AT THE BEGINNING of 2019, singer and rapper Frank Ocean shared his skincare routine with GQ, much to the delight of his fans, skincare freaks and people who are interested in skincare but have no idea where to start. 

Without sounding like he was there to promote any particular products, Frank Ocean laid out the bare bones of his routine, and ended up in trouble with his mam afterwards, when she pointed out that he forgot to add SPF to the list, which is super important to note when you’re using retinols, as he is. Here’s the basics of Frank’s routine, which works for even the laziest people:

Before bed:

• Cleanse with a gentle face-wash. 
• Moisturise with a product intended for nighttime. 
• Use a retinol at night time – not in the daytime, because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. 

And in the morning:

• Be sure to apply SPF

Now, the internet’s favourite Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has joined in on the trend of sharing beauty tips, which is a decision that we welcome with open arms. 

Why? Because she’s basically glowing at all times. And on top of that, she’s really sound too. Remember last week, when she helped a Youtuber raise €175,000 to spite Graham Linehan? 

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Alexandria decided to make her skincare routine public after she was asked about it several times. Ocasio-Cortez made it very clear that this is something she’s extremely enthusiastic about, when a follower asked, “How do you stay stress free and how do you keep your skin so clear?! (I’ve worked on campaigns with barely any sleep and end up breaking out as a result from lack of sleep and stress).” 

The 29-year-old Congresswoman explained that she can’t avoid stress in her current position, but “skincare is a straight up hobby” for her. 

I do NOT stay stress-free. I am stressed pretty much every day, a lot of the time. 

Hard relate! 

What I *am* able to do when I’m stressed is to boil things down to their most important questions: “What is this really about?” “Is this truly important in the larger scheme of things?” “Do I have the power to change this, will doing more make it worse, or do I just need to ride it out?” and that helps, but it’s still stressful!

Anyway, back to the skincare:

As for skin: skincare is straight up a hobby of mine. I’m a science nerd and I truly enjoy the science of it, reading about compounds and studies, etc. It’s like that. But the biggest factors that I think help *my* skin (everyone’s skin is different! and your same skin changes too): I don’t wear full coverage foundation (only tinted moisturizer and bb creams; I keep wipes next to my bed and at the very least wipe it off; and I have a multi-step skincare routine. I do indulge on this a little since I don’t buy a lot of makeup beyond my staples. 

So, here’s that routine. 

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Step 1: Double Cleansing

Look it up. If you wear makeup – esp foundation – you should double cleanse. Cleanse w/ a balm or oil to melt off the makeup and then use a usual soapy cleanser to wash your face. I also use a face brush or makeup towel when I’m being good. But also sometimes I just use a nice face-wipe before bed. NO ALCOHOL in your wipes (or any skincare product). But GET IT OFF your face. We’ve all slept in makeup. The wipes are a really good place to start if this is a bad habit. 

AOC added that she really enjoys experimenting with skincare and tools like facebrushes, and uses facemasks/eye patches every now and again. She’s even on the K-beauty buzz that the rest of us are on, but she likes to mix her approach with scientific consensus too. She also cut out dairy to help with breakouts she suffered with when she was younger, and says it has made a huge difference. 

Step 2: Toner and Actives

Toner should not have alcohol in it. It should feel like water but more nourising (a lot of people use plain witch hazel. I’ve tried a lot of different kinds, they’re all good so long as there’s no alcohol). Actives are basically serums with active compounds (ex. Vitamin C, retinol, w/e). They should be in the layer closest to your skin after toner. 

Step 3: Moisturiser and Sunscreen

Use a moisturiser that works with your skin. I find moisturiser to be one of the most personal steps because everyone’s skin is different and it’s like finding jeans that fit. Then: SUNSCREEN! The most important thing. I’ve been using daily sunscreen since I was 19. I’ve been bad about it lately and can tell the difference. 

Alongside her routine, Alexandria advised her followers not to use more makeup than they need. 

If it’s a hobby or a creative outlet for you, then definitely incorporate double cleansing and use a face brush or makeup towel to totally clear your face as soon as you can in your day. Let your skin BREATHE. If you’re layer your face in makeup day after day (which is also totally fine!) make sure you clean or wipe your skin early when you get home so it has time to rest. Sounds weird, but that’s the best way I can describe it. 

She then uploaded a more detailed list of the makeup products she uses (without naming any brands, for obvious reasons). 

It didn’t take long for Alexandria’s followers to get in touch with her asking some questions about how she manages to cut back on the dairy. She warned people that it’s really unhealthy to “police your eating” and you shouldn’t feel guilty or bad about cutting anything out. 

It totally messes up your relationship with food, which should be an enjoyable and fulfilling relationship, not an anxious one. 

While I am not a vegan or vegetarian, I do think of meat and cheese as “treats.” Which means if I have a coffee, my default is to drink it black or with a non-dairy milk, but sometimes I won’t! Don’t put moral judgements on food. Food is intensely political and does have moral issues surrounding it (like factory farming and climte change) but you will not do yourself any favours by judging yourself harshly. Just try to make a good choice every time you’re confronted with a decision and eventually you’ll start to make better and better decisions while letting yourself enjoy what you want. 

She said the easiest places to start cutting out dairy are coffee and cereal. 

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