I feel like my beauty philosophy is something I adopted from my mother, which is that less is more. I like to keep my routines simple, because I find I can stick to them that way. Consistency really is key.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
I always start my morning by rinsing my face with cold water and patting dry. It helps wake me up. Then I apply a Niacinamide + Zinc formula, and layer my moisturizer on top. I just got the new one from Lesse, which I’m excited to try. I finish off with the Shiseido Sunscreen. This is hands down the best sunscreen I have ever used, the consistency is almost like a serum and it smells great.
I’ll exfoliate a few times a week if my skin is feeling dull, usually more necessary in between seasons. I alternate between peel pads from Dr Dennis Gross and exfoliating packs from Earthen Skincare. I buy them uptown at this old school place called Zitomer. It’s the best.
My routine at night is not too different – it’s the same as the morning but I wash my face with a gentle cleanser and add in a retinol right after. My skin tends to be quite dry, so I’ll add in face oil and massage that into my skin with my hands for 5 or 10 minutes when I have the discipline.
In Paulena's File
‘I brush my eyebrows every day and don’t leave the house without one.’
‘Comes in a compact with a mirror. Chic packaging. Love to look at it, love to use it.’
‘This is my tried and true make-up product.’
‘This is hands down the best sunscreen I have ever used, the consistency is almost like a serum and it smells great.’
‘Its a mix of burnt Iris and tobacco.’
On Haircare
My hair is pretty curly and the ends get dry. I like to use hair oil to try to hydrate it and tame the frizz and flyaways. Right now I’m using the one from Oribe called Gold Dust. I’m liking it to the point that I will repurchase it when it runs out, which is saying something.
Besides that I wash my hair 2x a week and air dry. I’m not too particular about my shampoo & conditioner, maybe because I’m still looking for the right one. At the moment I am using a set from JG Bigelow that smells of Lavender and Peppermint.
On Make-up
My everyday makeup routine is something that has more or less stayed the same for the last 10 years or so. I can do it in 5 minutes.I start with Glossier Concealer in Lightest Shade, then use the Saie bronzer in Light Bronze, applied using a standard brush from the drug store. A non-negotiable for me – comb through my eyebrows with eyebrow comb. For lips, I usually wear a color that is close to my natural shade. If I want to be super natural I will use the Revlon Lipliner in Sienna or Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. If I want more of a 90’s true brown shade I’ll use the Sephora Brand lip liner in Light Brown. I tend to avoid lipstick so I’ll just pop on some chapstick from Buly 1803, which comes in this chic monogrammed container, and call it a day.
In the evening if I want a bit more drama, I’ll do the same routine as above, but add Mascara. L’oreal’s Double Extend Mascara is my tried and true makeup product. I’ve been using it since I was 14 and it’s the only mascara I’ve found that can be removed super easily at the end of the day, with no residue leftover. If I want to play up my eye even more, I’ll add a swipe of espresso brown shadow to the outer lashline of my top eyelid and smudge it out with my finger. It kind of works as a super soft and subtle liner. I am currently using the shade Earth by Make.
On Health and Wellness
My general approach is to try to make the things I want to do easier, and the things I don’t want to do harder. I want to read before bed, so I’ll leave my book on my pillow or bedside as a reminder. I want to spend less time on my phone, so use an app called Opal to lock myself out of social media at certain times of day and after certain time limits. You get the idea.
I try to meditate every morning with the Headspace app, even if it’s for 5 minutes. I always notice a difference when I skip this step. And journaling too. Morning pages, evening pages, in between meetings pages. Whenever I can squeeze it in.
I take daily walks, which help to clear my head or pull me out of a bad mood. I’m a big fan of talking on the phone, so will usually use the time to call family or friends. If no one is available, I’ll listen to a podcast or book on tape.
In terms of vitamins, I love the probiotics from Seed and a short list of herbs and supplements – Omega 3, Multivitamin (I use Vita-Min-Herb by Pure Energy) and Magnesium Glycinate.
I try to be disciplined where I can, but always have flexibility. It’s all about balance and not being too hard on myself.
On Rituals
I have always been a runner, and like to run in the mornings with my friend Emma. We run along the water on the East Side in Manhattan, to the Statue of Liberty and back. Having a running partner keeps me motivated and accountable. We’ve been at this consistently for years at this point.
I like to supplement my runs with pilates and some strength conditioning. I book classes on Classpass so I have variety.
On Fragrance
I’m not a big fragrance person, and have always had a hard time picking a scent. I was recently in Paris for work and found this scent at Buly 1803 called Eau Triple Makassar – its a mix of burnt Iris and tobacco. I like a more masculine scent, not too flowery or sweet smelling.
I like the ritual of putting perfume on when I’m going out for the night or want to feel more dressed up. It’s definitely not an everyday thing for me.
Your Beauty Secrets
Facial massage in general has been a great way to stimulate my lymph and help with circulation. I try to do it morning and night for at least a few minutes and really notice a difference in how my face looks when I’m consistent. Also dry brushing. And electrolyte mixes to help increase my water intake.
What is always in your handbag?
I always have my chapstick (Buly 1903), concealer (Glossier) and a few lip liners seophora(Sephora or Revlon). I like to get extras of the disposable eyebrow/eyelash combs when I’m at Sephora and pop one in every bag I own. I also like to have a deodorant (from Vichy) if the size of my bag allows it.
Paulena's Directory
Renew in Chinatown for Reflexology Massage. If I’m short on time, I’ll stop in here for a foot rub.
JG Bigelows or Zitomer for an old school beauty and skincare shopping experience. Plus they have great hair accessories.
I get my hair colored like once a year, and Natalie at Jenna Perry Salon is the best at giving me low maintenance and lasting color.
High Vibe is an East Village staple for herbs, supplements, and natural skincare. It’s been around since the 90s and the staff is very knowledgeable.
Hollywood Salon in Gramercy for a haircut. It costs $40 and they do a great blowout. Plus the clientele is mostly women 65+ getting made up, I’m obsessed.
‘Love this in light bronze’