Her Campus (HC): Tell a little about yourself, what’s your major and what do you plan to do with it, what extracurricular activities are you a part of?
Tracy Carrascosa (TC): My name is Tracy Carrascosa and I’m a junior studying exercise physiology. After college, my ideal goal is to become a physician assistant in dermatology. Skincare is something I am passionate about and really enjoy doing as part of my daily routine. On FSU’s campus, I am a member of a sorority and of the Pre-PA club.
HC: What Panhellenic chapter are you a member of, and how often do you fit member activities into your daily schedule?
TC: I am a member of Sigma Delta Tau and currently serve on our executive board as the Head of Standards. Being on exec involves weekly meetings, chapter, and is an oversight to our chapter with events and retreats. I love coming to meals every day and living upstairs makes it easy and convenient to do so. This year I live in-house and I love living here. Living in-house makes your bond with your sisters and your chapter closer.
HC: How do you start off your morning? Give us a glimpse into your morning routine… besides skincare, do you put on makeup? (If so, what do you use?) What activities do you do in the morning (exercise, meditation, nothing)? What do you eat for breakfast? (Is it in house, or out of the house?)
TC: I am not a morning person, but I wake up at 7:30 AM to start my day. I begin every day with my skincare routine. My current go-to cleanser has been Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser that’s gentle on the skin without over-drying, followed up by Sephora’s Brightening and Hydrating Eye Cream, then Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer and finally, the most important part – sunscreen! I swear by any daily sunscreen over SPF 30 but, there’s nothing like Elta MD’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. After doing my face routine, I like to give myself enough time to enjoy breakfast downstairs in our dining room before running out the door.
HC: What is your afternoon routine like? Do you eat lunch in or out of the house most days?
TC: My day is usually busy, filled with lectures, studying, and homework. In between classes or when I have a break in my day, I try to socialize with friends because a mental break from all the schoolwork is much needed. If I can find the time, and motivation, taking a workout class at the gym is always a good idea too. Around 11:30 AM, I head to the house to enjoy lunch with my sisters, and this is probably my favorite meal where I get to socialize with everyone. Typically, at lunch, we’re making plans for the rest of the day, our weekend, and catching up with those who you haven’t seen in a day or two.
HC: What is your nighttime routine like? Do you have a favorite shampoo or conditioner or any after shower products? Do you like to change up skincare and haircare products once in a while?
TC: After a long day, a nice shower and my nighttime skin routine is my favorite thing to do. When it comes to hair care, I switch it up almost every time I run out of a product, so my hair doesn’t get used to it. My current rotation is Raw Sugar’s Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner but about 1-2 times a week I add in IGK’s Expensive Hi-Shine Topcoat in place of conditioner to keep my hair shiny and protect it from heating tools. For skincare, I use my favorite cleanser and eye cream and then serum! The serum brand I use, Farmacy Beauty’s Honeymoon Glow Serum, has concentrated active ingredients like AHA + BHA (alpha & beta-hydroxy acid, which act as a natural exfoliant). It has lightened my dark spots, shrank my pores and has helped with any pesky breakouts. In the shower, I use Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream that absorbs in seconds leaving your skin hydrated and plump the next morning. Typically, when it comes to skin I like to stick to the same product if it is working for my skin.
HC: Has being a member of the Panhellenic community shaped you at all? Has being in a sorority changed your beauty/wellness routine?
TC: Being in a sorority has definitely made me a better woman and person overall. I am no longer someone who stays quiet. Panhellenic has shaped me into being a compassionate leader who is able to speak up. As for beauty and wellness, it has also changed the little things I do like makeup, hair, and skincare. Before I joined Sigma Delta Tau, I thought I knew what I was doing but boy was I wrong. Seeing how older sisters put themselves together made me want to be a better version of myself. If it wasn’t for the constant support, I received from those around me, I wouldn’t have matured into who I am today, and I definitely would not be serving on the executive board of my chapter.
HC: Overall, what is your favorite part of your routine, would you recommend it for others who have similar skin types as you?
TC: When I say skincare is my favorite I’m not kidding; constantly getting asked my opinions on products by family and friends, skincare is such an important part of our daily lives that we shouldn’t skip on. Not everyone has a combination that works for them, reading articles and being informed about your needs, skin type, and the different ingredients out there is my best recommendation for finding something that works for you. Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and moisturizing is the key to happy healthy skin.
All photos courtesy of Tracy Carrascosa.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!