My style is pretty casual, which reflects my active lifestyle. My hair is in a ponytail more often than not, and if I’m not wearing running shorts in my kitchen while baking homemade energy bars, then I’m probably wearing rubber boots while working in a brewery as co-owner of The Can Van. After just turning 30, I’m still struggling with breakouts while I’m becoming more conscious of helping my skin to stay looking young. My challenge is finding a balanced approach that keeps my skin clear, and provides plenty of hydration day and night.
The base of my skincare routine is to wash my face twice a day with (1) Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub followed by applications of (2) On the Spot Acne Treatment with 2% benzoyl peroxide on my trouble zones and (3) Merlot Grape Seed Eye Cream around my eyes. In the morning I moisturize with (4) Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion with SPF 15. At night I put on my favorite Merlot product, (5) Moonlight Radiance Night Cream. It moisturizes without letting my skin get oily overnight, and it has a scent I just love.
I want my makeup to look clean and natural. For a long time I didn’t think it was possible to use liquid foundation without it feeling heavy, but by using a (6) Sephora Pro Stippling Brush with (7) Makeup For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation (in 120 – Sand) I can put on a light layer that’s just enough to even out my skin tone. I like to follow this with (8) Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain; it gives my complexion a subtle glow that gets some compliments and provides a long-lasting base for any lip gloss I have on hand. I do my eyes last in earthy colors that bring out the complexity of my blue-green eyes, starting with (9) Sephora eye pencil in Khaki Electro and followed with a light brush of (10) Bare Minerals Eyecolor in Summer. I don’t always wear mascara, but at night or when I want to take things up a notch I use (11) Sephora Full Action Mascara in brown.
My hair is naturally wavy, and difficult to manage when it’s long, but my favorite way to keep it under control right now is with (12) Organix Moroccan Argan Oil line. The Intensive Treatment is nice for a deep conditioning session in the shower. I let it air dry and then work in some Penetrating Oil to smooth flyaways and create some texture.
My beauty routine helps me feel beautiful and confident, but one more way of doing that is by working from the inside out. In 2013, one of my resolutions is to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet. Part of my approach to this is making delicious smoothies. Here’s my favorite recipe, it makes a great breakfast, on its own or with eggs and toast! (Adapted from www.tasty-yummies.com)
Kale Blueberry Wakeup Juice
1 organic banana
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (more or less to adjust the consistency)
1 cup kale leaves, stems removed and roughly torn
Handful of frozen blueberries (or fresh in season)
1 tsp of honey (more or less to taste)
Optional additions:
1 Tbsp Almond Butter and/or
1-2 Tbsp Hemp Protein Powder
I like to freeze ripe bananas, then pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to remove the peel. The bananas don’t go bad, and the smoothie is cold without having to add ice.
Blend all ingredients together, sip, and enjoy!
– Jenn Coyle Catalano is the CEO of The Can Van, a San Francisco Bay Area-based company specializing in mobile canning for craft breweries. Learn more here: www.thecanvan.com