It may just be this time of year and an especially cold and snowy winter in New England, but I could use a little boost. Perhaps you're feeling similarly? This month's Skincare Blühprint is all about low-stakes creativity-- that little spark or jumpstart to get us back in a creative spirit, engaging with curiosity and mindfulness, and stumbling into new ways of thinking and seeing the world. Yes, a little doodling can accomplish all of this!
While all forms of creating and being creative are wonderful, I love the idea of "low-stakes creativity," as it allows us to cast perfectionism and end products aside to focus on joy and healthy self-expression. The key is to keep it simple and choose easily-accessible, quick projects (think drawing, collage, or knitting), using materials that you have on hand, or that are easy and inexpensive to gather. And, as with all things, mindset matters! Create for yourself, for the fun of creating, focusing on the many benefits... rather than focusing on the end result.
And the benefits of taking a few moments out of your day to engage creatively? These are just a few being creative helps us:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Builds confidence, helps to overcome perfectionist mindset and fear of judgement
- Develops growth mindset and mental flexibility
- Fosters curiosity and being in the moment
- Enhances work/life balance
- Builds momentum and sparks further creativity (in all areas of life)
Thinking and acting from a place of creativity allows us to see the world through a different lens. And when we notice things differently or a bit more clearly, we're able to ask new and different questions, and ultimately, we can shift our own thoughts and behaviors. Suddenly, we're climbing out of that mid-winter rut... perhaps with ink smudged on our fingers, or glue in our hair...
Not sure where to start? Here are a few low-stakes activities to weave into your day:
- Doodling, sketching, drawing
- Take a photo walk (with your camera or phone at the ready) and capture anything that sparks your interest
- Creative writing (free write, or find a list of writing prompts online to get you started)
- Color mixing (mix paints or other media and catalog or name your "new" colors-- this is so fun and relaxing!)
- Arrange a bouquet of grocery store flowers
- Design calming or pleasing color palettes
- Collage with ephemera, paper scraps, or magazine cuttings
- Create tiny paintings or drawings on index cards or small scraps (start a collection!)
- Plate and photograph a beautiful meal
I hope you enjoy these quick, low-stakes creative rituals, and that they bring a spark of joy and levity to your days. I created this month's featured products in that same spirit -- to elevate your daily routines and leave your skin (and spirit!) feeling renewed and refreshed.
- Detox and renew with our award-winning Exfoliating Cleanser. Our exfoliating cleanser is formulated with potent antioxidants, regenerative bioactives and essential fatty acids to activate cellular renewal, detoxification and optimal skin tone. The result is a noticeably brighter, smoother, supple complexion.
- Lift and refine with our award-winning Botanic-Retinol Cell Renewal Concentrate. This transformative concentrate is powered by Bakuchiol, the only plant-based alternative to retinol clinically proven to dramatically improve skin texture, collagen production, firmness and elasticity while decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne. Further boosting this formula is our advanced bioactive hydration complex and over 15 of the world’s most innovative ingredients, including cellular extracted flame tree, emu apple and Tasmanian kelp, cacay oil, watermelon bioferment and vegetable ceramides. All work synergistically to reverse the signs of premature aging while delivering lasting hydration, optimal nutrition and protection.
- Plump and protect with our award-winning Multi C Serum. Multi C Serum harnesses the power of age defying peptides and the world’s highest known source of vitamin C from cellular extracted Kakadu plum. This innovative process delivers the full plant profile, true to nature, stable and bioactive. Ferulic acid from Kangaroo paw flower and Tetra C penetrate deeply to further boost the efficacy of this award-winning formula. This luxurious creamy-gel absorbs quickly to plump, firm and brighten skin tone, resulting in the ultimate youth renewal for your skin.
As always, we are so grateful that you are here. Happy creating!
