How would you describe your skin (including the best and most challenging things about it)?

Like me, my skin is a little sensitive. It doesn’t respond well to harsh or unnatural products, so I try to make sure I choose products with the simplest and cleanest ingredients. It’s always been a bit dewy, too, but I’ve learned to love and embrace that. I don’t break out much other than sometimes on my period or after eating too many oily foods, but nothing to complain about. I also noticed I get these weird, bug bite-like bumps when I touch my face too much. I have no idea why it does that, so if you’re a dermatologist reading this, help ya girl out. 

How would you describe your skincare approach in general? (high-maintenance? Low-maintenance? Worthy of canonization?)

If I want my skin to look like a cute baby’s bum, I need to treat it like one. I use just a few gentle and natural products. 

I’m passionate about investing my dollars into brands with an ethical and sustainable focus—so along with a clean and natural ingredient list, I’m also aware of sustainable packaging/sourcing, if it’s made by a company owned by a woman and/or person of color, and what environmental initiatives they have in place. I apply this mindset to both my skincare and makeup routines. 

Which skincare products are integral to your routine for achieving your ideal, glowing, well-moisturized complexion, and how/when do you use each of them?

I absolutely LOVE facial oils! They’ve been a gamechanger for me, in going from dull to dewy skin. I was hesitant to use them because I thought that they would make you more oily. However, I’ve found that they’ve been key to making my skin supple and glowing. The two oils I like to restock are Liner Beauty’s Boabab Facial Oil and Cocokind’s Watermelon Hemp Oil. Both bottles last forever because you only need a few drops at a time to be fully moisturized. 

And now that I’m writing this, I’m realizing that I also use an oil cleanser to clean my face. I’ll use a few drops of Cocokind’s Facial Cleansing Oil to wipe off my makeup with a reusable cotton pad, followed by another cleanser, like Pete Rivko’s Gentle Cleanser, to pick up any remaining dirt in my pores. I make sure to only use these cleansers at night to not overwhelm my skin. In the morning, I only use lukewarm water to rinse my face. After either cleansing session, I’ll use a rosewater toner, like Cocokind’s Rose Water Facial Toner, to prep my face for the facial oils I mentioned before.

Because I use gentle cleansers, I do make sure to exfoliate my face at least once a week for a deep clean. My favorite way to do this has been using the Youth to the People’s Yerba Mate Resurfacing Mask in the shower in between conditioning my hair and washing my body. Their formula is super refreshing, and I’m obsessed that they use sustainable micro bamboo beads to do the work. 

Linear Beauty

Baobab Face Oil

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Cocokind

Watermelon Hemp Oil

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Cocokind

Facial Cleansing Oil

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Peet Rivko

Gentle Cleanser

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Cocokind

Rosewater Facial Toner

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Youth To The People

Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial

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What about makeup products?

I’m NOT afraid of a good blush! Although my makeup routine looks pretty natural, I feel a heavy blush is key to my signature look. My favorite blushes are those I can spread with (clean) fingers, like Ilia Beauty’s Multi-Stick in A Fine Romance and RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Smile. I’ll put a few dabs of either one on each of my cheeks and then a little over my nose to create a slightly sunburned look.

Then I’ll accentuate the blush with a highlighter to complete the dewy look. The Ilia Beauty Illuminator in Stella by Startlight is hands down my favorite highlighter. It’s incredibly smooth, and just a few dabs instantly brightens my face. I’ll apply it along my cheeks and the inner corners of my eyes. 

But before I do all this, I love using a multipurpose, lightweight foundation to truly set the stage. Lately I’ve been obsessed with Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 in Kamari. With just a few drops, the foundation quickly melts into and matches my skin. It almost feels like the TikTok Beauty filter IRL. 

When it comes to my eyes, I like to use Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara for both my eyes and brows. I don’t mind using my mascara on my brows after applying it to my lashes since they’re the same color. It also helps create a feathery eyebrow that’s so light and fresh, but still a bit defined. I’ll use W3ll People Expressionist Eye Liner to create a thin line to really make my eyes pop.

And right now I can’t get enough of tinted lip glosses to bring the whole look together. I particularly love switching between W3ll People’s Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Berry and Ilia’s Balmy Lip Gloss Tinted Oil in Saint. They remind me of all the Lip Smackers I had as a kid, but now we’re keeping it mindful and natural.  

ILIA

Multi-Stick

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RMS

Lip2Cheek

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ILIA

Illuminator

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ILIA

Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

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ILIA

Limitless Lash Mascara

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W3LL PEOPLE

Expressionist Liquid Eyeliner

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W3LL PEOPLE

Bio Extreme Lipgloss

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ILIA

Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil

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What’s the cheapest product you use regularly and love?

I know this mainly applies to my bodycare, but I LOVE using coconut oil. For only about $4-6, I have a full-body moisturizer, hair conditioner, and back-up makeup remover. Definitely good bang for your buck.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Organic Refined Coconut Oil

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Is there anything you try to avoid, skincare- or makeup-wise?

I like to avoid brands that aren’t mindful of their impact on the planet and people. The entire skincare and makeup industry is extremely unregulated here in the States, and products are often filled with harmful ingredients that are unethically sourced and packaged without the end-of-use in mind. 

No brand is perfect, but I gravitate toward brands that try to be as transparent as possible with their ingredients, processes, and packaging. Conscious consumerism won’t fix all the environmental injustices we face today, but it can’t hurt to support brands that are trying to make a change.  

Any next-level tips, tricks, or services that you swear by to help you look “lit from within?”

Idc how annoying it is to hear, but regularly drinking water is a necessity for me to achieve healthy skin. Also paying attention to my diet. My skin looks best when I minimize my oily/processed foods intake and load up on fruits and veggies. 

I also used Cap Beauty’s Light Ray a little while ago, and my skin was POPPING when I had it, so now I’m thinking maybe I should restock…

CAP Beauty

The Light Ray

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What’s your go-to product or trick for fixing a skin disaster?

My skin disasters usually look like a red, irritated breakout. When this happens, I’ll use the  Golde Clean Greens Mask to soothe my face. Depending on the breakout, I’ll use it on my entire face or just use it as a spot treatment and pretend I’m a li’l cow. I’ll repeat the treatment up to three days in a row and my skin is good as new!

GOLDE

Clean Greens Face Mask

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Do you do anything differently skincare-wise when you travel?

I try to keep my routine the same to avoid my skin going into shock—but more often than not, my skin gets a bit dry and irritated on the road, so I make sure to have my rose toner on hand. I’ll also apply a little more facial oil and use the Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask to liven it up.

GOLDE

Papaya Bright Face Mask

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What’s something you wish your teenage self knew about taking care of your skin?

That beauty isn’t always pain. STEER CLEARRRR of the Clearasil pads, you were only burning your face and creating more breakouts!

The post You Look Moist: The Conscious Consumer who Swears by *Gasp* Coconut Oil appeared first on Repeller.

But after understanding that crusty crust lips were not actually a status quo humanity must simply accept, I was taken in by lip balm. It started with Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers, evolved to Maybelline Kissing Koolers, and then Burts Bee’s, of course. 

When this article from Harling first emerged, I was looking for a new balm to call “The One” and I’m happy to say that my tube of Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask has almost run dry. And that’s not even the balm she crowned queen! So, without further ado, since ‘tis the season to prepare for the chap—peruse below and tell me which one we may have missed out on in the comments.

I was sitting next to Austin on his couch a few weekends ago when I caught myself staring intently at his lips, which looked perfectly pink, pillowy and even slightly glossy despite the fact that it was 35 degrees outside and the radiator was clanking audibly as it pumped dry heat into his apartment. Their appearance was utterly illogical, and the longer I looked at them, the more hyper-aware I became of my own lips, which in stark contrast felt like two raisins rubbing up against each other with enough friction to roast a mini marshmallow.

“What?” he finally asked.

“Your mouth!” I said. “How does it look so…pretty?”

He laughed before revealing the secret to his impeccably moisturized pout: a tiny sample-sized tube of lip balm that he received in an airline goody bag on a recent overnight work trip. Lip balm! A revelation.

I’ve never really been a lip balm person — by which I mean someone who has a go-to product for moisturized lips on hand at all times and applies it religiously. I’ll do an occasional swipe of Chapstick here and there, which helps temporarily, but I haven’t invested time in finding a good lip balm and using it with appropriate vigor. As proved by my boyfriend’s transformed pout, the cure for raisin lips was seemingly simple, but as a journalist dedicated to my craft, I decided to make it complicated: What if I tested a bunch of different lip balms to find not just a good one but the best one? Self-challenge accepted.

