IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

Hey there, hi there, ho there!

If you're reading this, it's safe to assume that you're acquainted with me on some level. Perhaps you come in for your favorite services, or perhaps you just follow me on social media. Either way, you've likely been introduced to me in some capacity. I try to regularly re-introduce myself on my social media platforms because new people follow me every day (insert creepy *joiiiiiin ussss...jooooooin us!* chant here). However, I realized that I haven't really done so on this platform. Plus, not everyone is constantly scrolling through social media like I am (okay probably many of you are), so I thought it was time that I talked about one of my favorite subjects-ME! (Kidding! Mostly).

My name is Cherrie, pronounced like 'Sherry,' just more inconveniently spelled. No vacation keepsake keychains for this girl, lemme tell ya. I'm 34, but I feel like I'm 19 most of the time (my lower back and collagen production do not agree). I have been a licensed esthetician since 2016, and I technically (aka legally) started my business in 2018. But let's rewind a little, shall we?

I've been obsessed with anything beauty related for as long as I can remember. My grandmother always had fun nail polish and lipsticks on her easily accessed bathroom shelf, and I helped myself to many swipes of both as a child. My mother didn't often wear makeup other than brow pencil and mascara, but she had a few extras on hand that conveniently sat right on the bathroom counter. If only I could go back to 11 year old Cherrie and explain that the white eyeliner was unused for a reason. But alas, I would smear it in jagged motions across my lashline, put on half a tube of shimmery pink lip gloss, and go on about my day as if I were the 6th Spice Girl. This wasn't a daily thing, but as I got a little older, I indeed started wearing makeup regularly. Gone were the white eyeliner and shimmery gloss, and in its place was dark brown eyeshadow up to my browbone, eyes rimmed with thick black liner, foundation 5 shades too dark, and brown lipliner with corpse-nude lipstick in the center. Why yes, I'm still cringing at my 8th grade class photo. Isn't everybody? We'll skip over the glittery green cream shadow days and head straight to my early 20s, thank you very much!

Because I was free to be creative with makeup for so many years (thanks, Mom!), I did eventually become fairly good at it. I would always be asked to do my friends' makeup on nights we'd be getting ready to go out (which seems like centuries ago, to be honest). Then, I started getting asked to do people's makeup for events that they were going to. Eventually, I started to build a rudimentary makeup kit and took freelance gigs-aka friends of friends were asking for recommendations and I was willing to do it for less than professional makeup artists were. I did the makeup for several weddings, and then began assisting other artists at events and weddings too. Now, I didn't make a career out of this. It was simply something I liked to do. I actually studied to be an elementary school teacher (and all you parents out there should be thrilled that I didn't end up going through with it, yikes). I did think about taking makeup artistry courses, but it seemed like an unnecessary expense for something that I had no real ambition to make a career out of. I had started seeing an esthetician in my early mid-twenties (hi, Adrienne!), and from time to time she would comment that the beauty industry might be up my alley. I didn't think I had what it took, to be honest. So I continued nannying and putting off thoughts of a career, but I did put myself on a few mailing lists of beauty schools in New York (CT did not have a licensing program at the time) just in case. Good thing, too, because I went through a breakup, and like most young women who have a flair for the dramatics, I decided to do something rash. I lost some weight in a weight loss competition, used my $950 winnings to head to New York and sign myself up for an esthetics course at Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics. I had only been to NYC a handful of times in my life before that, and didn't know my way around AT ALL, so this was a big step for me. That relationship was good for something, I guess.

I worked my butt off in school. I didn't just want to be the best-I gave myself no other option. I didn't get less than an A on any test or assignment. I took it very seriously and studied almost every minute that I wasn't working my 10 hour a day job. I woke up at 5:00 every Saturday and Sunday for almost a year and drove to South Norwalk train station, where I took the 6:33 train into NYC. I didn't know how to navigate the Subway and couldn't afford cabs because I was paying $800/month out of pocket just for my tuition, so I walked to and from Grand Central Station to 14th & 7th every school day. Am I telling you this to impress you with my dedication? Yes, yes I am. I want you to know how dedicated I was to what I was doing, because it's what got me where I am right now-a business owner! But before I got to where I am right now, I followed a different dream. Being in NYC for school made me fall in love with it, and I thought there was no better place to start a career in the beauty industry. I took a leap of faith and moved to Brooklyn to embark on my journey into my new career. 

