The #ITGTopShelfie interview series focuses on the beauty routines of Into The Gloss' lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Submit your own on Instagram—post your Top Shelfie (tag us @intothegloss!) and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie for a chance to be featured on ITG.
"My name is Margaret Park @ymargp—I’m the Art Director at a boutique PR and special events agency in downtown Manhattan called VP+C. Our clients range anywhere from interior design to automotive, but more recently, we launched Farmacy Beauty which I did the art direction and packaging design for. I think because I’m working creatively all day long, my personal style has become a bit more pared down. My closet is mostly neutrals with random pops of color. But beauty is a little more unconventional...I’ll walk in to work with full-on stage makeup, or just a red lip with mascara. A bit polarizing, but that’s how I've been evolving in recent years. I like to experiment the hell out of my makeup—but make sure you’re taking care of your skin! You gotta keep that shit clean if you’re going to play with pigments. If not just for vanity’s sake, do it for your health.
My favorite cleansing duo is Banila Co Clean it Zero followed by Farmacy New Day Cleansing Grains. The Clean it Zero balm is by far the best oil cleanser I’ve ever tried—no residue, soft, but really effective on the eyes even with stubborn waterproof makeup. The cleansing grains are also really gentle. The exfoliants are rice bran and cranberry seeds, so it’s soft enough to use every day. Then, since my skin is acne-prone and hyperpigmentation is a major concern, Farmacy Invincible Serum is necessary.
For my acne, my dermatologist told me that chemical exfoliation is really important. I started using Peter Thomas Roth’s Glycolic Acid Toner three to four times a week, and it made a huge difference in improving my skin tone and calming down breakouts without drying out my skin. If I have five extra minutes in the morning, I'll do this Neogen Charcoal Mask that I got on a trip to Seoul last December. It starts as a mask but foams up and acts as a cleanser when you wash it off. I try to mask regularly, but honestly, I don’t always have the time. That's what makes this so great—it’s such an efficient way to do a pore cleansing mask and do my morning cleanse in one step.
I’m always trying different makeup products, but Nars Orgasm Blush is by far one of my favorites. It goes on subtle but it’s easy to build if you want a little more color without looking bruised. For eyes, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner is my all time fave because it's super smooth for a really precise cat eye, and it stays in place pretty well. Since high school, I've clung to my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and I've recently been loving Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Glam Black. Something about the formula and wand combined makes my lashes look fuller than any others I’ve tried. Special occasions usually entail the addition of false lashes. I can’t get into extensions—I prefer the drama of falsies.
Honestly, I hardly even brush my hair. But when I style it, I love the Lavett and Chin Sea Salt Spray. It’s a really light formula but has just enough hold to add texture, and the scent is just heavenly. I’ll also use it to prep my hair before styling for special occasions. My hair is pretty minimal. Actually, one time, I tried an electric blue dip-dye at home, and completely wrecked my hair. I’ve been wanting to do jewel tones properly again…maybe sometime this year? For now, I’ve started using a purple Eyebrow Manicure from Shu Uemura. I love the Shu Uemura brow products and wanted to try this. The pigment isn't really visible unless you're in direct sunlight, but baby steps!"
—as told to ITG
When it comes to beauty, heed the advice of those who work in aesthetics. More reader routines—like that of graphic designer Rena Phuah and her pore-erasing makeup application—can be found in the #ITGTopShelfie.
