by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll
How To Care for Winter Skin
Hi!
I was in freaking IOWA a month ago.
And Utah last week.
UTAH.
IOWA!!!
Now I know your first question.
“Isn’t that where they grow all the corn?”
And the answer is yes.
BUT!!
You’re still thinking of Idaho.
Not Iowa.
Trust me.
Don’t feel bad, everyone gets them confused.
Anyway, my body has not been exposed to the cold in a long while. Like, literally since 2018, I have not traveled somewhere cold. I did cold for a long time though because I grew up in New York and then I went to college in Vermont and then for some reason I did a field work term in Boston from December-February when I could have gone anywhere in the world (I guess because I’m a glutton for punishment), so trust me, I’ve done the whole -302596 below zero thing. I am familiar with the routine it takes to keep your skin in shape. I’ve done this self-care thing a time or two before, I swear.
My skin has now been exposed to two veryyyy cold climates in just a few weeks.
And my dry, acne-prone, combination skin would not have been happy at all if I had not pre-thought out my daily skincare routine. By now, I have it down to a science.
Here’s what I did to not turn into one big dry spot!
Supplement:
The reason that most conventional treatments for acne and skin issues don’t work is that they fail to treat the real issue: your insides. Steroids, anti-biotics and even heavy duty prescription medications skip over the one thing that truly does need to change and for your new, clear skin to stick: Your body needs to be in balance.
Supplements are a must. I don’t know how anyone’s skin does anything without supplements, I’m not even kidding. I’m pretty sure I would look like an 98 year old grandma with teenage acne if I hadn’t found the right supplements for my skin. And you think that’s an exaggeration but it’s absolutely not.
Here’s the ones I absolutely recommend for skincare maintenance:
Extra Strength DIM – You guys know DIM is my go-to for curing my acne. Every women should be taking this. This estrogen regular supplement is a life saver no matter whats going on with your skin. It helps to bring estrogen levels back in line, therefore naturally increasing your energy levels. Balanced hormone levels from DIM can lead to reduced acne, PMS, PMDD, hot flashes, night sweats and PCOS while increasing your drive and energy. I take 3 per day of this brand, which I’ve found to be the best.
Bioastrin – Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that occurs in trout, microalgae, yeast, and shrimp, among other sea creatures, that gives them their vibrant color. This supplement gives you a glow. An antioxidant, it’s been linked to healthier skin, endurance, heart health, joint pain, and may even have a future in cancer treatment.
Biotin gummies – Been taking these for hair growth every morning. They’re great!
EXFOLIATE
What it does: Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.
When: Perform in the mornings prior to toner, moisturizer, SPF and make-up application. Tip: Make-up will last longer on exfoliated skin!
Faves: I love the Acure Brightening Scrub, CoCo Kind’s Sea Moss Exfoliator and Hene Organics lip scrub.
HYDRATE
What It Does: Keeps skin moist and supple to ward off aging, sun spots and wrinkles.
How: Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive serums, perfect for use all day long or as needed. They work best when layered underneath a moisturizing SPF. Toners are a refreshing pore pick me up, working to even out your skin’s complexion.
Faves: The Essential Care Kit by Genetix is a must-have. This organic trio is amazing for anything from sensitive to acne prone to mature skin! Thayer’s makes my favorite toner.
MOISTURIZE
Slathering on a luxurious body oil every day after you shower keeps skin moist to ward off dry skin, cellulite and wrinkles.
HOW: Pat your skin dry after your shower. This can prevent you from stripping natural oils that moisturize your skin. Get optimal amounts of moisture without oversaturating your skin by determining the best product for your face and body. I recommend the full sizes of Genetix serums, which are scent free and essential oil free. Slather these luxe serums all over your body from neck to toe. I also did my breast massage every night with my Activated Enhancement Oil. Hubby couldn’t be happier 😉
So, yep. That’s how I made sure I didn’t have dry skin in Utah and Iowa. Skincare has seriously become one of my favorite self-care routines. Right now save big time over at Genetix and treat yourself this season. No code needed. You deserve it!
