JoannaSpeaks

Since I was in 8th grade, I have been fascinated with the art of makeup and the different looks and shades that could be put on a face. I never had a problem with how I looked until I found out how I could look with makeup on. Since then, It has been very hard for me to go out in public without makeup. I started to break out and I noticed the dark circles under my eyes more and more as days passed. I started obsessing over new products and treatments that my skin began to rely on them.

One day, I decided to suck it up and run to the supermarket with absolutely no makeup on. I saw a girl I knew and she asked me if I was sick or if I was hungover because I looked exhausted. I ran back home and put makeup on my face again. A few weeks later I went to the same place with only tinted moisturizer on. I saw a former co-worker and she asked me what happened to my face. I had one pimple on my forehead. First of all, if you notice that someone has a breakout, or if someone looks like they could have used another cup of coffee that morning, DON'T stress to them that you've noticed. Instead, compliment their hair or their outfit. Your other option is so crazy I bet some people never even thought about it! DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!

I've decided to go one week without makeup. I have tried this before and it got too overwhelming and  frustrating. This week I mean it. I want my nieces, cousins and friends to know that makeup is not beauty. While I originally started to wear and collect makeup was out of interest, it has become a daily necessity. Beauty is not another layer on top of your face. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. I want to focus on my inner beauty instead of relying on my outer beauty. I challenge who ever is reading this to go at least one day without a confidence blanket. Whether that be makeup, curled hair, etc. Embrace your natural beauty! I will record my progress and post it next week. Until then.

xoxo
Joanna

• clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant.

At first, I had no idea how to use this. The directions supplied on the info card just implied it was an exfoliant. It said, "Mix a dollop of scrub with water in your palm. Gently massage onto face, then rinse." I did as I was told and I totally felt exfoliated. But it was really harsh and left my skin super irritated. I read the back of the bottle and it was recommended to mix the scrub in with a gentle face wash. Duh. I tried it a few days later (you don't want to exfoliate too often!) with my step 1 of my Clinique Three Step kit, and my skin felt so smooth afterwards! Next week I'm going to do a face mask straight after!

• Chlorine Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

This week's favorites consist  of two new loves and two old loves. I've mentioned what I love in the NARS illuminating tinted moisturizer in my summer/spring makeup essentials. My black Forever21 vintage styled sunglasses are from last summer. Usually, each summer I find a new pair of staple sunglasses. However, so far I've found myself reaching for these each time I go out, and I never get tired of them. This past Mother's Day, I took my mother for a ladies day at TJMaxx (Our ABSOLUTE favorite store). I've found two steals: A Steve Madden nude back pack and Spirit alligator print sandals. Unfortunately, since these were last year's styles, I am unable to provide a link for these amazing products. The back pack was originally $98.00. I stole mine for $35.00! I originally wanted a black trendy backpack for next semester. But when I saw this, I thought it looked way more chic and professional. The sandals are so easy to slip on, and they provide a little more of a statement than regular solid colored flip flops. What have you been loving this week?

**All of these products were purchased with my own money, and all opinions are my own**