Beauty

Amanda Barrera's

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LOCAL RESTAURATEUR’S BEAUTY TIPS FOR A NEW YEAR FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES, PRIORITIZING YOURSELF, MAINTAINING BALANCE AND ACHIEVING CONFIDENCE

BY: AMANDA BARRERA PHOTO BY: SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY

Anew year brings opportunities for new beginnings. A time to start working out and eating better, a chance to start that skin care regimen and an opportunity to reevaluate and prioritize yourself. I turned 30 last month — and while I know that makes me relatively young, growing another year older has given me perspective and confidence, and allowed me to become more comfortable in my own skin.

There are a few rules I live by to help keep me feeling beautiful and confident. The first is to always wash your makeup off at night. Even after a long night out with your significant other or friends, it's important to remove your makeup. I recommend double cleansing if you're in full glam — first cleansing the skin with an oil, then washing your face with a normal cleanser. Figure out what your skin type is and use products that cater to it.

My next rule of thumb is to get regular facials, or do your own at home. Starting a skin care regimen can be overwhelming but having someone point you in the right direction is a game changer. There are so many knowledgeable aestheticians in the Coastal Bend that can help you reach your skin goals. Thank you, Evette (who lives in Florida now), and thank you, April at South Texas Dermatology.

Making sunscreen a permanent part of your morning routine is crucial. It is truly a must; not only can it prevent skin cancer, it will keep you looking youthful. Most days I don't wear makeup, but I always wear sunscreen. I use a tinted sunscreen that essentially doubles as my foundation.

My last tried-and-true rule is to eat well and move your body. Regular exercise is therapeutic. Whether it's yoga, Orangetheory, lifting weights or just going for a walk on the sea wall, the boost of endorphins from my workout instantly lifts me up. At the end of the day, it's all about balance and moderation. Eat what makes you happy, but hold yourself accountable — and remember that this new year brings new opportunities.

Barrera shares her favorite cleansing oil, serums and moisturizers on Pg. 36.

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PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil

Available at June’s Day Spa This product is my first step when I double cleanse. It breaks apart my makeup very well, and I love the dispenser.

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

Available at Target This is my favorite hyaluronic acid. I apply this right after washing my face while my skin is still damp.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

Available at South Texas Dermatology I can go on and on … this serum is a holy grail. After about two months of regular use, I started receiving so many compliments on my skin. It is an investment, though. I held off on purchasing for so long, but the results speak for themselves. I use this Vitamin C serum in my daytime routine.

Elta MD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer

Available at South Texas Dermatology My skin tends to be on the oily side, so I need a very lightweight moisturizer. This one is actually meant for post-skin care procedures such as light therapy, but it's become my everyday moisturizer as it's not too heavy. I use this for both my daytime and nighttime routine.

Zo Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque

Available at Halcyon Med Spa Growing up, I struggled with acne, and today I still have the occasional breakout. This mask doubles as a spot treatment, and when used as a mask, the sulfur in it helps extract any additional oil sitting in or clogging my pores. I love how clean my skin feels after using this mask.

Skin Ceuticals Gentle Cream Cleanser

Available at South Texas Dermatology I love the citrusy smell of this cleanser. It makes me feel like I'm in a spa and because it's gentle, it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.

Skinbetter Science Sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Compact

Available at South Texas Dermatology This compact doubles as sunscreen and makeup, and I absolutely love it. It's easy to reapply throughout the day and matches your skin tone as you apply it.

Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen

Available at Coastal Closet This is another great sunscreen. It truly is mattifying and minimizes the appearance of my pores.