Skincare Archives - Economy of Style

economyofstyle September 16, 2020

The Masked Face Makeup Basics I Swear By

One thing’s for sure, I’ve saved a lot on makeup in the past few months. I never wear lipstick. It’s rare that I wear a full face of foundation. I could go on. There are a few items, though, that have become more essential in my beauty routine since we’ve acquired a new accessory–the protective face mask. I have my masked face makeup routine down, y’all.

A key item in my current routine is mascara, so I thought I’d alert you to the Beauty Brands Lash Bash Sale. I partnered with them to promote the campaign on my social channels, but the sale is so good, you ought to know about it too. Big brand mascaras are marked down by 60%!

I’m sporting my masked face routine in these images I shot at my local Beauty Brands store. All I’m wearing is concealer, brow liner/gel, eyeliner, mascara, and a lash. I’ll list my go-to products and shades below:

Masked Face Makeup

Spot concealer: Mac Studi0 Finish Concealer(NC50)

Under-eye concealer for highlighting: Nars Radiant Creamy (Walnut)

Brow liner: Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil (Shade 4)

Brow gel: Benefit Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel (Shade 4)

Mascara: I rotate these faves UD Lash Freak, Too Faced Better Than Sex, UD Perversion

Eyeliner: UD liquid liner or UD Pencil

Lashes: Kiss Lashes

When I wear eyeshadow, my go-to palette right now is Juvia’s Place The Chocolates

Since I haven’t been wearing a lot of makeup, I’ve been even more committed to skincare. I believe I shared some of the Murad products I’ve been loving this year. My skin has been glowing, and I’m certain those products have been contributing to that. I’ve linked them in the widget below. Gosh, the serum is pricey, but I’ve restocked twice already this year because it’s worth it.

Masked Face Makeup Essentials

economyofstyle March 17, 2020

Skincare In The Days Of A Pandemic

It’s such a trying time for our world right now. Covid-19, now a pandemic, is not only disrupting lives and livelihoods but also taking lives. My heart goes out to you all because loss can have such a lasting hold. It’s been hard to proceed with business as usual. So, I thought I would check in today and share a few of things I’m doing to achieve a sense of calm amid the chaos that’s largely out of our control.

Last fall, I met an aesthetician and the founder of the skincare company, SoapLife360. I was so intrigued by her view of skincare as an important ritual not simply a regimen. On most days, I just go through the motions to make sure my skin gets what it needs. In times like we’re facing right now, though, I have a special appreciation for her slow, mindful approach. And, I can literally feel a shift in my vibe by starting and ending my days with a skincare ritual.

In today’s post, I want to highlight a couple sets I’m loving right now from SoapLife360. And, I got coupon codes if you find something you could use from the company as well.

Coupon Codes:

EOS15 – 15% off your entire purchase

RITUAL20 –20% off a 360 Cleansing Ritual Beauty Set

I’m especially fond of this Calm Set because it comes with 2 bars of soap that’ll cleanse away viruses without stripping your skin. No matter your skin type, you’ll love the handcrafted natural soaps and the nourishing body butter in this set. It even comes with a bonus soap dish (for a limited time). Simple clean ingredients that get the job done. That’s what you get with SoapLife360. By the way, this set is only $28 (before my coupon code).

Another favorite is the beauty set, featuring a Vogue Beauty Editor must-have, Aloe Mist (seen before here). Whether you need to reduce acne and blemishes, attain a glowing complexion, support collagen production, or restore you skin’s moisture barrier, this system can get it done. Also, we may not be doing much traveling now, but the set includes products in perfect TSA-approved sizes so we can take them anywhere we go.

I’ve been using this set exclusively since early February. Get this? That is my bare face below! I have dry, sensitive, hyperactive skin, so I follow the site’s recommended ritual for me. Want to know what your skin needs, check out all the recommendations here.

If you’re interested in making the clean beauty switch or simply want to expand your clean beauty favorites, I recommend SoapLife360. If you’re looking for ways to keep calm while loving your skin, follow @SoapLife360 on Instagram for insightful tips and video demonstrations.

This post is not sponsored. I did, however, receive my products free of charge for editorial purposes.

economyofstyle February 27, 2020

Starting My Laser Hair Removal Journey As A Black Woman

This post is sponsored by Milan Laser Hair Removal.

Lasers aren’t for you. Lasers aren’t for you. I’ve heard that so often. As a black woman with hyperactive skin, I’ve been curious about laser hair removal as an alternative to waxing. But, I always hesitated because some laser technology is simply not sophisticated enough for dark skin. So, from hyperpigmentation to scarring, the possibilities of side effects for dark skin scared me away. But, after my visit to Milan Laser Hair Removal, I learned quickly that there were safe and effective options for me after all.

Milan Laser Hair Removal Consultation

Last November, I walked into a Milan Laser Hair Removal consultation with a long list of questions. I threw question after question at the manager, interrogation style. She didn’t even flinch. Instead, one-by-one, her answers put me at ease. For one, all laser treatments at Milan are provided by medical professionals. And, the best news? The laser technology used is precise enough to target the hair follicle on the darkest skin tones.

My First Laser Hair Removal Procedure

My response? Sign me up! Seriously, I walked in just for a consultation and went straight into an underarm laser treatment. I felt especially confident at the Brentwood Milan Laser location because of Abby, the medical professional on site. She has a background in dermatology, and her competence is so evident. She’s quick too, making the process a breeze.

