“Arréglate.”
It’s a saying that instantly transports me to my childhood bedroom in San Francisco, my mom combing knots out of my hair and making sure I’m wearing a cute outfit. The translation is “Get ready.” But for many Latinx people, it’s code for “Put on some lipstick before our guests arrive.” Even now, before heading to any dinner or event, or even just stepping out for an errand, this command from my mom echoes in my head. Running to the supermarket to buy milk without combing my hair? Not so fast.
For a long time, I didn’t think my love for beauty had anything to do with being Latinx. When I was a little girl, my mom, who’s Nicaraguan, would let me rummage through her makeup bag, and I’d emerge from the bathroom an hour later, triumphant, silver eye-shadow painted from my lash line to my forehead. This may sound like a young-woman cliché: “My love for beauty comes from my mom.” But the truth is that she let me into her cosmetics stash only bec
Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla
2020 was wrought with turbulent challenges that included a global pandemic, high-stake elections, confronting injustice, and drastically adapting our general way of life. As we round out the year, taking time to recenter and indulge in TLC and R&R is especially paramount. If you could use some pampering or would like to provide a gift that encourages the act of
self-care for someone else to enjoy, we have a list of all-inclusive products from ten Latinx owned businesses.
Some of our favorites can help alleviate timely issues like maskne, stress-induced hair loss and monitoring our mental health. As shut-downs continue to take effect this holiday season, take the time to slow down and unwind on your own or in safe company with our curated self-care items.