These women are stunning, impressive, talented, independent, hardworking, smart – they are uniquely beautiful in countless ways. And they’ve taken their time to share what makes them look and feel beautiful, how they can bounce back from an “I don’t feel pretty” day, and what real beauty is all about, anyways. Take their beautiful words to heart.
Lexi
The Broadway Star
Lexi’s morning routine…
When I wake up in the morning, right away I have a glass of water, sometimes with lemon if I remembered to grocery shop that week. I wash my face and moisturize. If I need to have a good hair day I’ll shower and use Shea Moisture Curly hair smoothie! It smells like a dream and works better than anything I’ve ever tried! I have my morning shake, which is just almond milk and vega one nutritional shake. Packed with protein and a ridiculous amount of nutrients. And of course vegan! I also take a few supplements for my joints, b12 because it’s great for vegans, and a probiotic. I lay on my dharma yoga wheel to slowly, gently and naturally open up my heart and spine. And I always have to start the day with a meditation. Whether it is 5 minutes or an hour. Depending on what I have time for. I have a program called Holosync, which is a meditative soundtrack with different frequencies to set your brain up for healing and get you into a deep meditative space.
Jessica Osber Photography
Lexi’s favorite beauty products…
I honestly don’t use a lot of body products! Two things that come to mind are my lotion with I got upstate at a farmers market. It’s scent is Egyptian musk (try something similar, here). Super unique and grounding. And then I always use amber essential oil to smell like a goddess throughout the day!
Jessica Osber Photography
Sahana
The World Traveler
Sahana’s morning routine…
- Drink water!!
- Brush my teeth & floss
- Get in the shower & use Chanel mousse confort face wash
- After shower I use Chanel hydra beauty gel creme
- Usually I don’t wear make up during the day but if I do it’s all Chanel!
- Chanel powder foundation: double perfection lumiere
- Chanel matte lipstick in Adrienne
- Chanel mascara: le volume de chanel
Sahana’s must-have hair products…
- Venus sensitive skin razor!! BEAUTIFUL
- Give your face a break from makeup!!
- A nice hot shower and washing my face
- Days I wear clothes other than sweats/leggings/sneakers.
- BRUSH MY TEETH.
Lauren
The Dreamer
Lauren’s morning routine…
Despite the “AM-hating night owl” gene that apparently everyone else in my family has, I am definitely a morning person. I usually wake up (voluntarily) around 6:30 every morning, not only because that’s when my body happens to like to get up, but also because my mind feels super ready to start and take on the day around then. Before getting up and out of bed, I snuggle and annoy my lazy, sleepy, also AM-hating dog. She groans at me the whole time. It doesn’t deter me. I eat breakfast before I do pretty much anything else, because I tend to be really hungry when I first get up. I drink my coffee before going to get ready to really start my day—I brush my teeth, rinse my face with cold water (no soap in the morning! It sounds counter intuitive, but this little change has completely transformed my normally oily and blackhead-ridden face.) Then I get dressed to head to the gym. A bit of cardiovascular movement + weight-lifting is always my first big task of the day.
Lauren’s thoughts on beauty products…
I am guessing it’s because I am really bad at any and all forms of visual art (drawing, painting, etc. included), but I’m not a die-hard makeup fiend. I do enjoy beauty products, and I do wear makeup, but I definitely don’t have that knack for those complicated cosmetic tricks like contouring, cat-eye liquid eyeliner—none of that jazz. I like to try, but I mostly fail, so I keep it fairly simple… and CHEAP. I don’t really like to splurge on beauty products when it’s not necessarily my forte or priority, so I stick with the drugstore stuff. Makeup-wise, I am so obsessed with and loyal to NYX brand everything. It’s high-quality anyway, but paired with the unreal low price, NYX is unbeatable.
Lauren’s must have hair products…
It’s kind of funny, because I’ve seen and laughed at the various memes online about coconut oil (“Dry skin? Coconut oil. Frizzy hair? Coconut oil. Stressed out? Coconut oil!”), but since I’ve started using it more often as a beauty product than the cooking product I’ve known it to be, I definitely recommend it for hair. The ends of my hair get dry because I bleach it myself, and coconut oil has worked wonders. I put a bit in the palm of my hand and run it through before spraying a heat-protector and blow-drying my hair. I also use Beyond the Zone volumizing powder, matte clay, and matte fiber paste to play around with my short hair.
Lauren’s favorite body products…
For the most part, I go with whatever is cheapest at the time when it comes to body products (ahh, the student life…) I do absolutely love Caress brand’s “Evenly Gorgeous” (exfoliating) and “Glowing Touch” (skin-illuminating) body washes; they not only smell divine, but both leave my skin feeling super-soft and subtly sparkly. Whenever I can find them on sale, I make sure to grab a few bottles of both products.
