Having told my own skincare story in the first post of the series, I’m now going to ask three lovely ladies to each share their own journey. Today I’m talking to New York Fashion Stylist and author, Kendall Farr. With several best selling books under her belt, the author of The Pocket Stylist and Style Evolution is at the top of her game. When we met in person during fashion week I noticed her lovely nourished skin and she was on the top of my list when I planned this series.
Angie: What is your skin type? Has it changed over the years?
Kendall: I have pink skin with freckles that’s highly, highly sensitive. I used to have a more oily skin, but now have true combination skin with an oily T-zone. Growing up, my skin was prone to rashes and break outs, and it still reacts that way. Sometimes I find myself looking for adult acne cream! But I am a master with concealer, which really helps.
How did your Mother influence your approach to skincare?
Yes, yes, yes. My Mother has great skin and influenced my skincare regime 100%. I grew up seeing her come home from work and really take the time to cleanse her skin with cold cream and a warm water washcloth. She massaged her skin and made sure that it was spotlessly clear of make-up. She told me to NEVER go to bed without removing my make-up, no matter how tired I was. This is something that I have taken to heart.
At what age did you start thinking seriously about skincare?
My highly sensitive skin makes me very diligent to learn about skincare. As a teen in the ’70s, I went to a hippy Wellness Clinic in Boston and that’s where I changed the way I thought about skin. There I learned that essential oils are precisely what an oily skin needs to calm it down. It sounds counter intuitive to put oil on top of oil, but it fights the bacteria and clears redness. I looked like an oil slick, but essential oils really worked to clear up my break outs.
Are facials part of your skincare regimen?
I’m not big on them, but do find them relaxing.
What is your current skincare routine?
I use both low and high-end beauty products. I cleanse twice a day, but don’t use toner. After cleansing, I moisturize and finish off with essential oils. My nighttime moisturizers are stronger than my daytime moisturizers. I also wear sunscreen both in my moisturizer and tinted moisturizer.
How has your skincare routine changed over the years?
I now use an electrical skin cleansing brush with a gentle cleanser daily. I highly recommend this cleansing system. Wow! It really makes your skin look and feel clean. It’s *amazing*. I also stay hydrated on the inside with water and iced green tea. I drink as much as 10 cups of green tea a day. Yeah, there has to be a restroom close by wherever I go.
Were there any big sudden changes in your approach to skincare?
At age 45 my skin turned truly combination and I started cleansing and moisturizing in different ways to accommodate the change.
What are the most important things that you have learned about skincare?
One, never let the surface of your skin dry out. Two, wear sunscreen. Three, adjust your skincare routine with the changing seasons, thereby adding more moisture in the Winter months.
Where do you purchase your skincare products?
Sometimes I splurge on pricey essential oils, but for the most part I’m a drugstore and health food store girl. I’m also a product junkie, always looking out for the next best thing for my skin.
If time and money were no object, how would you improve your skincare routine?
Ooooh. I’d routinely zap myself with electrical currents to improve the texture of my skin. I have a friend who regularly does this type of treatment and she has the best skin. Hmmm. I think that’s what I am going to give myself for Christmas.
What’s your number one skincare tip?
Being savvy about the sun! Wear sunscreen every day.
Kendall and I also spoke about how we prefer the look of a shiny face, as opposed to one that is made to look more matte with powder. There is no right or wrong here because it’s a completely subjective stylistic preference. Kendall uses a very light brush of powder on her skin once a day to combat excessive shine. Kendall also says that using too much powder on her freckled skin makes her complexion look grey and unhealthy.
Your wisdom is much appreciated, Kendall. You are charming and eloquent, and I adore your wicked sense of humour. I’m not very good at drinking water, but love hot green tea and will enjoy drinking more of it. You’ve also sold me on the electrical skin cleansing brush. I’ve just ordered one and hope to find it on my doorstep very soon.
Ladies with combination and oily skin types, do you have further skincare tips to share? Did you know that essential oils can work for an acne prone skin?