After living in NYC for about six months and feeling like I'd mastered the waxing aspect of esthetics, I began applying for jobs in skincare. I had my first interview and scheduled a second, where I'd be doing a facial demo...but before that could happen, I got a text from my own esthetician. Adrienne had been sharing her Ridgefield space with someone, and that person was not going to resign their lease. Would I know anyone who might be interested? Why yes, indeed I might...When she told me the price, I couldn't believe it. I knew that it was an opportunity that I had to consider. It was hard, though. It was the end of summer in New York, and I was having the time of my life. I had favorite places. I had friends. I had opportunities...but if I had moved to NYC to get experience as a stepping stone to being a business owner, why let a chance to do it sooner slip away? I hadn't been there as long as I'd wanted to be, and I'm not sure I would have ever come back without the opportunity, but I took another leap of faith. They kept working out, so why not? As it happens, I'm still mid-air. 

I moved back to CT in September, and I can tell you that moving in with your parents while you're in your 30s is not ideal...especially when you have to share a room with your sister. I had no savings. No car. No supplies at all. I took out credit cards with an already crappy score and started small. I didn't even have the money to get an LLC at first. I took family and friends and then friends of friends. I was still taking the train to my wax specialist job in NYC 4 days a week, where the commute was almost 3 hours each way. I did this until March, when I absolutely could not take the commute any longer. I got a car, got a job as a nanny, and changed my schedule again. A couple of evenings a week, half day Saturday, and Sundays. Between nannying and my business, I worked 7 days a week. I officially formed my LLC in November of 2018, struggled my way through 2019 while still working myself to the bone, and had very high hopes for 2020. We all know how that went! I briefly gave up, to be honest, and decided that when my lease was up at the Ridgefield location, I'd be closing my doors and maybe trying again in a few years. The defeat didn't last long, though. It was only about a week or so of despair until my friend Bethany told me that her friend was looking for someone to rent out a room in her wellness studio right in downtown Bethel. Downtown Bethel! Where I live! My dream location! Who was I to give up when opportunity still felt like knocking? Pandemic be damned, I met with Lori and leapt again. I was only allowed to do waxing from July-October, but I made it work (despite my nanny job ending six months before I was prepared for it to. Goodbye, safety net!). Facials resumed, and I was thrilled. Then, in October, a fire broke out in our business' building. My freshly painted space was ruined, along with a couple of furniture items/products/supplies. Honestly, I felt ruined too. I couldn't believe that after all of what had already happened in 2020, I had to deal with a fire. Luckily, it was only a couple of weeks before Lori found a temporary location and we were back up and running, but it was so much to deal with. Again, am I telling you this to impress you with my determination? Again, yes. But now let's get to the point.

When I had the chance to move back to CT to start my very own business, I could have designed it any way I wanted. I could have chosen to stick with just waxing. I could have chosen to be a facialist and focus only on skin. I could have went the makeup route. I was in control of creating whatever kind of services I wanted, and could price them any way that I wanted. I realized that I didn't want to focus on just one aspect of the beauty industry-I loved waxing, skin, and makeup. So I decided that I would offer all three. Working as a wax specialist at EWC, I learned a lot about the business. More specifically, I learned a lot about what sucks about the business. Visiting spas around NYC and in my hometown taught me about what I wanted and didn't want as well. I decided that I wanted to design a beauty studio that catered to people like me and my friends-average people who want a comfortable experience without having to spend an arm and a leg. I'm not really a "spa" girl. I hate the all white, cold, exclusivity vibe. When I think of places like that, I think of being at a fancy dinner with well dressed strangers while I'm stuck in the corner wearing sweats and confused which fork to use for what course. I don't feel like I belong. It doesn't feel like something I could make a regular part of my life. Plus, the prices can be bonkers-a lot of the spas that I researched charged almost $100 for a 30 minute facial. Yeah...no. I was determined to create the opposite environment because I knew that I wasn't alone in thinking those things. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that there's anything wrong with these types of places, the practitioners that pour their heart into it, or the people that love going to them. I don't think there's anything wrong with a business charging whatever they want for their services. But unless a person has a lot of room in their budget, it's not something they can do on a monthly basis. As a matter of fact, most of my friends had either never had a facial before or only booked one for a special occasion. I thought...why do beauty services feel so exclusive and expensive? What about regular people? Despite other professionals in my entrepreneur group trying to dissuade me from designing an affordable beauty business, I was determined to prove that there was a desire for it. And though I'm still in the "start up" phase of my business (aka the struggle phase), the fact that I'm still kickin' means that I was right. 