To narrow down the process of deciding which ones to test, I hightailed it over to the Lip Balm & Treatment section on Sephora’s website, sorted by “Bestselling” and chose five colorless lip balms based on the average number of stars they received from reviewers (nothing below a 4.3) and based on the number of reviews they received in total (all of them had at least 100 reviews, and a couple had upwards of 4,000). Scroll down for thee unveiling of my personal findings.

1. Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub

The bumpy tip of this solid, lipstick-shaped, notably pricey balm felt like a cat’s tongue upon application — textured but in a gentle, pleasing way (feel: 4) — and it tasted like straight-up sugar (taste: 5) So gentle I’m not sure it actually exfoliated my lips, but it felt super nice so I can’t complain. I put it on first thing in the morning before leaving for work and I’m delighted to report it wasn’t overly sticky or goopy — a classic lip balm pitfall that doesn’t mix well with long hair, windchill and a winter commute. The effect was very subtle in the sense that it didn’t make me look like I was wearing lip balm, even immediately after I applied. They just looked not dry, which you’d never notice unless you were keeping tabs on what my lips usually look like (look: 2). I had to reapply after eating lunch, but other than that my lips remained moist for most of the day (effectiveness: 4).

Final score: 15/20

Dior

Lip Sugar Scrub

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2. Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy

I love the taste of coconut, so I thoroughly enjoyed swiping Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy — which is formulated with actual coconut oil — on my lips in the morning (5). The texture was so slippery it almost felt like I had dipper my finger into a pot of melted coconut oil and dabbed it onto my mouth (5). It also made my lips look nice and juicy (5). But all good things come to an end, and unfortunately the effects of Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy came to an end very shortly after I applied (1). Even though I loved the taste and texture, it evaporated too quickly to offer a truly satisfying moisturizing effect, and almost left my lips feeling a little dry after.

Final score: 16/20

Kopari

Coconut Lip Glossy

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3. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

This stuff felt more like a paste than a balm — which I wasn’t mad about (4). I get the same pleasure out of applying a thick lip product to parched lips that I do putting on a heavy moisturizer and watching my winter skin soak it right up. Also, to its credit, despite the thicker texture, it wasn’t overwhelming or messy — and a little went a long way, instantly coating my lips in a subtle sheen (5). It’s billed as an “intensive nightly recovery lip mask” but I first tried it during the day. It tasted exactly like Vanilla Soylent, which I knew because Haley let me try a sip of her Vanilla Soylent earlier that morning (4). I wasn’t wild about the beverage, but I loved the balm, and it lasted a really long time — a fact I registered as I pulled up to JFK after sitting in two hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic (I was flying to Florida for a quick weekend trip), almost forgetting to get my suitcase from the trunk because I was so struck by how soft my lips were when I absentmindedly smacked them together (5). Lip balm! A revelation.

Final score: 18/20

Bite Beauty

Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Mask

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4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

I put this one on right before bed (I figured I should given that “sleeping” was in its name). It didn’t really taste like anything (3), was super shiny and almost wet-feeling, which was interesting but not in a particularly bad way (3). Apparently it’s formulated with technology that forms a protective layer over your lips — neat! I could definitely notice a difference the next day when I woke up and could immediately identify the outline of my mouth when I looked into the mirror (as opposed to most winter mornings when it tends to blend in) (4). I don’t tend to love lip products that come in pots because I hate when my fingers have to get involved for reasons relating to both germs and stickiness, but other than that this is a great balm (4).

Final score: 14/20

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

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5. Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

This lip balm was love at first smack. Even though it didn’t have any discernible taste (3) and I’m a freak for sweet lip treats, it had the perfect consistency (not too sticky but also not so subtle that I’m denied the satisfaction of walking around with lips that resemble the inside of a pomegranate) (5), and it seems to last for hours (5). I kept taking selfies whenever I went outside because I was obsessed with how my mouth looked like it was July even though it was early March and still bitterly cold (5). Have I mentioned this balm costs $9.50? Rhetorical question, but feel free to answer with your desired degree of enthusiasm.

Final score: 18/20

Kiehl’s

Lip Balm #1

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In conclusion, the Bite Beauty Agave Mask and Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 are tied for my top contender. I actually probably liked the Kiehl’s one best of all because of how it made my lips look (a priority criterion for my lip balm preferences, I’ve learned), but would highly recommend the Bite one for anyone who prioritizes delicious taste when it comes to lip products. Any other beloved lip balms out there I should try? If recent temperatures are any indication, we still have a long way to go before I’m licensed to go without.

Photos via Harling Ross.

The post My Research Is In: The Perfect Lip Balm Exists and It Costs $9.50 appeared first on Repeller.

How would you describe your skin?

I’m an oil queen, which means that although I can look glowy, breakouts come with the territory. I’ve struggled with acne since middle school, and while I’m lucky enough that it never got super out of control, I have to keep my skin very clean. Despite the acne, my skin is unbelievably strong. I can do intense skin treatments, and she never stings, burns, or turns red. But my favorite part of my skin is seeing how similar it is to my mom’s. She’s Puerto Rican and gets so many compliments on how youthful she looks. While I used to struggle with not being around a lot of people who had my skin type, seeing how beautiful she looked gave me love for my own skin. 

How would you describe your skincare approach in general?

I used to pay more attention to regularly using blotting tissues, powder, and other methods to keep my skin looking more matte, but now my routine is all about keeping my face looking clean and happy. This does take maintenance, though—it’s around four steps morning and night, and keeping it clean throughout the day if need be. It sounds crazy, but despite my normal routine steps, sometimes I even clean my face with just a regular bar of soap for a quick post-workout wash. Bad, I know, but my skin doesn’t seem to care about the quality of soap.

Which skincare products are integral to your routine for achieving your ideal, glowing, well-moisturized complexion, and how/when do you use each of them?

I’m not super picky when it comes to products. I’ve used so many different kinds of face washes, exfoliators, moisturizers, etc., and I liked them all. Honestly, the holy grail of my routine is my prescription retinol. I’ve been on it since I was 13, and it’s what took my skin to the next level of clearness. I know it can be expensive—but seeing a dermatologist is really worth it if something is going on with your skin that over the counter products aren’t addressing. Retinol has also become accessible over the counter! Differin was a retinol prescription I used for years and it’s over the counter now for $12!

Differin

Acne Treatment Gel

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Right now I’m using Kiehl’s Blue Acne treatment cleanser, and then follow it with Glossier’s Solution to exfoliate. I know that exfoliating every day isn’t good for some skin, but being on retinol and having thick skin (literally), it responds great to it. If I am a little red or having a little more acne than usual, I spritz Tower 28’s SOS spray on my face. It it helps ward off bacteria. Then I moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer (any drugstore brand works) and pop on Invisible Sunscreen by Supergoop on a light sun day, and Neutrogena Oil Free sunscreen on a more sunny day or if I’m going to be outside more. Both sunscreen and moisturizer brands I use purposely don’t add any sheen, I don’t need it! My skin is a well-oiled machine.

Kiehl’s

Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment

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Glossier

Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

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Tower 28 Beauty

SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

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Supergoop!

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

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Neutrogena

Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 Sunscreen

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My routine is the same at night, except I put on my retinol after moisturizing. 
I never really got on the serum train, especially when my skin is so oily I don’t need extra moisture, but I will do a mask every few days. I like this Clinique charcoal mask and this Amore Pacific Cleansing mask, which is discontinued It was the most expensive part of my routine though, so a blessing in disguise maybe. I’m proud of my current product lineup because nothing is over 40 dollars! I’m a believer that when it comes to cleansers and moisturizers, as long as I use oil-free ingredients, it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. I’d rather spend that money on a dermatologist or the occasional facial. Before quarantine, I’d get a monthly facial at HeyDay. I love how it’s a quick but relaxing appointment, the same feeling as getting your teeth cleaned.

Clinique

Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask

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What about makeup products?

