Mairin Cipolla’s Morning Hair and Skin Routine… Exposed!
This is a super fun (and funny) one, you guys. Mairin is the right hand woman over at Kahina Giving Beauty, so yes, expect some Kahina listed here. But before anyone gets their panties in a pinch, Mairin has ALL kinds of recs here: from hair to makeup to DIY and some internal tricks too. Not to mention a few dirty secrets!
Name: Mairin Cipolla
Age: 24
Current Weather: Beautiful, sunny, crisp NYC morning
Hair: Long, wavy, dense, thick
Skin: Been a roller coaster ever since moving to New York two years ago. Things are finally balanced now, which I credit mostly to fish oil/omega supplements, multivitamins, probiotics, and being happier. Taking good care of skin is essential (no sleeping in makeup, please!) but topicals can take you only so far, depending on the (many!) causes of your breakouts.
Before the shower…
My mornings are rushed- I like sleeping way too much, especially in the winter. Coffee (espresso, French press, whatever) is a must; I’ll take it black and I’ll take it immediately. I’m so bad about that “drink one glass of water immediately upon waking” thing. New Year’s resolution, perhaps?
In the shower…
If I have time to shower (usually I shower at night because my hair takes forever to dry), I use bar soap for body washing. I came across these two small brands at Brooklyn’s Renegade Craft Fair & love them: Possum Hollow Farm Soap and Volta Organics. I also really like The Beer Soap Co. That soap lasts forever.
Face wash alternates between Kahina Giving Beauty Cleanser or Simply Divine Botanicals You Can’t Zit Here. The Simply Divine smells, uh, different, and it’s this muddy black/brown liquid that semi-stains your sink, but I am convinced it really helps to keep breakouts at bay.
I use coconut oil to shave my legs—it’s the best, and so inexpensive. In a pinch, jojoba or olive oil work too. When I use a body scrub, I make my own out of coffee grounds, olive oil, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Sometimes I’ll add sugar. It smells sort of amazing; you should try it.
Just recently I’ve been introduced to Essence of Vali aromatherapy—thanks NMDL!—and I use their Relief massage oil on the back of my neck and massage it in during my shower. It helps to relieve tension and muscle tightness.
Outside the shower…
I really dislike applying body lotion or anything after a shower. There’s no time! There’s never any time! If I’ve shaved, then the coconut oil stays on my legs and voila. I will however apply a spritz of Essence of Vali, depending on how I’m feeling that day. Calm smells amazing. I also like Uplift.
Perfume, like coffee, is a must; I have some “clean” (EOV by Essence of Vali—I know, I went a little nuts on that Friday deal), some less clean… like D.S. & Durga in Coriander. Deodorant is either Tom’s of Maine (unscented, though I hear Lemongrass is great) or Soapwalla. Soapwalla, please make a stick so I don’t have to get my fingers dirty. Please! Pretty please!
Finishing Touches…
Next up is makeup and skincare. I use a mist every single morning. It’s non-negotiable. I switch it up between Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist and Evan Healy mists (Immortelle and Rose Geranium). I dab on eye treatment of choice—either Kahina Eye Serum or Kahina Eye Cream—Eye Cream if I’m dry, Eye Serum if I have serious dark circles or bags. I never use eye products from another brand: Kahina’s are perfection.
After that I blend liquid foundation (mine’s not clean: Lancome Teint Idole) with a facial oil or moisturizer. I use anything from aloe vera gel (cheapcheapcheap!) to Evan Healy pomegranate or rose hip to Kahina Argan Oil or Lotion… sort of depends on how I feel and what the weather is like. I swipe RMS unCoverup (either 11 or 22) on any blemishes or scars and set with Alima Pure powder if I need extra coverage.
My makeup routine is mostly clean. I’ve yet to try or buy a clean mascara. I use Julie Hewett liner in Smudge. I put different things on my lids: RMS Living Luminizer, RMS Cream Eye Shadow in Magnetic, Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer in Stone (smokey eye!) or even W3LL People mineral shadow in this light gold tone. If I’m super lazy (often), I’ll just use my blush as eye shadow, or go without.
Blush or bronzer is another must for definition and some color. I have Vapour in Spicy or Torch, Alima Pure in Lotus (sheer, lovely pink!), a pink W3LL People stick, or, most often, Nvey Eco powder compact in Natural. (Is this discontinued? It gives flawless coverage!) My brush was given to me by my mom probably eight years ago; it’s from the Body Shop and it has held up amazingly. I also have a half moon brush from Alima Pure that I am liking.
