Laura Lombardi

I love to think of beauty as an exchange, in the way we relate and connect to each other through information shared around beauty, and how it’s used as a vehicle for self expression and affirmation of identity. My own routines are informed by tips and insights passed down to me from figures within my own family, as well as close friends or practitioners who have shared their knowledge with me. I think of it not just as a form in which I care for myself, but as something that connects me to others I’ve learned from and places I’ve been.

Everyone’s practice and idea of beauty is so special in how it’s completely unique to them, but also a snapshot of personal and in some cases cultural and generational history.

My current routine incorporates a lot of gentle but supportive and mostly natural products that I started using during pregnancy and postpartum.

While pregnant I was looking for products that were pregnancy safe but active enough to help my skin through all of the hormonal shifts (my skin is sensitive and congestion prone), and got really into Agent Nateur products. The Lactic Acid Cleanser and the Holi Creme moisturizer have helped me keep my skin both hydrated and clear. I’ve had trouble finding a moisturizer that does both and this is the one.

One of the earliest beauty tips I picked up was using rose water before moisturizing via my Nonna.  I attribute my zeal for hydrosols to this and always keep Santa Maria Novella’s rose water on hand, more for sentimental purposes than regular use. I’m currently using a rose water spray I picked up at a macrobiotic restaurant in Tokyo this spring. I love to shop for beauty products at health food stores and when I’m traveling.

If I’m traveling and dried out from flying, or when it begins to get extra dry in winter, I’ll add a hyaluronic acid serum to my routine. The feel and scent of Moon Juice’s Plump Jelly is really nice. If I’m feeling extra desperate for moisture I’ll seal in my regular skincare with an oil or replace my moisturizer with one. Right now I’m using Buly’s Peach Kernel Oil. It’s super light and perfect for combination skin. I’ll try and do something a little extra like a mask or exfoliating treatment here and there. My favorite is the Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliating mask. Truly feel renewed after using this one.

I use Sisters Shampoo and Conditioner and will occasionally do a hair mask. Other than that I let my hair air dry with a little oil through it.

I use Dr. Jart Cicapair’s Color Correcting Treatment for SPF, which also helps with redness. I use this instead of tinted moisturizer or foundation. I’ll throw concealer on my trouble spots if needed, I like Cle de Peau. Every day I wear a little swipe of liner and mascara. I use Sephora’s liquid or pencil liner, and Ilia’s waterproof mascara is my absolute number one. I’ll usually count on this to carry me through the day, but if I have somewhere to be in the evening I’ll extend my liner a little further and add something on my lips.

My relationship with wellness really shifted this year. Before having a child I thought I understood the principle of wellness, but was primarily using tools associated with wellness as a way to prop myself up or patch myself back together during or after periods of extreme overwork. After my son was born I realized I couldn’t center or care for him the way I wanted to without adequately and consistently caring for myself. There’s been a lot of trial, error, and starting over in this period, but I’ve learned to show myself grace and real support when needed.

Outside of lifestyle and mindset shifts, supplements that have been impactful in my recovery and care routine the past year have been mineralizing teas and supplements like nettle tea from Masha Tea, Iron from Floradix, a greens powder from Anima Mundi, and Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om. I also like to take Royal Jelly, Glutathione, and Resveratrol supplements.

A good night’s sleep is a non-negotiable for me. Rest is essential to show up with presence.  Out of any routine, ritual, supplement etc I’ve tried for sleep, I’ve found that sleeping with my phone outside of my bedroom has been the thing that ensures I actually stay asleep.

If I’m able to wake myself up before my baby, I take 20 minutes early in the morning to center myself before the day starts moving. Sometimes it’s meditating, sometimes it’s just listening to music and focusing on how I’d like my day to feel, sometimes I just space out. Another practice I find restorative and inspiring is just taking a long walk through the city. If I’m ever feeling stuck creatively or otherwise I just pop on my headphones and start walking.

These practices are really elemental but effective for me personally.

When in need of physical support, depending on the severity of the issue, I’ll schedule an acupuncture appointment.

Aqua Di Parma’s Oud and Christian Dior’s Ambre Nuit are the top two in my current rotation. I love the warmth and strength of both of these scents.

I try to get a facial every few months to help my skin transition seasonally. For my skin type, treatments that incorporate microcurrent, lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, or facial massage have been really effective in keeping it looking bright and healthy.

In general I feel my best when I’m hydrated, rested, and taking a less is more approach to life and beauty.

Travel sized face mist, Cle de Peau Concealer, a tinted balm or gloss for my lips.

In NYC I’ll visit Samantha Story for Acupuncture, cupping, and facial treatments, Salon 87 in Brooklyn has an amazing team of stylists, and I love the fire and ice facial at Sofie Pavitt.