I’d like to be more adventurous with makeup, it’s something I’m working on! My skin makeup is probably the one thing I’m willing to spend more money on. I usually just use powder, since it helps control oil and gives a light layer on my skin that I can wear all day. I love this powder by Jane Iredale. It’s oil-free, vegan, SPF 40, and has a reusable compact, so you only need to buy refills. If I have an event and want more coverage, I use super-light matte liquid foundation. I’ve used quite a few over the years, ranging from Benefit to Armani, but right now I’m using Sephora brand matte tinted foundation. It’s oil-free, keeps my glow in check by having a matte finish, and is 18 dollars. The most expensive part of my makeup routine is my concealer, Cle de peau concealer. It lasts literally FOREVER, and is the best for covering up blemishes.

Jane Iredale

PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation

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Benefit Cosmetics

Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation

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Armani Beauty

Luminous Silk Foundation

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Sephora Collection

Matte Perfection Tinted Moisturizer

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Clé de Peau

Concealer SPF 25

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If I could only do one makeup thing before leaving the house, it would be my eyebrows. I use a Bobbi Brown palette my mom gave me a while ago, and just use a Sephora flat brush to slowly fill them in. If I want more definition, I’ll gloss over them after with a quick brush of Glossier boy brow. I almost always feel like my eyebrows look sort of fake after filling them in, so I brush on powder foundation to tone down the coloring.

Glossier

Boy Brow

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I love wearing eyeshadow, and always do a dramatic look at night. I use the same old Bobbi Brown palette on my eyes every day that I use on my eyebrows, that they don’t seem to sell anymore, but this Charlotte Tilbury Palette and this MAC Palatte are similar. I usually do light shadows during the day, then top it off with Tom Ford liquid eyeliner. It’s expensive, but is the gold standard for eyeliners. For mascara, I’m a drugstore stan, and use various Maybelline wands. Under eyeliner usually always happens at night, and I love how soft Clinique eyeliner is. I feel like I channel Jennifer Connelly from Requiem for a Dream or Effie from Skins‘ super-intense eyeliner night looks, but at a wayyy softer level (I can’t fully pull it off). Sometimes I play with color, like this Marc Jacobs purple.

Charlotte Tilbury

Luxury Eyeshadow Palette

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MAC Cosmetics

Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette

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Tom Ford

Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner

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Maybelline

Volum’ Express The Colossal Big Shot Mascara

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Clinique

Quickliner Eyeliner

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Gel Powder Eyeshadow

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I don’t use blush and highlighter often, but when I do, this Dior highlighter is i n s a n e. Like I can probably be seen from space when I wear this. I love this Claudio Riaz palate that has blush and bronzer tones to create a natural cheek look because I always end up looking unnatural when I try to apply singular tone blush, but it is pricey, so I also vouch for a very light layer of this Bobbi Brown blush, or some cloud paint.

Dior

Nude Luminizer Glow Powder Highlighter

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Claudio Riaz

Instant Face Palette

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Bobbi Brown

Blush

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Glossier

Cloud Paint Cream Blush

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Lip balm and that’s IT. Maybeeee some gloss if I want some extra spice.

Rosebud Perfume Co.

Rosebud Salve

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Glossier

Lip Gloss

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What’s the cheapest product you use regularly and love?

This 8 dollar Neutrogena moisturizer, which comes with and without SPF depending on if it’s a morning or night cream. Oil-free works best for me.

Neutrogena

Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen

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Is there anything you try to avoid, skincare- or makeup-wise?

Cakey makeup!!!!!!!!!! My skin will sweat it off bad and I’ll look like a shiny clown.

Any next-level tips, tricks, or services that you swear by to help you look “lit from within”?

Keep your skin clean in ways you don’t usually think about! Clean your makeup brushes regularly, wash pillowcases when you can, and don’t use dirty washcloths or towels to dry your face! All those sneaky ways your skin can get bacteria on it make a bigger difference than you think.

What’s your go-to product or trick for fixing a skin disaster?

Dry that pimple out. Mario Badescu drying lotion always works well for me.

Mario Badescu

Drying Lotion

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Do you do anything differently skincare-wise when you travel?

I might be a little lazier about my routine and exfoliate less etc. My skin gets more stressed out when I travel anyway, so I try to take breakouts less seriously. Traveling is about fun and excitement anyway!

What’s something you wish your teenage self knew about taking care of your skin?

I’m lucky that dewy skin is admired now, but when I was younger, I was really insecure that my face always looked shiny no matter what I did. Although it doesn’t affect how your skin looks, loving your complexion no matter what is more important than any treatment or product.

I also used to freak out whenever I would break out, and get really frustrated with my cleaning routine, when in reality there’s a million different reasons for breakouts to occur. Before throwing out products or changing my routine, I ask myself, are my hormones changing? What am I eating? Am I stressed? Usually, my skin acting up has nothing to do with my routine. 

Also, for real, your mom wasn’t kidding when she said you really gotta wipe ALL that makeup off when you get home at night. Your skin will thank you, and your pillow cases too!

The post You Look Moist: A Graphic Designer’s Cheap & Simple Approach to Dewy Skin appeared first on Repeller.

I eat it right up. I usually tab out about 15 products while reading, all while imagining what my life would be like with a $250 serum. Would I get the girl? Would I stop seeking unnecessary validation from my friends that I’m worthy of their friendship? And then I close the tab, because… who am I kidding? I know myself, and at my core, I am the kind of person who will never—ever—maintain a skincare routine. I can barely remember to floss once a week or shave my armpits in the shower, let alone complete a multi-step ritual on my face two times a day. 

Now, I know some people may be thinking “That’s skin privilege”—I understand how the above can sound. But what you may not know is: My skin is not great! I have discoloration, dryness, acne scars, hormonal acne, a crop of cute little white heads between my chin and my lip. And I am excessively lazy. I am not built for a life of diligence.

And yet, here I am, writing an article about how I’d still like to cobble together some kind of routine. A minimalist routine! I decided to ask three skincare geniuses for their advice on a routine for the laziest among us. What are 2-3 skincare products that are absolutely imperative? What’s the redux of Skincare for Dummies? My tabs are open and I’m contemplating the spend—let me know who convinces you to finally do the thing in the comments.

Sable Yong

Self-labeled Freelance Narcissologist, Me-labeled Skincare Doula

I asked Sable because, well, duh. If anyone’s going to convince me to maybe bite the bullet, it’s the woman whose skin is actually glowing from wherever her apartment is in the five boroughs right through my window. I get a spidey sense everytime she posts a photo because her skin is simply that good. Here, she threw her hat in the ring with these three products:

1. HoliFrog Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash

“An excellent face cleanser will do a lot of legwork for your skincare routine because it actually properly cleanses your skin without stripping it of needed moisture. I love this as an all-around, do-it-all cleanser—it’s low on sulfates (so it won’t overstrain skin) and high on good skincare ingredients like omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants (so it can also contribute, albeit in a small way, to getting nutrients in there). I like how my skin feels CLEAN after using this but never tight.” 

HoliFrog

Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash

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2. CosRx AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner

“I was torn between recommending a vitamin C serum or a gentle exfoliating toner, and lo and behold, I gotchu a product that does BOTH. I love CosRx’s formulations for being simple, effective, and affordable. I’d use this once a day, probably in the evening, given its potentially sun-sensitizing ingredients. This will help keep your pores cleared of excess sebum to thwart breakouts, and the exfoliants and Vitamin C will help brighten and even out overall skin tone. BAM. SORTED.”

Cosrx

AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner

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3. Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

“You gotta wear sunscreen every day, no matter what, OK? Actually, you know what, if you live in some windowless bunker and never go outside, you don’t, but really only then. This one is one of the few (maybe only, to my knowledge) moisturizers with SPF that pulls its weight on both sides. SPF 40—great. That’s ample protection for regular-degular, everyday activities. The moisturizer is so nice tho! It’s light and fluffy but super hydrating and leaves a dewy sheen on your face. Some may say too dewy, and I say, “What’s that?” That’s the whole POINT of moisturizer… moisture.”

(If you do find this too heavy/dewy though, Purito’s Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF 50 is HEAVENLY—calming and moisturizing and lightweight. Magic.) 

Supergoop!

Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

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Purito

Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF 50

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Siraad Dirshe

Social Content Guru, Skincare Savante

I know Siraad from the gospel that is her You Look Moist, as well as her radiant selfie game and her fabulous content at Flamingo. I felt *lucky* when I reached out to her, and she met me with enthusiasm, cutting down her slather count to a few key products:

“Over the last few years, I’ve proudly gotten my skincare routine down from about 12 steps (I was a maximalist, for sure) to about three steps. I’m not sure if it’s age—I’m in my thirties—or just wanting to spend less time, and money, on skincare products. 

