5.21.20

Get ready for the ultimate quarantine facial!

The current outbreak of the Corona Virus has the world on high alert and the bombardment of information and conversation can be stressful and overwhelming. While it’s important to be in the know, it’s also important to disconnect and recenter yourself: a golden girl like you deserves a beauty break. In fact, you can use this time to try new things!

This week we’re focusing on skincare brands that will set you up for the perfect facial. Facials can be simple and to-the-point or luxurious and layered depending on your needs, skin type, and preferences.  

Here are some great products developed by men and women of color for each of the key steps.

STEP 1: Cleanse. 
You need to start with a fresh base. This means removing all the dirt, makeup and oil to prepare your skin to better absorb the products in the next steps.

TRY: Epara Cleansing Lotion 
 This silky smooth cleanser softens and moisturizes the skin while removing make-up and impurities. Plant extracts and botanical brightener target imperfections and even skin tone, leaving the skin nourished.

STEP 2: Exfoliate.
Some people are afraid of exfoliating because they think it can be harsh on the skin, but it doesn’t have to be! This is an important step that helps to remove dead skin leaving it super soft, bonus – it can even out your skin tone as well.

TRY: Skin Buttr Hydra Exfoliator
This nourishing exfoliator removes the dead Layer of skin and helps to remove imperfections and reduce fine lines. Made with Jojoba and Meadowfoam Oils, skin emerges softer, smoother and clearer.

STEP 3: Tone It Up.
There are tons of different toners depending on your specific needs – but in general toners help to balance out the PH levels of your skin, while removing excess dirt to refresh and moisturize the skin.   

TRY: Itadi Toner
The cool thing about this toner is that it comes in a mist format vs. the usual squeeze and pour from other toners, making it super easy to use. Releasing a soothing mist, this formula is made with coffee berry to reduce and prevent visible signs of aging and Aloe Vera to help exfoliate the skin and make it smoother.

STEP 4:  The Mask.
This is our favorite step in the routine! It’s probably the most relaxing part of the regimen. Any good mask will cover and saturate your skin for deep penetration to firm, hydrate, and or brighten your skin.  We suggest pairing this step with an herbal tea or a glass of your favorite wine and prepare to soak in some R&R.

TRY: Foxie Watermelon Green Tea Mask
This mask has all the good stuff your skin needs to bring it back to life: Watermelon extract, Fruit Enzymes, Saccharide, Aloe Vera, and Green Tea. Head over to their website for the full deets but in a nutshell it does it all – exfoliates, hydrates, soothes, protects and radiates your skin.

STEP 5:  Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The last step in our recommended routine. After you’ve taken your skin through this solid regimen, you want to end on an extra positive note. Regardless of your skin type, you need to hydrate (again and again!).  Depending on what your skin needs, we recommend using a serum or oil and then layer on with a moisturizer as well.

TRY: Kama Ayurveda Organic Sweet Almond Oil
A natural, organic, lightweight oil treatment that hydrates and smoothes. Rich in Vitamins A & E, it nourishes and improves your complexion to revive its natural glow. Bonus – it’s great for dark circles, spots, and marks and can be used on even sensitive skin.

TRY: Sabbatical Beauty Camel Milk Cream 
This moisturizing cream is packed with some serious skin loving ingredients. Made with Shea Butter, Panthenol and 48% Camel Milk, an ingredient rich in natural AHAs, iron, and Vitamin D & C.  In addition to intensely moisturizing, it also helps to brighten and even skin tone, calm irritated skin, and is great for anti-aging concerns.