My super simple super awesome skincare routine

I’ve never had the best skin. Adult acne has always been a thing for me, and it’s just so damn sensitive I get a rash when almost anything touches it. But lately I’m seeing some real improvement. It’s clearer and more even-toned than it’s been since before I hit puberty, and damn, it’s so bright! And this routine is why. Going simple and natural on my hair was one of the best things I ever did, so of course it stands to reason that this approach would be great on my skin too. So here it is, and it’s nothing but oil and vinegar.

A completely makeup-free selfie. Not something I’d have done before.

1. Wet face
2. Oil cleanse. Drying out your skin causes it to freak out and produce more oil to compensate, so working in a good oil calms this down. So now you still have oil on your face, but instead of greasy zit-causing oil it’s really good, clean, softness causing oil. Just make sure the oil you pick is non-comedogenic. I’m in love with jojoba. Stay away from coconut (at least on your face).
3. I scrub this off with a microfiber cloth. Mine is the Makeup Eraser.
4. Tone. Interestingly enough, the best toner I know of is diluted organic apple cider vinegar. This is the exact same stuff I use on my hair, and my ratio is about 1:4 with water. I don’t want to get into this whole science-y description of why, but the short of it is that it has a PH level close to that of your skin, protects the acid mantle, and is natural anti-bacterial goodness. Look it up.
5. Gently pat dry.
6. A little more jojoba oil to act as a moisturizer.
7. Struggle not to touch your face because OMG it’s so soft!!

So there you go. If your skin is troublesome and you don’t want to get too complicated or expensive with your skincare routine, give this a go.

How To Feel Feminine

Partially due to my job, I spend a ridiculous amount of time both online and in front of the TV. It’s certainly not the same as going out and seeing crowds of people in person every day, but in a way, despite the fat ass I may one day achieve, I think it’s better. You’re not likely to go up to people on the street and start asking them what their fashion woes and opinions are, unless you’re a TV host. From those very hosts we get those answers. And one thing I see women mentioning a lot is that they don’t know how to feel feminine. So how do you do that?
I would love to do an article on what masculinity is, and I suspect it has something to do with a very clever combination of chivalry and toughness, but I’m not a man. I can however offer my own thoughts on what it means to be and feel feminine. To me the answer is not much beyond simple luxury; things that feel, smell, and look amazing, to make you feel, smell, and look amazing too. They don’t necessarily cost a fortune or take the amount of time you would need to fly to Paris. Think of the things you already do to pamper yourself, and if you don’t, you poor, poor thing. They include painting your nails (even clear polish is fabulous), silky pajamas, body lotions, and perfume. These are the guilty pleasures that give you an inner glow that projects the simple elegance we all want. They’re all very easy to indulge in, and taking the time out for yourself in itself, even for just a few minutes, is something that will make you feel luxurious. I believe in having the most luxurious life that time and money will allow, and trust me, I feel extremely feminine, and life is all the richer for these little things, at least when you don’t take them for granted. Give it a try. Spend a minute covering yourself in lotion or baby oil as soon as you get out of the shower. Put on matching underwear. Eat some strawberries. One thing will lead to another and soon you’ll be enjoying a whole lot of what you once thought was a huge task.
And now for your comments. What makes YOU feel feminine?