Kirby Tello’s Go To Wellness Tips

By: Kirby Tello  Photos by: Lillian Reitz

I am a writer, marketing professional, and part owner of a nonprofit organization. My most recent job title, however, is “mother” – the role of which I am most terrified and which I am most honored to accept. I have two speeds: go go go and no no no. Meaning, I am a huge homebody, and when I am home, the world is essentially shut off. Over the years, my beauty routine has gotten smaller and smaller for lack of time and lack of interest in fussing around with a ton of products. However, after I turned 30 (I am now 33 years old), I began to realize some changes in my skin that meant I could no longer keep scaling product usage down. My skin went from normal to oily in my 20s to very dry and sensitive, thus creating more oil, in my 30s. 

I have never been one to wear a lot of makeup, mostly because I am never sure if I am doing it right. And quite honestly, I see how much joy it brings so many people to do their face for the day, and I have never been able to grasp that joy with makeup. However, I do find skincare absolutely delightful, and have made a point to create a daytime and nighttime regimen that not only gives my skin the nutrients it needs, but also makes my mind feel clear and my soul feel happy and settled. 

Beauty and self-care are so important to me. I do not always feel that I have the time to indulge in either, especially now being a mom to a little girl. But since I do have a little girl, I think it is important to be an example for her for what self-care looks like and how essential it is for women to prioritize their needs. It will forever be a work in progress, but with my daughter’s lens uniquely focused on me, I do my best to exude beauty, self-care, and body positivity.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

This is one of three facial cleansers I use in rotation. Since my skin has shifted from oily to dry and back again, I have to be careful not to use cleansers that have alcohol in them. This product is really great about not stripping the skin of all of its oils. Seems counterintuitive for the end result I am trying to achieve, but I was basically “today years old” when I discovered that the drier the skin, the heavier the oil production. Cetaphil probably gets the most love of the three these days, but especially in the winter. Now that summer is here, I will add a cleanser that has more of a squeaky-clean feeling.

Product available at Ulta

Liquid Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Gentle Facial Cleanser with Glycerin, Hypoallergenic & Oil-Free Mild Face Wash

Number two in the face cleansing rotation. Oldie but a goodie. I have used Neutrogena products since high school, and they are foolproof, no-fuss products that get the job done.

Product available at H-E-B

St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub Green Tea

Blackheads and I have a history. I keep trying to break up with them, but they love them some me. In addition to periodic facials with extractions, I use this product to ward off blackheads in between professional treatments.

Product available at H-E-B

Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum +Vitamin C

I finally jumped on the serum bandwagon. When I got pregnant last year, I really noticed a difference in the integrity of my skin. I was looking to gain back a more even and brighter skin tone while putting moisture and nutrients back into my pores. I came across Eva Naturals on Amazon and scoured through reviews to make sure it was a good product for my skin type. I have been using this serum for close to a year now, and really could not be happier. Not only does it work to hydrate the skin, I also love the ritual of applying it. It is so soothing and smells yummy.

Product available on Eva Naturals

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, Cherry Me

A girl cannot walk around town kicking butt and taking names with chapped lips. I use Maybelline’s Baby Lips in “Cherry Me,” which has a reddish tint to provide a little color while moisturizing my pout.

Product available at H-E-B 

Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask & Burt’s Bees Hydrating Sheet Mask

Here is where the self-care really kicks in. Applying a single-use sheet mask before bed is just delightful. Whenever I am at H-E-B I snag a few of these and save them for when I need a little boost of relaxation. And for just around three bucks, it is a small indulgence that has a major impact for perking up my mood.

Product available at H-E-B 

Cleanlogic Exfoliating Stretch Bath & Shower Gloves

There is a feeling of being clean and then there is being CLEAN. These gloves do the latter. Plus, they ensure that my body gets exfoliated on a daily basis without having to use an additional product, so it saves me some much-needed time.

Product available at H-E-B (2 pair)

NIVEA FOR MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm

This is my secret weapon. If you have oily skin and are in need of a moisturizer that does not make your skin oilier, post shave balm is it! It is very lightweight and absorbs quickly into our pores without clogging them. For the hot and humid weather we get on the coast, this product is a lifesaver. (Note: If you live with a man, he will start to use this product and assume he purchased it for himself. Therefore, just buy two and hide yours somewhere safe.)

Product available at H-E-B