The only thing I’ll put on my lips is moisturizer—whatever I just put on my face.
I wash my hair at night, so in the morning I just style the front layers with a flatiron and put in a little product if I feel like it. I’ll use whatever moisturizer (aloe vera gel, for instance) or Kahina Argan Oil on the tips. Two decidedly unclean yet fantastic hair products are Sachajuan Volume Powder for when I’ve gone 2 or, um, 4 days without washing my hair, and also Moroccanoil Hydratings Styling Cream to smooth frizz and define waves. I also sometimes use SkinnySkinny Hair Powder in Jasmine to refresh oily roots.
Since I complained previously about this issue … my panties are not in a wad over this b/c while she works for a company, she clearly recommends a range of products — everything just isn’t Kahina. This sounds genuine — not a rote sheet of usage instructions from a manufacturer.
And thanks for having the guts to say you don’t use clean mascara! I feel like some people think they’ll get crucified in the comments if they admit everything they use isn’t 100 percent natural. I’ve tried Physician’s Formula Organix mascara and had great results.
Yay Deanna! Glad you like this one. We did take people’s feedback to heart on that post, panty jokes aside. Good to know about Physician’s Formula — I too use dirty waterproof mascara most of the time, but we’re planning reviews of a few naturals were really into these days.
Love this one! What a great selection of products + DIY. I too love Kahina, RMS and Alima.
Mairin,
Care to share which fish oil/ omega, probiotics, and multivitamin you use?? I’m currently not on any of these products but since my diet is so horrible lately (I blame that on my hectic schdule thanks to being in grad school!) I’ve wanted to get on a daily “supplement” regimen to make sure I’m getting some good stuff in!
Also, anyone else care to share what they use in this regard??
Lastly, I’m so sorry I missed out on the last Kahina deal (I didn’t have the money at the time) but Ive been eyeing the eye cream and I think I’m going to splurge- I did want to ask if anyone knew of any sales coming up with Kahina or any special codes for use at checkout?
Thanks in advance!
Ohh nice to diversify it up and have someone who is also in their 20’s. Skin can be very different you know!? Not just age, but it’s definitely a factor. Had never thought about shaving with coconut oil. Genius. Also finally pushed me over into trying out toning mists. I’ve been debating between that and the Origins Plantidote that was recommended in the book….I guess the toners recommended above are probably less extreme for a first step?
Also, I had the best seitan for thanksgiving one year. It was way better than the turkey that was also at the table. The host sent me the recipe and I’m looking for it for your last post…
Larisa
Totally evangelized your book to my relatives in nebraska. They loved it! John Masters’ shampoo has eliminated my scalp problems and switching to clean face products (only 100% pure currently) for my face. Thank you Alexandra and Siobhan!
Wonderful! :)
I’m excited to see someone else using Evan Healy!! I purchased the tea tree face soap and the rose geranium mist after reading about the green clay mask on this site but they only have a few reviews out on the web. If anyone is interested, they sell trial sizes of their products for a reasonable price. Mine are only about half-used, and I’ve had them almost 2 months. The ingredient list looks awesome and minimal, and they smell fantastic. I don’t necessarily know if they are helping my skin–my skin certainly doesn’t look worse, but I’m going through an awkward throwback to puberty-face phase right now anyway. I will say I think my skin tone has improved since switching to clean products, especially since I started using argan oil 3 months ago.
I didn’t mind the physicians formula mascara at all–good coverage, nice and think lashes. But I have fairly oily skin and deep set practically hooded eyes and I had to wipe mascara off my eyelid practically every hour. But it looked great, and might work well for other eyes. I don’t know if they’re actually green, or just green-washed, but tarte amazonian clay mascara is awesome and works really well with my eye shape and skin type. I tried Josie Moran’s argan oil mascara too–it was nice for those days when you secretly want to wear mascara but are worried about looking like someone that cannot go a day without makeup (it gives your lashes some definition, but not enough to say wow!)
I love this! I was starting to feel really guilty about my super lazy hop through the shower then throw whatever (clean!) make-up sticks at me and get out the door in 30 minutes approach, but I now feel a little better knowing such a fabulous lady also has rushed mornings. :) I also will swipe my Alima pure blush on eyelids, it is quick and works like a charm for daytime when little make-up is needed. I usually skip mascara and instead use Jane Iredale’s lash conditioner which works fine on its own and hopefully is doing something nice for my lashes.