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Health
Hey guys!
I was thinking, and you know what I miss about blogging? Simple lists without ten years of backstory. Right? Yes? No? Is it just me? Can we all get on board that maybe not every post of mine should be a novel? Cool? Because I already have books. So. Maybe lets try to keep these things shorter? Yes? Really? Sweet. OK COOL. SO glad you’re on board!
I’m excited to share 5 Healthy Things with you that are currently changing my life. Ready? Here goes:
Lympathic Drainage with the Best Facial Massage Tool Ever
I absolutely LOVE this little tool for an at-home facial massage and lymphatic drainage. Here’s why facial massage is so important:
-Stimulates collagen production
-Regenerates tissues
-Reduces scarring
-Improves immunity
-Super relaxing
-Helps TMJ and other muscle-related jaw injuries and pain
-Keeps skin clear
Simply use this tool once or twice a day for 15-60 minutes and watch your skin transform. Mine always gets an instant glow and lift!
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
… seriously, if you don’t have this in your life yet, GET ON IT. I put this on everything – avocados, eggs, bagels, dinner, salads. I’ve yet to try it on a hot fudge sundae, but hey, you never know…
Skincare Combos
My favorite beauty hack is combining stellar skincare items into multi-purpose combos! My newest regiment that uses this ritual is to combine Genetix Cellular Recovery Serum with organic probiotics. The combination of ingredients works to tackle fine lines and heal trouble spots, as well as makes an incredible exfoliator if you want to do an oil cleanse.
- Simply add a few drops of Cellular Recovery Oil to a pinch of probiotic.
- Rub hands together and apply to your skin.
- Let sit for 5 mins and rinse with a warm or dry washcloth.
- Finish with a toner and moisturize with a few more drops of Cellular Recovery Serum.
Your skin will thank you!
Books That Blow Your Mind
I’ve been reading about 5-10 books a month now-a-days, which has always been the goal. I got really good at speed reading while proofing my new book these last few months (it’s out on May 8th, YAAAY!), and now I can easily devour about a book a day. Some of my favorites that have blown my mind the last few weeks (and ones I’ve re-read that I already love) are:
-Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
-My Life and Work by Henry Ford
-Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
-Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
-Fat For Fuel by Dr Mercola
-The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
-A Wrinkle in Time (this was one of my very favorite books as a kid!)
-Out of Everywhere by Isaac Asimov
Nature Always
If you follow my instagram (specifically, if you catch my stories), you know I’ve been traveling a LOT lately. And so honestly, the most simple pleasures for me now-a-days are the times where I just get to be out in nature with my dogs. There’s nothing like it. If you haven’t had a chance to step outside today, I want to remind you to do it. Even if it’s cold. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if it seems impossible. Do it. Bundle up or put on your running shoes or encourage your significant other to push you out the door. I guarantee you your entire day will be different. It’s so healthy for your mind as well as your body. It boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure… and oh yeah – it’s beautiful.
Pick up my book, Cured by Nature, to learn more about how nature can heal you.
Liked this post? You’ll love How To Be Inspired to Stay Healthy (No Matter What!) and My Health & Wellness Faves!
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Health, Mental Health
Racing thoughts. Nagging worry. Weekly work drama.
Many of us live with a level of persistent low-grade stress that becomes so normalized that most of the time, we don’t even realize that it’s there.
While we might not be displaying obvious signs of stress, cortisol – the hormone associated with stress – underhandedly wreaks havoc on our mental and physical health over the long-term. Therefore it’s important to make time to clear our minds and bring some peace into our lives, even if we’re not feeling particularly anxious.
