I’m BACK!
After a 3 year hiatus, I’ve returned to blogging. What took so long you ask? Life, love & the pursuit of purpose…
I have taken the past 3 years to focus on building myself, my brand and my business! As you know, makeup is my passion and I am all about hands-on, behind the scenes work. Emphasis on behind the scenes. I am not an artist who likes to be at the forefront.
But more recently I have not only made it a priority to work on self development, but also have made it my focus to connect with my clients on a more personal level. After all, branding isn’t just about building your personal brand, its also about creating a connection to your audience.
And I must admit, the spread of the 2020 COVID-19 has forced all of us to do some deep introspection. And to get CREATIVE.
So not only have I launched a new digital platform with my GLOW-GETTER Series, I have also gotten back into blogging!
In addition to sharing makeup tips and favorite products, I’ll also give insight on what my life of a makeup artist is like.
My first 2020 blogpost is all about my favorite part of the beauty process: SKIN. Skin is always my focus in makeup. Without great skincare, your makeup can fall flat. It has taken me YEARS to master my skin, and to feel confidently beautiful without makeup. And now that I have it down, I’m going to share some gems with you. (pictured above, me without makeup! Just freshly prepped skin)
So bear with me, this post is a long one. But my goal, as always, is for you to leave motivated, educated and inspired.
So… let’s talk about SELF-CARE and SKINCARE!
Self-neglect is WAY too common. It’s easy to get caught up in work and day-to-day responsibilities, and forget the most important thing, which is taking care of YOU.
Think about it, how can you spare the energy to work, complete your to-do list, take care of family, socialize etc. if your battery has no charge?
That is why self-care is so important! This not only includes habits such as getting proper sleep, eating healthy, exercising weekly and hobbies like art, reading and music, but also a consistent skincare regimen.
So before I get in to my personal GLOW-UP regimen, ask yourself a few questions…
When’s the last time I exfoliated? Am I doing my skincare twice a day? Do I even know what my skin type and concerns are?
If you know the answer to any of those questions, you’re on the right track. If not, don’t panic- I’m here to help!
Now let’s dive in.
The importance of proper cleansing and weekly exfoliation
You should be practicing your skincare regimen twice a day: once in the morning when you wake up, and again at night before bed.
First step? Cleansing.
A common misconception is that you don’t need to wash your face, or that just splashing water on it in the shower is enough. WRONG.
We encounter a lot of free-radicals in the atmosphere that can get into our pores and damage our skin. Also, cleansing and exfoliation help the skin with its regeneration process, so that it can shed old layers to reveal younger-looking, healthier skin. I recommend exfoliating one or twice a week.
So what type of cleanser should you be using? Depends on your skin type.
Dry, Normal, Combination or Oily.
For dry skin, I recommend a cream or oil based cleanser. This will aid the skin in hydration (penetrates deep) and moisture (surface of the skin). Try Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser, Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil (night) , MAC Cleanse-off oil tranquil (night) or Glossier Milky Jelly cleanser.
I personally love the Tatcha Rice Polish for exfoliation (pictured above). Its gentle on dry skin, and removes dead cells without leaving the skin feeling depleted.
For oily skin, I recommend an oil-free cleanser. Something that aids the skin in stripping it of excess oils. Try Kiehls Calendula foaming face wash, or Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily cleanser.
For normal or combination skin, you’re right in the middle. Trial and error is your friend. Try any of the products mentioned above, and see how your skin likes them.
My masking addiction: Masks and their magic
I am a face-mask addict! This is one of my favorite skincare products to collect.
Yes, I have a mask collection!
Each mask is has a different benefit!
Some of my favorites: Kiehls Rare Earth Deep Pore mask, Kiehls Avocado Moisture Mask, and Bee Cosmetics Bright & tight sheet mask (all pictured above) (use my discount code: “Shalisa” for 10% off your order with Bee Cosmetics)
New to masking and want to try a set? Peter Thomas Roth has a mask sampler set with 6 of his most popular face masks for around $25.
Masks aid your skincare in providing better skin. Benefits can include: minimizing pores, smoothing texture, brightening complexion, adding moisture, calming & soothing, exfoliating, and adding a glow.
I recommend masking a few times a week for maximum benefits. You want to do a mask per instruction, right after cleansing. Most require you to leave them on 5-15 minutes depending.
Toning and Serums
The next skincare step preps the skin, and maximizes the benefits of your products.
Toner is designed not only to clarify and minimize pores, but also works like a magnet that attracts moisture to the skin, and allows for deep penetration. My favorite toners? MAC Softening Lotion (spray form) and Kiehls Calendula toner.
Serums are more skin-specific. You chose your serums based on your skin issues.
Dry skin? Try MAC Moisture infusion Serum
Oily? Glossier Future Dew is a serum/oil hybrid that replenishes skin without providing excess oil.
