Use a barrier repair cream under your face mask if you’re a nurse, not just a simple moisturizer.
The Barrier Boost
As a nurse working long shifts, my face was constantly raw and irritated from the friction of my medical mask. I was using a regular moisturizer, but it wasn’t enough. I learned that the constant rubbing was destroying my skin’s protective barrier. I switched to a thick, ceramide-rich barrier repair cream. Applying a layer of this before my shift created a protective, second-skin that significantly reduced the friction and irritation. It didn’t just moisturize; it actively defended my skin, making my 12-hour shifts so much more comfortable for my face.
Stop wearing foundation to the gym if you’re an athlete; opt for a tinted SPF that won’t clog your pores instead.
The Workout Winner
I used to wear my regular foundation to the gym because I felt self-conscious about my redness. But as I would sweat, the heavy makeup would melt and I could feel it clogging my pores, leading to breakouts. I learned I had to let my skin breathe. I switched to using a lightweight, non-comedogenic tinted sunscreen instead. It gave me just enough coverage to even out my skin tone and feel confident, while also protecting me from the sun during my outdoor runs, all without causing congestion.
Stop neglecting your hands if you’re a healthcare worker; use a thick, occlusive balm and cotton gloves at night instead.
The Hand Healer
Working as a healthcare professional meant I was washing my hands and using hand sanitizer constantly. My hands were perpetually dry, cracked, and painful. A simple lotion just wasn’t cutting it. The routine that finally healed them was an intense overnight treatment. Right before bed, I would slather my hands in a thick, heavy-duty healing ointment like Aquaphor or CeraVe. Then, I would put on a pair of simple cotton gloves and go to sleep. This allowed the ointment to work its magic all night long, and I woke up with dramatically softer, healed hands.
The #1 secret for frequent flyers to combat dehydrated skin is a hydrating essence layered under a facial oil before the flight.
The Flight Facial
As a frequent flyer, my skin would always feel like a desert after a long flight. The recycled cabin air is incredibly dehydrating. The secret I learned was to create a “moisture sandwich” before I even get on the plane. After cleansing, I pat in multiple layers of a hydrating toner or essence to drench my skin in water-based hydration. Then, I seal it all in with a few drops of a facial oil. This creates a protective barrier that significantly reduces moisture loss at 30,000 feet, so I land looking dewy, not desiccated.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “sweat-proof” makeup is that it doesn’t need to be touched up.
The Sweat-Proof Myth
I bought a “sweat-proof” and “waterproof” foundation, thinking it would be indestructible for a long, hot outdoor event. The lie is that these products are completely invincible. While they are formulated to be more resilient and long-lasting than regular makeup, they are not magic. After hours of sweating and blotting, they will still break down and need to be touched up. Thinking that “sweat-proof” means “set it and forget it” is a recipe for a patchy, faded face by the end of the day. A little powder touch-up is still your friend.
I wish I knew this about combating “maskne” when I was working 12-hour shifts as a first responder.
The Maskne Mission
When the pandemic started, my face exploded with “maskne”—painful breakouts along my jawline and cheeks from wearing a medical mask for 12 hours straight. I was attacking it with harsh acne treatments, which just made my skin more irritated. I wish I had known that the key was to be gentle and to focus on reducing friction and bacteria. Using a gentle cleanser, a calming barrier cream, and making sure to use a clean mask every day would have been a much more effective strategy than just trying to dry out the pimples.
I’m just going to say it: If you’re a swimmer, you need to be using a chelating shampoo to remove chlorine buildup.
The Chlorine Cure
I was a competitive swimmer for years, and my hair was always a dry, brittle, greenish mess. I thought it was just something I had to live with. I’m just going to say it: you need a chelating shampoo. Regular shampoos can’t effectively remove the chlorine and other minerals that build up on your hair shaft. A chelating shampoo is specifically designed with ingredients that bind to these minerals and strip them away. Using one once a week was the only thing that ever made my hair feel soft and look healthy again.
99% of night-shift workers make this one mistake with their skincare routine timing.
The Night-Shift Switch-Up
When I worked an overnight shift, my skincare routine was a mess. I would come home in the morning, wash my face, and go to bed. The mistake I was making was not adapting my routine to my schedule. For a night-shift worker, your “day” is the night, and your “night” is the day. You should be doing your “morning” protective routine (antioxidants, sunscreen) before you go to work in the evening. And your “nighttime” repair routine (retinoids, peptides) should be done in the morning before you go to sleep in your blacked-out room.
This one small habit of using a cleansing oil to remove stage makeup will change the way performers care for their skin forever.
The Stage-Door Secret
As a theater performer, I had to wear heavy, thick stage makeup every night. I used to attack it with harsh scrubs and foaming cleansers, which left my skin feeling raw and stripped. The habit that changed my skin’s health was to adopt the double-cleanse method, starting with a cleansing oil or balm. Massaging the oil into my skin first effortlessly melts away even the most stubborn, heavy makeup without any harsh tugging. Following up with a gentle cleanser leaves my skin perfectly clean but still calm and hydrated.
If you’re still using makeup wipes after a long flight, you’re losing moisture and irritating your already stressed-out skin.
The Wipe-Out
After a long, dehydrating flight, my go-to for a quick “cleanse” used to be a disposable makeup wipe. It felt convenient, but I was doing my skin a disservice. The recycled cabin air already leaves your skin incredibly dry and compromised. The alcohols and preservatives in most makeup wipes just add another layer of irritation and stripping. A much kinder option is to use a gentle, milky cleansing lotion on a cotton pad or to just wait until you can do a proper, gentle cleanse with oil and water.
Use a powder sunscreen for easy reapplication if you work outdoors, not a greasy lotion.
The Powder Protection
I work outdoors, and I know I’m supposed to reapply my sunscreen every two hours. But the thought of smearing a greasy lotion over my already sweaty, dirty face was so unappealing that I would just skip it. I discovered the magic of powder sunscreens. These are mineral-based sunscreens in a powder form that come in a convenient, self-dispensing brush. I can just dust it on right over my makeup or sweaty skin for a quick, matte, non-greasy reapplication. It has been a complete game-changer for my daily sun safety.
Stop using drying hand sanitizers if you’re a teacher; find a moisturizing formula and follow up with cream.
The Teacher’s Touch
As a teacher, I am constantly using hand sanitizer, especially during cold and flu season. The alcohol-based gels were leaving my hands incredibly dry, cracked, and painful. I learned that not all hand sanitizers are created equal. I sought out a formula that also contained moisturizing ingredients, like aloe or glycerin. And I started a new habit: keeping a bottle of hand cream right next to the sanitizer. Every time I sanitized, I would immediately follow up with a layer of cream to replenish the moisture.