Here are some of the best – and most scientifically backed – ways I’ve found to bring my mind back to center:
Make Time To Meditate
Meditation has a number of positive effects on mind and body. It’s also deceptively hard, which is why many people try it once or twice but struggle to make it a regular habit. Meditation helps combat the physical and emotional affects of stress and has lasting benefits that affect your productivity, as well as your ability to relax under pressure. Set aside time to meditate for just 10 minutes a day over the next week or two and experience the benefits for yourself.
Here is one of my favorite personal meditations, taken from my book Cured by Nature:
THE CONNECTION MEDITATION:
Sit up straight in your chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Wipe your mind clean and start over. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your abdomen.
Breathe In and feel where your air flows in your body. Is it just your lungs or does it fill your stomach, your abdomen or other parts of your body?
Breathe Out: I am connected.
Breathe In and focus on smoothing your breath.
Breathe Out: I am connected.
Continue to focus on your breath. Anytime your mind wanders, bring your attention back to your breath. When you are ready, open your eyes with a smile and greet your day.
Research determined that mindfulness meditation decreases activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN). The DMN is responsible for the “monkey mind” chatter, mind-wandering, and self-referential thoughts.
Walk It Out
If you follow along with me on instagram, you know a daily walk with my pups is a non-negotiatble. While just about any walk will help to clear your head and boost endorphins (which, in turn, reduces stress hormones), consider walking in a park or other green space, or taking a short hike, which can actually put your body into a state of meditation, thanks to a phenomenon known as “involuntary attention” during which something holds our attention, but simultaneously allows for reflection.
Visualize To Manifest
A short visualization is an easy way to get back to center. Much of our worry stems from feeling a lack of control. Even the National Institutes for Health recognizes the power of “guided imagery” to elicit a relaxation response.
Simply make yourself comfortable and then picture a peaceful scene: a future vacation, your favorite beach. You can even visualize yourself accomplishing a future goal or picture yourself in in your dream home next to the man or woman of your choice (yup. anyone! Have fun!) These are some of my favorite mind-strengthening techniques to do because they truly WORK.
BONUS: Hang Up, Then Detox
Cell phones stress you out, there’s no question about it. Talking on your cell can even raise your blood pressure. If you recognize that social media, emails or your phone in general is stressing you out, put it down for the day and walk away. If you’re feeling a bit of phantom limb syndrome, read a book, take a walk or spend quality time with loved ones cooking, organizing, decorating or doing something you’ve been putting off. When you say you’re out – be OUT. Be present. At the end, I highly doubt you’ll remember the texts you got, but your loved ones smiles and laughs will be at the top of your most precious moments.
For weekends, you can also give yourself a curfew of when you’ll begin looking at your phone in the morning and what time you stop at night (for instance, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm). This will help you manage your time and open up tons of time to work on yourself and projects that are important to you as well!
Hat | Dress: Sustainably designed and ethically produced COSSAC | similar (if COSSAC dress is sold out) | Necklace
Photos by Arielle Levy
by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty
Can organic beauty still look glamorous, fresh and fun? Of course!
You’ve been asking me about my go-to summer look. I love this look because it’s SIMPLE, fresh and under 10 mins! You can also do this look without any tools if you prefer, but I added some of the brushes I use for your convenience!
PRODUCTS USED (IN ORDER):
SKIN PREP: The Jasmine Garden Toner | Glow Brightening Serum| C’Lavie .21 Serum
FOUNDATION + CONCEALER: Vapour Atmosphere Foundation | Minimalist Foundation Serum
HIGHLIGHTER: Bio Brightener Stick | Magic Luminizer
BLUSH: Vapour Blush in Courtesan
BRONZER: Bio Bronze Powder
EYES: Smoke and Mirrors Eye Palette
I mix the last three colors on the left and apply to the top of my eyes with a vegan makeup brush. Then I apply a small layer of the second color under my eye lid for a pop with an angled brush (this works well if the color is orange, bronze or black).
