This week, 75% of the United States will have sub-zero temperatures. My family back in Chicago says that it will be a high temperature of -50 Fahrenheit with the wind chill. In case you didn't know, that's colder than Siberia. Exposed appendages can be frost bitten in minutes when the weather is this harsh- imagine what it's doing to your SKIN! The frigid, dry temperatures along with high heat running through homes, schools, and office buildings can wreak havoc on the epidermis. While it is not that cold in Florida, we are still experiencing a cold front when we would normally have much milder temperatures, leaving my skin a bit parched. When it's cold outside, there is nothing better than a face mask and a hot bath. Luckily, my beauty obsession has allowed for me to find some great face masks and treatments that are super hydrating and revitalizing to the skin after braving the cold.



1. The Pore Power-Up - Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask 

This mask is one of my ride or dies. It clears pores and detoxifies the complexion, leading to fewer breakouts and less clogged pores. It also isn't super strong or drying like some of the other charcoal masks I have- it doesn't sting, burn, or feel tight and is easy to remove. This is an excellent mask if you live in a metropolitan area where the pollution is a bit higher. This mask will suck all the dirt out and allow you to follow up with a hydrating mask or serum that will be more readily absorbed into the skin.



2. The Influencer's Choice - Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Ah yes, the hyped up mask of Instagrammers everywhere. I will admit that I was a bit skeptical at first, as I am with a lot of things that are hyped up. However, I also trust a lot of the beauty influencers that I follow when they recommend products- after all, that's why I follow them, isn't it? This mask is a great sleeping mask for me. I love the Origins sleeping mask, but this one also seems to perk up my skin in addition to hydrating it. I also love that it can be used under the eyes, which has really helped minimize dark circles and dryness that tend to have in this area. I purchased this mask as part of a collaboration with Ouai- I got a 1oz tube of mask along with a travel size tube of the Ouai Masque Treatment and an adorable Terry Cloth headband. The set was only $22 and really is such a great deal. Since the set was limited edition, you can still find the full size of the Jet Lag mask at Sephora.



3. Rapid Redness Relief (R&R&R) -Avene Antirougeurs Masque Apaisan
I am honestly OBSESSED with Avene products so far this year. Everything that I have from them performs beautifully for what it is meant to do. They are simple products with lots of great ingredients, including their signature thermal water. Hello Hydration! This mask is a wonderfully cool, soothing mask that is perfect after trekking home from the CTA Blue Line stop in the dead of winter. It has a beautiful blue color but goes on clear and provides instant relief for irritated skin. It is also excellent if you have sunburn- and we live for multi-season products over here.



4. Bath Time Beauty - Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask

The Queen of Ultimate Hydration and Relaxation. I have been using this mask for 2 years and don't plan on stopping. The cloud-like texture hits your skin providing almost instant moisturization and feels amazing on your face while absorbing the steam from hot bath water. This is my go-to mask for any self-care day, even in the summer time. It also smells amazing and feels like marshmallows so we are all winners here!

January has always been a difficult month for me. I was talking to my mother today on the phone, and she heard on the radio that statistically, the 3rd Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year for most people. I can honestly say that I am not at my healthiest- lately it's been very hard to stay motivated for anything. I'm finding it hard to enjoy things that I normally would- I even feel physically ill and achy. But I have to remember that this will pass as it always has, and to make sure to take time for myself to recharge and heal.

That being said, I've been introduced to some great Netflix programs in my phases of self-care this month. Let me share with you some shows, movies, and documentaries that I've enjoyed.

Marvel's The Punisher
The most violent and misunderstood of Marvel characters has 2 of his own seasons on Netflix and they are excellent. Jon Bernthal is perfect for the role and the character is written incredibly well. Set in modern times, Afghanistan war veteran Frank Castle seeks vengeance in Season 1 on the men responsible for killing his family- and shows no mercy. Season 2 was just released last week and continues where season 1 left off. His first appearance was actually in the now cancelled Daredevil Netflix series, also definitely worth checking out. If you can stomach the carnage and are into the MCU Netflix series, this is worth the watch.

Sex Education
This series follows the adventures of British Teen Otis in this coming of age story. Otis's mother is a sex and relationship therapist, giving him (unwilling) insight to the dynamics of human sexuality that allow him to run an underground sex therapy clinic with Maeve Wiley, the edgy school outcast. I started this on a whim and ended up LOVING it. The show features wonderfully diverse and dynamic characters and sheds light on very important issues of sexuality in a practical (not preachy) way. I really hope it gets renewed for a second season!


