STRIPPED: @lucilaslife
STRIPPED is a safe space for our No Mo-Stache besties to reveal what’s underneath their smooth skin. Here, we talk about vulnerability, empowerment and confidence through skin care journeys. This month, I spoke with Lucila Arellano- a self-taught makeup maven from the South Texas border making a stamp on Instagram with her aesthetic shots of all things fashion and beauty.
What started your journey as a make-up artist and creative?
I’ve always been fascinated with all things beauty and fashion. Throughout my life, I was able to express myself and have a unique sense of style. As I began my journey, I would watch tutorials to improve my techniques, practice for hours in my room, and take pictures in a blank corner of my room. One day, I thought posting would be a fun idea, and thinking about this now, I’m so glad that I did because what began as a hobby is now something that has blossomed into a beautiful journey.
What is your “go-to” product in your skin care routine?
Moisturizer is definitely my go to baby. Without it, my skin feels lost. They’re like a match made in heaven!
How does No Mo-Stache play a role in your skincare routine?
The No Mo-Stache facial razor has a very special place in my heart. Derma planing my face feels so easy now; and as a dry skin gal, I know I can trust and recommend this beauty tool to my fellow dry skin beauties!
In what ways do you strive to inspire your community of followers on Instagram?
One of the important messages I give my followers is to stay true to themselves. I know social media can be a place where one can question themselves physically and mentally, but it’s important to embrace ourselves. There is no other YOU, so show the world what you got!
I can also tell you're a fashion lover by the shots of your fabulous shoes- Where do you come up with your concepts to bring together fashion + makeup + lifestyle with your graphic design?
I started to incorporate fashion and lifestyle content a little after I started with just makeup. Most of my makeup looks are considered to be on the bold and creative side, therefore I wanted my other content to have the same type of aesthetic. I love embracing my uniqueness, so I always try to do anything out of the ordinary!
What’s a weekly self care ritual that makes you feel great?
This may sound a little bit silly, but an iced coffee is one of my favorite weekly self-care rituals! Siempre hay tiempo para un cafecito!
What is something positive you say or do to lift your spirits?
One of the things I like to say to myself is to remain positive, and to be proud of how far I’ve come on my journey. I’ve learned that life isn’t a race. So it’s best to enjoy the ride and achieve my goals at my own pace.
Do you have any words you live by to keep you grounded?
You are the author of your story, So echale ganas, mija! Vida solo hay una.
You can find Lucila on Instagram at @lucilaslife.
💖💖💖
STRIPPED: Karina Bingham
STRIPPED is where we sit down with our makeup mavens and muses and let them reveal what’s underneath that smooth skin of theirs. We chat it all—skin care, self care, fears and fame. Here are some highlights from our oh-so-real interview with Karina Bingham. She chats us up on her Brazilian roots, becoming a momma in a new country, and navigating life’s little adventures with authenticity.
What started your journey as an Instagram Influencer?
I worked as a dentist in Brazil, until 2016 when I moved to the USA. I had a baby here, finding it difficult missing my family and friends in Brazil. Moving to a new country and adapting and building a new life here was a difficult process, especially emotionally, as it is not easy to immigrate. I was here alone, and couldn't work as a Dentist with it’s long process. I felt the need to occupy my head with something besides motherhood. 2017 is when it all started. I started sharing my routine, giving tips on fashion, makeup and motherhood. Not only sharing the good things, but the difficulties of life too. I soon created a community mainly of Brazilian and Latino immigrant women who were going through the same thing.
What is a tip you like to give others about skin care?
Hydration. Well-hydrated skin is everything, and it always looks healthier.
How does No Mo-Stache play a role in your skincare routine?
It’s better for my skin to absorb my skincare products. Since I started using No Mo-Stache products, my skin looks healthier and smoother
How do you strive to inspire your community of followers on Instagram?
Showing a real life. I know that behind cellphone screens, there are real people, with real lives. I don't show a perfect routine because no one has one. I show my reality, I share my problems, my insecurities, my fears, and my challenges because I know all of these things make me human and can help someone else in some way.
What is one thing you have found rewarding about motherhood?
Being a mother is growing up and maturing. This is a big reward, but it’s also understanding the real reason for my purpose in life, and for what I feel for my daughter.
And most important of all, the love and the connection with my child, this is the biggest reward that motherhood gives me.
What is a self care ritual that helps you feel grounded?
I always like to take a moment to myself. I like baths with hot water and foam, light my favorite candle and put on my favorite music. Then I moisturize my hair, exfoliate my skin, and take care of myself almost like it’s a day spa. It makes me very relaxed.
Do you have any words you live by to keep you motivated?
Yes, my favorite quote is: ‘Bloom where God sows you.’ This always reminds me that no matter what country I am in, or what situations I face, wherever God places me, he will give me some opportunity. And I must use this opportunity to grow.
STRIPPED: Nanci Carrero
STRIPPED: Nanci Carrero
STRIPPED is where we sit down with our makeup mavens and muses and let them reveal what’s underneath that smooth skin of theirs. We chat it all—skin care, self care, fears and fame. Check some highlights from our most recent interview with gal pal, Nanci Carrero. Nanci is super sweet to sit down with us and let us know what makes her glow!
What started your journey as an Instagram Influencer?
Since I was a teenager I loved makeup. At the age of 19, a friend invited me to a basic self-makeup course. I fell in love with makeup so much that I couldn't resist it, and continued my studies until I was a professional makeup artist.
✿ ✿ ✿
How does No Mo-Stache play a role in your skincare routine?
I love No Mo-Stache because when I wax my face it makes my skin so soft and smooth. It also helps to make the application of my makeup much easier, leaving it with an incredible finish.
How do you strive to inspire your community of followers on Instagram?
My way of inspiring my followers is reminding them we can do everything that we desire, and that to achieve our dreams we must work hard. Everything has a sacrifice, but the rewards will come.
In what ways has being a makeup artist been an emotional outlet for you?
I love doing makeup and I am grateful that my job is doing what I love most. I love seeing the smiles of each person when they look in the mirror after doing their makeup is priceless. I love teaching and it makes me happy to teach others.
What’s a weekly self care ritual that makes you feel grounded?
Definitely putting on makeup, creating content, working on makeup, pampering myself and spending time with the family make me feel alive
Do you have any words you live by to keep you motivated?
Consistency and Discipline.
STRIPPED: Beverly De La Cruz
STRIPPED: Beverly De La Cruz
STRIPPED is where we sit down with our makeup mavens and muses and let them reveal what’s underneath that smooth skin of theirs. We chat it all—skin care, self care, fears and fame. Check some highlights from our most recent interview with Beverly De la Cruz, whose eye-catching Insta style persuaded us to reach out. Hear her thoughts on what’s skin deep and beyond.
What started your journey as an Instagram Influencer?
It started off by me wanting to capture anything that catches my attention no matter where I may be. Then, I had the urge to share it on a platform like Instagram so people could not only see the places I've been, the outfits that brought me confidence and the views that bring me peace, but to give people a glimpse as to how I see the world through my eyes; or camera lens in this matter.
What is a tip you like to give others about skin care?
To never regret investing in it. It's a hit or miss, but the process takes time and money to see what works for you. There will be some things you'll regret buying but nothing beats the feeling of finally coming across a product that you feel is meant for you and something that works best for your skin.
How does No Mo-Stache play a role in your skincare routine?
No Mo-Stache allows me to boost the effects of my skincare products, especially the facial razor! It's so gentle on the skin and it's everything dermaplaning stands for - I can't go too long without it.
How do you strive to inspire your community of followers on Instagram?
To act as a reminder that we are 'flawsome'. There will be days where it's harder to look at yourself in the mirror so give yourself grace to love yourself a little more harder and to be a little bit more kinder. Doing skincare or dressing up a certain way doesn't mean we want to pass society's standards but it's a reminder that we are our own validation, that we have a choice and that if we want to - we can.
In what ways has being a makeup artist been an emotional outlet for you?
Even the difference of just applying lipstick can make me feel like I can rule the world, it's the little things that don't take much that can really bring up our confidence.
What’s a weekly self care ritual that makes you feel grounded?
I have a busy schedule throughout the week, meaning I feel like there's never enough hours in a day to do what I want to. So, I always make sure that at least once a week I owe myself the time needed to fully pamper with all my skincare products and it gives me a sense of having control over the things that I can change.
Do you have any words you live by to keep you motivated?
"If not you, then who?"
STRIPPED: @rubysfx
STRIPPED is a safe space for our No Mo-Stache friends to reveal what’s underneath their smooth skin. Here we talk about vulnerability, empowerment and confidence by sharing our friends' skin care and self care journeys. Come join our conversation with Ruby of @rubysfx, a 21 year old make-up artist from Vancouver who finds living a smooth lifestyle begins with her authentic creativity.
What started your journey as a make-up artist and creative?
“I started my Instagram account rubysfx 7 years ago. I became fascinated in makeup because I love art, then I went to makeup school and fell in love with it even more.”
What is your go-to product in your skin care routine?
“At the moment it’s sunscreen. I recently got more into it, because I have sensitive skin and have found my SPF 30 helps shield my skin from the sun.”
How does No Mo-Stache play a role in your skincare routine?
I love the No Mo-Stache Wax Strips. I used to use microwavable wax strips before you all, and it was so messy. Now I use No Mo-Stache once or twice a week because it is so convenient and easy.”
In what ways do you strive to inspire your community of followers on Instagram?
“Be yourself so that you can gain the most success and community on social media. Do what you enjoy!”
Has being a make-up artist been an emotional outlet for you, if so how?
“It is a relaxing activity for me, and I also have a notebook that has all of my random makeup ideas which has been super helpful for me.”
What’s a self care ritual that makes you feel great?
“One thing is drinking water! I know that sounds weird, but I can tell a difference in my skin and how I feel when I am drinking a lot of water than when I am not.”
What is something positive you say or do to lift your spirits?
"Lately I have been trying to do more positive affirmations. I think they have changed my mindset a lot, and I believe it is important for everyone to do.”
“Do you have any words you live by to keep you grounded?”
“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
STRIPPED: @katieartistry
STRIPPED is a safe space for our No Mo-Stache friends to reveal what’s underneath their smooth skin. Here we talk about vulnerability, empowerment and confidence through our friends' skin care journeys. Come join our conversation with Katie of @katieartisty, a 19 year old from Montana who is raising the bar for what it means to be a young make-up artist.
What started your journey as a make-up artist at such a young age?
"I started my makeup when I was 11. I started watching Youtube videos, and became obsessed. I just wanted to play with it, but I’d never wear it out. Then when I was 16 I started my Instagram page.”
What is in your skin care that keeps your skin so silky and glowing?
"I have oily skin, and I’ve found that moisturizers that are marketed for oily skin do nothing for it. So I love a really heavy moisturizer, and I know it is not everyone’s thing. But it has been the key to my skin looking the way it does."
How does No Mo-Stache play a role in your skincare routine?
“I fell in love with the facial razor, I use it at least once a week. It has made my skin so smooth, and makes make-up application look amazing.”
In what ways do you strive to inspire your community of followers on Instagram?
“The whole message of everything that I do is that I want people to express themselves however they want to and feel. As long as you know what you want and how you want to feel, nothing else matters.”
How has being a make-up artist been an outlet for you through stressful times?
“I am a very quiet and reserved person. I feel like because of that a lot of people don't get to see my personality. Makeup is a great outlet for me to express myself and show everybody who I am.”
What’s a weekly self care hobby or ritual that makes you feel great?
“A weekly bubble bath is necessary for me.”
What is something positive you say or do to stay positive during this unprecedented time?
“Spending time with family and talking to friends is something I've found important in order to find normalcy in my days."
Do you have any words you live by to keep you grounded?
"Everything happens for a reason."
What do you do in your craft that allows you to break the barriers of beauty?
“I don't believe there are any barriers. With what I do, I try to remind people that there are no barriers and you can do whatever you want."