Fashion Talk

It’s Time to Retire Chino Pants & Other Fashionable Thoughts

I said what I said, and I may have said it from a place rooted in years of personal trauma, but there comes a time in every fashion connoisseur’s life when realization hits like a bolt of lightning: beloved, it’s time to retire chino pants. Yes, you heard me right. I’m calling it out. My revival of this deep-seated disdain for those abominable trousers arose during a recent endeavor where I was researching attire suitable for a Look Book blog post. It’s funny how life circles back to haunt you with memories you’d rather keep buried in the depths of your closet. I stand ten-toes down when I say that it’s time to retire chino pants.

A Personal Disdain for Chinos

these are chino pants that are too ugly to be looked at.

Now, you’re probably wondering where all this vehement dislike spawns from. Allow me to paint you a picture: a girl, dressed in a private school uniform, navigating the corridors of academia for what felt like an eternity – sixteen years, to be precise. Chinos, those drab, ill-fitting pants, were a staple of my mandatory wardrobe, and over time, they became the bane of my existence. They were more than just pants; they became a symbol of conformity and restriction, akin to shackles that suppressed creative expression. I have a visceral reaction to them, a feeling akin to whatever emotion transcends hate – let’s call it “super-hate” for now. In fact, my hate for these pants is so severe, that when i see people wearing them, I feel like they’ve never had an original thought.

Those years ingrained in me a deep aversion that I can’t quite shake off. After spending such a significant chunk of my life in them, enduring countless days encased in beige, navy, or sometimes, if the universe felt particularly cruel, khaki chinos, I emerged with a passionate plea for liberation from this fashion tyranny. It is time to retire chino pants. Fast forward to adulthood, and I’m baffled by the legions of individuals in white-collar jobs, many of whom I suspect also endured private or parochial school dress codes, who willingly choose to don these hideous pants daily. It’s as if they’ve embraced them as a uniform once again, a sartorial Stockholm Syndrome if you will. With a plethora of alternative pants available – chic trousers, tailored slacks, even jeans in myriad forms – why, oh why, would one gravitate back to chinos?

Fashion Needs to Evolve, Not Cling to Convention

I understand the argument for comfort and ease. After all, a world in which one can casually reach into their closet and pull out something familiar, something that fits the established code without much thought, is compelling. But that, I argue, is precisely the problem. When did we allow fashion to become so… monotonous? When did we trade our right to self-expression for the convenience of homogeneous attire? Chinos, in their insipid ubiquity, have slithered their way into the heart of what I call the “beige plague” – a trend towards neutral, safe, and ultimately dull aesthetics that threaten to engulf our vibrant personalities!!!!!

Maybe…maybe I should get of the soap box for a moment…

The irony of fashion is that it often clings to the very conventions it seeks to break. We see the cyclical nature of trends, the constant reinvention of the old as new. Yet, for some reason, chinos have remained impervious, steadfast in their banality. This mystifies me as I delve into researching current fashion trends. As I’m creating look books that inspire, I can’t help but wonder why chinos persist. Who decided that these pants, born from military uniformity and later adopted by Ivy League preppiness, should dominate our corporate apparel?

Imagine a world where we allow ourselves to explore the sartorial spectrum fully. A place where wide-legged trousers in vibrant hues make statements in boardrooms. Where pinstripe pants and houndstooth patterns dance down the hallways. Picture structured culottes, sleek joggers, and tailored jeans speaking volumes about our personalities. It’s all within reach, if only we liberate ourselves from the shackles of dated norms.

Balancing Form and Function

I am not advocating for a complete abandonment of practicality – fashion should balance between form and function. But there’s a plethora of options that offer both comfort and a sense of individuality. The high-waisted, the flared, the cropped, and the palazzo… The world of fashion pants is vast and varied, begging to be explored and embraced. There’s literally so many other fashion choices that can be made other than wearing chinos.

Perhaps my disdain is steeped in nostalgia, rooted in those formative years of uniformity. However, as I sit here now, pondering the evolving nature of fashion, I’m reminded of the power of change. And of the fact that chinos are really fu*king ugly.