1. Versed Wash It Out Gel Cleanser

“No matter how you slice it, you’ve got to cleanse your face. It’s just a step that can’t be skipped (I tried for a week, and it was gross). For the last year, I’ve been using one from Versed. I’m usually hesitant to use gel cleansers and opt for cream ones since my skin is so dry, but this one doesn’t dry out my skin and does a pretty good job of breaking down makeup.”

Versed

Wash It Out Gel Cleanser

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2. Bioderma Sensibia H2O

“One thing I haven’t given up from my double-digit skincare days is double cleansing. I don’t care how much face wash I use or what kind it is—there’s always some type of residue or makeup left behind. Lately, I’ve been really into micellar water and love Bioderma. I know this doesn’t sound like an absolutely necessary step, but when I skip it my skin literally doesn’t feel or look the same.”

Bioderma

Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Removing Solution

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3. Trader Joe’s 100% Organic Argan Oil

“I love, love, love a good oil! For me, I can use it AM or PM, and there’s no such thing as ‘too much.’ Seriously. What I love most is that a little truly goes a long way, and there are so many affordable oils that you can get at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. I personally love the vitamin E or argan oil from Trader Joe’s and will either apply directly on my skin or drop into a sunscreen or moisturizer to make it more hydrating.”

Trader Joe’s

Argan Oil

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Trader Joe’s

Vitamin E Oil

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Jessica DeFino Yarborough

The Green, Clean Beauty Machine

I asked Jessica to share her prowess because I knew her angle would be different. Her knowledge of natural, holistic, and sustainable skincare is vast. So vast, in fact, that she’s been published all over the place! And is currently working on her first book!

“Good news: Your skin doesn’t want or need more than two to three products. Experts agree that ‘10-step skincare’ is possibly the worst thing to happen to acid mantles everywhere. (Other than, perhaps, the petroleum industry, which has compromised our skin barriers with airborne pollution particles since 1859. Say it with me: Stopping climate change counts as skincare. Anyway!)

After years of reporting on the beauty industry and learning about the inherent wonders of the skin—did you know it has built-in mechanisms to self-cleanse, self-moisturize, self-exfoliate, and self-heal?!—and the issues with conventional products, I narrowed my own routine down to just three simple, skin-supportive ingredients. My face, typically dry and acne-prone like yours, is very pleased.”

1. Flora Health Manuka Honey UMF 15+ 

“Pure, food-grade manuka honey is my everything. I use it as an evening cleanser (apply to damp skin, massage in for a minute, rinse off), a face mask (apply to dry skin, leave on for 30 minutes, rinse off), and a spot treatment (dab on active breakouts and leave for as long as you want). It truly does it all: Manuka has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties! It’s full of barrier-boosting omega fatty acids! It’s a humectant that attracts water molecules! It soothes, moisturizes, heals! You can also eat it!! Manuka is so magical that there’s an entire industry dedicated to counterfeiting it. To make sure you’re getting the real thing, look for honey that’s sourced from New Zealand—the only place in the world where manuka bushes grow wild—with a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating of at least 15. “

Flora Health

Manuka Honey UMF 15+

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2. Cortas Rose Water

“Rose water consists of just two mild ingredients—roses and water—making it super gentle on the skin. And yet, a single spritz of the stuff contains an almost mind-blowing amount of power. Rose water is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and has roughly the same pH level as the skin. Translation: It can balance an out-of-whack acid mantle, calm any redness or irritation, help heal breakouts, and hydrate. I DIY my own rose water spray using food-grade Cortas Rose Water (again, you can eat it!). Just mix two thirds distilled water with one third rose water in a spray bottle, and use it as a morning cleanser, toner, or face mist.”

Cortas

Rose Water

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3. Mountain Rose Herbs Jojoba Oil

“The most effective moisturizer in the world is human sebum—AKA, the body’s built-in moisturizer—and since your skin is dry, you’re probably not producing enough of your own. That’s where jojoba oil comes in. It’s a freaking 97 percent chemical match to sebum, so dry skin welcomes it with open arms (open pores?) and soaks it up like that. Jojoba is also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from pollution; vitamin B, a complex that helps promote healing; and omega fatty acids, essential compounds that support the skin barrier. To use it as a moisturizer, apply a few drops to damp skin. The damp part is important!! Since moisturizer is a mix of water and oil (seriously, check the ingredient list of any moisturizer you own), massaging jojoba oil onto slightly wet skin is akin to whipping up a DIY moisturizer. Right on your face.”

Mountain Rose Herbs

Jojoba Oil

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The post I Asked 3 Beauty Experts to Help Me Create a Minimalist Skincare Routine appeared first on Repeller.

How would you describe your skin?

Very, VERY dry. I’ve had eczema all my life, so that plays a factor as well. While my skin isn’t sensitive to active ingredients, it’s easily damaged by changing environmental conditions, which can produce irritated patches and flakiness. My college-age trials and tribulations with harsh drugstore cleansers and astringents, combined with my discovery of K-Beauty a few years back, guided me to an intentional and well-researched routine centered on moisture-oriented products.    

How would you describe your skincare approach in general?

I am extremely loyal to products I know work with my skin. The core of my approach is keeping the right combination of hydrating and active elements in my rotation. Now that I think about it, my routine has a decent amount of steps. One bright spot of quarantine is that it’s created space for me to do my full routine most nights of the week, without it feeling scrambled. 

Which skincare products are integral to your routine for achieving your ideal, glowing, well-moisturized complexion, and how/when do you use each of them?

My cleanser needs to be hydrating. I’m happily settled with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser in warmer months. If I’m wearing makeup, I’ll first use Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm or a swipe of Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water. Soon, I’ll switch over to my winter cleanser, One Love Organics B Enzyme Cleansing Oil, for cooler days when my skin really struggles to retain moisture. 

CeraVe

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

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Farmacy

Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

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Bioderma

Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Removing Solution

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One Love Organics

Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover

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I use a hydrating toner to begin layering moisture into my skin. A gentle, alcohol-free toner is a critical step—I’m loyal to Son & Park Beauty Water. A bottle lasts forever, and it’s kind to my skin year round.  

Son & Park

Beauty Water

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After toning, I’ll immediately pat a few pumps of Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Power Essence into my skin while it’s still damp. I follow up with a liberal layer of Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief Lotion, applied with my hands instead of cotton for extra absorption. I really love this product—it cushions my skin and prepares it to receive serums and treatments with active ingredients.   

Cosrx

Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

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Origins

Mega-Mushroom Relief Lotion

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I prefer to use only one serum in a given routine, so it needs to pack a punch. I alternate between Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment and Farmacy’s Honeymoon Glow AHA Serum. Good Genes is the priciest product on my shelf—that doesn’t always mean it works well, but this always leaves my skin with a particular plumpness and elasticity to it the morning after use. After letting my serum sink in, I’ll use a small amount of Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni Retinol Cream. I only do this step twice a week, but I’ll forever swear by the powers of retinol to treat and prevent acne with consistent use. 

Sunday Riley

Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

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Farmacy

Honeymoon Glow AHA Serum

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Drunk Elephant

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

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I then apply essence products to lock in moisture ahead of thicker ceramides. My one-two punch is Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Essence, patted into my skin, followed by a few pumps of Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring snail mucin to a desert island—it’s that effective and essential. Kombucha is also a powerhouse ingredient for instant brightening. 

Fresh

Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence

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Cosrx

Snail Mucin Power Essence

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Thicker lotions with ceramides and facial oils are key to my penultimate stage. For moisturizer, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré layers beautifully and is a cooling treat if I have any irritation. I’ll finish up with an oil patted into my skin. My go-tos are Julep Rosehip Seed Oil and The Ordinary Squalane Oil. I started applying my oil down my décolletage as a way to specifically treat that area. 

Embryolisse

Lait-Crème Concentré

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Julep

Rosehip Seed Facial Oil

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The Ordinary

Squalane Oil

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I’ll finish up with Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask for overnight replenishment. If my skin needs additional moisture, I’ll layer in a sleeping mask—Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask and Youth to the People’s Superberry Dream Mask are my favorites, depending on the season. 

