Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Hannah's Basics: Top 5 Skincare Needs For A Routine



Making a routine is the most likely way to see progress and achieve success but it can be hard to know where to start. For me, creating a skincare routine has really helped my skin and my confidence. 


Regular Facials 


My skin really started to heal and change when I first started going to Scrub Me in Wicker Park a little over a year ago. Katherine is a skilled Esthetician that has played a huge role in my clear skin journey. She has monthly deals and specials and makes sure to truly customize your time to best serve your skin and its needs. 


If you're local to Chicago, you can visit Scrub Me and receive a discount when you mention my name! 


Washing Your Face Regularly 


Finding a cleanser that works for you is so important! For me, my skin really enjoys the Cult Classic cleanser from Tula. I look for items that are free of scents and dyes to make sure my skin is less irritated. CeraVe also has a great cleanser that I use from time to time as well. It's important to find what works best for your skin!


I have linked bother the Tula and CeraVe cleanser - CeraVe would be found on my Amazon Storefront under the Skin Care and Beauty tab. Sitewide for Tula, my code ANDLIPSTICK gets you 15% off!


Moisturizers and Serums


Giving my skin the tools to succeed proactively has also helped my skin stay clear. Finding a routine and making sure the items in it don't counteract each other has also been crucial! I tend to use a Vitamin C serum and moisturizer in the morning and then moisturizer and Rose Hip oil in the evening. But again, sometimes I add other elements depending on the season and the condition of my skin. 


Linking my Vitamin C Serum, Moisturizer, and Rose Hip Oil here! Sitewide for Tula, my code ANDLIPSTICK gets you 15% off!


Diet and Water Intake


Are you drinking enough water? Because our skin uses a lot of it! I try to drink 192 ounces a day but it will vary from person to person. Often, if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated! I recommend getting an emotional support water bottle that you can take with you to make sure you're continuously consuming water throughout the day!


In May of 2021, I realized that my dairy consumption was upsetting my digestive tract and affecting my skin as well. Eliminating dairy (for the most part) from my diet has really helped my skin and my digestive system. While I still do sometimes have cheese, it is in moderation and I regret it about 9 times out of 10, LOL.


I have recently started tracking what I eat as well as my water intake and exercise. I use an app called Healthi. I am still relatively new in my journey but the app is super easy to use and has already helped me make healthier decisions!


Laser Hair Removal


This is a relatively new part of my regime that I have tried but I am happy with the results so far! A lot of what I was dealing with on my face was irritation and scabbing from not only nervous picking at the skin but from hormonal ingrown hairs. It was really painful to deal with and it was embarrassing at times.


I recently visited Semper Laser in Chicago and tried laser hair removal in my chin area. It was so quick, and I could notice results by the next day. Although it took a few days for my skin to return to normal, it just felt like a light sunburn - nothing super painful or irritating. These results will last and they usually have specials going each month as well as payment plans if necessary. You can visit your Semper Laser location and mention my name for one free treatment of a small area. Learn more about their services here


I know that this blog post linked to a lot of different options for you to consider in your personal skincare journey, but I just wanted to make sure I provided you with everything that's helped me and any discounts if I have access to them! If you have any questions I didn't cover, you're always welcome to message me on Instagram or email me! 

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Tips For TikTok


Something I've been having more conversations around with my fellow content creators is how to find success on TikTok. I have an outgoing personality but I definitely get nervous to label something as a success because of two things. I get nervous that someone may I assume I may think too highly of myself and...Imposter Syndrome, LOL! Recently I hit my goal of having 10,000 TikTok followers by the end of 2022 in February (MIND BLOWN). But I have some tips that have helped me and I want to pass them along!


I will start out by saying that TikTok is a completely different algorithm than Instagram. So when you enter this space throw away any knowledge you have acquired from Instagram. This platform and its followers are not looking for polished or perfect. Come as you are and be yourself. I will say that if you're often copying people's ideas on Instagram, not only do people see through you on this platform but you won't make it on TikTok. Honestly, you will hit a wall on Instagram as well because authenticity is something you can't mimic and people see through it. But people will drag you on TikTok quicker. Find out who you are and be that. 


Consistency 


This is what's going to help you build your platform. The sweet spot is posting 3 to 5 times a day. This may sound like a lot but with how fast viral sounds and trends go this helps you build a community and an algorithm presence. Do not delete videos. I have posted a video and had it get almost no views or engagement and then get traction a few days, weeks, or months later. You never know! An easy way to build up content is to batch videos and save them as drafts. This helps me push out content with my busy schedule. 


Finding Your Niche 


This can mean many things. I can't find yours for you but I recommend thinking about the things in your life and your experiences that make you human. Are you funny? Are you a good teacher? Are you musically talented? Do you have a special skill? Find something and make it relatable or teachable to provide value. 


Trending Sounds


I find these by being on the app. Instagram Reels are weeks and sometimes even months behind TikTok so my advice is to go directly to the source. Also, even if the app "recommends" a background noise or song for you - that doesn't mean that it is trending! 


If you're doing voiceovers - make sure you're actually saying the words right and on the beat. Practice the sound and make sure you aren't winging it and messing up the lip sync.


Hashtags


Hashtags should be used sparingly and within the character limit. Stick to hashtags that apply to your niche and the sound but are general! 



As far as collabs on TikTok - I haven't really gotten there yet. I've had a few offers but I'm building up my portfolio to have a better gauge on ROI for brands and myself! I can say that my LTK and Amazon Storefront sales have dramatically increased which has been exciting to see! 


I know that these can feel general - but I want to make sure that these are helpful tips for everyone to work within their own experiences and niches. At the end of the day, you have to put in work and effort for anything you want. Anything worth having takes work and there is no easy fix or solution! 


There is a whole wide world of opportunities to find on TikTok and with a little elbow grease, you can find your community there if that's a goal of yours!

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