Lifestyle Style

The Surprisingly Chic World of Normcore: Embracing Your Life

Normcore is the antidote to my daily grind of trying to squeeze myself into 30 different aesthetics. It’s the “surprisingly chic” revolution that lets me embrace my life and stay exactly as I am—fake, wooden granite countertops and all. Because, honestly, who has the energy to reinvent themselves every morning?

I found myself in the throes of Normcore on TikTok late last night, watching woman after woman give daily vlogs of “day in the life of a normal girl,” and let me tell you, I felt so seen! They were using blenders that their parents had used to blend peppers to make their smoothies, and that distinct peppery aftertaste? Chef’s kiss. They were driving cars just as beat up as mine, breathing the same sighs of relief I breathe daily when my car gives me no troubles or “check engine” lights. For once, I felt relief at not experiencing those heart-pangs of aspiration. For a moment, I simply was. I was in a world so much like my own.

In my world, those beyond off-white sneakers and functional comforters are celebrated. There is no hustle to look editorially perfect because the life of the average person is not editorial. Normcore is my ticket to a life where excessive effort is completely optional. This aesthetic looks me right in the eye and says, “Relax.”

A Day in My Life of Normcore

My hair is neat and natural, with my God-given curls as unruly as the uncut grass in my yard. My skin is scrubbed clean and moisturized with the same combo of African Black Soap and raw Shea butter I’ve always used. My clothes are second-hand—from 10 years ago—and they feel familiar with the smell of detergent and one of my many perfumes wafting off of them. My coffee is not gourmet—it’s a simple k-cup in my white Yeti mug with cream and sugar. Not wearing the perfect purse, instead, I wear my trusty backpack because I’m a grad student and merely need all of my belongings to be readily available without any hassle.

I walk into the lab and do my experiments, work on my laptop, and make boring little graphs. And at the end of the day, it’s just me, my bed, Netflix, my blog, and an at-home poke bowl (the ingredients of which cost HALF the price of a poke bowl I’d get from an establishment, thank you very much). Good god, I am just MEEEE! And that’s so luxurious to me.

Finding Peace in Normcore

From my second-hand clothes to my simple k-cup coffee, I’ve found a peculiar joy in embracing the ordinary. On several mornings, I revel in the exhaustion of caring just a bit too much before deciding, “Nah, I’m good.” I slip into my well-worn comfort zone, ditching the constant demand to be on-trend. Normcore reminds me that sometimes, the best way to stand out is to stop trying so hard. Let’s be real—nothing says freedom like giving up on the daily aesthetic rat race. The best part is that your normcore may never look like someone else’s, and having an aesthetic that is all your own is the biggest flex in my book.

Normcore isn’t just a trend; it’s my liberation from the exhausting pursuit of trying to be someone else, and it feels pretty f***ing good! I recommend that you embrace your life with the normcore aesthetic every so often! Of course I’d never dog anyone who is wants to embody an aesthetic that makes them feel amazing (I mean…have you SEEN this blog? I’m an aesthetic whore). But every once in a while, I love to embrace the mundane as an aesthetic that’s so unique to myself, and maybe you should, too.

collagen supplements make skin young
Wellness

Collagen: The Glow-Getter’s Secret or Just Hype?

Have you ever caught yourself staring at your reflection and wondered if there’s a secret potion that can turn back the clock? Welcome to the club, darling. Trust me, I’ve tried every concoction under the sun, from snail mucin masks to unicorn tears (okay, maybe not exactly, but you get the drift). All in the pursuit of that elusive, ageless glow.

Enter collagen supplements—the not-so newest darling of the beauty and wellness world. These little magic powders and pills promise to plump up your skin, reduce wrinkles, and give you that fresh-off-a-vacation glow. But do collagen supplements work for skin improvement, or are they just the latest snake oil in a chic white bottle? I will FINALLY reveal whether this should be the very first ingredient in your next matcha latte in this world of collagen craze!

What Is Collagen?

First things first, what exactly is collagen? Think of it as the scaffolding that holds your skin, hair, and nails together. It’s a protein that keeps everything firm, bouncy, and youthful. Naturally, our bodies produce collagen, but as we age (cue the tiny violins), that production slows down. Less collagen means more wrinkles, sagging skin, and joints that sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies. So, the idea of boosting collagen from the inside out is, understandably, wildly appealing.

