Carol Mumbi

I am a long time blogger on matters travel, adventure, travel, food, lifestyle and many more. I created this blog to share with you my adventures to awesome places all over the world and how people live.

Something you might not know about (I didn’t!) is Sephora’s brand new 

 I was already familiar with the “Clean at Sephora” seal, but for 2021 + beyond, 

 has updated this to be more sustainably-minded. Their goal with the new seal is to shine a spotlight on a new wave of brands within the Clean at Sephora ethos who are Clean and Eco-Conscious.

Sephora has created 5 core tenants for brands to qualify as

These standards are strict, rigorous and thorough.

Clean ingredients (Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and more (in the same elements of Clean at Sephora).

Environmental Giving (this is unique by brand as each brand gives back in their own way).

I was extremely excited to see that two of my absolute favorite clean brands (

) were included here. I have talked about both brands at length here and on instagram as I love both brands’ missions.. AND their products. Both brands create incredible, effective products with just the good stuff… and, both brands do an amazing job being more sustainably-minded. While they are not perfect (is any brand?) they ARE on a journey of being less harmful on the planet.

 products are proudly rooted in sustainable squalane made from Brazilian sugarcane, which is a 100% renewable resource and results in a highly stable, eco-friendly, multi-tasking moisturizer for all skin types.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

My favorite cleansing balm! I like this one because it’s really lightweight for a cleansing balm, but takes off all of my makeup. I like to leave it on for a little while and do a little facial massage if I have the time. The name of the product is spot on – it really does melt your makeup and any other dirt or oil away. I like to take it off with a hot, steamy wash cloth – it makes for a nice ritual.

Farmacy Whipped Greens: oil-free foaming cleanser with moringa and papaya

I have gotten more into double cleansing (especially in the summer when my skin feels grimy from sunscreen and the humidity) and I love this one. It smells really good and it works to clean pores and draws out dirt, oil, and impurities without over-stripping skin.

Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

 so much. It’s my absolute favorite toner as it is gentle but contains BHA acids which exfoliate. I like that it’s free of alcohol, which can be drying. I added toner to my repertoire a few years ago at the recommendation of my esthetician. And have to tell you, it makes such a big difference. I was getting these tiny bumps on my cheeks. And she told me toner would help to fix that, by sweeping away any dead skin cells before you moisturize. This is a good one. It visibly tightens pores + clarifies the skin (while hydrating, thanks to that amazing SQUALANE!)

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

 It’s my favorite acid, and what I love is that it delivers smoother-looking, glowier skin in literally ONE NIGHT. The results are insane. Your skin will look noticeably smoother and glowy in literally one use. And with time, the results get better and better. I have been using this for a few years now and have repurchased multiple times. What makes it special and different from other acids on the market is that it also contains that squalane, which allows for powerful exfoliation and smoothing without drying out the skin. You will notice a massive difference the next day. I make sure to use it 2-3x a week. But besides delivering incredible results, this product is completely vegan and uses sugarcane-derived squalene that saves 2 million sharks each year.

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

This is one of my favorite eye creams. I’ve talked about it in several blog posts now, but what I love about it is how hydrating it is, and that it delivers a lifted look, almost immediately… smoothing and firming the undereye area. It’s an Allure Best of Beauty winner for good reason!

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer

This is an ultra rich, creamy moisturizer. If you have dry skin like I do, your skin will love this. So luxurious, thick, and creamy. I cannot get over how luxurious it feels (it also smells incredible, too).

 sources their ingredients from farms around the world that use sustainably-minded methods. They have deep connections with their network of farmers. Raw materials support local farms and give back to the surrounding communities. More recently (last summer) they opened their own farm in Hudson, New York. A dream of mine is to visit.

crushie

6 CLEAN + PLANET POSITIVE SKINCARE PRODUCTS I LOVE FROM SEPHORA.

I have the best news – today kicks off 

 If you have read here a while, you probably know this, but Biossance is my favorite skincare brand. Everything they make is incredibly high-tech while also being vegan, cruelty-free, and EWG-verified. You can read more about their mission 

 but I am such a massive fan of this brand.

Today kicks off their Friends & Family sale. 

