Category: Beauty

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:

• The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Sheets: Opt for these masks to address a variety of skin concerns with their natural extracts.
• Mediheal Sheet Mask New Essential HERO: Go eco-friendly with these masks, which are drenched in essence from naturally-derived ingredients.

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:

• Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask: This mask marries the opulence of silk with hydrogel technology for a sumptuous skincare experience.
• Dr. Althea Squalane Silk Mask : While not your standard sheet mask, the ingredients in this pure silk mask can aid in locking in moisture throughout the night.

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.

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 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:

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 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.

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!

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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!