Stop thinking you can’t wear makeup if you work in a kitchen; use a long-wear skin tint and waterproof mascara.
The Kitchen-Proof Face
Working in a hot, steamy kitchen, I thought that wearing any makeup was impossible. Anything I applied would just melt and sweat off within an hour. But I learned that with the right products, a little makeup is possible. I stopped trying to wear a heavy foundation and instead switched to a very lightweight, long-wearing skin tint that would even out my skin without feeling heavy. A good waterproof mascara and a lip stain would stay put through the heat and humidity. It’s about choosing the right formulas for the environment.
The #1 secret for pilots and cabin crew to maintain skin hydration at 30,000 feet is to drink water constantly and avoid caffeine.
The Altitude Hydration
The air inside an airplane cabin is drier than the Sahara desert. For pilots and flight attendants who spend their lives in this environment, skin dehydration is a constant battle. The number one secret is not a fancy cream, but internal hydration. They know that you have to be constantly sipping water throughout the flight to combat the dehydrating effects of the cabin air. They also avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, which just make the problem worse. Healthy, hydrated skin at altitude starts from the inside.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about your “office face” is that the indoor lighting isn’t damaging your skin.
The Office Glow
I used to think that once I was inside my office, my skin was safe. The biggest lie is that the fluorescent lights and the blue light from your computer screen are harmless. While they don’t cause sunburn like UVB rays, the High Energy Visible (HEV) light, or blue light, can penetrate the skin deeply and contribute to oxidative stress, which leads to premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Using an antioxidant serum and a sunscreen that offers blue light protection is just as important for your office days as it is for your beach days.
I wish I knew this about the importance of a good lip balm when I was working as a ski instructor in a cold, windy climate.
The Ski-Slope Saver
I spent a winter working as a ski instructor. I was so focused on protecting my face from the sun and wind that I completely neglected my lips. After a few weeks of the cold, wind, and intense sun exposure, my lips were painfully chapped, cracked, and sunburnt. I wish I had known how crucial a good SPF lip balm was. A thick, occlusive lip balm with sun protection would have created a necessary barrier against the harsh elements and saved me from weeks of discomfort.
I’m just going to say it: Your gym hairstyle is causing breakage. Use a silk scrunchie or coil tie instead of a tight elastic.
The Ponytail Break
My go-to hairstyle for the gym was always a super-tight ponytail, secured with a regular elastic tie. I would notice so many broken hairs wrapped around the elastic when I took it out. I’m just going to say it: your tight gym ponytail is causing damage. The constant tension and the friction from the harsh elastic, especially when your hair is full of sweat, can lead to serious breakage. Switching to a gentler option, like a soft silk scrunchie or a spiral coil tie, holds the hair securely without the damaging pulling and snagging.
99% of athletes make this one mistake with their post-workout shower.
The Scalding Shower
After a long, hard workout, there was nothing I wanted more than a scalding hot shower to soothe my sore muscles. The mistake I was making was using that same hot water on my face and body. The hot water, combined with the sweat and increased sensitivity of my skin post-workout, was stripping away all my skin’s natural oils and leaving it feeling tight, dry, and irritated. I learned to use lukewarm water for my skin, and to save the hot water for a targeted soak on my muscles only.
This one small action of applying a hydrating mist over your makeup mid-flight will change the way your skin looks upon landing forever.
The Mid-Air Mist
I used to just sit on a long flight and feel my skin get progressively drier and my makeup look more cakey. The small action that completely changed my in-flight skin game was to bring a travel-sized hydrating face mist. About halfway through the flight, a light spritz over my makeup instantly brings back a feeling of hydration and helps to refresh my makeup, making it look less dry and dull. I land feeling and looking so much more refreshed and dewy.
If you’re still not using a clarifying shampoo after a week of camping, you’re losing the battle against campfire smoke and dry shampoo buildup.
The Campfire Cleanse
After a week of camping, my hair would be a mess. It was full of dry shampoo, sweat, and it had that lingering, smoky smell from the campfire that would just not go away. My regular shampoo wouldn’t cut it. If you’re not using a clarifying shampoo after a trip like this, you are not getting your hair truly clean. A good clarifying shampoo is the only thing that can effectively remove that heavy buildup of product and environmental grime, leaving your hair and scalp feeling genuinely fresh and reset.
Use an anti-chafing stick if you’re a runner or hiker, not just deodorant.
The Chafe-Free Glide
As a runner, I used to struggle with painful chafing, especially on my inner thighs, on long runs. I tried using deodorant, but it would often wear off quickly. The tool that changed my runs was a dedicated anti-chafing stick or balm. These products are specifically designed to create a long-lasting, invisible barrier on the skin that reduces friction for hours. They are a must-have for any endurance athlete. It prevents the painful rash before it can even start, allowing you to focus on your performance, not your skin.
Stop neglecting your feet if you’re a nurse or waitress; use a urea-based foot cream nightly.
The On-Your-Feet Fix
Working a 12-hour shift as a waitress meant I was on my feet all day long. My heels were always dry, cracked, and incredibly painful. I was neglecting them because I was too tired at the end of the day. I finally committed to a simple nightly routine. I started using a powerful foot cream that contained a high concentration of urea. This ingredient is amazing because it both exfoliates the hard, callused skin and provides intense hydration. This nightly habit has been the only thing that keeps my hard-working feet soft and pain-free.
Stop using hot tools every day if you’re a TV personality; learn heatless styling techniques for your off-days instead.
The On-Camera Off-Day
As someone who had to be on camera frequently, my hair was subjected to daily heat styling with curling irons and straighteners. It was becoming incredibly damaged. The key to preserving my hair’s health was what I did on my off-days. I stopped using hot tools completely when I wasn’t working. I learned a variety of heatless styling techniques, like using silk rollers or braids to create waves, to give my hair a much-needed break from the constant heat. This allowed it to recover and stay healthy despite the demands of my job.
The #1 secret for digital nomads to protect their skin from “screen face” is a potent antioxidant serum.
The Digital Defense
As a digital nomad, my face is constantly illuminated by the blue light from my laptop screen. I started to notice my skin looking dull and tired. The number one secret for protecting my skin is a powerful antioxidant serum, applied every morning. The high-energy visible (HEV) or blue light from our screens generates free radicals that can lead to premature aging. A serum packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid helps to neutralize this damage and protect the skin from the specific environmental stress of a screen-centric life.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about workout skincare is that you need a whole separate routine.
