[Things I Love] Face

This time last year, I complained about when it had failed to rise above freezing for an entire week. It hasn't risen above freezing for the past month or so. Foot, meet mouth. That being said, I haven't been doing much of anything except sleeping and going to work. I have a fun, new series I'm formulating so I hope to post about it soon. I'm procrastinating on making art by posting other subjects of note.

I care way more about my skin than I do about my hair. That's probably why my hair hasn't been longer than shoulder-length since high school. I have no patience for it, however I nurture my face. I will not succumb to wrinkles by 26. I use new products all the time because I love buying and trying new things. Here's what I've been loving lately.

from l to r: Giovanni Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, Boots No. 7 Expert Shine Control Lotion, 

Kiehl's Yerba Mate Tea Toner, Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser, Roc Daily Resurfacing Pads,

 Kate Sommerville D-Scar Serum, Bosica Luminizing Black Mask

[Things I Love ] Skin.

Happy 2014! Whether you shared champagne with friends or ate ice cream alone in your pajamas, I hope you all had a lovely New Year's Eve. The gods have blessed us, as New York is in the middle of a vicious snowstorm, aptly named Hercules (ha!). From the view from my window, I won't be making any trips outside soon.

Imagine New York as the monster. 

I'm currently hunkered down in my apartment with the heater on full blast. Snowstorms are great for 'nesting'; lounging around your space, watching TV, cooking large meals, self-reflection and creating. Devoting time to pampering yourself is important as well. The cold weather makes me feel so vile; the air is so dry and going in and out of hot places into cold can wreak havoc on your skin.

I'm currently exploring the idea of how what you consume makes you who you are. The brands you're drawn to, the messages you believe in, etc. I really enjoyed setting up the still life in the last post so I think I'll continue as the mood strikes. 

The above products are what I use on my body to combat the harsh New York permafrost. 

1. Korres Coconut Milk Shower Gel ($19) 

I was lucky enough to be roommates with a Greek girl during my time at MICA. We became very fast friends and every time she would return from a holiday, she would bring me back something from this brand. They produce hair, body and face products with very high concentrations of natural ingredients. Everything from their philosophy to the packaging to the results is great, I highly recommend. Unfortunately, you can only get this scent internationally.

2. Coconut Oil ($4-$8)

Found at any health food store, when you put this on over your moisturizer of choice, it adds moisture and locks in it.

3. ROC Daily Resurfacing Pads ($10)

These are meant for your face but it's really good at light exfoliation as well as evening out skin tone.

4. Nivea Creme ($7)

Used by my mother and my grandmother, there's nothing wrong with the classics.

5. Body brush

Exfoliation above all else.

Stay warm! 

Winter Looks.

I usually like cold weather (really!) because my all black wardrobe and dark lipsticks reign supreme. I can't stop wearing bronzer though, even if the high for the day only hits freezing. There's something really nice about a glow from within. I am too lazy in the mornings to put tons of product on my face. This combination makes me look healthy and alive, even if I don't feel like it.

I recently have been devouring Toni Morrison's work. I have a majority of her books on my Nook and they are all so haunting.  I'm revisiting Sula right now. Highly recommend. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season!

from l to r: rimmel eyeliner, no name bronzer, black radiance blush in mulled wine, milani lipstick in sangria