I work very hard to keep my prices low. I don't do so because I don't value my work, I do so because I think that there's an entire group that is being overlooked when it comes to the beauty industry. But I see you, because I am you. We ALL deserve to look and feel our very best. I might not have fancy sheets or machines, but it's because I'm dedicated to bringing you an amazing experience that doesn't cost you a car payment's worth of cash-and as you've read, when I'm dedicated, I make it happen. I don't know what the future of my business holds, but I can promise that I will remain rooted in my mission to make beauty services affordable and accessible for all. You won't be seeing a chandelier anytime soon, but you'll definitely be glowing like one. 

love & lipstick,

Cherrie  

cherriedarlingbeauty.glossgenius.com

instagram.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

ORDER IN THE...BATHROOM

As an esthetician, I'm always getting asked skincare related questions. When working one on one, I can give specific answers and suggestions, but it's much more difficult to do that in blog posts or on social media. There are so many different factors when it comes to what's best for an individual person. However, there are some pieces of advice that are generally good for everyone to follow. Proper product order is definitely one of them, so let's start off the new year doing things correctly, eh?  

THE PROPER ORDER TO APPLY PRODUCTS: 

  

Step 1: Wash your hands. Don't skip this step. If your hands aren't clean, your expensive cleanser is    going to remove the dirt and oil from your hands before it can even get to the skin on your face.    Trust me on this, it makes a difference. 

Step 2: Remove makeup (if applicable). I like simple ol' Garnier Micellar Water. There's no need to buy an expensive makeup remover. Soak a cotton pad and gently press onto the eyes to remove eye makeup. You may need a fresh cotton pad for each eye if you're heavy handed on the liquid liner like me. I take a third cotton pad and swipe my skin if I'm wearing makeup on my face, too. 

Step 3: Cleanse. Do you need to double cleanse? If you've already removed your makeup, no. If you have super sensitive skin, no. If you have makeup on your skin, OR if you're about to do a weekly treatment, go for it. I always remove makeup with the cotton pad and I have sensitive skin, so one cleanse is fine. We want to protect our skin's barrier the best we can! On the nights where I'm giving myself a treatment, I double cleanse. Either way, take your time cleansing your skin. In order for the rest of your routine to work its best, you need to do this step properly. No hot water, no cold water-lukewarm water is best. Gently massage the cleanser into the skin and move in small circles, making sure to get all of the crevices and near the hairline as well. A cleanse should take a good minute-minute and a half. It sounds long, but trust me. Also, you should be taking every skincare product that you use down your neck and chest, and cleanser is no exception. A clean canvas is key!

Step 4: After gently drying your skin with a fresh towel, it's time to apply your serum. Serums are very concentrated, and are designed to pack a punch. There is no need to apply too much of it. The skin can only absorb so much, and over application does not increase the benefits of a product, it just wastes it! If the serum comes in a dropper, don't touch the dropper directly to your face or fingers. Put a pea sized amount onto the tips of your fingers, then press your fingers together and press serum into the skin. If you're using more than one serum, I suggest applying the serum with the most active ingredients first and then follow with the others. *NOTE* I know many estheticians who recommend putting eye cream on before serum. Personally, I don't think it matters much...but I would rather the serum cover more of my skin, and it can't do that if the eye cream is applied first. It's up to you!

Step 5: Apply eye cream. This may be controversial, but it really doesn't matter which finger you apply the eye cream with-it's not like you're going to be using a piece of sandpaper, so using your pointer finger instead of your ring finger isn't going to change the pressure much. As long as you're doing it super gently and patting instead of rubbing, you're good. If it makes you feel better to have some guidance, most people use their ring finger or their pinky finger to apply eye cream. You're going to be applying the eye cream (about the amount of a grain of rice) on a fingertip, dabbing the opposing fingertip into that, then dotting the cream around the orbital bone. You never want to put the product right up to the lash line, because products can migrate and you don't want active ingredients getting into your eyes-ouch! I always bring the eye cream out toward my temples and tap whatever remains on my fingers to the brow bone. Pro tip-put a dab of eye cream and tap it around the lip line. Double duty, baby!