The Workout Routine Myth
I used to see brands marketing a whole separate line of “athleisure” or “workout” skincare, and I thought I needed it. The lie is that you need a completely different set of products. You don’t. The principles are the same as your regular routine. Before your workout, you need a gentle cleanse to remove makeup. And after your workout, you need another gentle cleanse to remove sweat and bacteria, followed by your regular moisturizer. You just need to focus on cleansing; you don’t need a special “fit-skin” serum.
I wish I knew this about using a setting spray to prevent makeup from transferring onto my medical mask.
The Mask-Proof Mist
Working in healthcare meant my foundation and makeup would always end up smeared all over the inside of my medical mask by the end of my shift. It was a messy, frustrating problem. I wish I had known sooner about the power of a good, theatrical-grade setting spray. A light misting of a strong-hold setting spray after I finished my makeup created a protective film that significantly reduced the amount of transfer onto my mask. It helped my makeup to stay on my face, where it belonged.
I’m just going to say it: If you’re a professional musician, the rosin from your violin or cello might be causing your chin breakouts.
The Violinist’s Vexation
As a violinist, I was struggling with persistent acne and irritation along my jawline, right where my instrument would rest. I tried changing all my skincare products, but nothing worked. I’m just going to say it: it might be your instrument. The rosin that string players use on their bows creates a fine dust that can get onto the instrument and then transfer to your skin. For some people, this can clog pores and cause a specific type of acne called “acne mechanica.” Regularly cleaning your instrument is key.
99% of construction workers make this one mistake when it comes to sun protection.
The Neck Neglect
My dad was a construction worker, and he was pretty good about wearing a hat to protect his face from the sun. But the mistake he, and so many other outdoor workers make, is completely forgetting about the back of the neck. This area is constantly exposed to the sun and is one of the most common places for skin cancer to develop. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the back of the neck and ears every single day is a crucial, often overlooked, step for anyone who works outside.
This one small habit of keeping a travel-sized cleanser at the gym will change the way you prevent post-workout acne forever.
The Gym-Bag Cleanse
I used to finish my workout at the gym and then drive home to shower. By the time I actually washed my face, the sweat, oil, and bacteria had been sitting on my skin for over an hour. This was causing a lot of congestion and breakouts. The small habit that changed everything was to keep a travel-sized version of my favorite gentle cleanser in my gym bag. Washing my face in the locker room sink immediately after my workout has made a huge difference in preventing those post-exercise pimples.
If you’re still wearing heavy perfume in a healthcare or spa setting, you’re losing the consideration of your patients and clients.
The Scent-Free Service
As a massage therapist, I used to wear my favorite perfume to work. I thought it made me smell nice. But I learned that in a healthcare or wellness setting, a strong fragrance can be incredibly inconsiderate. Many patients and clients have sensitivities, allergies, or are just in a state where a strong scent can be nauseating or headache-inducing. If you are a professional in one of these fields, going completely fragrance-free is a sign of respect and care for the people you are serving.
Use a pre-shampoo treatment with UV filters if you’re a surfer, not just a leave-in conditioner.
The Surf-Ready Shield
As a surfer, my hair was constantly being assaulted by the sun, salt, and wind. A regular leave-in conditioner wasn’t enough to protect it. The product that made a real difference was a pre-shampoo treatment with UV filters. Applying this to my dry hair before I even hit the beach created a protective barrier on the hair shaft. It helped to prevent the sun from fading my color and the salt from drying out my strands. It’s a crucial first step of defense for any serious water athlete.
Stop thinking you can’t have nice nails if you’re a gardener; wear gloves and use a strengthening nail treatment.
The Gardener’s Glove
I love gardening, but it was destroying my hands and nails. My nails were constantly breaking, and my hands were dry and callused. I thought I just had to accept it as part of the hobby. But I learned that with a little protection, I could have both. The most important step is to wear a good pair of gardening gloves. And at night, I would use a strengthening nail treatment and a thick hand cream. This combination allowed me to enjoy my time in the dirt without sacrificing the health of my hands and nails.
Stop letting your helmet give you acne if you’re a cyclist; wipe down the inside with an antibacterial spray.
The Helmet Hygiene
I’m an avid cyclist, and I started to notice a consistent pattern of breakouts along my forehead, right where my helmet rests. The sweat and friction were creating a perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. I learned that I had to treat my helmet like another piece of gym equipment. After every ride, I now take a moment to wipe down the inside of my helmet, especially the forehead pads, with a simple antibacterial spray or a cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol. This simple act of hygiene has completely cleared up my helmet-induced acne.
The #1 secret for dancers to keep their makeup flawless under hot stage lights is a theatrical-grade setting spray.
The Stage-Proof Seal
As a dancer, my makeup had to survive hours of sweating under hot, intense stage lights. My regular setting spray wasn’t up to the task. The secret I learned from professional stage makeup artists is to use a theatrical-grade setting spray. Products like Ben Nye’s Final Seal or Skindinavia are designed for the most extreme conditions. A light misting of one of these heavy-duty sprays creates a completely sweat-proof, waterproof, and transfer-proof seal that will keep your makeup looking flawless through the entire performance.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “water-resistant” sunscreen is that it lasts all day in the pool.
The Reapplication Rule
I used to apply a “water-resistant” sunscreen in the morning before a day at the pool, and I thought I was protected all day long. The lie is that “water-resistant” means “water-proof.” It does not. The label will specify whether it is resistant for 40 minutes or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. After that time, you are no longer protected and you must reapply. Thinking that one application is enough for a whole day of swimming is a surefire way to end up with a nasty sunburn.
I wish I knew this about using a hydrating, leave-on mask during a long-haul flight when I was a consultant.
The In-Flight Facial
As a consultant who was constantly on long-haul flights, my skin was always a dry, dull mess when I landed. I wish I had known about the power of an in-flight masking session. Instead of just trying to moisturize, I learned to apply a clear, hydrating, leave-on sleeping mask after cleansing my face on the plane. It creates an invisible, hydrating cocoon on the skin that works for hours to combat the incredibly dry cabin air. I would land with my skin looking plump and dewy, not tired and dehydrated.
I’m just going to say it: Your “desk-side” routine should include a blue-light filtering mist and a hand cream.
The Desk Essentials
My desk at the office used to be a beauty-free zone. I’m just going to say it: you need a desk-side routine. The two essentials I now always keep on hand are a blue-light filtering face mist and a good hand cream. The mist helps to protect my skin from the constant blue light exposure from my computer screen and provides a nice, hydrating refresh during the afternoon slump. And the hand cream is essential for combating the drying effects of the office air conditioning and frequent hand washing.
99% of bartenders and servers make this one mistake that wrecks their hands.
