In a world that values speed and productivity above all else, it can be hard, even impossible, to slow down. 

For founder, Angela Jia Kim, the simple act of slowing down and savoring her cleansing routine turned out to be the catalyst for a total mindset and lifestyle shift. 

“It wasn't until I viewed washing my face as an enjoyable ritual, rather than as a chore, that I began to understand the profoundness of this small act of supreme self-care. Slowing down felt surprisingly good. This was the beginning of my self-love journey.

Ending every night with a face cleansing ritual will renew and replenish your skin and soul. And the best part? It only takes one minute. One minute to remind yourself, “I matter.”  

 

RITUAL: Nightly Double Cleanse Ritual 

Set your self-love foundation with this nourishing evening cleanse.  

Ingredients: An oil cleanser and a water based cleanser, available in our Double Cleanse Kit, and a clean towel. 

Optional Upgrades: Essential oil of choice.

Notes: If you have oily skin, contrary to what you might think (or have been told for years), oil cleansers have the power to dissolve oil, unlike any other cleanser ingredient. It’s true! Oil attracts oil and can dissolve sebum and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils. 

1. Prime. Create a beautiful spa-like environment in your bathroom for this nightly cleansing ritual. I like to organize my beauty products on my sink in a minimalist fashion. I run warm water and put 1-3 drops of an essential oil in the sink for a calming effect. 
2. Sanitize. Wash your hands with soap to avoid putting dirt or bacteria onto your face. 
3. Observe. Look into the mirror and examine the baby hairs on your face. Which way do they naturally grow? You'll want to apply cleansing products with your fingertips using gentle, circular motions going in the opposite direction of your hair growth. This allows you to get into every nook and cranny for a thorough cleanse.  
4. Cleanse. Warm several drops of a cleansing oil between your clean fingers. Apply it to your face with your fingertips in circular motions to melt off the day’s makeup. Oil cleansing will help pull out the dirt and grime that accumulates in your pores to avoid bacterial growth, blemishes, and irritation.
   If you have drier skin and are using an all-natural oil cleanser, consider leaving it on a little longer to hydrate and nourish the skin.
5. Layer. Layer the water-based cleanser on top of the oil cleanser, also in circular motions. This helps sweep away the day's dirt and grime, too. Enjoy the aroma and the way your skin feels under your fingertips.
6. Cleanse. Gently wash off the cleansers with warm water. I like to keep a drawer full of freshly laundered face towels nearby so that I can pat the skin dry. 
7. Appreciate. Use this time to affirm what makes you feel radiant. If you find it challenging to compliment yourself, it can be easier to use "I'm grateful for…" statements to show appreciation for your natural beauty.  

I am grateful for my cleansed skin.

I feel grounded and clear. 

My skin feels smooth and hydrated. 

I love feeling radiant and glowing.  

 

Savor this simple act of supreme self-care; it's the foundation for radical skin and soul radiance. 

For more self-love rituals to manifest abundance, beauty, and joy, read Angela's book, Radical Radiance.

 

Edited excerpt from RADICAL RADIANCE: by Angela Jia Kim. Copyright © 2022 by the author and reprinted with permission of St. Martin's Publishing Group.