I've loved all things fashion and beauty for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would raid my mom's vanity (sometimes I still do!), apply red lipstick and heavy eye shadow, put on my sparkly red Dorothy shoes, and parade around the house. This happened most weekends. Fast-forward 20-something years, and now I work in beauty. I know what many people think about the industry. They say it's superficial, that it's all glamour and no truth. Sure, there is some glamour. There are expensive treatments, fancy products, and everything in between. But there's so much more to it than that.
I have always metabolized beauty as a form of self-care. It gives me the freedom to tap into other parts of myself without making permanent changes (for the most part, at least). It lets me express myself in ways that words can't articulate. It's about the feeling it gives me—the same one I had as a child—and the confidence it arms me with. It's about the community: speaking to people with different points of view, getting advice, and sharing tips and product recommendations. For the people who let beauty in, it's so much more than just the products.
Below, five women share their definitions of beauty, from how they view it and approach it to how thankful they are for products that help them feel confident in their skin. Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Face Serum ($105) ranks high for each of them, strengthening the skin barrier with just one drop and promising healthy, radiant-looking skin in a week.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Indya. I'm a new Angeleno by way of New York. By day, I'm a market editor for Who What Wear. By night, I'm an amateur gardener who loves to window-shop online.
Describe your skin in a hashtag.
#oilyforever
What's your relationship like with skincare?
Acne has been a long-standing issue for me ever since I hit puberty. I've been through some dramatic ups and downs with my skin, which led me to adopt a full skincare routine earlier than most. With so much information out there, you can feel like you need to try absolutely every hyped product and ingredient available. Now that I'm older, I feel so much wiser about my skin. I know that moisture isn't necessarily the devil for oily skin and that sunscreen is key.
What is your definition of beauty? What does beauty mean to you?
I see beauty as a holistic concept. Of course, it's the makeup, skincare, and hair products, but it's also the internal. Everyone has their own style of beauty, and it's so much more interesting and cool when you stick to your own representation of beauty instead of listening to what others may think.
What do you like most about the Advanced Génifique Face Serum, and how does it help you feel more confident in your skin?
I really love when I can stick to a consistent routine. Not only is routine so much better for my skin, but it also helps ground me amid a buzz of constant responsibilities and to-dos. This serum is really a highlight in my daily skincare ritual. It glides on so smoothly and gives my skin that instantly nourished feeling. I won't say I'm always faithful to all of my routines, but when I stick to applying my skincare products every day, my skin ultimately transforms for the better. When my skin looks good, I feel good.
Please introduce yourself.
I'm Kat, Who What Wear's editor in chief. Fashion may be my main beat, but I love to dip into the beauty world, too. I'm constantly asking our beauty editors questions and seeking their recommendations.
Describe your skin in a hashtag.
#dryanddoingherbest
What's your relationship like with skincare?
I love skincare! I still have more to discover, but it's so gratifying to see a real difference from a new product or regimen. I consider my skincare routine part of my bedtime ritual. It's one final, little way to give back to myself before the day is done.
What is your definition of beauty? What does beauty mean to you?
As I've grown older, I've felt more truth in the idea that beauty is how you feel and less how you look. I think confidence in your own skin is beautiful. It's a privilege to age, so I try to view the things that come with the territory, like wrinkles and age spots, as markers of wisdom.
What do you like most about the Advanced Génifique Face Serum, and how does it help you feel more confident in your skin?
One of my favorite things about the serum is the glow I saw in just a couple of days. It makes my skin straight-up plump and radiant. Since my skin has naturally gotten drier as I age, I very much appreciate the dose of hydration. My favorite hack is to use it on my lips to smooth them before applying lip color. Since I don't usually give my lips the same skincare love I give my face, it's a fun pre-lipstick step to pamper them a little.
Please introduce yourself.
I'm Sharifa, and I’m a beauty enthusiast, mom of an 8-year-old boy, and self-proclaimed jill-of-all-trades (which just means I have a million hobbies).
Describe your skin in a hashtag.
#dryasthesahara
What's your relationship like with skincare?
The women in my family have pretty great skin, so I always took my good skin for granted. Then, bam! My 30s hit, and I couldn't count on genes alone anymore. Now, I'm very careful about what goes on my skin and take pride in taking care of it.
What is your definition of beauty? What does beauty mean to you?
There are so many types of beauty that it's really hard to come up with one definition of it. When I think of beauty in a person, I think about their attitude, confidence, demeanor, and how they treat others.
What do you like most about the Advanced Génifique Face Serum, and how does it help you feel more confident in your skin?
I started to use the serum at night and love how my skin feels in the morning—hydrated. It's really important to feel confident in your most natural skin, and this serum does just that.
Please introduce yourself.
I'm Natalia, and I'm one of the senior graphic designers at Who What Wear. I'm originally from Portland, Oregon, but have been living in sunny Los Angeles since 2013.
Describe your skin in a hashtag.
#joshuatreemeetsamountain
What's your relationship like with skincare?
I grew up with oily, acne-ridden skin, but now that I'm older, my skin keeps getting drier by the year. For the last five years, I've been obsessed with slathering on any type of moisturizer to achieve that dewy look. It's funny how my younger self always wanted a completely matte face, but these days I lean toward a natural glow. I'm very diligent about my skincare and prefer a simple and easy routine, which is my key to staying consistent with skincare.
What is your definition of beauty? What does beauty mean to you?
This last year has taught me that self-care is so important, and it doesn't need to look like a spa day. Personally, I feel the best when I'm able to move my body, read a book, spend quality time with my husband, and eat nourishing foods. So beauty to me is taking care of yourself, slowing down, loving who you are, and consistently working on yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically.
What do you like most about the Advanced Génifique Face Serum, and how does it help you feel more confident in your skin?
The pump! Can every serum and oil have a pump like this one? Every time I use it, I know I'm putting the perfect amount on my face. And the serum itself is so hydrating. I use it on my lips and dab a little on my face throughout the day. I'm able to apply my foundation without it feeling tacky or pilled, and it doesn't stick to dry spots because the serum has basically erased them. It really does give me that dewy look that makes me feel radiant, and I'm so thankful for it on those days when I want to wear makeup but don't want it to dry out my face.
Please introduce yourself.
I'm Shaneice, and I'm a content creator originally from Toronto now living in Los Angeles.
Describe your skin in a hashtag.
#glowy
What's your relationship like with skincare?
I actually really love my skincare routine. I find it to be a form of self-care. Every morning and night, my skin and I get to it, and I really enjoy it. Honestly, I'd say we're best friends.
What is your definition of beauty? What does beauty mean to you?
This is a hard question. I think that, for me, beauty starts from within. If you're a good person, have a good personality, treat people well, that's where beauty starts. But beauty is also external, so I think really loving the skin you're in, appreciating yourself, and feeling confident make you beautiful on the outside, too.
What do you like most about the Advanced Génifique Face Serum, and how does it help you feel more confident in your skin?
I love the way the serum goes onto my skin. It's so smooth and soft, and it makes my skin look amazing and extra glowy, which is what I look for in a product. Personally, if my skin looks good, feels good, and has that radiant, youthful glow, I'm ready to take on the day (and the world). I just feel so much more confident.