Step 6: Apply moisturizer/SPF/night cream, depending on whether this is a morning or evening routine. If it's the morning, that means you'll be applying sunscreen (right? riiiiiight????). Now, many skincare pros say that whether your sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen or a physical sunscreen will determine if you should use moisturizer before or after. This sounds confusing, I know. The best way you can know for sure is to use a sunscreen/moisturizer combo. My favorite is from Image Skincare. Their holy grail Prevention+ Hydrating SPF Moisturizer was reformulated a little over a year ago, and that formula was HORRIBLE. Professionals complained, clients complained, and Image listened. They stopped production on the Hydrating SPF Moisturizer in the fall and the improved version is coming out in April, yay! They do have a Matte SPF Moisturizer and several others as well, but boy am I excited for the return of the Hydrating. ANYWAY, I digress. generally, SPF should be your last step, but if the product you're using states otherwise, follow their directions. If you are confused about what to do with your SPF, shoot me a message! And when applying, don't forget your neck, chest, ears, and lips! 

If it's the evening, you will be applying your night cream following eye cream application. You do NOT need a ton of this! A dime sized amount should cover your face, neck, and chest. Remember, the skin can only absorb so much. Putting more and more product is the same thing as throwing away your hard earned money. Less is more! Pro tip-dab your night cream onto the backs of your hands. The hands show signs of aging early!

Ta-da! You're done with the basics! But what if you're doing an at home treatment? Fear not, friend. I've got you. If you're doing the full she-bang, it would go as follows: cleanse, exfoliate, remove exfoliant, apply mask, remove mask, apply serums, eye cream, and moisturizer. Wondering where toner comes in on this list? Most people pop on some toner after cleansing the skin. If you're doing a treatment, I would do it after removing the mask. Oils can get tricky, because so many of them are not appropriate for the skin on your face. If you're using a facial oil, I recommend using it in the evening as the last step to seal in the applied products. And I don't care what J.Lo lies about. Olive oil is not her beauty secret and it shouldn't be yours. Leave it in the kitchen. I suggest grapeseed, jojoba, or avocado oil instead. 

Skincare doesn't have to be (and shouldn't be) complicated. You don't need a 10 step routine. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on the right regimen for your skin. A basic skincare starter kit would be a cleanser, a moisturizer/SPF combo, and a night cream. Once you've gotten into a routine, you can start adding serums for specific concerns and/or find the right exfoliant and masks for your at home maintenance. Regular treatments are vital, too. When the same person is seeing your skin every month, they are able to see the changes in your skin and can help guide you toward changes you may need to make. Working with someone who listens to your needs and knows your lifestyle is the best way to ensure an effective regimen. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Like I said, I can't give specific advice online because skin and lifestyles are so unique, but I hope you learned a thing or two. If you need to tweak your regimen or have questions about designing one that's right for you, book an appointment for a facial treatment at my studio OR book a Virtual Facial Treatment-coming soon to Cherrie Darling Beauty!

love & lipstick,

Cherrie

 

  

   

 

 

WRAP IT UP

In December of 2019, a year that we hilariously wished would end so that we could make our "my vision is 2020!" sentiments come to life, I posted a photo with the following caption:

This time of year is always the best for reflecting. It can be so hard to do so without comparing or    dwelling! I realized that I haven't really felt like myself for a while. And I haven't been even scratching the surface of what I'm capable of. But I finally feel like I'm moving toward where I'd like to be. It's been a really weird few years, and I'm very much looking forward to 2020. I can't wait to share another year of beauty with you all!

All I can say is L O L...I guess I can recycle that caption?

I could say so much about this year. In fact, I've been trying to find the right words for my yearly wrap up for over a month now. I've written several different versions of this, all of which came off as way too whiny. Who wants to hear that? Things are tough enough! I'll save my whining for my journal (and my husband, poor guy). 

What I really want to say is THANK YOU. The percentage of small businesses that have closed their doors forever due to Covid is staggering, and without my amazing, loyal clients, mine would be one of them. I'm doing everything in my power to prevent that from happening, I promise! I might be barely hanging on, but my grip is firm and I am confident that I will be writing another year in review next December. I love you guys so much, and I truly am only living my dream because you have helped get me here. I can't believe that I get to do this for a living! Full time! I was really scared after my nanny job ended, because it meant that stability ended too. But the capability is endless. I can focus on giving you the best experience possible when you come to CDB. I cannot wait to create some amazing things in 2021. Whether you came in for one brow appointment this year or you get a treatment once a month, I'm grateful for your support of my business and I would not be here without you. 

I know that things won't magically be better when the clock strikes midnight on December 31, but I'm setting positive intentions for 2021 regardless and I hope that you'll join me. If the magic doesn't come, I guess we'll just have to create it!

love & lipstick (& new beginnings),

Cherrie

cherriedarlingbeauty.glossgenius.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Personally, I'm offended that the holidays are here already. This year has felt like a month and a million all at the same time. But trees are up, Mariah Carey is inching toward the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and best of all, prices are slashing! I've put together a few great gift ideas for those of you who are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of hitting the mall-especially during a global pandemic. Let's go!

