Spring is the time for renewal and rejeuvenation. It’s never too late to incorporate new ideas and healthy practices to your routine. From small everyday changes to big lifestyle shifts, finding ways to boost your confidence or creating a skincare routine, making just one or two changes can lead to big results in your overall well being. These self-care makeover tips will help you become the best version of yourself, both inside and out, and may even feel good along the way. Treat yourself!
Skincare + Beauty
Create a Skincare Routine
A skincare routine is essential for women’s health and beauty and is an important part of taking care of yourself. When creating a skincare routine, it’s necessary to consider your skin type, needs, and goals.
You don’t have to do it alone. Scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician is a great way to start. A dermatologist can perform a full body scan to check your skin for suspicious moles or spots. They can also identify and address any skin issues and make product recommendations.
If you are considering Botox, a dermatologist can administer injections to treat fine lines and wrinkles. One of the latest cosmetic treatments is Morpheus8, a micro-needling device that utilizes radiofrequency energy to contour the face and body.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Grieshaber at Sanctuary Dermatology, “when you need to hit a reset button and give your skin that dewy fresh look, consider adding a product with an AHA like glycolic acid or BHA like salicylic acid. Both products are great in chemical peels as well. They can make you more sensitive to the sun, so use enough SPF if you choose these treatments. I also love injectable neuromodulators like Dysport, Botox, and Jeauveau. Patients with higher melanin content need to be careful with energy-based devices. Morpheus is safe for all skin colors. I love the Skinbetter AlphaRet and Alastin polish for brightening.”
Facial treatments are an essential part of a complete skincare routine. They are a great way to cleanse and nourish your skin, providing targeted benefits like exfoliation and deep moisturizing.
Try:
111 Skin Rose Gold Radiance Facial, Spa at Windsor Court, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.
Seed to Skin Facial Rituals, Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, 2 Canal St., 504-434-5108, fourseasons.com.
Sanctuary Dermatology, 3800 Houma Blvd., 504-454-2997, sanctuaryderm.com.
Update Your Makeup
Updating your makeup routine is a great way to give yourself a mini-makeover. Whether a makeup novice or an experienced pro, a fresh look can help boost your confidence and improve your mood.
A great way to update your makeup routine is to book a class with a professional makeup artist. A pro/celebrity makeup artist like Tracie Turner of Face by Trace can assist in creating your signature look and teach you how to recreate it at home.
Turner recommends bronzer, glow products, and SPF for the season. “Tinted moisturizers with SPF are available, but still follow the dermatologist’s recommendations and wear SPF underneath your foundation because it is not enough,” she said. “My go-tos for summer glow are Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow SPF 45, Mented Cosmetics Blush, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, and MAC bronzing powder.”
Remember that healthy skin is the most crucial factor when choosing new products. Skincare is an essential part of your makeup routine. Look for non-toxic, natural ingredients, like plant-based oils and waxes, that won’t harm your skin or body. Make sure also to read labels to ensure your products are cruelty-free.
Tracie Turner, Face by Trace, 4300 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 103K, Metairie, 504-300-9344, facebytrace.com.
Try:
Clean beauty and makeup brands Maya Chica, Westman Atelier and Augustinus Bader, Vibrant Market, 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419, thevibrantmarket.com.
Keep Skincare Simple
When it comes to skincare, less is often more. A good skincare routine doesn’t have to involve expensive or complex products or be a laborious process that takes hours each day.
Here are five skincare tips from Elise Hamilton, a licensed esthetician, and co-owner of Esthetique Facial Spa.
Clean your skin correctly: Cleanse your face twice a day with your facial cleanser and lukewarm/tepid water.
Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Exfoliating also increases the skin’s ability to receive moisture.
Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer: Choose a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer to help keep your pores clear and skin hydrated.
Wear sunscreen daily: Sunscreen is your best defense against sunburns, skin damage, and premature aging.
Use “Actives” cautiously: Using ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, and Retinoids can be damaging if used directly before prolonged sun exposure.
