Five Beauty Tricks I Learned Growing Up Latina
Image Courtesy: Popsugar
Despite the overwhelming myriad of Youtube make-up tutorials and listicle product reviews, some of the most reliable beauty advice I’ve taken came directly from my own home. Being raised in Peru, I was surrounded by wonderful, formidable women, none of who held back on imparting their wisdom- whether I wanted it or not. One of my mother's most impactful sayings roughly translates to “always look presentable no matter where you’re going- you never know who you'll run into.” Whenever I consider leaving the house with unruly hair or wearing pajama bottoms, I think of her and immediately go change.
1. Trade in the eyelash curler for a spoon
Some girls embrace becoming a woman with parties or high heels; for me, it was mascara. Thick, dark lashes have been the signature look for the women in my family for as long as any of us can remember, and they are rarely seen without it. But long before this milestone, I was curling my lashes with a spoon using my grandmother and aunt's technique.
I’ve always preferred this method to eyelash curlers as there is no chance a spoon will clamp my lids shut. Here’s how you do it: You line up the edge of the spoon with your lash line, then gently pull up your lashes against the curve of the utensil using your finger. Voila! Perfectly curled lashes. This method is inexpensive and straightforward and works wonders for emergency touch-ups.
“Un poquito de Rimmel y ya, lista para la fiesta” (A little bit of mascara and that’s all, you’re ready for the party).
Image Courtesy: Huffpost
2. Ditch the razor, get a bleach kit
I’ll say it first: body hair is natural, and no one should feel forced to alter their bodies because of societal pressure. We must acknowledge that the desire to remove body hair is motivated by patriarchal, Eurocentric beauty standards.
Nonetheless, some women still choose to shave for a variety of reasons, and that’s okay! What is not okay are the painful side effects of shaving, such as skin irritation and accidental cuts, not to mention the unfortunate tendency for hair to grow back darker and prickly.
Body hair bleach kits may help you avoid these problems. Not only are they are easy to use and completely painless, but they will also leave you shimmering golden under the sun!
3. Skincare is a must!
Skincare has been all the rage in the beauty community for the past several years, and with good reason. As trends drift away from thick concealer and heavy eyeshadows, we have grown to appreciate the cleanness of natural, dewy looks, complete with smooth skin. Latinas, however, have long since recognized the importance of healthy, youthful skin for that timeless beauty look.
At 65, my Grandma has gorgeous, glowing skin that rivals women half her age. Most Hispanic women have a particular skincare routine they live by, whether it be a particular brand of face cream or a specific recipe for face masks— but the products themselves are not essential. Whether it's moisturizers, serums, or eye treatments, what matters is that you find one that works for you and stay consistent with it. Also, remember to wear sunscreen!
Image Courtesy: Lifestyle
4. Search your pantry for natural products
With that said, the best beauty products are often found right at home. Household staples will sometimes work just as well as cosmetics, if not better, and usually for much cheaper. Apple cider vinegar, for example, can help remedy certain skin conditions that cause redness and irritation and serve to tighten skin for aging support. Similarly, coconut oil can be used as an eye/face cream to moisturize the skin and provide relief. It also serves as the base for homemade, aluminum-free deodorant when mixed with baking powder. Finally, aloe vera is a popular ingredient for invigorating hair treatments, particularly by combining some gel with a regular-use conditioner for extra hydration. This medicinal plant can also help with dry and sunburn skin.
Image Courtesy: IndieWire
5. Go for a bold lip
Dark, bold, red lipsticks are a staple in Hispanic beauty. Selena, Frida Kahlo, Sofia Vergara, Maria Montez, and even Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) are among the Hispanic figures that made iconic looks using bright red lip colors. It is a statement of passion and confidence and will complete any look with a badass touch.
Happy Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month!
Strike Out,
Writer: Alexa Martinez-Loza
Editors: Karina McCarthy & Lexi Fernandez
Tallahassee