LIPS: Ilia lip crayon in Come Undone
FINISHING POWDER: RMS Beauty UnPowder | Alima Pure Contour Powder (around cheeks, nose, temples and under the chin)
Voila! 10 mins or less and you’re glam to go!
xoxo,
Tara
by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty
Election stuff. Are you as over it as I am? OK, OK… I am stuck somewhere between “anxiously refreshing The Huffington Post roughly 10x a day” and “If you turn on the news I might ACTUALLY kill you with my eyes.”
I’m sure I am not the only one who feels like the last few months have been stress incarnate. I cannot wait for Tuesday to come — and GO — so that we can be OVER all this madness. Amirite?
While we sit and wait and hope and pray and try not to drink all the gluten free beer in the fridge, don’t forget that this is the PERFECT day for a self-love date. Since you’ll inevitably be sitting on the couch biting your nails anyway, you might as well pamper yourself. Here are 5 face masks to help you destress this week:
IF YOUR SKIN NEEDS A SUPER CHARGE:
Then the Pele Mask by Mahalo is for you! Named after the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess Pele, the mask is supercharged by “botox-plant” Hibiscus, anti-inflammatory Turmeric, collagen-boosting Vitamin C, anti-aging Neem leaf, oxygenating Cayenne, sebum-balancing Witch Hazel, wrinkle-fading Guava, acne-fighting Holy Basil, toxin-magnet Volcanic Ash Clay and bacteria-absorbing Activated Bamboo Charcoal. A concentrated, intelligently detoxifying bioactive mask that transforms problem, tired skin to unveil glowing, paradise-radiant complexion. Activated by water, this astute formula morphs from dull powder to a satin mousse, swelling and sizzling as it brings to life the luxurious botanicals. Perfect for de-stressing your skin as well as your mood.
IF YOU NEED A NEW RITUAL:
If you think this week is the best time for a new skincare and self-love ritual, The Honey Mud is going to be your new best friend! A distinctive union of raw Honey, White Halloysite Clay and aromatic pure plant oils come together to bring you a truly intoxicating and highly addictive cleansing or masking ritual. This amazing cleansing “mud” can be used to clean skin or leave it on for 10-15 mins to use it as a mask. The Honey Mud infuses your skin with active enzymes and nourishment while restoring your optimal hydration and individual rhythm. A unique fresh start feeling!
IF YOU NEED SOME R&R:
There’s nothing quite like the feeling AFTER your votes are in. I know my #1 goal will be to do my Cacao Antioxidant Ritual. These pre-mixed mask is an all-time favorite! Josh Rosebrook’s products were made for your serious R&R days. Your skin will thank you, too! This mask contains excellent organic ingredients for brightening, rejuvenating, detoxifying, toning, tightening, and softening skin. This powerful organic antioxidant mask is the ultimate multi-tasker. I absolutely love the delicious chocolate-y smell and how it instantly leaves skin looking clearer, tighter and brighter.
IF YOU BLEED BLUE:
If you can’t get enough BLUE on Election Day, I have just the mask for you! Indie Lee’s Clearing Mask is a gentle yet effective detoxifying mask. Fruit acids help eliminate dead skin cells while plant extracts nourish and protect the skin. Purify clogged pores and relieve congested skin with organic healing ingredients like seaweed, chamomile, camphor extract and bentonite clay. This mask is one of my favorite ways to both cleanse and rehydrate skin when it’s being fussy or dull. Truly works on sensitive skin like mine.
IF YOU ROCK RED:
Ready to make your skin great again? I have JUST the solution! This cellular repair mask is incredible. Organic ingredients repair, regenerate and fortify damaged or mature skin. Formulated with Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, and Strawberries, this anti-aging mask nourishes and restores vitality. It smells SO amazing you’ll want to eat it… and the ingredients are so pure that you CAN! This mask removes environmental damage while infusing your skin with some great antioxidants and much needed nutrients.
LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO DESTRESS? YOU’LL LOVE THIS.