Combination/Normal or just a fan of glowing, perfected skin? My FAVORITE serum is by OMGLO Cosmetics (pictured above). This serum not oily provides the skin with hydration, it also softens imperfections and brightens the complexion. It also works like an illuminator and leaves a beautiful pearlized glow. Almost like you’ve airbrushed you skin!
For hyperpigmentation concerns, try Kiehls Brightening Serum (pictured above). It brightens dull skin, and reduces scarring over time.
Textured skin? Try Kiehls Hydro Plumping Retexturizing Serum to minimize fine lines & wrinkles.
Moisturizers, Eye Creams and Jade Rollers…oh my!
Everyone MUST moisturize! Yes, even people with oily skin.
Why? If the skin is depleted of moisture, it could affect overall texture, appearance and feel. Sometimes when your skin produces excess oil, it actually means that you are dehydrated!
So of course, drink a lot of water! This improves your skin from the inside out.
Moisturizer is the final step in skincare.
Dry skin? Try Kiehls moisture balm. It’s a thicker texture and provides a rich source of moisture. You can also add a drop of MAC Essential oils to any moisturizer to add an extra punch of moisture.
Oily? Try a gel-based moisturizer. I love the Kiehls calendula moisturizer because its lightweight but beneficial.
Combination or normal? Try kiehls ultra facial cream. It’s actually a great moisturizer for all skin types.
Next to moisturizer importance is eye cream. Eye creams moisturize, brighten, smooth texture and improve the overall appearance of the eye area.
The skin around your eyes is the most sensitive and tender skin on the face! Treat it well. Using an eye cream will also fight the appearance of aging…and we all want to appear younger! My favorites: Kiehls avocado eye cream (moisture), MAC Lightful eye cream (brightening), and MAC fast response eye cream (smoothing and de-puffing).
Now I bet you’re wondering what the heck is the green thing I’m using in the above picture. It’s a JADE ROLLER.
Jade rollers are like a magic wand for skincare! They maximize the benefits of your skincare by pressing & rolling it into the skin. They also have a natural cooling effect that de-puff and calm the skin. By rolling it with slight pressure in an upward motion on your cheeks, eyes, forehead and chin, you can minimize wrinkles, increase circulation and increase overall radiance. This is a great tool for working your skincare into the skin, as well as revealing a healthy glow.
Where can you find them? Try Amazon or any beauty supplier chain or department store beauty section.
Don’t neglect you lips… PLEASE!
Lip care should be a part of your skincare regimen. Too often I encounter clients who have neglected, dry lips! It seems to be a part of self-care that people forget about!
I’m anal about carrying a good lip conditioner in my purse as well as my kit. My favorites? Smith (pictured above), MAC and Kiehls.
Lip conditioners are better for your lips than a chapstick or carmex. Why? The products mentioned above sit on the top layer of skin on the lips, and do not penetrate to moisturize deeper layers.
A lip conditioner has a smoother texture, and travels deep into the lips to smooth and moisturize, and improve smoothness and texture over time.
I also recommend exfoliating the lips about once a week. This removes dead skin and smooths texture. It also makes room for a moisturizer to do its thing. My favorites: MAC (pictured above) and Fenty (Rihanna’s brand) has a really nice exfoliator that you use like a lipstick.
Are your lips excessively dry? Try a lip mask. This does everything above over an extended amount of time. There are great disposable sheet lip masks at Ulta & Sephora, Kiehls also has a great overnight lip mask to wear while you’re sleeping.
Last, but not least: SUN PROTECTION
Yes, we ALL need SPF in our lives. Even those of us with more melanin. Common misconception: women of color don’t need sun screen. FALSE!!!
Sun damage is irreversible. No only does i increase the appearance or wrinkles…It also creates or worsens hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This is why it’s important to take preventative measures.
You should always wear SPF as the last layer in your skincare routine.
Some tinted moisturizers, beauty balms (BB Creams), and foundations do have SPF mixed in. Just check the packaging.
Brown girls beware! Dome SPF products leave a white film on the skin, leaving it looking dull & ashy. To avoid this, find a brown-girl friendly product.
My favorites? Glossier invisible shield (great for all skin types) and NARS tinted moisturizer (comes in matte or dewy finish).
So now its time to practice Self-Care
I hope you leave this blog post not only well-informed, but also inspired to take better care of yourself. Not only overall in your daily life, but also by focusing on your skin.
Skin is the largest organ on our bodies, and deserves the utmost respect!
Make it a routine. Practice good skincare habits daily, as well as make it a ritual on a day where you have less of a work/life load.
I like Sundays because you can go into the week feeling radiant and ready to take on everything to come.
Play your favorite music, light a candle, and give yourself a facial!
Once you start practicing better self-care, you ill improve the quality of your life overall.
And that my friends, is GLOW_GETTER energy.
Now get to it!
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more blog posts this year. Subscribe to my newsletter for announcements on upcoming classes, or schedule a one-on-one in person or virtual lesson to learn tips & tricks specific to you and your needs.
Until next time… take care of yourself GLOW_GETTER!