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We’ve been taught that cortisol is the bad guy… but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong?
For so long, the conversation has been about lowering cortisol, reducing cortisol, getting cortisol “under control.”And yes, chronically elevated or poorly timed cortisol can be a problem – but cortisol itself isn’t something your body is trying to fight.
You actually need it.
Cortisol helps you wake up in the morning, plays a role in regulating blood sugar and energy, and helps your body respond when life asks more of you. It’s part of a healthy, functioning stress-response system.
The goal isn’t to have no cortisol. It’s to support the natural rhythm your body was designed to have – higher in the morning when you need to wake up and get moving, then gradually lower as your body prepares to rest at night.
And this is the part I really want you to hear: supporting that rhythm doesn’t have to mean completely overhauling your life.
Sometimes it’s looking at the little things you’re already doing every day – your morning coffee, when you see daylight, what your evenings look like – and asking, “Is this working with my body… or against it?”
ENTER THE CHAT: LUMEBOX
I bought my LUMEBOX with my own money years ago – and after actually using it, testing it, and finding the ways it fits into my life, it has become one of those things I genuinely don’t want to be without.
It comes with me on every. single. trip.
Why? Travel can throw off all the cues my body is used to. If I’m in California, for example, 8 AM at home is 6 AM there – and it can still be dark when my body is ready to start the day. Having my LUMEBOX with me gives me a consistent light-based ritual even when my environment and schedule have changed.
But travel is only one way I use it. At this point, I reach for it for SO many things:
- Morning + travel routines when my usual light cues are different
- My nighttime wind-down when I’m trying to step away from bright lights and screens
- Alongside meditation to set the tone and help me slow things down
- Beside my ear as part of the routine I use when I’m focusing on calming and nervous-system support
- Over my gut when my stomach feels off or when nervousness shows up there
- On different areas of my body when something feels sore, achy, or just off
- Anytime I need a little mood reset and want to create a calmer environment
I’m never going to tell you there’s one magic thing that fixes everything – that’s not how our bodies work. But my LUMEBOX has become one of those tools I reach for again and again because it’s simple, it fits into my life, and I genuinely notice the difference in how I feel when I use it.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a LUMEBOX of your own, I’d be so grateful if you chose to shop through my link. It directly supports me, my family, and the work I get to share with you here – and truly, that means more to me than you know.
WHAT MAKES THESE BRUSHES SPECIAL?!
When I say I was picky about this set… I mean PICKY.
I tested so many brushes – other brands, different shapes, and brushes from across the entire Sigma lineup – because I didn’t want to put my name on a set just because the brushes looked good together. I wanted every single one to have a purpose.
My biggest thing? They needed to work for different eyes. Deep-set eyes, hooded eyes, mature or more textured lids, younger eyes – because we do NOT all have the same eye shape or skin.
These three made the cut because they work beautifully together. Whether you’re doing a simple two-shadow eye or building something with multiple shades, you can use them together to place, build, blend, and soften without needing 10 different brushes to get there.
And can we talk about softness? If you have sensitive eyes, you KNOW how much this matters. Some eye brushes are just too rough. These feel incredibly soft and gentle around the eye, which was a non-negotiable for me.
AND THEN THERE'S THE PRIMER...
knew I wanted the Sigma eyeshadow primer in this bundle because it’s genuinely the best one I’ve used – and trust me, I’ve tried a LOT.
I chose this very specific shade for a reason. That little hint of pink can help visually neutralize the look of discoloration and veins, giving you a more even-looking base before you ever pick up your shadow. I’ll even use a little under the eyes when I want some extra color correction.
Then it gives your shadow a smooth base and helps everything stay in place.
WE'RE ALL ABOUT KEEPING MAKEUP SIMPLE OVER HERE...
Which is why I’m sharing a quick eyeshadow look that’s simple, flattering, and easy to recreate!
I’m using some of my favorite SEINT shades & my SIGMA brush set of course.
YOUR QUICK EYESHADOW LOOK
You Didn’t Think I’d Leave Without a Giveaway Did You…
Y’all know my email subscribers get special perks over here.. which is why this week you will be entered into a GIVEAWAY when you comment on this blog post!
Comment ‘whether prefer a natural makeup look or you like to go full glam ’ to enter!
