I'm low maintenance: Days 1 and 2

I am here this week to admit my problem. I, Petra Canan, am a groomer.

While this may not seem to be a problem, when a process makes you late for class or work, leads to stress or allows copious amounts of laundry and expensive products to pile up and collect dust in cabinets, it is a routine worth a second look.

I know what it sounds like and what it looks like and so labels like “self-absorbed” or “high maintenance” I deem acceptable perhaps from the outside looking in. It is my anal-retentive quirk to spend an hour or so getting ready in the morning (although I can get out the door in less time should I need to) and 10-20 minutes getting ready for bed.

But I will say this: Everyone has some routine that makes them feel good. It may be five minutes or five hours, but there are certain things we do that make us feel our best. Maybe it is a hairstyle or a certain shirt and tie combo, but it is the look that makes us sit up straighter, walk taller and feel a little more like ourselves. No way is better than the other, no length of time or arsenal of ingredients required, so I decided to downplay my morning and evening processes and see if I can’t examine my own practices for a week.

I guess I should begin with a rundown of what I do on an average day of class and work and the products I use.

Morning:

So when I wake up, I try to give myself between 45 minutes and an hour and 45 minutes depending on the events of the day and what steps I need to get done (my goodness, this already sounds odd).

Step one, the shower: I use Redken All Soft Shampoo or Fresh Curls, depending on the desired style, followed by Bed Head Moisture Maniac Conditioner (I also sleep with Redken Butter Treat on my hair once a week to protect it, a routine I picked up while on Accutane). I typically use Aveeno bodywash and Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap. Obviously fun activities like shaving add more time.

Step two, skincare: Right when I get out, I do the eyebrow maintenance. Wax scares me, so I stick to the old-fashioned tweezers. First of all, I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3, a toner/astringent applied with a cotton ball. While that dries, I apply Clinique All About Eyes Rich eye cream for puffiness and dark circles. Next is Differin for any unsightly spots, Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector for scarring and finally Clinique Superdefense moisturizer with SPF 25. If there is anything 10 years of acne treatment will teach you its that SPF is essential. For the body I apply Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter from head to toe, Dove deodorant and a spritz of my favorite perfume, which changes by season.

Step three, hair: I have naturally curly hair, so if I choose to wear it curly, straight or wavy, different looks require different products. Lately, I have been wearing it either wavy or straight, which use the same products, so we will go with straight for the sake of space, as if this isn’t long enough. I start wtih Redken Extreme Anti-Snap leave-in treatment at the ends. Next is Redken Straight 05 Straightening Balm, combed through damp hair. After parting and blow-drying, I use a ceramic flat iron to iron out any curls or waves. It usually takes between 20-30 minutes to straighten. I finish the hair with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Satin Shine finishing creme and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray.

Step four, the outfit: For me, no matter if I am headed to my kiniesiology class or to work, outfits take time. The most important thing to me is the fit and draping of garments, or how they lay on the body. It could be a hoodie, sweats and T-shirt, or a dress, black tights and oversize cardigan, it just has to lay right. If it doesn’t make the right lines on the body, I keep changing. If its doesn’t fit my mood or get the look I want, I keep changing. Most often, I am late for fussing with it. Accessories are minimal, usually light jewelry and a scarf or hat.

Step five, face: I have no problem admitting makeup is a security blanket. I once got in a fight with a guy for calling makeup dishonest, and, I guess, at its core, it is. But after years of NOT knowing how to use it, I now work to enhance my features, not make myself a new face. I change my routine a lot, but as of now I use Bare Minerals powder foundation, followed by blush and highlighting power of the same brand. I like to highlight my eyes, as I think it is the quickest way to look awake and polished, with frosted highlight shadow under the brow, with Diorshow Blackout mascara on the top lashes, because I love thick, black lashes and brown mascara to highlight the lower ones.

Oh, in case you were wondering, I did brush my teeth and use mouthwash.

Whew, that was long. Luckily, night time is easier.

Night:

Step one, cleanse: I take off all makeup with remover cloths and wash using the Neutrogena Wave.

Step two, skincare: I use all the same products as the morning, in the same order, except for the moisturizer. At night, I prefer Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturing Gel.

Step three, teeth: Floss, brush and use whitening mouthwash. Lip balm is a must for sleep.

As for my challenge this week, I have decided I will take out what is not necessary. I allowed my assistant editor and reporters to set my guidelines (I take this as a sign of tough love):

• Hair: no styling products, just wash and blowdry
• Skin: no extras, like eye cream or brightening lotion and no perfume
• Clothing: college basics like jeans, t-shirts, hoodies and sweats with tennis shoes (no name brands, accessories that are not weather-necessary or anything too “done up”)
• Makeup: foundation only (they are kind)
• Nails: unpainted, but kept clean and trimmed
• Teeth: keep up normal hygiene

I am hoping to leave this week feeling more comfortable with myself as a more natural and relaxed Petra. Will I do it? We’ll see.