1. Gift certificate to Cherrie Darling Beauty! Okay, yes, I was obviously going to start with this one. This is the perfect gift for several reasons. First, you can make it out for any amount. Need to give a casual acquaintance something small? Box of chocolates and $10 gift certificate to yours truly...easy peasy! Second, you can choose to purchase a gift certificate for any service. If your wife has been hinting that she'd like to relax before she goes crazy because she recently became a distance learning teacher, you can gift her with a Deluxe Facial and take the guesswork out of it. Trust me, she'll be happy. Third, you can buy a gift certificate for people who don't even live local! You can send one to your cousin in California and they can schedule a Digital Consultation or purchase products that will be delivered to their doorstep. You can't go wrong! Plus, if you buy gift certificates during my Black Friday sale (Black Friday-December 1), you get 10% off! 

2. Image Skincare Hydrating Essentials Skincare Set. I've been using Image Skincare for 5 years now and there's a reason it's one of the best selling professional skincare brands-it works! I use a ton of Image products in my treatments and my clients are die-hard fans of several of their bestsellers. Image is offering several cute holiday sets, but this particular kit includes the Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Vital C Hydrating Anti Aging Serum, and Prevention + Daily Ultimate Protection SPF Moisturizer. It's an amazing starter kit that covers almost everything you need for a full regimen (throw a night cream in there and you're golden!). Separately, this kit would total $148, but bundled together, you get it for $126! Plus, if you order during my Black Friday sale, shipping is FREE! 

3. Customized product gift sets. I can work with any budget to help you design a gift for someone in your life. I use several different lines in my treatment room and can honestly create anything from a sample bag filled with lots of goodies to test or a full blown regimen. There are certain things that ALL people need in their routine, such as lip balm, SPF, moisturizer, and cleanser. I can help you choose what will work best for your recipient and make sure it doesn't break the bank. No matter how much you have to spend, I can make it happen.

4. If you're local, you should definitely check out everything The Willows has to offer. I joined the team at The Willows a few months ago, and while a fire in our building set us back a little, we're still kickin' in our temporary space and have plenty of options to take care of all your wellness needs. Lori does massage, reiki, cupping, and other types of wellness treatments. Let's face it, we've all had a stressful year. What would be better than getting a massage and then popping into my treatment room for a facial? Nothing I can think of! After grabbing a gift certificate for CDB, grab one to see Lori for one of her amazing sessions! While you're at The Willows, you have to check out Deb's shop, Under the Crystal Moon. There are sooooo many pretty, shiny things! Really cool, unique gifts. I don't know much about crystals, if I'm being honest, but Deb is a wealth of information and guided me toward the perfect choices for me to keep on my bedside table. I'm willing to do ANYTHING to suck the negativity out of 2020 and put some happy vibes into it instead. At The Willows, you can find something for everyone, and best of all, for any budget! 

5. Stocking stuffer ideas. You can't go wrong with any of these. They work for any skin type or condition! Image Skincare's Ormedic Lip Enhancement Complex (my number one bestseller, $22), a hydrating or anti-aging sheet mask ($7), Four Star Favorites sample kit ($22), or Skin Script's Cucumber Hydration Toner ($12.50). Pop one of these into a stocking with some chocolates and you're good to go!

There are so many amazing businesses that need your support right now. Restaurants seem to be getting the most attention (and it's certainly well deserved), but don't forget about your small bookstores, family owned hardware stores, consignment shops, boutiques, etc. I know that it might cost a few less dollars to go to Target and that Amazon can get your stuff delivered in less than two days, but Target and Amazon are going to be just fine. Our small businesses will not. So yes, my gift guide is filled with stuff that will support my business, but there are many out there that could also use your support. I highly recommend making your next shopping trip closer to home and opening your eyes to some of your local spots that you might have never noticed before! Some really awesome spots in my neighborhood of downtown Bethel? Relay Bookhouse, Disc & Dat, Occasions, Byrd's Books, Britt's Nail Bar, Putnam House, J. Lawrence, and Portofino. There are so many more! Visit an old favorite or try something new. Either way, shop local!

If you have any questions about gift certificates, treatments, products, or anything at all, just send me a message. I'm happy to help!

Happy Shopping!

