Spring Break Prep Your Guide to Choosing a Fragrance for Every Occasion Clean Beauty Explained Clean Beauty Products Worth Your Money
in Our Makeup Bags? Ego: Kimberly Ng A Guide to Popular Nail Services Ego: Dunya Afshar High End vs. Drug Store Makeup Doing Your Beauty Maintenance at Home
With spring break coming up, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what beauty prep you want to do before your trip or even your staycation. Doing certain beauty treatments in advance can make your break run more smoothly and save you some time each day when you are getting ready.
Whether you want to have a low-maintenance style or wear it naturally, planning this out and doing certain hair prep ahead of time is essential.
• Get your hair done: braids, extensions, sewins, etc.
• Use a deep conditioning mask to boost moisture.
• Trim split ends, if needed.
• Use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup.
Waxing or shaving before going on a trip will make daily upkeep less time-consuming. If you’re getting a wax, try to schedule it a few days before leaving to reduce irritation.
A new set of nails will last your whole break and elevate your hands in all your pictures. You can choose between Gel-X, gel, acrylic, builder gel, or regular polish, depending on your preference and how long you want them to last. You could do a neutral
color, a staple like French tips, or find a cute vacation design on social media or Pinterest.
Your eyebrows are what frame your face, and doing some maintenance before your trip can cut down on getting-ready time. Schedule a brow wax or threading appointment, or go for athome maintenance — shaving, tweezing, and dyeing them with beard dye.
Having your lashes done or using an easy product can either replace a lash routine or make it 10 times easier.
• Lash lift, extensions, or clusters
• Lash tint for a more natural look
• Tubing mascara for quick and easy removal
• Waterproof mascara if you’ll be in the water
Taking extra care of your body before your break will make your skin smoother and more hydrated.
• Exfoliate a few days before leaving
• Use hydrating lotions or body creams
• Use a gentle lip scrub
• Self-tan a few days in advance
Whitening your teeth before spring break helps you
have a brighter smile in all of the photos you’ll post to Instagram later.
When packing your beauty products, focus on bringing things you’ll use multiple times and that are in travelsize containers to save space.
• Tinted SPF or skin tint
• Cream blush and bronzer
• Brow gel
• Lip balm with SPF, lip tint, lip gloss
• Body oil and lotion
• Razor
• Everyday skincare, body care, and hair care products in refillable travel bottles
How you smell is one of the simplest ways to elevate your presence around others, but picking the right scent can sometimes feel overwhelming. The key to creating your fragrance wardrobe is knowing what type of scents work for each occasion. Whether you’re going on a date, to class, or to hang out with friends, here’s a guide to pick the right scent for every moment.
Lighter scents are best — like fresh, clean or soft musky fragrances — since they won’t overpower rooms or be too distracting.
This is the time for your fragrance to be bolder and to have more fun with your scent. Sweeter, warmer, or more intense fragrances usually last longer and will stand out more.
This fragrance should feel warm and inviting without being super overwhelming. Think warm fl orals, soft musks, and subtle sweet notes.
Clean beauty has been around for a while, but it has more recently become a popular topic within the cosmetics world. It’s on posters, product labels, and ads everywhere. But many people don’t actually know what it means and what the benefits are to themselves or the environment, if there are any. Since there is no official definition, it can get confusing to understand what it means.
Clean beauty refers to products that are made without certain ingredients that some people think can be harmful or irritating, like parabens and synthetic fragrances. Clean beauty isn’t regulated by a government standard, so technically any brand can say that it’s “clean” since it just depends on that brand’s standards. Certain brands and retailers have made lists of products that don’t contain specific ingredients to help shoppers find options without them. It’s important to remember
that just because a product is labeled as being clean doesn’t mean it’s 100% natural or that it’s better or safer. It’s really about looking to see what ingredients are excluded and seeing how transparent the brand is when it comes to its ingredients.
What everyone wants to know is whether clean beauty is better for your skin — and it really just depends! It can be better for those who have very sensitive skin that reacts to certain ingredients or those who care about knowing what’s in their products.
