A Dive into the Origins of Skincare: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Necessities


Skincare is a timeless practice that spans cultures and generations. I often think about its origins and if we have always been skincare obsessed as a species. Skincare has always been desired by generations. Today, we have countless of products at our disposal, from moisturizers to sunscreen and face wash, all designed to help us maintain healthy and radiant skin. However, the roots of skincare go back thousands of years, and understanding its origins can shed light on the importance, wants and needs for skincare. Let’s explore the fascinating history of skincare, tracking its evolution from ancient rituals to the contemporary skincare industry.

Ancient Beginnings: Natural Remedies and Rituals

The origins of skincare can be traced to ancient civilizations that recognized the significance of maintaining healthy skin. Some of the earliest skincare practices emerged in Egypt around 3,000 BC. The Egyptians believed that clear, glowing skin was a reflection of one’s inner health and vitality. They used natural ingredients like olive oil and honey as moisturizers. To keep the moisturizer penetrated in the skin they would use honey as a humectant, sort of like what we do with vaseline as our “slug.” In addition, they developed cosmetics, such as kohl for eye makeup and red ochre for lip color, highlighting their understanding of the aesthetic aspects of skincare.

Similarly, ancient Chinese and Indian cultures practiced skincare rituals rooted in natural remedies. Chinese empresses and noblewomen used pearl powder and various herbal concoctions as skincare treatments. In India, Ayurvedic medicine emphasized the importance of skincare, with ingredients like turmeric and neem being integrated into skincare routines to address various skin issues.

Ancient Greece and Rome also played a significant role in shaping early skincare practices. Greek women used honey and olive oil for moisturizing, while Romans indulged in luxurious baths with scented oils and herbs. These ancient cultures laid the foundation for many skincare principles we still follow today, emphasizing the importance of cleansing, moisturizing, and protection from the sun.

The Middle Ages: Herbal Elixirs and Unconventional Beauty

During the Middle Ages in Europe, skincare took on a different form. While not as advanced as earlier civilizations, medieval Europeans relied on herbal elixirs and tonics to address skin concerns. Plants like lavender and rosemary were used to create fragrant skincare products. Rosemary has a whole new resurgence recently. People are starting to use more rosemary oil to help with hair growth. What is old always becomes new again, especially nowadays with trending videos on social media.

The Renaissance Period: Cosmetics and Beauty Standards

The Renaissance period in Europe saw a revival of interest in art, culture, and personal grooming. Cosmetics became increasingly popular among the upper classes. Women used lead-based white makeup to achieve a fair complexion, often at great risk to their health. They say Queen Elizabeth I died of blood poising which could have been because of the white face makeup she was using at the time. The makeup she wore was lead-based makeup.

The Modern Era: Scientific Advancements and Consumer Culture

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant shift in skincare. Scientific advancements and innovations led to the development of safer and more effective skincare products. The Industrial Revolution enabled the mass production of skincare items, making them more accessible to the general public.

One of the pivotal moments in modern skincare was the discovery of sunscreen. In the early 20th century, French pharmacist Eugene Schueller formulated the first commercial sunscreen, which he later incorporated into his company, L’Oréal. (Everything good comes out of French Pharmacy for skincare!) Sunscreen became a crucial element in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

The 20th century also witnessed the rise of the beauty industry. Brands like Estée Lauder and Nivea introduced a wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers and cleansers. These products became household names, and the concept of a daily skincare routine became ingrained in society.

Contemporary Skincare: A Multibillion-Dollar Industry

Today, the skincare industry is a multibillion-dollar behemoth that continues to innovate and evolve. The basic principles of skincare—cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting from the sun—remain unchanged, but the products and technology have come a long way.

Moisturizers have become sophisticated formulations, catering to different skin types and concerns. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are now commonplace in moisturizers, offering deep hydration and skin barrier support. Similarly, cleansers have evolved to include a wide variety of options, from gentle foaming cleansers to oil-based formulations designed to remove makeup and impurities.

