Avocado isn’t just a trendy toast topper; it’s a skin-loving powerhouse. Packed with healthy fats, vitamins E and C, and antioxidants, avocados nourish your skin from the inside out. I love mashing them up for a quick guacamole or spreading them on my favorite gluten free cracker.

Warm undertones are characterized by yellow, peachy, or golden tones beneath the skin’s surface. Those with warm undertones usually look great in earthy tones like reds, oranges, yellows, and warm browns. On the other hand, cool undertones showcase hints of pink, blue, or purple, and individuals with these undertones tend to wear jewel tones, blues, greens, and cool grays effortlessly.

Choosing between a cream and a powder blush often depends on your skin type and personal preferences. If you have dry or mature skin, a cream blush might be your best friend. Creams tend to blend seamlessly into the skin, providing a dewy and natural finish. They are also buildable, allowing you to control the intensity of the color.

On the other hand, powder blushes work wonders for those with oily or combination skin. They can help absorb excess oil providing a more matte finish. Powders are generally easier to apply for beginners and offer a wide range of shades.

That being said – your skin type doesn’t necessarily dictate whether you wear cream or powder blush. Both skin types can wear both; it truly depends on your personal preference.

When it comes to makeup, less is definitely more for teens. An eyelash curler, mascara, a subtle powder or cream blush, and a touch of lip gloss are the perfect products for a fresh, natural look. Teens eager to dive into makeup should opt for products with clean ingredients, focusing on gentle cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and sunscreen when in direct sunlight.

Amidst the allure of external beauty,  it’s important to remind teens that true beauty stems from within. Encourage positive self-image and self-care practices, emphasizing the importance of confidence, kindness, and authenticity. Remind them that skincare and makeup should enhance their natural features, not mask them.

As a parent or mentor, foster open communication about skincare and makeup. Listen to their concerns and reasons behind makeup and skincare use and offer guidance without imposing strict rules. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking advice.

Navigating the world of teen skincare and makeup can be daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By prioritizing skin health, embracing simplicity, and nurturing inner beauty, teens can develop healthy habits that will serve them well beyond their adolescent years. Remember, beauty is not about conforming to external standards but celebrating individuality and authenticity. So, let’s empower teens to explore their unique beauty with confidence and care.

Here are the four key steps I follow in my skin flooding routine:

Step 1: Cleansing

To start, I cleanse my face as I regularly would, removing the day’s dirt and debris. Best to start with a clean canvas. After cleansing, leave your face slightly damp. The entire skin flooding routine to follow will benefit from the water on your face, as it will help to lock in any products you use.

Step 2: Facial Mist

Next step – a facial mist. This is great to really saturate your face. Any product that follows will be better absorbed, and be more effective. I’ve always been in love with facial mists, and am happy to see its formal place in a skin-flooding regime. 

Step 3: Hydrating Serums

I apply a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum to my damp skin. In addition to being anti-inflammatory, hyaluronic acid attracts and holds onto water molecules–a key benefit for optimal hydration. Using the tips of my fingers, I gently massage the product into my face, neck, and decollete aka, neckécolleté.

Step 4: Moisturizer

To finish, I apply a moisturizer to lock in all the moisture and keep my skin hydrated throughout the day or night and create a barrier to protect against external aggressors. Our skin has a natural barrier, but it’s never a bad idea to give it some backup with a rich moisturizer. 

In conclusion, skin flooding is more than a trend; it’s a cold and dryer day necessity. Consider embracing this hydrating practice. You’ll soon see what the hype is all about!

I’m a strong believer that moisturized skin is fundamental for achieving a natural, healthy, and flawless makeup look. During the winter months, exposure to heated air and fluctuating weather temperatures can dehydrate the skin. 

When moisture is a must, (which is always!) I reach for Beautycounter’s Counter Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence. This “facial in a bottle” delivers instant hydration thanks to its lightweight formula. I especially love how the Retinatural Complex, mineral-rich seawater, and a fermented blend of sugars work to revitalize and it renews and preps the skin for smooth makeup application or as a base for skin treatment after cleansing.

If you’re like me–someone with a creative and busy brain–you’ve likely got an endless list of things you’d like to accomplish this year.  In an effort to ground myself in my new year ambitions, I’m focusing on 5 non-negotiables. By creating a dedicated plan, I’m moving the swirling ideas in my head to tangible goals.

