November took me on a seven-day working retreat to Birmingham, Alabama, a city I mainly knew through its history as a center of the Civil Rights Movement. My escape to the South of the United States was an opportunity to slow down, strip down to my bare beauty essentials, and create different forms of art.

Where to Stay in Birmingham: The Painted Lady Inn

I stayed at the Painted Lady (2143 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233), an inn housed in the historic Eyer-Raden Building on the edge of downtown Birmingham.

The inn pays homage to Louise Wooster, a legendary local madam who became a hero during the 1873 cholera epidemic. Each of the 22 rooms is uniquely designed with vibrant details that honor the building’s colorful past. I enjoyed the modern amenities, like a large comfortable bathroom and a large cozy bed.

Things to Do in Birmingham: Ballet, Pilates & Art

Each morning, I walked to the Alabama Ballet (2726 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233), the state’s premier professional ballet company, where I took drop-in classes with semi-professional and retired dancers. After class, I sipped hot tea at The Red Cat Coffee House.

When I was too fatigued for ballet, I took the chair class at Pala Pilates(310 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N # 400), a classical Pilates studio about a half mile away from the hotel. Though walking over the bridge seemed suspicious at first glance, I found the streets quiet and safe. Over the weekend, I stolled a mile to Alabama Art Supply (1006 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35205), an artist’s paint supply store in Birmingham with weekly classes.

Best Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama

The inn didn’t have its own restaurant, but I found an incredible selection of fine dining establishments that were within walking distance. I even walked after dark (though I wouldn’t recommend that).

For oyster hour, I sat at the bar at Bayonet, the Michelin star restaurant with a delicious seafood-exclusive menu. Amour Steak House drew me back twice for their soup of the day.

When rain kept me indoors one sleepy Friday morning, I found refuge at Frothy Monkey, and enjoyed a creamy Irish Coffee alongside a vegetable omelet.

In the evenings, I’d sneak next door to Bygones Cocktail Bar, a charming, dimly lit speakeasy that drew a boisterous crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.

Beauty Secrets from Birmingham

During a conversation with a makeup artist, I found myself mesmerized by her luminous, enviably healthy skin. When I asked about her routine, she smiled and shared her grandmother’s ritual.

“I apply Vaseline to remove my makeup, cleanse with warm water, and moisturize with cocoa butter,” she told me. “If I deviate from this routine, my skin gets dry and breaks out.”

I was skeptical. Could such a basic routine really be the secret to gorgeous skin?

• Petroleum jelly: When used to remove makeup, Vaseline effectively dissolves oil-based products (including stubborn waterproof mascara) without stripping the skin because it is an occlusive, meaning it creates a barrier on the skin. Unlike many makeup removers that contain alcohol or harsh surfactants, Vaseline doesn’t disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The key is thorough removal. Her warm water cleanse must be essential to prevent pore congestion.
• Cocoa Butter’s Gentle Power: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, cocoa butter is deeply moisturizing without being comedogenic for many skin types. It’s been used for generations because it works by providing hydration, improving skin elasticity, and creating a protective layer that locks in moisture overnight. For her skin type, it clearly provides exactly what’s needed.

Perhaps the most important element of her routine is her unwavering consistency. When she deviates, her skin reacts, perhaps because change can disrupt her microbiome and the moisture balance her skin has achieved.

I found that elaborate skincare routines can overwhelm the skin. Each additional product is a potential irritant. For this makeup artist, her skin has adapted to this routine, maintaining its natural balance.

Trip Details:

• Duration: 7 days
• Best for: Solo travelers, wellness enthusiasts, beauty lovers
• Getting around: Walking (no car needed)
• Best time to visit: Fall/Spring

---

Have you discovered any unexpected beauty wisdom while traveling? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.