Sunscreen has also seen major advancements, with broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF ratings of 50 or higher now available. The importance of daily sunscreen application to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer is widely recognized in the modern skincare routine.

Face wash, is a staple of skincare, it has transformed into a diverse range of products, from micellar water for gentle cleansing to exfoliating scrubs and clay masks for deeper purification. The emphasis on proper cleansing as the foundation of a skincare routine remains crucial. I often write about double cleansing. Double cleansing is the basis to good skin.

The origins of skincare are deeply rooted in ancient rituals and cultural practices, showcasing humanity’s enduring desire for healthy and beautiful skin. Over the centuries, skincare has evolved from natural remedies and unconventional beauty practices to a thriving industry driven by scientific advancements and consumer culture.

Today, the skincare essentials—moisturizer, sunscreen, and face wash—play pivotal roles in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. As we continue to explore new ingredients and technologies, it’s essential to remember the rich history of skincare that has brought us to this point. By understanding where skincare comes from, we can better appreciate the value of these modern necessities in our daily routines, ensuring our skin remains as beautiful and healthy as ever.

Let’s Pack For Vacation

It is officially summer vacation time! Let’s talk through some of the products I usually pack for vacation. When you are on summer vacation you want to make sure most of your products do multiple things. Packing only a carry on is my go to, so being strategic with packing makeup and skincare for vacation is crucial. Okay, let’s get to it!

What main items should you pack?

SKINCARE

  1. SPF

Do not leave the door without SPF. SPF should be applied everyday, multiple times a day. I have been loving the SPF from La Roche Posay. The sunscreen is called Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen. It is very liquidly so be careful when applying. This sunscreen will make you glow without leaving any white cast behind. The formula is ultra light as described and invisible. It is on the pricey side for everyday use but 100 percent worth it. Any SPF will do, it is so important to improve your skin.

2. CERAVE HYDRATING FACIAL CLEANSER

This product is a GAME CHANGER!! I love to bring this product on vacation because it is not only used as a facial cleanser but it also removes makeup. When I go on vacation I do like multipurpose products. I normally believe in multi-use products while travelling but do not use them often at home. I believe in a double cleanse but do not believe it is necessary on vacation. If you have not tried this product yet you are truly missing out especially if you have dry skin.

3. MOISTURIZER

Any light weight moisturizer will do on vacation. If you have read my blogs in the past, you know I am a big fan of the Kiehl’s ultra facial moisturizing cream. It is lightweight and feels like a DREAM on the skin. I usually bring enough moisturizer that I would use it for my body as well. Using face cream is a little too expensive to use all over your body, so if you have room for only one product I would stick to a Cerave moisturizer that you can apply anywhere and everywhere. Right now, I have been enjoying the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer. It is an amazing product but I will definitely be switching it out soon. It is not feasible to use this product back to back unless you have a lot of money to blow on skincare.

MAKEUP

  1. CC CREAM WITH SPF

I will buy the It Cosmetics CC cream over and over again. I know there is jokes on the internet that sort of make fun of this product because its considered a “mommy brand” but I honestly love this brand. They are so reliable and make a kick ass CC Cream. I have very dry skin and this product looks like your skin but better. This product also includes SPF which is just an added bonus.

2. BLUSH

Blush is such a necessary product when it comes to minimal makeup. It livens up your face and provides that extra glow that the sun did not provide you that day. I usually stick to cream blushes. This is personal preference but any blush would do. The two blushes I am absolutely obsessed with is the cream blushes from Tower 28 Beauty and Makeup By Mario.

3. VASELINE

I look at Vaseline as my recovery product. I apply vaseline to my lips throughout the day, to keep them hydrated. I have applied vaseline to the top of my cheekbones when I’m done my makeup for extra glow. If you have oily skin I do not suggest this.

