04. Slow Living Luxury.
04. Slow Living Luxury.
Chill tf out, double cleanse and get a natural nail manicure.
A major motivation for me starting this substack was a desire to rewire my brain and attention span. I yearn for the days when I could sit and watch a 60-minute show without reaching for my phone. I want to return to a time when I committed to reading thick, heavy novels without distraction and writing essays longer than 140 characters. I periodically detox from social media, but it’s never cold turkey. I find myself, late at night, in stealth mode, still scrolling and liking but giving myself a pass for not posting.
This is not another social media is the devil piece. On the contrary, I want to dive into how we can embrace our evolution while still maintaining our humanity. In my mid-twenties, I was 100% all-in on the hustle movement. I felt pressured to find my ‘thing’ in time to make the 30 under 30 list. But alas, I hit the 30’s deadline without the accolade and realized it didn’t matter.
Then the pandemic happened. My 2019-2020 experience included the obvious pile-on of navigating a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis and civil and racial awakening but also coming to terms with my father’s dementia diagnosis that would forever change my family. Whether I wanted to or not, I was forced to slow down. We all were.
The pandemic forced many of us to reevaluate our priorities, illuminating the relentless pace that defined the before times. For us millennials, who have been at the forefront of this hustle culture, the burnout has been palpable. The constant push to achieve, coupled with the pressures of modern life, has led to a widespread desire to embrace a slower, more mindful existence. You could say a cultural shift took root—one that everyone could agree on. Companies began embracing hybrid working and a work-from-home culture. IRL meetups and social communities were thriving. The burnt-out millennials, who once championed movements like the "girl boss" movement, were now finding solace in the art of chilling tf out.
Not even five years in, some companies have started to resist, taking advantage of the current economy and saturated job market to force their people back into living full-time in expensive city centers and ultimately back into the office. However, despite the man, inflation, and stagnant salaries, the slowdown movement remains steady, emerging as the ultimate symbol of luxury and status.
Slow Living: The New Luxury
Slow living is about savoring each moment and prioritizing wellness over productivity. It’s a lifestyle that emphasizes quality over quantity and mindfulness over multitasking. It represents a profound change in what we consider luxurious. Now, luxury is defined by the ability to slow down, regulate your nervous system, reconnect with oneself, and live intentionally.
Another vital aspect of slow living is nurturing our bodies with healthy, seasonal foods. Making regular trips to the farmer's market allows us to enjoy fresh, locally-grown produce and align our eating habits with nature's rhythm. I’ve personally adopted the practice of eating the rainbow to ensure I consume a variety of nutrients from colorful fruits and vegetables. I can get creative and have fun with it. I once had a red week, focusing heavily on beets, radishes, pomegranates, raspberries, and tomatoes. Yes, tomatoes. That may come as a surprise for those who know me, but my palate is slowly allowing me to enjoy the savory fruit.
What’s more, starting our day by rising with the sun rather than abrupt alarms can cultivate a sense of calm and balance. I’ve completely disabled my phone’s alarm, and now I wake up with the sun and the cooing sound of pigeons like the urban city-dwelling fairytale princess I am. Then, on a good day, I engage in a morning ritual of soothing cacao or matcha tea to set the tone. On other days, I give myself grace, eat a little fruit and granola, and carry on.
The Role of Wellness Membership Clubs
The Wing, once a beacon for professional women's empowerment with its Millennial Pink aesthetic and problematic approach to faux inclusivity, met its demise as the veil was lifted from the feminist utopia to expose the cracks, the hypocrisies, and blatant racism. However, modern social clubs are still trying to find their footing. I fear most of them are trapped living in a revved-up need for speed and hyper-growth of yesteryear, and I’m curious to see the fates of the Soho Houses and Zero Bonds of the world. In contrast, today's wellness-focused and niche social clubs, such as Surrenne in London and Remedy Place in New York, cater to more specific needs and interests, offering tailored experiences that foster deeper connections and a more intentional lifestyle. Think private pilates, cold plunges, IV drips, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers; these clubs emphasize personal well-being and a slower pace of life, resonating with millennials and Gen-Z, who seek meaningful engagement over broad-based networking.
Embracing Natural Beauty
A crucial aspect of the slow-living movement is moving away from the unrealistic standards of perfection that have dominated social media. It means letting go of the pressure to have it all together at all times and instead valuing authenticity and imperfection.
Last year, celebrities felt the pressure to provide transparency about the cosmetic enhancements they've undergone. This wasn't about satisfying public curiosity but about being honest regarding the beauty products they sell and the routines they endorse. For example, Kylie Jenner was infamously, and rightfully so, scrutinized for promoting her viral lip kits while conveniently leaving out her use of lip fillers.
Amid the mess and like a breath of fresh 90s nostalgia, Pamela Anderson made headlines with her makeup-free cover shoot for Women's Wear Daily, fully embracing aging and natural beauty. Her decision to appear without makeup on a major magazine cover was a bold statement against the traditional expectations of perfection.
This embrace of realness is further reflected in rising beauty trends such as the clean skin aesthetic. People are moving towards minimalistic skincare routines that focus on natural, healthy skin barriers and embrace one's natural complexion with products that enhance rather than cover it up.