The Citrus Sin
As a bartender, my hands were always in bad shape. They were dry, the skin around my nails was peeling, and I had tiny, painful cuts. The mistake I was making was not realizing how harsh the constant exposure to citrus juice was. The acid from cutting lemons and limes all night was wreaking havoc on my skin. I learned that wearing gloves when cutting citrus and being extremely diligent about washing and then moisturizing my hands after every shift was crucial for saving my skin from the acidic onslaught.
This one small action of applying a rich balm to your nostrils will change the way you combat dryness on an airplane forever.
The Nostril Nurturer
The dry, recycled air on an airplane used to leave the inside of my nose feeling incredibly dry, raw, and sometimes it would even bleed. It was so uncomfortable. The small action that made a huge difference was to apply a thin layer of a thick, occlusive balm, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, to the inside of my nostrils with a cotton swab before I fly. This creates a protective barrier that prevents the delicate mucous membranes from drying out. It’s a simple, strange-sounding trick that provides immense comfort on a long flight.
If you’re still not washing your face immediately after your workout, you’re losing your best chance to prevent clogged pores.
The Post-Workout Wash
I used to finish a workout, run some errands, and then finally wash my face an hour or two later. I was constantly battling clogged pores and breakouts. A mixture of sweat, oil, and bacteria is a perfect recipe for acne. If you are letting that sit on your skin, you are losing your best window of opportunity to prevent breakouts. The most effective thing you can do is to wash your face immediately after you finish exercising. It removes the pore-clogging culprits before they have a chance to settle in and cause problems.
Use a solid cleanser bar for easy travel if you’re a backpacker, not a bulky liquid bottle.
The Backpacker’s Bar
As a backpacker, every ounce of weight and inch of space in my pack mattered. I used to carry a bulky, heavy plastic bottle of liquid face wash that was always at risk of leaking. I discovered the brilliance of a solid cleanser bar. These bars are waterless, incredibly lightweight, and compact. They are also solid, so there is zero risk of them leaking all over my sleeping bag. It’s the perfect, low-waste, and highly practical cleansing solution for anyone who needs to pack light and smart.
Stop letting your swim cap pull out your hair; wet your hair and add conditioner before putting it on.
The Cap Trick
As a swimmer, putting on my tight, silicone swim cap was always a painful process that would pull and break my hair. I learned a simple trick from competitive swimmers that completely solved the problem. Before putting on my cap, I wet my hair with clean water and then apply a light layer of a cheap conditioner. This creates a slippery, protective barrier on the hair. The cap glides on easily without any pulling, and the conditioner also helps to prevent the damaging chlorine from being absorbed by my hair.
Stop thinking your skin is fine in an air-conditioned office; the humidity is just as low as on an airplane.
The Office Air
I used to think that the dry, recycled air on an airplane was a unique skin stressor. I didn’t realize that my air-conditioned office environment was almost just as bad. The AC sucks all the humidity out of the air, creating an environment that is constantly drawing moisture out of your skin. This can lead to dehydration, fine lines, and a compromised skin barrier. Keeping a hydrating face mist and a good hand cream at your desk is just as important for an office worker as it is for a flight attendant.
The #1 secret for yogis is to cleanse before class to avoid sweating makeup and dirt into your pores during downward dog.
The Pre-Yoga Purify
As a yogi, I used to go to my evening class with my makeup from the day still on my face. I would get so sweaty during class, and I couldn’t figure out why I was breaking out. The secret is to cleanse before your practice. When you get hot and sweaty, your pores open up. If your face is covered in makeup, oil, and the day’s grime, you are essentially sweating all of that deeper into your pores, which is a recipe for congestion. A quick, gentle cleanse before you hit the mat makes a huge difference.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about expedition-level skincare is that it needs to be complicated.
The Expedition Essentialism
I was preparing for a long backpacking expedition and I thought I needed a complex, multi-step skincare routine to protect my skin in the harsh conditions. The lie is that it needs to be complicated. When you are exposed to extreme elements and have limited space, the key is simplicity and multi-functionality. All you truly need are three things: a gentle, solid cleanser, a thick, multi-purpose balm that can be used for your face, lips, and any chafed spots, and a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen. That’s it.
I wish I knew this about the existence of powder-based toiletries when I was trying to pack light for backpacking trips.
The Powder Pack
When I was trying to pack for a long backpacking trip, the weight and bulk of my liquid toiletries was a huge problem. I wish I had known about the world of powder-based products. You can now find almost everything in a water-activated powder form: shampoo, face wash, body wash, and even toothpaste. They are incredibly lightweight, compact, and because they are solid, there is no risk of them leaking in your pack. They are a true game-changer for any ultralight traveler or backpacker.
I’m just going to say it: If you work with animals, you need a fragrance-free routine.
The Scent-Free Sitter
I work at an animal shelter. I used to wear my favorite scented lotion and perfume to work. I’m just going to say it: this was a mistake. Animals, especially dogs, have a sense of smell that is thousands of times more powerful than ours. A scent that is pleasant to me can be incredibly overwhelming and even stressful for them. For the comfort and well-being of the animals you work with, whether you’re a vet, a groomer, or a volunteer, using completely fragrance-free products is the most considerate and professional choice.
99% of new parents make this one mistake that sacrifices their own basic skincare.
The Parent’s Pause
When I became a new mom, I was so focused on the baby that my own self-care completely disappeared. I was lucky if I brushed my teeth. The mistake almost all new parents make is thinking that they don’t have time for themselves. I learned that I had to be intentional and simplify. My new “routine” was just a splash of water on my face and a quick application of a tinted moisturizer with SPF. It took 30 seconds, but that one small act of self-care made me feel a little more human during a chaotic time.
This one small habit of keeping a multi-purpose balm in your work bag will change the way you deal with dry patches, cuticles, and flyaways forever.
The Balm in the Bag
My work bag used to be a black hole. The small habit that has been a lifesaver is to always keep one, simple, multi-purpose balm in it. A product like Lucas’ Papaw Ointment or a simple tin of Vaseline is a true hero. It can be used as a lip balm, a cuticle cream, a soother for dry patches on your hands or elbows, and even to tame unruly eyebrows or flyaway hairs. It’s a tiny product that can solve a dozen different minor beauty emergencies throughout the day.
If you’re still not wearing compression socks on a long flight, you’re losing more than just your skin’s comfort.
The Compression Comfort
As a frequent flyer, I used to just focus on my facial skincare. But I would always land with swollen, achy ankles. If you’re not wearing compression socks on a flight that is longer than a few hours, you are not just losing comfort; you are increasing your risk of dangerous blood clots (DVT). The gentle pressure from the socks helps to improve your circulation when you are sitting still for a long period. They are a crucial, non-negotiable part of my in-flight uniform for both health and comfort.
