Fresh

Oh, why this topic today, you'd wonder? Well, it's Election Day and I need to chill. I am so fucking stressed out I could spit. The fate of the country rests on a few states that will decide who the president of the United States is for the next four years. And I can't take the pressure. So I'll probably stay away from the crazy 24/7 news cycle and social media. I don't want Hair Furor's stupidity get the best of me today. So I'm going to write about my skin regime, just like Sam Smith did for Vogue. Because why not? BTW, I totally adore Sam and I think they're awesome.

After having posted about grooming in the past, I had recently decided that I was going to take care of my skin. And by recently, I mean I made this decision sometime last year.  After having watched one and a million videos of people taking care of their skin, I gave in and decided to create my own 'beauty' routine. Oh, you don't care about those things? Bear with me. It's been fun and I've discovered the whole routine works like a charm. The thing is, I was roaming Trader Joe's (as one does on Sundays) and I ran into their personal care section. It's not Sephora, mind you, but still, I was curious. I decided to go for the easiest combo, which are the products I'm going to tell you about here. It's not a K-Pop 10-step routine, but it works for me.

I decided to go for the tea tree oil face wash (they have several options), because apparently I'm still a fucking teen and I get the more than occasional pimple (yeah, I thought those ended once you turned sixteen, but no). I also have an oily T-zone (forehead and nose) and this has helped me control the oil without drying me like a prune. It also smells super nice and it leaves my skin clean and not squeaky. Tea tree oil is apparently used because it has antibacterial qualities and I can say it works for me. Besides, it's $6. Yes, I'm cheap.

After I wash my face (morning and night) I use the Rose Water facial toner. Apparently, it's the thing to do. I have heard a million influencers swear by a toner after washing your face, so I said, why not? It's also $3.99 so I put it in my cart right away. I can also remember that my maternal grandma SWORE rose water   was the best thing for the skin, so yes. I got it. It feels fresh and it doesn't have an overpowering perfume, so I enjoy it.

According to the powers that be on YouTube, I was missing the whole moisturizing part of the routine, but I am not going out these days, so I tried the Moisture Boost Serum instead of a full-on moisturizer. It was a total experiment, because I had decided I wanted a moisturizer but the idea of putting something oily on my skin was a no-no. Pimples, remember?  I had thought about a moisturizer because I use an electric razor and I do feel my face is kinda dry after I'm done, so a moisturizer was the solution. It's good when the moisturizer has some SPF in it, but I was starting with the basics, so the serum it was.  And the good thing about it (different to a conventional moisturizer and also lighter) is that it's absorbed immediately. If you have done after-shave, this is pretty much like it, without the stinging.  It's $8, so I may try it again.

Oh, I also got this trio like three months ago and I really liked it. Right now I only have the Clay mask, the other two are gone. They feel really nice on the skin and even though I often forget I have them in my bathroom cabinet. But when I do remember I have them I do use them. It's a great feeling. I just put the mask on and chill. It's fantastic. Also, people are not to talk to me when I have a face mask on, which is very conductive to introspection and blogging, natch. I think the three were like $15 so it was a good deal.

So what say you? Willing to try one or two of these personal care products? I know some of you like to think you're Tarzan and you don't need any of these potions, but it's not the THING, but what the thing does for you: it creates a moment in which you are keeping your own company and you are doing something for yourself. I know, all these beauty products may not be the panacea their makers promise, but they feel GOOD. They make me feel good. I have discovered that the five- eight minute routine I have carved for myself every day kind of makes me concentrate on me, myself and I and I literally slow down and forget everything else if even for a few minutes. I listen to music, concentrate on something that takes me out of the madness of life it and helps me stay fresh. And in days like today, that's something we all need.

XOXO

P.S. I don't really do makeup, but after watching Sam, I think I'm gonna try a lip balm and maybe a brow pen to keep my brows under control. And maybe some of that transparent mascara? Grooming is good, even if it's to stay at home or do a quick run to go get gas. Yeah, I may try and get some of that when I go back to Sephora. That would give me a reason to leave the house, too. Here's for new beginnings!