10 Skincare Products That Changed My Life

When I got my first pimple I was 7 years old. Yes… SEVEN! Embarrassed of being the only kid in class with a blemished face, I started using my mom’s concealer to cover up. Over a decade later, and I was wishing I had never touched that concealer stick. Bad skin is a terrible cycle. You get a zit, you cover it up, the makeup makes you break out, and you cover it up again.Recently, I decided that I’d had enough with that BS and I took control over my skin. After YEARSSSS of trying different products, here are the few that actually helped my hopeless skin!

#1- African Black Soap ($5.99 or less)

Ok, you’ve probably heard of this one already. But African Black Soap has been a LIFESAVER for me. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties fight acne by clearing pores of oil, sebum, and whatever other gunk might be in there. Plus, African Black Soap does not strip the skin of hydration, which is a MUST for people with dry skin (*cough* me.)I also recommend it because it is ~natural~. I prefer either a basic bar of 100% African Black Soap or the one from Shea Moisture that contains shea butter (and aloe, vitamin E, and essential oils.)

#2- Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner- Rose Petal ($9.29)

If you’re a skincare junkie like me, then chances are that you are well aware of how bad alcohol can be in skincare. It is extremely damaging, harsh, and dehydrating, which can lead to premature aging.But this product is alcohol free and contains soooo many ingredients that worked magic on my skin (aloe, witch hazel, rose water, grapefruit seed extract).

#3- Hyaluronic Acid ($6.80)

Like I said earlier, my skin is dry as a bone. Actually, it’s drier than a bone. When I discovered Hyaluronic Acid, my skincare game changed completely. This miracle acid holds 1000x its weight in water! I use this every night and it has transformed my skin from flakey and dull to supple and hydrated!I like the Hyaluronic Acid by The Ordinary because it is inexpensive and concentrated. Actually, the Ordinary has a tonnnn of awesome products for low prices (just make sure you know what you’re doing!!!)

#4- Vitamin E Moisture Cream ($20)

I stumbled upon this stuff by accident (and boy am I glad I did!) I was shopping at TJ Maxx with my other broke-college-student friends and saw this being sold for $7! I decided to give it a whirl because my dry skin can’t resist a new moisturizer, and I ended up loving it!! It’s so light and non-oily to the touch! Plus, it’s extremely hydrating and anti-aging (and who doesn’t want that??).

#5- Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask ($28)

This product. THIS PRODUCT!!! This freaking product has changed my acne game. Although it says mask in the product name, it’s probably not the best idea to slap it all over your face.I use a tiny dot on each ~zit~ that I think needs it and let it stay on overnight. I’ve been doing this every day for 2 months and I still have plenty of product left! If you have money to spare, you can go ahead and use it more liberally. But for a broke-ass gal like me, I find that it is effective (and doesn’t destroy my bank account) when I use a little at a time!(Shout out to my girl Ashley for introducing me to this product)

#6- Straight Up, 100%, Good Ol’ Fashioned Shea Butter ($4.97)

An oldie but a goodie! I realized that shea butter is in, like, everything, so I decided to go straight to the source and get some 100% Shea butter. This product is soooo moisturizing and has so many uses. I use it as a facial moisturizer, hair conditioner, cuticle cream, body lotion, etc. Plus, it lasts foreverrr and it’s inexpensive.

#7- Mario Badescu Lavender Facial Spray ($7/ 4oz)

Yet another skincare product introduced to me by my good friend, Ashley. I’ve loved every Mario Badescu product I’ve tried, and this stuff did not let me down. This spray has lavender (duh), chamomile, vitamin C, aloe, and thyme. All of these ingredients work together to hydrate and calm the skin.(I love the Rosewater and Cucumber sprays by Mario Badescu, also!)

#8- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($6.39)

Before I started using African Black Soap, this is what I used to cleanse my skin. I used this all through my adolescence to help fight my oily, hormonal, teenage skin. After adolescence, my skin got dry, so I decided to go with something more hydrating (African Black Soap).However, my 13 year old sister currently uses and LOVES this product. It is extremely effective and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. My dermatologist recommended this to me when I was 13, and my sister’s dermatologist recommended it to her a few years later.