But it isn’t true that all synthetic ingredients are bad, some can actually improve how a product performs or its texture. A clean product also isn’t necessarily safer or more effective for your skin.
So is clean beauty worth it? It can be worth it depending on what you care about, but it’s not guaranteed that the product will be better for you.
If you’re interested in buying clean beauty products that are good and actually work, here are some options!
MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid
Tower 28 Beauty Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer with 18-Hour Wear
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone
Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation with Fermented Arnica
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 — Fragrance-Free Foundation
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Saie Slip Tint Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer with Mineral Zinc SPF 35 and Hyaluronic Acid
Saie Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid
MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint
MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip 12-Hour Dewy Setting Spray With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder
bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder
LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick
MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Power Sculpt Velvet TalcFree Powder Bronzer
MILK MAKEUP Sculpt Cream Contour Stick
ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves® Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara Caliray Come Hell or High Water 24Hour Volumizing & Lengthening Tubing Mascara
Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Dewy Cream Blush LAWLESS Pinch My Cheeks Soft-Blur Cream Blush
Maran
Butter Jar
Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose
Illuminator
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Bio-Radiant Glassy Balm
Highlighter Stick
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Bio-Radiant Gel-Powder
Illuminating Highlighter with Fermented Arnica
Vanilla Vibezzz — Whipped Argan Oil Refillable Firming Body
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
The INKEY List Mini Oat Cleansing Balm
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Detoxing Clay Mask with AHAs + Oil Control
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative Youth To The People Superfood Hydrating Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser
Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Refillable Body Wash with Niacinamide + Probiotic Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Hypochlorous Acid Spray for Breakouts & Redness
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Treatment for Hydration + Nourishing Shine
Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly
Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil
Saie Lip Liner 101: Creamy & Nourishing Lip Pencil
For 30 years, Giovanni & Pileggi Salon has been a cornerstone of luxury hair and beauty in Center City Philadelphia, celebrated for its artistry, innovation, and enduring commitment to excellence. Giovanni & Pileggi consists of unparalleled talent from stylists to makeup artists, offering a full range of luxury services. Celebrating three decades in business, Giovanni & Pileggi continues to set the standard for refined hair artistry in Philadelphia.
Jenna focuses on using makeup to achieve a natural look. Her skin type is dry, so an emphasis on hydrating products is a must.
Products in her makeup bag she can’t live without include Elf Brow Lift, Fenty Beauty Skin Tint, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Powder, and Essence What a Tint.
Sophia’s makeup bag focuses her an easy everyday look. Her looks for products that can add routine.
Products in her makeup bag she Glossier Boy Brow and Fenty Retouch Setting Powder.
focuses on products that can give Her skin type is dry, so she add extra hydration to her
she can’t live without include Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant
Yaxlei has everything she could need in her makeup bag, but her go-to style is for a night out is soft glam. Her skin type is dry, so she prioritizes a good skincare routine before makeup application along with a solid setting spray to melt all of her products together.
Products in her makeup bag she can’t live without include MAC Fix+, Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Skin Enhancer, About Face Skin Tint and Concealer, and Huda Beauty Loose Powder.
Hometown San Diego
Field of Study
Major in nursing, minors in biology and nursing and healthcare management
Activities
Chinese Student Association, Asian
Pacific American Nursing Student Association
If you’ve ever looked at another student’s nails and found yourself mesmerized by the design, they were likely done by Kimberly Ng (N ’29), Penn’s personal nail technician. Kimberly started off doing nails for her friends before starting a business that provides for anyone looking to adorn their hands. While most people were busy wiping down their groceries during the pandemic, Kimberly was exploring the world of do–it–yourself beauty. She discovered nails—an often overlooked aspect of one’s appearance—as a mode of self–expression and source of inspiration.
Can you describe your business?
My business is called Kimberly Does Nails. I started doing nails during the COVID–19 pandemic when I was in seventh grade. Initially, it was just a hobby for myself because I was really bored at home. I was usually just doing my own nails, but then I started doing my friends’ nails when I got to Penn. I honestly didn’t think it was going to turn into a business, but people kept referring me
to others. I started doing other students’ nails and eventually it just grew into a business.