Use a tinted mineral sunscreen stick for on-the-go reapplication if you’re a hiker, not a messy lotion.
The Hiker’s Hack
As a hiker, I know I need to reapply my sunscreen, but the thought of stopping, taking off my pack, and dealing with a messy, greasy lotion was so unappealing that I would often just skip it. The tool that solved this problem was a tinted mineral sunscreen stick. It’s solid, so it can’t leak in my pack. It’s easy to just swipe on my face, neck, and ears without even having to use my dirty hands. And the tint helps to even out my skin tone. It’s the perfect, mess-free solution for on-the-trail reapplication.
Stop destroying your hair with daily high ponytails if you’re a ballerina; vary your styles and use gentle ties.
The Ballerina Bun
As a dancer, my hair was always pulled back in a severe, tight bun. I started to notice breakage around my hairline and my hair seemed to be thinning. This type of hair loss, called traction alopecia, is incredibly common among ballerinas. The constant tension on the hair follicles can cause permanent damage. I learned that it was crucial to vary my hairstyles on my days off, to wear looser styles whenever possible, and to always use gentle hair ties, like silk scrunchies, instead of harsh elastics.
Stop thinking that city pollution isn’t affecting your skin; use an anti-pollution cleanser and antioxidant serum.
The Urban Armor
I live in a big city, but I used to only think about the sun’s effect on my skin. I didn’t think about the pollution. The tiny pollutant particles in the air can generate free radicals on the skin, leading to inflammation, collagen breakdown, and premature aging. The best defense is a two-pronged approach. First, a thorough evening cleanse to remove the particulate matter from your skin’s surface. And second, a powerful antioxidant serum in the morning to neutralize the free radicals that do get through. It’s essential armor for city living.
The #1 secret for outdoor athletes to prevent windburn is a thick, water-free balm.
The Wind Warrior
As a cyclist and a runner, I would often come back from a long, windy day outside with my face feeling raw, red, and chapped. This is windburn, and it happens when the wind strips the natural oils from your skin. The number one secret for preventing it is to create a physical barrier. Before I head out, I apply a thick, water-free balm, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, to the exposed areas of my face. This occlusive layer acts like a shield, protecting my skin from the harsh, drying effects of the wind.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about looking polished on Zoom is that you need a full face of makeup.
The Zoom Face
When I first started working from home, I would do a full face of foundation, concealer, and powder for my Zoom meetings. It was a lot of effort. The lie is that you need this much makeup to look good on camera. A low-resolution webcam is very forgiving. The three things that make the biggest difference are good lighting, a little bit of concealer under the eyes, and filling in your eyebrows to frame your face. That’s it. A simple, 3-minute routine can make you look just as polished as a 30-minute one.
I wish I knew this about the importance of rehydrating my skin after a flight, not just during.
The Post-Flight Fix
I was so focused on my in-flight skincare routine—the mists, the masks, the oils. But I wish I had known that what you do after the flight is just as important. The dry cabin air can compromise your skin’s barrier. As soon as I get to my hotel or my home, my first priority is a “recovery routine.” I do a gentle cleanse to wash away the travel grime, and then I apply a super-hydrating and calming mask with ingredients like ceramides and beta-glucan to help my skin rebalance and repair its barrier after the stressful journey.
I’m just going to say it: Your car’s side window is not protecting you from aging UVA rays during your commute.
The Commuter’s Ray
I used to think that because I was inside my car during my daily commute, I was protected from the sun. I’m just going to say it: you are not. While your car’s windshield blocks most UV rays, the side windows do not block the deeply penetrating UVA rays. These are the rays that are primarily responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and collagen breakdown. The daily, incidental sun exposure you get on your driver’s side arm and face adds up to significant damage over time. Daily sunscreen is a non-negotiable for any commuter.
99% of people who work from home make this one mistake with their skincare.
The WFH Fail
When I started working from home, I got lazy with my skincare. I would roll out of bed and sit down at my computer without even washing my face or putting on sunscreen. I figured since I wasn’t going outside, it didn’t matter. This is the mistake almost everyone makes. You are still being exposed to aging blue light from your screens, and your skin is still producing oil and shedding cells. Sticking to a basic morning routine—a gentle cleanse, an antioxidant serum, and an SPF—is just as important on your work-from-home days.
This one small action of decanting your essential skincare into travel-sized airless pumps will change your on-the-go routine forever.
The Travel Tech
I used to rely on those little travel-sized “mini” products for my trips, but they were wasteful and I couldn’t always find my favorite products in that size. The small action that revolutionized my travel routine was to invest in a set of high-quality, refillable, airless pump bottles. I can decant my favorite serums and creams into these small, lightweight containers. The airless pump technology also protects the products from exposure to air, keeping them stable and potent. It’s a sustainable and much more personalized way to travel with your skincare.
If you’re still wearing rings and bracelets while working with chemicals or water, you’re losing your jewelry and trapping irritants against your skin.
The Jewelry Jeopardy
As a lab technician, I used to wear my rings to work. I didn’t think about the consequences. Harsh chemicals could damage the finish on the metal, and water and irritants would get trapped underneath the band, leading to a nasty rash called contact dermatitis. If you work in a profession where your hands are frequently exposed to water or chemicals—like a healthcare worker, a hairstylist, or a chef—it’s so important to take off your jewelry before you start your shift. It protects both your jewelry and your skin.
Use a lip mask with SPF if you’re a snowboarder, not just a regular balm.
The Snow Sport Lip
As a snowboarder, I was spending all day at a high altitude, where the sun’s rays are incredibly intense. The reflection off the snow just amplifies that exposure. I was using a regular lip balm, but my lips were still getting sunburnt and chapped. The solution was to upgrade to a lip mask or a heavy-duty lip balm that contained a high SPF. The delicate skin on your lips has very little melanin and is extremely susceptible to sun damage. An SPF lip product is an absolute necessity for any snow sport enthusiast.
Stop letting your sweatband cause forehead breakouts; wash it after every use.
The Sweatband Blemish
I would wear a sweatband to keep the sweat out of my eyes during my workouts. But I started to notice a consistent line of breakouts on my forehead. I realized I was just tossing the sweat-soaked band back into my gym bag after each use. It was becoming a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria, which I was then pressing against my skin every day. I learned that I had to treat my sweatband like a piece of clothing and wash it after every single use to keep it clean and to prevent those forehead pimples.
Stop thinking that “tough” jobs don’t require skincare; harsh environments demand it most.
