Beauty x Brains: Shallon Dahl
It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to one of my favorite humans, Shallon Dahl. You may recognize her as the fabulous one-woman show behind sustainable fashion brand @rackandruin, where she is known for dreaming up gorgeous bespoke pieces in-house as well as her incredible eye for curating beautiful vintage collections on her website. Or maybe you know her from the cute popup parties that @rackandruinconsignment have hosted, another extension of Shallon’s genius which teams her up with her bestie Candace to help local fashionistas sell their mid-to-high-range designer items (think a stunning secondhand Stella McCartney Falabella or Valentino rock stud flats). OR MAYBE you’ve booked a takeover on @closetcleanoutyxe to sell your own preloved pieces (or been a solid follower since conception) - yup, that’s Shallon, too! So you’re getting the idea here - this woman is A) busier than a bumblebee and B) clearly knows a thing or two about fashion! I’m incredibly grateful that she was able to squeeze this interview into her ultra-busy schedule and, honestly, I’m obsessed with every word. Prepare to get your fangirl on…
““I think we were created to create.””
Who was your first beauty influence?
“I’m going to be predictable and say my first beauty influence was my mom. She was an image consultant for Beauty Control Cosmetics and had this great set up in the basement of my grandmother’s clothing store where she would sell products and give makeovers. She always looked so fabulous—makeup, hair and fashion. And I remember her gushing over the women she was making over, pointing out their best features that they should be so proud of.”
Who are your current beauty influences?
“You know, I really don’t have any one person specifically that I feel influences me, I think just in general I love the look of a fresh glowing face. The less makeup the better. I like bushy brows, freckles and unkempt hair. A few of my instagram beauty crushes are: @katebosworth @jmaumau @sarahshabacon @alexnoiret @mahanypery @christinamacpherson”
Which beauty product was iconic to you at age 15? What about now?
“I wasn’t a big beauty product teenager; however, I do remember when Ck One launched, I had to have it! Being a tomboy but still wanting to be kewl and desirable, it was the perfect scent! Ironically I don’t wear perfume as an adult but I am a huge fragrance person in that I am extremely particular about the smells on and around me. From the bar of soap I use in the shower to my shampoo and conditioner, body moisturizer, hair products and deodorant. Typically an all-around ‘non-invasive but noticeably fresh’ scent. I have had people tell me that when they smell anything moroccan oil, that they think of me. So I guess my iconic beauty product now would have to be that — Moroccan oil.
What does your current morning routine look like? What about at night?
“My current daily routine is a lot different than normal now that I’m not going to work every day so I just put a warm face cloth over my face for about 20 seconds to freshen it up, give it a light cleanse, sometimes toner and always moisturizer. If I’m going to be outside I will put sunscreen over my face and décolletage. Since I turned 30 and started becoming conscious of the aging process those areas never go unprotected! Then some lip liner, tinted lip balm and brush up my brows.
[At night] if I have any make up or sunscreen on I use almond oil to remove it, then repeat my morning routine with the face cloth, cleanser, toner, moisturizer and I will add some self-tanning drops every couple days to keep a glow going so I don’t need to wear foundation. I do a mask or scrub maybe 3 times a week but not every night as I have developed a skin condition this spring and, if I put any stress on it or any harsh products, I will wake up with a sore red rash, flaky skin and major swelling. So my nightly routine has also changed a lot recently. I have had to switch from my Eminence Organics acne-fighting products to the Sensi-bel line by Dr Belter to control it. As for hair, the quicker and more simple, the better! Ponytail or beachy waves. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect wave spray for years and yet to find one that I love. I need a great smell like a subtle coconut but also for it to have some hold and not too much drying salt. I like the result of Ouai Wave Spray but I loathe that scent on me!”
Do you spend more time/money on makeup or skin care?
“Skin care, definitely! I currently have some skin issues (something similar to contact dermatitis) and I can rarely wear makeup without a reaction. So I’ve had to invest in some premium products recommended by facial goddess, Ashley Schmon, who was in the process of transforming my acne-ridden skin before COVID-19 hit (which, thankfully, is no longer an issue for the time being, whether that is a result of not being able to wear make-up or since she made me give up my nightly coconut oil routine—who knew it is horrible for your skin?! Oops!).”
What is one holy grail beauty product that you absolutely cannot live without?
“Lucas Papaw Ointment. Discovered it when I lived in Australia and have not gone a day without it since.”
Tell me about your best beauty moment… and your most cringe-worthy one:
“Best beauty moment — When I got my brows micro-bladed by the brilliant Bri vanDuvendyk of @brieduivenbrows and added some lash extensions by Amanda Mckinnon of @londinlash.
Most cringe-worthy beauty moment — Over-plucking my brows in the 9th grade to the point of no return. I was never quite able to grow those bushy beauties back again. (**honourable mention to the stripes in my hair in that photo, another unfortunate choice from 13 yr old me).”
Lightning Round: The Fashion Files
Favorite Designer Brand: Alexander Wang
Favorite High Street Brand: AGOLDE always works!
Favorite Fashion Magazine: I love the editorials in W Magazine
Item of clothing you can’t live without: A long-sleeve thermal tee
Favourite style tip: When in doubt, French tuck.
Favourite fashion account: Currently loving @modedamour
How has your definition of beauty changed since youth?
“Well I didn’t really have a damn clue in my youth, nor did I have much interest. But, if anything has changed, I would say I have adopted an all-around “less is more” outlook.”
What inspires your beauty philosophy?
“Aging maybe? Becoming more comfortable in my own skin, therefore, not needing to hide behind a mask of makeup. Don’t get me wrong, I love a glam look on women, but that’s just not me. And I think part of growing up is discovering who you are and not needing to be anyone else. My most genuine beauty and fashion tip for anyone is — whatever makes you most comfortable! Because when you’re comfortable, you just exude confidence and that’s beautiful.”
What advice would you give to teenage you?
“Do not pluck your eyebrows!!!! Do not dye your hair. You don’t need makeup! Be free. Enjoy it while you can. Because you are way more beautiful without any of it.”
What or who inspires you to be your highest self?
“Highest self? What a great question! I need to ruminate over that…”
What passions bring you the most joy?
“I would have to say my biggest passion is designing and fabricating clothing and homeware. I went to fashion design college in my 20’s but have found that it ended up being more of a hobby than my livelihood for the time being. I hope to one day change that but, for now, it brings me peace and joy and takes me to another place — creating anything will do that for people. I think we were created to create.”
““I think part of growing up is discovering who you are and not needing to be anyone else.””