Lauren’s ideas on beauty from the inside, out…
I wish I had THE definitive, universal answer for this question, but I truly don’t. I’m still working on the process myself. I do honestly believe that every single person, whether they see it themselves or not, has something beautiful within to offer the world…and discovering what that thing is does more transformative, powerful work from the inside-out than any yoga pose, super food, or anti-oxidant. That’s not to say that those people who haven’t “discovered” it yet aren’t still beautiful… I actually hate when people say those kinds of things… “Happy girls are the prettiest girls”, “Confidence and a smile are the most attractive things”… like, no. Some people cannot just will themselves to be happy, it takes some people years to re-condition themselves to be confident, and nobody (especially women!) owes anyone a smile at any given moment. Everyone, at every point in time, has beauty somewhere, both within and outside of themselves… of that I have no doubt, especially since beauty is so subjective.
How Lauren snaps out of an “I don’t feel pretty” day…
This may sound strange and counterproductive… but I poke fun at myself to get out of that negative mindset. My sense of humor is kind of dry and dark in general anyway, so on days like that where I get up and from the get-go am NOT feelin’ what I see in the mirror, I would—I’m trying to think of an actual concrete example—I might look at my reflection with a completely deadpan expression and give myself a sarcastic thumbs-up. Actually, just the other day I was on the phone with my sister, and she asked me how I was or something, and I said “UGH I’m awful, my life is in shambles… my eyebrows are just SO NOT on fleek today” … completely joking in my usual sarcastic manner, obviously! Sometimes people who don’t know me well can’t tell that I’m joking around… and even people who do know me just don’t get my humor and think it’s super self-deprecating. I see how it can be if the person were to internalize those messages, but I think I somehow avoid that, maybe because I find those kinds of things so absurd that I think they’re funny? Because of the way my brain is wired? I’m not sure. For me, it just works.
The days Lauren feels most beautiful…
I feel my most beautiful when I’ve gotten at least 9 hours of sleep, wake up early, have a particularly awesome and motivated workout session (bonus points if it’s a nice day so I get to do it outside), and my hair decides to be big and voluminous on its own without too much extra effort. Well, not all of those things have to happen simultaneously… if any combination or even just one of those things happen, I feel on top of the world. They have not yet ALL occurred in the same day so far in my life, though. I don’t know what would happen if they did. Maybe I’d finally actually become Beyonce?!
What Lauren must do before bed…
Wash face with soap now. Brush teeth. Resume nuzzles with less-grumpy doggy.
Jessica
The Healer
Jessica’s morning routine…
I usually take a moment before getting out of bed to gently awaken by taking a deep inhale and exhale paired with some intuitive stretching, which helps me begin to foster my connection with my body. Stepping out of bed, I like to think of each foot grounding into the floor as I plant my intentions for the day. Making my way to the bathroom, I splash my face with water, alternating between cold and hot for a few cycles of 10 seconds. Then I wash my face with Julep’s Charcoal Konjac Sponge and local, raw honey that I get from the Union Square Farmer’s Market. I use Witch Hazel as my toner, then apply a moisturizer I customized and blended for my skin made out of various cold-pressed oils and essential oils. Heading to the kitchen, I begin to boil water for either a cup of organic coffee with hemp milk or one of my favorite non-caffeinated awakening elixirs made from fresh lemon, fresh ginger, and raw honey. I sip on my drink of choice as I apply a little concealer, BB creme, mineral powder and mascara. Simple, natural, and fresh – that’s my day to day look.
Jessica’s irreplaceable beauty products…
Josie Maran’s Argan Black Oil Mascara is absolutely incredible! Having naturally long eyelashes, I’ll get compliments on my lashes or asked if they’re real from time to time. After I started using this mascara last year, now I can happily relay my lash secrets to others because I feel really good about using this product. This pure formula of Argan oil, iron mineral pigments, and bamboo not only make your lashes look killer when it’s on, but they strengthen and nourish your lashes, leaving you with healthy, fuller lashes once you remove the mascara. Speaking of makeup removal, another irreplaceable beauty product is my makeup remover – coconut oil. It works well on all kinds of makeup, even waterproof mascaras. Condition while you clean, and no more burning eyeballs from icky chemicals!
Jessica’s thoughts on hair products…
I’m super minimalist when it comes to my hair. I believe a lot of the hair products out there do more harm than good, so I’m adamant about using products that are free from harsh chemicals and don’t test on animals. I use Lush’s Copperhead Shampoo Bar about every three days to cleanse my hair and keep my locks fresh and fiery red and follow up with Nature’s Gate Biotin Strengthening Conditioner. I’m also a fan of Lush’s Jasmine and Henna Fluff Eaze hair treatment to keep my long, wavy tresses luscious and smooth.
Jessica’s must-have body products…
My dry brush is amazing – gently exfoliates my skin and gets my lymphatic system going. I adore Sister Tahliah’s Kush Body Butta‘ – this stuff is so decadent in texture and scent, I feel like I’m smothering myself with magical sweetness that I’d rather be stuffing into my mouth. Seriously, it’s like you get your sweet tooth fix while moisturizing!