But here’s the million-dollar question: does ingesting collagen actually translate to smoother, more youthful skin?

The Science Behind Collagen Supplements

So, the science is both intriguing and, dare I say, hopeful. Collagen supplements are usually made from animal or fish by-products and are broken down into peptides for easy absorption. The theory is that these peptides travel through your bloodstream and stimulate your body to produce more collagen, particularly in the skin or other connective tissues like tendons, and ligaments. SO you’ll also feel the effects in your joints!

Some studies suggest that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. A 2014 study published in the journal “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” found that women who took a collagen supplement showed significant improvement in skin elasticity compared to those who took a placebo. And who wouldn’t want more skin elasticity? Elasticity is basically the difference between feeling like a sunkissed goddess and a deflated balloon.

However, these studies often have small sample sizes and are funded by—you guessed it—collagen supplement manufacturers. Skeptics argued that once ingested, collagen is broken down into amino acids, similar to any other protein, and doesn’t necessarily target the skin specifically. They suggest that a balanced diet rich in protein could potentially do the same thing. However, studies have since shown that YEAH! The skin texture, and wrinkles are definitely improved and reduced…respectively.

Real Talk: My Personal Experience

Now, let’s get personal. I decided to take the collagen plunge and test it out for myself. For three months, I religiously mixed collagen powder into my morning smoothies, coffee, stirred it into my tea, and sometimes, when I was feeling wild, added it to my soups. (Don’t knock it till you try it.)

Around week three, I noticed a change. My skin felt plumper and more hydrated. My nails, which normally break like it’s not their job by evolution to be hard and durable (🙄), were stronger and LONG. And that persistent knee pain from tryna shake it like a rednose in my high school days (*ehem*)? Actually gone. It felt like I had discovered the fountain of youth, one scoop at a time.

But I’m not here to sell you dreams wrapped in pretty packaging. While collagen supplements seemed to work wonders for me, the more damage your skin has endured or the older you are, the longer these products will take to work.

Do Collagen Supplements Work for Skin?

So, do collagen supplements actually work for improving skin? The answer is a jubilant “yes…but with some caveats” The science looks promising, but it’s not conclusive. Results can vary significantly from person to person. Some people, like me, may see noticeable differences, while others might not.

If you’re considering collagen supplements, here are a few tips:

  1. Consistency is Key: Don’t expect overnight miracles. It might take a few weeks to see results, so stick with it.
  2. High-Quality Products: Not all collagen supplements are created equal. Look for hydrolyzed collagen (it’s broken down for better absorption) and check for third-party testing.
  3. Balanced Diet: Supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and nutrients that support collagen production, like vitamin C and zinc.
  4. Hydration, Darling: Drink your water. Even the best collagen supplement won’t fix dehydrated skin.

In the end, if you’re curious about collagen supplements, give them a whirl. You might just find that they give you that coveted glow-up. And even if they don’t turn you into a radiant goddess overnight, they’re unlikely to do any harm, provided you choose a reputable product.

So, pop your collagen, apply your SPF, and pray the skin gods have mercy!

Stay glowing, babes!

Beauty

Unmasking the Best Sheet Mask: Silk, Cotton, or Hydrogel for Radiant Skin

Choosing the Right Sheet Mask for You

While I’m not saying that I’ve become somewhat of a sheetmask expertsince before k-beauty because popular….I kind of am. However, since the 2010’s sheet masks have skyrocketed in popularity as an essential component of skincare routines around the globe, keeping your skin moisturized with active ingredients. Among the cornucopia of types like hydrogel, cotton, and silk, selecting the ideal one might seem daunting. However, by examining the unique benefits of each, you can pinpoint your ideal mask match with ease.

Hydrogel Sheet Masks

Firstly, hydrogel masks excel in their adherence to the skin, which ensures that the serum is optimally absorbed. Secondly, they often impart a cooling effect that can be a godsend for soothing irritated skin. Lastly, thanks to their near-invisibility, hydrogel masks are the go-to choice for a selfie while you pamper yourself. Personally, these are my favorite, but using them consistently is a bit pricey, and I opt for these on a once-per-month basis for some extra skincare…and as a treat.

