Glowing skin by Cheeks & Co, Photography by Jenna Elliott
Mysha Gardner-White (known on Instagram as @blacqueunicorn) radiates beauty, and her positive aura is palpable. It makes perfect sense that she lists healer on her resume. Mysha arrived to her A.M. facial in a flowing blush dress, and huge smile. Our clients are always grateful but Mysha had an air to her that screamed self-care and a big THANK YOU. Our first question during the skin analysis is ‘What is your #1 goal for your facial today?” And her answer was relaxation and self-care. We picked our Gua Sha facial, because of the 90% chance she'll dose off and embrace the calm. After a 60 Minute ‘Gua Sha Glow’ facial, Mysha left hydrated and glowing. Next time we’ll do Microdermabrasion or a Peel to aide with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but skincare is a process, so we started with a facial that opens thing up, and preps the skin for exfoliation down the road. Over time, Gua Sha is also a facial modality that eases hyperpigmentation. To finish, we sent Mysha home with Sonage Go to Glow exfoliating pads to add to her home care routine.
We followed her facial with a photo shoot, a cup of tea, and a deep dive into Mysha's skincare and self-care routine, including why she'll bring butter with her to a desert island, and her go-to skincare products.
Finish the Sentence: Self-care to me is _______.
Self Love.
How often do you incorporate self-care into your routine?
Everyday.
Tell us something you wish you did more often.
Take long hikes in the forest and forestbathe.
What's your favorite way to unwind after a stressful day or week?
Sitting for tea or taking a boxing class then sitting for tea, depends how stressful the week.
If there were one thing you wish you would be easier on yourself about, what would it be?
Not trying to focus on one path or interest at a time, they are all a part of what makes me, me.
Describe your definition of skin health.
Glowing.
Fill in the blank. My skincare routine is __________.
Simple.
What is your number one skin concern?
The pollution and dryness here in LA leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
Tell us about your daily skincare routine.
I try my best to stick to clean green beauty lines, but due to some dark spots on my face I use Peter Thomas Roth face wash day and night. I also love supporting friends and local businesses so I use Osea Malibu Sea Vitamin Boost, Rituel Beauty CBD infused Rose Mist and Sacred Serum and Supergoop SPF. Weekly I use Spiced Sugah’s Gold Mask. I also have a jade roller I keep in the fridge and love using Daily as well. Professional Facials I get about twice a year, that’s crazy to think about, I’ll have to work on getting a few more in 2020.
Name three things you love about your appearance.
My eyes, my curves, my cheekbones. Favorite feature is my bedroom eyes for sure.
Can you share a recent or regular skincare splurge?
I have fallen in love with the smell of Saint Jane Beauty’s Body Oil and it ain’t cheap.
Is there an unusual skincare trend you want to try?
I’m intrigued by these vampire facials, but I feel my deep skin tone scars too easily to follow through. I’ve heard good things though.
What is the best skincare tip you’ve ever received?
Wear sunscreen and drink water are a tie here.
Do you have a favorite skincare ingredient or product?
CBD for sure. It’s had such a calming effect on my skin, which is usually a bit irritated.
What about skincare vices? Is there anything you do you that you wish you didn't?
I touch my face too much during the day for sure! It’s a bad habit.
Is there a beauty trend you'll absolutely never try?
Never say never, but fillers aren’t my thing.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could pick one beauty product to have with you, what would it be and why?
Shea Butter because being well moisturized is so important.