Cherrie

cherriedarlingbeauty.glossgenius.com

instagram.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

facebook.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

QUENCH YOUR THIRST(Y SKIN)

What are your favorite signs that fall is officially in swing? Pumpkins, crisp leaves, apple cider donuts? So many wonderful things come along with the season, but you know what isn't on the list? Dry, flaky skin. Has anyone else been waking up with the driest mouth and lips now that the cold has creeped in? I know I have. It's definitely time for me to bust out my humidifier (and time for you to do the same). Aside from that, and of course drinking plenty of water, there are some key products and treatments that I'm going to be focusing on throughout these colder, drier months. Here are some of my favorites!

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser: This creamy, hydrating cleanser gently removes makeup and impurities, quenching skin with essential vitamins and antioxidants. It infuses the skin with Vitamins A, C, and E to boost radiance as it cleanses. It's a treatment room go-to! When I use this on my clients, they always comment on how amazing it smells. 

Image Skincare Ageless Pure Hyaluronic Filler Serum: This concentrated topical filler contains six forms of lower and higher molecular weight hyaluronic acids to rapidly smooth away the appearance of wrinkles. Delivers an immediate, noticeable boost of hydration. Most serums tend to be on the thinner side, but this baby is thick. I use it in lots of my treatments and it's also a bestseller with my clients.

Image Skincare Hydrating Repair Creme: This luxurious creme quenches and soothes the skin. Essential Vitamins A & C provide ultra nourishment while revitalizing texture and supporting elasticity and firmness. A blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramids help to lock in moisture and soothe sensitivity. Another best seller! 

Hale & Hush Soothe Essence Serum: This serum is a one stop shop for everything your skin needs to return to a stronger state, from moisturization, irritation control, and redness reduction to protection against oxidative stress and supporting skin's barrier function. I use this pretty much every night and now that facials are back, I'm using it in most treatments as well. I can't think of anyone who couldn't benefit from this product.

Hale & Hush Hush Hydrate Gel: Hush Hydrate is a delicate and moisturizing formula chock full of botanical extracts, antioxidants, and skilled inflammation fighters. It soothes and cools the skin immediately on contact AND it doubles as a mask or a lightweight moisturizer. Ever since discovering Hale & Hush back in March, I've been obsessed. I now use this product after every facial waxing service because of how well it soothes the skin, and also use it as a mask in so many of my facials. I know a lot of people with oily skin who hate the thought of using moisturizer because they feel like it will make their skin oilier (it won't), but this product is extremely light (but mighty!)

Hale & Hush Saffron Meristem Cream: This is a luxurious comfort cream loaded with numerous key ingredients to care for dry, sensitive skin. It contains shea butter and special complexes to moisturize, calm redness and irritation, nourish and repair the skin's barrier (which in turn protects against daily environmental toxins). Saffron is one of the world's most expensive spices, and the Saffron Meristem Cream provides antioxidant, anti-aging, and brightening benefits. I don't reach for this very often in the summer time, as it's slightly heavier than some of the other night creams I use, but it is PERFECT for this time of year. 

Skin Script Cucumber Hydration Toner: Rehydrates the skin while improving cellular functions and absorption of ingredients (try spritzing before you apply your products-they'll absorb better!). Soothes and cools irritated skin, reduces discomfort, balances surface lipids, assists in boosting hydration levels, provides probiotic support to the skin's acid mantle to support acneic skin. I love misting this over my clients' skin during treatments, and it's also great to keep in your bag and spritz onto skin throughout the day. It's super refreshing.

Image Skincare Ormedic Lip Enhancement Complex: AKA The Holy Grail. This ultra hydrating, polypeptide formula improves the visual volume of lip contours. Instantly replenishes and hydrates to make the lips look naturally full. This is the last step in all of my facial treatments and is HANDS DOWN my number one best selling product. If you're still using chapstick, you're missing out. Grab this little miracle and let it work its magic.

Hydration is SO important to healthy skin, and there are tons more products that I could add to this list. Of all of them, I think these are the standouts. Every person's skin is different and I highly recommend consulting with your skin care professional to choose what is best for YOURS! If you're local, schedule one of my many customized facial treatment options and I can help you make the best decision (while also slathering your skin with some of these goodies!). While every treatment is different depending on your skin and your goals, hydration is a part of EVERY service. If you aren't local (or not able to come in for a treatment), schedule a Virtual Consultation with me so that we can design a customized regimen. Just a few key products can make a HUGE difference!