Brand Recommendations:

  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask: This one is really hydrating thanks to its rich hyaluronic acid content, and also a more cost-effective option.
  • Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution: Select this mask to capitalize on its patented aquaxyl technology, which boosts moisture retention. Honestly, this hydrogel mask passes the test for me because it literally makes my skin BOUNCY. And glowy…and basically poreless.

Cotton Sheet Masks

Next, if when choosing the right sheet mask you’re seeking accessibility, cotton masks are ubiquitous and come in a myriad of formulations. They also win in the affordability category, often being less expensive than hydrogel masks. Plus, their soft and familiar cotton material makes them comfortable–like a soft t-shirt. This is my sheet mask of choice. I get the CHEAPEST option I can find as a lot on Amazon, and I use one every single night. With adequate skin cleansing and a sheet mask a day, your skin will be so perfect!

Brand Recommendations:

Silk Sheet Masks

When it comes to gentleness, silk sheet masks are the champions due to their smooth fibers that are kind to sensitive skin. They also boast superior breathability, potentially enhancing the benefits of skincare. To be honest, silk sheet masks are a bit unreal because of how soft they are. They’re delicate–more so than cotton–but they surely feel like a luxurious experience. Silk masks elevate your skincare routine to a sumptuous experience.

Brand Recommendations:

Skincare

Boyfriend Chafe: How to Soothe the Unavoidable Beard-Burn

Experiencing a bit (or a lot, in my case) of discomfort after getting cozy with a bearded partner? You’re not alone—it’s a challenge that our school days never quite prepared us for. But don’t fret; I have the solutions for caring for sensitive skin post-makeout here! Nobody want’s to have to forgo the many beautiful make out sessions awaiting you all because of a little facial hair. So I’ve researched some tips to help my fellow, suffering beard victims!

Above all, you need to maintain soft, well-moisturized skin before and after. To do that, just follow these words of wisdom for managing the aftermath of an affectionate encounter:

Switch Your Cleanser

Ditch your gel cleanser for something cream-based. A creamy cleanser can be far more soothing and adds a touch of hydration that your skin will thank you for. This Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser from CeraVe is the perfect blend of cleansing, moisturizing, and protective of the skin lipid barrier.

Tone Gently

Use a pH-balancing toner rather than one that is astringent in nature. Alcohol and witch hazel, often found in astringents, might aggravate your skin further. Instead, use toners with barrier-protective properties such as ceramides, and peptides. This helps maintain the right level of acidity for defense without tipping into irritation territory. Here, opt for skin care from K-beauty which have more active ingredients and high skin nourishment. Personally, I love the Ginseng Toner from Beauty of Joseon because it calms and soothes the skin of irritation.

Facial Oils

I find that a rich facial oil–either a simple Vitamin E, avocado, flaxseed, evening primrose oil, or a self-made oil/butter blend–are super protective of my skin, and save me from the rush of irritation that I feel after a spicy make out session! Thick creams such as the Egyptian Magic Cream are very hydrating and provide a barrier that might even moisturize your S.O’s beard while you go at it!

Pause on Potent Ingredients

Hold off on using active skincare components like vitamin C, tretinoin, and retinol when your skin is irritated. (The mere thought of applying tretinoin to a beard burn is wince-inducing, but also a mistake that ehm…some people I know have made…!!!) As healing progresses, these ingredients can return to your routine, but for now, they’re best left on the shelf.

Understand the Impact of Hair Length

Familiarize yourself with which beard length your skin can handle. A smidgen of growth can make a significant difference, often being more forgiving than the abrasive stubble of a ‘5 o’clock shadow’. The best length is between 1/8 and 1/4 inches, which tends to be kindest on the skin.

Lip Care is Paramount

Amid all this, don’t neglect your lips. A high-quality lip therapy or balm, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It tastes like nothing and is very, very hydrating; perfect for kissing.

Remember, your amorous adventures shouldn’t come with a side of skin distress. With these tried and true tips, you can indulge in all the affectionate lip-locking you desire, ensuring both you and your skin remain radiant and happy!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links; therefore, I sometimes receive compensation from them.

