By: Clarissa Serna Photos By: Lillian Reitz
Since the age of 16 I have always worked multiple jobs at any given time. One of those “jobs” has always been singing and performing which means hundreds of long workdays followed by late nights with a full face of makeup and a lot of energy. I’ll admit that back then, the quality of my skin wasn’t much of a priority. Most of the time my night routine was a face wipe, and that was on a good day. It wasn’t until my mid-20s when I started to really think about how to care for my skin and prolong its…uhm…youthfulness?
With everything we see being cut, cropped, and photoshopped it’s hard to feel confident with what you’ve got, but please remember this: Beauty is all of you, your confidence, perseverance, humility, and values, every obstacle you’ve overcome and every miracle you have manifested into this world. Beauty is on the inside. It radiates through you. Beauty is aesthetic and it is interpreted uniquely through every single one of us.
Like many of you, my life is insanely busy, stressful, and overwhelming at times. My approach to managing this is to take life in strides, conquering one obstacle at a time and allowing space to enjoy my loved ones and express gratitude for all of these blessings. Self-care is important and it can be difficult to find balance in a world that is so fast-paced. Although my workout routine has changed drastically since my younger years, I still keep it on my priority list as a staple in maintaining mental and physical health. As much as we all appreciate great skin and a tight booty, I believe that inner beauty is most important. The way we treat one another, inspire and lift others up is most important to the legacy we leave behind. As I move into an even busier chapter in my life, renovating and moving into our first home and growing our family, I will strive to keep self-care as a priority and to love myself and my body through all of its seasons.
PRODUCTS & TIPS:
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion
Keeping your skin moisturized is crucial. As we age, we lose the collagen in our skin and things begin to sag, discolor, and wrinkle. And while that’s okay, there are a few things we can do to slow down that process. In addition to drinking as much water as humanly possible on a daily basis, I’ve retired the super scented Bath and Body works and added this skin focused moisture routine. Immediately after the shower I apply this lotion. It’s enriched with vitamins E and B5 and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. Remember to apply every night to hands and feet. It is a total game changer.
Available at H-E-B
Elta MD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44
I LIVE for this product! Thanks to J-Lo I have made SPF a priority. I’ve tried countless brands of SPF products for the face and would break out or have this weird white film left over. This tinted moisturizing sunscreen is so gentle. It also contains hyaluronic acid (a skin care must-have), zinc oxide, UVA/UVB protection and the perfect amount of tint for my liking. YOU MUST WEAR SUN SCREEN IN SOUTH TEXAS!
Available at Halcyon Med Spa
St Peter Thomas Roth Eye Patches
I absolutely love these for a nighttime facial but realized they might better serve their purpose in the morning before an important makeup day. They are a great jumpstart for the eye area.
Available at Sephora
MAC Mineralized Powder
I worked at MAC for 6 years and was elated when they released this product. Its formula has only gotten better over the years. It melts to the skin, looks natural and has great coverage. Because it’s mineralized, it’s perfect for setting makeup and can be used wet or dry.
Available at MAC Cosmetics
CBD + Nature Radiant Face
This product is a cannabidiol infused serum with botanical and essential oils. Its lengthy list of natural ingredients claim to help all skin types, but especially those with rosacea, oily skin, and scars. It’s become a staple in my nighttime routine. It absorbs well into my skin after a shower and moisturizes without leaving an oily feel. I’m going to keep this one around for a while.
Available at Halcyon Med Spa
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
I’ve gone through a handful of eye creams since my skin care journey began and this is one I keep coming back to. A little bit goes a long way. This cream is ultra-moisturizing, but doesn’t interfere with makeup application. Check out the key ingredients if you really want your mind blown. For me it’s about results and whatever mukurossi and gambir are…they’re keeping my eyes looking fresh for TV and confident in my own skin!
Available at Sephora
Shiseido Wrinkle Resist 24 Day Emulsion
This day cream is lightweight and quickly absorbs into the skin. I love the fragrance of the product as well. I appreciate the SPF although I have that covered with my Elta MD. It just makes my skin feel good and comes in a pretty large serving.
Available at Sephora
Cerave Vitamin C
I can appreciate a good over-the-counter skin care product and brands like Cerave and Lubriderm always deliver. Vitamin C is another essential for brightening and protecting the skin. This is a lightweight serum that has all the bang for bucks and a little bit goes a long way.
Available at H-E-B
A Good Lash Curler
I honestly don’t even know how many years I’ve had this curler which says a lot. Remember to always curl at the base, middle, and tip of naked lashes and don’t squeeze too hard.
Available at Sephora
The Falsies Mascara paired with Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara
Every girl knows that the real holy grail for good lashes is finding the perfect combo of mascaras that harmoniously join forces to give you the most bodacious lash achievable. We all look for something that doesn’t flake and helps keep the lashes curled. Here is my magic combo. Start with the Falsies and Finish with Colossal. They both have curved brushes which I feel enhances the curl and helps comb through your lashes with ease. Both are pretty water-resistant and leave a beautiful soft lash.
Available at H-E-B
Good Lashes
If you’re still reading this, you deserve a treat. Here ya go: Babe Lash and Lash Boost Lash Growth Serum have been game changers for my lashes. They do leave your eyes a bit dry and itchy when you first wake up, but the double natural lash volume is totally worth it. Use it religiously and you’ll get results. You’re welcome.
Available at Halcyon Med Spa
Notepad
Last but certainly not least: the notepad. Cell phones are cool but for me there’s something about writing things down that really changes the way I process thoughts and emotions. Although I don’t journal as much as I’d like to, I do love pouring my heart out in lyrics when I’m feeling some type of way. I also enjoy making to-do lists and the gratification of crossing things off when I’m finished. I jot down inspiration and notes that are meaningful every time I come across them even if it’s years later…almost like a time machine. Plus the screen won’t crack if you drop it so that’s cool.