Also I am very curious what moisturizer Mairin uses for those days when skin is on a rollercoaster. Mine is currently going through that process with some stress/hormone-related cystic yuckiness and I haven’t found one yet that is moisturizing but not too heavy for sensitive/acne-prone skin. I also have a bit of a heavy hand with the products (goes with having a rushed routine!) so I may just be over-applying. Thanks for the great post, ladies!
Great stuff. I have been eyeing to splurge on makeup products. I have slowly turned to all natural products and now just going to try the body scrub. Thanks for the tip!
Often when reading your (wonderful!) blog i do start wondering if ‘going clean’ is a privilege to rich people. Despite some cheaper DIY options most of the recommended products are way above the budget most people can afford.
I would love some cheaper products popping up now and then- so everyone feels motivated to go clean and green.
Best wishes, Liv
Thank you sharing Mairin. It is always nice to hear from others and there is always something to learn every time.
@ Mairin, on Kahina Eye Serum: I’ve been using it and it seems that the serum (or at least some of it) “sits” on top of the skin as on the days I use some concealer(Vapour) I notice that some of the product rolls out while spreading the concealer.. Is this normal?Would you say this would happen to the eye cream as well? Tks!
@ Sarah C.: on your general inquiry about Omegas.. I’ve been taking Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Citrus Flavor.(no after taste).Switched after reading it about on an earlier post of this blog. Hope it helps!
Kahina products are awesome and I am completely unbiased, I have no affiliation with the company.
Although this one contained a lot of information, I read the whole thing, because it seemed a bit more “real” than a lot of the other morning rituals. And thanks DW for calling people on their obvious marketing. Although I understand people want to represent their companies, this does get tiresome. I love the coconut oil for shaving. I’m bad and use my shower gel, but I just might try this. I’ve also tried Physician’s Formula mascara. While it is good for around the house, it just doesn’t do for me. I find I have to use twice as much and it still doesn’t really thicken. Still, the price is great. $6.99 at Target. I agree with everyone that skin does have different needs at different ages, and then there is pregnancy and climate and diet and . . . . .
Larisa, the LA Times is featuring Seitan Wellington with a Creamy Spinach Sauce for its Happy Vegan Thanksgivng Recipe this week. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2011/11/spork-foods-vegan-thanksgiving.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimesdailydish+%28Daily+Dish+Blog%29
@Sarah, to offer some options on supplements: I use ground flax on a daily basis for omegas (plus fiber) since I’m vegan and don’t do fish oil. Love it! PB8 is a great probiotic, recommended by Christiane Northrup of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom fame. I still keep it around though I don’t need it much since I started drinking kombucha every day. I’m a big fan of getting what I need from a food source whenever possible, but supplements in pill form are a great back-up.
Thinking about what @Liv said…I am interested in what people think is a reasonable price for a particular kind of product. For example, I get a shampoo that’s about $8 and I think that’s super cheap, and I also slip in a $20+ shampoo that I love, which I think is crazy expensive but I love it. I think $80 for a 100ml Kahina argan is not outrageous, because it lasts for months. This is all about personal perspective, and maybe if we all had a sense of what others mean when they say inexpensive, we could help each other out with more realistic recommendations. Maybe there could be a whole post sometime soon addressing this so we can comment??
Can’t wait to try coconut oil for shaving. What a great idea!
If you hate applying moisturized after the shower (I do too), try taking a solid shea butter/cocoa butter bar in the shower with you. It melts around body temperature, so just rub it everywhere you want moisture, give yourself a light rinse, and voila! I imagine the finish is similar to coconut oil after you shave. I like to use LUSH massage bars. Pretty clean products in my books since they are solid (need no preservatives) and require no wasteful packaging.
For people who can afford the Kahina Eye Cream – do it! I got a sample of it in a SBL order and loved it.
@Sarah, Re: omegas – I just started adding raw chia seeds to my diet. They’re high in omega 3, and sort of look like flax seeds. I’m guessing they’re cheaper than a supplement, but I haven’t looked into it.
I am loving the honesty in this post. I am also loving the photo – Is that Rita Hayworth.
It’s so nice that she includes clean and not so clean. I always feel so guilty if I use
something not to clean. Thanks again for these routines. I love this blog.
panties in a pinch? wow, the extreme defensiveness is kind of bewildering at this point. i am a huge fan of the book and have recommended it to many friends. but lately the overt marketing of expensive products and random topics on this blog have left me confused as to what is the point of this blog. just not really feeling it as of late.
