I’m pretty sure that, over the years, in some science class, I learned about the malleability of the human brain. Apparently when certain pathways in your brain stop being used, they gloss over and you no longer remember how to use them. I think the phenomenon is called neuroplasticity. Or something. And with the world shutting down due to COVID, there are many daily skills that I no longer use, and now I've lost the muscle memory of how to do them. 

Take going to Starbucks as an example— is grande a medium or a large?? I used to know, but once I stopped going out for coffee daily, I forgot everything. And what’s this “cold foam” that everyone’s talking about? Someone let us know. I’ve also forgotten how to quickly slap on some makeup before running out the door. Back in the old days, pre-Covid, I had my routine down to a science. A little bit of this, a little bit of that, grab a bagel, and I’m out the door. But in quarantine, my routine was overturned. I was either completely bare-faced, or when I had the time, I would create some bold, intricate look with a graphic liner that would really pop over the Zoom screen. I felt lost for a while. When I tried to recreate my old makeup routine, it came out sloppy and looked like a three year old had scribbled all over my face. But then I came to my senses, turned to my friends here at the Freck Fam and saw the light. 

With the world opening back up, it’s time to put our rubix cubes down. We must begin to re-carve out the crevices in our brains that once allowed us to function in a normal society. One task that was once so simple for me was rushing to work/class in the morning. How did I ever eat cereal and drive a car at the same time? Don’t do that. It’s dangerous. 

For those of you who are going through this same struggle, I have created a fool-proof, simple routine for a five minute, glowy summer look: Five minutes, five products. 

STEP 1: SKIN PREP (~45 seconds)

SuperGoop Glowscreen | @freck’s RICH BITCH

To start, grab your tube of 𝘙𝘐𝘊𝘏 𝘉𝘐𝘛𝘊𝘏, our vitamin C moisturizer. It’s light yet ultra rich, which creates a supple, moisturized canvas for makeup. Next, SPF. If we want to look this good when we’re old, we have to put sunscreen on everyday— even when the sun isn’t shining. But the great thing about SuperGoop Glow Screen, is that it's formulated to create a beautiful, light-reflecting base for the rest of your makeup. Slather your face up and look naturally glowy, while still protecting and doing right by your skin.  

STEP 2: UOMA BEAUTY’s Stay Woke Concealer (~1 minute)

 UOMA BEAUTY’s Stay Woke Concealer 

Next, we need to hide those bags with some concealer. A favorite as of late:  UOMA Beauty’s Stay Woke Concealer. The current trend is to apply a small dot below the inner corner of your eye, and then a line towards the outer corner of your eye. Blend out with your fingers or a damp beauty sponge. Applying concealer in these specific spots will give you a mini face lift, and the dewy fresh summer “vacation skin” that we love.  This specific concealer is a great choice for multiple reasons: it’s creamy, luminous/brightening, has great coverage and was created by a small, Black-owned brand.

STEP 3: CHEEKSLIME (~2 minutes)

You can also apply the product to your eyes and lips: it will act like eyeshadow and a lip tint! Apply a small amount to your eyelids and tap the product into your lid with your fingers. Do the same to your lips, and voilà, you applied blush, eyeshadow and a lip tint with one product in less than two minutes. What are friends for?

STEP 4: FRECK OG & NOIR (~30 seconds) 

@freck's FRECK OG + FRECK NOIR

We’re nearing the end of our routine, but a glowy summer look wouldn’t be complete without a few freckles! Take your 𝘍𝘙𝘌𝘊𝘒 𝘖𝘎 and dot wherever you desire. I usually focus them on the bridge of my nose and then “copy and paste” them out across my cheeks for a more natural look, as Bretman Rock advised. For more depth and color variation, try sprinkling in some 𝘍𝘙𝘌𝘊𝘒 𝘕𝘖𝘐𝘙 !

STEP 5: MASCARA (~45 seconds)

To complete the look, grab your favorite mascara. Wiggle the wand up from the base of your lashes, all the way to the tips (like I’m sure you’ve heard every beauty guru describe before). Doing so coats each lash individually and prevents them from clumping together.

NOW YOU'RE READY FOR YOUR DAY, QUEEN. GO GRAB A VENTI STARBUCKS COLD BREW TO FUEL YOUR MORNING. IS GRANDE THE MEDIUM SIZE? I STILL DON'T KNOW.