4. MASCARA

Mascara pulls together you look together and makes you look more alive. Mascara is that go to product that is needed anytime you wear makeup. The current mascara I have been using is the Towel 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara. I Find this mascara lengthens but it does not provide a lot of volume.

The purpose of the blog is to say that less is more when travelling. We feel as though we need to pack everything but honestly it is not necessary. This is what I have learned. When you pack so much you end up getting overwhelmed and do not use even half of the products you brought. Pack smart and enjoy your summer vacation!

De-Influencing Products

If you are reading the title and thinking what the heck does that mean? Well, this is now a trend on Tik Tok. “De-Influencing” simply means talking about products you can’t stand or products that simply did not work out for you. Beauty influencers over the years have gotten some slack for supporting brands for a pay cheque. They would simply say they love something even though the product was completely crap… they just do not want to get on the bad side of brands that would no longer give them opportunities. Some of the opportunities include, brand parties, brand trips, paid advertisements, free product and the list goes on and on! Since there has been a recent scandal with “mascara gate” if you know, you know… influencers are now jumping on the “De-Influencing” band wagon and its about damn time! Now let’s go through some of the products I could not stand.

L’Oréal Paris Mascaras

I love a lot of different Loreal mascara’s but recently… these two are not hitting. Lash Paradise is clump city & the Voluminous Noir Balm has barely any pay off. I was super disappointed with both these mascaras and felt like I wasted my money. The lash paradise intrigued me the most based off of the way it was marketed. Also, side note…Why are drug stores mascaras getting so expensive that you might as well buy an high end one from Sephora? What is happening with drugstore makeup? Anyway… Lash Paradise was marketed as – Clump Resistant, Smudge Resistant, Up to 24 hour wear & it conditions lashes. When removing this mascara, sure my lashes felt soft but this is certainly not clump resistant. I applied two layers and had to manually separate my lashes with my fingers. It was not a clean process. Moving on to the Loreal Voluminous Noir Balm… I would like to mention that the regular Loreal Voluminous in carbon black is my favourite mascara or all time but this Noir Balm is a complete disappointment! It doesn’t even look like anything is on your lashes? There are some great reviews on this mascara and that makes me generally confused. If you want a light mascara that all its gonna do is fan out your lashes then, this one might be for you. The Noir Balm was marketed as creating more volume, clump free and as mascara that would treat your lashes more healthily. This mascara does not build and just sort of glides through each hair. I would not repurchase either mascara.

Glossier Cloud Paint

Listen, I love this product for what it does but I wouldn’t buy this again. A little does go a long way, it does blend well but the colour does not last on the skin for a long time. The packaging is awful. The amount of accidents I had with this packaging is annoying. The tube always looks dirty and even if you squeeze the tube just a little a big glob will come out. I cringe every time I have to squeeze the packaging onto my blush brush. You can’t put all that product on your cheeks because then, you will look crazy. The gross thing I do is I leave the product in the lid because I do not want to waste it and it is just such a mess. I understand Glossier’s price point is average but cleaner packaging would be nice and I would pay a few extra dollars for it. Now for the marketing part — This is what Glossier Cloud Paint claims:

  • “Sheer enough upon initial application…”
  • “Special Blurring Pigments give a soft-focus effect that doesn’t accentuate texture or pores…”
  • “The lightweight gel-cream formula has a pillowy, bouncy feel that blends seamlessly and leaves cheeks dewy, not streaky or chalky.”

I will say all their marketing terms are correct. Nothing is false advertising in that. It is quite sheer, which can be a turn off to some people. Packaging sucks and needs to be re-looked at. If they changed the packaging I would probably re-purchase this product.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Gel

I love the clear brow gel from Anastasia Beverly Hills, that is why I thought I would try this one. I am not happy with this product. First of all, if you are a rookie with makeup do not choose this product. It is hard to apply. So much product stays on the spoolie brush tip. I do not think the spoolie brush is big enough. I understand how to use this product. For your reference; you are supposed to use most of the product to fill the front of the brow then use the rest of the product for the rest of the brow. I just feel like this product does not brush out well and tends to go everywhere. Here are the marketing claims — “A highly-pigmented brow gel with a long-lasting, waterproof formula for creating fuller-looking, defined brows.”