Style

5 Must-Have Items That You Need to Always Look Put-Together

I religiously find myself at a loss for what to wear…despite my overflowing closet *ahem*, but I’m sure that if you’re here you also are at a loss. You want to look good and feel good without having to put in the brain work. So being the girl’s girl that I am, I’ve compiled a list of 5 must-have items that you need to with these put-together wardrobe essentials!

The Essential Classic White Shirt

There’s an effortless charm about the classic white shirt that makes it indispensable in my wardrobe. It’s the piece I rely on when I need to look put together without any fuss. It’s a comfort on its own, whether it’s the cool, breezy cotton for a day out or the sharp, pristine linen for professional settings. In a well-fitted white shirt, I walk out the door feeling ready, reflecting a quiet kind of confidence that makes me feel invincible in both meetings and the grocery store.

Because of its versatility, it’s lowkey my sartorial Swiss Army knife – it complements every look, adapting

to my day’s roles. With sleeves rolled up paired with my favorite jeans, it’s casual perfection; buttoned up and tucked into tailored trousers, it’s the epitome of professionalism.

The Transformational Well-Fitted Jeans

Jeans are the great equalizer – and finding that perfect pair is no small triumph. They’re my go-to for days when I want to stand out, look good, and yet feel completely at ease. However, they’re also so casual that it’s important to pick a good-looking, well-fitted pair so that you don’t come across as frumpy. The search for jeans that fit like a second skin is definitely worth it – they’re another must in my fashion lineup. It’s even better when you hve a single pair that you keep for years and years because it’s good quality and sturdy (I’m looking at you Wrangler jeans from eBay!). My jeans go with everything and take me anywhere.

They have a unique ability to be dressed up or down, and they’re the base layer of my most creative outfits. Whether I opt for a simple, classic blue, an edgy distressed look, or an elegant dark wash, they’re a reflection of my personal journey, capturing memories and moments along the way.

The Impact of a Statement Accessory

What’s an outfit without a personal stamp? This is where a statement accessory comes in – it’s my secret to turning an ordinary look into a memorable ensemble. Be it a bold watch, a vintage ring, or a pair of sunglasses with character, these items are more than just trinkets; they tie my story together and define my style.

These pieces aren’t just decorative – they’re conversational. They’re how I show off my personality without saying a word, bringing an outfit from simply ‘there’ to authentically ‘me’.

The Classic Pumps: A Symbol of Sophistication

Classic pumps have been a game-changer for me. They strike the perfect balance between style and sophistication and act as a quick upgrade to any outfit. The right pair isn’t just stylish – it’s powerful, giving me an extra boost of poise and self-assurance.

They’re the finishing touch whether I pair them with jeans for an elevated casual look or with a dress for formal affairs. Their versatility is unmatched, and that’s why I make sure to select a pair that speaks to who I am, ready to announce confidently with every step that I’ve arrived.

The Structured Blazer: Your Armor of Elegance

Whenever I put on a structured blazer, it feels like donning a suit of stylish armor. It has a way of making me feel like I’m commanding any room that I step into. It lends an air of authority and polish to my presence. It’s not just about wearing something tailored; it’s about feeling tailored – to the moment, to the meeting, to the impression I want to leave.

A blazer is my smart-casual go-to and sits at the crossroads of practicality and style. It works everywhere – it takes me to that blessed edge of looking too dressed up, but looking so, damned good! It’s how I make sure that even before I speak, I’ve already said a lot about my attention to detail and my sense of style.

Skincare

The Quick Minimalist Skincare Routine for Under $60

I woke up this morning, looked at my skincare and wanted to hurl it out the window. No, it’s not that the products aren’t working for me, nor that I don’t think any of the dozens of skin creams are useless. I just can’t continue with my 400,000-step, snail water-essence-mist-serum-oil-bloodofasacrificiallamb-based routine. It’s enough. Give me soap, give me moisturizer, and give me some damn sunscreen and let me live my life while I’m still young! Unfortunately, when I think about mentioning my newfound disdain for this unnecessarily long process to my equally skincare-conscious friends, I feel like I’m committing a grave sin. But they’ll live *sweats-in-the-heat-of-judgment*. In the meantime, I am in desperate need of the ultimate minimalist skincare routine, and if you’re here, you must be too.