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

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Laneige

Water Sleeping Mask

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Youth To The People

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

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My morning routine has a few adjustments. I skip cleanser—it feels extraneous. For my morning serum, I alternate between FEMMUE Lumière Vital C Serum and Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum. Vitamin C is a key ingredient for brightening and pore control, and grape sap extract has worked really well with my skin to treat dark spots and other discolorations. For moisturizer, I swap Embryolisse with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which provides a surprisingly deep level of hydration for how airy it is. I’ll top everything off with an SPF: I’ve been enjoying Cosrx’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. 

FEMMUE

Lumière Vital C Serum

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Caudalie

Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum

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CeraVe

Daily Moisturizing Lotion

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Cosrx

Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

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What about makeup products?

I’m not really into makeup! I’ve spent so much time wishing for nothing more than to feel comfortable barefaced. I also prefer to spend my beauty budget replacing skincare products.  

When I do feel like wearing makeup, I rely on a handful of things that are subtle and highlight my features. I’ve used NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer forever for my under-eye area and to manage any blemishes or discoloration. I adore all colors of Glossier Cloud Paint cream blush. Any drugstore eyebrow gel will suffice to add structure to my brows, and a berry-colored lip oil is a favorite finishing touch. Since quarantine, I really only use the lip oil for a wash of color. I rarely wear eye makeup, but I used to live for applying a nice, long cat-eye with Stila’s Liquid Eyeliner, and I still like that look. 

NARS

Radiant Creamy Concealer

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Glossier

Cloud Paint Cream Blush

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ColourPop

Brow Gel

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Clarins

Berry Lip Oil

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Stila

Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

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What’s the cheapest product you use regularly and love? 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment as lip balm!!! I love stockpiling the 2 oz. sizes to scatter in every corner of my apartment, handbag, and jacket pocket. Also, if I may pick two, Muji Cut Cotton Squares are the crème de la crème of cotton squares. 

Aquaphor

Healing Skin Ointment

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Muji

Cut Cotton Squares

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Is there anything you try to avoid, skincare- or makeup-wise?

For skincare, I’m very cautious with ingredients. I’ve used one too many skin products that were all flash and no substance (I.e., “brightening” toners loaded with alcohol, pricy hyaluronic acids that pill at the first sign of layered products, etc. etc.) I’ve learned to be super thorough in my research when seeking a new product.

My one absolutely-not is a cleanser with active ingredients! I learned this the hard way after falling into the drugstore trap of using harsh cleansers with salicylic acid. I’ve since wisened up—now, I just want my cleanser to leave my skin in a neutral, moistened state to prepare it for next steps. Cleansers can make or break (or at least complicate) your routine, so it’s important to find one that starts your skin off on its best footing.

Any next-level tips, tricks, or services that you swear by to help you look “lit from within”?

Youth to the People’s Yerba Mate Enzyme Energy Facial. It essentially works as a microdermabrasion treatment—minus the uncomfortable suction device, plus a convenient washaway format. I love YTTP, so I had high expectations, but I didn’t expect it to work THIS well: Using it twice a month has completely eliminated any rough textured spots, on top of unearthing a megawatt-bright layer of even-toned skin. I didn’t have a physical exfoliant in my routine before this, and my inner skincare snob convinced me I didn’t need one, but I stand (color) corrected.

Also, I swear by a quality facial spray for injecting dewiness throughout the day. They don’t have a specific placement in my routine; I’ll add a few spritzes whenever to layer and/or top off with additional moisture. My favorites are FEMMUE Camellia Mist and Caudalie Beauty Elixir because they’re so multi-purpose; Avene Thermal Spray also works well in a jam.   

Youth To The People

Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial

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FEMMUE

Super Fine Camellia Mist

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Caudalie

Beauty Elixir

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Avène

Thermal Spring Water

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What’s your go-to product or trick for fixing a skin disaster?

My skin disasters generally include excessive flakiness and irritation-induced acne. These days, you can bet this combo also includes contact dermatitis around my nose and mouth from the friction of wearing a face mask.

When I feel this coming on, I sprint to apply a Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Mask.  Coconut gel masks are FAR far superior to your standard cloth-sheet mask: They truly adhere to your skin for maximum hydration. Layering one of these in my nighttime routine on top of my usual moisture products literally “seals the deal.” I’ll top off with facial oil and a sleeping mask, and let the layers melt into my skin overnight to heal dryness and irritation. 

Farmacy

Coconut Gel Sheet Mask

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What’s something you wish your teenage self knew about taking care of your skin? 

To not treat dryness with more dryness!!! Something about American skincare (late-stage capitalism?) really emphasizes this approach as the only path to treat blemishes and other skin issues: alcohol-based treatment pads, drying astringents and toners, harsh foaming cleansers—the list goes on. These products can be incredibly harmful and do so much more damage than good. Traveling to Paris after college and seeing their pharmacies chock full of simple and effective products that work to coddle the skin instead of essentially “stripping it straight” was a game-changer, and something I continue to pass on to anyone! who! will! listen!

The post You Look Moist: Team Repeller’s Marisa Lifschutz’s K-Beauty-Inspired Routine appeared first on Repeller.

However, here I am. And when I say “The Killer,” I’m talking about yeast infection suppositories.

For the past eight years of my life I have been prone to yeast infections. What are they, you ask? “A fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina and vulva,” says Mayo Clinic. Cute! I’m not sure if it’s something about my downstairs pH, my overall body chemistry, or what, but I get them a lot. Like many times a year a lot, depending on the year. New sexual partner? Yeast infection. Took too long to shower after my run? Yeast infection. Sat on a bike for, like, two hours? Yeast infection.

And, if you’re a vagina-posessing individual, you, like me, may have tried Monistat: the classic over-the-counter cream or capsule insertion for banishing das yeast. It has…occasionally…worked for me. (I’m not here to spread horror stories but I tried the Monistat 1-Day in college and my eyes snapped open in the middle of the night, I rushed to the shower in horror, and I clawed at my nether regions for an hour trying to reduce the painful, itchy, horrible feeling of too-potent medicine. Also cute!)

Even my doctor, who will offer me pills to banish the yeast infections whenever I visit with the same old story, has often shrugged her shoulders and said: “You’re just one of those women who is more prone to these.” Okay, DOC.

Enter: Love Wellness’s “The Killer.” The first time I heard about this product was from a woman I was seeing. She had these in her bathroom cabinet and offered me one after I mentioned I was feeling a bit “imbalanced.” I inserted it overnight and the next morning I felt fine. The discomfort was seemingly gone. I rejoiced, and feverishly looked up the product online so I could buy several boxes.

It turned out that “The Killer,” in its très chic little box, is a boric acid suppository, which is a time-old, doctor-approved agent for balancing vaginal yeast and bacteria. These ones are doctor-developed, and have more than 1,748 five-star reviews on their website out of 1,925 reviews. One, that’s a lot of reviews, and two, that’s a lot of positive reviews. I guess this post is essentially my review, too.

I always have three boxes of “The Killer” on deck. Oftentimes, I’ll only need to use it for 3-4 days before I feel like I’m back to normal, but technically you can use the suppositories for up to 12 days. It has consistently brought me back to a feeling of “squeaky clean.”

Even if you’re not the kind of person described above (a.k.a. me) (in which case, lucky you), “The Killer” feels like the kind of thing that is important to have on hand for whenever your vagina feels like the queasy emoji. That being said!!!! If your symptoms don’t seem to indicate a yeast infection, check in with your doctor instead of resorting to these. I don’t want a maelstrom of comments telling me I’m being irresponsible by giving you over-the-counter options for yeast infections, ppl!

Anyway, the long and short of it is: “The Killer” has truly turned my life on its head in the best possible way, showing me a healthy path out of a long, frustrating cycle.

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Give ’em a try and tell me what you think!

Photos by Beth Sacca.

The post Trust Me, Try It: I’m Recommending Something Called “The Killer”? appeared first on Repeller.

One of the perks of working at a women’s media outlet is having access to a lot of beauty samples. Moisturizers, sunscreens, toners, cleansers, mascaras, lipsticks, blushes, bronzers — you name it, it’s probably made its way onto my desk at some point, and beauty isn’t even my main beat. A beauty editor could easily stop purchasing products altogether and simply coast on samples alone; and for the most part, I’m sure many of them do.