Natural all the way baby. I feel awkward even wearing lipstick like it’s too much or I’m trying too hard.
I am the same way!!! Im like is that lipstick too much? That’s why I love cocomero! Just a hint and I think im glammed up! Haha!
Natural is what I have always preferred. A little concealer then bronzer with highlighted cheeks. 😊
I prefer natural all the time. Glam has never been for me.
I definitely am a more natural makeup girlie.😊
This is a great brush set!
Natural for everyday, but when I get dolled up lol, I like to be glammed up!!!!
Natural with a bit of eye glam!
Prefer a natural makeup look~ I’m older now & with the wrinkles I try to stay more natural so as not to make others see how many wrinkles I have!
Natural makeup. Love it
All natural.
I love both! I do natural daily while I’m volunteering at my granddaughter’s school. My husband and I have a weekly date night & that’s when I go all out with full glam.
Hey Joce!! I go natural😊 Thank you for YOU!!🤗💖🙌🏻🌷
Absolutely natural with still some coverage for my sun spots and malasma!
Natural most days but a bit of glam for special times.
I prefer s more natural look. Full glam has never been my cup of tea.
Mostly natural, but an occasional eye glam for special occasions!
2 comments for me. I had my makeup set to perfection with Seint to attend a get to gether with classmates of 70 years!! When I went to use the bathroom, I noticed in the mirror that I’d forgotten mascara!!! OMG! Obviously I had gotten distracted and did t finish my look! Haha. They love me anyway after this many years.
Secondly, I have a different take on the cortisol. I have found that intermittent fasting works for me so I dont eat breakfast until 11am. Coffee doesn’t interrupt my fast and I enjoy my morning coffee.
I prefer the natural makeup look verses the glamorous look!!!
Natural for everyday but I’d love to learn a couple glam looks for nights out! And I cannot wait to save enough for the lumebox!!!!
The older I get, I like a more natural look. I still want some color though, and love playing with makeup, but I am toning it way down. I really don’t care if some sun spots or other flaws show anymore. I have earned all of them😊
I like a more natural look. I tend to be light handed, when applying my makeup. Seint makes it easy, to get the look you want.
More of a natural makeup look, but when going out (rarely) I want to glam it up some, but still nervous to overdo it! I heard that red lips is the thing this fall even with the no makeup look, would you do this? Red lips is super scary, but it could be fun.
Most of the time I go for a natural look, but I may glam it up a little for an event.
Hmmm, pretty much natural! But nothing like full glam for a fun dress up event. I love my shimmer shadows and illuminator from Seint for the latter. And Stay Golden and a touch of White peach for natural days. 😉🏄♀️
I’m mostly natural at home except for a lil eyeliner, blush, and lips. But I won’t even go to the Post Office without full face. My mom is 93 and she is still the same way. I love makeup and being girly etc. my motto has always been “look the best you can” it makes me feel good to look my best. I’m in my 60s never done Botox, fillers etc. I do get facials, love micro dermabrasion etc. people always comment that I do not look my age 😉.
natural!
As I get older I feel more comfortable in a natural look. I also think it looks better on me!
I Prefer a more natural look
Natural, but I sure do love a heavier blush 😊
Natural look!! I’m retired and like simple but a little color.
Natural all the way! I don’t want people just noticing my makeup.
I really enjoy your blogs! Look forward to getting your newsletter. Thanks for all the very helpful information!
Carol
The older I am getting h the less makeup I am wearing. Loving the more natural look. Thanks for all the tips you give us
The older I get, the more I prefer the natural look on myself. I start with Vitamin C, the Love Duo, La Dope moisturizer and use a little tinted sunscreen. Saint eyeshadow and lip/cheek to finish. Pretty simple and fast.
I’m a natural woman!
A little goes a long way with me.
A touch here and a touch there and bam, done and loving me!
i love a natural, glowy, dewy look!!! so very excited to work with you and learn how to do makeup :)
JOCE = the best!!!!!
I prefer a natural look. If going out for an evening I may add a little more, but I would call it enhanced natural, not full on glam.
Going with a natural look is definitely my usual preference, but sometimes a girl’s gotta go full glam to remind people that she can stand on business, ya know?
Prefer a more natural look!
I’m an all natural gal! I always feel so made up if I use eye makeup but I’m probably not using it correctly 😫
I prefer natural. At 60 have to be careful with what you pile on.
