Take me back to the days when our mothers would slather us with a palm full of Vaseline right before we headed to the bus stop for school. While the extra protection from the frigid weather would leave us glistening and primed for “greasy” jokes, you have to appreciate the innovation and foresight of the Black women in our lives that ensure the moisture of our skin, well before there was even a name for it.
TikTok is the latest space to discover the benefits of this technique, causing its sudden resurgence. Only now, it comes with a name that’s just as intriguing as the method.
What Is Slugging?
“Slugging” is the moisturizing technique of applying an occlusive product (like Vaseline) to your face as the final step in your nightly skincare routine. This technique is named after the shiny, slug-like appearance it gives to the skin once the product is applied, which promotes a dewy, plump, and hydrated glow.
While the term “slugging” first originated in a Reddit post in 2014 and has been associated with K-beauty trends, slugging has long been used for decades and has deep ties to the Black community. Before it was a viral trend, it was an everyday norm to be smothered and covered in Vaseline to prevent the possibility of dry skin. What resulted was gleaming, polished skin that you could admire from miles away.
Things To Consider Before Trying the Slugging Trend
When it comes to incorporating slugging into your skincare routine, it’s important to listen to your unique skin needs. Depending on your skin type — oily, dry, or combination, your skin will tell you when it’s time to slather up. However, it’s important to note that slugging isn’t suited for acne or blemish-prone skin, as it could trigger unwanted breakouts.
Thankfully, because petroleum jelly is a non-comedogenicskin protectant primarily used for slugging, it won’t clog your pores, but it will soothe your dry skin and prevent cracking and chafing across your body when you reach for it.
How To Slug Your Skin in 5 Easy Steps
- Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
- Apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer as you normally would.
- Allow your skincare products to fully absorb into your skin. Wait for 5-10 minutes before applying your choice of occlusive moisturizer.
- Apply a thin, even layer of your desired occlusive moisturizer all over your face. Make sure to focus on the areas that tend to dry out quickly, such as your cheeks, forehead, and chin, and massage into your skin.
- Leave it on overnight and wake up to your new glow.
Best Products for Slugging
So, are you ready to try or rediscover slugging for yourself? If so, here are 5 products to add to your cart:
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From quiet luxury to neon monochromatic and everything in between, it can be difficult to nail down the ultimate resort wear style. So many trends, so little time.
With the ushering in of warmer weather comes a similar sentiment of light layers and colorful palettes. To help inspire your forthcoming vacay looks, we tracked down our favorite traveling ladies and dove into all things resort wear for 2023.
Achieng
@noordinarynoire
Courtesy of Achieng @noordinarynoire
Credit: Jon Navas @itsjdn
Q: How would you describe your vacation style?
A: My vacation style is clothing that feels like a second skin, clothing that is airy and light and just falls so effortlessly on the body. Satin slips, silk two-piece sets, crochet and mesh pieces, kaftans, and headwraps [are] where it is at! I also lean mostly towards bright jewel tones because how are you going to really live your best vacation life in a world that is not vibrant?
Q: What three items are you adding to your resort wardrobe this year?
A: 1.) 100000% a statement bag! Really loving the versatility of colorful straw totes or statement bags from Cult Gaia! 2.) A cute gold hoop that can take a simple outfit from 0 to 100! And finally, 3.) a little black dress that I can dress up or down on any vacation I go to!
Q: What's the biggest resort wear trend you're looking forward to in 2023?
A: One trend that I expect to be popular in 2023 resort wear is definitely vibrant and bold airy knits and crochet pieces. We have seen brands such as Cult Gaia, Simon Miller, and Hanifa really kill it on that end. Another trend that is expected to be big in 2023 is the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in resort wear. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious [of] the impact of fashion on the environment, and many designers are responding by creating resort wear collections that are made from recycled materials or materials that have a lower environmental impact.
Q: Favorite resort wear brand or place to shop?
A: Fe Noel and Cult Gaia and Shopbop for all the fabulous accessories!
Q: If you can only pack one item on vacation, what is it?
A: Sunscreen, 'cause honeyyyyyy this skin has to be protected!
Ebony
@fashioncrave
Courtesy of Ebony @fashioncrave
Credit: Luna @womaninmotion
Q: How would you describe your vacation style?
A: My vacation style is a mixture of pops of vibrant colors, flowy, lightweight fabrics like linen, silk, chiffon, wide-leg pants, exaggerated sleeves, maxi dresses, and detailed accessories.
Q: What are three items you're adding to your resort wardrobe this year?
A: I am most definitely adding corsets/bustiers, exotic floral prints, and [I] can’t forget the sheer flirty silhouettes.
Q: What's the biggest resort wear trend you're looking forward to in 2023?
A: I am a colorful, print-obsessed girlie as soon as I am in warmer weather! So I am, of course, super excited for all the vibrant printed pieces that will be on trend for this year’s resort wear collections.
Q: If you can only pack one item on vacation, what is it?
A: A linen oversized button-down, it's lightweight, breathable, and the versatility with styling is endless!
Marie Zoumanigui
@petitemarienyc
Courtesy of Marie Zoumanigui
Q: How would you describe your vacation style?
A: When it comes to vacation style, I have a bit of a dilemma: how can I pack all of my favorite clothes into one tiny carry-on? But in all seriousness, I'd describe my go-to vacation style as effortless and breezy. I love slip dresses for their versatility and comfort, and I always make sure to pack a blazer or two for those unexpected chilly nights. And, of course, a great pair of denim.
Q: What are three items you're adding to your resort wardrobe this year?
A: I'll definitely be adding some peek-a-boo knits for a touch of playful sophistication, tailored suit looks for their sleek and polished vibe, and, of course, some versatile and comfortable slip dresses.
Q: What's the biggest resort wear trend you're looking forward to in 2023?
A: I've been noticing a lot of white resort wear trends popping up lately, and I must say they are definitely catching my eye. I usually tend to avoid white clothing like the plague because, well, let's just say I can be a bit of a walking disaster. But I'm feeling bold this year, and I think I'm going to take a risk and try on some of the stunning white pieces I've seen around.
Q: If you can only pack one item on vacation, what is it?
A: I'm sure you won't be surprised by my answer - a slip dress, of course! It's my go-to piece for any occasion.
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Featured image by Jon Navas @itsjdn