However, I know from my own experience and from talking to beauty editors in the industry that there are crucial exceptions to this modus operandi — products that are so beloved an editor will continue to purchase them, despite a closet full of free samples waiting in the wings. Products that have stood out amidst all the testing and experimenting as “Holy Grail” staples worthy of personal investment. These are the products I’m most interested in hearing about, because I know that if beauty editors are spending money on them, they’re truly the best of the best. Ergo, I asked seven beauty editors whose skin I admire on a very regular basis to tell me the one product they’re so obsessed with they consistently repurchase it. Scroll down to read what they said.

Thatiana Diaz

Thatiana is a beauty writer at Refinery29.

 

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A post shared by Thatiana Diaz (@thatiana.diaz) on Jan 28, 2019 at 4:58pm PST

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so my dermatologist has always stressed that I use noncomedogenic beauty products, which don’t clog the pores. When looking for one in the drugstore, I discovered La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with SPF. It seemed fancy enough where I felt like I was investing in my skincare but was still ideal for my budget. This shopping experience was years ago, and I haven’t been able to replace this moisturizer, even with all the new launches that come across my desk as a beauty writer.

How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? It lasts me about two to three months before I repurchase.

What makes it so obsession-worthy? While my co-workers complain about the dry office air often in the winter, I’ve never felt their woes (thankfully). This moisturizer quenches my skin and keeps it hydrated in all conditions, even the harshest weather, which is ideal in New York City. It also gives my sensitive skin a level of comfort every time I apply it, so I know that I’ll never forget to wear it every morning. And using the version with SPF gives me sun protection without having to apply an extra product.

How do you typically use it in your routine? It’s the last step in my daytime routine after cleanser, toner, and serum. I don’t apply it at night as that’s when I’m treating my skin concerns with acne treatments. If you have combination skin, be strategic with your moisturizer. Give extra attention to your drier areas (for me, that’s my cheeks) and lightly apply on your more oily spots.

Hallie Gould

Hallie is a senior editor at Byrdie.

 

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A post shared by Hallie Gould (@gouldhallie) on Mar 28, 2019 at 11:11am PDT

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? It’s no secret [editors are sent] various skincare products as they launch from their respective brands. It’s a perk that’s yielded expensive taste, I’ll admit. But it’s also allowed me to find the few formulas I’d pay to replace, no questions asked. You know that specific type of panic—the kind that sets in when you realize you’re scraping the bottom of your favorite jar, bottle or tube when you need it most? For me, that happens when I’ve used the last of my beloved Renée Rouleau Triple Smoothing Berry Peel. If you’ve read my pieces before, this isn’t the first you’re hearing about this product. If you haven’t, welcome to church.

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How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? About three months.

What makes it so obsession-worthy? The peel is one of those magical products that works both instantly and over time. The formula looks and smells like jam, courtesy of all those antioxidant-rich berries with AHAs, BHAs and enzymes, and feels a bit spicy on your skin when you first apply it. But don’t fret. After 10 minutes and a quick rinse, you’ll notice a real, visible change (it brightens, evens, and retexturizes immediately, and, after a few uses, works to fade post-breakout marks, lift discoloration and smooth your skin’s overall surface texture).

How do you typically use it in your routine? I like to use it ahead of a big night out (after cleansing with Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm). It’s a real gem.

Kathleen Hou

Kathleen is the beauty director at New York Magazine’s The Cut.

 

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A post shared by Banana (@bananamag) on Nov 5, 2015 at 9:12am PST

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation

How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? I’ve found that a bottle lasts about a year.

What makes it so obsession-worthy? Years ago, before I was a beauty editor, I would faithfully plop down $60 for Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation. Now that I’m a beauty editor, I’ve tried zillions of foundations, but this remains my favorite (and it’s a favorite of celebrity makeup artists, too). It’s still the easiest to apply (you can even use your hands!) and you’ll get a beautiful, even, glowing seamless base that looks like real skin — or the dream, your skin when it’s on a hormonally balanced, celery juice and exercising five-times-a-week regimen. Armani may not have the 40 shades that Fenty does, but it recently expanded its range. The undertones are formulated just right so they won’t make you look grey or washed out.

How do you typically use it in your routine? I start by dabbing a few dots around my nose and blend out — this is where most people tend to have the most discoloration. I do a light layer first and add on more if need be; it won’t look cakey if I layer on coverage. It’s the foundation I recommend to everyone who wants to see what a fancy foundation can really do.

Lauren Valenti

Lauren is a beauty writer at Vogue.

 

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A post shared by Lauren Valenti (@lauren_valenti) on Feb 16, 2019 at 10:03am PST

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? Stila Liquid Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? It definitely depends on how often I’m wearing glitter at a given time. I also have nearly every shade they offer in my repertoire, ha. But I’d say about six months for my best-loved shades.

What makes it so obsession-worthy? There’s this funny misconception about beauty editors that we’re automatically super skilled at doing our own makeup. I mean, I’m not terrible, but eyeshadow is still something that eludes me, especially when there’s shimmer involved. This liquid-gel glitter eyeshadow requires zero expertise for an iridescent disco eye in minutes. Seriously, it’s so easy it does the work for you and makes it look like you know what you’re doing. I’ve waxed on about it with many peers in the industry (I can always spot someone who’s wearing it!) and everyone agrees that it’s a true unicorn product.

How do you typically use it in your routine? I love wearing it when I go out at night, particularly in black-gold Molten Midnight or champagne-y Golden Goddess. It holds up impressively well for glitter, too. I apply it straight from the tube using the doe tip applicator and then quickly diffuse the edges with my ring finger. I tend to keep layering it on for maximum saturation. Also, I’ll sometimes start by smudging black eyeliner pencil on first if I want a smokier effect or a more graphic shape. One thing to note is that it dries really fast, so keep that in mind as you’re blending!

Khalea Underwood

Khalea is a beauty editor at The Zoe Report.

 

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A post shared by Khalea Underwood (@letsbekhalear) on Feb 16, 2019 at 8:54am PST

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? I’m sure that my friends, coworkers, #instafam, second cousins and the kind lady who bags my favorite beef patty at Golden Krust are all tired of me singing the praises of Glossier’s Boy Brow (in Black). But I can’t help it. For me, it truly is that desert island, can’t-live-without-it product that I absolutely need to have on my face before I leave the house. It comes second to SPF and moisturizer, and I keep at least two or three backups in my at-home beauty closet. It’s that serious.

How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? My only qualm with Boy Brow is the fact that it’s so tiny. Since I use this every day (except for Sunday… only God can judge me, so I go to church without makeup on), I tend to run through one tube every month and a half.

What makes it so obsession-worthy? For some reason, it’s really tough to find black eyebrow products. And many of the ones that are available are way too dark. This gel is justtt right, and it enhances my arches without overpowering them. The mini brush is great for getting into those tiny gaps and curves. And the consistency is fantastic, too — perfectly waxy without being too sticky.

How do you typically use it in your routine? At first, I was a bit intimidated by the tiny brush applicator, but I’ve found that the key to applying Boy Brow like a pro is to hold it as you would with a pencil and create those same hair-like strokes using a light hand. I learned this the hard way, when my sister called me out on my “harsh” shape. The formula is very pigmented, so apply it lovingly. Sometimes, I’ll go in with a micro pencil to fill in any gaps, and I always blend the product in with a spoolie for a natural finish.

Ari Bines

Ari is a fashion and beauty writer at Bustle.

 

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A post shared by Ari • The Body Brat (@ms.bines) on Apr 4, 2019 at 6:07am PDT

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? Glossier Boy Brow [Ed note: This repeat answer was a coincidence, but certainly makes for a compelling case!]

How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? Since I wear a full face of makeup almost every day, I go about a month and a half before having to replenish with a new tube.

What makes it so obsession-worthy? I think I have an obsession with this one product because even though I have days where I feel like I have no eyebrows, Boy Brow creates these natural, bushy brows with just a couple of swipes.

How do you typically use it in your routine? It’s the first thing I apply to my face after a deep cleanse and moisturizer. Then I put concealer under my arches with either a flat eyeliner brush or any brush with a thin edge to carve out and shape my brows — it makes them look even thicker.

Carly Cardellino

Carly is the brand beauty director at Cosmopolitan.

 

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A post shared by Carly Cardellino (@carlycardellino) on Dec 19, 2018 at 5:19pm PST

What is the one beauty product you will always spend your own money on? Thrive Cosmetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel

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How long does it typically last you before you have to repurchase? I go through one once every three months!

