DIY Self-Care Products

By: Izzy Magee

During quarantine, I experimented with different haircuts, colored hair, and different make-up styles. The cost of testing out new looks on yourself is having dead/damaged hair, a choppy haircut, or acne ridden skin from cheap foundations and powders. During that time, I also didn’t have much money to buy good skin care or hair masks to help myself out, so I started to become more creative with organic products that I already had laying around the house, and that are guaranteed to not have any sulfates, parabens, and other harsh ingredients.

One major thing I struggled with was dry, damaged, weak hair from constantly using box-bleach-dye from my local Walgreens. An ingredient by itself that gave my hair a complete 180 is coconut oil! Besides hair care, coconut oil is a great make-up remover that doesn’t strip your skin from its natural oils, and a body moisturizer. As seen in later recipes, coconut oil is a mutual ingredient used widely while combined with more products.

As of facial products, face masks are a nice and easy way to wind down after a long day. Personally, my skin is a combination of dry and oily, sensitive, and uneven, so one at-home face mask that worked wonders for me is a “matcha-mask”. The only ingredients used is matcha powder and hot water. Matcha powder could be found at any local super-market or store.

To a small bowl, I add two tsp of matcha powder and two tsp of hot water, (a 1:1 ratio). After adding the ingredients to the bowl, whisk for about five minutes, until it gets to a pasty consistency. Then apply evenly on clean, freshly washed skin, and, preferably, leave the mask on for 10 minutes. When the 10 minutes are up, wash the mask off with warm water. I, personally, like to go over my skin with micellar water or toner afterwards, to pick up any matcha residue.

Another one of my favorites that made my skin glow is a turmeric face mask! This mask can also be used anywhere else besides the face- to help with other areas struggling with acne. While making the mask, there were a few trial and errors, but after a few uses, I already started seeing results of more glow-ier and clearer skin.

This recipe varies in measurements and ratios of turmeric powder depending on different skin shades. For example, my sin is very, very pale and has pink undertones, so I use 1/3 teaspoon of turmeric- or else I’ll turn into an orange. On the other hand, if your skin is more yellow-toned or a darker complexion, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder would work perfectly. Next, I use ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of raw honey (I personally love to use locally made organic raw honey), and ½ teaspoon of yogurt. Lastly, mix all ingredients in a small bowl, then apply evenly on the skin and wait for 10-15 minutes to wash the product off. After doing this mask, I also like to use micellar cleansing water or a face toner to take off any access product.

Usually I love to use just coconut oil for a pre-shampoo hair mask, but when I have the time and energy, I like to spice it up a little. After using this mask, my hair appears more alive, shinier- very noticeable improvement all around. This treatment works on all hair types (type 1 hair- type 4c hair). I compare it to a keratin treatment, which varies to $80-$150 at hair salons.

To a bowl, I usually add ½ cup of coconut oil, microwave or heat it up until its at a liquid consistency. To the same bowl, add ½ tablespoon of organic raw honey, 1 egg white, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Mix it all together then brush and section your hair to apply it evenly. This step is optional, but I usually wrap my hair in a plastic bag, then I let the mas sit for 15- 20 minutes. After the timer is up, rinse your hair, then go on with shampoo and conditioner (and any other hair products you use daily after that).

Sustainable Clothing Brands

By: Izzy Magee

Identification through fashion is a big contributor to what makes our society unique- no matter if you choose to dress ‘basic,’ alternative, etc., but throughout many trends going in and out of style, the world of fast fashion is plaguing brands and our ecosystem. The more people buy from fast fashion brands, the more over produced they are becoming and it’s a major contributor to ocean pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, labor in sweatshops, and so much more. So, supporting small clothing brands is the safer option for both the seller and our environment!

To start off, Mirror Palais is a brand that consists of beautiful and sustainable clothing located in New York City. The brand was founded by the designer, Marcelo Gaia in 2019. Gaia created Mirror Palais to “celebrate the confident women who inspire him.” Gaia has an eye for basic- yet timeless clothing, especially in his original dress designs. Some of his most popular dresses are the “Fairy Dress” and the “Low Cowl Dress.” My personal favorites are the “Morticia Dress,” which reminds me of Audrey Hepburn’s infamous dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and the “Maria in Leite” dress.

Other than dresses, Gaia also designs tops, bottoms, coats and blazers, swim wear, and even bridal dresses! On the official website, it states that when you shop at Mirror Palais “you’re supporting a modicum of the garment district ecosystem.” Every piece is measured as “true to size” too- which is a very important aspect to look for in certain brands!

Mirror Palais website: https://www.mirrorpalais.com

Tunnel Vision is a small business created by Madeline Pendleton and is run out of Los Angeles. Tunnel Vision is a brand that bases its style around 90’s grunge/alternative. Their clothes are either vintage or their own original designs. Their clothes are made in SGS, WRAP, and SEDEX approved sweatshop free environments. When you shop with Tunnel Vision, you’re supporting sweatshop- free manufacturing and funding monthly donations to Equality California and Black Lives Matter Los Angeles.

Unlike Mirror Palais, Tunnel Vision’s highest price point is $65, so the clothes are more affordable and accessible to people. Sizing runs through XXS-XXXXXL and is all measured true to size.

Tunnel Vision website: https://shoptunnelvision.com

Next is a small shop on Depop named “Gigi”. This shop is definitely more unique than the others and has more of a niche style- the pieces resemble more of an art piece rather than an everyday piece of clothing. The designer is based in Louisiana and the shop is flexible to international shipping. The pieces are almost dolly-like with printed ‘everyday’ images. My personal favorites are “The Josephine Gown”- which is salmon pink with crème lace details- and the store’s handprinted white mini slip skirts.

All the printed designs are 100% embedded into the fibers- so there’s no worrying about peeling nor cracking. Many of the pieces are one of a kind hand-made, so being quick to the next clothing drop for best picks is the safe option.

Gigi Depop: gigi 's Shop - Depop

Thrifting clothes is a wonderful way to improve our environment, and a fun way to find cute and unique pieces that can be one of a kind. One small business on Depop under the name of “Sofia and Found” sells thrifted- second hand pieces. These gems are very stylish and can be a cute addition to your closet. Not only is the clothing itself bettering our environment, but the packaging is also reusable and eco-friendly. The shop is based in London but is flexible with international shipping so everyone can enjoy the amazing clothes around the world!

Sofia & Found Depop: Sofia & Found's Shop - Depop