
I don’t know if it’s the change in seasons or the fact that I work with people who are walking proof that mirror-like glass skin is, in fact, possible to achieve in real life, (looking at you, Hannah Baxter), but I’m seriously locked in when it comes to transforming my skin this fall and winter. I’ve completely upended my skincare routine to address my clogged pores and acne-prone skin, I’ve started my laser hair removal journey (Black women looking to do the same, go to SEV laser and tell them Ariel sent you), and I’m even going to start injectables—I might even throw a chemical peel and a few lasers into the mix. In short, I want to be unrecognizable in a few months.
That being said, I’m a strong proponent of following up my in-office treatments and procedures with at-home maintenance, and something that I recognize that I’ve been slacking on is using face masks. As someone with very oily skin, I’ve always noticed an immediate difference when using face masks, not only with the clarity of my pores but also with the levels of shine on my skin. The issue is that I struggle with consistency, but that excuse is no longer valid, especially since there are a myriad of tools and hacks that can help me sneak in a mask or two a week, without having to deviate that much from my very busy schedule.