As I shared in my last blog post, my complexion is a mess. When my face hit the air bag, something changed. I’ve spent several days doing research on the chemicals inside an air bag and what exactly emitted when it deploys. I’m trying to understand how my skin type went from dry and sensitive to oily and irritated.
I also have to keep in mind I had to wear a splint on my nose for a week after surgery. When the splint was removed, I could tell immediately that my pores were congested.
Because I’m still healing from surgery, I’m not quite ready for a facial treatment. The tip of my nose is still tender and the thought of someone squeezing it to push out blackheads makes me cringe. So I’m attempting to treat my skin at home. I’ve also splurged on some new makeup products as well but more on that in a minute.
I’m trying to keep my skincare routine as simple as possible—cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize.
I’ve been exfoliating more often than usual. If you saw my Insta, I did a mini review on the Kylie Skin Walnut Scrub. This product pleasantly surprises me and maybe it’s because I had very low expectations. Regardless, it’s definitely helping. Glycerin is one of the ingredients and its supposed to help balance moisture. My face definitely looks a lot less oily after I use this scrub.
It was about four weeks after the crash before I started to wear makeup. It was then I realized my usual routine wouldn’t work for my (now) oily complexion. I’m currently using a pore minimizing primer and mattifier before I apply my beloved IT CC+ Cream (which has a natural finish). I recently purchased NARS Soft Matte Concealer in the shade Chantilly during the Sephora sale because unfortunately, my Glossier Stretch Concealer left me looking super shiny throughout the day (and understandably so since it has a dewy finish). Just using a primer and cover-up with a matte finish has started to make a difference. I absolutely love this NARS concealer. I’ve been using it with a Real Techniques concealer brush and I love how quickly it melts into my skin (no creasing).
I’ve attempted a few times to cover up the scar under my nose and it hasn’t worked out too well. Could it be because my scar is still too fresh? Everything I’ve tried using has pilled/caked in the area. I haven’t tried the NARS concealer on my scar yet but that’s next on my list. For now, I’m just accepting it for what it is and I’m only applying a scar gel given to me by the plastic surgeon.
While of course I wished this car crash never happened in the first place, the experience has definitely taught me a lesson in self love. Prior to surgery, I had never prayed or wished so hard to look like myself again. I definitely underestimated what recovery would be like too. It really changed my perspective on the way I used to criticize the way I looked.
And on another note, thank you to everyone for the kind messages and comments after I shared the trauma I went through earlier this summer. It’s been a very very long road in recovery and I am so grateful for everyone that has left words of encouragement, prayers, etc. I am still currently getting treatment for my neck and back pain through physical therapy. I’m also currently seeing a counselor to help me with the anxiety I feel when I drive, and coping with the trauma I experienced.
The photos in this blog post were taken by Hannah Lozano while I was attending TBSCon in August.
The dress I’m wearing is by Gal Meets Glam and the straw bag is Topshop. This is the 4th or 5th dress I’ve purchased from Julia’s dress collection and if you know me well, then you know I love a good olive green dress. I would not have purchased this dress if I didn’t think it could transition well into fall. Layering a sweater or trench coat on top and a pair of cap-toe sling blacks will be a great workwear outfit idea.