What does the pricing structure look like?
I didn’t charge for my services when I was just doing nails for a few of my friends. When I got to strangers, I started charging them, but I kept the prices pretty low compared to salons around the Philadelphia area. Right now, the pricing starts at $20 for simple colors and plain designs on both hands, and $1 for each added charm. It goes up in increments of five as the customer adds colors or more detailed patterns. For example, I charge $25 for two to five colors with basic patterns, and $30 for any set with three or more colors with intricate designs. A lot of people tell me that I charge very little for my nails, which I agree with, but I honestly do nails just as a side hobby and a fun activity for myself.
How do clients reach out to you? How do you schedule and manage appointments?
People usually DM me over Instagram. I started off on my personal account, but I eventually transitioned over to a professional business account to better manage appointments and inquiries. Last semester, I found myself working around others’ schedules because I would try to coordinate dates and times that would work better for the customer. But this semester, I provide my availability through a Calendly, especially because I’m more busy with schoolwork. I’ve also been limiting my appointments to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and only taking two to three customers each day, instead of meeting several people every day like last semester.
From a customer standpoint, it’s pretty easy to book an appointment with me. How long do nail sets typically take you to complete?
Usually a typical set doesn’t last more than two hours per person, but it really depends on what the customer comes in with and what they want. For plain sets, I can honestly get those done in an hour or an hour and a half. For more complex designs, it could take me up to two or two and a half hours, especially if they want different designs on each nail. Also, if the person needs to get their previous set of nails removed, that can add up to 30 minutes, depending on the removal technique.
How do you manage both school and the business?
It’s pretty hard, especially during midterm season. Right now I’m still taking a good amount of clients, but I’ll cut off certain days to make sure I’m getting my schoolwork done. For instance, I have a midterm on Monday, so
Photo by Connie Zhao
I’m not taking any clients on Sunday just so that I have that full day to study. I’d say I’m pretty good at time management because throughout my entire life— especially in high school—I did a lot of extracurriculars.
Coming to Penn, I’m not in that many clubs, but school is definitely my priority. It’s not really that I find time, I’ve just learned to make time.
Who was your first Penn client and what was that experience like?
My first client at Penn was my roommate. I didn’t know her that well because we met each other through Instagram, so I offered to do her nails since I had brought all my nail supplies with me from home. I posted the set I did on Instagram and started getting requests from other friends, and the business grew from there.
Do you have any previous entrepreneurial experience in managing or running a business?
I have a track record of turning hobbies into jobs. In high school, I really enjoyed baking and cooking. I found a cafe that served both drinks and desserts, where I first worked as a barista, and then transitioned over to working as a baker.
I feel like when you start looking at your business more as a business rather than a hobby, it takes the joy out of it. So with my nail business, the money is a perk of it, but I really just do nails for fun.
What do nails mean to you?
Other types of style— outfit, hair, makeup—are all temporary, but nails have a sense of (relative) permanence. With proper care, they can stay on for at least three to four weeks and can be a long–term source of joy. I’m a lot happier when I have my nails done, and I love it when others compliment me on my nails.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
From acrylic sets to press-ons, the different types of nails people get have expanded far beyond plain polish.
With the wide range of options available, it can be hard to know which service is the right one for your lifestyle and needs. Knowing the differences between these services can help you decide which is best for you and your routine.
These are premade nails that are applied with either glue or adhesive strips. They are made for short-term wear and are easy to apply at home. These are ideal for anyone who wants a quick manicure without going to a salon. They are affordable, lowcommitment, and also easy to take off, but they usually don’t last that long and can lift if not applied properly.
This is a long-lasting polish that’s cured under either a UV or LED lamp. It’s brushed right on the natural nail and doesn’t add any length. This service is good for those who want a natural look that’s more durable than traditional polish. It doesn’t chip as easily as regular polish and dries faster, but if it is not removed correctly, it can weaken your natural nail over time.
