The Sacred Beauty Collective’s founder wants to help us define and express our looks on our own terms.
– KEYS SOULCARE
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Does it shift with the day, the trends, or a number on the scale? Does it depend on your mood? Does it all hang on the last thing someone said to you? Or — more accurately — the last thing you said to yourself? It’s a rare day when the way that we feel about ourselves is based solely on how we feel about us, rather than a filtered version of what the world would have us believe.
This is precisely why Rebecca Casciano started The Sacred Beauty Collective. With decades as a makeup artist for photo shoots, red carpets, and private client events, Casciano’s no stranger to the cycles of self-expression, self-love, and self-criticism that beauty conjures in all of us — and is on a mission to help us hit reset.
Here’s our chat about her work, the rituals that empower her journey, and tips for seeing more of our own beauty, too.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a plant-based makeup artist, sacred beauty coach, and founder of The Sacred Beauty Collective. I offer one-on-one virtual makeup lessons to help women find the best plant-based makeup and skincare for their unique needs and apply makeup in a way that’s fun and empowering. In my Sacred Beauty Coaching practice, I support and guide women to prioritize self-love and care, which positively impacts all aspects of their lives.
What’s the Sacred Beauty Collective’s mission, specifically?
It’s an intimate group of women who come together for bi-weekly meetings centered around a monthly theme. Guest speakers share their expertise and offer practical tips and tools. Our mission is to help women see their own beauty and love themselves more so that they can live more fully in their purpose and power. We aim to create an inclusive and supportive community where all women feel seen, heard and celebrated.
One of my favorite things about the collective is being able to bring together incredible women who inspire me and who I’ve worked with. It’s amazing to be able to bring together so many focal points of everything from meditation, to nutrition, to feng shui, to dancing and moving your body.
Why do you think that self-care and make-up — or just any part of “making ourselves up” — feel like such opposing forces?
There’s many layers when it comes to the beauty conversation. In reality, they have such a deep connection. We’re all spiritual beings having a human experience. All of our parts are connected — our mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional selves. Beauty rituals such as applying makeup can be a source of self-expression as well as a reflection of how we see ourselves.
In many cases, women have been taught that we need to change ourselves in order to be seen as beautiful and lovable, and that our worth is our beauty. I think in many ways the beauty industry has done harm, because it teaches us to seek validation from the outside rather than the inside. It can also be looked down upon if you use makeup, as though you don’t love yourself as you are. But it’s not either-or — both can be true. We can choose to adorn our faces and bodies from a place of love.
How can we stay conscious of the self-expression and self-care connection as we move through our days?
I believe that having empowering morning rituals are important because they really set you up for your day. For me it’s journaling, meditation, and beauty rituals, but it can be anything that helps you feel connected to yourself and your higher power. During the day, it’s important to check in with yourself to see what you’re thinking about and if it’s aligned with your intentions. Reframing is an important tool I use daily to shift my mood and stay focused on what’s good about any given situation or life in general.
I, personally, love to say affirmations in the mirror.
Do you have some favorites?
“I love and accept myself exactly as I am” is one of my go-to’s. You can put the words, “I am” before any of your desired feelings. For example, “I am beautiful,” “I am worthy,” “I am loved.” I like to choose a body part or facial feature that I’ve been judgemental towards and send love to it.
What do rituals like this do for us? What have you seen them do for your community members?
These rituals are transformative because they bring intention and reflection to our daily lives. They can help us see beyond the surface, release old stories that no longer serve us and embrace our true, inherent beauty. Through the practice of self-love rituals, I’ve seen our members learn how to embrace their inner and outer beauty, practice self-care without guilt, speak their truths, ask for help, and have more empathy and compassion with themselves and others. All of this allows us to show up in bigger ways in our relationships, careers and so much more.
What is your highest vision for the work that you’re doing?
My highest vision is that it will reach many women and girls and help to change the conversation around beauty, smash patriarchal standards, [as well as encourage] women to love themselves more and feel empowered to be who they want to be in the world.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is a reflection of the divine within each of us, a transcendent quality that elevates all aspects of our being, mind, body and spirit. To me, beauty is love, kindness, peace, healing and equity for all people and the planet. Beauty is celebrating our bodies at all stages of life and encouraging others to do the same.
What old standards can you put down to make room for the entirety of your unique beauty?
Related Stories
