Since CoronaVirus didn't give me a heads up that it would be canceling life for months and keeping us in sweatpants lockdown, I would have gone in for Fraxel Laser since I have so much downtime... instead, let me share some of my favorite masks you can do at home from the tip of your head to your finger tips. This guide has all the bits (that people see) covered!
ONCE A WEEK: HAIR
To keep your balayage bomb, I suggest using Olaplex No 3 once every 1-2 weeks. It's going to keep the blondie bits bright and soft. Olaplex will heal damaged and compromised hair while it strengthens and protects hair structure for its future. If your hair is like mine and tends to get a little brittle with the occasional bleaching, this will fix you right up (especially if your stylist uses the professional strength one during your service). It's certified CLEAN from Sephora and free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
TO USE: It works best on damp hair so I like to mist my hair with distilled water (I keep a little bottle in my bathroom) then massage it through. I'll leave it on 10-20 minutes then wash it out in the shower and shampoo then apply my Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair mask.
ONCE A WEEK: OILY/COMBO/ACNE
If you struggle with acne and keeping your pores clean, GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment mask is perfect! It's dark green and thick (think swamp thing but glamorous) and it dries hard pretty quickly. I'll usually save this mask when I'm doing my Olaplex so that I know I can remove it in the shower... it's a bit of a pain to remove at the sink and it will stain your towels FYI but all that said, there's nothing else as powerful at getting your skin squeaky clean. It has a Super Six Acid Blend of acids including Lactic, Salicylic, Glycolic, Mandelic, Tartaric and Pyruvic (so it's gonna tingle) which unclogs and minimizes the look of pores. Its claim to fame is the Activated-X Charcoal which pulls dirt & debris from your pores. This is the mask that doesn't make you feel bad about being a makeup lover... it's basically my Sunday Confessional. I used to buy the 1.7oz but after about 5 of those I switched to the 3.5oz since cost per use, it's considerably cheaper.
REGULARLY: EXFOLIATION
My HOLY GRAIL of exfoliation is Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer I love it for getting rid of dullness, cleaning out my pores gently using powerful pumpkin enzymes, and alpha hydroxy acids which preps my skin for a flawless makeup application. Since becoming a Paramedical Esthetician in 2006, I've tried just about every enzyme exfoliator out there and this one is far superior. It packs a serious pumpkin scent, so as long as you're ok with that, you're going to LOVE this! Two containers last me a year with using it about 3 times per week.
TO USE: A few times a week in the shower I apply a thin layer and leave it on about 7 minutes (less if you have more sensitive skin) and every few minutes I gently massage it using circular motions with only my finger tips. I usually do this at the beginning of my shower so it has plenty of time to work it's magic.
REGULARLY: CUTICLE MASK
I don't think I'm alone in this but under regular, non winter, non washing your hands 956,000,000 times thanks to COVID-19, my cuticles are pretty dry. I think it's intensified due to the medical grade soap I use daily when microblading and pretty constant hand sanitizer use while with each client so I take extra special care of my cuticles. Every day I use some sort of cuticle oil; at home I use Dadi Oil while I'm watching TV with my husband and on-the-go I keep a Body Shoppe Almond Oil Pen in my bag and use it when needed BUT what my hero product that I wear to bed a few nights a week on top on that oil is Deborah Lippmann's The Cure - Nail Cuticle Repair Cream Treatment This is the only overnight cuticle treatment I've ever tried that is still visible in the morning which tells me, it's doing its damn job and I know when you see the price, you'll think it's probably not worth it BUT you use so little that this one container will last you a year, easily.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS: PLUMP & HYDRATE
Now, let's say you have somewhere extra special to go or you're going to be on tv with that dreadful 4K... Co2 Lift will be your bestie! Now you'll see the website makes an awful lot of claims but I can tell you, it's not bullshit. Yes, the effects are temporary and it is quite pricey per use but for that special day, I have to say, 'treat yo' self!' This is what you can expect:
- Reduces dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Increases skin's hydration 117%
- Lifts and Tightens skin
- Smooths skins texture
- Reduces pore size
- Brightens skin tone
TO USE: You'll aggressively mix the contents of both packets into a glass bowl then you'll spread a medium thick layer all over your face, right up to your lash line and if you have any left, take it down your neck and on the backs of your hands. For best results leave it on at least 45 minutes but if you can, 60 minutes is best! Now you will look like you've been slimed, but think of it as the most glorious slime money can buy!
IN A PINCH: EXFOLIATION
I recently injured my back and wasn't able to do my normal skin routine because I couldn't stand long enough to do it and it was almost 4 days before I could lift my leg over the tub to be able to shower... I know, not awesome but this mask came in handy since it only needs to sit on 2-5 minutes and does a combination of my entire routine in one step! It was my little piece of sanity that made me feel normal while I was recovering. During regular life this is my go-to when I don't have time to do all the steps of my regular routine or any of the masks listed in today's post. PCA Skin Revitalizing Mask is my QUICK FIX. It's also a great alternative for those that have more sensitive skin and maybe can't tolerate the more aggressive exfoliations. It uses papaya to exfoliate and remove dead skin and oil while having honey and vitamin e to calm, moisturize and fight damage and green tea which soothes and minimizes inflammation.
TO USE: Apply a thin layer and leave on 2-5 minutes. It's almost clear so you can remove it with any cloth you prefer without being nervous that it will stain.