I...graduated?!

Well, I'm officially a college graduate and my feelings are summed up pretty well by this one picture:

I had a blast at my grad shoot as you can see :)

In all honesty, a lot of people think that I have this grand plan and that I'm already more than halfway there when in reality, I'm so not. I'm scared for my future and I don't know what's going to happen. A lot of people say that if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough and booooooy am I frightened. That must mean I'm doing something right...right? I know that in the end, it'll work out, but right now I can't help but feel scared. That isn't to say that I'm not hopeful because to some extent, I'm so glad to be moving on from college but I think that's currently being overshadowed by fear of the future. However, I'll still keep chasing the dreams that scare me and I'll still keep giving it my all because that's what life is - being scared but having the courage to try anyway. 

xx

Skincare Update - It's been almost a year!

Hello! I know it's been forever and just like clockwork, I'm back to blog in the summertime. There was a certain desire that overcame me to get back into blogging once more and although I have no idea how long it'll last, I want to make the best of it. For my first return post after almost a year, I wanted to give an update on my skin and the products that have impacted me so much! I think it's fitting since my last post was about skincare and I'd like to give an update since some stuff has changed.

Updated Skincare Routine

Cleanser: My cleanser has changed and so has the number of times I wash face every week. For starters, this cleanser from First Aid Beauty is scent free and really gentle. It's a wonderful cream formula that doesn't dry my skin out at all. My Paula's Choice cleanser started to dry me out quite a bit so I made the switch to this and my skin feels great. I usually buy the small 2oz size from Sephora because I have started washing my face once or twice a week and that's it so it lasts me quite a while. Some people don't believe me when I tell them that but it's true! I have started to let my natural oils work their magic and my skin feels and looks the best it has in a long time. 

Exfoliator: This has stayed the same - my tried and true Pixi Glow Tonic.  This is my usual AHA exfoliator but I have cut down the use because I was prescribed a Tretinoin cream from my doctor that I used a lot more instead of this. More about the cream can be found here. This medication absolutely changed my skin - it stopped my pimples and really sped up the exfoliating speed of my skin. In three months, my marks faded an incredible amount. I will say that getting to the point of my skin being as clear as it is now took a lot of work. My skin flaked SO much and went through some really rough patches while using the cream. I used it every night and stuck through the rough patches. It was so worth it and if you have the opportunity, I would highly suggest talking to your dermatologist about what it best for your skin because they really do know what is best. 

Moisturizer: This has also stayed the same - During the day, I like to use a moisturizer with at least SPF 30. I've been using the Olay Moisturizer with SPF 30 and I absolutely love it. It doesn't break me out and it absorbs pretty quickly. At night, I've been staying faithful to my Josie Maran Light Argan Oil. This is my go to moisturizer for when my skin really needs some lovin and it makes my skin so soft and supple. I highly recommend it!

        

As always, I will add to not only wear SPF every single day but also to love yourself and your skin no matter what shape it is in. You can have the clearest skin in the world and still not be happy if you don't love yourself. Going through this process of battling the pigmentation and acne, in general, has really taught me to just care for myself and love myself so SO SO much. Yes, my skin is doing great and it's almost as clear as it was before I hit puberty but above that, I'm happy. I'm happy with myself and that's something that has been a long time coming.

xx

The Battle With Hyperpigmentation

Hi, guys! I took a much-needed break from blogging over the course of the past couple weeks but I'm back and better hopefully haha.

Recently, I've been battling something I've never had a problem with before - hyperpigmentation (ugh). For the most part, I've had pretty clear skin for the majority of my life but this summer, I got some serious acne on my cheeks and while that is completely gone, I am left behind with a bunch of hyperpigmentation. Yikes. I started looking for solutions and I recently found a routine that has been working for me! My hyperpigmentation is fading :) I also recently booked a dermatologist appointment to see what else I can do but I wanted to share some products and tips that have been working for me. I also want to make a note to say that despite me having hyperpigmentation, I am still so beyond blessed because not only do I love myself despite having the hyperpigmentation but also because my struggles with my skin are nothing compared to so many. I am so lucky and I am so aware and grateful for that. That point aside, ya girl is just trying to get her best skin! So now that I've gone on for a bit, on to the post. For reference, I have oily skin.