Remember, drinking lots of water is great, but it's not enough to keep the skin hydrated. The skin is the last organ to benefit from drinking water. You absolutely need to drink plenty of it, but you also need to make sure you're using topical hydration helpers as well. Give some of these products a try and thank me later!

love & lipstick (& lots of moisturizer),

Cherrie

cherriedarlingbeauty.glossgenius.com

instagram.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

facebook.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

THE CURIOUS CASE OF SOCIETY NOT ALLOWING WOMEN TO AGE

Scrolling through Instagram last year, I found myself on the page of a very popular newly-minted esthetician and business owner from Texas. In one of her posts, she's obviously celebrating her birthday, and the caption is "cheers to looking 22 forever!" It's just a simple, fun caption by a young woman who is thriving (I LOVE TO SEE IT), but it did give me pause. No one is 22 forever-so why should they look it?

The beauty business is many good things, but it's also a beast. It's no secret that we're constantly inundated with photoshopped, filtered, and perfected images. I've spoken about this ad nauseam (and will continue to do so) because it perpetuates unattainable beauty standards, but there's so much more to it than scrolling though unrealistic looking images. It's bad enough that there are brands selling us a standard of beauty we cannot attain, therefore brainwashing us into thinking there is a problem with how we look naturally, but they're also selling endless products and treatments that promise to fix those problems. This seems a lot like punching someone in the face and then selling them an ice pack. 

When I started my business, I decided to never edit an image of myself in any way. I've mostly received messages of support and gratitude when I've spoken about my choice to do this, but I've also heard from people who see it from a different perspective. I want to make it very clear-it is never my intention to make women feel that what they CHOOSE to do is right or wrong. It's their choice, and I respect it. I don't think that using a filter for your Facebook profile pic is a big deal. I don't judge injections or fillers or surgeries. Many of my friends and clients have them! Here's where I take issue: if a high profile makeup brand is posting about a new foundation and only sharing images of poreless, smoothed skin that's been digitally altered, it's safe to say that the foundation will not look like that on an actual person. But ACTUAL people are the ones buying the product. Beautiful eyeshadow applied by a professional makeup artist looks completely different in the behind-the-scenes unedited photos than they do in the published photos. Why? Why use a computer to make the shadows look seamlessly blended in a way that the human hand could never accomplish? Instagram influencers editing photos and then telling you what products you can buy to achieve the same "results" is frustrating. You can buy all the retinol you want, you are not going to look smoothed to poreless perfection, glowing to the gods, no line or texture in sight. Certainly not forever, anyway.

Recently, well known makeup artist Wayne Goss released a new line of products, and the campaign featured models that hadn't been airbrushed. One of the captions said, "With my cosmetics line, I want you to see the beautiful models. But realistically. As they really are. Beautiful. That includes pores, lines, and texture. Because we all have them. And they don't take away from anyone's beauty. It's important that you see a true representation and not an overly airbrushed portrait. Be you. Be beautiful." My jaw actually dropped when I saw the photos. Being able to see how the makeup looked on actual human skin seemed WEIRD because I'm so used to seeing the altered images from most companies! Seeing real skin should not be so surprising, but it's so rarely done in the beauty world. I hope that more brands follow Wayne Goss' example! And because I know how beautiful it ACTUALLY looks, I can't wait to purchase the products.

I don't call these things out to shame anyone. I don't think that I'm better than anyone because I'm pointing out the lines or texture in my face. I DO think that it's important to regularly remind women that the images they are seeing are not anything they should aspire to achieve, because they aren't real. I understand that influencers and brands have to sell a certain image in order to sell products. I just personally prefer to see more of what brands like Wayne Goss are doing. I based my entire business around being affordable and accessible to every type of person, so it's important for me to present myself in a way that the average person can relate to. I'm not interested in helping my clients to look 22 forever. Women who look 42, 62, 102 are all just as gorgeous and deserve to feel represented by the beauty industry. Making my clients of ALL ages feel good about themselves as they are, and not like they should be reversing the hands of time, is a top priority. I want you to have YOUR best skin at any age. 

To all of my fellow women, I hope you are looking in the mirror every night and admiring yourself instead of comparing yourself. Society is tough enough on us, we don't need to add to it. While scrolling through social media or flipping through a magazine, don't compare yourself to what you're seeing. Celebrate all of your fabulous features. Beauty is for all of us!

FUN IN THE SUN

Ah, summer. Sitting outside, BBQing, cocktail in hand, everything’s perfect...BUT WAIT! Did you remember your sunscreen? I know, I know, I harp on this a lot. But you know what? There’s a good reason-more people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. each year than all other cancers COMBINED. Statistics show that 1 in 4 people will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. ONE IN FOUR! Much like your favorite sunscreen, let that sink in.

