run in the wrong direction when it comes to a clear complexion, it actually carries various benefits (besides a rocking body). Sweating during exercise rids your skin of dirt, oils, and other toxins that cause breakouts, and it creates blood flow that helps drab-looking skin (just make sure to hop in the shower soon after).

4—Skip the chips. More often than not, your diet, as well as gut health, will always manifest itself through the appearance of your skin. That being said, maintaining a balanced, healthy diet will leave your skin looking and feeling likewise. Pro tip: find healthier alternatives to your favorite junk foods, and create more wholesome grocery lists.

5—Routine. Last but not least, creating and sticking to a skincare routine helps maintain and improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. Cleansing your face day and night, moisturizing, as well as wearing sunscreen are some of the most important aspects of a skincare routine. The consistency of a routine will create a consistency in happy, healthy skin.

What are your skincare tips? Be sure to tag @CFashionista and show us!

Head-to-Toe Beauty

When people think of the term beauty, they immediately associate it with foundation, blush, bronzer, mascara, and all things makeup. Makeup makes up such a large part of the beauty industry that other areas of beauty are often neglected. I was guilty of neglecting my hair, skin, and nails for years but that phase is over, and I have found the perfect products to keep my face and body healthy.

1—Shea Moisture Hair Masque. To my displeasure, I was granted very thin, coarse, and curly hair. I have always struggled to find products that actually help it. It seemed I could never find a conditioner that was moisturizing enough to manage my frizz and tame my curls while keeping it full and fresh. This summer, my daily choice between flat or frizzy was resolved and I found the product that’s the perfect compromise! The Shea Moisture SuperFruit Complex 10-In-1 Renewal System has helped my hair grow healthier while moisturizing each strand making my curls frizz-free and full. Can you name a more iconic duo?

2—Vitamin E Oil. When I tell people I apply oil to my face they’re usually frightened. Vitamin E Oil has been my beauty secret for several years and I don’t know how my dry skin ever survived without it. Applying an oil to my skin morning and night has helped more than any moisturizer ever could. It hydrates my skin while diminishing dark spots and scarring but never leaves my skin feeling greasy or over-oily.

3—Mario Badescu Facial Spray. If you’re reading this, run (sprint) to Ulta and purchase this facial spray. This spray has been a game changer in how my makeup looks and lasts. While I love makeup and all that it has to offer, I like to look fresh and natural. This spray is the icing on the cake for any makeup look. Several sprays of this and all your powder products will melt into your skin making you look fresh-faced and 20 years younger.

4—Gel Polish Machine. When my nails are freshly manicured I feel like I could accomplish literally anything. Sadly, regular nail polish doesn’t stay on my nails for longer than a day. I have tried every gel-like top coat on the market and nothing has worked for me. Getting a shellac manicure at the salon was the only remedy for my easily chipped nails but my college student income didn’t agree. Thankfully, I’ve found the perfect solution to my nail trauma. About a year ago, I purchased a gel polish machine and started doing my gel manicures at home. The initial investment seemed like a lot, but I’ve saved hundreds doing my own gel nails and have perfected the craft.

Concealer, blush, and highlight are exciting but hair, skin, and nails are areas of beauty that will always be in style. Start thinking of your base as highly as your contour and you will see a world of difference.

Let me know your beauty secrets down below!