In no particular order, here they are:

1. More Family Time: Family is the anchor that grounds me, and this year, I’m committing to creating more memories and sharing laughter with the ones I love. We’re all a busy bunch, and it’s easy to go months without seeing everyone. 

2. Take a Vacation: As someone who’s always on go-mode, I’ve realized it’s important to take a step back to recharge. I recently went on a vacation to the Bahamas with my family – a trip that seemed impossible to plan and execute before it happened. But then suddenly, we were there, recharging with the sand and the sun. Putting a trip on the calendar in advance is the only way it will happen for me. 

3. Move Forward on Professional Goals: What’s in store for christycoleman.com? The sky’s the limit! I’ve set ambitious goals for my career and professional development. 

When I decided to launch a website a little over a year ago, my goal was to see whether or not I still had a deep passion and ambition in the beauty space. And guess what…I do. I should have never doubted my zeal. I’ve been hoarding fashion magazines and the latest makeup products since I was a kid. This year, running my own business, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned the limits of what you can do by yourself.  

4. Improve Health and Wellness: As cliché as it sounds, health is indeed true wealth. I recently rearranged my garage gym, and getting this organized has me inspired. My pool is getting more use this winter with cold plunges than it ever did in the summer. I’ve been working with a functional medicine doctor and am fully coming to terms with the fact that I’m very intolerant to gluten and filled with mold. It’s something I’ve known in my gut (pun intended) for a while, but have not prioritized. But truly, I feel my best self – more radiant and clear – when I avoid gluten. This year, I’m giving it up, and prioritizing more liver and mold detoxes.

5. Pick a Word for the New Year – JOY: We’re faced with so many decisions every day. I know that in this new year I will encounter a lot of professional decisions that will potentially alter how my life looks. I’ve picked a word – joy – which will be my touchpoint this year. Asking myself “Does this bring me joy? Or, “Does this have the potential to bring me joy?” will be the decision matrix I use to navigate choices, big and small. For me, this goal ties into my faith – setting aside time for prayer is a joyful experience, and choosing to free up more time for this will ultimately invite in joy. Those who know me well, know that it’s my personality to work until a (figurative) collapse. I’m so grateful for my work ethic; it’s the engine that has propelled my career. But sometimes, the “work” and the “effort” have come at the expense of my joy. Not this year  

Now, how will I accomplish these lofty plans? After all, a plan with no execution is just a wish. I’m a highly visual person, and I recently found the perfect tool to keep me aligned and grounded to what I’m declaring matters. Jesse Itzler’s Big A## Calendar will be my secret weapon for plotting, planning, and holding myself accountable to these goals. (I also gifted the calendar to everyone in my family for Christmas.)

This is truly a big a## calendar! I placed it up on my office wall, and I’ve begun to populate it with the non-negotiables. The size and structure of the calendar let me visualize the full year ahead, break down my objectives into manageable tasks, and track my progress day by day. The Big A## Calendar isn’t just a tool; it’s a visual companion on my goal-setting journey. 

Join me in the challenge to explore the unknown and embrace the new year with open arms and an open heart. Thanks for being here, and happy new year!

The Latte look is all about accentuating your natural beauty with warm, earthy tones that mimic the rich hues of your favorite cup of morning joe. Because of the use of colors like taupe, cocoa, and blushy beige, this trend has easily transitioned from summer to fall. Here are the main components of this makeup look.

1.Smooth Light-Reflecting Base: Begin with a lightweight foundation to create a smooth canvas. Opt for a shade that matches your skin tone closely, allowing your natural complexion to shine through.

2.Earthy Tone Eyes: I like to use a soft luminous beige on the inside corners of eyes and warm creamy browns on the lids for an even glow.

3.For the Cheeks: Apply a warm creamy brownish-toned blush to your cheeks to accentuate the neutral palette of the face.

4.Luscious Lashes: Curl your lashes and apply two coats of volumizing mascara to make them stand out beautifully against the earthy tones.

5.Nude Lips: Keep the lips simple with a hydrating, warm terracotta rosey lip gloss that complements the rest of your makeup perfectly.