SKINCARE

Skincare is my passion. I don’t have any formal education on the topic. I’ve researched and taught myself everything I could since I was old enough to care. I want to know it all and there’s so much more to learn; but one thing I can say is it brings me great joy.

After a long day at work my favorite thing to do is run home and unwind. Skincare is fun for me. You’re thinking, “She needs to get out more.” And I do! LOL. There are pre-requisites though. Shower, slip into some cozy pajama’s, turn on some sort of binge watching show on Netflix, pour a glass of wine and SIT for a second! Have you ever just SAT and taken and break? These break times are where my skincare routines happen. Here are some of my favorite ways to take care of myself:

1. Sheet Masks: This is actually my lazy way. If I don’t feel like going through steps 1 – 5,000. I throw a hydrating mask on and let it do all the work.

2. Exfoliating: Dead skin is the enemy! So I attack it when I need it most. This happens almost every day in the winter. Sporadically in the Summer.

3. Oil Cleansing: Don’t be afraid of oils. They are great when used properly. Currently my favorite form of oil cleansing is with Albolene. It’s pretty much like petroleum jelly. I can’t deny how good my skin feels after using it. Try it! Or figure out which oils work best for you. (Especially for my dry girls)

4. Moisturizing: I probably should have made this number one. Your skin get’s thirsty. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE. Listen to what your skin is telling you. When I’m really dry, I follow my oil with a heavy moisturizer. Currently Squalane Oil has reached holy grail status for me. It’s lightweight and leaves my face looking and feeling super nourished. Topping this with a heavy moisturizer does wonders for me, especially in the winter.

Just a few for you to pick from. It’s pretty simple. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or a huge project. You don’t have to always make a facial appointment. You can do small things that make big changes.

What are some of your favorite ways to love your skin?

xo IKA

Guys, I love getting on a plane. Wait, that’s actually not true. I HATE getting on a plane. But I love leaving NY to visit other locations in the country and all over the world so my fear doesn’t stop me from boarding! In a few weeks I’ll be heading over to the west coast. California is one of my favorite places to go. Beautiful weather and tons of people watching. And just like everything else in my life, being organized is key, even on vacation. I’ll be there for 6 days so packing the right way is crucial for me. Where do I begin?

SKINCARE & MAKEUP
OK; so honestly, how do I choose which items to bring? I keep such a huge assortment of skincare/makeup products at home because I’m OBSESSED. I knew this could be challenging so I made a list of necessities to start. Here are the basics:
1. Cleanser/Makeup Wipes
2. Toothbrush/Toothpaste
3. Moisturizer/Sunscreen (Face & Body)
4. Deodorant
5. Foundation
6. Palettes (Eyes & Cheeks)
7. Eye Cream
8. Sheet Masks (I don’t got anywhere without!)
9. Red and Nude Lip
10. Mascara & False Lashes
Those are what I consider to be my basic must-bring items for traveling. Do I throw in an extra item here and there for fun? YES! But you get what I mean. I probably won’t leave liners, makeup brushes or my beauty blender behind. Since I’m traveling with a checked bag as well as a carry-on, I’ll place my full size beauty products in a 28″ spinner from Samsonite similar to this.

SHOES
This coming trip will mostly be about comfort. I travel with trainers so one pair will serve as airplane attire and workout attire. Kill two birds with one stone. I like to make sure I have a casual flat as well as a dressy flat. One multi-functional heel is a must. Something that works with a pair of jeans and also a little black dress. For example these Gucci Sandals usually make it in my suitcase. A pair of flip flops come in handy for beach or pool time. And a bootie is always a good option because it’s also multi-functional. I’m bringing these. Metallic goes with everything!

WORKOUT GEAR
Staying healthy is so important to me. It doesn’t stop when I travel. Getting the heart rate up for at least 30 mins a day is important, especially as I’m getting older. Who says I can’t do it in style? I keep a few activewear brands on rotation to choose from like, Lululemon, Adidas, and Nike. For Cali I have a simple formula. Two leggings, 4 tank tops, 2 sports bras. When out of town, I always give my workout gear a hand wash or throw them in the laundry if accessible. Makes far more room in my luggage for other important items. Here’s the key: a small bottle of detergent!

