Jade Croo

I very much believe that beauty comes from within. It is the energy that you carry within yourself and share to others. In my eyes, the more genuine and kind your energy is, the more beautiful you are.

My skin became very sensitive and congested over the past month due to stress and using products that weren’t right for me. I visited an aesthetician Cali Strauhs who put me on a curated morning and night routine that has healed my skin. I learned that lighter products that are still very hydrating work best for me, and taking the right supplements such as Zinc, high quality fish oil and probiotics are what will change my skin from the inside. Morning and night I cleanse with the Joesoef Sulfur Anti-Acne soap, tone with Exquisite FB Ultra Hydrating toner, followed by these amazing lightweight but super hydrating Future Cosmetics beauty drops, then moisturise with Face Reality Hydra balance Gel. In the morning, I’ll use Beauty of Joseon SPF, and in the evening a Face Reality Acne Med (which is a percentage of benzoyl peroxide). Three times a week I’ll use a Mandelic Acid serum for exfoliation, in the morning. As for body, I’ve been enjoying the Naturium Bio Lipid Body Lotion. That’s my current routine.

My makeup routine and looks are always as simple as I can make them. During the day, I never wear any complexion makeup besides blush – I love to use Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color in the shade Camellia – and I usually dab the same product on my lips. I also never leave the house without doing my brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel and a light swipe of mascara. I just bought the Glossier mascara in brown that I’m hoping will make the look as natural as possible. As for evening, I’ll use the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint for a really light but even complexion, contour with the Westman Atelier Contour Stick in Biscuit and highlight with the Westman Atelier Highlighter Stick in Nectar. Brows and cheeks are the same. Maybe I’ll dab some Jones Road Miracle Balm in Magic Hour to add some dewiness. I’ll accentuate just the middle of my upper lip, between the cupids bow, with a nude lip liner – usually Charlotte Tilbury Iconic Nude. And an evening look always includes a very light wing using whatever eyeliner I can find (always losing them).

My hair is wavy/curly and thus usually quite dry. I try and always use products that are very hydrating and moisturizing. Instead of a regular conditioner, I always use a deep conditioner or hair mask. A go-to drugstore product of mine is the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen + Restore Treatment Masque. I’ve also enjoyed using the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask. Once in a while, when I can justify the splurge, I’ll use the K18 treatment. Out of the shower, I’ve been using the Curls Blueberry Bliss Leave-In Conditioner for years now, followed by whatever hair oil I have on hand. I’m no hair expert, but my biggest tip for hair that I use on the daily is to sleep with your hair in braids for an overnight, more cohesive and less frizzy curl pattern. The tighter the braid, the curlier the pattern – the looser the braid, the wavier.

I’m a Pilates Princess. I love going to New York Pilates, I find their studios to be so cute and the instructors skilled and friendly. I’ve never enjoyed high-intensity workouts (or workouts in general lol) but pilates has been the perfect exercise for me, making my mind and body feel peaceful and strong. I usually go 2x a week. Meditation is a practice I am slowly learning more about. I’ve found that my mind is often resistant to quieting down and just being still, empty, with itself – what I believe to be key to lessening anxiety, connecting more to yourself, practicing gratitude and being present. All in all, taking care of your energy within. Meditation will do that, but it is a practice, hence something that requires time and repetition. I recently have been enjoying reading When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron, a Tibetan Buddhist author.

If I were to win the lottery, I’d spend the money on a live-in masseuse. That’s how much I love massages. My go-to has been Water Lily Spa on Broome St or one of the Renew’s on Bowery. As for wellness, I think food is medicine – again, for mind and body. I eat what makes me feel good, whether that is for the nutrients provided or the serotonin. Balance is key, everything in moderation is the only rule I would recommend to follow.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino is my signature scent. It reminds of happy memories and smells beautifully floral.

10 hours of sleep a night.

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
• Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper in color Fenty Glow
• Chewing gum!!!
• Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Iconic Nude
• Any Diptyque perfume sample
• hand sanitizer
• Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color in Camellia

I’ve only visited Cali Strauhs once, but her consultation fixed my skin. She was also so sweet and knowledgeable, in a beautiful studio. I’ve been recommending her to all my friends. For hair, I have a gem of a place in Chinatown that recently blew up on Tik Tok and now there can be up to an hour wait… Should I still try and gatekeep? 😉 I recently had the most wonderful massage in NYC from a woman called Marielena. She comes to your house with her own table, and brings amazing oils. She is also very knowledgeable and her massages are incredibly relaxing and healing.