Kelley Cortese’s

go-to BEAUTY ROUTINE

Ithink most people will agree that beauty is much more than what we see on the outside. Most women were told by their mothers that beauty comes from the inside — I was one of those women. My mother’s goal was to raise a strong, confident woman. She believed that the way you dress, the way you handle tough situations, the way you carry yourself and the attitude you possess were much more important than physical beauty. I believe that if you give your children confidence, you have done your job as a parent.

I just turned 60, and I think I have learned a lot of self-care tricks that have boosted my confidence in life. Implementing a good exercise routine (I highly recommend Bayside Pilates), consuming an antioxidant-rich diet to feel my best and applying good moisturizer and SPF to protect my skin are a few of those tricks. Sure, some “bad” habits tend to stick around (like my love for Diet Coke and cookies and my disdain for water); however, the key is everything in moderation, right?

I’ve noticed how much social media places physical beauty on a pedestal — so much so that it has become quite toxic, with many of the images being doctored, resulting in filtered images that in most cases barely resemble the person represented. Don’t get me wrong, I hit the “auto” on every product image I post on Shop L&RK’s Instagram page; however, I am not blurring wrinkles and adding filters. I want to put my truest self out there. With confidence, I think a person can do or be anything, and that is beautiful.

7002 S. Staples St. Suite 107

Corpus Christi, TX 78413 361-452-2637

Hydro Glow Facial at 361 Beauty Med Spa

Available at 361 Beauty

I have been getting HydroFacials for years to improve my skin, and the one at 361 Beauty is the best around. Its Hydro Glow Facial not only exfoliates your skin, but saturates it with antioxidants and peptides to give your skin a beautiful glow.

La Mer Crème de la Mer

Available at Dillard’s

I am a die-hard believer in this moisturizer. It was actually developed by a rocket scientist for burns. The product produces amazing results including a brighter complexion and an even, plumped skin tone. I’ve tried other creams here and there, but I’ve been coming back to this product for 30 years. It is also great for sunburns.

GOOPGLOW Glycolic

Overnight Glow Peel

Available at goop.com

Acid

I also exfoliate my skin once a week with these exfoliating pads. Exfoliation makes your skin care products work better. These don’t require a rinse-off, so you can just apply before bed and go straight to sleep — and wake up with bright, gently exfoliated skin.

Supergoop Glow Screen

Available at Julian Gold

I am obsessed with this SPF 40-tinted glowy moisturizer. I use it under my makeup or when I am wearing no makeup at all. The product is not sticky, and it gives your skin a beautiful glow and sun protection at the same time.

Jillian Dempsey Hydrating Eye Mask

Available at jilliandempsey.com

This product is so great that it is often sold out online. Soaked in a milky prebiotic serum, these eye masks reinforce the skin barrier, leaving under-eye areas soothed, nourished and plump. Once you try them, you will be hooked.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench

Hyaluronic Glow Serum

Available at Sephora

This product is so good that people will ask you what you are doing to your skin. I have used the same products for years, and this is the only new product in my arsenal. It is a hydrating serum with a 75% Hyaluronic Acid Complex to help plump the skin with moisture for a dewy, youthful and healthy-looking glow.

Lash Extensions by April Q

Available at Shop L&RK and aprilq_lash_extensions

I’ve been getting lash extensions from April for years because they are well done but not overdone, have a natural look and last. I loved her extensions so much that I asked her to come to work out of our store!