For starters, what I have is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). I do not have acne scarring nor do I have sun spots. What I have is not severe by any means but it's still noticeable. For this, I have established a skincare routine that has been making a difference. That along with some additional tips is making me love my skin even more. Let's start with the skin care routine:

Skincare Routine

Cleanser --- Exfoliator --- Serum --- Moisturizer

Cleanser: I have been using the Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser from Paula's Choice. Guys, I love it. For the longest time, I was using a salicylic acid cleanser to control the oil on my skin but I realize now that it was stripping my skin of important oils that help prevent breakouts. This cleanser has been great for me - unscented, makes my skin feel clean and not greasy, and it's not expensive ($12 for 6 oz). Score!

Exfoliator: This was a one of my two absolutely game changing products. I have never been one to exfoliate. I just didn't see it as an important part of my daily skincare routine but I was so wrong. When I started reading up and learning more about skincare, I realized that exfoliation is so necessary for healthy skin!!! I originally went and bought a physical exfoliator (which I still love because it's gentle and wonderful) but it was doing nothing for my hyperpigmentation. That's when I turned to chemical exfoliation and the world of AHAs and BHAs.  Basically, AHAs are for people who's main concern is sun damage, and excess pigmentation while BHAs are more for people with active acne, enlarged pores, blackheads, and in some cases rosacea (consult your derm to be safe!). You guys, I was so nervous and I was not looking forward to skin that would become slightly more sensitive to the skin but I decided it was something I needed to do. I choose the Pixi Glow Tonic as my AHA exfoliator - it has 5% Glycolic Acid which is a safe amount and this exfoliator does not dry out the skin. I slowly started applying this both day and night and the chemical exfoliation from the glycolic acid started to fade my marks. It's still doing its job but it's working. Very important to remember that you NEED to put on SPF while using this (you should anyway on a regular basis) but especially while you are using any type of acid on your skin, even salicylic. Now this is something that is a little on the pricier end but totally worth it ($15 for 3.4 oz and $30 for 8.4 oz). This goes very fast but as I said, it's worth it.

Serum: Oh boy, this is where the big money comes in. This is my second absolutely game changing product. Serums contain concentrated ingredients and help speed up the process in treating the problems you might have. I decided to splurge on the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($80). Yes, this is expensive but do not fret because let me tell you about Bath and Unwind ;) I knew that I wanted to get this serum to help fade my pigmentation and I heard nothing but amazing things about Caudalie. I found this serum on Bath and Unwind (A British company) for $50. I jumped for joy because not only was this a savings of $30 but also because they offer free international shipping. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first but after doing some research, I found out that because Caudalie is a Paris-based company, their products are cheaper in Europe hence the price difference. I placed the order and the serum arrived in perfect condition on the expected arrival date. Keep in mind, it took two weeks because it was shipped from the U.K and had to go through customs but it got here and I couldn't be happier. While their response time on emails is awful, Bath and Unwind is reliable and my product got here and exceeds my expectations. It has helped my spots lighten up and has given my whole face a wonderful glow. Love love love - a bonus is that it smells divine (also it's very light, works for all skin types, a little goes a long way and it's all natural so no photosensitivity). Can you tell I love it? 

Moisturizer: You guys already know my two picks for this. During the day, I like to use a moisturizer with at least SPF 30. Recently, I've been loving the Olay Moisturizer with SPF 30 and I alternate this with my Neutrogena Moisturizer with SPF 35 but I've been trying to avoid oxybenzone (that is a post for another day) so I've been using my Olay one a bit more. Both get the job done. At night, I've been staying faithful to my Josie Maran Light Argan Oil but since the serum feels a little bit hydrating on my skin and my skin is already oily, I have been skipping out on it some nights and my skin has been doing great and is not dry one bit. It's important to make sure your skin is feeling hydrated always, despite your skin type. 

        

Tips

Going to try and keep this short and sweet since this post is already SO long haha. 

1) Be consistent with sun protection - if you are using products and not using SPF, pigmentation will not get better.

2) Give it time - the best thing you can do is be patient. If you get nothing out of this post but one thing, the one thing should be that time will be the best healer. You need to give everything time to work and you need to let your skin do its thing. 