I never tested to see if it was indeed waterproof but it does wear for a long time. It is “full coverage” but like I mentioned the product does not blend out well. They also mentioned the product leaves a “natural finish” this is something I disagree with. I believe most of the marketing claims regarding this product is correct but this is definitely a product I will not be re-purchasing.

I personally think this De-Influencing train is a good thing and will shake up the industry a bit. Consumers will start to become harsher critics and will know what they want and what to expect, from some of these brands that are selling over priced products that half the time do not work or are just over hyped. Let’s continue to be as real as possible.

How Should Beauty Brands Market their Products?

Have we changed? Have we all caught on and are getting bored with how beauty brands market their products? With the recent scandalous Tarte Cosmetics Dubai trip or the same celebrities on a billboard and useless commercials posing with a product… are we bored? I know I am. I know this blog is not what I usually write about but with my marketing brain I can’t help but see how freaking bored people are with the industry. Not that anyone asked but do you know how I want my products marketed to me? I want real people not huge influencers who are backing up certain brands not celebrities with a paid post or hearing about a celebrity makeup line that they clearly do not care about what they are promoting…

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnxFy4zuEYx

I want to hear and see everyday people talking about the products they love. This is why everyone loves TikTok. Everyday people making certain products go viral. That everyday person is more relatable and more trustworthy. Who remembers the old school Youtube beauty gurus? With the grainy cameras before the fame… They would simply sit in front of their camera having real talk about all the different products they were using. I did not start this blog because I wanted recognition. No, I started it because I simply love the world of beauty and I love to talk about it. Sharing my love for beauty and products brings me so much joy.

I would love to hear your opinion on this. I feel as though some brands get it and some are way off. The top brands that have amazing marketing for me are definitely Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty & Makeup by Mario.

With these three brands as of late I have looked forward to their posts and launches. The beauty industry from a consumer stand point can get very stale. Brands that offer innovative marketing with innovative next level product production is what I love and look for.

The beauty world is ever evolving and I am over celebrity makeup lines but if you notice I did mention Fenty Beauty & Rare Beauty… I just feel like Rihanna and Selena did it right. Yes they created these brands, yes they are in some campaigns with these brands but the brands are bigger than just their celebrity status. Which is why I think they will be around for a lot longer than any random brand you see at Sephora with a celebrity name on it.

As a consumer, transparency is key, the innovation is key and so is the marketing. Your messaging is what it ultimately comes down to. I do not claim to be an expert, this is just my personal thoughts as a consumer.

Which brands have been your standouts as of late? Let me know your thoughts on this blog.

SIDE NOTE: This blog was written before the Mikayla Nogueira Loreal mascara scandal. This is the thing… on social media not everything is real but if you think about it this is a good thing that happened. More and more influencers are starting to “De-Infulence” now. Meaning they are not talking about everything they love anymore. They are starting to become more real. If you have read my blog for a bit now I usually talk about things I love, mistakes I have made and try to provide some education. I have never been paid by a brand and simply started this blog out of my love for beauty. Lets not break each other down, lets share the knowledge with each other.

Beauty Products I Am Still Using in 2023

New Year… Same Me! When you find holy grails and do not want to change up your routine, then that means you struck gold with the current products you have found. Below I have outlined some of the products I will be certainly continuing to use in 2023. I am curious to know if we have the same products that we will be bringing over into 2023 with us? What are some of your holy grail products?

Vaseline 

This is a classic product should be incorporated in everyones beauty routine. The definition of an oldie but a goodie. I have a vaseline bottle everywhere. In my makeup bag, in the bathroom, by my bed side and in my purse… the places could go on and on! I apply vaseline all over my face. Living in Canada it is a saviour for the my lips and cheeks. The winter is a killer and my face and lips are always dry! Before bed after I do my skincare routine… I lay in bed a greasy mess because of the vaseline I lather on my face. Petroleum Jelly is a true super product and it is overlooked. I find a lot of lip masks try to sell you on something vaseline will fix and work 10x better. If anyone ever criticizes my vaseline I get personally offended lol. 

INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm 

Now I have a hate love relationship with this product but mostly love. I have tried many makeup removers over the years….this one does not burn my eyes and is gentle on my reactive sensitive skin. The only ‘icks’ I have about this product is the packaging and the fact that the product does separate so you have to be mindful of how you store and place this product. Other than that I can get over those ‘icks’ because of how amazing the formula is and of course the less expensive price tag is just a bonus. This product truly takes everything off and leaves your skin feeling very soft. You do feel like a bit of a residue but if you are applying your skincare correctly and making sure to cleanse your face with a cleanser afterwards then that residue will go away. I will admit I have had some lazy nights and just used this product before bed and my skin was absolutely fine.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Okay now this product is a pricey one. This is definitely a splurge but will make you look bronzed to the GODS. I have had this product for a couple of years now… (Gross I know) but I cannot get rid of it. It looks like I just touched the surface when I have been consistently been using it for years. ( I am not promoting using expired makeup… in reality my cheap ass is just not ready to let go of it.) Make sure to recycle your makeup bag often. Now that I put the word of caution out their lets go back to my hypocrisy of still using and loving this product. This will give you that JLO glow instantly. A little goes a very long way! The cream melts into your skin and you feel like a million bucks. I use it like a regular bronzer but I also love it on my eye lids. 

Tower28 Beauty – BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush – In magic Hour 

I fell in love with this product in 2021. I have boughten many of them. I love this brand. The price point is reasonable for a product in Sephora and their products work very well. The Cream blush is definitely a knock out for me and a staple in my makeup bag. I have other blushes and will always reach for this one. The colour magic hour has that subtle hit of peach that looks absolutely stunning on my olive skin tone. If you aren’t sure which cream blush to try next… Try this one you wont regret it. A little does go along way but I do slap a lot of this on my face because I cannot get over the glowey peach colour. 

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Strength + Moisture Leave-In Spray Hair Mask

I do not typically spend money on my hair.. I hate to admit that but I am getting better at this. I received this as a gift one year and I have been hooked. I have tangly hair with dry ends and when I tell you this product really does nourish my hair.. it really does! I have noticed a difference in my hair since using it. This is how I apply this product… it is not exactly how they instruct you to use it on the box but I guess sometimes I throw instructions and listening out the window… sometimes. Right after I exit the shower I squeeze out the water that is left in my hair. I then towel dry my hair. My hair is still wet not completely soaked but not exactly damp yet, I spray this product in my hair and let it sit for a bit. I then comb out the rats nest. It actually works and doubles as a detangler even though this product does not claim to be. My hair feel incredibly soft and healthy. The smell is quite nice as well. I will say as a side note I have used other products from this brand and was not totally impressed. They are pricey but listen to me when I say this product is absolutely lovely.

Please let me know your holy grail products and which ones you will be continuing to use in 2023. 

Celebrity Skincare Lines

Celebrity Skincare Lines — Let’s talk about it!

I do not know about you, but when I hear about a new celebrity skincare line my eyes roll and all I think about is another brand of skincare with someones name on it. My initial thoughts are — what is inventive about this line? What are the ingredients like? And of course what is the price tag? Celebrity skincare lines are all about branding right? Some celebrities it makes sense to come out with their own skincare lines but others not so much…

I would like to preface this by saying I have not tried all these brands that I will be speaking about. I am not judging the below brands I will be speaking to the general feedback these brands have gotten from the public.

FentySkin

Let’s talk Fentyskin. Fentyskin by Queen Rihanna is arguably one of the best skincare brands put on the market. Fentyskin claims to be a clean cruelty-free & eco-conscious brand. They are one of the first celebrity skincare lines that I saw that were quite innovative with their packaging. What I love about this line is that it has quite a few products that are fragrance free.