The Tough-Job Truth
My husband works in construction, and he used to think that skincare was a “frivolous” thing that he didn’t need. But his skin was constantly exposed to sun, wind, dust, and grime. His hands were dry and cracked. I finally convinced him that it’s the people with the “tough” jobs who need skincare the most. A simple routine of a good cleanser to wash away the grime, a heavy-duty moisturizer to protect the skin barrier, and a daily, high-SPF sunscreen is not about vanity; it’s about protecting the health of your body’s largest organ.
The #1 secret for gamers to combat tired eyes is a caffeine-infused eye cream and blue-light blocking glasses.
The Gamer’s Gaze
My brother is a serious gamer, and he was always complaining about his tired, strained eyes and dark circles after a long session. The two secrets that made the biggest difference for him were simple. First, a caffeine-infused eye cream. The caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which helps to reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles. And second, a pair of blue-light blocking glasses. These help to reduce the eye strain caused by staring at a screen for hours on end. It’s a simple, two-pronged attack against “gamer face.”
The biggest lie you’ve been told about travel skincare is that you need to buy all new mini products.
The Mini Myth
The beauty industry loves to sell us a whole new set of “travel-sized” mini products before a trip. The lie is that you need to buy all these new things. This is an incredibly wasteful and expensive habit. The most sustainable and effective approach is to simply decant your existing, full-sized products that you know and love into a set of high-quality, reusable travel containers. You get to use the products that actually work for your skin, and you don’t create a pile of tiny, unrecyclable plastic waste.
I wish I knew this about using a cleansing balm to remove stubborn, waterproof mascara after a performance.
The Performer’s Purge
As a performer, I had to wear heavy-duty, waterproof mascara that would not budge under hot lights. Removing it at the end of the night was a nightmare. I would scrub at my eyes with makeup wipes, which would leave them red and irritated. I wish I had known about the magic of a cleansing balm sooner. Massaging a rich, oily balm onto my dry eyes melts away even the most stubborn, waterproof makeup with zero pulling or tugging. It’s the gentlest and most effective way to take off a long-wear performance face.
I’m just going to say it: If you’re a chef, the steam and heat from the kitchen is dehydrating your skin.
The Chef’s Complexion
As a chef, I am surrounded by steam and heat all day long. I used to think this must be good for my skin, like a constant facial. I’m just going to say it: it’s not. The constant, high heat can be incredibly dehydrating and can lead to inflammation and a compromised skin barrier. While the steam might feel moist in the moment, the long-term effect is a loss of hydration. For chefs and kitchen workers, a simple routine focused on a gentle cleanse and a robust, barrier-supporting moisturizer is crucial to combat the effects of their work environment.
99% of commuters make this one mistake before they leave the house in the morning.
The Commuter’s Mistake
I was so good about my morning skincare routine, but there was one huge mistake I was making as a commuter. I would apply my sunscreen, and then I would immediately walk out the door and get in my car. I didn’t realize that chemical sunscreens need about 15-20 minutes to be absorbed by the skin to become fully effective. By not waiting, I was leaving my skin unprotected for the first part of my drive. Now, I make sure to apply my sunscreen as the very first step when I get out of the shower.
This one small habit of a “landing routine” after a flight (cleanse, hydrate, mask) will change your travel recovery forever.
The Landing Ritual
I used to get off a long flight feeling grimy and dehydrated, and I would just power through until my normal bedtime routine. The small habit that has revolutionized my travel recovery is to have a dedicated “landing routine.” As soon as I get to my hotel or my home, I immediately do a gentle cleanse to wash away the airplane grime. Then, I apply a super-hydrating or calming face mask for 15 minutes. This simple ritual helps my skin to reset and rehydrate after the stress of travel and makes me feel so much more human.
If you’re still not using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection for your hair, you’re losing your color and health to the sun.
The Hair’s Sunscreen
I was so diligent about putting sunscreen on my skin, but I never thought about protecting my hair from the sun. I couldn’t figure out why my expensive hair color would fade so quickly in the summer. The sun’s UV rays are just as damaging to your hair as they are to your skin. They can break down the proteins and fade the color. If you’re not using a hair product with UV protection, you are letting the sun ruin your hair. A simple leave-in conditioner or styling spray with UV filters is like sunscreen for your strands.
Use a “grip” primer if you’re a performer under hot lights, not just a blurring one.
The Performer’s Primer
As a performer, my biggest challenge was getting my makeup to last for hours under hot, sweaty stage lights. My regular, silicone-based “blurring” primer would just feel slippery. The type of primer that changed the game for me was a “gripping” primer. These have a slightly tacky texture that literally grips onto your foundation and holds it in place. It creates a much more durable, long-lasting base that is essential for any high-sweat or long-wear situation. It’s a staple in every professional makeup artist’s kit for a reason.
Stop neglecting your neck and chest when applying sunscreen for your daily commute.
The Décolletage Defense
I would dutifully apply sunscreen to my face every morning before my drive to work. But I would completely ignore my neck and my chest, which were just as exposed in my V-neck top. Over the years, I started to see the evidence of this neglect in the form of sun spots and fine lines on my décolletage. The UV rays coming through your car window are real. You have to treat your neck and chest as an extension of your face and give them the same daily sun protection.
Stop thinking that your skin doesn’t need protection on a cloudy day if you work outside.
The Cloudy Day Cover-Up
As someone who works outdoors, I was great about wearing sunscreen on bright, sunny days. But on overcast, cloudy days, I would often skip it, thinking I was safe. This is a dangerous mistake. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through the clouds. You can still get a serious sunburn and significant sun damage on a completely overcast day. For outdoor workers, daily sunscreen application should be a non-negotiable habit, regardless of what the weather looks like.
The #1 secret for healthcare workers to revive their skin after a long shift is a cool sheet mask from the fridge.
The Post-Shift Soothe
After a grueling 12-hour shift, with my face indented and irritated from my mask, my skin would be screaming. The best secret I learned for instant relief was to keep a stash of simple, hydrating sheet masks in my refrigerator. The moment I get home, I take off my mask, gently cleanse my face, and then apply one of the ice-cold sheet masks. The immediate cooling sensation is incredible for reducing the redness and inflammation, and it provides a much-needed boost of hydration to my stressed-out skin.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about beauty on the go is that it has to be compromised.
The Travel-Ready Routine
I used to think that when I traveled, I had to completely compromise my skincare routine. I would just bring a bar of soap and a basic moisturizer. The lie is that your routine has to suffer when you’re on the go. With a little planning, you can maintain a fantastic routine. By decanting your favorite products into high-quality, reusable travel containers, and by discovering the world of solid, waterless toiletries like shampoo bars and cleanser sticks, you can have a full, effective, and personalized routine, no matter where you are in the world.