Laser Hair Removal Progress

I’ve been doing laser treatments every 5 weeks since that first session. I feel like I am basically hair-free under my arms and an added bonus is the way it seems like the skin doesn’t appear shadowed anymore from the irritation or stubble that comes with shaving.

Special Offer

I’m giving you a glimpse into how quick and easy the process is in this video. I’ve also enjoyed the benefits so much that I’m tackling my bikini line next. Stay tuned for updates on my journey. And, of course, if you’re even contemplating laser hair removal, I highly recommend Milan Laser Hair Removal. Schedule a consultation. You’d be surprised how much more affordable this method can be. As an added incentive, if you use the code Psyche60, you can get 60% off any Unlimited Package at any Milan location in the country. Can’t beat that!

economyofstyle February 5, 2020

How Technology Is Helping Me Prioritize My Health This Year

This post is sponsored by SSM Health virtual visits. Find out more here.

Last year was a tough year for me healthwise. In June, I found out that I had to have an emergency surgery followed by an almost 2 month recovery time (read my surgery story here). It turned my world upside down. So, going into this new year, I recommitted to making my health a top priority by leaving no concerns, no matter how small, unchecked. But, let’s face it, it can be challenging to see a doctor right when you need to because their calendars get filled so quickly. That’s why I’m so thrilled to have discovered SSM Health virtual visits. This service makes meeting my health goals convenient and accessible.

SSM Health virtual visits is a service that connects you with trusted SSM Health providers via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The service is available all week long (9 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday). Allergies flaring up? Sinus infection? Miserable cold? The virtual service is a go-to for non-urgent medical concerns like these. And, the best part? The service costs a flat fee of $25. That’s lower than my copay, y’all.

How To Get Started With A SSM Health Virtual Visit

Want to see how easy it easy to start a virtual visit? From your computer, tablet, or smartphone, visit the SSM Health site here. You’ll be asked to register and then indicate the reason for your visit.

Breaking down your concern is easy and streamlined as well. You’d simply respond to a dynamic questionnaire that asks the same questions you’d get in an in-person office visit.

Now, get this. Usually within 15 minutes (and always less than an hour), a trusted SSM health provider responds via video visit or phone call to discuss treatment. If medications are needed, a prescription is sent directly to your chosen pharmacy.

My Favorite Features

Did I mention that this service costs a flat fee of $25? That fee is lower than my copay for most services, making it an easy choice for things like my eye allergies and hyperactive skin. I also love that during operating hours, I can receive care as soon as I need it. And, I’d always prefer to be video chatting with a health provider from the comfort of my home than sitting in a super cold and crowded office.

You all were so responsive to my health journey last year. So, I simply had to share this amazing service (explore it here) that’s helping me this year.

Find out how SSM Health virtual visits might benefit you and your family by going here.

Related: Technology and Fitness Goals.

economyofstyle February 8, 2019

The Most Important Thing I Added To My Skincare Routine

This post is sponsored by Lexli.

I get so tickled when I receive compliments about my skin. Words like “glowing” get me every time. The truth is I have problem skin. It’s dry and eczema-prone. And, contact allergies? I have a laundry list of ingredients I have to avoid. The upside of all this is I’ve always had to take skincare seriously. 40 years old and all, my skin is thriving because of my intentional routine.

This year, I added something new to my routine, and it has drastically improved the look and feel of my skin. For just over a month, I’ve been using the Lexli AloeGlyC® glycolic acid exfoliator. Y’all, it’s a game changer.

Lexli Aloe Based Skin Care Products

Lexli, a premier line of Aloe skin care products, was created by Dr Ahmed Abdullah. When Dr. Abdullah, a board certified plastic surgeon, couldn’t find products to recommend to his clients, he created Lexli. He wanted a line that used pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera and advanced active ingredients proven to improve a variety of skin conditions.

I was excited to try Lexli because pharmaceutical-grade aloe (free from impurities) is central to all its formulations. Having grown up on an island with aloe plants in my backyard, I grew to trust the aloe plant for its healing, calming, and antimicrobial properties.

To put these products to the test, I tried Lexli aloe based skin care products exclusively. I got the Lexli Anti Aging Kit, which includes a cleansing lotion, exfoliator, serum, eye cream, daytime moisturizer, and night cream. I’m cutting no corners when it comes to my skin in 2019. Almost immediately, I knew the Lexli AloeGlyC® glycolic acid exfoliator was extra special.

Exfoliating with Lexli AloeGlyC®

I hear all the time that exfoliating is important. But, if you’re like me and find most physical exfoliants too irritating, you’ve probably avoided exfoliating. Furthermore, as a woman of color, professional chemical peels could be harsh when not done properly. Besides, they’re expensive. Enter, the AloeGlyC®, a chemical exfoliant with a similar pH to chemical peels, minus the risk of burns.

I used the product at night before applying my nighttime moisturizer. The next day my skin was notably brighter. Over a month later, I even think the lines on my forehead are less pronounced. During the winter, I usually get awful dry patches on my face no matter how much I moisturize. I’m confident that using the exfoliator, followed by the serum, and moisturizer has addressed my dryness. Now, getting glam with makeup is such a breeze.

If your skincare routine needs a refresh, try this powerful exfoliator. If you decide to try the line, use the code ECONOMYOFSTYLE20 for 20% off (valid until February 28).