The stand out product from Fentyskin has been the Fat Water. The Fat Water is a toner that targets pores and dark spots. This product does contain witch hazel which when it originally launched had some skin influencers in a fit. Witch hazel is known to have irritated many. Especially those with dry skin. I have had my own hate love relationship with the ingredient.

The general consensus of Fentyskin that have seen online is that oily skin people generally love the brand more due to its ingredients in the products.

Skkn By Kim

Skkn by Kim is a fairly new skincare line released just last month. I personally have not tried anything from skkn so I will not personally comment on what I think about certain products. The overall reviews from the public have been quite mixed. Most of the criticism I have seen online is the price point. Now the price point is a huge deal when you are a celebrity entering the skincare world. Being overpriced will turn off the everyday consumer. The cleanser costs $57 CAD and the face moisturizer costs $115 CAD. While the packaging is stunning you can’t help but think how much of that costs actually goes straight to the packaging rather than the quality of the product inside. The packaging does look stunning as seen below.

Skkn By Kim does make refillable packaging. They do claim to include “clean” ingredients in their products. I do love that Kim has spoken openly about her struggle with psoriasis over the years and I’m sure this was at the centre of her thinking behind her brand when creating it. It starts with a struggle and ends in a resolution.

rhode

Rhode created by Hailey Bieber is a newer celebrity skincare line. The line was launched last month a week before skkn By Kim. They claim to be vegan, cruelty-free & dermatologist-developed. So far from what I have seen online this brand has gotten positive reviews. The pricing of these products are all under $30. The product ingredients themselves are not overly complicated. Consumers have been pleasantly surprised of the quality of this line. I think personally the marketing of this brand has been quite smart and inclusive. Overall Hailey has come into the skincare community with open arms and transparency and that is the way to do it. I look forward to trying out her products soon.

Do your research before jumping into celebrity skincare lines. Some are surprising knock outs while others are just really good marketing campaigns to make more money. What celebrity skincare brands have you tried and loved? Let me know!

Does Makeup & Skincare Expire?

Let’s talk expiration dates on skincare & makeup products. I am a stickler when searching for expiration dates on my products. I know there are quite a few people out there that use expiration dates as a suggestion. In this article lets talk about why you should not take expiration dates as a suggestion and why you must listen to the manufactures packaging dates!

Can makeup & skincare products be used after an expiration date?

The answer – NO! It might be okay to use them a little past the date but I would advise against it! No, I am not being extra. It is proven that some products are not as effective after its expiration dates. The power of the ingredients in your products can only last for a certain amount of time. The preservatives in your products can only last so long. It is true that overtime a product does get less effective.

How do you check if products are expired?

Thankfully, many cosmetic companies include an expiration date on the packaging. It can be found usually near the size of the product. You will see a little half opened can. Illustrated in the can will be a number with an ‘M’ beside it. In my header image I show an example of this. In the image you will see a ‘6M’. This means the product is good until its 6 month mark once opened.

Some makeup products have a general rule. For example, they say mascara only lasts 3 months since its been opened. Once the 3 month mark passes you could be at risk for an eye infection. Bacteria can grow inside the tube. Think about the amount of times you are exposing a mascara wand to the air and then back into the tube.

What will happen if you use expired Face products?

Expired products can cause skin reactions. If you are unsure if the product is old there are a few signs that will signify the expiration. The signs are — the product changed in colour or there is a significant odour. The product can look separated, clumpy of thinned out. Keep an eye on your products and notice the change in consistency. Think of it like spoiled milk. When milk goes bad it tends to clump, the colour changes and it smells. Do not let your products get that bad. Just like you would not drink spoiled milk or you will get an upset stomach. Think about the fact that your face has to endure an upset reaction when applying old product. General rule – If you do not remember the last time you used a product and it has been in the back of your cabinet, I would toss it away. Just to be safe. You do not want a chemical reaction on your face. Your skin is too precious for that to happen.

