Mom, it’s me. I went to Supercuts and got bangs cut and it’s awful. Such a mistake. Call me back.
Hey, it’s me again? Where are you? I really don’t know what to do about my hair, the bangs highlight the breakout on my forehead and make everything itch. It’s bad. Call me back.
I can’t believe you’re not home! How could they do this to me, I mean they are supposed to be professional hairdressers. These bangs are like 3 inches long. UGH!
I don’t know where my mother was that fateful day in my junior year of college when I decided to get bangs at Supercuts in the Rheem Valley Shopping Center. I’d share pictures if I had them, but I’ve destroyed all photos of me during this period of time.
See it all started at the Origins counter months before. Yes, that beauty line that is made by Satan. This is opinion, not fact. It was a new product. The marketing was brilliant and I fell hook, line, and sinker for the all-natural, organic vibe.
I still don’t know if I had a breakout or an allergic reaction, but it was bad. Really bad. And for some reason, I thought bangs would be the answer. Not just bangs, but bangs from a hairdresser at Supercuts. You know that thing about your prefrontal cortex not being developed until 25? This was very much at play here.
As all of this was happening, I was sure I’d never get things straightened out. My hair, my skin, my life.
But, I did.
I have not cut bangs since this incident.
Lesson learned.
But, I am still in search of the perfect skincare routine. I’m not sure it’s out there for me, but I remain hopeful.
I get sooooo overwhelmed by this topic. I worry about the ingredients, will it work, am I doing more damage to my skin, can it cause (more) wrinkles, will this make me break out (reference story above for the root of this fear).
During this shelter in place I’ve played with a few products, and have a nice balance of things that feel good on, make my skin look hydrated, and minimize fine lines.
I’ve decided to embrace my deep lines. I worked hard for them, smiled and laughed a lot, and sat in the sun as a teenager. I wouldn’t change any of that, so I’ve given up fretting about the repercussions of these actions. Like I advise my clients to do with their bodies when we are dressing them, I work with what I have, and highlight the features I like best about my skin.
So here is my current non-toxic routine and review of a few products. I am keeping this simple more for me than you, as I mentioned overwhelm in this department is a thing for me.
You can’t control all the toxins you’re exposed to, but if you can minimize the intake by using a clean beauty product, it’s a win. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to try a new clean beauty product or two! Click on the product name to be taken to the website for purchase, my review of each product is below.
Morning routine:
True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser
True Botanicals Renew Nutrient Mist
True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil
Evening routine:
True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser
True Botanicals Renew Nutrient Mist
True Botanicals Renew Repair Serum
Once a week:
KNC Beauty Lip Scrub, Mask and Balm
True Botanicals
I am totally in love with the True Botanicals Renew Line. This is their line for aging skin. It’s a true luxury, clean, brand that works. It has a floral smell (it’s infused with lavender and jasmine) and all of it feels very hydrating. The company’s claim is that the Renew Pure Radiance Oil outperforms La Mer on all measures. I can’t verify this, as I have never used La Mer. But this oil is good, really good. Like, I want to drink this for optimal effect good. If you don’t get anything else, get this oil.
To prove my point, I’ve had three instances where this product has removed calcified pores that I usually have a dermatologist remove.
Also, one of my girls commented that my forehead looks smooth, not so many lines. Her words. The truest compliment there is; one from a kid.
Mun Ankari
The Mun (pronounced Moon) Ankari Brightening Serum is amazing. The secret ingredient is Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Combined with Aragon and Rose oil, this serum packs a hydrating punch. It’s a little on the heavy side for me to wear during the day, but at night it’s heavenly. I wake up and my skin feels smooth and looks hydrated.
Honua Malu
This sunscreen is very moisturizing and leaves a bit of a sheen on my skin. It gives me a glow. I love it. This is expensive but worth it. It’s a small batch product, made in Hawaii, that sells out frequently. After you’re sure you like it, I’d order two bottles at a time to have back up.
KNC Beauty
Lip scrub, mask, and balm. I didn’t even know these were a thing, but now I’m not sure I can live without these products.
KNC Beauty is a new brand to me, but they have figured this stuff out.
The lip scrub is amazing and comes with a cute pink lip brush to exfoliate the skin on your lips. The oil in the scrub leaves your lips smooth and soft. After this, you apply the mask and leave it on for 10 minutes, and chill. These are the exact instructions on the packaging.
Finish the treatment off with their lip balm and you have plumped up, smooth lips that lipstick adheres to easily.
KNC also has eye masks, so I thought why not give these a try. Holy smokes, these are amazing. The skin under my eyes looked taut and smooth. Fine lines be damned. If I ever have an event to go to again, I’ll be doing this as part of my pre-event prep. I don’t see myself doing this as part of my daily or weekly routine. But that’s just me.
They just launched a new product of full face masks called Big Set Face Masks. If these give the same results as the eye masks, I’ll be using these on a very frequent basis. I’ll check them out and get back to you!
I thought it would be fun to mix it up a bit today and focus on your skin. How you feel about your appearance (skin, body, hair, etc.) is part of pulling together a confident look, so I thought it relevant to what we normally discuss on Tuesday.
Let me know in the comments if you have a clean, non-toxic product that you like.
Please send this to a friend who could use some style (and clean beauty product) love.
Kim
xo
