Confessions of a beauty enthusiast: Kristine Ibanez
Kristine is a senior at Rutgers University, majoring in communication. Speaking with her is like listening to the confessions of a beauty junkie. She constantly researches the latest cosmetic treatments and products. Originally premed, Kristine changed her major at the end of her junior year. She enjoys the sciences, but is passionate about subjects that involve more creativity. She loves beauty and social media ... so naturally, she wants to pursue beauty PR after she graduates in May. Kristine is currently the Public Relations, Marketing and Events Intern at Space NK, a luxury beauty retailer, at their SoHo location in NYC.
What are your skin concerns as a college student? What has helped you?
I have oily, acne prone skin with left over scarring. I think the best thing you can do for your skin is to have a routine. I cleanse with my Clarisonic, tone and moisturize every morning and night. Every week I use the Ellen Lange Retexturizing Peel Kit - best peel ever, it has dramatically improved my complexion! Also, no matter how tired you are at night ... REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP! I like to use an oil based cleanser to remove makeup because it takes everything off in one step.
Does Asian skin care differ from the American culture's?
I find that traditional Filipinos, like my mother, are into skin whitening. She swears by her Papaya Soap that she purchases in bulk from the Philippines. She never tans.
Favorite beauty products?
I love MAC Cleanse Off Oil. However, I have recently found another cleansing oil in a Japanese market in SoHo that works just as well. If you know me personally, my nails are always painted, I prefer to do them myself. OPI and L'Oreal nail polishes are my favorite. The glycolic pads in the Ellen Lange Peel Kit keep my skin in check. I use Redken hair products and get a deep conditioning treatment every month.
Style tips for shopping on a budget?
Stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx and H&M make shopping on a budget a lot easier. I feel that they have really stepped their games up. You can find one of a kind pieces at a thrift or consignment store. Splurge on essential items, like a blazer, and save on trendier items, like color-block platforms. If there is a designer piece that you absolutely cannot live without, save your money and purchase it later!
How would you describe your style?
I wear a lot of black. My daily uniform includes: my utility jacket, over-sized tops, skinny jeans and studded jewelry. I guess you could say I'm more on the edgier side of the style spectrum.
Favorite class?
I feel that the best professors are the ones who are truly passionate about teaching. My physics professor, Professor Brahmia, made class very enjoyable. He would hold study sessions for hours and would not leave until everyone's questions were addressed. He is so enthusiastic that it makes his students excited to go to class. If you are a science major at Rutgers, take his class! He makes physics fun!
* Photographs taken by Kimberly Dublin