In the midst of whittling down my process, I figured that there must be another poor soul (you) out there in the world who is crying for an equally simple and minimalist skincare routine. To begin, I knew there were a few products I absolutely could not live without: my salicylic acid face wash, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e oil, and sunscreen. I took those four products and searched for the very best of those products. If I’m going to cut down, then I at least have to be using high-results products, right? Right. Funny enough, though, three of these products stayed the same, only one changed…mainly because Garnier Fructis no longer produces their Gelee Cleanser, but that it neither here nor there.

A Really Good Salicylic Acid Cleanser…

If you aren’t already using Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Cleanser, I suggest you start. If you have uber sensitive skin, then I suggest you go for the run-of-the-mill Cetaphil or CeraVe—(they are tried and true and to die for). This cleanser does dry out the skin, but that is why we don’t allow our skin to dry out before moisturizing, right?…..Right?

Layering on the Gooey Goodness…

Top it off with a hyaluronic acid serum. (Please make sure your face and decolletage are still wet. You want to keep the moisture in, not dry out the skin.) The one that I swear by is the Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum by cosmedica. This serum is No. Joke. In most cases, the reason why your skin looks like it has fine lines and is showing premature signs of aging is because it is dry. By using a hyaluronic acid serum, on a freshly washed face, you are slowly training the skin to be more receptive of water, and to retain it. In turn, this plumps out the skin and refreshes your previously prune-like appearance.

Seal In Your Hard Work!

After, use a drop of vitamin e oil. If all you have at home are tablets and you don’t feel like buying a bottle of an oil, that works! If you read my previous article on How to REALLY Shave 4C Hair, then you’ll know that a vitamin e serum is valuable in moisturizing the skin while keeping hyperpigmentation at bay. By applying vitamin e over hyaluronic acid, you are sealing the skin so that all of that water and moisture stays on the skin. I personally love the one by Nature’s Bounty because of the added lemon-citrus scent!

Wait! Don’t Leave the House Without Sunscreen!

Lastly, I top it all off with my favorite sunscreen Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua SPF 50 PA++++. There are several pros—and no cons…well maybe one con—that I must mention for this sunscreen. There is no white cast. Missha sunscreen works so well for all skin types, and makes every complexion look like dolls-skin. It is super moisturizing and extends my morning skincare routine all the way through to the evening. By being PA++++, it prevents any old dark marks on my skin from darkening in the sunlight and keeps my overall complexion smooth and ‘bouncy’ looking. While this product is only 50mL, it has lasted me from August of 2020! And it is currently May of 2021! The one con, however, is that this product always sells out SO fast. *very dramatic sighhhh*

And voila! There is my full, whittled down—but still effective— minimalist skincare routine. I hope my take brings you as much joy, and brilliantly glowing skin, as it has me!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links; therefore, I sometimes receive compensation from them.

Beauty

How to Shave 4C Hair for Perfect Skin!

Why oh why did no one tell me that shaving and woman-scaping would mean a lifetime of trials and tribulations (razor burn, I’m glaring at you!)?! If you’re reading this, then you most likely have the same issue, and sis–I’ve got you. Especially for those with 4C hair, shaving can be a daunting task. I will teach you how to shave for perfect skin and how to shave 4C hair, every time. I’ll also teach you how to get rid of previous, unsightly scarring.

I’ve been shaving since puberty, and it’s been an uphill battle ever since. If you’re anything like me, you nosedived head-first into using those God-awful 3-blade razors, and broke out like a muthafu–. There are a few ways to shave: You can pull a Sinéad O’Connor and go completely bald, or you can opt for a nicely cut lawn. There is also the third option…The Wild (Wo)man’s Bush. If you are part of this 1% of the au naturale, you are elite, and I commend you. However, if you feel like your crotch needs a little help, following these steps to a “T” is essential! This process is one that I developed over the years and currently use myself, and it has proven to be the BEST thing I have ever done for my hair removal regimen.

(Note: the following can be used for the face, underarms, pubic region, legs, arms….the whole body. It works for women, as well as men.)

