SKIN!

Is it any wonder with so many potions, creams, cleansers and powders that people get confused as to what to use on their skin, or what products to use since there appears to be something for just about every issue with the skin. There is something for everything, and they do, supposably, everything, but make you a cock-a-tail! Over the years being in the field of visual display, fashion, and visual styling, I have had connections with many different cosmetic company reps, that would give me full on swag bags filled with full size potions. One of the perks being in a high-end department store environment...I hadn't bought skincare or fragrance in years!!! Over the years I have used it all....and trying to find your right regime is like trying to test drive your sexuality when coming of age and what lane you will drive in!

I finally found my routine about 10 years ago. And I now opt for more natural products. As our Sixpence did on his blog, which showcased his skin care system, he also commented it's should also be about me time. I have me time in many ways during the week, but my one big treat is to each season get a "tune up" at a spa for a full day of me time. It usually consists of an hour and half massage, facial, body wrap, mani and pedi. Nothing like it.

I have really scaled back my routine daily with products I use. It used to be insane, but like I said about ten years ago I found my routine and stuck to it. And it must be working because our dear Duchess Deedles swears, I have a portrait in the attic that gets older, and Cali Boi and Anne Marie thought I was in my late 30's.  Daily upon getting up, it's brush the teeth, then off to the shower, where I use a bath gel and one of two facial cleansers. After the shower, I moisturize my entire body...yes, everything, with Michel's Tea Leaves and Ginger with Vitamin E. Once a week I also use Burt's Bee's Milk and Honey hand and foot cream. Works wonders and my feet look great if I say so myself. But daily....

Left to right...Native- Sea Salt and Ceder body cleanser. OMG!!! Smells wonderful! The facial cleanser... I have two I like, and rotate between the two every other day. Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser or Burt's Bees Refreshing Foaming Cucumber Cleanser. After the shower, I use Humphrey's Witch Hazel with Rose Water. I have sworn by witch hazel for years. Then it's onto my moisturizer and an eye cream, and swear by Chanel Hydra Cream, with ultra hydrating moisture. Been using both now for almost 13 years and it may be the secret. Then I finish off with Chanel Matte Tinted Pressed Powder to take the shine off and add a touch of sun kissed look. That's it daily. Twice a week, maybe three times in the summer, I use at night before bed, a face mask also from Chanel, to get the sweat and grime of the day off and it really deeps cleans and leaves the skin so smooth. And when the mood strikes, there also may be a eyelash curler and eye wings done, if I'm stepping out at night!  Now when doing drag, that was a whole other story and routine. Noxzema is a queen's best friend and perfect on a sunburn. I will say a drag queen better have a good skincare routine, because the layers of make-up, adhesives and glues take a huge toll on the skin, especially applying it over and over day in and day out for shows. I have known many queens that look downright stunning henny in drag, but out of drag have faces like a mud fence.I always invested in my drag persona as much as my male self.

But my routine works for me and leaves me actually relaxed with the scents of the products...and so far, has thrown people off my real age. So, I will keep using it unless Lisle Von Rhuman offer up the "secret potion! 

Just because I'm getting older doesn't mean the showcase can't shine.