3) Love yourself despite whatever you might be facing - You are beautiful! Your inner beauty is always the most important aspect of you as a person and try to remember the surface things mean nothing at the end of the day. What means the most is what type of person you are - if you are kind, loving, open-minded, and accepting, I can promise you that nothing else with matter. 

Yes, work towards being the best version of you but be the best version of you both on the outside and inside. 

xx

Current Obsessions

June has come to end (already!) and I have a list of things that I've been loving. Every so often, I find myself surrounded by the urge to share the everyday obsessions in my life. Without further ado, here we go:

1. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer: Yes, a concealer is on my list of current obsessions! I was originally very hesitant about buying this because of two things: the price ($29 USD) and the color match. I've had some huge misses in terms of color matches for my skin but to my surprise, the color Ginger in this concealer was as close as a match I could have gotten. The match really made me give in and spend the money on this product and I honestly haven't been disappointed. The coverage is fantastic, the consistency is great for blending, and the finish is so natural which is a huge plus for me! The majority of my everyday makeup routine literally involves putting this on my face with some powder and blush. Das it.

2. Fred V & Grafix: This is a DJ duo that I've recently fallen in love with. One of their songs came up on my Youtube suggested videos and it's been love every since then. Two songs in particular that I love are Nearly There and Ignite. 

3.  A 10-year-old applied to a prestigious tech fellowship: Five by Five, an innovative agency launched their prestigious technology fellowship for the summer and an ambitious 10-year old girl applied so that she get help with the robot she made to make the people of Paris happy! This literally made me smile ear to ear. The best part? She was accepted. Here is a snippet of the acceptance letter:

"Dear Eva, The answer is yes. You have been selected as one of Paris’ first-ever Summer Innovation Fellows among an impressive pool of candidates from all across the world: accomplished urban designers, data scientists, and hardware specialists.  I love your project and agree that more should be done — through robotics or otherwise — to improve Paris’ streets and make them smile again."

You can read the entire letter and story that I've linked above. 

Those have been my current obsessions! It's a short and sweet list for the past two weeks. What are some of yours?

xx

21 Things

My birthday is coming up very soon and the idea for this came from a period of reflection as well as some soul searching on Pinterest (I do this more than I would like to admit haha). I'm going to be 21 in about a week and I'm so grateful for another year where I have been able to learn so much. In honor of getting a little older, learning, growing, and accomplishing things, I wanted to go over the 21 things I've learned by age 21.

1. Being kind is always the way to go. Don't let the world harden you to a point where you find it hard to show kindness towards others.

2. Don't change yourself for anyone or anything.

3. It's important to be able to take criticism properly. Managing to gracefully accept what others think applies to work and life.

4. People will always have something to say - don't let it get to you. You are fabulous and fierce!

5. Call home. It'll make you feel better.

6. Only you truly know yourself. No one will ever know you as well as you know yourself no matter how much you open up.

7. Very few things are permanent. People will come and go, things will change, and at times there will be nothing you can do about it.

8. Do not let rejection stop you from trying. Things will not always go the way you want but you have to keep going no matter what.

9. Know your worth. You are valuable and your skills are valuable do make sure to keep that in mind as you go through all the things you have to do.

10. Stand up for what is right. It does not matter what others might think but it certainly does matter if you stand up to injustice.

11. Take time off to enjoy yourself. Don't let the hustle and bustle of life burn you out.

12. Surround yourself with people who make you want to be a better person. If someone drains you, it's time to let them exit your life.

13. Your time is valuable. Spend it wisely because you're never going to get it back.

14. Your siblings have the potential to be your best friends.

15. You are so much stronger than you know. You can and will get through things you thought you would never be able to recover from.

16. Lifting others up and supporting their success will never harm you. Help, and be the best cheerleader possible.

17. Trust your instincts even when you seem a little confused about why you feel a certain way about something. Usually, your instincts are spot on.

18. Take a step back and observe what is going on instead of talking. You'll learn so much about the people in your life.

19. Be wary of people. As sad as it is, not everyone has the best in mind for you. Protect yourself and be wary.

20. Don't let anyone control your life because at the end of the day, it's your life. No one else is going to going to your job everyday, and no one is going to be doing exactly what you are doing.

21. Live for the little moments. Cherish the things in your life and if you can, try to create some of these moments for someone else. What goes around comes around after all :)

xx