Let's Talk About...Facial Masks

Let's talk about...facial masks.

It's not a great picture, but I am wearing a lemon and honey peel away mask.

I am currently wearing a mask on my face. I can't smile much and I run the risk of catching some tiny baby hairs when I finally peel off this shiny, orangey layer. While it may not sound that great, I have really come to love putting varying kinds of masks on. It started as a one-time spa type hangout with a friend, pedicures, masks and wine; now I'm doing them once or twice a week. I like the act of putting the stuff on your face and waiting patiently (honestly, the waiting is some of the best part), and finally, finally peeling off, or washing off that strange but deliciously scented concoction to reveal beautifully smooth, glowing, radiant skin.

 I will partially attribute my fabulous golden goddess vibe that I've been strutting around in to seriously taking the time to take care of my skin. I never used to be one to religiously scrub and wash my face every day. I was lucky not to suffer from acne as a teen and I still maintain fairly clear skin as an adult. I just never took the time to honestly care for myself and as I quickly progress in years, I want to ensure that I am doing my best to look and feel beautiful, for myself if no one else.

Super cool big-eye filter.

Doing these wonderful little mini-spa timeouts a couple times a week gives me that little extra in my beauty routine (I'm terrible about moisturizing so in my head this makes up for it). Usually after I do a mask, I'll go sans foundation or BB cream for a day or two as my skin feels and looks so fresh I hate to cover it up. Masks and other little DIY pampering can go a long way in a few minutes for others too! I've shared a mask-and-wine evening with my mother-in-law and my bestie several times, and recently had a mini-makeover with a friend of mine on a long anticipated get together. I love the power of the mask. I also love the price and the variety of the mask! Any skin type can find their perfect fit, there are paper masks, peel-away masks, charcoal, diamond, green tea, mud, clay, the list goes on.

I recently bought a ton of different kinds from Walmart (above is a small selection). These packets are $1-1.37 a piece, and most are enough for two to four applications. They are awesome. A quick little pick me up at a completely reasonable price? I'll take it. Pamper yourself! If you tried one, try it. Doesn't matter who you are. The sheer act of taking the time out to cleanse your face, massage your face with your hands and applying the mask is relaxing. It's centering and I enjoy taking the time for myself. Soon soon soon I'm going to attempt at making a DIY version of my favorite masks as well! 

Healthy Vanity

Healthy vanity: do I think I'm too cute?

 I saw the term "healthy vanity"...somewhere, I can't remember. Anyway, I saw it and it made me think of, well, myself, of course! I am not obsessed with myself, but I do think that I am not too shabby at all. I love my features and even with the imperfections that I notice (more than anyone else ever would) I wouldn't change a (permanent) thing. I just recently went from deep brunette to a goldenish blonde and I love it! I like the way that I look and as I find myself taking note of my appearance more and more, I was afraid that I was teetering over the line of being overly "healthy" in my vanity.

I'm sorry, but I had to.

    
    "Vanity" as described by Dictionary.com is:

noun, plural vanities.

1.

excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities,achievements, etc.; 

character or quality of being vain; conceit:

Failure to be elected was a great blow to his vanity.

2.

an instance or display of this quality or feeling.

Now, what makes one's pride "excessive"? 

I am looking at the term "healthy vanity". With the huge surge of body positive images, campaigns, advertising and media that have washed in recently, women are (sort of) being told to love the way they look and not to give a damn what the world thinks. 

Please see anything about the 2015 Met Gala if you haven't yet for a little dose of some body positive fashions. Women young and old, thick and thin, hairy and smooth, are throwing their negativity and self-doubt to the wind and it's amazing.

The question that I pose is this: what is the line between narcissism and healthy vanity truly? Is it really okay to think of yourself highly? How many is too many selfies?

I won't get into the real body dysmorphic and psychological issues that plague some people, I am looking at a general, day to day normality of an acceptable amount of self love. Some may say that of course you can't love yourself too much, but I beg to differ there. Ever heard of Narcissus?

There is much to be said of humility and modesty. They are traits that are treasured in anyone who possesses them. However, walking the fence on this one: how can you love others if you don't love yourself? Not to get terribly deep, but you have to see yourself as worthwhile and important for others to see you as such, and you generally have to know love to give it. It's kind of like how you have to be pepper sprayed in order to carry it; you have to know how it feels.

I think that the idea of "healthy vanity", while maybe still relatively "new" is so empowering and provocative. It's okay to think you're pretty. It's okay to enjoy compliments. It's okay! Treasure yourself, because if you don't why should anyone else?

"but what do we say when we clean up after your ass?"

I also want to say that wearing makeup does not make you any more vain than anyone else. Actually, so what if it does? I know that I now put makeup on more days then I don't, not because I am terrified to be seen without it, or because I need it per se, but because I like the way I look with it on and I really enjoy the act of "putting on my face". I don't personally do a terribly full coverage of makeup like some choose to, but I do like looking smooth and even and fresh. 

All in all, I want to say THANK YOU to the companies that push the body positive movement, like Dove, even if they do trick you into paying that pink tax. THANK YOU to celebrities like these lovely ladies:

Are you "pretty"? Yes! Am I? Yup. You be whatever you want to be and love yourself while you're at it, and I'll leave you with this:

Say in mirror 3x daily. Repeat as necessary to gain full effect.

And look fabulous while you're at it.