 If you are a Biossance Clean Crew Member, take 30% off with code CREW30

I am sharing a bunch of my favorite products below but I also want to tell you about their latest launch… the new 

! Also, after I wrote this post, I realized I left off their 

. This is one of my favorite products and even before the discount, it’s only $28. I definitely recommend picking up a jar or two: it leaves skin hydrated, firm, and radiant!

Before we get into individual products, let’s talk about 

 key ingredient… it’s secret sauce, if you will… SQUALANE. The body produces its own version (known as squalene). But as we age, our body’s ability to produce and retain squalene decreases as we age. Squalane is traditionally harvested from shark livers (awful!) which has a devastating impact on the environment.

 has found a way to derive their 100% plant-based squalane sustainably, from sugarcane. Squalane is in all of their products, and it is a weightless oil that instantly locks in moisture. That’s one of the reasons I love their lactic acid and phyto-retinol so much; the products are ultra-effective without drying out your skin.

This is Biossance’s latest innovation and it is a good one! It’s a foaming gel cleanser that gets to the bottom of dirt, makeup, and pollution. I love that it gets my skin super clean (you won’t need a separate makeup remover) without stripping it. It’s really gentle, but still effective. I love how soothing it is, too… if you have sensitive skin I think you will really like it.

Let’s talk about a few more Biossance favs!

SQUALANE + LACTIC ACID RESURFACING NIGHT SERUM

, I would say to make it this. It’s my favorite acid, and what I love is that it delivers smoother, glowy skin in literally ONE NIGHT. The results are insane. Your skin will be noticeably smoother and glowy in literally one use. And with time, the results get better and better. I have been using this for a few years now and have repurchased multiple times.

What makes it special and different from other acids on the market is that it also contains that squalane, which allows for powerful exfoliation and smoothing without drying out the skin. You will notice a massive difference the next day. I make sure to use it 2-3x a week.

 at length (so many blog posts about it sorry but it’s goooood) but this is the first Vitamin C product that made me understand why people rave about Vitamin C so much, especially as I’ve gotten older and have started to see more dullness. It’s amazing. It’s excellent at helping to fade dark spots but it’s also great for uneven skin tone and brightens your skin so much, pretty much immediately. I use this every morning before moisturizer – the brightening benefits are incredible.

I love this toner so much. It’s hands down, my absolute favorite toner as it is gentle but contains BHA acids which exfoliate. I like that it’s free of alcohol, which can be really drying to the skin.

I added toner to my repertoire a few years ago at the recommendation of my esthetician. And have to tell you, it makes such a big difference. I was getting these tiny bumps on my cheeks. And she told me toner would help to fix that, by sweeping away any dead skin cells before you moisturize. This is a good one. It visibly tightens pores + clarifies the skin (while hydrating, never stripping, thanks to that amazing SQUALANE!).

BIOSSANCE’S FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE!

It is peach season and I have been really into grilling my peaches! Like many of my cooking adventures, it started with a 

 recipe… I made these shrimp tacos with a peach salsa, which required grilling peaches and peppers. Last week I was given a box of gorgeous peaches from 

 and have been frantically trying to use them all up (I leave for New York tomorrow morning). Adding grilled peaches to my salads has been a delicious way to use them. I cut the peach in half, take out the peach, and grill for 3 minutes or so on each side. The peach gets juicy, a little charred, and even more delicious.

Oh my goodness I cannot get enough of Truth Be Told on Apple TV. Octavia Spencer plays a journalist turned true crime podcaster. It has all the best things: Murder! Podcasting! Intense family dynamics (and a killer cast – Octavia Spencer is amazing, and in the first season Lizzie Caplan and Aaron Paul star). Highly recommend bingeing the first season now (so good), the second season (with Kate Hudson!) comes out August 20th (here is 

Target has SO many killer dresses right now (many of which would translate so well to fall, just add boots, tights, and a cardigan or jacket. I went on a little in-flight shopping bender and ordered four. I will do a try-on when they get here to let you know what works and what doesn’t but I wanted to post them now as all the good stuff seems to sell out quite quickly! Here are my personal favorites. And in case you were wondering I ordered 

 (in teal)… I find that Target dresses run a little large so I ordered a small in all four.

