Current beauty, wellness & mental health Favorites
The change of seasons has also brought lots of other change this year - moving for the second time this year, becoming an auntie, and nearing one year of marriage. Sharing all my current self care favorites that make me feel most like myself & help remind me to slow down and soak up this moment!
everyday skincare
Starting with AM routine on top left then evening 1 in top R, evening 2 in bottom L, evening 3 in bottom R
I’ve been following skin cycling for about 4 years now & it works so well for my skin! Skin cycling is essentially a method that involves alternating the use of active ingredients (like chemical exfoliants & retinols) to maximize the benefits of each product without causing irritation. I alternate products every night for 3 nights, then repeat the cycle. My skin is super sensitive so it has been so nice finding a routine that includes products with active ingredients without redness, irritations, and breakouts. My routine is as follows:
Morning: cleanse with water, ice roll/apply ice, gentle moisturizer (La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide), sunscreen (Neutrogena Clear Skin 50 spf for everyday, or Elta MD Tinted Sunscreen if I want some coverage)
Evening 1: gentle cleanse (La Roche-Posay Hydrating Cleanser), chemical exfoliant (Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant), gentle mouisturizer
Evening 2: gentle cleanse, retinol (U Beauty Resurfacing Compound), gentle mouisturizer
Evening 3: gentle cleanse, hyaluronic acid (The Ordinary), deep hydration moisturizer (Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask)
** between teaching classes/workouts I love the Tower 28 SOS rescue antimicrobial spray, but want to try the Magic Molecule spray too since I’ve heard good things! On the lips I like to keep it simple & use Aquafor.
Self care splurgeS
Getting a facial is so relaxing & feels ultra-luxurious. I aim for quarterly facials, as my skin calls for a deep cleanse, extractions, and a glowy refresh every few months. I loveeeee dermaplaning (essentially shaving peach fuzz and dead skin off the face) as it makes my skin feel so soft & glowy, plus my products feel like they sink in so much better. I’ve been going to Emily at SeaFae Skin in downtown west palm for nearly 5 years and I could not recommend enough! The entire experience is so peaceful - vibes are exquisite (i nearly fall asleep every time) and I always leave feeling so clean and glowy.
I get the classic facial which includes a deep cleanse, extractions, a chemical exfoliant, hyaluronic acid & facial massage, a hydrating mask, red/blue light therapy and spf!
Another self care splurge is taking workout classes! As an instructor it can be really hard to make time to go to classes, but I’ve been trying to prioritize it in order to minimize burnout and make sure I’m pouring back into my own cup so I can show up best for others. I love that platforms like ClassPass exist, which makes it so easy to pop into classes at different studios for affordable rates.
As of late I’ve really been loving taking yoga classes again - I used to be all about super hot/power vinyasa classes and although I do crave that still, I’m really into slower paced/gentle yoga these days as I feel so refreshed & calm afterwards. With teaching lots of mat pilates, I find that my body craves restful and nourishing movement rather than intense workouts, and listening to my body has made me feel really cared for.
Affordable favorites
For simple & affordable mental health - I love reading, walking outside/spending time in nature/gardening, putting effort into cooking, stretching & medidating/havingintentional quiet time.
I’m still reading The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma- it’s a motivating read that has caused me to reflect a lot on where I spend my time/energy, and how that directly relates to the direction I’m going in life. In times of chaos (which I’m currently in as we’re moving homes in 2 weeks), I’m really craving more meditation. I’ve been enjoying putting my headphones on and playing a breathwork meditation on youtube (helps me zone in/reduces noise distraction). I love Yoga with Adriene, Melissa Wood Health and Joe Dispenza.