I wish I knew this about the benefits of a simple, solid skincare routine when I was a student pulling all-nighters.
The Student’s Solution
As a college student, my sleep schedule was a disaster, and my skin showed it. I was trying to use a complicated, multi-step routine that I could never stick with. I wish I had known that a simple, solid routine would have been so much better. A solid cleansing bar, a simple moisturizer stick, and a mineral sunscreen stick would have been easy to use even when I was exhausted. They are also spill-proof, making them perfect for a chaotic dorm room environment. Simplicity and consistency would have been my skin’s savior.
I’m just going to say it: The key to a 5-minute “mom face” is a great concealer, cream blush, and brow gel.
The Mom Makeup
As a new mom, I had about five minutes to get ready in the morning. I had to streamline my routine down to the absolute essentials. I’m just going to say it: I have perfected the 5-minute “mom face.” The three products that make the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time are a great, brightening concealer to hide the sleep deprivation, a cream blush that I can quickly blend on my cheeks and lips with my fingers for a bit of life, and a tinted brow gel to make my brows look instantly groomed and polished.
99% of people who work in old, dusty buildings make this one mistake with their skincare.
The Dust-Bunny Dilemma
I work in an old library, and the air is constantly full of dust and other particulates. The mistake I was making was not doing a thorough enough evening cleanse. I would use a simple face wash, but my skin still felt a bit congested. I learned that for my specific work environment, a double cleanse was essential. Using an oil-based cleanser first helps to break down and lift all the fine dust and grime from my skin’s surface. Following up with a gentle cleanser leaves my skin truly clean and able to breathe.
This one small action of keeping a hydrating mist at your desk will change the way you combat office air-conditioning forever.
The Desk-Side Dew
My office is like a desert. The constant air-conditioning sucks all the moisture out of the air, and by 3 PM, my skin would feel tight and my makeup would look cakey. The small action that has saved my skin is keeping a hydrating face mist on my desk. A quick spritz provides an instant boost of moisture and helps to revive my makeup. It’s a simple, refreshing ritual that helps me to combat the dehydrating effects of my work environment and gives me a much-needed afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re still using hotel soap and shampoo, you’re losing control of your skin and hair health when you travel.
The Hotel Gamble
I used to love the convenience of using the little complimentary toiletries at a hotel. It meant I didn’t have to pack my own. But my skin and hair would always be a mess. The soap was often a harsh, stripping bar, and the shampoo was full of sulfates that would fade my hair color. If you’re still using hotel toiletries, you are playing Russian roulette with your skin and hair. I learned that taking the time to pack my own trusted, gentle products in travel-sized containers is the only way to maintain my routine and avoid a travel-related beauty disaster.
Use a waterproof brow gel if you’re a swimmer, not a pencil that will wash right off.
The Pool-Proof Brow
As a swimmer, I wanted to have defined eyebrows, but any pencil or powder I used would just wash off the moment I hit the water. It was a frustrating and pointless exercise. The product that changed my life was a good, waterproof, tinted brow gel. I can brush it through my brows before I get in the pool, and it coats the hairs and holds them in place with a waterproof formula that will not budge, even after an hour of swimming laps. It’s the only way to have brows that can survive the water.
Stop letting your glasses cause breakouts on your nose; wipe the pads down with alcohol daily.
The Glasses Grime
I wear glasses every day, and I was constantly getting little pimples on the bridge of my nose, right where the nose pads would sit. I couldn’t figure out why. I realized that the nose pads were accumulating a daily buildup of oil, sweat, and makeup. I started a simple habit of wiping down the nose pads of my glasses every evening with a cotton pad soaked in a little bit of rubbing alcohol. This quick, hygienic step removes all the pore-clogging gunk and has completely eliminated my glasses-induced breakouts.
Stop thinking that you’re “too busy” for a basic skincare routine; it takes two minutes.
The Two-Minute Myth
I used to tell myself that I was “too busy” for a skincare routine. It seemed like a time-consuming luxury that I just couldn’t fit into my hectic schedule. The truth is, a basic, effective routine doesn’t have to take a long time. Cleansing your face takes 60 seconds. Applying a serum and a moisturizer takes another 60 seconds. That’s it. Two minutes. We all have two minutes. The “too busy” excuse is just a story we tell ourselves. Making that tiny investment of time is a powerful act of self-respect.
The #1 secret for looking awake on an early morning flight is a de-puffing eye patch and a dot of highlighter in the inner corner.
The Red-Eye Remedy
I had to take a 6 AM flight for a business meeting, and I knew I would look exhausted. The two-step secret that made me look bright-eyed and awake upon landing was simple. First, about 30 minutes before landing, I applied a pair of de-puffing, caffeine-infused under-eye patches. Second, after I took them off, I applied a tiny dot of a shimmery highlighter to the inner corner of each eye. The patches reduced the puffiness, and the highlighter created a light-reflecting illusion of brightness. It’s my go-to red-eye flight hack.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “mask-proof” lipstick is that it won’t smudge at all during a 12-hour shift.
The Mask-Proof Myth
As a healthcare worker, I was so excited by the launch of all the “mask-proof” liquid lipsticks. I thought I could finally wear a bold lip color to work without it ending up all over my face mask. The lie is that these products are completely infallible. While a good-quality, long-wear liquid lipstick is certainly much more resilient than a traditional lipstick, after 12 hours of talking, drinking, and breathing in a humid mask, there will inevitably be some fading and minor transfer. You have to manage your expectations.
I wish I knew this about the long-term drying effects of the recycled air on airplanes when I started traveling for work.
The Cabin Air Curse
When I first started traveling frequently for work, I would just sit on the plane and not think about the air. I wish I had known how incredibly damaging the recycled cabin air is. The humidity levels are lower than in the Sahara desert. This extremely dry air is constantly sucking the moisture out of your skin, leading to a compromised skin barrier, dehydration, and dullness over time. Understanding this has made me so much more diligent about my in-flight hydration routine, with mists, serums, and oils to protect my skin.
I’m just going to say it: If you’re a musician, you need to be cleaning your instrument where it touches your face.
The Musician’s Mite
I play the violin, and for years I struggled with a persistent patch of acne along my jawline, right where my instrument rested. I tried every skincare product imaginable. I’m just going to say it: you need to clean your instrument. The chinrest of a violin can accumulate a buildup of sweat, oil, and rosin dust. This can lead to a specific type of acne called “acne mechanica.” I started wiping down my chinrest with an alcohol wipe before and after I played, and my skin completely cleared up.
99% of outdoor enthusiasts make this one mistake with their lip protection.
