By: Katie Urban Photo By: Rachel Benavides
I am the wife to an irreplaceable man and the mother of four creative, brave, intelligent, and strong young ladies. These days, I am a very busy being the CHO (Chief Home Officer) to my lovely family. Before I took this position, I was a professional makeup artist and successful manager to a large sales team.
Since 1997, I have loved helping women not only look but feel their best; bringing out their inner light to shine and teaching them how to create a flawless finish with a youthful glow. When a woman looks in the mirror and loves what she sees, it ignites a feeling in her heart and mind that she carries with her everywhere she goes. It is contagious to everyone she reaches, and they just cannot help but feel the same way. To me, beauty shines from deep within and it is important to take care of yourself to shine your brightest – inner beauty shines brighter than the brightest star in the sky.
There are a few self-care practices I like to implement on a regular basis that have nothing to do with an actual beauty product. Prayer is a big one. We all have challenges throughout our lives, but it is by the grace of God that I have this beautiful life. It is important to me to remember that. I make sure I have my energy flowing so I can think clearly and calmly. To make this happen I do an energy exercise called Donna Eden’s Daily Energy Routine, which you can find on YouTube. She is a little corny at first, but once you do it for a while, you will just love her. Playing music that makes me want to get up and dance, keeping my self-talk in check and choosing the words I say to myself wisely (create mantras for yourself and repeat them daily!), tapping my troubles away with an app called The Tapping Solution, and smiling every chance I get. These are all ways I keep my well-being in mind and put myself first.
When it comes to actual beauty products, I feel it is important to educate yourself on ingredients. Our skin is our largest organ, and it works like a sponge, soaking up everything we put on it. When it comes to skincare and makeup, I am like a kid in a candy store, but I’ve narrowed down my favorites to a few top products for you here.
CounterTime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil
This stuff lasts forever! It cleans the skin without stripping it and breaks down makeup easily. Cleansing oils are a little different than traditional cleansers because you apply them to the face first and then add water. I like to use a facial sponge with mine.
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Appearus Compressed Facial Sponge
These are great for a gentle exfoliation every day and do an amazing job with the cleaning process. Clean, exfoliated skin equals minimal pores. Who would not want tiny pores? I use one sponge a week.
Available at appearus.com
Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Put dullness to bed and wake up with glowing skin! This leave-on peel contains AHA/BHAs that improve your skin texture and boost its clarity without irritation or over-drying. I apply it 3 nights a week after I tone my skin then continue with routine. It is a game-changer.
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Counter+ No.2 Plumping Face Oil
I love this face oil! Smoother, softer, and firmer skin that smells like a jasmine dream … yes, please!
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
I have always felt it was important to have a good neck cream, but now in my 40s, I know it’s vital. I like it so much I always have a backup, so I never have to miss a night of using it. Goodbye, crepey skin, fine lines, and wrinkles … hello, tighter, smoother neck.
Available at Vibrant Med Spa
Skin Twin Creamy Concealer
This is a new product, and I am so lovin’ it. It gives great coverage and creates a brighter-looking complexion. It is buildable without looking layered-on and heavy.
Available at beautycounter.com/katieurban
Secret Camouflage
I have been using this face concealer for more than 20 years and it is still the best one around. I do not recommend under the eyes – it will crease – but it is perfect for imperfections on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It will cover anything. I recommend putting it on over foundation/tinted moisturizer with the secret camo brush and setting it with powder for optimal results.
Available at Laura Mercier
Surratt Eyebrow Pencil
This brow pencil has been rocking my world since last December, and I am so glad it found me. It goes on smooth, stays on all day, looks natural and does not smear. Easy to use with its tiny tip that allows you to define your brows with a hair-by-hair precision. Bonus: They put a brush on the other end to lightly blend the product.
Available at Surratt Beauty
Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner
Intense liner with no smudges. I recommend using black, and I teach my clients how to create a tightline by applying your liner underneath the root of the upper lashline and wiggling the liner pencil between the individual lashes. Reapply to add intensity. This will create a fuller-looking lash and define the eyes without looking like you are wearing liner. Step one of sexy eyes.
Available at Thrive Causemetics
Surratt Eyelash Curler
This curler gives you a strong bend that looks natural. It is the perfect amount of curl, and the last thing I do in my makeup routine. Use it once your lashes have completely dried – and make sure your curler has no residue from previous days or it will stick. Believe me, you do not want that. The no-lash look is not a good look.
Available at Surratt Beauty
Sugar
It makes the best exfoliator you will ever use; your skin will thank you. Not only will it glow like it never has, it will give your skin the ability to better absorb your skincare. Light reflects best off a smooth surface. So, bring on the sugar. Mix a tablespoon with your cleanser and exfoliate away. I like to keep some in my shower in an airtight container. It’s great for your body, too.
Pixie Plump Face Sheets
Every time I use one of these, I am guaranteed a compliment on my skin from a total stranger. They are easy to use and have a ton of extra serum in the packet, so I use it daily till it’s gone. Cheers to plump skin!
Available at Target
Kate McLeod Body Stone
This is a solid body cream, and I am addicted thanks to my friend Tricia. My skin felt amazing! I used hers once and immediately ordered it. It provides the perfect amount of moisture. My favorite scent is the rose, frankincense, and neroli blend. It makes me feel so feminine.
Available at Kate McLeod
Morpheus8
So, skincare is helpful and effective, but skincare alone does not cut it; I am so grateful for modern technology. Every year, our natural aging process slows down cell rejuvenation and our body produces less and less collagen. Kickstart the anti-aging process by using this safe and effective, minimally invasive, RF Microneedling solution for collagen remodeling. It helps tighten aging skin as well as repair damaged tissue. This is the key to youthful skin! It can be used anywhere on the body. For me, my top priority was face, neck and décolleté. I have noticed a huge difference in my elasticity and my skin feels so good. Once optimal firmness is achieved, which is usually reached after 3 treatments, a once-a-year maintenance treatment is recommended.
Available at Vibrant Med Spa