Beauty Diaries: My Skin Secrets
Image: Forbes
Skincare seems to be the topic of concern for so many people these days. I mean, of course it was before, but now with the days of being on zoom and IG all the time, EVERYONE is paying more attention and getting more obsessed with what they look like on screen (Present company included).
I’ve spent the past few months perfecting my routine and think I’ve finally found what is working for me. Since I put this to a vote on insta polls—Voila! I am sharing my skin secrets with you.
For those of you who are new to my blog, I only recommend things I actually use and like, so everything on here has been used and approved by me. And for those of you wondering why you should take any beauty tips from me, I will just say I wish I was 20 something, or even 30 something AND I have not gotten any plastic surgery, so I have to be doing something right :)
MUST TREATMENT: THE BEAUTY SANDWICH
Ok, I have to admit I was a skeptic at first. I mean, there is no literature on the website since it is mostly word of mouth and and a majority of his clients are celebrities and supermodels. Don’t get me wrong, I WANT to look like a celebrity and a supermodel, but also know they have more access to other things that supplement their beauty routines, that I may not have. So, after much research and my new thing of “just saying yes”, I bit the bullet and did it. And let me tell you, it is WAY BETTER than Botox IMHO. I have never wanted to get botox or anything invasive, and now I feel like don’t have to.
The Beauty Sandwich is a non invasive treatment that uses heat and electricity to stimulate collagen production without the use of chemicals. Love that the process focuses on sculpting your natural contours, while diminishing redness and lines. It was honestly one of the easiest treatments I have done and less painful than a facial!
I am forever indebted to Iván Pol and his magical rod and trademarked beauty treatment. I walked out of there not only looking better than I did when I walked in, but also feeling happier. It’s been 14+ days later and my skin is still in great shape—it feels softer when I touch it, firmer and looks better overall. I actually like looking in the mirror now and maybe am looking too much! I will admit it does have a hefty price tag, but honestly if you can afford it, it’s worth it. If you won’t invest in yourself, who will?
Pro-Tip: Follow Ivan’s IG to see if he when he does his next pop up in NYC, Paris, Miami or LA
MUST MICELLAR: SON & PARK
Image Source: Sun Kissed Blush
Fact: I do not let water touch my face unless I wash my hair myself or I’m in the ocean/pool. Unless you are bathing in bottled water, you are stripping your skin because let’s face it, the water that comes out of our faucets is harsher than hell. I started this practice YEARS ago when I was still working in Beauty. Didn’t learn it from my job—was just a little experiment. My skin improved drastically and I still remember one of my makeup artists commenting how good my skin was looking and he asked what I did. I replied, “I stopped washing my face with water” I think he was shocked/grossed out at first, but impressed regardless. Though there are many micellar waters out there, I highly recommend Son & Park Beauty Water—it cleans, exfoliates, hydrates and tones. I discovered this on my beauty shop in Korea and am so happy that I can get it on Amazon in the states!
MUST MISTS: LA MER & AVENE
I always start with a mist after I cleanse just so my skin can start the rehydration process. Right now I’m using the La Mer Mist. The scent is wonderful and absorbs nicely. My other go to staple and a little more cost effective is Avene. I like having this when i travel and when I’m on the go because you don’t have to rub it in, like you do with the La Mer. It’s also great for spraying yourself on those hot summer days!
MUST BASE: IALUSET
Image: Thompson Chemists
Another fact—I don’t use serum. I use the Ialuset hylauronic creme. Been using it since I discovered it in France back in 2016 and it is amazing. Not only is it amazing, it is wallet friendly at only $15. I use one layer of this, let it sit for a minute or two and apply my moisturizer.
MUST MOISTURIZERS: SPLURGE & STEAL
I like alternating between moisturizers as it keeps your skin guessing—it’s great exercise for your skin! The two I go back and forth between are Embryolisse, another French wallet friendly discovery and La Mer Neck and Decollette Concentrate. I tend to go from splurge to steal in everything I do—it’s like wearing staples and buying luxury accessories. Why let your wardrobe have all the fun?
MUST MAGIC IN A BOTTLE: SSAUCE
Bedtime selfie with my new BFF
So, this is the newest addition to my beauty routine. The caveat with this is that you need to do the Beauty Sandwich Treatment to get this coveted product as it is currently only available to purchase after service. Again, I’m not one for “hype” products and Ivan didn’t even try to sell it to me because he knew my skin is super sensitive. I loved it so much and saw I didn’t break out and went out of my way to get it because it is that good. The SSauce may be made available for purchase, but right now if you want to try it, you can either try and book a treatment with Ivan or sign up on the wait list.