The Lip Line
As an outdoor enthusiast, I was pretty good about wearing an SPF lip balm. The mistake I was making was only applying it to the fleshy part of my lips. I was completely ignoring the skin right around my lip line. This delicate skin is just as susceptible to sun damage, and it’s a common place for skin cancer to develop. I learned that I have to treat my lip area like my eye area, and make sure that my sunscreen application extends slightly beyond the border of my lips to protect the entire area.
This one small habit of a “pre-flight” skincare routine will change the way you arrive at your destination forever.
The Pre-Flight Prep
I used to just show up to the airport and get on the plane. The small habit that has had the biggest impact on my travel skin is to have a dedicated “pre-flight” routine. Before I leave for the airport, I do a simple, hydrating routine. I use a gentle cleanser, and then I layer on hydrating products—a toner, an essence, a serum—and then I seal it all in with a facial oil or a thick cream. This creates a hydrated, protected canvas that is so much better equipped to handle the dehydrating cabin air. I arrive looking fresh, not frazzled.
If you’re still not double cleansing to remove mineral sunscreen after a day outside, you’re losing the battle against clogged pores.
The Mineral Melt
I love using a thick, water-resistant mineral sunscreen for a long day of hiking. But I found that my regular face wash just wasn’t getting it all off. My skin felt like it had a film on it, and my pores were getting clogged. Mineral sunscreens are designed to adhere to the skin. If you are not double cleansing, you are not getting it all off. I learned that I have to use an oil-based cleanser first. The oil effectively breaks down the sunscreen, allowing my second, water-based cleanser to wash everything away completely.
Use a cuticle oil pen for easy application if you’re a flight attendant, not a messy bottle.
The In-Flight Fix
As a flight attendant, the constant hand washing and the dry cabin air would leave my cuticles a dry, ragged mess. I wanted to use cuticle oil, but a traditional bottle with a brush was too messy and impractical to use during a flight. The tool that saved my nails was a cuticle oil pen. It has a brush tip, and you just twist the bottom to dispense a small, controlled amount of oil. It’s incredibly easy, mess-free, and perfect for a quick, hydrating touch-up mid-flight.
Stop forgetting to apply sunscreen to your hands, especially if you drive for a living.
The Driver’s Hand
As a truck driver, my left hand was on the steering wheel, exposed to the sun through the side window, for hours every single day. I never thought about putting sunscreen on my hands. After a few years, I looked down and was shocked to see that my left hand had significantly more sun spots and wrinkles than my right hand. It looked a decade older. I learned that the hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging, and daily sun protection is absolutely crucial for anyone who drives for a living.
Stop thinking that beauty is frivolous in a demanding job; it can be a tool for confidence and control.
The Professional’s Polish
I work in a very demanding, high-stress corporate job. I used to think that taking time for my appearance was a frivolous distraction from my work. But I learned to see it as a powerful tool. On a day when I am feeling overwhelmed or unsure of myself, the simple, controlled ritual of doing my makeup can be incredibly grounding. And walking into a tough meeting with a polished appearance and a “power” lipstick gives me a tangible boost of confidence. It’s not frivolous; it’s armor.
The #1 secret for singers and speakers to have hydrated lips is a lanolin-based balm.
The Lanolin Line
As a professional speaker, I was constantly talking, and my lips were always dry and chapped. Regular lip balms would seem to disappear within minutes. The secret ingredient that provided real, long-lasting relief was lanolin. Lanolin is an incredibly rich, occlusive substance derived from sheep’s wool. It mimics the natural oils of our own skin and creates a powerful, protective barrier that lasts for hours. A lanolin-based balm, like Lanolips, is the number one secret for anyone who uses their voice for a living.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “all-day wear” is that it doesn’t require any maintenance.
The All-Day Myth
I bought a foundation that was advertised as having “24-hour, all-day wear.” I thought I could apply it in the morning and it would still look perfect when I got home from my long day at work. The lie is that these products require zero maintenance. While they are formulated to be more durable, after 12 hours of life—sweating, touching your face, and producing oil—any foundation is going to show some wear and tear. A quick blot with a paper towel and a light dusting of powder is still necessary to keep it looking fresh.
I wish I knew this about the simple power of a face mist when I was working in a dry, stuffy office.
The Office Oasis
I used to work in an office with very old, dry heating in the winter and blasting air conditioning in the summer. By 3 PM every day, my skin would feel as tight as a drum and my makeup would look patchy. I wish I had known about the simple, transformative power of a face mist. Keeping a small bottle of a hydrating mist at my desk and giving my face a quick spritz in the afternoon would have been a game-changer. It provides an instant boost of hydration and makes you feel so much more refreshed and comfortable.
I’m just going to say it: The most important skincare step for a night-shift worker is sunscreen before they go to sleep in the morning.
The Day-Sleeper’s Shield
I worked the night shift for years. My “nighttime” skincare routine, with my retinoids and acids, was done in the morning before I went to bed. I’m just going to say it: the most important step of that routine was sunscreen. It seems counterintuitive to put on sunscreen before you go to sleep. But the incidental sunlight that comes through your window while you are sleeping during the day is still damaging your skin and is making your skin-sensitizing nighttime products even more dangerous. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, even for day-sleepers.
99% of people who exercise outdoors make this one mistake with their hairline.
The Hairline Hazard
I was so diligent about applying sunscreen to my face before I went for a run outside. The mistake I was making was not applying it all the way into my hairline. I would stop right at the edge of my forehead. After a few years, I started to notice sun spots and hyperpigmentation right at the border where my hair started. This is an incredibly common spot for sun damage and skin cancer because it’s so often missed. You have to make sure you are blending your sunscreen all the way into your hairline for complete protection.
This one small action of creating a mini “essentials” kit for your work bag will change the way you handle beauty emergencies forever.
The Emergency Kit
I used to have so many minor beauty emergencies at work—a chipped nail, a smudged mascara, a surprise pimple—and I was never prepared. The small action that has saved me countless times is to create a tiny “essentials” kit that lives in my work bag. It contains a nail file, a few Q-tips, a travel-sized hand cream, a concealer, and a lip balm. This tiny pouch of preparedness has helped me to handle any little issue that comes up during the day with calm and confidence.
If you’re still wearing a full face of makeup for a 10-hour flight, you’re losing your skin’s chance to breathe and stay hydrated.
The In-Flight Face
I used to think I had to look perfectly put-together at all times, even on a long, overnight flight. I would board the plane with a full face of foundation. But the incredibly dry cabin air would just suck the life out of my skin, and the makeup would look cakey and feel uncomfortable. If you are still doing this, you are robbing your skin of the chance to stay hydrated. A much better approach is to board with a clean face and to use the flight time as an opportunity for a super-hydrating, in-flight spa treatment.