How to Prep for the Back Row, and Beyond

In a New York Times Article published earlier this week titled, “How to Prep for the Front Row, and Beyond,” Something Navy’s Arielle Noa Charnas gave readers a sneak peak into her glamorous beauty routine. While my 300 Instagram followers don’t stand a chance against her 3.3 million, I thought I’d share my own beauty routine for front row wannabes like myself in the industry.

Skin Care:

I never had a formal skin care routine save for my convenience store approved Cetaphil cleanser and my sporadic use of Neutrogena moisturizer (which I soon realized was drying out my skin more than it was moisturizing). I always had very clear skin, *crosses fingers*, but after a short-lived bout with adult acne a few years ago I started exploring more advanced alternatives. My dermatologist gave me retinol-based creams and a face wash that basically peeled my skin off. Thankfully, my skin went back to its normal state after I toggled with different skin solutions for a few months. A year later I found myself working for a company where office talk and content coverage consisted of the latest beauty and hair routines. I knew about neither. My hair was an unruly mess and I was still using the face wash my dermatologist gave me a year ago not knowing it was causing my skin to deteriorate. I made a trip to Junk Free Beauty (praise be) and am now completely obsessed with the beauty sphere. My toxic-free natural line up is extensive, but worth it. In the morning I use their Meow tweet face wash, which is really light and creamy. I then spritz their Josh Rosebrook toner. I apply White and Elm’s Hydration Cream moisturizer that has all the bare minerals I need and leaves my skin looking shiny and soft. I top off my regimen by dabbing Lilfox’s Cucumber and Black Seed Youthful Vixen Eye Butter under my eyes (Re: My under eye circles. Genetics are a beast of its own.) I *try* masking once a week with White and Elm’s charcoal based Deep Pore Mask to rid of dirt and black head build up. I also started using Suntegrity’s Natural Moisturizer Face Sunscreen that doesn’t give me bad reactions the way other sunscreens do. My most recent purchase is Agent Natuer’s Shiva Rose deodorant, which is natural and aluminum-free. I love all my products because they’re natural and I only have to apply two small dabs of everything to get the job done. At night I repeat my morning routine and use Glossier’s milky jelly cleanser to take off my makeup. It works wonders removing stubborn mascara and doesn’t irritate my eyes.

Makeup:

I wear blush (no idea what brand it is but it gives my white complexion a pop of color), and Benefit Cosmetics mascara from Sephora that my friend recommended. For special occasions I wear black eyeliner on my bottom lids, Mac bronzer, and Laura Mercier’s Illuminating Highlighter. The one beauty product I can’t live without is my under eye concealer. (Exclamation point exclamation point not a fan of my under eyes). I recently bought Ilia’s very light textured concealer from JFB that smears on smoothly. For extra coverage I stole my mom’s Mac concealer which I’m very fond of and don’t plan on giving back.

Fragrance:

This spaceship looking thing is a guy magnet in disguise

While we’re on the topic of stealing mom’s things, I am absolutely in love with the perfume, Donna Karan Woman, I stole (borrowed?) from her vanity cabinet. I get so many compliments. I swear, I’ve had men creepily tell me mid-convo that I smell really nice. Which boosts my ego in a too close for comfort way.

Hair:

Read this for my hair story and product breakdown. Since then I’ve mixed other formulas into my routine like Ouidad’s Mongongo Oil I found in the back of my bathroom cabinet. I also started spritzing John Frieda coconut beach spray, more for it's smell than for it's texture.

Diet and Fitness:

Attractive picture of me scarfing down my fave meal at Izzy's

Truth be told, I avoid all conventional high-impact exercise routines. A few years ago I re-injured my foot (after ironically trying to exercise for the first time). Between a long trial and error with doctors, ultimately an ankle surgery, years of physical therapy, and a long recovery, the only exercise I endured throughout college were the painful walks to and from my podiatrist's office and the occasional hot yoga. This past spring I finally finally recuperated but swore never to do cardio again. I got into Barre class twice a week which is low-impact and not too strenuous on my limbs. By June I quit Barre cold turkey when I headed to Jersey. I either rode my bike (my favorite exercise), or walked on the boardwalk for a half hour a day.

As for my diet, I’m a huge carnivore. I can’t live without meat. I’m generally a healthy eater but indulge on ice cream, french fries, and anything else my heart desires. Last week my dad found me sitting on the kitchen counter at 2am eating from a tub of ice cream. Eat when the craving strikes, amiright?

Other Services:

I hate doing my nails; it’s the bain of my existence. I get them done twice a month with Essie’s Gel Couture Nail Polish because it lasts up to two weeks. I swear by it, it’s truly my savior. I also Lazer! Yay for hair removal. After oscillating between different spas over the years (mostly because every place I go to shuts down very sketchily) I started going to Spa Jolie in the West Village and definitely see results.

Style:

If I had to describe my style I’d say I’m a grungy prep boy. I love baggy tailored silhouettes like button downs and mom jeans. I love one piece swimsuits over two pieces. High waisted anything is my go-to. I love overalls. I love 90's grunge and 80's flare. You'll never find me wearing necklaces or bracelets except I’m a serious piercing addict and love earrings. I love vintage. I wear all my mom’s 80’s, 90’s clothes since I was in high school and add onto my collection every year. But I also love getting dressed up and being in touch with my girly side when I don dresses or something more revealing either a bare midriff or low plunge neck line or high slit. I think my sartorial interests in general are quirky. I love fanny packs, big glasses, weird hairpieces, and patches that make fashion speak.