Swim Search Beauty Talks: Clarissa Bowers

Welcome to our Beauty Talks Series! The final six models of the 2020 SI Swim Search class are here to share some of their best beauty tips, hacks and product must-haves. Check out our chat with Clarissa Bowers:

SI: Best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?

CB: To stop looking in the mirror and start looking at the impact you’ve made on the world around you.

SI: How would you describe your beauty aesthetic?

CB: Lazy. If there is a quicker, simpler way to get the job done you best believe I’ve found it. I love a natural glowy look that enhances your natural features without overpowering them and takes 10 minutes or less to complete!

SI: Beauty products that you use every day?

CB: Between classes, labs, work and life in general, most days I cover up my lack of sleep with a little concealer under my eyes and get my day going. My favorite for this exact occasion is the Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Eye Roller. It contains caffeine which helps to reduce inflammation.

For days I’m feeling a little fancier, I go for the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream. It is so hydrating and you only need the tiniest amount to achieve a really great natural coverage. Toss on a little cheek/lip tint and you are ready to go!

SI: Beauty products that are always in your purse?

CB: I usually carry a small wallet rather than a purse, so I make the most of the small space by bringing along products that have multiple uses. A cheek tint that doubles as a lip tint, or a highlighter that doubles as an eyeshadow.

SI: What does your skincare routine look like?

CB: Also lazy. I admire women who make the time to perform nine-step skin care perfection before bed, but I usually just don’t have that in me come bedtime. I wipe off any makeup from the day with micellar water, wash my face with a simple cream cleanser, and then I’ll put on a nice thick layer of whichever face lotion is easiest to reach.

SI: Products you swear by?

CB: Vaseline. Skin too dry? Light layer of Vaseline. Chapped lips? Vaseline. No highlighter around but you want a little glow? Vaseline. I know it doesn’t work for all skin types, but if it does work for yours I highly recommend it.

I also swear by CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, it’s very gentle on your skin and makes me feel squeaky clean.

SI: Favorite face masks?

CB: The famous Aztec Healing Clay Mask has earned its hype and Peter Thomas Roth makes a wide range of face masks so there is a little something for everyone. The Rose Stem Cell Bio-repair mask is one of my go-tos.

SI: Favorite way to wear your hair?

CB: Beachy waves, of course.

SI: Hair products you can’t live without?

CB: Argan oil. It’s been saving my split ends since 2012, and Olaplex kindly joined the fight a few years later.

SI: Best DIY hair mask you’ve tried?

CB: Coconut oil. I’ve heard mixed reviews on this, but it works wonders for me when my hair is feeling dry or brittle. I slather on a thick coat of coconut oil from roots to ends, protect my pillows with a towel, and then I let the oil do its thing overnight. I usually have to shampoo twice to get the oil out in the morning, but then I am left with soft, silky, frizz free locks.