ÁMEZING NEWS #5: WHAT NOT TO DO RIGHT BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR FACIAL

Gift ideas, Mother’s Day reflections, and a reader question too!

May 11, 2023

ÁMEZING NEWS

I literally have Ámezing news! Today marks the beginning of the BIGGEST SALE YET on my skin shop.

Use code BOGOMAY on AMEZSKIN.COM to receive a free, full-size item with any $50 purchase in May.

Enjoy the code before it expires at the end of the month! Maybe it’s time to re-up on the Anti-Pollutant masque I made with Aliangé?

ÁMEZING OCCASION

Mother’s Day is this Sunday in the U.S.! Whether you’re celebrating with your children, your mom, aunts, friends, or other precious femmes and chosen family, enjoy the chance to honor divine love, connection, and the sacred art of nurturing. It’s also a chance to appreciate the mom we all share – Mother Nature.

(If Mother’s Day triggers you in all the worst ways, forget what I said. Do whatever you want.)

As many of you know, my skincare journey begins with my mom. In honor of Mother’s Day this year, I’m sharing a little bit more about her influence on my life’s passion.

When I think about self-care with my mom, I think of…

Driving across L.A. to check out a new skincare line. I think of our trips to Fred Segal, especially the time we ran into Cameron Diaz and she complimented my skin (even though I was clearly a BABY).

Even at an early age, we shared a passion. It was just shower or bath time, but she was so intentional about it, and I became that way too.

Our self-care felt like this amazing extension of her maternal love.

In many ways, it felt like something so tangible that we shared. Like my skin was hers.

We spent time protecting, loving, and cherishing our skin and bodies together.

I also think of simplicity. My mother really instilled a less is more approach.

The beauty products and brands that remind me of my mom are…

“Forever” perfume by Lancome. Major CLINIQUE memories! And I swear she was the first person in L.A. to know about Kiehl’s. Ha!

The scents that remind me of my mom are…

Musk and ylang-ylang. She would sometimes sneak in the most incredible citrus perfume. I think it was by Annick Goutal.

The skin and wellness advice I remember from my mom is…

To NEVER TOUCH OR PICK MY FACE. This was ingrained in me from a VERY early age. Probably the best skincare advice she gave me. It was so conditioned in me that when we were doing our extraction training in beauty school, it felt so against my moral code to be poking people’s faces!

My mom is also my biggest teacher when it comes to radical authenticity – embracing your body and existence in this world.

ÁMEZING GIFTS

Looking to grab a quick Mother’s Day gift? Get an Ámez Skin gift card today! They can be found at the very bottom of the service menu here.

In the mood to treat your future self? It’s OK to buy one for you too. Gift cards are good for all services.

For more inspo and ideas, check out my PERFECT GIFT LIST on ShopMyShelf. You’ll find products and gadgets galore that make for the ultimate gifts.

ÁMEZING ADVICE

Things to keep in mind before your next facial!

DON’T ….Exfoliate the night before! Especially with acids! Avoid our BHA/AHA friends (salicylic, glycolic, lactic, etc).
DON’T ….Schedule a workout or a sauna session after our treatment. A lot of you like to do this, but it is not my professional or personal recommendation whatsoever. Some of you can totally handle it, but proceed with caution.
DON’T …Go on an online shopping spree and buy a ton of expensive products before our session! I’m a total product junkie, but I don’t think that's the best approach. The beauty space is highly saturated and I really do believe less is more. Purchase intentionally! I would much prefer to go over a treatment plan and discuss product ideas with you before you make such an investment. It’s not a burden; it’s a part of the service I provide.
DO ….Hydrate! Drink lots of water! Before and after, please.

Ok, so I was really excited about Love & Death with Elizabeth Olsen on HBO. But I just realized it's the exact same story as Candy with Jessica Biel, which came out last year on HULU. I can't believe two major networks released the same show! Regardless, I still enjoy watching it! The first episodes are streaming now on HBO Max.
I started reading Beloved by Toni Morrison and her writing just feels like butter. One of my best friends who is a school teacher suggested I revisit Toni’s works and I’m so thrilled I did.
I’m deep into watching both our teams the LAKERS AND THE DODGERS. Go Lakersssss. I’m excited to watch the game tomorrow night. We actually took our dog Sailor to her first Dodger game recently. She was so happy and received TOO MUCH love.

ÁMEZING QUESTION

Do you have any tips for applying makeup while wearing sunscreen? I feel like it usually pills or gets greasy. - Erin

If you are wearing makeup on top of your skincare, specifically your SPF, the easiest thing to do is to find a CC cream or tinted SPF that can be used as your makeup base.

Another great option would be to use a moisturizer that contains a strong SPF, so your SPF isn’t an entirely different step.

I’m basically devoted to Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen. I'm shade 4.5 and 5 depending on the time of year. I honestly use this as my “foundation,” but the coverage leans on the lighter side. You won’t get much above medium coverage with this product, which is my personal preference!

Pilling and reapplication are really tricky! Try waiting 30-60 seconds for each layer of product to dry before adding the next. Some people use a small, folded fan to wave over the skin to encourage it to dry more quickly. If you wait a minute or two, there shouldn’t be as much pilling.

You could also try ending with your sunscreen instead of starting with it. Consider a powder or a setting spray that contains SPF. There are some interesting options. Here are a few products that could be good to finish up with!

Supergoop Glowsetting Powder

Eminence Organics Cinnamon Bronzer Sun Defense

Coola Organic Makeup Setting Sun Screen Spray

Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum Probiotic Sunscreen

(I’ve loved Coola for years! I just shot with them too!)