Mbelle, so sorry to hear that. As mentioned in an earlier comment, we took that feedback to heart and I was only trying to be humorous with the panties comment. :)
I think this was brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing, Mairin! And lots of love to NMDL for their groundbreaking website! You have changed my life!
This is a little late to the party, but I think I will try coffee grounds in my body scrub! Nearly out of my current batch of coconut/sugar scrub, and would like to try something new. Have never heard of this!
Mairin: Leave a glass of water on your bedside table where you will see it when you wake. It helps. My trick: 8 ounces is roughly the size of a teacup. I leave a vintage 1960s Noritake cup and saucer set with water on my nightstand and my supplements on the saucer, or in a small lovely dish if I’m taking extras (flu/cold, lactation stimulant, whatever reason). That teacup was one of my BEST thrift store finds. 39 cents for each piece at a Goodwill store in Florida when I went to visit my best friend and the set is worth $60 today. I smile thinking of the luck involved, the wonderful visit with my friend, and wonder a little at the history of the set and how it came to be helping me remember my health. Lovely things are meant to be used; find a good use for them!
Also sort of related: I LOVE the pics you girls choose for these Exposures! My fancy, you tickled it! <3
Hi Ladies,
Thank you so much for reading and sending in comments & questions. It was fun to share my morning routine with you guys! I just got back from a nice vacation and have some catching up to do. I will get back with any answers as soon as I can :)
Would you mind sharing the recipe/measurements for the coffe mix body wash?!
zomg. so many responses… bear with me!
@Sarah C – I’d refer to the other comments with recommendations. I don’t have one brand of anything that I completely love and certainly haven’t done as much research as I should. As for Kahina deals, did you see our Friday deal w/free shipping + extra donation to the goat fund? So far I’m really pleased with the number of takers on this; warms my heart.
@Ali – aww :) thanks! moisturizer for when skin is on a roller coaster… depends on the weather. In the summer, aloe vera gel or argan oil is enough (with Toning Mist of course! :) In the winter I’d recommend Kahina Lotion or something with more emollients since skin chaps easily- making breakouts even more likely. The basic idea is to stick to 1 moisturizer/conditioner (don’t overload!) and also the purer/fewest ingredients you can keep it, the better. By the way, I’ve tried Amala’s blemish treatment (it’s this thin clear gel you’d apply before moisturizer) and that works quite well in times of skin distress.
@Liv – you bring out a good point here with natural/organic being a “privilege to the rich”- or at least it may seem so. Truth be told, I am faaaar from rich. I use @Rebecca ’s technique and alternate less expensive products with more. Honestly, I use very little product and anything I buy tends to last me at least 6-12 months. Everyone’s budget is different; I don’t have car payments, for instance, and I cook a lot at home… That said, I love DIY and coconut oil and aloe vera are inexpensive, multipurpose things I’ve incorporated into my routine. Another inexpensive “beauty product”? Yogurt mask. Love it.
@Nancy – I don’t notice any rolling with my Eye Serum or Eye Cream. I’d give it a few extra seconds to absorb and/or use less. It definitely shouldn’t sit on skin.
@Naomi & @Cara Thanks so much for your vocal support of Kahina – it means a lot to us here at HQ :)
@Genna G – ooh, solid shea butter stick- never thought of that! I’ll have to try it out. Thanks for the suggestion.
@DW @Julie @Guilly @comagirl thanks :) (LOOOVE Rita Hayworth – have you seen Gilda??)
@Steffie – thanks for the water on the bedside suggestion. I *do* keep water on my bedside, it’s a manic habit I have, I just am bad about drinking it in the morning other than to take my pills. Maybe if I put it in a pretty cup it’ll help? Glad you got such a great buy!
@Stefanie – hmm, I do not use recipes really… so unhelpful, I know. Uhh, try 1:1:1 etc. tablespoons and adjust from there? I don’t think there’s a right way or a wrong way, just the way you like it best.
Not to be too creepy or anything, but I will be IN THE FLESH at an amazing trunk show in NYC next Thursday at Corrente Handbags, 179 Orchard, 6 to 9 PM. The best part is (other than being able to sample Kahina products in person and ask for recs, of course!) is Jessa Blades of Blades Natural Beauty will be there to help you pick out, sample organic & natural make up. Oh yeah- and wine… AND food!