This is an old Amazon favorite but a good one! These 

 are the best. I bought a year or two ago (I know it was pre-pandemic but can’t be sure when) and they’re still in perfect shape. They take the place of plastic wrap, are super easy to clean, and a great way to use just a little less plastic wrap (I haven’t needed saran wrap since buying these).

10 AMAZING DRESSES FROM TARGET, MY NEW FAV MURDER SHOW, + MORE.

Now that summer is winding down (and the weather here in Charleston is cooling down a bit!) I am really looking forward to spending more time at home, cooking, and getting back into a routine! Last week my mom came over for lunch and it was so nice. I made us 

 Seared Trout & Onion Dijon Vinaigrette and it was delicious. I would venture to say she was impressed!!

 has really helped me to up my cooking game, even when I feel like I’m too busy to cook (spoiler alert, I’m never too busy to cook, I’m just lazy). Whether I’m learning an entirely new dish, a little trick, or making a delicious sauce or salad dressing, I always learn something new. I would describe myself as a proficient but not creative cook… they also inspire me to try new things!

The Wellness menu! Flavorful and delicious but with your health in mind.

The ability to customize your boxes… usually I do 2 person, but if I am cooking for more people I can easily switch my box to the 4 person plan!

Variety! Every week, you can choose from 35+ menu options.

Their recipes are FAST. Nearly every recipe I’ve tried can be completed in under 35 minutes.

 has really helped me with are the sauces and 

 (I often find myself mimicking their recipes when I am cooking without BA), and how much more comfortable I have gotten with cooking proteins. Fish used to make me so nervous as I’d either dry it out or undercook it. Not anymore!

crazyforyou

I am testing whether realtime updates are working again!!

GETTING BACK INTO A ROUTINE!

Something that has come up with friends recently has been the meal you eat alone, when no one is there to judge you or comment. Like the anonymous friend who loves her “wine and cheese:” drinking a glass of wine while she bites into a string cheese (bites, not pulls, that’s the key). This conversation is one that I relate to very much… and always love hearing other peoples’ answers!

When it’s hot, I will literally eat a bowl of tomatoes (like one or two whole tomatoes cut up into chunks) with 

 and some salt. I really, really love tomatoes. And burrata or mozzarella if I have it. (But that isn’t weird… tomatoes + mozzarella is totally fine, borderline gourmet. It’s eating two whole tomatoes cut up that might be a little strange.

My weirdest one is that if I am feeling like a snackmonster sometimes I will eat a whole container of Whole Foods’ tzatziki dip with pretzels and veggies as dinner. I mean… it’s mostly greek yogurt? The best snack but a whole container does feel just a little excessive.

Least weird but still important to list: I’ve always loved breakfast for dinner. Nothing is more satisfying than making a homemade breakfast sandwich for dinner: an egg or two and cheddar cheese on a buttered English muffin. My friend Molly felt the same, saying she loves to make a few scrambled eggs (with as much cheese as possible) + some greens (to not feel like a total monster).

WHAT’S YOUR FAV “SECRET” DINNER?

I love a sun-kissed glow in the summer (and everyone is so tan and glowy down here in Charleston!) but I do not love wrinkles and sun damage. And while nothing makes me happier than lounging in the sunshine with a good book, I’m always slathered up in sunscreen. I use a lot of self-tan products to help give me the glow I am looking for, and today I wanted to round those up (and also share some tips and tricks for achieving that perfect tan-but-not-orange look). All of these products work really well for all skin types and will (I PROMISE) give you a natural golden glow.. no orange “fake tan” look, yuck! And none of them smell bad either – that’s important, too!!!!

There has been a lot of trial and error here. I am not great at self tanning so tend to prefer gradual glow products,. I’ve tried a lot of products that are streaky or gave me an orange cast. Not the case with any of these!!!! These are my tried and true favorites for a really beautiful, natural looking glow (with as little fuss as possible!).

Like I mentioned above, I tend to prefer gradual tanners over a more traditional self-tanning product as they’re just so easy to apply with way less potential to mess up. You’ll start with just a subtle glow but with continued use will build up to a really gorgeous natural bronze.