Builder gel is a thicker type of gel used to strengthen the natural nails and add structure. This can be used by itself or under a gel polish and it’s a good pick for people with weak nails. It gives your nails reinforcement without being heavy. However, the length it can help to achieve is limited, and it requires regular maintenance.
This is a soft gel extension that’s used with preshaped
tips and bonded to the natural nail. It’s a popular service for people who want length without the nails feeling heavy. These nails require less filling but are usually a bit more expensive than acrylics and need to be professionally removed to help avoid damaging naturall nails.
These are made using a mix of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to create strong extensions. These are best for those who want long or dramatic nails or who don’t want to pay the premium for Gel X. These nails are very durable and can be customized, but they use strong chemicals, which can damage natural nails if constantly worn without breaks.
These manicures involve applying a colored powder over a bonding agent, which creates a durable finish without needing a UV light. It’s known for its longevity and strength and is popular for those who want something low-maintenance.
The best option truly depends on your schedule, how much upkeep you are okay with, your budget, and how your natural nail reacts to certain chemicals. Understanding the different types of nail services and what goes into them helps you make an informed choice before you head to the nail shop. Whether you want a low-maintenance look or an extravagant set, choosing the correct service will help your vision come to life while also keeping your nails healthy.
By Henry Planet
San Francisco
Field of Study
Majors in Political Science and Consumer Psychology Activities
Penn Persian Society (Social Chair)
When did you start doing lashes?
I started learning lashes my freshman year of high school. COVID hit and I had just quit gymnastics. I wanted to do something to keep my hands busy. I knew that my mom loved getting some eyelash extensions, so I wanted to surprise her for her birthday by trying to do that for her. I had a lot of social anxiety, so my mom wanted me to try taking clients as a way of putting myself out there. My first set took six hours.
That’s a long time, you must get to know your clients very well.
Yeah—people think, “Oh, you’re just doing a mere tweak of lashes,” but I’m putting one single extension on every single lash–able natural lash—typically 100–250 on each eye. I really want to do it perfectly. But I think one reason why I enjoyed those
six hours and it went by so fast was because I was doing it with my older sister. She and her lash model didn’t really get along. They didn’t have a good conversation, but my technician and I were talking about her pregnancy. I was asking her for advice on really niche questions, and it felt like we were friends after that. It went by so fast, and I realized that it was a great way to create a space to make my clients feel empowered. I originally thought that getting to know people was my second priority, but I would actually say it’s the first. It’s taught me how to listen, how to really be attuned to myself and my client.
Who are your clients? Where do they come from?
My clients have ranged from 13–year–olds to people in their 80s. Now, it’s predominantly college students, but before it
was moms who were taking a nap between graveyard shifts and working two jobs. It was teenagers who wanted to feel a little more confident, who didn’t want to wake up every morning and put on makeup to feel ready. I think it served a different purpose for a lot of different people, but I made some really great friends from it. Some of my closest friends are clients. It’s my way of creating space for somebody, and also creating space for myself. When you make somebody feel comfortable, when you give them that space, it’s really hard not to build relationships with them.
The slogan of Wink Aesthetics is “science, empathy, and precision.” It’s clear that empathy is a big part of your method, but what about science and precision?
I keep a catalog of every single client that I’ve ever
had. And each of them has their own file. I’ll take pictures of their natural lashes, keep track of their natural eye growth, even their routine. For example, if somebody likes to sleep on one side, I’ll note that and get a sleeping mask. I’ll put pictures of my client over a map of a perfect lash set and then tweak it to suit their eye the best. I’ll do specific measurements and calculations in order to make it look really good for someone’s eye. Most lash techs will just be given a typical map. They won’t take that extra step. But I think it’s really important. That’s what I mean by science and precision. Lashes change your whole face. My clients are the ones who have to look in the mirror and see themselves like this for a whole month. So, I don’t care if I spend two or three hours on this. If you don’t like it, I’ll fix it.