THE REST!
OK so I gave you all the sides. Here is the meat! And it’s simple. My key travel items usually stay consistent. I HAVE to have at least one coordinate set that can be dressed up or down. I love outfits like these because you can wear them together or add the top or bottom to other pieces. It gives me options. At least two flowy maxi dresses always make it to the bag. It’s another great option for day to night looks. Tees and/or tanks in black and white (I don’t play with a lot of color when it comes to basic pieces). 2 evening dresses are essential. There will be a couple of nights on the town where I want to be playful and flirty with my clothes. My boyfriend will be with me so we have to keep it fun! Lounge-wear and PJ’s are my favorite things to wear also! When we want to stay in, something like this from Eberjey is extra comfortable and appropriate. Then you have your extras: bras, panties (2x the # of days), socks and shapewear (let’s not pretend like we don’t throw a pair a spanks in just in case)!

There you have it. Pretty simple right? Packing doesn’t have to be this huge deal. And you DON’T need to bring everything in your closet. A medium sized pouch is with me every day that holds things like lysol to-go, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, pain relievers, hand cream, etc. (Yea I’m that person) Pack smart. Bring convenient effective items that work every time. Your skincare nor your style have to be compromised.

What are some of your favorite ways to pack when traveling? What do you bring with you without question? I’d love to hear!

xo IKA

I’m not going to pretend like working out is my favorite thing to do. It’s not. But! I do love to dress. One way to make working out a little more fun for me is looking good while doing it.

Ever walk into a workout class and feel like everyone looks cute while you’re looking like a rag doll? I have. Once. And I promised not to let it happen again! After trial and error, I found out which brands make me feel the cutest while working out. Here’s where I share.

Lululemon: I’m just going to start with this because the clothes are expensive and we should just get it out of the way before you guys yell at me. The Lululemon brand knows what it’s doing. There’s not a Soul Cylce class that I’ve gone to where 90% of the people weren’t wearing Lulu. You know me, I had to be down. What I love about the clothing is really the various options that you have to choose from. Sports bras that give a range from light to heavy support based on your needs, and pants that hug you the right way and show off your curves. A classic pant fit that fits most from Lululemon is the Wunder Under pant. Super comfy and stylish. Every season there are new colors and prints. The brand as a whole is a sure way to feel better about that sweat!

Adidas: I’m a true Adidas sweatsuit fan. Always have been. It’s a throw on and get on a plane look for me; extra comfortable. But have you checked out the workout gear? LOVE! Adidas is designed for all of the performance needed you have from tops, sports bras, tights and sneakers.

Nike: Good old Nike. Just do it. Need I say more?

Gottex Studio: I’m fairly new to this brand and immediately fell in love. This is where you can have a lot of fun with wild prints and colors. I especially love pants that have mesh somewhere in the design. Out here looking sweaty and sexy!

Victoria Secret: Listen! This place isn’t just about the sexy bras. Sportswear is on top! Your next v-neck plunge bra can be fit for the gym. I love it! Here’s the thing, look out for deals. You can get a quite a bit of sportswear from VS when you watch the sales.

Good American: This is a brand mostly known for denim that recently launched an activewear line. The line was launched by my favorite Kardashian sister, Khloe (I’m secretly obsessed with her OCD. I tend to believe I’m the same person). I’m not the expert on all the activewear items from Good American, but I did purchase a sports bra. I LOVE the Core Plunge Sports Bra! I feel like it’s hard to find a sexy sports bra that also holds you in. Is it just me? Just because I’m working out doesn’t mean I don’t want to feel extremely feminine and beautiful. By the way this item turned out, I’m excited to try more!

Those are my favorites. Working out feels better when I look better. How about you? What makes the work feel a little easier for you?

xo IKA

July is over! Best time of year because we’re entering my birthday month! It won’t keep me from giving you all the things I love, including my July obsession. 3…2…1…

Guys. To be honest, my skin gets irritated (I’m talking full body here) all year but mostly in these summer. The cause: SWEAT. I like to stay active so working out is part of my weekly schedule in some way or form. The issue is the dash home from the studio on the train. The subway during the summer in NYC can feel like pure hell and my skin gets very angry.
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash has helped calm down this irritation. This is actually my first month trying it out and it’s been a great help with irritation along my chest and back, caused by the heat and humidity.
If you suffer from heat rash or skin irritations like the one I mentioned check with your dermatologist for the best option. For me, this is perfect!

xo IKA

HEROWNSKIN.COM

UNWIND AFTER A LONG DAY WITH SKINCARE

VACATION SOON COME! HOW DO I PACK?

HOW TO SWEAT IN STYLE

JULY 2018 OBSESSION