I popped into Bluemercury a month or two ago JUST to buy this combination of products (I can’t remember who but someone I was following was gushing about the two products together) and in my opinion it’s the best everyday, easy tan ritual for body. I will do the 

 every other day. This combo gives GREAT glow and the products are also really nice (the peel pads leave skin silky + smooth and the body butter firms + is really nourishing and not drying at all). I like that the tanning lotion has a slightly shimmery finish.. it makes your arms and legs look really good and helps to even out the skin tone.

Also with regard to this line, I am currently testing the 

 for face and am only medium on it. I don’t think it’s bad (it’s a little bit drying despite the name) but I prefer the Isle of Paradise drops.

s every other night in between actives (so on non-retinol or acid nights). I typically mix one to two drops in with my moisturizer and apply the combination all the way down to the decolletage. The next day you wake up with the most perfect golden glow. I have been using these for years and can’t recommend them enough. I know some people also mix them in with their body lotion and I’m sure you can do that, but I use these exclusively on my face.

. This is great for touch ups/to maintain a tan. One application will give you a subtle glow but with time you’ll build up to a I keep it on my vanity and tend to spritz myself at least once a day. I like that you can apply over/under makeup and it just helps to keep the glow going. This doesn’t have any weird self-tanner scent either. 

. It’s my holy grail and truly the best self-tanning product on the market but I have a love hate with this product (but mostly just love it). It’s so messy that I don’t always want to bother it… it just feels daunting? But nothing compares – it gives you the BEST bronzed glow. You will be really tan but it’s a natural looking tan, like you were on the beach for a week. It’s a little bit more work but so is getting a spray tan. Using this is less work than going in for a professional spray tan?

If I have a big event or a vacation I will do this the day before, with results lasting about a week. The formula is tinted which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing as it gives you a really pretty instant bronze and you can very easily tell if you’ve properly rubbed it in. It’s lightweight and easy to apply and tailors to your individual skin tone. It’s curse because it’s messy. Using 

 and really like it (as an added bonus, it does come with a mit!). I wouldn’t say there are any major differences between the two products.The Ashley Graham one has a whipped, more creamy texture but in terms of application, mess factor, and results, they’re exactly the same.

these are my best tips but would love for you to share yours in the comments… the more you know, right?

Everyone knows this but it is SO important to properly exfoliate before you self-tan. The tanning product will hang on to dead skin cells and rough patches, and those patches will be darker than the rest of your skin, giving you

I actually like to use a lightweight body lotion all over before the bronzing mousse but at the very minimum I will apply body lotion to dry spots (my hands and feet, elbows, knees, etc) as dry spots will soak up the product and get darker than the rest of your skin.

 enough. It makes a big difference… keeps your hands clean and ensures a really even application. I apply the self tanner in sections, starting with my legs and working my way up.

Make sure you get the webbing between your fingers too! I take a wash cloth and really rub between my fingers and toes.

WAIT AS LONG AS YOU CAN BEFORE PUTTING CLOTHES ON.

I try to stay naked until my skin is completely dry. And afterward, I’ll lounge in a loose, lightweight robe. This is good to do in the morning if you work from home!

DON’T EXERCISE, SHOWER OR USE ANY OILS FOR 24 HOURS

I know it’s a pain (and your skin will feel dry!) but this really helps your tan to last longer!

THE BEST SELF TANNING PRODUCTS + TIPS.

Today’s post is just a mini one, but a good one! I have to be honest, until I tried 

, I kinda thought setting sprays were bogus. Kinda just like a nice refreshing little ritual to end the makeup routine. I was wrong. Maybe it took moving to the South where my makeup starts to slide off my face within five minutes of setting foot outside… but I was wrong. 

 is magical. I will tell you that over the years I have tried a LOT of setting sprays and can say with confidence that it is the best one I’ve tried. It’s become an integral part of my routine… in this heat, I don’t leave home without a few spritzes!

 (and making sure my mascara has had time to dry OR waiting until this has dried and doing my mascara afterward), I mist 3-4 spritzes all over my face. It’s the best. The brand says that it also blurs your pores and I do not notice any difference there BUT it keeps my makeup on all day and for that, I’m eternally grateful!

dube

BENEFIT SETTING SPRAY REVIEW.

