I’m no beauty. I’m a 59-year-old mother and (yes) grandmother, but I do care about how I present myself to the world, and I do have some favorite beauty and skincare products I’m loving right now for skin and body.
Haircare Product Suggestions
Those who follow me on my Instagram Flat Please account will know all about my love-hate relationship with my crazy chemo curls (TBH it’s mostly love.) I went from having 2B wavy hair to 3C coily curls when my hair grew back after 12 weeks of chemotherapy. If you want to read about what chemo does to your hair follicles check this info from MD Anderson out. I don’t colour my hair anymore since it grew back. It is just to healthy to mess with it. So I am opting to celebrate my new salt and pepper ringlets instead. And yes I DO look like a middle-aged Shirley Temple.
Anyone with curly hair knows it is a constant quest for the right product that isn’t too sticky, or too crunchy. I’ve found my go-to product line in LUS (Luv ur Self) Brands, a curly-haired, woman-owned business. I use the three-step shampoo, conditioner and all-in-one styler for curly hair. Ingredients include Irish Sea Moss, Aloe Vera and Shea Butter, and the line is vegan and cruelty-free. I also shampoo every morning using a hand scalp massager. My hair is super thick and healthy. I credit this daily routine which keeps the scalp’s blood flow stimulated.
For a quick curl refresh and a beautiful shine, I spritz on Ouai’s Rose Hair and Body Oil.
Skincare Product Suggestions
My skin is super dry due to the drugs I’m on for estrogen suppression. Nothing expensive or fancy here. I’m using Glaxal base moisturizing creme on my face at night. It was recommended by my nurse to sooth my skin post-radiation, and out of desperation I decided to try it on my face as wel. I smear it on so thick I look like I’m heading to bed as Mrs. Doubtfire (hulloooooo). It smells like hospital, but it’s inexpensive, hypoallergenic and can be found at any drugstore shelf or on Amazon. My thirsty skin is loving it and I’m not waking up looking like I’m made of crepe paper.
I also absolutely love the Riciniol line. It’s derived from castor oil, it is completely hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. I slather it on my skin daily. If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, the founder will gift you a bundle of the product for free.
Makeup Product Suggestions
I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s line of products. It has that fresh, natural glowy feeling about it. For a natural look I adore Pillow Talk and Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand in PINKGASM. I then use her Golden Goddess eye palette. Because I’m now salt and pepper in hair colour I also find a red lip works really well. Again I use Charlotte Tilbury’s Red Carpet Red or my absolute favorite is Tom Ford’s Scarlett Rouge.
Lashes & Brow Product Suggestions
I have pathetic eyelashes and eyebrows and I’m always on the hunt for products that give me something (anything) to brag about. My latest find is Thrive Causemetics, I like their products, and I like that they are mission-driven and give back a percentage of their earnings to causes including cancer, homelessness and domestic violence. I’m currently using their Liquid Lash Extension Mascara, their Liquid Lash Extension Serum and their waterproof eye pencil. I then set what I do have for brows with NYX eyebrow glue.
Fragrance Product Suggestions
know fragrance is deeply personal and also tricky when you are going through any kind of treatment. Most hospitals are a fragrance-free zone, and definitely not advised for those on chemo with whoopsy tummies. But now that I’m past treatment I’m back to my signature scent(s). I love Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanilla for an evening out and always get compliments when I wear Lancome’s La Vie est Belle.
