Skincare Insights

  Embracing Your Beauty and True Self This Valentine's - Love, Skin Deep and Beyond Hey Beautiful Souls, In a world obsessed with Instagram-perfect love stories, Valentine's Day can feel like the Super Bowl of superficial affection.   Here's a thought: What if we've got it all wrong about Valentine's Day? What if it's not about snaring the perfect partner with overpriced chocolates and grand gestures but about something deeper, something more personal? Remember the Valentine's ads pushing for that sparkly ring, suggesting love's only legit if there's a diamond involved? Yeah, let's talk about that. My friends and I once sobbed over single roses like they were tragic tokens of lost love. "No card, no love," we'd declare, drowning our sorrows in wine and threats never to date again because men are losers.   I'm truly embarrassed to admit how long I let Hallmark and Hershey's dictate my worth on Valentine's Day.  In 2005, post-breakup, I found myself in church, of all places, on Valentine's Day. The preacher said something that stuck: "God is love, and that love is everywhere — not just in some dude who forgot to make dinner reservations." Mind. Blown. If divine love is in everything, then why are we outsourcing our happiness? So, I embarked on a mission to debunk the myths of mainstream romance. Here's what I've learned: The Love Audit: Before you draft your partner's improvement plan, ask yourself, "When was the last time I was the partner I'm seeking?" DIY Love: Waiting for someone else to make you happy? Plot twist: Happiness is a DIY project. The Inside Job: Seeking love? Spoiler alert: The treasure hunt ends where it starts — with you. Love isn't about grand gestures or ticking societal boxes. It's messy, loud, and sometimes, it's about finding peace in your own company (or with your dog, who's probably the most consistent lover you'll ever know). So, as we approach Valentine's Day, let's redefine love. Not as a quest for external validation but as an inner journey of self-acceptance. Your skincare routine isn't just about looking good; it's a ritual of self-care and love. Next time you're applying that hydrating serum, remember, it's not just your skin that's soaking in love — it's your soul, too. This Valentine's, let's not just fall in love with someone else. Let's fall in love with ourselves, our journey, and yes, our beautifully imperfect skin. Because the greatest love story you'll ever write is the one you pen for yourself. Much love to you, Cody and the Montarbo team 

How Washing Your Face Can Help You Find Love: The Unfiltered Truth Behind Self-Care and Soulmates   Hey Beautiful Souls,   In a world where swiping left is easier than finding a good facial cleanser, let me drop a truth bomb: Your next great love story might just start in front of your bathroom mirror.   After a breakup that left me binge-watching rom-coms and questioning if I'd ever find "The One," I found myself in a church, of all places, on Valentine's Day. The preacher’s message was clear: Love is everywhere, in everything, and most importantly, in everyone — including the person staring back at you in the mirror.   This got me thinking. What if the key to attracting love wasn't about making sure you smell like roses (unless it's your toner, then carry on) but about how you treat and feel about yourself? It hit me like a ton of expired makeup: Loving yourself is your most attractive feature.    As we navigate this journey of redefining love, during our "Love Your Skin Event," we want to introduce you to three simple yet profound practices of mindfulness that embody our philosophy at Montarbo Skincare. The first one is the art of cleaning your skin consciously.   The Art of Conscious Cleaning: Step 1: Consciously Cleanse: Engage fully with the act of cleansing. Turn off the autopilot and immerse yourself in the experience. Start with your skincare routine. Each stroke, each scrub, it's sud, isn't just about clearing away dirt; it's about appreciating the beauty staring back at you. This isn’t just soap; your self-love awareness is like pouring liquid love on your face. Do this for 30 days and report back on the transformation you've seen not only in your body but in your attitude and confidence. Click here to read my most recent blog post teaching you how to master the art of consciously cleaning.      Step 2: Present Product Practice: Every product has a story and took years to make. Think about the people that went into making this formula, not only the founder but the scientists, the people that grew the active ingredients, the people that work at the lab, and the fulfillment and manufacturing teams. The aesthetician can talk about our products, and there are many moving parts that go into this product. Please consider the ingredients, consider for a moment the feel of the texture of the product on your plate to your skin. Is it cool? Is it sticky? Become so present with your products that you are falling in love with them and thank them for the results that they will provide. Watch those products ready to put a ring on it.   Step 3: Attraction Application: When we love our flaws, they become invisible. "What we fight against, we become." When was the last time you looked in the mirror and appreciated your face and skin? I bet almost never! Sweetheart, the sooner you start appreciating your flaws and your fumbles, the quicker you will radiate confidence. And guess what? Confidence is sexy. Confidence is knowing that in your imperfection and humility, you are perfect. Suddenly, you're not just attracting admirers; you're attracting the kind of love that mirrors the love you have for yourself.   So, before you start worrying about finding the perfect partner, take a moment to honor your most committed relationship: the one with yourself. Turns out, the best foundation isn’t found in a bottle—it’s built on self-love.   To all my single ladies (and gents) this Valentine’s: Your skincare routine is doing more than keeping you youthful; it’s teaching you how to love unconditionally. Who knew that washing your face could be the secret to unlocking the love of a lifetime? I didn’t, until I tried it. Now it’s your turn.   Remember, the path to finding true love might just require getting a little wet. So, lather up, rinse off, and open your heart. The love you find might just surprise you.   P.S. Still waiting for Cupid? Forget him. Save up to 40% off our NEW Skincare Kits here. Or you still have time to save 24% off using code: loveyourskin at checkout and find the love you've always been looking for might be found in your cleanser.   Much love, Cody, your skincare lover!