Sai- Weehaken
What is your skincare routine, and how has it evolved over the years?
My skincare routine has become very simple. Less is more. It’s more about consistency. I have rosacea, so after trying everything on the market, I’ve condensed to just a few tried and true products. I double-cleanse with Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam and Elemis Cleansing Balm. Afterwards, I alternate between alcohol-free toner and hyaluronic acid. I seal it all in with a thick moisturizer.
Do you have a go-to skincare product that you can't live without? Why is it your favorite?
The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam. I love that my skin feels super clean afterward but doesn’t feel stripped.
What’s your favorite beauty tip or secret you’ve learned from others or discovered yourself?
I submerge my face in ice water every morning. It improves my pore size and skin firmness.
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with self-care? What are your favorite rituals for maintaining your well-being?
At least once a week, I find a way to give back to myself, whether through a massage or restorative yoga class (I love Humming Puppy in NYC). I always make sure my cup is full.
Who is a woman that has inspired you, and what did you learn from her?
I am my inspiration. Sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough credit, so I’ll remind everyone—we should be our own inspirations! I wasn’t dealt the best hand, but I made the most of what I had. The experiences I had throughout my life have taught me more than I’ve learned from anyone. Resilience is priceless.
Can you share some advice that has significantly impacted your life?
An aunt once told me not to force anything. At first, I didn’t understand what she meant by this. As I got older, though, I started to understand. We are all born with a unique destiny tailor-made for us, and when we force things, we move away from what’s ours. Let life unfold!
What are your mantras or affirmations that keep you motivated and grounded?
Trust the process.
Coolest travel experience?
It’s hard to choose because I’ve been to so many beautiful places. If I had to pick just one, though, I’d pick my travels through Japan. I really respected the culture and simplicity—the smallest tasks, like making tea, were done with intention and mindfulness, something I’ve never experienced elsewhere.
What was it like growing up in NYC, and how has it shaped you into who you are today? Any hidden gems?
I grew up in Washington Heights, where my mom and I lived in a prewar two-bedroom. It was pretty much exactly what you would expect- rough! The hustle and bustle was exhausting and never-ending. While I learned a lot and wouldn’t trade it for anything, I am so happy to be in New Jersey now. Nobody knows what “noise” is like a native New Yorker, and I am so appreciative of the peace and quiet I’ve cultivated in my adult life.
Maybe a bit cliche, and certainly not a ‘hidden’ gem, but a gem nonetheless—Central Park has my heart. I like to walk through it during the height of the seasons, and I also love Brooklyn Botanical Garden during cherry blossom seasons.
If you could describe your aura or energy in a color, what would it be and why?
Purple. Calm, peaceful, yet mysterious- read: ‘Baby Buddha’.
What’s a hobby or passion that people might not know about?
I love to cook! I make a killer French toast and love experimenting with different cuisines.
What’s next for you, and what are you most looking forward to?
I don’t know… and it’s pretty liberating. For the first time in my life, I’m not planning anything or trying to reach a milestone. I’m going with the flow and trusting that the universe is infinite.
Connect with Sai:
Instagram: @sash.alba