#9- Cup O’ Coffee Mask by Lush ($11.95/ 5.2oz)

This is my favorrittteeee exfoliator probably ever (although the St. Ives one is amazing, too). It smells sooooo delicious and does a great job of exfoliating and “waking up” the skin. Plus, it’s Lush so you know that the ingredients are amazingly beneficial!However, it is a little pricey and if you don’t like the smell of coffee, DON’T BUY IT. Also, it looks like baby poop.

#10- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration ($30/ 6oz)

As the name of the product not-so-subtly suggests, this stuff is INTENSE (which is exactly what my dry skin needs). In the winter, my skin is constantly covered in a thick layer of this moisturizer. I love it SO much that the price is totally worth it.

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How to be a Badass Latina

I was blessed with a wonderful Latina mother that perfectly exemplified the qualities of a strong woman. However, I am aware that there are a LOT of you out there who don’t have fiery, Sofia Vergara-esque mamás, so now I am your mother and I shall teach you how to embrace your inner BADASS LATINA!!

#1- REALIZE👏🏼YOUR👏🏼WORTH👏🏼

This is possibly the most important thing that I have learned in my life thus far. I spent too much of my high school life crying over boys and letting them dictate my life. Looking back, none of them were even ~worthy~ of me. You will enjoy your life so much more once you realize how AMAZING you are :). And that happiness is contagious and magnetic.

#2- Set Boundaries

Yet another essential lesson that I had to learn the hard way. It is important to set distinct boundaries with everyone you encounter in your daily life. One of the most important areas to set boundaries, of course, is in romantic relationships. If I had set boundaries with my boyfriends, I would not be nearly as damaged as I am today. Figure out what YOU are comfortable with and make sure that you communicate that to the people that you have a relationship with.

#3- Define Your Morals

This tip is somewhat similar to the last one, but different enough to where I had to include it. It is essential to reflect on your values and define your morals. Doing this will keep you from getting in soooooooo many jeopardizing situations. If is important to realize what you believe in and make decisions that will help you maintain those beliefs 🙂

#4- Define Your Goals

There is nothing sexier than a woman with a plan, whether that be to earn a PhD or to simply pass an upcoming test. Defining your goals will make them more achievable and will boost your confidence exponentially!!

#5- Put On Some Hoops

Girrrllll this is such a little too but honestly so helpful. Ever since I can remember, my mamá has never left the house without he gold hoop earrings. I never understood why until I finally got my own pair. There is something about hoop earrings that instantly make me a happier and more confident mujer.*Bonus tip*… choose your earrings based on your skin tone. If you have yellow undertones (like me) then gold jewelry will compliment you better. If you have pink/cool undertones, try some silver hoops! If you have neutral skin, than congrats. You can do whatever you want XD ~click here for more info on skin tone and jewelry~

#6- Don’t Take “No” For An Answer

Whether it’s a job interview, a date, or asking your parents for something, we all know there is nothing more disheartening than hearing “no”. Instead of accepting the declination and throwing a pity party, try fighting back! Show the person how badly you want something, and they may admire your passion and change their mind! Don’t take this too far, though!

#7- Speak Only When You Have Something to Say

I’ve always been a bit of a rambler, so this was hard for me to learn. But eventually, I did learn that speaking less (but with intent) is far better than constantly speaking mindlessness. This way, people will respect you and what you have to say more.

#8- LÁPIZ LABIAL ROJO (red lipstick)

Another thing that I have learned is that red lipstick is a quick fix for a bad mood. When I’m upset or groggy, a swipe of rojo on mi boca makes me feel soooo much better. Plus, red lipstick looks good on everybody (but finding the right shade is important.) The right shade of red lipstick looks sexy on anybody!~click here to find your shade of red~

#9- Own Your Body!!!

This tip has, without a doubt, been the hardest for me. In fact, I’m still struggling with this, and probably always will. No matter your shape or size, EMBRACE YOUR BODY!!! Everyone these days is tooooo analytical about their own bodies. In fact, approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies. Being comfortable in your own skin, however, is essential to obtaining that sexy ~Latina confidence~.

#10- Embrace Your Roots

I know as well as anyone that there are tonnssss of negative stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the Latinx community. But WE know that our culture is one of beautiful diversity, incredible intelligence, and the BEST food. So instead of shying away from your heritage, embrace it! This goes for ALL women, not just mis Latinas. Embracing who you are and where you come from will inspire a contagious confidence that ~radiates~ from within :).

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton