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Glowing skin is great—but glowing confidence ? That’s next-level beauty. At Underneath the Layers , we believe true beauty shines from within, and it starts with how you treat yourself every single day. Here are simple, daily habits that build the kind of confidence that no makeup can replicate. 🗣️ 1. Speak Kindly to Yourself Your inner voice matters. Instead of tearing yourself down, try affirmations like: “I am enough.” “My body does amazing things.” “I deserve to feel good in my skin.” Confidence begins with the words you choose inside . 🏃‍♀️ 2. Move Your Body with Gratitude Exercise isn’t punishment—it’s a celebration of what your body can do. Whether it's dancing, yoga, or a walk in the sun, movement boosts your mood and self-image. 🧴 3. Make Time for Rituals Your morning skincare or nightly wind-down isn’t just routine—it’s a form of respect. Showing up for yourself every day builds trust, pride, and self-worth. ❌ 4. Set Boundaries Without Guilt Confidence isn’t loud—it’s firm. Saying “no,” protecting your energy, and walking away from what doesn’t serve you are all signs of inner strength. Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being authentic . When you commit to caring for yourself from the inside out, the glow becomes undeniable. And that, babe, is the kind of beauty we’re all about.

In a world that praises hustle and “no days off,” rest can feel like a guilty pleasure. But here’s the truth—rest days are not a sign of weakness, they’re a requirement  for true wellness. Whether you’re into beauty, fitness, or mental health, building in recovery time is essential for progress and balance. Let’s peel back the layers and talk about why your body (and your mind) need  a break. 💤 Recovery Makes You Stronger Your muscles repair and grow during  rest, not while you're working out. Skipping rest days can lead to overtraining, injury, and fatigue. Rest isn't slacking—it's part of the plan. 🌿 Your Skin Loves It Too Stress and lack of sleep can trigger breakouts, dullness, and inflammation. Prioritizing rest gives your skin a chance to heal, especially overnight when it naturally regenerates. Pro tip: Pair your rest day with a nourishing face mask and a digital detox for a full-body refresh. 🧘‍♀️ Mental Health Reset Burnout is real. Taking a rest day—whether it's from the gym, work, or social media—helps reset your nervous system. You come back clearer, calmer, and more focused. ✅ What Rest Can Look Like: Sleeping in guilt-free Doing a gentle stretch or slow walk Journaling or reading A skincare routine with no rush Saying “no” to plans without explanation Rest is productive. It’s restorative. It’s powerful. The next time you feel pressure to “do more,” remember that doing less  is sometimes exactly what your body and soul need.

Ever feel like your energy, mood, or skin completely shifts from one week to the next? That’s not random—it’s your hormones doing their thing. And instead of fighting them, cycle syncing  helps you work with  them. At Underneath the Layers , we believe in tuning in to your body’s natural rhythm. Here’s how syncing your lifestyle—fitness, skincare, and self-care—with your menstrual cycle can lead to better results and more balance. Phase 1: Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5) What’s happening:  Hormone levels (estrogen & progesterone) are at their lowest. Energy drops. Focus:  Rest, reflect, and recharge. Fitness:  Gentle movement—think yoga, walking, or stretching. Skincare:  Hydrate and soothe. Skin may feel dry or sensitive. Self-care:  Journal, meditate, or enjoy a cozy night in. 👉 Give yourself permission to slow down. Phase 2: Follicular Phase (Days 6–13) What’s happening:  Estrogen is rising, boosting energy, mood, and creativity. Focus:  Start fresh and try something new. Fitness:  Great time for strength training, cardio, or trying a new class. Skincare:  Skin is usually clear and glowing—take advantage with exfoliation or actives. Self-care:  Set goals, brainstorm, or tackle projects. 👉 You’re feeling energized—run with it! Phase 3: Ovulation Phase (Days 14–16) What’s happening:  Estrogen peaks; confidence and energy are at their highest. Focus:  Show up, shine, and connect. Fitness:  Go hard—HIIT, dance, or any high-energy workout. Skincare:  Skin may look its best, but watch for oiliness—use clay masks or gentle balancing toners. Self-care:  Socialize, network, record content—this is your glow zone. 👉 Lean into your most magnetic self. Phase 4: Luteal Phase (Days 17–28) What’s happening:  Progesterone rises, and PMS symptoms may show up. Focus:  Slow down and nourish. Fitness:  Lower-intensity workouts like pilates, barre, or light strength. Skincare:  Watch for breakouts—use calming products, spot treatments, and hydrate well. Self-care:  Prioritize comfort, sleep, and alone time if needed. 👉 It’s okay to say “no” and choose rest over hustle. Cycle syncing is about honoring your body, not controlling it. The more in tune you are with your hormonal rhythm, the easier it becomes to flow through your month with energy, clarity, and confidence.

In a world of TikTok trends and beauty buzzwords, wellness can feel overwhelming (and expensive). But not everything you see online is worth the hype. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about what actually supports your beauty and health—and what’s just clever marketing. Time to separate the facts from the fluff. 🚫 Myth #1: You Need a 10-Step Skincare Routine to Have Great Skin Reality:  Less is more.A solid cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF can go a long way. Too many products can actually damage your skin barrier. Try this instead:  Build a routine around consistency, not quantity. Introduce new products slowly and only when needed. 🚫 Myth #2: You Should Detox With Juice Cleanses Reality:  Your body detoxes naturally —that’s your liver’s job. Juice cleanses often lack protein and fiber, leaving you tired and hungry. Try this instead:  Eat whole foods, drink water, and support your gut with fiber-rich veggies and probiotics. 🚫 Myth #3: If It Burns, It’s Working Reality:  Skincare shouldn’t hurt. That tingly sensation doesn’t mean a product is effective—it could mean it’s irritating your skin. Try this instead:  Use gentle, proven ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or retinol (introduced gradually). 🚫 Myth #4: You Have to “Go Hard” in Every Workout Reality:  Movement should feel good, not punishing. Overtraining can cause fatigue, injury, and stress. Your body needs  rest and recovery days. Try this instead:  Mix it up. Combine strength, cardio, yoga, and rest for a well-rounded approach. 🚫 Myth #5: You Need to Spend $$$ to Be Healthy Reality:  Wellness doesn’t have to break the bank. Many trends are driven by marketing, not science. Try this instead:  Prioritize sleep, hydration, real food, movement, and mindset. Those are free—and powerful. At Underneath the Layers , we’re all about realistic  wellness. You don’t need a shelf full of serums, an expensive gym, or a green juice obsession to feel good in your body. All you need is knowledge, intention, and a little self-trust.

Let’s get one thing straight—staying active isn’t just about looking a certain way. It’s about feeling  your best, inside and out. Whether it’s a walk around the block, dancing in your room, or hitting the gym, movement is one of the most powerful tools you have for living a balanced, vibrant life. So, let’s peel back the layers and talk about why staying active matters (and how to make it part of your everyday vibe). 💪 1. Boosts Your Energy (Even on Lazy Days) It might feel counterintuitive, but moving your body actually gives you more  energy. Physical activity improves blood flow and oxygen delivery. It wakes up your body and clears your mental fog. Even a 15-minute stretch or walk can leave you feeling more alive. Next time you’re sluggish, try moving instead of napping—you might be surprised. 🧠 2. Supports Mental Health Big Time Movement is a natural mood booster. It releases endorphins—your body’s feel-good chemicals. Reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Helps improve focus, memory, and overall brain function. When your mind feels heavy, moving your body can help lift the weight. ❤️ 3. Strengthens Your Heart and Body Staying active isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about keeping your body strong and supported. Improves cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of disease. Strengthens bones and joints. Increases flexibility and mobility, especially as you age. Your body is your home—movement helps you take care of it. 😴 4. Improves Sleep Quality Tired of tossing and turning? Regular movement helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Helps regulate your body clock. Reduces restlessness and nighttime anxiety. Even light activity like yoga or walking can lead to better sleep. No need to overdo it—consistency is key. ✨ 5. Builds Confidence and Routine When you stay active, you build discipline, self-trust, and confidence. You prove to yourself that you can follow through. You feel stronger—not just physically, but mentally. Movement becomes a form of self-care, not punishment. It’s less about the workout and more about the mindset . Movement doesn’t have to be intense or complicated. It just has to feel right  for you. Whether it’s lifting weights, doing yoga, dancing to your favorite song, or simply walking your dog—staying active is a daily act of self-love. And here at Underneath the Layers , we believe that’s the kind of beauty that really matters.

When you think of yoga, you might picture someone in a perfect downward dog or striking a peaceful pose at sunrise. But yoga isn’t just about flexibility or trendy leggings—it’s a full-body, full-mind practice that has the power to change how you move, feel, and show up in the world. Let’s peel back the layers and talk about why yoga deserves a spot in your wellness routine. 🧘‍♀️ 1. It Builds Strength—Inside and Out Yoga strengthens more than just your muscles. Poses like plank, warrior, and chair build full-body strength. It also strengthens your mind-body connection —teaching you how to stay grounded, breathe through stress, and stay present in the moment. Don’t be fooled—those slow flows can burn  (in a good way). 🧠 2. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety Yoga is known for calming the nervous system. Deep breathing (pranayama) helps regulate your stress response. Slow, mindful movement lowers cortisol levels. Just one session can help you feel more centered and less overwhelmed. It’s like a moving meditation—perfect for quieting that inner chaos. 😴 3. It Improves Sleep Struggling with restless nights? Yoga can help. Gentle yoga before bed (like yin or restorative) helps relax the body. It improves sleep quality and helps you fall asleep faster. Sweet dreams, anyone? 💓 4. It Supports Heart and Joint Health Yoga isn’t just good for your mind—it’s good for your body too. Increases circulation and lowers blood pressure. Improves joint mobility and reduces inflammation. Can even help manage chronic pain or stiffness. It’s especially great for people of all ages and fitness levels. 🌿 5. It Encourages Self-Love and Body Awareness The biggest benefit? Yoga teaches you to listen  to your body. You learn to move with intention and accept where you are, without judgment. Over time, you build confidence—not just in how you look, but in how you feel . It’s not about touching your toes—it’s about touching base with yourself . Yoga is more than a workout. It’s a practice of self-awareness, healing, and empowerment. Whether you’re flowing through vinyasa, holding a gentle stretch, or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes, yoga meets you where you are—and that’s the beauty of it.

Let’s be real—“healthy lifestyle” gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually  mean? It’s not about restrictive diets, intense workout plans, or chasing some impossible ideal. A healthy lifestyle is about feeling energized, balanced, and confident in your own skin. It’s about creating habits that support your mind, body, and soul—one step at a time. Here’s how to make it real and sustainable: 🥗 1. Nourish Your Body (Not Punish It) Start by fueling your body with whole, colorful foods—not because you have  to, but because it makes you feel good. Add more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated—aim for at least 8 cups of water a day. Don’t fear the occasional treat. Balance > restriction. Food is fuel, but it’s also joy—let it be both. 🏃‍♀️ 2. Move in a Way That Feels Good Forget the “no pain, no gain” mindset. Movement should feel empowering—not like a punishment. Love dancing? Crank up the music and go for it. Prefer a long walk or Pilates session? That counts too. Consistency matters more than intensity. Just move. A healthy body isn’t about the number on a scale—it’s about energy, strength, and mobility. 😴 3. Prioritize Rest and Recovery Sleep is everything . Without it, your body can’t recharge, your skin can’t heal, and your mind can’t focus. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night. Wind down with calming routines: no screens, a warm tea, light stretching, or journaling. Listen to your body—rest days are part of the plan. Wellness starts with rest, not hustle. 🧘‍♀️ 4. Care for Your Mental Health Mental wellness is just as important as physical health. Practice mindfulness or meditation—even 5 minutes can reset your day. Say no when you need to. Connect with people who uplift you. Seek therapy if you need it—therapy is self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Protect your peace. 🌿 5. Build Habits Slowly—and Stick with Them A healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through small, consistent steps. Focus on one change at a time. Track your wins, not just your goals. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. Remember: your journey is yours . Tune out the noise and honor your pace. Healthy living isn’t a destination. It’s a daily decision to show up for yourself—with compassion, with care, and with love. At Underneath the Layers , we’re here to remind you that beauty, wellness, and confidence all start from within. Have a tip or routine that’s changed your lifestyle? We’d love to feature your story in our next episode or post! 💬💛

🧼 Step 1: Start with a Gentle Cleanser Harsh scrubs and over-washing can actually make acne worse. Look for a cleanser with ingredients like: Salicylic acid  (unclogs pores) Benzoyl peroxide  (kills bacteria) Tea tree oil  (natural antimicrobial) Pro tip: Wash your face twice a day—morning and night—but don’t overdo it. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin, causing more breakouts. . 💧 Step 2: Moisturize (Yes, Even If You’re Oily) A common mistake: skipping moisturizer if you have acne. The truth? Dehydrated skin produces more  oil. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to balance your skin and keep it calm. Look for labels that say: “Non-comedogenic” (won’t clog pores) “Oil-free” or “gel-based” 💊 Step 3: Target Breakouts with Spot Treatments Got a pimple forming? Treat it early. Benzoyl peroxide  or sulfur  can zap it overnight. For deep, under-the-skin pimples, try hydrocolloid patches —they help shrink and heal without picking (please don’t pick!). 🧴 Step 4: Add in Active Ingredients Slowly Acne treatments are powerful, so ease into them. Retinoids  (like adapalene) help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Niacinamide  reduces redness and regulates oil production. Start 2–3 times a week and increase as your skin adjusts. 🍎 Step 5: Consider Lifestyle Triggers Skincare is just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s what else matters: Diet : Limit high-sugar and dairy-heavy foods that may trigger breakouts. Sleep : Skin repairs itself while you rest—aim for 7–9 hours. Stress : It causes hormonal changes that lead to breakouts. Try journaling, yoga, or a quick walk to decompress. 🔍 Step 6: Know When to See a Dermatologist If over-the-counter routines aren’t cutting it, that’s okay. A dermatologist can help you explore prescription options like: Topical or oral antibiotics Hormonal treatments (like birth control or spironolactone) Accutane for severe cases There’s no shame in getting help—that’s what the pros are for. Acne doesn’t define you, but taking care of your skin is a powerful form of self-love. Stick with it, be patient, and treat your skin with kindness. On Underneath the Layers , we believe beauty is about more than a clear face—it’s about showing up for yourself, no matter what.

The Essence of a Morning Ritual A morning routine isn't about perfection; it's about creating a moment for yourself before the world demands your attention. Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, this time can be a sanctuary for grounding and rejuvenation.​ Mindful Beginnings Start with intention. Dr. Terry Loong recommends beginning the day with deep breaths and stretches to invigorate the body and mind. Incorporating gratitude or affirmations, as Jennifer Lopez does, can set a positive tone for the day. Skincare Simplified Consistency is key. Marie Claire's Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter, emphasizes a streamlined skincare routine: cleanse, moisturize, and protect with SPF. This approach ensures your skin is nourished without overwhelming your schedule. Makeup: Less Is More Embrace the "no-makeup" makeup look. A touch of tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, and a dab of lip balm can enhance your features while keeping your routine efficient. This minimalist approach celebrates your natural beauty. Nourishment from Within Hydration and nutrition play a pivotal role. Starting your day with a glass of lemon water or a green juice can detoxify and energize. Dr. Loong suggests that such practices not only benefit your skin but also your overall well-being. Preparation the Night Before A smooth morning often begins the night before. Prepping your hair or selecting your outfit can alleviate morning stress. As highlighted in Teen Vogue, these small steps can make your morning routine more efficient. ​ Personalizing Your Routine Remember, your morning ritual should reflect you. Whether it's incorporating spiritual practices, as some modern witches do, or focusing solely on skincare, the key is authenticity.

Do you incorporate sunscreen into your everyday skincare routines? We do! Sunscreen is often a missed step in many people's skincare routines. A common misconception is that you don't need to wear sunscreen if you aren’t lying out in the sun. Walking to your car, sitting in an office by a window, or running errands, you are still getting sun. People don’t think about how small amounts of time in the sun without sunscreen could lead to premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Many people are becoming aware of how harmful the sun can be due to the concern that many have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have to go to the dermatologist for yearly checkups. Luckily, more and more brands are coming out with sunscreens to provide people with various options. My personal favorite is Elta, MD. Their sunscreen feels more like a moisturizer on your face, allowing you to forget that you’re wearing sunscreen. Start adding sunscreen to your morning routine and your future skin will thank you!

You know that fresh, glowing, “I woke up like this” vibe? That’s the no makeup-makeup  look—effortless, natural, and perfect for everyday wear. It’s all about enhancing your features rather than covering them up. And the best part? It doesn’t take a full glam routine to get there. Here’s how to master the no makeup-makeup look in just a few simple steps, so you look like the best version of you —without looking like you tried too hard. Step 1: Start with Skincare The key to this look is healthy, glowing skin. Think of your skincare as the real MVP here. Cleanse : Start with a clean base. Moisturize : Hydrated skin = radiant skin. Use a lightweight, glowing moisturizer. SPF : Always protect your skin with sunscreen (even if you're staying inside). Optional: Apply a hydrating primer  if you want smoother texture and a longer-lasting finish. Step 2: Keep Your Base Light Skip the heavy foundation and go for something that lets your natural skin shine through. Tinted moisturizer , BB cream , or a lightweight skin tint  are your best friends. Use concealer  only where needed—under the eyes, around the nose, or to cover any blemishes. Blend everything with a damp beauty sponge or clean fingers for that seamless, second-skin finish. Step 3: Bring on the Glow The no makeup-makeup look is all about fresh, dewy skin—not matte or overly powdered. Apply a cream blush  to the apples of your cheeks and blend upward. Choose soft peach or rosy tones for that “naturally flushed” effect. Use a liquid or cream highlighter  on the high points of your face: tops of cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and a little on the cupid’s bow. Go light on powder —only apply it where you need it (like the T-zone) to avoid looking cakey. Step 4: Define the Eyes (Softly) You want your eyes to pop, but subtly. Lightly fill in your brows  with a brow pencil or tinted gel—just enough to enhance their natural shape. Skip heavy liner and go for a tightline  (lining just the upper waterline) if you want more definition without the drama. A coat or two of mascara  can do wonders—focus on lifting and separating rather than adding volume. Step 5: Perfect the Lips This is not the time for a bold red lip. Choose a tinted lip balm , lip oil , or your-lips-but-better nude gloss . If you want a bit more shape, use a lip liner close to your natural lip color and blend it in before applying balm. Optional: Final Touches Setting spray  can help melt all the products together and give your skin a natural finish. If your skin gets oily throughout the day, blotting papers  are a great way to stay fresh without adding more product. Pro Tips for the No Makeup-Makeup Look Less is more—use sheer products and light layers. Stick to cream and liquid textures  for a skin-like finish. Choose warm, neutral shades  that mimic your natural tones. Don’t stress about perfection—embrace the realness. The no makeup-makeup look is about letting your natural beauty take center stage. It's fresh, it’s easy, and it's perfect for everyday life—from coffee runs to Zoom meetings to casual date nights. With just a few key products and the right technique, you'll look like yourself—just a little more radiant. So go ahead, glow on.

Let’s face it—figuring out the right skincare routine can feel overwhelming. With shelves full of cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers (not to mention a thousand TikTok opinions), how do you know what actually works for you ? The truth is, good skincare isn’t about following trends—it’s about understanding your unique skin and giving it what it needs. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, breakouts, or just want that fresh, healthy glow, here’s a guide to building a routine that actually works. Step 1: Know Your Skin Type Before you buy anything, get clear on your skin type. This is the foundation for choosing the right products. Oily : Skin feels greasy or shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Prone to acne or blackheads. Dry : Skin feels tight, rough, or flaky. Can look dull or red. Combination : Oily in some areas (usually T-zone), dry in others (cheeks). Sensitive : Skin reacts easily to products or environmental factors—may sting, burn, or get red. Normal : Not too oily or dry. Relatively low-maintenance. Once you know your skin type, everything else becomes easier. Step 2: Choose the Right Face Wash Cleansing is the first (and most essential) step in any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, and buildup without stripping your skin. Here’s what to look for: Oily skin : Gel or foaming cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or charcoal. Dry skin : Cream or hydrating cleansers with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. Combination skin : Gentle foaming or balancing cleansers that clean without overdrying. Sensitive skin : Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe or chamomile. Normal skin : You have flexibility—go for a gentle cleanser that maintains balance. Pro tip: Wash your face twice daily (morning and night) and always after sweating. Step 3: Build a Simple Routine (Start Small!) You don’t need a 10-step routine to have great skin. Start with the basics and build from there: Cleanser  (face wash) – morning & night Moisturizer  – seals in hydration Sunscreen (SPF 30+)  – every single morning, even on cloudy days Optional add-ons (once your skin is used to the basics): Exfoliator  – 1–2x a week to remove dead skin cells Serum  – targeted treatments for acne, dark spots, or hydration Toner  – balances skin, especially helpful for oily or acne-prone types Step 4: Patch Test Everything Before slathering a new product all over your face, test it on a small area (like your jawline) for a couple days. If there’s no irritation, you’re good to go. Step 5: Be Patient and Consistent Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. Give products time to work—usually 4 to 6 weeks—to see real results. Avoid switching products constantly, which can confuse and irritate your skin. Bonus Tips Drink water and get enough sleep —it matters more than you think. Wash your pillowcase weekly —it collects oil and bacteria. Don't pick at breakouts —it causes more harm than good. Bottom Line The perfect skincare routine isn’t about having the most products—it’s about having the right  ones for your  skin. Start simple, stay consistent, and adjust as you learn what works best for you. And remember: your skin is unique. What works for someone else might not work for you—and that’s totally okay. Your glow-up? It’s personal. And it starts with a little care, consistency, and self-love.