What makes it so obsession-worthy? For me it’s like a red lip — it instantly makes me look pulled together. It has the truest pigment payoff I’ve seen yet and has a cone-shaped mascara-like brush that coats every brow hair without leaving clumps behind. Basically, it leaves me with the bushiest-looking brows that are both thick and dark. Personally, I love a super strong brow because I like the way it pops against my platinum hair, but you can also apply it in a lighter manner if you just want to slightly amp up your arches.

How do you typically use it in your routine? Typically I start applying it at the beginning of my brow, and then brush it through toward the arch and tail end, filling in any sparse spots and creating the illusion of a thicker brow throughout.

Feature image via Arielle Bines.

The post 7 Beauty Editors on the One Product They Routinely Buy appeared first on Repeller.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked down the street, or scrolled through my Instagram feed, or glanced across from me on a crowded subway car and thought to myself, I wonder what that person did to make their eyebrows look like that? The number is too high to count. Such is my fascination with the slivers of hair that grow atop the eyeballs of perfect strangers, and I know I’m not alone. Eyebrow mania is real—not to mention ubiquitous. So I took one for the team (our team!) and asked five women whose brows I’ve long admired from afar to tell me their favorite eyebrow product. Read their answers below, and share your own in the comments if you have some secret tricks.

Alessandra Garcia Lorido

Model

 

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A post shared by Alessandra Garcia Lorido (@alessandragl) on Apr 11, 2019 at 10:03am PDT

Favorite brow product? I go through so many phases when it comes to brow products—sometimes I’ll use a gel or even just hairspray on a spoolie (which actually works quite well), but right now my favorite is Nudestix Brow Wax Pen.

Why is it so amazing? My hair is super coarse and has a mind of its own, and the waxy texture holds down my hairs really well. The pen shape makes it super easy to use: I just draw it on my brows and brush it in with a spoolie. I find that most brow gels have a really small applicator which, for my size brows, doesn’t quite cut it. They also tend to be really crunchy on my hair once they dry out. The wax lasts without drying out and you can even go back in to reshape and set.

How did you first hear about it? Someone on set once used soap that they bought at Whole Foods with spoolie to shape my brows and I loved the outcome. After doing some research I found that this wax pen had the same result but with an easier application.

Any application tips? A little goes along way and I like to put less on the inner part of my brows to achieve a more sprouted and bushy texture there.

Callia Hargrove

Social Director at COOLS

 

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A post shared by Callia A. Hargrove (@calliarmelle) on Feb 12, 2017 at 9:12am PST

Favorite brow product? I swear by the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil!

Why is it so amazing? Let me preface by saying I’ve tried SO many brow products over the years. When I was the social editor at Teen Vogue, one of my work wives was our digital beauty editor, and she was nice enough to bless me with every new pencil, pomade, and powder on the market. Still, I always kept coming back to Brow Wiz.

My brows are very thick in some areas but sparse in others and I love how Brow Wiz defines without giving me intense brows. It perfects the shape without going on too strong and I can’t imagine my makeup routine without it. I only get my brows threaded every few months, and I rely on this pencil heavily in between sessions so I don’t get tweezer happy and go beyond the point of no return.

How did you first hear about it? My best guess is from a magazine article sometime in college. I feel like during the late 00s, every celebrity makeup artist was raving about it and I was quick to add it to my arsenal. I went through a very unfortunate thin brow phase around the same time, where mine were barely detectible and Brow Wiz helped bring them back to life by allowing me to let the hair grow in without things looking too messy.

Any application tips? Brow Wiz works best for me when I use it to fill in sparse areas. I do the ~makeup artist~ trick and fill those areas in with light strokes so the product doesn’t go on too strong. It’s definitely not a product I would recommend to create a completely new brow. Once I fill them in, I brush my brows out with a Sephora spoolie to blend the product in for more of a natural look. The pencil comes with a spoolie of its own, but this one is thicker and blends better in my opinion.

Zara Rahim

Head of Strategic Communications at The Wing

 

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A post shared by Zara Naz Rahim (@zararahim) on May 27, 2019 at 7:33am PDT

Favorite brow product? Hourglass Arch Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel

Why is it so amazing? I love the long brush and that it doesn’t hold a lot of excess product. Some brow gels use shorter brushes which, for me, is harder to distribute without leaving clumps of color or gel behind. I had a unibrow as a child that I was always told was so beautiful and wasn’t allowed to touch until 8th grade. Naturally, I over-plucked the hell out of them the second I could. I’ve been growing out my brows for the last four years with the help of my brow artists. I met Giselle Soto when I Iived in LA. When I moved to NY for the 2016 election, I didn’t touch them for six months because I was scared to go to anyone else and had zero time for self-care. I eventually found Ashley Span at Rescue Spa who is the best. They both really got me off of using pencils or pomades and encouraged me to embrace my natural, full shape. A good brow artist is just as important (if not more important!) as good products.

How did you first hear about it? I am an Hourglass addict and was looking for something with a longer brush and quality gel so this worked perfectly.

Any application tips? I brush up! It makes my brows look fuller and also my mother always told me if I brush my hair back it’ll grow faster which is rooted in absolutely zero science but I believe it 100% and apply it to my eyebrows as well.

Jessica Torres

Style blogger and podcaster

 

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A post shared by Jessica Torres (@thisisjessicatorres) on Dec 17, 2018 at 6:58pm PST

Favorite brow product? RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

Why is it so amazing? I naturally have very light, sparse brows. The process of making my eyebrows look full and feathery used to take me 30 minutes, daily. However, the older I get the lazier and quicker I want my makeup process to be. So I started researching products that help grow brows into thicker, fuller, sexier furry beasts. After watching UK vlogger Zoella talk casually about a product she bought off Amazon which helped fill in the gaps on her already full brows, I was sold. I have been using the product for about 4 months and counting and my brows have done a complete 180!

How did you first hear about it? Zoella!

Any application tips? The product says to apply the product in soft strokes but I apply it like a four-year-old playing with her mother’s expensive red lipstick and just go crazy on my brows. I show no mercy.

Hannah Baxter

Fashion Editor at Coveteur

 

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A post shared by Hannah Baxter (@hannahbaxward) on Apr 16, 2019 at 1:59pm PDT

Favorite brow product? Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

Why is it so amazing? To achieve full yet natural-looking brows, buildable color is a must. I’ve tried many, many products over the course of my eyebrow journey, from powders and gels to waxes and pencils. This guy blends in seamlessly to the brow hairs, and there’s no reddish undertone like a lot of lighter brow products—a tell-tale sign that your bushy pals are not exactly god-given. A pencil also gives you more control over the application and allows you to mimic the look of individual hairs.

How did you first hear about it? My former colleague and beauty guru for all things, Katie Becker. I always trust a friend’s recommendation over anything else, and considering she’s a product encyclopedia, I wasn’t surprised when this became my go-to.

Any application tips? Always brush up your brows before you start to fill them in—you need a roadmap of where to apply the color. I’ve also started drawing the hairs starting at the tail and working against the grain of the hair growth per a makeup artist’s recommendation. It keeps them from looking too perfect, like an Instagram brow. Then I use a spoolie to blend in the pencil, especially around any sparse patches, and finish with a tinted brow gel if I’m feeling sassy. Don’t forget to run a cotton bud around the top of your arch in case any color bleeds outside your desired shape.

Feature Photo by Alessandra Garcia Lorido.

The post The 5 Best Eyebrow Products, According to People I Insta-Stalk appeared first on Repeller.

I remember thinking to myself: I could use a comprehensive, A-to-Z guide on this tiniest of Holy Grails. (Not exactly those words, but you get it.)

With the state of the world being what it is—and with a personal pledge to create less waste in 2020—it feels like there’s no better time to ditch my tampons once-and-for-all for the sustainable alternative. Together with the team at Intimina, a Swedish brand offering a full range of responsibly manufactured products dedicated to menstrual care, I asked those who bleed monthly in the Man Repeller audience for all their questions and qualms about menstrual cups. And lo, did you query!

Below, enjoy a guide from yours truly—made with help from the experts at Intimina, who provided some background on questions from novice menstrual cup users and menstrual cup maestros alike.

1. Finding the Mini Chalice That’s Right for You

The most important information for determining the right cup for you is knowing the length of your, you guessed it, cervix. Cervix height can change depending on the time of month, so measure it with a clean finger during your cycle to be sure you know which size is right for you.