Step 1: Skin Prep

It is absolutely vital that you prepare your skin before grooming. A failure to properly prepare the skin will lead to the usual inevitable razor burn and scars. To begin, dry-brush the area. Depending on the growth, I use a stiffer or more flexible dry brush. When the hair is longer and thicker, use a stiff dry-brush. When the skin is more exposed, and the hair is finer, use a softer dry-brush. The best item for this job is this double-sided wet/dry brush I got off of Amazon.

Wet and Dry Body Brush

This helps to remove excess layers of deadskin while also releasing some ingrown hairs. When you shave 4C hair, this helps to add an extra layer of exfoliation as the hair grows to prevent skin from forcing the hair to curl. Pro Tip: Regular dry brushing after hair removal can keep ingrown hairs at bay!

Step 2: Hair Removal for 4C Hair for Perfect Skin

PUT DOWN THE RAZOR. Do not even think about using a hair removal cream. When you shave 4C hair, razors an depilatory creams can be the breaking point. If you value the future state of your nether regions, you will do yourself a favor and only wax from now on. The way to remove hair is to not shave at all. Shaving causes the hair to grow back into the skin and cause all sorts of problems, especially if you have naturally curly hair. Personally, I love sugar waxing, but it can get tedious to make because it takes a keen eye to know when the mixture is cooked juuuuust right for that special texture. A great alternative to making it yourself is this pre-made sugar wax.

Sugar Wax Paste

Sugar wax recipes call for the use of lemon juice, so it naturally exoliates the skin as it waxes. However, being that you are waxing anyway, you can also opt for the professional-grade hard-wax. Amazon sells a bunch of kits such as this:

shave 4c hair
At-Home Waxing Kit

There are several waxing hair-removal videos on YouTube.

Step 3: The Crowning Glories!!! After Shaving 4C Hair

Immediately after waxing, you will want to use TendSkin. And let me TELL you, giiiiirrrlll!!!!!!

This product saved my skin. Literally. It improved my strawberry legs after just 2 weeks of regular use. It prevented (!!!) ingrown hairs when I used it morning and night, everyday from the day after hair removal. I cannot stress this enough: if you do not use any other product you MUST use this one. But don’t take my word for it, check out the over 15,000 reviews on Amazon!

Tendskin

Tendskin at the first few uses has a tendency to cause the skin to flake–THIS IS NORMAL! Just use a loofah in the shower, and it should dissipate after 3-5 days. The reason the skin may flake is because one, the product is alcohol based, but two, it also has what we know as aspirin as an ingredient. When combined, these two products act as a mild exfoliant (…an acid). Therefore, it helps to remove hyperpigmentation and the top layer of skin that causes hair to grow into the skin; thereby, preventing ingrown hairs.

Lastly–and this product is solely for hyperpigmentation–Kojie San. Lord have all the mercy, this soap is the bomb!!!! Kojie San is a Korean skincare product that helps with all forms of hyperpigmentation, melasma, textured skin, and even acne. (I never tell anyone that this is the one product that I swear by for perfect skin…but now you know!) I recommend using it every other day because it is a stronger acidic soap, but it also prevents the formation of dark spots, and removes preexisting ones.

Kojie San Soap

Finally, Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a natural antibacterial, and it helps raw skin heal quickly. It also fades scars and leaves skin in a marvelously smooth and glow-y condition. My favorite is this one by Nature’s Bounty. It has lemon oil in it which gives your whole skincare routine a bright smell, while also adding to the scar-fading properties!

Vitamin E Oil by Nature’s Bounty

After you use all of these products, I guarantee you that your skin will be in the best condition it has ever been in your life…since you started shaving, that is!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links; therefore, I sometimes receive compensation from them.

Beauty

3 Miracle Products That Dissolve Sebaceous Filaments

Sebaceous filaments, or sebum plugs, are comprised of dead skin cells, sebum, hair, and bacteria. If they are left to accumulate for too long, it can lead to expanded pores, and saggy, aged skin. However, by routinely dissolving these pesky plugs, you can rescue your pores from eternal damnation. In fact, these 3 miracle products, in conjunction with the *highly recommended* Aztec Clay Mask, will help you to melt sebum plugs, and get smooth, flawless skin.

