With the skincare market set to hit over $180 billion in 2024, it is safe to say we will never run out of new face masks to try.
Since I am on the road a lot more these days and refuse to pay airlines baggage fees (just call me the carry-on queen), I was skipping my weekly face mask skincare ritual each Sunday. Packing my giant tub of Aztec Clay and bottle of apple cider vinegar in my carry-on was not an option — and the prospect of the vinegar possibly exploding in my bag if I checked one wasn't ideal.
Not having a clay mask on-hand was causing my skin to freak out and I started getting hormonal pimples again. Now, that I think about it, the change in water from city to city, the recycled airplane air, and my lack of sleep were probably contributing to my blemishes too — which is why it's essential to be diligent with maintaining your routine when traveling.
So, over the holidays, I bought a new mask by one of my favorite skin care brands Philosophy since they were having a sale. Thank you, Cyber Monday. I always look at reviews on the brand's website and across the internet at Sephora, Ulta, and Makeup Alley before purchasing anything new.
The Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask jumped out at me because of its rave reviews and because it was an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner. Not to mention it comes in a tube that is just under 3 oz, making it mess-free and perfect for trips that I am only packing a carry-on (which is 95% of the time).
When it arrived, I give it a shot on my Sunday self-care day after washing and toning my skin. One pro-tip an esthetician shared with me was to never leave a clay mask on until it's completely dry — it strips skin of moisture, which is counterproductive if you're looking to have balanced skin. I left it on for 10 minutes and went to remove it with warm water when I realized the mask doubled as an exfoliant too. Buh-bye whiteheads.
Writer Bianca Lambert wearing her new favorite cult favorite, the Purity Made Pore Extractor Clay Mask
After taking it off, my skin wasn't tight like it can be when I use other masks, and two annoying little whiteheads around my nose were less visible. The instructions say you can use this mask a couple of times a week, but since I have relatively sensitive skin, I'll keep my use to a one-week maximum.
Since adding the mask to my routine, the whiteheads I get around my nose and temples are gone, and when they do show up, they go away in a couple of days. My Aztec clay mask will always be in my beauty regime, but it's nice to know I have an option that is travel-friendly and will keep my skin in great shape while I'm on the road.
Do you have any skincare faves you gravitate towards when you travel? Share them with us below!
Featured image by Getty Images.
RELATED
Â
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LISTÂ HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images
