Behind the Routine with Amber Kemp-Gerstel
by AJANI with AMBER KEMP-GERSTEL
AMBER KEMP-GERSTEL (Age: 37) --Miami, FL -- A clinical psychologist by training, Amber grew up in a single-parent home which focused on the importance of higher education and a traditional career path. There was one problem though: Amber has always been a creative at heart who loves living out loud with bright colors and patterns to match.
After taking a huge risk and leaving her career as a psychologist, Amber dove into crafting with the support of her husband and son. Amber is now a full-time blogger and shares fun, creative content with her followers. Her bright personality and passion for crafting comes through in all of her work. @damasklove
What's the first beauty product you remember purchasing on your own?
Amber: I remember walking into Nordstrom and buying MAC eyeshadow in Motif. I loved how it went from grey to pink depending on the light. That purchase definitely made made me a MAC lover for life.
Who was your beauty icon growing up?
Amber: Fashion was always enviable for me. I looked up to girls who wore cool clothing and did so confidently. Many of my fashion icons as a kid were from movies. I remember seeing Cher Horowitz in Clueless, with her computer-controlled closet and thinking she dressed so well. It’s kind of crazy to see those 90’s fashions returning now. I guess that means I’m officially old!
Do you wear makeup regularly? If so, how old were you when you started doing so?
Amber: If I can get through the day without makeup, I will absolutely do it! With so much going on in my daily routine, I love taking a break from makeup.
When did you first see yourself as beautiful?
Amber: I’ve never considered myself beautiful. I consider myself smart, talented, creative, dedicated – but not beautiful. Maybe it’s because I don’t hold “beauty” on a pedestal and it doesn’t have a singular definition to me. How many times have you met someone who becomes “beautiful” as you get to know him or her – even though your initial impression may have been lackluster.
Has your idea of beauty changed as you've gotten older?
Amber: My perception of beauty changed a lot when I became more involved with television and media. When you work in television you also work with a lot of beautiful people. It doesn’t take long to realize that beauty is easy to come by. There is no shortage of physically attractive people in the world. My experiences in television have forced me to broaden my definition of “beauty.” To me beauty has no size, no color and has little to do with how “pretty” you are. To me beauty is confidence, intelligence, kindness…maybe a slight dash of swag.
Part of me feels it’s a shame that I took so long to redefine “beauty” for myself. Thankfully, I think we are living in a time when the concept of “beauty” is regularly challenged. We are learning to appreciate all the elements that make us beautiful humans. It’s exciting to see how this shift of thinking will shape the future for women.
What's the one product you can't live without?
Amber: C.O.N.C.E.A.L.E.R. I am addicted to NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I pair it with Make Up Forever Ultra HD Color Corrector. Together – they can take me from zombie face to bright-eyed and ready to take on the day!
I also can’t live with out my hot pink lipstick. A few years ago I started wearing MAC Candy Yum Yum and it’s sort of turned into my signature lip color. Since then, I’ve amassed a little collection of hot pink lipsticks. My current fave is MAC Pink Pigeon.
Please walk me through the products I'm looking at and describe what they do and how you were introduced to them. Please describe your morning and evening routine.
Amber: I keep things as simple as possible! Every morning I moisturize with Aveeno SPF Facial Moisturizer and in the evening I cleanse with Bliss Foaming Face Wash. I wish I was one of those girls who had a detailed skin care routine. I’ve tried countless times to adopt an intense regimen, but it never sticks. So far, my skin is happy and healthy – so I’m gonna continue to keep it simple!
Which product have you been using the longest? When did you start using it?
Amber: I’ve always used a facial moisturizer with SPF. I think it’s probably the most important part of any skin care routine. Protecting my skin from the sun is a must – especially in Miami where I live!