Simplifying Beauty and Technology/Life Consumption

We live in a world where overconsumption and overwhelm wants to become the normal way of existing. I noticed how many products a young lady had for “beauty” compared to how many things I had when I was in my 20s and even now. She has, I think, realized she doesn’t need an entire pharmacy aisle of beauty products. And I have realized there are some new things I do need. As I was researching beauty routines and products for my skin, I was overwhelmed with how many steps and how much stuff people were using. I decided to search simple beauty routines and was happy to find what exactly do you need verses what many of these people are selling on social media to make money. Many influencers, like some celebrities are selling you products for money and they don’t really use them!

I think it’s best to listen to licensed dermatologists and licensed estheticians. And even with that you need to find one that knows about your skin if you are African American, Hispanic, etc. because what works for the population of European descendants does not work for everyone. Also, how something shows up in Europeans is not always how it shows up in other people’s skin. Whew! I know! We are so behind in the medical field when it comes to women and other ethnic groups. Yet, so advanced in technology that it is ruining our brains.

The overwhelm that comes from when you spend hours on social media and watching the news 24/7 is something people can feel and something some have no idea what they are feeling is coming from hours of staring at a scrolling. How much news do you need? You don’t have time for exercise or to start on your business or hobby but if you look at how many hours you are on social sites a day you would see you really do have the time.

I like the idea that some are doing more analog and less digital. They are the smart ones. I like that many are going back to the basics and it pulls them away from their phones. Alarm clocks, phones down during dinner time, and do not disturb on while working on a hobby. I like it that some are going outside on their porch or patio and leaving the phone in the house. It’s okay to be bored. Less of social media and news consumption is more peace, quiet, and calmness.

So, to wrap this up, I found out I only really need three things for my beauty routine. The new thing I added was a hydrating serum. I found out what that was and the different types. I researched what different products were and what they do. Your face, most of us, men and women, changes as we age. Many are still using the same routine they have used since they were a teenager. It’s some things you just don’t need anymore. My face changes in the fall and in the spring/summer and I figured that out several years ago. It wasn’t always that way. I need a lighter moisturizer in the spring/summer and a heavier, creamier one in the fall/winter.

Here are two videos I watched that got me thinking about what I needed for a simple beauty routine and also about consuming mostly what you need.

https://youtu.be/Hp_s4oaiYwI?si=XrJE74bdeWOsf1VU (Buying what you really need)

And this one right below explains what you really need for easy morning or night routine. I do realize some may only use soap or one product. However, while we all have skin, we do not have the same kind of skin. Every face needs some moisturizer. Also, the skin on your face is not the same as the skin on your body. I have had to explain to men mostly that body lotion ( with perfumes) does not belong on your face.

I knew a beauty pageant contestant who was in her 80s and she only used vaseline on her skin. She washed her face with water and soap, applied vaseline and wiped it off. That’s it! So, you will have to find what is for you. However, if you have good skin with minor issues you don’t need 100 beauty products and wonder why it takes you 45 minutes to do a face routine and now you are late for work or late to bed. 😀

~Nikki