Jessica’s magical skincare saviors…
Raw honey is pure magic – using it as a cleanser or leaving it on as a mask, the antibacterial and naturally moisturizing properties of raw honey are hard to beat compared to all of the chemical-ridden cleansers out there that basically strip away the skin’s natural barrier. Along with my morning face oil, I also blended a nighttime serum made with Neem oil, Castor oil, and Helichrysum essential oil, also known as “everlasting” or “immortelle” due to it’s association with skincare and beauty benefits, such as helping regenerate skin tissue, fade scars, clear acne, and reduce redness and inflammation. (Connect with Jess here to have her make you some of her special treatments!)
Jessica’s advice on getting beautiful from the inside, out…
Clean eating and balancing your hormones! The first directly affects the second, so really be mindful of what you’re putting into your body. Reducing inflammatory foods, like gluten, dairy, and sugar, can make a huge difference in attaining a healthy, beautiful body. Lots of healthy oils (coconut, avocado, olive), plenty of water, sleep, and finding a diet that works well for your unique makeup is key.
How Jessica snaps out of a “I don’t feel pretty” day…
Do something that makes you feel empowered and beautiful. Connect with your body in a way other than looking into the mirror or taking a selfie. Take a yoga class, get out in nature, pamper yourself with a hot soak, or inhale your favorite, uplifting essential oil. Go inwards, revel in how amazing and beautiful of a person you are from that place, then take a glance back in the mirror and realize our inner thoughts create our outer perceptions.
The days Jessica feels most beautiful…
The days I am spending my time doing what I love and sharing that with others. Whether it’s through dancing, teaching, or healing, I feel most beautiful when my purpose in life is being actively expressed!
What Jessica must do before bed…
Makeup off, tone, moisturize, floss & brush. Take a moment to reflect on the day and be grateful. Give myself a little Reiki as I fall asleep.
Final words of wisdom…
A word of advice to my ladies that have made a difference in how I live each day: All of us women, we are goddesses. Own that. Feel good about that. Don’t dim your light so others can shine. Each and every one of us has a light to shine here on this earth. Burn brightly, my glorious goddess sisters!
Venus
The Culture Writer
Diandra
The Cosmo Girl
Diandra’s best kept body product secrets…
“I have naturally dry skin, so I am adamant about body butter and lotions. Soap and Glory’s “ The Righteous Butter” is velvety and decadent, and perfect to apply after a shower right before bed. I also love the Body Shop’s body butters in coconut, shea, and cocoa butter—all three smell like heaven! I even keep a mini shea butter at my desk to re-apply throughout the day. As far as razors go, I love the Venus Swirl Razor or the Venus Embrace Sensitive Razor, both are heavy duty, but also gentle on my skin. For soap, I am a Dove White Beauty Bar girl for life. My mom used it on me when I was a baby, and I use it religiously as an adult. It smells fresh, is easy on my skin, and super moisturizing. For me body care is all about feeling fresh, smelling good, and being silky to the touch.”
- “I am a huge fan of face masks, and try to do them twice a week! Right now I am loving Philosophy’s Re-energizing Moisture Mask, from the Hope in a Jar collection. It is lightweight, goes on completely sheer, and leaves my skin incredibly smooth and refreshed.
- I also love the Refreshing and Refining Moisturizer for day, the Overnight recharging & refining moisturizer, the Refreshing and Refining eye cream, and the Microrenewal Hydrating Mist—all from the same Hope in a Jar collection from Philosophy.
- I also love Tata Harper products when I want to treat my skin to something detoxifying and rich in vitamins. I especially love the Purifying cleanser, which I use about three times a week, as well the Aromatic Irritability Treatment, that I keep at my desk and roll onto my temples, neck and wrists when I need a little boost.
- I recently got a La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift Cream in a gift bag and I have to say that it is one of the most luxurious products Ive ever used. At $335 it is hardly a go-to product, but it is definitely magical. For something more budget friendly I love Vaseline’s regular petroleum jelly, and apply it on my lips in the morning before I apply lipstick and at night before bed. Sometimes I even use it as makeup remover in a pinch.
- Speaking of makeup remover, I am obsessed with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. I find makeup remover wipes to be harsh on my face, so I love the fact that DHC is a silky oil that dissolves all my makeup, sweat, and residue, while leaving my skin feeling extremely soft. It’s like delicious olive oil for your face.
- I make sure to exfoliate my skin 2 to 3 times a week, and when I do I use Clean and Clear 3-in-one Exfoliating Cleanser. As I mentioned before I am a Mario Bedescu girl for life, and love their products more than anything! Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, you name it I love it and they will always be my go-to’s.”
Diandra’s take on getting beautiful from the inside, out…
What Diandra does before bed…
“I never get into bed without showering. I am big on cleanliness and hygiene, so I refuse to even sit on my bed before I’ve showered and put on fresh clothes. If there is a night that I don’t get a shower in before jumping into bed (mostly on weekends) I absolutely 100% always wash my face. I have NEVER skipped a night and never will. I also must brush my teeth, I can’t fall asleep without doing so. I also make sure to drink a full glass of water, so I go to bed hydrated and refreshed.”
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