I bet that some of you are thinking, “yeah, sure, but I don’t burn, I tan” or “I have dark skin, I don’t need sunscreen.” Simply put, you’re wrong. When your skin tans, it’s literally your body’s way of saying “hi, you’ve damaged me, I’m producing all of this melanin to protect you from further damage, help me please.’ There is NO such thing as a safe tan (unless it’s a spray tan!). There are two different rays-UVA and UVB. Think of it this way-UV(AGING) and UV(BURNING). Even if you aren’t getting sunburn from the UVB rays, the UVA rays are doing damage. Yes, you read that correctly-you're causing damage to your skin whether you burn or not! This is especially important for people with darker skin to know. You may be less likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer, but if you are, you’re more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis. Yikes!

Perhaps scaring you with cancer statistics won’t work. I know that most of us have the “it won’t happen to me!” syndrome, so I get it. Allow me to appeal to your vanity, then. Did you know that UV rays are responsible for about 90% of your skin’s visible signs of aging? Those rays break down the collagen in your skin and make it harder for new collagen to develop. I could go off on a collagen tangent, but I’ll save that for another day-just trust me when I say that you want as much of it as possible. Wrinkles, sagging skin, leathery texture, and dark spots can be prevented by regular and proper use of sunscreen. I can do a lot to help you with these issues in the treatment room and in providing you a home care regimen, but preventing them in the first place is best.

I don’t want to bore you, but it’s important to know just a couple of things about sunscreen. First of all, SPF (sun protection factor) numbers are kind of hard to understand. It’s not about how many minutes or hours you can be in the sun. SPF tells you “how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen” (skincancer.org, source below). To make it all a little less complicated, I’ll give you some basic suggestions to follow. I recommend that everyone use either SPF 30 or SPF 50. Anything over 50 is just giving you a false sense of security. Anything less than 30 isn’t strong enough. You want to find a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection, so that it’s protecting you from both UVA and UVB rays at the same time. If a sunscreen doesn’t say broad spectrum, it’s only protecting you from the UVB rays! Not good enough. Know that most of us aren’t applying the proper amount, either. You should be using at least a shot glass sized amount on your body (personally, I think you should use more, but it depends on how much skin you have to cover), and you need to be reapplying regularly. Experts say every two hours, but if you’re out in the sun all day (especially if you’re sweating or in the water), you’re going to want to do it more frequently than that.

You should be protecting your skin from the sun in other ways, too. Be aware that even if you are reapplying sunscreen religiously, if you’re fair skinned and out in the sun all day, there’s a good chance you’ll get a burn. If you’re at the beach, be sure to bring an umbrella. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Take breaks and sit in the shade. Don’t forget to protect your scalp, your hands and fingers, your feet and toes, your ears, your eyelids, your lips...places that we often miss when running out the door. Sun exposure is cumulative, and every step we take to protect ourselves can help prevent skin cancer and premature aging.

I use sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine. 80% of the sun’s rays get through clouds, so don’t skip just because it’s gloomy out. There are a lot of options out there, and you all know that I’m a believer in professional products. Personally, I love Hale & Hush’s Broad Spectrum SPF and Image Skincare’s Prevention+ SPF for my face. Both will protect you from UVA and UVB rays while providing the skin with other essentials as well. However, sun protection is such an important topic that I think anything you use is better than nothing. Drugstore sunscreen is better than skin cancer, hands down. I use drugstore sunscreens for my body and even though I have extremely fair, sensitive skin, I’ve never had a problem with any of them. I think spray sunscreens are fine if you’re using them correctly, but it’s still best for the original application to be a liquid. It’s helpful to be able to see that every spot of skin has been covered! Lastly, be mindful when choosing a sunscreen that some companies make false or misleading claims. Anything claiming to be “natural” or “chemical free” is just marketing-those terms are not regulated by the FDA. Everything is a chemical, and not all chemicals are bad.

Please, please, please add sunscreen to your skincare routine. Make it a habit. You won’t regret it, I swear. If none of my words have moved you, google skin cancer or aging from sun and look at some of the images. You’ll see what I mean. Protect your precious skin!

love & lipstick (& sunscreen, goddammit!),

Cherrie

Sources/further reading:

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/photoaging-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.today.com/series/one-small-thing/how-much-do-you-really-know-about-spf-t96631