Esthetique Facial Spa, 4500 Clearview Parkway, Suite 202, 504-896-1006, efacialspa.com.
Pro-tips: Purchasing skincare
1. Do your research. When it comes to skincare, knowledge is power! Before shopping, research what ingredients and products will work best with your skin type and complexion. Ask your friends, look online for reviews, or even speak to an expert before you purchase any product.
2. Consider your lifestyle. Your lifestyle and daily habits will affect the skincare products you should buy. If you’re an active person, consider purchasing water-resistant and sweat-resistant skincare items. Also, think about how often you use each product; if you only need a face mask a few times a month, buying an entire package might not make sense.
3. Try it before you buy it. Always try out skincare products before purchasing them, even if you’ve researched and thought they’d be perfect for you. Each person’s skin reacts differently, and you don’t want to invest in a product you might be allergic to or one that might irritate your skin. Ask for a sample if available or take advantage of testers in-store.
Try:
Skincare products Dermaware, Osea and SkinCeuticals at Earthsavers Spa + Store, three locations, Uptown – 5501 Magazine St., 504-899-8555, Metairie – 3301 Veterans Boulevard, 504-835-0225, Mandeville – 3414 U.S. Highway 190, 985-674-1133, earthsaversonline.com.
Emotional Wellbeing
Get a New Wardrobe
When it comes to lifestyle makeovers, one of the most obvious ways to change your look is by getting a new wardrobe. Not only can this help you look and feel better, but it can also be a form of emotional self-care. By investing in clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable, you can create a wardrobe that reflects who you are and boosts confidence.
There are several ways you can approach updating your wardrobe. You can start by taking stock of what you have and deciding which pieces must go. If your current wardrobe is full of items that don’t reflect your style or make you feel good, it’s time to say goodbye and make room for something new.
Once you’ve cleared some space, it’s time to start shopping! Look for pieces that flatter your body shape, express your personality, and make you feel good about yourself.
According to local stylist Taylor Lewis, “Just as people and seasons constantly change, so should your wardrobe.” For her top five core pieces, Taylor suggests a capsule wardrobe that consists of a basic neutral tee, a blazer or leather jacket, a little black dress, a pair of denim jeans, and a poplin shirt.
“Dopamine Dressing” has also become a trend to watch. It’s simply wearing clothes that make you feel good. For some, it could be a pop of color or a power suit. Remember to accessorize with jewelry, shoes, and bags to boost your outfits’ style.
When shopping for a new wardrobe, don’t forget about undergarments. Basics Underneath is a local boutique for lingerie and sleepwear. The boutique also offers bra fittings to ensure that you have the proper foundation.
Try:
West London Boutique, 3952 Magazine St., 504-558-4649, westlondonboutique.com.
Basics Underneath Fine Lingerie, 5513 Magazine St., 504-894-1000, basicsunderneath.com.
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is a super easy way to add a healthy habit to your day. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your body. Water is essential for every cell in your body, and it helps to regulate your temperature, flush out toxins, and keep your skin glowing.
The American Heart Association recommends drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily; other sources suggest half of your body weight in ounces.
If you find this difficult, try setting reminders on your phone or carrying a reusable water bottle throughout the day.
Try:
Track your usage and get reminders on your water intake with these easy-to-use apps:
- Waterllama
- Daily Water Tracker Reminder
- WaterMinder
Inside Out
A lifestyle makeover doesn’t mean anything is wrong with who you are today, but sometimes we must reset. A successful lifestyle makeover includes changes on the inside and outside. These tips will help you get started. The goal is to become the best version of yourself.
Wellness
When it comes to a lifestyle makeover, wellness and health should be at the top of your priority list. The great thing about this is that there are many ways to get into better physical and mental shape.
Creating a wellness routine is essential to caring for yourself and your overall wellbeing. A wellness routine can include activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health.
