Little Magazine 15
Glass Skin: Seriously, though… how to swing it in this heat.
We get it…
…the “Glass Skin” movement means more than just a little dewy, but… not quite sweaty… but HOW? You may be oily, dry, combo-skinned, or not even sure, but let’s figure out how to get a cute, intentional shine, not an accidental one, in this brutality called summer (plus masking). And if you’re not glassy enough, like pouty girl over here, let’s get you shining (and smiling) like a diamond.
I’m normally
super dry-skinned, but this summer has me shining like cray cray. Add a double-mask situation to that scenario and I end up donning a glass-skin look without even trying. But here’s what you can do to “Cinderella” your face. Here are three scenarios that may help you sort things out. If you have:
Dry Skin: Your skin typically feels tight in the mornings, and the skin on your cheeks tends to be dry, particularly in the winter. If this is you, like me, you need to ensure that come morning, your skin is amply hydrated and ready to take on the stressors of the next day. Drinking water is great for your internal organ health but your skin-organ needs topical moisturization to sufficiently cut it. You need to thoroughly cleanse your skin and then reinforce your moisture barrier (outer layer), which isn’t as robust as our oily-skin friends.
+ The best way to approach Glass skin with dry skin is by reinforcing what your skin needs anyway. Minimize cleansing in the morning, which won’t over-strip your skin of much needed moisture. Just use a cotton pad with Micellar Water or a gentle toner and use a light moisturizer, which locks in moisture. For subtle glow, moisturize with an oil by pressing into the skin, and then add a second layer. A good oil will absorb into the skin and also provide sheen. Or, use a shimmery SPF. Dr. Jart used to have a great shimmery sunscreen that they discontinued (RIP Illuminating Sunscreen) and replaced with this subdued one. If you want more glow, mix in a liquid illuminator with your everyday SPF. TIPPY-TIP: Make sure your skin is sufficiently hydrated, or shimmer will only highlight the dry patches and bumps!
Oily Skin: You tend to need blotting papers and powder, like, all the time. Your struggle is your forehead and T-zone and you’re kinda sorta super glad that shiny skin is finally frickin’ a thing.
+ Strategy is key with oily skin. After cleansing, prep your skin in the morning by using an oil-controlling toner (on a cotton pad) that won’t strip the skin, like this one, focusing particularly on the T-zone. Use a mattifying product in the porous areas with this instead of using just powder to prolong oil-control. Use a powdery-shimmer, like this Dior one, using a fan brush just on the high points of your face: on top of your cheek bones, middle of the nose bridge, and maybe a kiss on the chin. Don’t go too cray. Your skin will add its own shine ingredient soon enough!
Combo Skin: You’re dry… and oily… depending on the seasons, your time of the month, and maybe even how much wine you had the night before.
+ You need to both moisturize and oil control! Chances are, you’re most oily in the t-zone, so after moisturizing, mattify with a kleenex (press), then powder your t-zone with a good oil-controlling powder. Really press into the skin for longer-lasting mattifying power vs. lightly dusting. Depending on your mood (and the humidity), you can adjust from a subtle shimmer with the SPF/ liquid method mentioned above, or with a more intense glow with the powder shimmer. Combine all methods to become a disco ball.
With all methods, just figure out what feels most comfortable for your skin and your lifestyle. If you’re indoors a lot in AC, you’re most likely going to be dehydrated, so an oil may be the way to go. If you’re out and about and find yourself wiping your face frequently, then perhaps adding a touch of shimmer to SPF is most manageable. Either way, play with the level of shimmer til you go from a light dew to Cinderella-level GLASS. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to double-cleanse at the end of the day!
Q + A with
Broadway Actress Lina Lee
Lina is a full-time Broadway Actress and has starred in Miss Saigon and Legally Blonde on Broadway. This week she shares some of her thoughts on beauty with us. She is also a Le Kitsune client!
What's a product or service that you swear by/ would die without and why?
I’m terribly obsessed with my eyebrows so I SWEAR by microblading. It cuts so much time off your daily routine and your brows always look symmetrical! Two products I’m newly obsessed with are Supergoop!’s ($34) Unseen Sunscreen and Drunk Elephant’s ($36) D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops. They protect your skin from sun damage and toxins while leaving a residue-free, smooth palette for make-up. The D-Bronzi drops also have a bronze tint so it gives your face a nice glow! I usually mix them together as part of my daily routine.
How do you think your career as a Broadway actress has shaped your beauty philosophy and regimen?
Having a career in live theatre is extremely hard on your skin. You are wearing a thick coat of stage make-up while sweating and cooling down over and over again 8 shows a week. It ruined my skin for a long time before I found my current skincare regimen. One of the most important rules I had to reteach myself (and that I break way too much) is never sleeping with your make-up on. After shows, I would be so tired and just go to bed, leaving all of my stage makeup to soak into my skin over night. Now, I use a 12-step skincare routine every morning and night. It truly saved my skin.
Is there something
that you'd like other people to know that you think might be a misconception about Broadway Actors?
I feel like to most people, Broadway is made to seem glamorous. What people don’t know is how HARD these artists work everyday. Broadway is hard. The hours are long and rehearsals grueling. As a dancer, it is extremely hard on your body. You miss weddings, family events and time with loved ones. There is no stability in this business so it is also financially, emotionally and mentally challenging. Of course there are glamorous parts about Broadway but 95% of the time, it’s a group of the most hardworking, boss artists giving their whole lives to tell their story. And every single hardship is worth it because we get to do what we love everyday and share that joy with the world. And THAT is the dream.
What's a beauty tip that you wish you had known about sooner/ would like to share?
SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN. (Link to Le Kitsune’s recommendations)
I used to be that person who would lather on tanning oil with zero SPF to get a tan. My mom always warned me about wearing sunscreen but it was a habit that never quite stuck. I wish I had known how much damage extended sun exposure without protection could do to your skin. Now I wear sunscreen like an accessory to my mask.
“Weekly Tippy-tip:
Here’s a Le Kitsune exercise inspired by a dear friend this week: Hand-write a letter to yourself as if you’re your own best friend. Write some of the things you never acknowledge about yourself but appreciate. For example: Dear Renee, you’re a kind person. You have impeccable taste and you’re low-key hilarious. Plus, you’re super thoughtful. Love, R.
This may seem awkward and cheesy, but it will be surprisingly powerful and uplifting. Affirmation, self- actualization through positivity is a real thing. I’m down to be cheesy to become better. Plus, no one is looking, don’t worry.”