Did you know that your style could actually communicate a lot about your perception of your skin and beauty? Okay, hear me out on this one...I can't be the only one who looks at my closet, filled with clothes and shoes, and still thinks, 'I have nothing to wear!' Have you ever wondered why that is? Well, if you ask stylist Jessica Papineau, that's because you've invested your time and energy into the wrong things. I see this exact scenario play out with skin care every day!

Instead of building a wardrobe that works for you starting with basics and functional pieces, we instead buy impulsively and without thinking how it will work in our closet. And did you know that studies show the thrill of buying that new item, that dopamine surge, well, it's quite short-lived before we lose interest and move on to the next buy.

I recently had a conversation with stylist Jessica Papineau, who shared that many women struggle to prioritize themselves when it comes to investing time and money in quality clothing. As women and mothers, we often focus on everyone else and put ourselves last. Does this sound familiar? Additionally, some of us may feel ashamed of our bodies as they mature or if we've gained a few pounds. Instead of embracing and dressing our current bodies, we often keep telling ourselves we'll lose the weight, but that doesn't always happen.

I see so many similarities here with how women feel about their skin and appearance. We either impulsively buy the bright, shiny object being marketed to us from the 20-year-old supermodel or influencer, even if it's totally not right for our skin type or skin needs. We have a bathroom full of products and yet feel like nothing is working. And when we look in the mirror, we are disappointed in the reflection staring back at us, left wondering where our youth and vitality went! Can you relate? I know I can.

I love how Jessica works with her clients, first and foremost, helping them discover their lifestyle and personal style. She does this before even discussing clothing or going through their closet. Then, she takes a deep dive into all their pieces and helps them curate a wardrobe that works for their needs.

Out go the jeans that are two sizes too small, no longer occupying physical or mental space! She prioritizes clients' basic needs by focusing on foundational pieces. Once these essentials are sorted, she guides them in adding extras and unique pieces based on their style and preferences. The outcome? A wardrobe that reflects their personal style and complements their body. To top it off, she provides photos for easy reference whenever needed!

I LOVE this approach and definitely plan on reaching out to Jessica to check out my closet!  But her approach works well for skin care, too. Think of me and THE SKIN REAL as your personal dermatology 'stylist!' Starting with the basics is key for most people:

Basics:

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Sunscreen: SPF 30+ broad spectrum
3. Moisturizer

Once you have these, you can add extras based on your skin's needs (like acne, rosacea, eczema, etc.) and your skincare style! Do you enjoy trying new products and a detailed routine? Or do you prefer a simple approach, or maybe something in between?

Skin care extras can include:

1. Vitamin C serum in the morning
2. Vitamin A cream in the evening
3. Peptide cream for around the eyes and neck
4. In-office procedures tailored to your skin needs

Here's a thought: why not approach our medicine cabinet and closet similarly? Discard worn-out, old, expired, and out-of-style items. Focus on establishing the essentials before anything else. Once you have the essentials in place, feel free to experiment and add extras to suit your taste and needs! 

Remember that you truly deserve fantastic skin AND impeccable style! As we navigate the twists and turns of life, whether it's aging or changes in our body, we can still be the best version of ourselves. And great skin and great style can be an outward reflection of our inner confidence and goddess!

Tune into this week’s podcast episode where Jessica and I discuss why feeling insecure about your skin and clothes can affect how you see yourself, and why your style should match your personal brand. Jessica shares her top 3 tips for feeling confident in your body and skin, so don't miss it!

Find Jessica Papineau here:

https://www.instagram.com/thejessicapapineau/

https://www.facebook.com/customizedstylingbyjessica 

A new podcast episode drops every Monday!

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