Do you see lashes as just
a business, an art form, a craft, something else? I would say it started off as a necessity. I’m daughter number three out of four and my parents are divorced. Right when COVID happened, my mom was laid off and luckily she had a union, but the union wasn’t great. When you’re a middle child, especially in a first generation household, you’re taught not to take up space and to figure things out on your own. I didn’t want to financially burden my mom. It was a way I could help pay for my little sister’s summer programs, birthdays, clothes, food, everything like. I’ve always liked to work with my hands. I used to repair people’s bikes, or mow lawns. For me lashing is more about tinkering.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Makeup can be expensive, especially if you are starting from scratch and have to get all new products. This leads to the question, are highend products really worth splurging on or can drugstore products perform just as well? We think that both luxury and affordable products can have a place in your routine (if it’s within your budget), and knowing where to save on products can help you build a makeup collection that fits your needs while staying in your budget.
What’s the Difference between High-end and Drugstore Makeup?
High-end makeup is usually associated with good packaging, higher prices, and quality ingredients. The products may have more complex formulas, more shades, and innovative textures, such as serumlike foundations. Drugstore makeup is more affordable, accessible, and many formulas today rival luxury brands, proving that price that price doesn’t always equal quality. Next, we will show you where some drugstore products may be better than high-end ones and also what luxury products are worth the splurge.
Where Drugstore Makeup Wins Mascara
Drugstore mascaras deliver just as much volume, length, and curl but at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands. Since mascara has to be changed more frequently than other products, it makes sense to choose a budget-friendly option.
• L’Oréal Paris Makeup
Original Telescopic Mascara
• Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Brow Products
Eyebrow pencils, pomades, and gels perform just as well as the expensive ones, as most use similar formulas.
• e.l.f. Brow Lift Gel - Clear
• NYX Professional Makeup Lift N Snatch!
Brow Tint Pen
Lip Products
Lip liners, glosses, balms, and oils have great pigment and smooth formulas.
Lip Liners
• Milani Understatement Lip Liner
• Maybelline Lifter Liner
Lip Liner Pencil with Hyaluronic Acid, Out of Line Glosses
• Milani Keep It Full Lip Plumper
• Maybelline Lifter Gloss Plumping Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
Lip Balm
• Aquaphor
• Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm Oils
• e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
• NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip
Lip Gloss
Eyeliner
Pencil, liquid, and gel eyeliners can be just as longlasting and pigmented as luxury brands, and many people’s favorite eyeliners come from affordable brands.
Pencil
• NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil
• e.l.f. No Budge
Retractable Waterproof
Eyeliner
Liquid
• Maybelline Hyper Easy
Liquid Pen Eyeliner
• NYX Professional
Makeup Epic Ink LinerBlack Gel
• Maybelline Eye Studio
Lasting Drama Gel
Waterproof Eyeliner
• Essence Stay & Play Gel
Waterproof Eyeliner
Setting Spray
There are many drugstore setting sprays that are comparable to high-end ones since they also perform very well.
• L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist
• NYX Professional Makeup Long Lasting Makeup Setting SprayMatte Finish Where High-end Makeup May Be Worth It Complexion base products are often worth the splurge because they sit directly on most of your face for a long time and need to match your shade, undertones, and skin type. High-end products usually have better shade ranges, a more skin-like look, and formulas for specific skin concerns such as oil control and dry skin.
Foundation and Skin Tints
• Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Foundation
• Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation with Peptides + Ceramides
Concealer
If you wear concealer a lot, it may be worth it to invest in a high-end product due to the increased quality, which can make a noticeable difference. They can often also provide more coverage, hydration, and last longer, especially if you are putting it under your eyes.
• Hourglass Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer
• Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid Powders
High-end powders usually have finer textures, which cause them to look smoother and more seamless on the skin and help them last longer.
• Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Refillable Blurring & Setting Powder Blush and Bronzer
Cream blushes and bronzers from luxury brands are more blendable and have more natural finishes, which makes it worth the splurge for their texture and longevity.
• PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
• Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer
Eyeshadow Palettes
High-end palettes have much better pigmentation, blendability, and often have less fallout. If you like doing eye looks or are trying to get into it, investing in a quality palette can be worth it.
• MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes® Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
Takeaway
High-end makeup products aren’t always better and drugstore products aren’t always going to work for you. The best makeup routine is the one that fits your skin type and stays within your budget. By knowing which products are worth spending more on and where you can save, you can build a makeup collection that works for you.
There are a lot of beauty treatments that are easy to learn to do yourself and can make you look and feel more put together, as well as save you time and money. By spending some time researching and learning, you will save not only time and money, but also make a custom routine that fits into your schedule.
Eyebrow maintenance is very easy to do at home, and with simple tools and careful prep, you can shape and tint your brows to enhance your natural features
Shaping
Materials: Good tweezers, scissors, spoolie brush, face razor, aloe vera
Tinting
Materials: Spoolie brush, men’s beard dye, small angled brush
Step 1 — Gather Materials: Buy all the materials listed above that you don’t already have. When buying the men’s beard dye, make sure it’s the color you want for your eyebrows. If you aren’t sure what color to get, try comparing the colors on the boxes to see which you like the most. You can also look online to find pictures or videos of people who have used a specific color to see if that’s what you are going for. Most people try to go for a shade that’s one to two shades lighter than their hair color.
Step 2 — Prep Your Brows: Make sure your brows are clean and free of any products, then brush through them with a spoolie.
Tip: If you have never applied dye before, you may want to do a patch test 48 hours before to ensure your skin doesn’t have a bad reaction.
Step 3 — Mix Colors and Coat
One Brow: Mix a small amount of the color and developer together (follow the instructions on the box) in the provided plastic tray. Use the small angled brush to apply the dye to your brow, starting at the front. Try not to apply too much in the very front of your eyebrow to prevent it from looking boxy. If you have thicker eyebrows, you can also use a spoolie to evenly distribute the dye in your brow. If you get any on your skin, just use a damp paper towel or cotton swab to wipe it off.
Step 4 — Timer:
It usually takes five minutes for the dye to reach the desired color, but if it’s your first time trying, you might want to set a timer for about 2.5 minutes. This way, if it’s too light, you can just reapply the dye.
Step 5 — Wipe Off Dye: Wipe off the dye with a damp paper towel. If your eyebrow looks a bit too dark after letting it dry, you can use micellar water to help wipe more off.
Step 6 — Do the Other Brow: Repeat the same steps for the other eyebrow!
Doing your own nails is an easy way to elevate your look without having to go to the salon for regular visits.
Painting Nails and Toes
This can be done with regular polish and can be mastered with practice. Start by applying a thin layer to each nail and allowing ample time for them to dry before applying the next. After you get to the desired color and it dries, apply a top coat. You can also add nail stickers and decals to add designs without advanced skills.
Press-on Nails
These are an easy way to
have nails that look like they came from the salon at a much cheaper cost and with less time. You can make these look more natural by filing the edges, choosing the correct size, and adding a top coat to help make the blend look more seamless.
At-home hair maintenance can help keep your hair healthy and make it easier to take care of.
Styling and Braiding
It’s very useful to spend time mastering a few styles and braids that work for your hair type. That way, you can eventually do them when you are getting ready and know some styles that are protective for your hair. Learning basic braids, twists, or heatless styles can reduce daily styling time.
Hair Masks and Bond Maintenance Treatments
Both of these can help give moisture back into your hair and reduce damage from heat, coloring, or the environment.
Teeth
A simple at-home whitening treatment can help gradually brighten your smile.
These are effective if used correctly and consistently (according to the instructions).
Waxing yourself can seem hard at first, but smaller areas are easier to do, especially after some practice. You can order a waxing kit online and start by waxing your legs and underarms. You should read the instructions carefully and also watch videos before you do it for the first time. Additionally, you should test the wax on a small area before fully committing. Once you feel more comfortable, it’s common for people to also wax their upper lip and eyebrows at home as well. You can also use premade wax strips if you aren’t comfortable with the beads. But beware, they are known to hurt more.
