The world of social media may have defined “beauty” as mere surface imagery or sensory visualization. While it’s true that it’s in the eye of the beholder. however, real beauty starts from within. When you have attractive qualities on the inside, they automatically exude on the outside. Beauty cannot be put in a box but rather what each individual needs and wants it to be in any season of their lives.
For Ayesha Pough, beauty became her passion as a little girl growing up in the south. Her mother went to the hair salon every two weeks and brought her girls along. Ayesha loved seeing the transformations and how every woman would look in the mirror and seemed to have an instant boost of confidence. It inspired her to want to empower women confidence in that way as well. Sunday morning service sometimes would like a fashion show, seeing all of the beautiful women wearing their makeup, hair styles, and big hats!
“I make women first understand that beauty is an enhancement and not a replacement for who they really are on the inside. The key is being comfortable with YOU. For me, it’s about transforming lives.”
According to Ayesha, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hype of social media. She says, social media can dictate what we should look like and feel like. Her take is to know who you are and what you like. If that means wearing a little mascara, smudge of gloss and that makes you look beautiful, then go for it! You can opt to rock a full face, lashes, and lipstick. Bottom line, there is no right or wrong way to be beautiful. You define it and you own it.
Ayesha shares seven (7) smart beauty tips for using a natural skin care regimen.
1. Assess your skin and know your skin type (normal, dry, oily, sensitive)
2. Cleanse your face daily using a cleanser that is suitable for your specific skin type:
· Normal: use a foam cleanser
· Dry: use a nonalcoholic, hydrating cleanser
· Oily: consider gel cleansers as a recommendation
· Sensitive: use a mild cleanser with no perfumes or dyes
3. Moisturize daily with a moisturizer suitable for your specific skin type and make sure to use sunscreen as well:
· Normal: moisturize with a light textured lotion,
· Dry: moisturize with a cream and add a serum to help penetrate the skin,
· Oily: use oil free moisturizers that still hydrate,
· Sensitive: use perfume and alcohol-free moisturizers
4. Exfoliate the skin at least 2 times a week. If you are dry or sensitive, always be careful to avoid anything too abrasive
5. Use a toner, especially for oily skin as it helps take away excess oil.
6. Eat healthy foods to get Vitamins A, B, C, D, & E as they are all essential for the skin
7. Drink plenty of water to keep the skin supple and hydrated.
Ayesha Pough, Cosmetologist and Makeup Artist