Does Natural products expire faster?

Short answer is — YES! If you include more “natural” products in your routine you better be more on top of expiry dates. Typically natural products are made from pure ingredients with the lack of chemicals. Without chemicals, like parabens for example the lasting power of the product will shorten. So be aware!

Be safe when using products after all you only have one body. Look out for expiration dates and use your products in a timely manner.

Do You Believe In Sustainable Beauty?

Green Beauty, Clean beauty, Vegan beauty, Sustainable beauty — What does all of this mean and why has this become a trend in the beauty community?

I would like to start this article off and exclaim I am cynical of these “buzz words.” Do I own some sustainable beauty? Yes, for sure. Am I being hypocritical? Yes, I probably am. See, the thing is I am a beauty lover who loves the earth we live in. I recycle regularly, pick up trash where I can and veganism is the centre of my diet. BUT… I work in marketing and do know that unfortunately once some buzz words become trendy it’s marketed to sell that way. Not every brand is like this but I do not trust every “sustainable” product on the market. Sure, some companies sell re-usable packaging but what is the company itself doing to help with our planet behind the scenes. The beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packing every year around the world. The kicker is, most of these units are not even recyclable. If you think about it, that is finished products sitting in a landfill. We re-purchase our beauty items on a monthly if not weekly basis. Now that is something to think about…

Let’s unpack this first – What does SUSTAINABILITY mean?

In the beauty world sustainability can mean having recycled packaging so that we are reducing single used plastics. Looks at all your products on your shelf, I bet you every single bottle is plastic. We are trying to reduce our carbon footprint. Some celebrity brands such as the latest on the market — SKKN BY KIM (Kim Kardashian’s latest business venture) They are selling refills of their products once the initial product is finished. See below —

I am not completely cynical, I do believe this is a great inclusion in brands but are consumers really buying these refills? I know I am completely guilty of just buying a new bottle or tub of the moisturizer I enjoyed.

Are you guilty of this as well?

Now, let’s talk “Green Beauty.” What is Green Beauty? Often times Green Beauty simply means products are made with natural ingredients. If you have read some of my last blogs you would know I am not a fan of “natural ingredients” all the time. The reason for this is because some of these are not regulated. I have sensitive skin and I know a lot of people do. Not having regulation by some of our natural ingredients can cause flare ups and breakouts. Some can be harmful to your skin. Natural does not always mean safe. So do your research before diving into only having “natural ingredients” on your face.

The reason why Green Beauty skyrocketed in the industry is that products that are made with natural ingredients are derived from renewable resources which is better for our planet. You are probably thinking this article is quite wishy washy. It is because you are damned if you do and you are damed if you don’t. Moral of the story is –Always do research in a product before including it to your daily routine. Take into consideration our beautiful planet and make smart choices. Do not let the marketing fool you.

My hope for the industry is that we can reduce the use of plastics and keep our skin safe in the process.

Anti Aging Mid 20’s Skincare Routine

Everyone’s skin type is different but you do reach a certain age where you would need to add anti aging skincare to your routine. Unfortunately, at the age of 25 these preventative measures should be put in place. You are probably asking yourself, what do I need to incorporate anti aging into my skincare routine? Well, you came to the right place! After the age of 25, you lose 1% of collagen every year. What is collagen? Collagen is a protein found in your body through connective tissues. It can be found in connective tissues such as you’re cartilage, bones and skin. With the loss of collagen your skin will begin to sag. In other words your skin will appear older with the loss of it. Okay I get it, let’s move on with the article and talk about how we can help slow down our collagen loss.

HOW TO PREVENT AGING?