Some ideas for activities to include in your wellness routine could be:
- Exercise – Incorporate physical activity into your routine, including anything from a long walk, a yoga class, or a workout session.
Most local gyms offer an introductory class or check out ClassPass, an app that gives you access to gyms and fitness studios and is a great way to try new things.
Having an accountability partner is also a great idea, so you have extra motivation.
•Infrared Saunas and Cold Plunge- Changing up your fitness routine can be a great way to challenge your body. Infrared saunas can burn calories and help the body detoxify. Adding a cold plunge session creates the ultimate wellness ritual.
Melt Infrared Sauna and Cold Plunge Studio offers 40-minute single sauna sessions and 20 minute cold plunge sessions.
- Meditation – Taking time out of your day to meditate can help to clear your mind and reduce stress. It also helps to build focus, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a feeling of peace. Take a walk in your local park or garden.
- Museums- Visit programs at local museums to find things to spark your interest. Museum memberships like Kohlmeyer Circle at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art include exclusive invitations to events and art exhibitions.
Try:
MELT Infrared Sauna + Cold Plunge Studio, 234 W. Harrison Ave., 504-488-3767, meltsauna.com.
Longue Vue House & Gardens 7 Bamboo Road, 504-488-5488, longuevuehouse.com
Mind/body classes, day retreats, massage, Spyre Center, 1772 Prytania St., 504-900-0980, mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/spyre-center.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org.
New Orleans Botanical Gardens at City Park, 5 Victory Avenue, 504-483-9488, neworleanscitypark.org.
Eat Better
Changing your diet is a great way to give yourself a lifestyle makeover. Eating better not only helps you look and feel better, but it also has long-term health benefits.
Pro-tips: Eating better
Start by making small changes. Little steps can add up over time. Try eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on processed foods and refined sugars.
Aim for balance. Find a diet that works for you and includes a variety of healthy foods from each food group.
Get creative with recipes. Cooking at home can be an enjoyable way to explore new flavors and ingredients. Look online for recipes that are healthy but still full of flavor.
Try:
Eat Fit NOLA-approved restaurants and dishes, htochsner.org/eat-fit/regions-restaurants/eat-fit-nola
Nutritionist-designed menu at Well Café, Spyre Center, 1772 Prytania St., 504-900-0980, mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/spyre-center.
USDA-certified organic juice bar Clean Juice, 2801 Magazine St., Suite 6, 504-571-5076, cleanjuice.com.
Work/Life Balance
If you’ve been stuck in a rut and need to inject new energy into your life, consider a career or job change, or fine tuning your work/life balance. Finding a job that aligns with your goals and values can be a great way to feel fulfilled while also allowing you to make more money.
Researching the industry and employer you’d like to work for can help you decide what’s best for you. It can also be helpful to look at the company’s policies related to women’s health and wellness.
Try:
For career advice, classes, listings and more:
WorkNOLA, Greater New Orleans Inc., worknola.com.
New Orleans & Company, community.neworleans.com/find-a-job/job-resources/
New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerlerec St., 504-372-1502, nolacc.org.
Pro-tips: Work-Life Balance
If you can’t quit your job, consider ways to create a better work-life balance:
1. Make sure to take breaks during the workday. Short breaks during the day to take a walk or step away from your desk for a few minutes can help maintain a balance between your professional and personal life.
2. Set aside time each day for self-care. Taking care of yourself should always be a priority. Setting aside 10-15 minutes to do something you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or practicing yoga, can be incredibly helpful.
3. Spend time with family and friends. Work can consume a large portion of our time, so find time to spend with those you love. Even a simple lunch with a friend or a dinner out with the family can make all the difference.
4. Make sure to take regular vacations. Taking a break from your daily routine and focusing on rest and relaxation will help you feel more refreshed when you return to work. Use your PTO!
5. Set and enforce boundaries with work. A flexible schedule is great, but it’s also important to set limits to ensure that work doesn’t consume your personal life. Know when it is appropriate to turn off your work emails or calls so that you can have time to yourself.