I don’t know about you, but with everything going on in the world, I have been craving sweet, feel good movies. My go-to is usually of the more 

 is back, for example – probably my favorite current favorite new show). But sometimes you just want something feel good and happy… the good kind of tear jerker. Here are three that I watched recently, plus an old favorite.

One of my girlfriends suggested this to me (telling me it made her sob in a good way – that seems to be a theme with this list). I watched it on Friday night and felt the same way. Growing up in the rural South in the sixties and seventies, Beth’s beloved Uncle Frank (a literature professor in New York) is the only adult who truly understands her. When she moves to New York in 1973, she soon realizes that Frank is gay, living with his partner Wally – keeping their relationship a secret from the whole family. When Frank’s very homophobic father (Beth’s grandfather) passes away Beth, Wally, and Frank take a road trip down to the south for the funeral. Frank must face his family and his biggest fears and past traumas. I loved this one.

This is an old favorite, one of my comfort movies. I was so excited to see that it is currently streaming on HBO Max as it is just so sweet and magical (and has the best soundtrack). I rewatched it last night and fell in love with it all over again. A young Freddie Highmore (you might remember him from 

 where he plays a verrrry different character) is orphaned but convinced that his parents are alive and sets out to find them. Meanwhile, his parents (estranged, due to extenuating circumstances beyond their control) are searching for him as well. The plot is their magical, musical journey back to each other. It will make you cry, it makes you believe in the good in humanity and the magic of the universe.

This came recommended to me by my boyfriend. He is an avid sailor (I am not, the one time we tried sailing together, I threw up!) so was not particularly enthusiastic about watching a documentary about sailing. But he insisted that I would love it, and he was right. My friend Molly and I watched it on Saturday afternoon (as it poured here in Charleston) and neither one of us can stop talking about it.

It is the true story of Tracy Edwards and the first all-female crew to sail around the world in the prestigious and grueling Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race in 1989. You do not have to love sailing (or even know anything about sailing) to love this! Watching their struggles (and the condescension they experienced from the world/the media) and the way that they supported each other was incredible… as was watching them succeed. This documentary did not make me want to sail around the world BUT it did make me feel like I could achieve absolutely anything if I put my mind to it.

This was the most heartwarming new movie I’ve watched recently. I absolutely LOVED it and have been telling everyone I know to make it the next thing they watch. Ruby is the child of deaf adults (CODA) and her brother is deaf as well. As the only person in their home that is able to hear, her tightly knit family really leans on her for translating and helping to run their family’s fishing business. But her secret passion is singing. She signs up for school choir to find out if she’s any good and it turns out she is. Not just good… 

 But as she becomes more and more enamored with singing (and slowly begins to realize how talented she is), she’s torn between nurturing her gift and being there for her family.

I loved it so much and I REALLY loved the family dynamics. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film where the main character(s) are deaf. And I liked how the deaf family members were portrayed. I found them really charming, the parents especially: the mom and dad really cracked me up. There were so many wonderfully sweet moments throughout the film… I full on sobbed at the end!

4 HEARTWARMING FILMS TO WATCH NOW.

I love a weekend getaway even more than a long trip away (you can cram so much in… plus, I like being home and don’t love leaving Tyrion for long stretches) but they can be tricky to pack for! For a shorter trip like a long weekend, I always try to pack as light as possible. Minimalist packing is not something that comes easy to me but I also hate carrying a lot of stuff with me. And if I’m flying somewhere, I refuse to check a bag and pay baggage fees – I need a small sized bag that will fit in the overhead band. So my small luggage forces me… I have to pack light! (Seriously though: short trips never really require that much stuff!)

Today I’ve rounded up the best tips on how to pack light for a shorter trip – these hacks will have you traveling light without feeling like you made any sacrifices.

TIP NO. 1: PACKING LIGHT MEANS PACKING STRATEGICALLY.

