Having suffered from adult acne, for 3 years in my early 20s, I tried everything from natural to strong medication. I have never been into skin care routines, in fact I find them tedious – what has helped me the most has been keeping healthy from within, both mentally and physically. The skin is a reflection of what is going on inside. A skin reaction can be so many things, from hormones, stress, a bad diet, emotions etc. Of course, facials are great, but for me, cleaning from the inside out is what I usually feel inclined to do if my skin is reflecting an imbalance.
In Lea's File
‘It’s a cruelty free sunscreen with an amazing scent and very thin, so it doesn’t feel like a thick layer on my skin.’
‘This conditioner keeps my soon to be not so damaged hair silk like/smooth and in good condition.’
‘I use this essential oil as a perfume as I don’t like commercial fragrances, and it is also great for relieving stress, anxiety and improves mood. Ylang Ylang is also known to be a great aphrodisiac.’
‘Another cruelty free, natural brand I like. It keeps my skin clean, especially living in a polluted city.’
‘Not so clean but its makes me feel sexy.’
What does beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
On Haircare
An obvious one, but not dying your hair goes a long way. I haven’t had highlights for 3 years now and my hair is thicker, stronger and longer. I use any organic shampoo. At the moment I like to use John Masters Organic Repair Conditioner, and a Josh Wood Colour Miracle Mask to leave in after.
Favourite make up products
Every day I use Factor 50+ Cream. I haven’t for a while but using a tinted one gives a makeup effect. I like the brand Ilia, it’s clean makeup. I use their foundation, bronzer and lipsticks which I also use for cheeks and eyeshadow. For evenings I use a dark red, almost brown MAC matte lipstick. I try and use mostly clean/chemical free brands, the MAC lipstick is my “guilty” pleasure.
On Health and Wellness
Go for what makes you unlock your full potential and makes you vibrate at your highest, what ever that may look like. We put so much pressure on ourselves to fit into a perfect box, and there is so much misinformation that it can be confusing and ultimately cause more problems then good.
Go for what feels good for you and make it an enjoyable, and a long term lifestyle decision, not a short term, aggressive “diet”. I recommend not putting pressure on yourself and the best health advice I can give from my own experience, is to learn to connect with your body, and have a clear, optimistic dialogue with it. It’s the only way you will know if certain “diets” or methods are working for you, by listening to it. A lot easier said than done but it has been true for me. Health and wellness comes in many different forms, and unfortunately that can include toxic ones, and I say this coming from personal experience having done exactly that, causing depression and sending me into a spiral.
Without sounding like a preacher, exercising (or some form of movement practice) almost daily and eating clean when ever I can helps me a lot. Avoiding alcohol (obviously also allowing some fun nights out here and there) and stimulants (coffee etc) lets me experience life authentically, without any external effects influencing my moods or anxiety. Something which has also helped me a lot at the moment is a meditation practice.
Rituals
My rituals include meditation, exercise, clean eating, breath work, learning about the nervous system and how to release trapped traumas getting in your way of unlocking your full potential, always trying to live through the day with some kind of other worldly experience / life force / mojo, as every day should be. Also being easy on myself if the day doesn’t plan out as I wanted it to.
Flexibility.
Accepting slow days if they need to appear as such.
Accepting the body telling me otherwise than my stubborn, pushy self set out for the day ahead. Can’t do it all in one day.
Going for what feels good that day, aligned with your days’ purpose and obligations.
Prioritising, being present.
It’s a big learning curve, overwhelming. the biggest obstacle is letting go of daily self inflicted pressures and inner monologue, and flexibility to yourself and others.
On Fragrance
I usually use essential oils as perfumes smell like chemicals to me. Ylang Ylang, peppermint, lemongrass, lavender, which ever one is around really.
Your Beauty Secrets..
I think the more you take the steps into becoming the person you envision yourself becoming, and are loyal to that trajectory, you’re doing fucking great.
What is always in your handbag?
Ultra Violette SPF50 and peppermint oil roll on essential oil Young Living.
Lea’s Directory..
Netavere, an amazing on demand at home beauty and wellness service here in Mexico city.
‘This cream is water based, which doesn’t feel heavy on the face. It is also considered to be a natural brand and feels very nourishing for my skin.’