Trending: Double cleansing, pimple patches, fruit enzymes in cleansers, and stem cell exosomes.
What’s an exosome?
Stem cell exosomes are emerging as a groundbreaking ingredient in skincare, leveraging advanced science to rejuvenate and repair the skin. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that stem cells release, containing proteins, lipids, and genetic material crucial for cell communication and regeneration. In skincare, these exosomes can help stimulate collagen production, enhance skin cell turnover, and reduce inflammation. They deliver potent growth factors and cytokines directly to the skin cells, promoting healing and reducing signs of aging. Research suggests that exosomes can effectively improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance by harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells without the ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells.
Peeling Back the Layers
Skincare isn’t the only area we’re seeing changes in. Similarly, there's a swelling consumer interest in hair and scalp health, incorporating active ingredients in body care and putting to rest the gels to focus on healthy, natural nails. Additionally, many are opting to bypass the every 2-week eyelash extension appointment, favoring natural lashes and the occasional temporary strip lashes as more straightforward beauty routines.
Check out 🛒
Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches and Big Blue Compact $16.49; These star-shaped spot protectors are made with hydrocolloid and 1% salicylic acid to help dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores. They are so cute and effective. I wear them running errands, and it’s always a conversation starter.
Divi Hair Scalp Serum 30ml $43.20; Divi scalp serum contains thoughtfully selected ingredients like Copper Tripeptide-1, Caffeine, Tea Tree Oil, Amino Acids, and Hyaluronic Acid, which work together to soothe the scalp and remove product buildup while strengthening, fighting frizz, and preventing breakage. I’ve been using this one for a few weeks and have noticed a difference on wash day. There’s definitely less buildup and less frizz. I’ll report back in a few months on strength and shedding.
Loveseen Axel Reusable Lash Extensions in Black $18.50; Founded by Jenna Lyons, The Axel Lashes give layered volume with 4-11mm length. I’m not a fan of cat-eye and prefer the rounder shape that Axel gives. Axel is built to make your eyes appear wider. These lashes are longer in the middle and taper down on the ends with a clear band, so you can wear them with or without eyeliner. I am a recovering lash girl. I was dedicated to the chair for my Russian Doll Hybrid set every two weeks. So when I wanted to simplify my life, this was the first thing to go (more like the 15th, but I digress). However, some events require a bit more than mascara can provide, and these temp lashes are perfect.
Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion 6 oz $15.99; I’ll admit, at first, I wasn’t sure about this lotion. It’s a drier application than I’m used to, and it takes a little more effort to rub in. But the results don’t lie. It’s advertised as a non-greasy toning cream, hence the matte application. With pure retinol, nourishing cocoa butter, and moisture-replenishing squalane, this retinol body lotion repairs more than dryness. It helps firm skin, smooth texture and brighten dullness.
OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Vegan Nail Serum 0.3 fl oz $24.99; A bond-building nail serum with Patented Ulti-Plex Technology™ that penetrates the nail surface to build new bonds from within. I think I’m most definitely doing a larger piece specifically on nails, but for now I have to shout out this nail serum. My nail journey took an unfortunate turn for the worse when I moved from Harlem to Brooklyn last year. For years, the girls at The Nail Suite by Lisa Logan kept my nails long and healthy under the strong protection of a twice-a-month non-toxic gel fill. Finding a new salon in a new neighborhood proved difficult and wrecked my nail beds in the process. My nails turned paper-thin from salons using harsh products and a lack of skill and care from their technicians. I turned to Repair Mode, and with patience, the damage grew out, and my nails were so healthy and strong.
Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel with Rosewater and Pineapple $12.00; For all the double cleansing babes out there, I’ve got you covered. In my previous drugstore comeback article, I mentioned Versed Day Dissolved Cleansing Balm as the perfect step 1 cleanser. Good Molecules is the perfect step 2. This formula is designed to cleanse and brighten without stripping moisture or disrupting your natural moisture balance. Pineapple enzymes in skincare are having a moment for good reason. Rich in antioxidants, rosewater soothes and helps skin maintain a brighter tone, while pineapple extract gently purifies the skin, promoting clarity and softness.
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL $17.05; This is a controversial product. On TikTok, the debate is whether these towels are worth the price and single-use waste. My weigh-in is that this purchase is not a necessity but a nice to have. When my brain starts to spiral thinking about bacteria on my towels, despite my deep sanitizing washing routine, these give me a little peace of mind.
📌 Final Thoughts
In today's fast-paced world, there's a growing appreciation for the art of slowing down. Embracing slow living means removing the constant noise and distractions, allowing us to focus on the foundations of our well-being. It's about savoring each moment and prioritizing wellness over relentless productivity. We can live more intentionally by grounding ourselves and strengthening our mind, body, and skin barrier. Embracing authenticity over perfection, this approach helps us find balance and fulfillment, turning everyday moments into true luxuries.
Stay grounded. Take it easy!
Until Next Time,
T.
Rest and intentional reflection has been my goto especially during and through the pandemic. Interestingly enough it is only in the last 3 months I've seemingly abandoned the pursuit of 30 under 30 and now 40 under 40. I'm running my own race now and it feels good.