Make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need. Lay everything you want to bring out first before you pack. Place the bulkiest items at the bottom of the suitcase (toward the wheels) and save the smaller, lightest items like socks, underwear, and bras to fit into random spots (I always stuff small items into my shoes, for example). If you’re bringing a hat, stuff the crown with small soft items and place it flat on the base of the suitcase. Then pack everything else around it! I’ve packed like this fore the past couple years and it makes a big difference – you’d be shocked how much space it frees up!

You know those plastic garment bags from the dry cleaners? They are actually a godsend for preventing wrinkles when you pack. I always save mine to reuse when packing. Pack your delicate items inside a plastic garment bag and gently fold as you usually would to prevent wrinkles!

TIP NO. 3: KEEP A PRE-PACKED TOILETRY KIT ON HAND.

Fill it with all the products you need (don’t forget a razor + tweezers) so that you don’t have to worry about doing it (or lugging your full size products). If you have full size products you can’t bare to leave behind, buy a set of travel bottles like 

 and decant your full size products into smaller bottles. Again though, do this ahead of time! I keep mine up to date – when I get home from my adventure I refill my kit with anything I used up so that it’s always ready to go and I don’t have to think about it when I pack for my next trip.

Make this step extra fun/an excuse to try new things by signing up for a service likeBirchbox. Those samples are perfectly travel sized! For a longer trip (a week or more) when I have a checked bag I will bring full size toiletries but it just doesn’t make sense for weekend trips or when I’m trying to travel light. 

 – I keep it pre-packed with everything I need so that I can just throw it in my luggage and GO!

This is one of the best tips I’ve gotten. An 

 (I have that exact one) will turn an outlet into a multi-USB hub; eliminating the need for multiple plugs.

TIP NO. 5: PACK FROM THE “BIGGER” SECTION OF YOUR WARDROBE.

This tip comes from my good friend Hitha (who wrote 

Pack from your “bigger” section of your wardrobe – flights will make you bloat, and I know I love to indulge in the local food when I travel. Your stretchiest jeans and most flattering tops will serve you well as your travel wardrobe (as does a good mumu dress – throw on a denim jacket and ankle boots to transition it to fall!

TIP NO. 6: BUNDLE YOUR CLOTHES INSTEAD OF ROLLING THEM!

And instead of packing cubes, try using space saving 

 to fit more clothing in a smaller amount of space.

TIP NO. 7: KEEP YOUR JEWELRY ORGANIZED AND PROTECTED

I have two really great tips to share here. First, if you’re packing delicate necklaces, thread the chain through a paper straw to keep it from getting tangled. Second, use 

 to keep everything organized and in one place! (Lay things flat on one layer and then cover, press, and seal!) Then you can layer the jewelry between soft items – no need to bring a travel jewelry case.

Shoes take up too much space… and they’re heavy! When packing for a weekend, I always limit myself to two pairs of shoes. Usually my 

 (summer) or a cute pair of sneakers that can be dressed up (like my beloved Vince Warrens), + boots or a heel depending on the trip. I wear whichever pair of shoes takes up more space.

HOW TO PACK LIGHT FOR A WEEKEND AWAY!

 is living alone! If I like it, if I feel safe, if I get scared, and so on and so forth.

To be totally honest with you, I absolutely love it. Love. Nothing is better. If you can afford to live alone, I say do it. It might be a little scary at first, and there’s definitely a transition from living with roommates… but it is the best. I know at some point I will live with a partner. But for now, it’s just the greatest. I like how quiet is, I like controlling the remote. I like that if there are dishes in the sink or clutter on the counter there is no one to blame but myself, I like that no one is taking my clothes or using my beauty products without asking (I’m a good sharer but like to be asked!). And I really, really value quiet time so I like that a lot too.

I THINK A BIG FACTOR IN WHETHER A PERSON WILL ENJOY LIVING ALONE COMES DOWN HAS TO DO WITH INTROVERSION/EXTROVERSION.

I am an introvert. A social introvert, but an introvert. Being introverted doesn’t mean you are shy or hate going out but it does mean you recharge by being alone and having some quiet. So having a quiet home really helps me to recharge after a busy or stressful week. I will often play music or listen to a podcast, but a lot of my day is spent by myself sitting and working in quiet and I like that a lot (also along those lines, 

 if you want to understand more about this). I am also a neat freak but non-confrontational… So when I lived with roommates I would be internally freaking out about the mess but not wanting to say anything!

