About

Mission Statement

Welcome to The Old School Beauty Blogger—a space dedicated to women who are done with influencer culture and the endless chase to look younger. My mission is to promote embracing the beauty of aging, loving the skin we’re in, and aging joyfully—however that may look to you.

I’m not here to judge if your views on growing older differ from mine. We all deserve to feel comfortable and confident in our skin. Just know that when you’re here, we won’t be chatting about erasing fine lines (they tell a story of a life well-lived) or losing a few extra pounds.

With a background in skincare that goes back nearly 30 years, I’m here to offer real, fact-based advice to help you make educated skincare decisions that work for your unique needs—without falling for the latest fads or breaking the bank. Together, let’s redefine beauty, celebrate wisdom, and find joy in the journey of growing older, as it is truly a privilege.

About Karley

I’m an almost 50 suburban wife and mom with a deep passion for skincare and beauty. I’ve dedicated more than half my life to the industry, working as an esthetician, educator for major beauty brands, formulator, and freelance beauty contributor to magazines worldwide.

Professional Makeup and Skincare Experience
My journey in cosmetics began when I started a Mary Kay business in my college dorm at 19. Soon after, I worked as a weekend freelancer for Lancôme, and my first full-time position was as Clarins Counter Manager at age 22. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with iconic brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, and Laura Mercier.

In my freelance work, I’ve served as a regional educator and makeup artist for Cargo Cosmetics, and as an educator for Exuviance (NeoStrata) at ULTA stores across Western New York. Additionally, I was an online brand ambassador (Passionista) for the late Estée Lauder company, Prescriptives.

Beauty Writing Experience
As an expert in beauty and an award-winning blogger, I’ve penned hundreds of articles that have appeared in dozens of print publications, including USA TODAY. I’ve been interviewed by Canadian Living and featured in Green Mom Magazine, The Democrat and Chronicle, Daily Messenger, and more. I also served as Senior Beauty Editor for Hope for Women magazine.

For several years, while raising my kids, I freelanced for beauty and skincare brands, writing ad copy, blogs, newsletters, press releases, and web content. Though I now write on a limited basis, I still contribute to beauty and skincare brands in a “semi-retired” capacity.

Natural Health and Wellness Journey
In 2005, following my father’s passing from pancreatic cancer at 56 and my concerns about environmental toxins, I pursued studies in aromatherapy and became a certified aromatherapist. I’ve also completed training in Holistic and Clinical Aromatherapy from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing.

While I initially leaned heavily on sources like the EWG and became overly cautious about ingredients, my work as a professional writer demanded a more balanced approach. I began prioritizing fact-based research over fear-driven narratives, relying on peer-reviewed studies and expert consultations. This shift has shaped my current writing, where I focus on science-backed claims rather than alarmist views.

My Passion for the Industry & My Why
I founded my blog in 2007 to share my love for beauty and skincare. Combining my expertise in esthetics, essential oil use, makeup artistry, and skincare formulation, I offer well-researched content for my readers.

Previously, I had my own facial skincare line from 2007-2009, which was featured in Martha Stewart Whole Living and included in celebrity swag bags at the Blue Planet Film Festival. My line was also certified cruelty-free by the CCIC’s Leaping Bunny program.

It all started with a mom with two babies and a desperate need for “me time” — that outlet was starting a blog. Here we are, now more than seventeen years later, and I am launching a beauty blog once again. The babies are now college students and I am in need of an outlet focusing a bit of time on something that brings me joy at a time where things can feel a bit heavy.

In November 2022, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and while it has thankfully remained stable, it has brought with it a wide range of symptoms, headaches, hearing loss (I now wear a hearing aid in my right ear), short term memory loss, tripping on my words, and occasional tremors on the right side of my body. This weighs on me, no matter how much of a glass half full type of person I am, so I am working to take back control of my life. That means no longer delaying something that truly brings me immense joy.

If you were with me back in 2007 when Chic & Green launched and followed me, welcome back! If you are brand new, welcome! I am so happy to have you here.