F is for Family
Ah yes- the sound of an angry Bill Burr always knows how to ease any troubled soul. I was introduced to this cartoon by a friend of mine and has instantly become one of our most 'meme-able'. Bill Burr basically plays, well, himself but as a father of 3 in the 1970's. Think That 70's Show but in cartoon form and they are allowed to swear like sailors. This is the funniest cartoon that I've seen on TV in a very long time, aside from Rick & Morty. If you want to laugh until you cry, and realize that every guy you know named Randy looks like the character in this show, then this is for you.


Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
Yeah, yeah I know. Basic bitch award. But honestly, this show is soooo satisfying to watch. Not only is Marie Kondo completely adorable, her approach to organization is so simple- 'Does it spark joy? If not, then throw it away.' In today's world full of FOMO and materialism, this is so refreshing to see and I'm honestly glad people are into it. A cleaner house and many more treasures at the thrift store as people clean up their lives- it's a win-win if you ask me!

CNN Decade Docuseries
I hate CNN but I do really like their docuseries that they have done for each decade from 1970 through today. Each decade is 8 episodes and explores the important highlights of each decade in television, music, politics, and more. Considering I have only been on this earth since 1993, I find these types of series so interesting. I certainly didn't know their were only 3 TV channels in the 1970', but now I do!


Mandy
This movie is terrifying but one of the best horror movies I've seen in a long time. Starring Nicholas Cage, Red Miller and his girlfriend Mandy (Andrea Riseborough) are plucked from their peaceful, solitary life by a sadistic deviant hippie cult. After Mandy's horrific execution at the hands of the cult, Red goes into rage mode and destroys everyone. Let me tell you, it is AWESOME. If you love psychedelic horror movies such as Suspiria or thrillers like Red State, you will love this movie.

2018 was the year my top shelf really got an overhaul. Up until I started using Glossier products about 3 years ago, I wasn't really paying attention to what my skin actually needed and what worked for me- I would usually just purchase whatever cleanser and moisturizer was on sale at the drugstore, and would put toothpaste on stubborn pimples. Not to mention that I NEVER wore a daily SPF (le gasp). This year, I really got into trying new things and building my skincare wardrobe- experimenting with chemical exfoliation, finding my perfect daily sunscreen, even dabbling into European skincare brands. I even became a VIB at Sephora for the first time ever!

Even with all these new discoveries, I learned a lot about the dark side of social media and the pressure to purchase products you may not really want or need, simply because other "influencers" have them. My blog and Instagram account is not big enough yet to receive the PR opportunities afforded to bigger accounts- and I am learning to be ok with that! Many of the people I follow on social media are extremely grateful for their opportunities and always reassure their followers that they don't NEED ALL OF IT. I try to channel their positive energy into posting the content that I want and that I love, and not worry so much about how many likes it gets. As long as I am happy with the content and can maybe make some other people happy, that's all that really matters.

Now that we are into 2019, I've decided to set some Top Shelf Goals for myself. I know that I have mastered the art of self care (I'm a Leo, duh), so I've decided to keep some other things in mind regarding product wants, needs, and spending:

1) Use, Give Away, or Throw Away Product


I'm not gonna lie, I have a LOT of products. Many of them I haven't used in a while or no longer work for me. This year, I am going to stop hoarding products simply for the sake of hoarding products! A night cream that's still good but doesn't work for me? Give to a friend. A tube of sunscreen that's almost out? Use it up. A face mask that is starting to change weird colors? Into the bin it goes.

2) Take Note of What Works and Roll With It


Another important goal that I have is to nail down what products really work for me. What can I absolutely not live without? Definitely my favorites: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, Solution, Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, prescription Tretinoin cream, and Avene Tolerance Moisturizer. As for the rest? Just extra treats, especially the face masks.

3) Find the Hair Products that Really Work



Finding products that work for my thick, wavy hair is really a journey. I'm still on that journey to find hair products that consistently work for me. I feel like I will purchase some products and like them for a month or two, and then they eventually stop working. The only exceptions would be Batiste Dry Shampoo and my Kristen Ess Air Dry Creme. If anyone has any recommendations for softening, volumizing products that work on thick hair, let me know!

4) Realize that You Don't Need All of That