I would like to put a disclaimer before moving on with the article – aging is beautiful. You should embrace the skin you are in and let’s face it… aging is inevitable. The point of this article is not to say aging is bad or ugly. I am simply writing this article to inform about preventative measures that can help the aging process. I know what it is like to wake up and look in the mirror and notice a new wrinkle from time to time. It is depressing so knowing you are helping your skin along the way should make you feel better, during your beautiful journey called life.

The first thing you should be doing to help is to ingest collagen rich foods. Collagen rich foods include:

  • Citrus
  • Berries
  • Asparagus
  • Leafy greens
  • Cashews
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Beans
  • Avocados
  • Soy & the list can go on and on….

Including collagen rich foods to your diet everyday is the best way to do it. To me that feels like we are consuming it, in its most natural form.

The next step to prevent aging will not come as a shock if you read my blogs regularly. The next step is to apply/(re) apply sunscreen daily!! I cannot stress this enough. Sun damage is seen in aging skin. Sun damage in skin looks like little light brown spots. Sun damage can happen when ultraviolet light hits skin unprotected by sunscreen. Sunscreen is that layer of protection from the sun. Be kind to your skin and make sure sunscreen is your best friend. I often recommend the sunscreen seen pictured below. This Aveeno sunscreen honestly feels like another cream I am putting on my face in the morning. It is light weight and makes your skin glow. It does not leave a white residue behind and will make your skin feel refreshed. This sunscreen can cost anywhere between $13.00 CAD – $15.00 CAD. Not highly priced for an every day used product.

COLLAGEN POWDERS

If you have looked into collagen before you probably have seen a million collagen powders that show up in your search results. The reason I have not written about them is because I’m skeptical. I do not have enough information on them myself. I am looking into trying one, one day but they are daunting. The collagen powder industry is massive. So many different products are on the market and it confuses me too. When I finally find one for me that I like, I will share it. Until then, I will be re-applying my sunscreen and eating all the vegetables with some anti wrinkle cream included as well lol!

All in all I can’t stress this enough, we are in this together! Please do not get upset about seeing your body age. Be kind to your body. Help it along its journey because after all you just have one body in this life time so be kind to it!

Top 5 Skincare Products To Bring With You On Vacation

We are slowly moving into a post COVID-19 world. Which means we are all itching to get up and start to travel more regularly again. Going on vacation often times means to pack lightly. No room for a 30 step routine. Here are the top five skincare items you should bring on your vacation.

1. Cleanser

This is a given. Especially on a beach vacation you have a lot to scrub off your face. The sun tan lotion, sand and grime must be washed off. Bring a versatile cleanser. My go-to versatile cleanser is the Hydrating cleanser from CeraVe. What I like about this one, is that it does not strip my skin and it also removes left over makeup. The recent Cera Ve cleanser I have been using is the Hydrating Foaming Cleanser. It removes makeup and is a cleanser all in one.

2. Moisturizer

Keep your skin moisturized, especially under a day in the sun. During the summer I tend to use more of a lightweight moisturizer. Kiehls Ultra Facial moisturizer is the ideal summer moisturizer. Its light weight whip feels cooling and whipped to perfection. Make sure you are moisturizing at least twice a day. This rule applies for oily or dry skin.

3. Sunscreen

For vacation and for everyday sunscreen is a MUST. Please do not be one of those people that only wear sunscreen on vacation. Protect your skin, especially when in direct sunlight on consecutive days. Make sunscreen your best friend apply it multiple times a day. Always make sure when coming out the water you dry off and re apply. Not only do I have sunscreen on me at all times during a vacay but I always carry a large brim hat.

4. CC Cream

Wanting some coverage without anything too heavy? I would suggest investing in a cc cream. I know I talk about this product over and over again but it really is that amazing!! I took a break from it to try other products but guess what? I am right back to it. Wish they had a wider arrangement of colour but it blends so smoothly and effortlessly.

5. SPF Lip Balm

Everyone forgets the lips! DO NOT forget about your lips while on vacay. If you think about it your lips are a thin layer of skin. They need to be moisturized at all times.

Forget the makeup during the trip, let your skin breath and protect it!