First, you’ll want to cleanse your skin…

Amazon.com: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | 19 Fl Oz | Daily Face ...
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | 19 Fl Oz | Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin | Fragrance Free

Use this Cera Ve facial cleanser to massage your face in an outward motion. It’s okay to apply a bit of pressure, but you don’t want to tug too much at the skin. While cleansing, use hot water, as this will help to soften the plugs.

Next, use a facial oil to release the sebum plugs.

Amazon.com : DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, 6.7 fl. oz. : Facial ...
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, 6.7 fl. oz.

When you use a facial oil, it dislodges the build up. This means you are essentially plucking each and every one of those bumps out of your pores. DHC Facial Cleanser’s primary ingredient is olive fruit oil. Olive fruit oil moisturizes the skin without clogging pores, but is still strong enough to dissolve sebum plugs.

Rub the oil into your skin for 5 to 10 minutes. At this point, you will start to feel the bumps coming loose. Then, rinse it off! Yes, I said rinse it off. The great part of a facial oil is that it emulsifies into a milky consistency when combined with water. After rinsing, feel free to gently cleanse again, before proceeding on the next step.

Lastly, use a chemical exfoliant.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30ml | SkinStore
The Ordinary Peeling Solution 30ml AHA 30% + BHA 2%

If you haven’t heard of The Ordinary by now…do you live under a rock? This is only *the* chemical exfoliant of the moment. It literally gives you the skin of your dreams. Goodbye dull, lifeless skin, hello radiant plumpness! It’s a very gentle AHA & BHA efoliant. AHA & BHA stand for alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid, respectively. While AHA works on the surface of the skin, BHA is oil soluble, and thus, works deeper in the skin. By incorporation The Ordinary Peeling Solution into your skincare routine, you are ensuring that future oil plug formations are thwarted.

Aaaand one for good luck! Moisturize, darling.

Amazon.com : CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | 12 Ounce | Face ...
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | 12 Ounce | Face & Body Lotion for Dry Skin with Hyaluronic Acid | Fragrance Free

My personal favorite is–once again–by Cera Ve. Cera Ve is an overall gentle brand, and is the perfect choice for sensitive skin. After doing this skin routine, you’ve extracted, cleansed, and peeled your skin to the high heavens hunty! Your skin deserves some TLC. This daily moisturizing lotion is rich with ceramides to protect against irritation, and hyaluronic acid to trap and retain moisture. Its lightweight texture is perfect to prevent your pores from getting reclogged, and enlarged.

Happy extracting, loves!

Skincare

You’re Using the Aztec Bentonite Clay Mask Wrong!

There comes a time in every person’s life where she looks in the mirror and says, “What the f*** happened to my skin?” Your pores are clogged, your skin is dry, and you are currently on the verge of damning the looks department to hell, or actually working on on an extensive skincare regimen. It might take 100 years for you to reach your #skincaregoals, but at least you’ll look poppin’ in your grave! However, what if bentonite clay was the solution to all your problems?

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HRH Queen Phoebe

Luckily, I, your Internet-Fairy Godmother have a fantastic solution to solve your clogged-pore issue: Aztec Bentonite Clay. More specifically, the bentonite clay by Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Usually, you may use a thin layer on their face, or a clumpy mess. Most people do not know that this is wrong! Keep reading to find out how to properly use the bentonite clay mask.

How to PROPERLY Use the Indian Bentonite Clay Mask

A thin layer after cleansing is only sufficient to remove a thin layer of oil from pores. However, the real kicker to full pore extraction–and I do mean FULL–is to then apply a thick layer (roughly 1/4″ thick) afterwards, and allow it to work for 30-60 minutes. Granted, you want to gauge your skin sensitivity. If you cannot leave the mask on for that long, then it is fine to do the recommended 5-10 minutes, once a week. For the rest of you with skin like a bison’s back, let’s go!

The truth is your fave on YouTube is not actually using it correctly. You want to use equal parts water and apple cider vinegar to your powder. The consistency of the mixture should be thick enough to pick up, without falling through your finger tips. There should also be no clumps…none.

When you remove the mask you will physically see all of the sebum plugs popping right out of your skin, yikes! Removing these extractions are now simple–but tedious–steps. Just cleanse, chemically exfoliate oil cleanse, and moisturize. You can check out my article for 3 Miracle Products That Dissolve Sebaceous Filaments for exact products to use!