This is a popular alternative to going to a tanning bed and can be done at home. Prepare your skin by shaving and exfoliating 24 hours before Moisturize any dry areas, which helps achieve an even
result.
On the day of, avoid deodorant, perfume, and oils. Use a tanning mitt to sweep the product on your body. Work in sections, starting at your shins.
Follow the specific instructions for the product you choose when it comes to drying times, the amount of product to use, and how to rinse it off.
Make sure to keep your skin hydrated with lotion after you tan.
Doing your lashes at home can reduce the need to do them daily.
Lash Clusters
Get the look of lash extensions at home by applying lash clusters. You can choose what look to give yourself; they are easy to apply, and will last for over a week
Lash Lifts or Tints
These can be done at home using kits, but it’s very important to do research first and to follow the instructions
With an abundance of hair products on the shelves and being promoted online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to get for your hair. The truth is, there’s not one product that will work for everyone’s hair. Your hair type, texture, porosity, and specific concerns (such as dryness or damage) will all affect what products will work best in your hair to give you results. This guide gives you the basic starting point for building a hair care routine. There are many variations within the four main hair types discussed below, so keep that in mind when reading. Learning your hair type is the first step to creating a good and healthy hair routine.
Straight Hair (Type 1)
Common concerns: oiliness, flatness, buildup. What works best: Lightweight shampoos and conditioners are great as these won’t weigh down your hair. Occasionally, using a clarifying shampoo is also good to remove product buildup and refresh your scalp. Using a volumizing spray or mouse can be helpful when styling, as they can help add lift without making your hair stiff.
Products:
• Living Proof Full Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner
• OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo
• Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Root Boost Volumizing Spray, Targeted Lift, Adds Fullness
• Kristin Ess Hair Instant Lift Thickening Spray for Volume + Fullness on Fine Hair, Shine Renewing, Style Support, Sulfate and Paraben Free
Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Common concerns: Frizz, dryness, uneven texture What works best: Lightweight and hydrating products that will define the hair without making it crunchy. Products such as curling creams, light gels, mousses, or leave-in conditioners help hydrate and also style hair while controlling the frizz.
Products:
• Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Cream
• Pattern curl mousse
• Pattern curl gel
• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist
Curly Hair (Type 3)
Common concerns: dryness, tangling, loss of definition What works best: Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are good as they are gentle. Make sure to use one that’s very hydrating as curly hair needs to be moisturized to maintain healthy curls. A good leave-in conditioner and curl activating cream are two more crucial products as they help hydrate and define the curls, helping them clump and form. Some people also like to use mousse and gel to hold their curls without a crunch, but just be mindful as to how much gel you are putting on, as it might weigh down your curls.
Products:
• Amika Hydro Rush Intense Shampoo and Conditioner
• L’Oréal Paris EverPure Curl Shampoo Conditioner
• Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner
• Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Hold Styling Gel
Coily Hair (Type 4)
Common concerns: dryness,
breakage, frizz
What works best: Because of the tight curl pattern type 4 hair is more delicate and prone to dryness, which is why choosing the right products is important. Products that offer deep hydration, such as rich leave-ins, conditioners, and creams as well as natural oils are good at providing and locking in moisture. Detangling creams are also good to use to provide slip and help reduce the breakage that happens when detangling. There’s also a variety of different butters, creams, gels, and other products that can be beneficial but it’s most important to look at the ingredients. Make sure to avoid products that have harsh sulfates, drying alcohol, and heavy silicones because these can strip away your hair’s natural oils and cause buildup which would weigh down coils.
Products:
• As I Am Curling Jelly
• Curls Blueberry Bliss Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk Leave In Conditioner
• TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer with Shea Butter + Vitamin E
• Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse and Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
The best hair routine for you isn’t about getting what is popular, it’s about understanding your hair needs. Finding products that are made for your hair type and needs can not only reduce damage but also make daily styling easier and maybe even something you look forward to. With the right products, routine, and patience, healthy hair is achievable for all hair textures.