I very much prefer a natural look!
Natural leaning glam with lipstick😂
Natural but I LOVE eyeshadow and mascara.
natural eye :)
Love natural look but a little glam for date night or special occasions is great.
Natural the majority of the time, but everyone needs a glam day here or there 💗
I am a natural makeup kinda gal and Seint does a great job providing me with the tools to achieve that
Natural with a little glam!
I always feel a little better and ‘put together’ with some makeup on. If I’m going ‘natural’, I still want lashes and lip gloss. ;)
I prefer a natural makeup look!
Natural makeup over here! A little extra on day nights.
Definitely Natural!
Natural all the way!
I love the natural look. I do a little glam for special occasions.
I’m learning to love more of a natural look.
I like the more natural look. I use so little makeup with Seint and it lasts a long time.
I’m a natural look kind of gal. During the summer most day’s no make-up at all!!!
The older I get, the more natural I like my make up.
I prefer a natural makeup look. I’m open to glam on a special occassion but would have to have someone do it for me.
I prefer a more natural look
Definitely a natural look for me!
I love the natural look, for those days you want to look put together without all the fuss.
I prefer a natural look but my skin isn’t even, so I’m trying to only use Olive Rose.
Definitely a neutral look! On older eyes, I believe neutral is best. Less is more!
I prefer a more natural makeup look. Whenever I put on more makeup than is needed, I always feel out of place with myself.
Mostly natural, a bit more glam on special occasions
I prefer a natural look. Special occasions deserve a special glam look at times though.
Neutral look all the way unless It is a fancy occasion!
I love the natural look please, especially for my mature skin. Thank you!
I prefer a natural makeup look!
Natural for sure!! And…the line box is so tempting…
Natural look
Natural with a touch of glam for a special occasion 💋 x
Natural look for sure. Just not brave enough for more glam! :)
I prefer the all natural but with a hint of glam!
Natural. One week and I am so thrilled to receive my Sient pallete. My husband even commented and said he could hardly tell I was wearing anything. Thank you Jocelyn! <3
Natural for me but I do like my eyes to pop!
I do my makeup like you. I do a warm full eye shadow look and then the face colors you recommended. Less is more!!
More Natural but periodic glam is good!
Definitely more natural, but I need some color on my cheeks and lips for sure – not a lot, by any means – just enough so I don’t look washed out. Love the Olive Rose blush and just discovered the Seint lip pencils and oils. Love those!
Natural for sure… I love a good red lipstick and glam on others but I feel like a fake when I try it! Especially with grey hair, a bright lip is gorgeous but I just can’t pull the trigger!
I like natural most. You look like yourself but better :) but for special occasions I would do full glam.
I choose natural most days but love a dramatic eye for a special evening out! You’re the best Joce and I’m so grateful for your hair care tips since we have similar hair and allergies.
Natural all the time!
I like the natural look but at age 69 I do need to wear tinted moisturizer, blush but I try to apply lightly so I don’t accentuate my fine lines and wrinkles!
Natural look all the way.
I like natural the best that is why seint makeup is so good. It seems like the less the better especially at my age.
Interesting timing on the question… Normally, I’m an all natural girl, but this weekend going to a formal wedding and was just thinking about definitely doing the eyes! Your YouTube video was perfect timing!
Definitely a natural girlie here! It’s why olive rose and seint are the best! However, glam for special occasions… but my glam is still on the more natural side.
I definitely prefer a natural look. My goal is to always look like me but better. Like I was lucky enough to wake up looking this way. Some days a little Seint brightening and bronzing is all I do. On most days I do Seint, the same Sigma primer 😉, brows, mascara and glossy lip balm.
Natural or nothing but some chapstick! I love make up, but I feel like a clown most of the time!
Natural.
I love both! Most days is natural, but there’s definitely a place in time for full glam, which is super fun!
I love a natural makeup look!
Natural always
Natural girl! Tinted sunscreen, under eye color correction, but a little lip and mascara are a must. 😊
I work in a professional setting and feel that I need to project a confident look. I have oily skin and try to not look overly made up. My mom always wore makeup and would never leave the house without it. I’ve followed you for several years and wear Seint makeup because of your instruction and how light the application can be.
I perfer a natural look simple is key. However every now and then like to do a glam look and go out for fun.