Many menstrual cups come with stems! In the case of Intimina’s—apart from their “Ziggy Cup,” which you can use during sex (more on that later!!!)—you’ll be able to trim the stem to your comfort.

Cups can be used for up to 12 hours, including during sleep, but you may need to change it more often if your flow is heavier. The good news is… there’s a cup for that. And with time, and practice, you’ll be able to determine how often you’ll need to empty your cup—anywhere from 2-3 times a day is recommended.

As far as materials, medical-grade silicone cups are your best bet, since they are hypoallergenic, latex-free, and toxin-free. No microplastics, toxic chemicals, or phthalates, s’il vous plaît! Look for a cup that has been tested and FDA-approved for biocompatibility. Intimina happens to have a queenly starter cup—the “Lily Cup One”—which is, certifiably, a beginner’s best friend. It collapses down to fit into its own carrying case, and even has a removal loop to make sure your first reaction when trying it out isn’t panic! And if you want something even slimmer and slippier, they make a “Lily Cup compact“ which collapses all the way flat and also fits into its own precious carrying case. It’s very cute. Just saying.

2. Safety First, Kids

“What about my IUD?” many asked. I, too, am an IUD proprietor and went down the road of being confused about whether my cup would interfere with the tiny strings at the back of my canal, or that the pressure vacuum might dislodge it. Fortunately, menstrual cups are held in a lower position than a tampon and shouldn’t interfere with an internal birth control device. Experts told me that. And as far as the aforementioned pressure vacuum, if you are a new IUD user it is worth waiting a few months before incorporating a menstrual cup into your routine. If you’re concerned about the placement of your IUD, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to confirm it’s positioned correctly, that a menstrual cup won’t interfere with its placement, and that its strings aren’t too long.

3. But… How Do You Clean It? Like, Really Clean It.

For me, this historically felt like the biggest barrier to getting a menstrual cup. Getting my hands dirty with my own period blood seemed like an ick! But I had to interrogate what it was about my period that made it feel like it was “dirty” or “gross,” because—pardon me, I’m mounting my soap box—it’s the most natural thing in the world and society told me it wasn’t. Women have been menstruating since time immemorial—and despite the aches and pains and occasional frustration, it is our—dare I say it, beautiful—biology. L’origine du monde. Whenever I get red-cheeked over my period, I just check myself and play this scene in my head.

Okay, now: How to clean your cup! While using your menstrual cup, you can wash it in a sink with mild, PH-balanced soap and hot water. Zing. For a more thorough clean between periods, though, it’s recommended that you boil your cup submerged in a pot of water for 5 to 8 minutes. Many audience members mentioned cup staining as a pain point, and I think I may have the secret sauce! According to an expert at Intimina, mix equal parts 1% hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl, leaving the cup submerged for 24 hours. After doing so—and before using or storing it!—be sure to wash it with warm water, to ensure that you’ve removed all the hydrogen peroxide residue. Alternatively, a 1:2 part white vinegar and water mixture will work with this method—submerge the cup in it for 24 hours and wash it thoroughly afterwards. If your cup smells like a salt & vinegar chip the next day, boil it in water per the directions above.

4. In the Words of One Responder: “How Do I Clean My Cup in a Public Restroom Without Looking Like I Murdered Someone in There???”

Moons ago, when I first started thinking about a menstrual cup, I imagined cleaning it out in a public bathroom stall and the resulting crime-scene vibe. A flutter of panic!!! Many responses echoed this same fear.

But it doesn’t need to be scary! Wash your hands with soap and water before handling the cup, or consider carrying *coveted* hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes in your bag to get clean before removing it. Chic. If you don’t have access to running water, according to the experts, it’s perfectly safe to empty your cup and wipe it out with toilet paper before reinserting. Alternatively, you can bring your reusable water bottle into the stall with you to do a little rinse. Clean your hands to the best of your ability before leaving the stall, give them a proper wash in the sink, and cartwheel out of there.

5. UGH, Not Leakage

Leaking is not fun or cool. But just a reminder that, in the beginning, it happens! If you’re getting used to a cup, be open to the fact that leaking might be a part of the process. But if you’re still getting grief after that introductory period, the Intimina team recommends the following:

There are two possible reasons for leaks: Your cup isn’t opened up properly—or it’s not positioned correctly. First and foremost, get acquainted with your ~interior architecture~ so you can visualize what you’re doing during insertion. If your cup hasn’t opened up properly, it’s all about getting the insertion method down. First, relax. No tight walls, pls. Try a different fold if the one you’re using isn’t working (here’s a handy vid for that). Run a finger around the edge of the cup’s body to check for any folds. If they’re still there, gently pull or wiggle the stem. If it’s a matter of leakage due to position, experts recommend moving your cup just a little higher toward your cervix.

6. Truth or Lie: You Can Have Penetrative Sex With a Cup In

Lest I lead you astray, it’s important to note: For most cups, it is not a good idea to have sex with it in!

However, Intimina makes a special cup specifically for penetrative sex called the “Ziggy Cup”—WOOT. The first of its kind, actually. It sits high in the vaginal canal, right under the cervix, and it’s shaped more like a diaphragm than other cups. Give it a whirl and tell me what you think?

So… are you convinced that now is the time to get cup’t? Will you join me on this journey to banishing tampons and liners for the sustainable alternative?? I’m fielding additional questions in the comments—and will continue consulting the experts—so drop a thought or feeling anytime.

Shop Intimina’s cups!

Ziggy Cup

$33.96 Shop Now

Lily Cup One

$21.21 Shop Now

Lily Cup Compact

$25.46 Shop Now

Photography by Aileen Son.

The post Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Menstrual Cups (Including the Best One for Period Sex) appeared first on Repeller.

How would you describe your skin?

I have combination skin that doesn’t scar easily. I often have to curb my urge to try out all the wonderful facial oils out there because when I do it throws off my balance of oil and dryness.

How would you describe your skincare approach in general?

My skincare is very minimal and low-maintenance. Whenever I try to add in extra steps, it messes with my skin and makes me break out.

Which skincare products are integral to your routine for achieving your ideal, glowing, well-moisturized complexion, and how/when do you use each of them?

I start my day with Be Transcendent Skin Cleanser for normal to dry skin. I’ll lather it for the length of whatever song I’m enjoying at the moment. Then I follow up with the SuperGoop Daily Moisturizer. 

At the end of my day I wash my face with Alaffia Liquid African Black Soap with Tea Tree & Eucalyptus and then moisturize with Trader Joe’s Rose Facial Oil and Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream. 

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A post shared by Sarai Garcia (@file.jpg) on May 27, 2020 at 10:00am PDT

What about makeup products?

I live for drugstore makeup! I try to keep my makeup simple and I prefer minimal coverage. I use  Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream as my foundation. It’s light and lasts me most of the day. For concealer, I love LA Girl HD Pro Concealer. I’ve been using LA Girl since high school and it’s never let me down. Milani Baked Blush is my favorite blush because of its shimmer, which gives me a nice glow. Some days I even put a little on my eyelids for an extra pop. Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara is my go-to mascara because my lashes don’t go stiff no matter how much I pile on. It’s good for daily use.

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What’s the cheapest product you use regularly and love?

Black Radiance Lip Gloss! It’s high shine and makes me feel unstoppable for the price of $3. 

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Is there anything you try to avoid, skincare- or makeup-wise?

I avoid cream makeup–blush cream, contour cream, etc.–because it starts to feel so heavy and gross throughout the day, and my skin pays for it. I definitely prefer powder products.

Any next-level tips, tricks, or services that you swear by to help you look “lit from within”?

Okay, I don’t want to be that person, but I swear after I became vegetarian my skin has so much more life–it could just be because I’m more hydrated, though. Also, SLEEP! It’s so important and the number of hours you’re getting is reflected in how your skin looks.

What’s your go-to product or trick for fixing a skin disaster?

Every now and then I have hormonal breakouts and my savior is Differin Acne Treatment. I apply it to the affected area and within 1-3 days I am back! 

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What’s something you wish your teenage self knew about taking care of your skin?

Daily sunscreen is essential!! Teenage me only wore it out at the beach or during other outdoor activities instead of as part of my daily routine.

Feature Images via Sarai Garcia. 

The post You Look Moist: A Photographer on the $3 Lip Gloss That Makes Her Feel “Unstoppable” appeared first on Repeller.