You probably know her from her ultra-popular social platforms where she creates beauty and lifestyle content, but Desi Perkins is working hard on creating a skincare brand that can thrive regardless of her mega-influencer status. Like many makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts believe, a solid skincare routine is the key to any great makeup look, and Perkins agrees. So, she set off to create efficacious products that truly work. We recently had the opportunity to chat with her about her journey in doing so, plus so much more. Below, find out what she has to say about founding Dezi Skin, her experience with skincare as part of her culture, and the challenges that come along with being an influencer turned brand founder. You're arguably most known for creating beautiful makeup looks on social media. So, what inspired you to start Dezi Skin? Why skincare over makeup?As my makeup career started taking off and I was applying a full face every day, I realized that makeup application was so much easier when I was taking care of my skin. Everyone struggles with skin issues, and one of my most popular videos was about how to cover blemishes in the most natural way. After I made that video, I slowly started showing solutions from both sides: the skin side and the makeup side. Instead of only showing how to cover blemishes, I began showing how to reduce them with a healthy skin regimen. It really resonated with my audience, and I quickly realized that I was hooked on skincare and would someday create a line.Who taught you what you know about skincare? Did you have a skincare regimen growing up? Growing up in my family, I was surrounded by cultural skincare tips from the time that I was very young. I loved learning about self-care and could see that beauty regimens were really meaningful to my family. Specifically, I found inspiration from my mom. She has always been a strong influence in regards to inner and outer beauty. I remember aloe vera was the answer to everything. We always had them growing somewhere in the backyard and we would simply cut them open to use on our faces and bodies. My family also used to boil guava leaves and use the water on our skin. When my mom was little and they were growing up in Mexico, obviously there was always a family member who was really into herbs. Some of my uncles and aunts were dealing with a lot of acne, so they told them to boil some guava leaves and put it on their skin as it would help with the acne — and their skin got so much better. It actually worked! I never really asked [about the root of this practice] as it's very much a Mexican thing — they tell you to do something and you don't ask questions, you just do it. It's also really good for your hair with any dandruff and dryness, and it is an anti-inflammatory. I love that trick and I actually do that now with rosemary for my son’s hair. I have a guava tree in our backyard that we planted, and we have yet to see any guavas, but we use the leaves often!
