You know I love skincare. Especially when I can find great, new products that are affordable and tried and true. Summer is quickly approaching and my skin has definitely suffered from the effects of wearing a mask for so long and the "mask-ne" is real.
I must confess, I definitely have given into the TikTok trends. Specifically, finding the majority of my feed consisting of golden retrievers, TJ Maxx hauls, and yes, many many skincare and self care videos—welcome to Skincare-Tok! TikTok videos have been great for gaining authentic first-hand perspectives in short videos. I think the appeal to these is that many of these videos aren't highly produced or scripted like some YouTube tutorials or reviews are. So, here are some of the products that I've tried inspired by TikTok (and yes, they all live up to the hype)!
CeraVe Moisturizing Night Cream- I have really been into my moisturizing routine lately, especially because my face gets a lot more dry when the sun comes out. This is the best light-weight night cream for sensitive skin.
Mighty Patch by Hero Cosmetics- The savior of all pimples, literally couldn't live without these Mighty Patches. We love to wake up to a big, red, juicy spot on our faces don't we? Yeah, no. I'll put like three of these on at a time and I swear by morning my pimples are gone. Zip.
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen- Sunscreen is going to be my best friend this summer. I've ignored using it on the daily for so long, and realize how crucial it is to be using even when it's partly sunny out. No wrinkles, dark spots, or uneven skin for me! This is a mineral sunscreen which is a natural and more concentrated sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. It's also great for sensitive and acne prone skin so I am curious to see how it reacts, even under light makeup.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Face Mask- Don't walk, run! I found these at TJ Maxx, as a matter of fact. They are incredibly moisturizing and restore dry and dull skin for that JLo Glo! I love using these once or twice a month just to rejuvenate my skin and even out the texture.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid- I am hooked on serums! I never really understood their purpose, until I started using ones that actually made an impact on my skin. This is a more viscose and moisturizing serum that hydrates and boosts your complexion. I love to use it along with the CeraVe moisturizer at night.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid- I'll be candid—the texture of my skin has been a result of years and years of acne, dryness, and scarring. So, when I learned more about what Lactic Acid does, it basically acts as a chemical peel that reveals smoother and brighter looking skin. It also helps with fine lines and wrinkles, which I will definitely be needing in the near future.
If you've been following the TikTok trends (or if you haven't), I'd be curious to know what product you've been using lately! I also began using a jade roller and have gotten all fancy with my nighttime skincare. I'd also be interested in trying the acne preventing face masks that you can wear with your normal non-medical face masks. Let me know your faves in the comments!
Nobody told me that finding a job would be easy, and I never expected them to. Entering the job force after the peak of a pandemic and economic downfall is not something I imagined myself having to navigate. Let alone virtual interviews and lots of 'em. It feels like the weeks are just counting by interview after interview and application after application. I realize that everyone's job search looks a bit different, so I thought I would update you all on how my "progress" has been and ways I've continued to stay motivated after you've made that interview.
To be quite honest, nothing can prepare you more than just doing the interviews themselves. I've been lucky enough to have guides that have helped me anticipate what interviewers are going to ask or how I can cater my questions, but you don't know until you apply yourself and try it out. I know how intimidating it can be, especially meeting random executives and managers via Zoom.
Keep Going...
I have already had a couple leads so far with some companies that I love who have offered me follow-up interviews, pending applications are still in the works, and yes, I have received a couple of rejections already. The point of it being, you keep going. Keep applying. Keep interviewing. You never know what door might open, and you will never know, unless you keep pursuing opportunities and maintain your connections.
Keep Connecting...
And if it's connections that you don't have, actively participate and engage with your past co-workers, classmates, and professors. Initiate conversations with those around you who might also align with your passions and career aspirations. Don't just talk to them for a connection to a job, though. Follow-up, check in, and make sure that they know you're here to make an authentic connection with them and not just a transactional exchange. We can finesse all we want, but employers, recruiters, and professionals in your industry are going to recognize your effort to connect and want to learn more about you.
Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up
Who ever needs to hear this, me included, don't let turn downs and rejection letters diminish your qualifications and self-worth. Imposter syndrome can be so real when we are scrolling through LinkedIn seeing everyone's exciting announcements and job wins, so much, we digress and doubt everything we've ever worked for. The truth? There are a lot of other factors that play into the job hiring process, so don't take it personally.
I know I haven't been in this industry for long, but long enough to know that everything might seem like it's fine and dandy and out of the blue you get turned down. There were some companies already that I knew I might have dodged a bullet with, so I would just trust the process and continue to pursue more opportunities. The right company or job will find you, but that means also putting in the work, moving past rejection, and applying yourself 110% no matter what.
Writing this post has already helped me realize that this process of finding a job is not going to be an easy one, but I have what it takes to be prepared. I know the qualifications I have and the work that I've done—so, don't ever let a recruiter or employee tell you otherwise. At the end of the day, doing these interviews and applying yourself is going to pay off and you will know yourself more than you ever did going into it. Don't lose hope. I'm right there with yuh!
May is one of my favorite months because there's just so much promise now that the weather is actually stable and it seems like a lot of things become a bit more certain this time of year. Trees are pretty much fully bloomed and everyone is getting ready for summer. This month of "newness" has lifted my spirits for what's to come because I think that's all what we need at this point in time. I am fully vaccinated now which has reassured me that things are looking forward as more and more people become immunized.
I've got a lot going on this month, so I thought I would break down my goals in May for you all. I'm excited for something a bit more certain, and if sunshine is the only thing I can count on, I'm all for it!
01. Finding a job has been on my radar these past five months and so I've been conducting virtual interviews left and right, maintaining my connections, and continuing to stay optimistic as I continue to put myself out there and apply to things. I haven't had any offers yet, but am getting follow up interviews for a couple internships, am taking some required writing tests, and am staying hopeful that I will receive some good news from one of the companies that I've applied to. I'd love to write a more specific blog post on this process and keeping positive during it because I know it's hard to stay confident during the job interview process, and doing it all from home is definitely different. Fingers crossed I hear back within the next couple of weeks.
02. Getting ready to graduate...virtually. I still can't comprehend that in about a month I will be graduating from college. I think I am more than ready to start a new chapter, but experiencing my senior year from home has been lack luster. Although, I know that staying home was necessary, I truly miss some of my friends who I haven't been able to connect with in more than a year. With that said, I've been planning a graduation photo sesh with some of them, so stay tuned! DePaul is having an in-person graduation celebration, too, so I guess it's nice that there will be at least something we can do to celebrate. I'm just excited to cater in good food and have a bonfire with a small group of friends!
03. Working on my fitness and getting my health in check has been so motivating these past couple of weeks. Mentally, I am determined to continue setting aside time for myself to workout for at least an hour every day, even if it means waking up at an abnormal hour in the morning just to get a run in or take a yoga class at the gym I just joined. Most days are different and don't consist of the same workout or exercises, which I think it key to staying motivated and to continue having fun with it! Switching up my exercises, whether it be running one day or using the rowing machine the next has allowed for me to be productive with these workouts and focus on specific parts of my body I want to improve. With mixed rest days and stretch days, I've been able to start to feel like my strong self again.
The abundant sunshine we've had has definitely brightened my mood, but I also think that this month is a reset and a chance for me to let newness into my life without hesitation. Getting a little uncomfortable and taking risks is only going to allow me to grow, so I am one with the process. What's on the calendar for you this month?
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