I had roommates all through my twenties and didn’t know about introverts and extroverts. I knew the words but thought introvert meant shy and extrovert meant outgoing so just assumed I was an extrovert. One of my old roommates is/was such an extrovert. We both had demanding office jobs and would be so tired at the end of the day. We’d get home and I’d want to sit down in quiet and read or watch a show and she would want to talk about our days. I didn’t understand why I found it so overwhelming until I learned more about introverts and extroverts. We had so much in common as friends but just recharged differently: I needed quiet, whereas she needed to talk and be around people! Neither thing is good or bad, they just are what they are.

WHEN I FIRST LIVED ALONE, I WAS A LITTLE SCARED AT FIRST.

I think it was maybe 2008? My roommate had just moved out of my apartment (it was a tiny one bedroom in Chelsea on 8th Avenue, we’d been dividing the living room with bookshelves to make a makeshift second bedroom… needless to say it was really cramped. My early New York living situations were pretty interesting). I was really, really nervous. Every night when I got home I would check behind the shower curtain and in the closets for “intruders.” I remember calling a friend and saying, “Just stay on the phone with me while I search the apartment.”

This stopped after a month and after that I never looked back. I will say that it was definitely hard during the first few months of the pandemic when we were fully locked down (I did not see another person in the flesh for the first three or four months?) but to be honest, I kinda think living with a roommate might have been worse? I am genuinely not sure.

Of course, living with friends is fun. The movie nights and group dinners and all of that. Those were highlights of my twenties but I was also a lot more outgoing in my twenties. The best situation, the dream, was probably my last apartment (in Brooklyn) where I lived in a building that had four units and my friends and I controlled three out of four. We saw each other a lot and planning hangouts was so easy but I lived on the ground floor and had my own entrance which meant I could literally go days without seeing or talking to anyone if I was feeling extra anti-social. Separate spaces, but still close!

iloveapples

ON LIVING ALONE.

The other day I saw a meme likening skincare to an Olympic sport. It made me giggle, because a) I take my skincare routine very seriously and b) I feel like I’m the only person I know who isn’t (wasn’t? is it over now?) watching the Olympics!

Washing your face is arguably the most important step of skincare. Even if I don’t wear makeup I always take the time to properly wash my face at night. Even if it doesn’t feel dirty. Between SPF and the humidity and sweating and dirt and grime and just city life and being outside (not to mention dead skin cells), you still need to wash your face. Besides “taking the day off” (I feel like that was a Clinique slogan in the nineties?) it also helps to prep your skin for what’s to come: all of those fancy serums and creams. Properly washing your face prepares the skin and lets your serums absorb more quickly… letting them do their best work!

You don’t want to use a grimy old wash cloth, especially if the texture has gotten rough – that can actually create small tears in the skin. Microfiber is gentle on the skin, gently taking your makeup off without damaging the skin. Also: use a fresh cloth every time you wash your face. Experts say that reusing the same wash cloth will spread around bacteria on your face and nobody needs that. I really really like 

 also look great if you are a “no white face cloths” kind of person.

I do not always make the time and can be lazy but nothing beats double cleansing. It feels decadent and luxurious and gets your skin super clean. Start with a cleansing balm (my favorites are below) or a cream cleanser and then use a gel cleanser or foam cleanser afterward.

I know, I know (and sometimes I break this rule but if you like a hot shower, it’s just too much for your face. You really want to wash with lukewarm water. I try to avoid getting hot hot water on my face when I’m showering.

Take your time. Make this feel luxurious. I like to do a little facial massage as I use the cleansing balm. I apply the cleansing balm all over my face and really massage it in using a circular motion. This feels really good but also helps to loosen stubborn makeup and SPF. I do my eye makeup last, that’s where things get messy and I don’t want to rub my eye makeup all over my face.

Don’t rub. Pat. I take a hand towel and just pat my face dry and then begin the rest of my skincare routine. It’s such a small thing but just like using a rough wash cloth, aggressive rubbing can be really bad for your skin