“Everyone can naturally find their own equilibrium, so paying attention to what may be draining or consuming most of your time and energy helps you achieve this.”
Please briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Taylor Ranta, and I’m a graphic designer from Toronto, Canada. I started graphic design with my first freelance job ten years ago, and I eventually went to school for it and had been working in the field ever since.
I started posting design-related content on Instagram when the app started gaining traction, and since skincare has always been a passion of mine, it naturally became a part of my posts. Over time I grew an audience that shared an interest in skincare and design, which allowed me to showcase these topics through my eyes.
What is a typical day like for you?
I usually wake up around 8:00, stretch, put in my earbuds, and get on my exercise bike. I like to clear my head first thing to set the tone for the day, always with music. From EDM to classical to rap, it depends on the day.
Then I shower, do my morning skincare routine, and check emails. Of course, every day is different depending on what work I have, but I always like to end the day with a face mask, a movie, and maybe a cocktail.
“I think my view of beauty for myself has changed over time to focus on the traits I appreciate rather than focus on what I lack or what I’d like to improve. Confidence, above all, is beautiful to me; being secure in oneself.”
How has your background and experience shaped the person you are today?
I’ve always been quiet and reserved, but I was also strong-willed and independent from a young age. Coupled with an upbringing that encouraged an open mind, autonomy, and a propensity for new experiences, I found myself going to school in Japan at 15 years old. I had to adapt to a new culture, language and lifestyle during that time. That experience really made me grow as a person and only amplified all the parts of me that led me to that experience in the first place.
Does balance play a role in your life?
Absolutely. Although it doesn’t always naturally work out that way, I feel at my best when I have a sense of balance in all aspects of my life. But, of course, not every moment is perfectly balanced. But whether it's indulgence or stress, I’ve gotten pretty good at being aware of when to reel in those aspects of my life, and that can disrupt my ability to work at my best, enjoy nights out with my friends or take care of myself. So it’s an ongoing process.
What are some tips on maintaining balance and taking care of your well-being?
Everyone is different. It’s difficult to explain what balance is for me to someone else. However, I believe everyone can naturally find their own equilibrium, so paying attention to what may be draining or consuming most of your time and energy helps you achieve this.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty, to me, is abstract. It stands out, and it’s obscure and unique. Beauty is subjective, and that’s the best part.
How has your perception of beauty evolved over the years?
I think my view of beauty for myself has changed over time to focus on the traits I appreciate rather than focus on what I lack or what I’d like to improve. Confidence, above all, is beautiful to me; being secure in oneself.
I feel my best and most beautiful when I’m relaxed, in a good headspace, and have an all-black outfit on.
Are there any beauty tips from your culture that you can share?
My introduction to anything beauty-related, especially skincare, was always through my mother. She taught me to prioritize nighttime skincare, cleanse and prep the skin before bed, and optimize skincare with more active ingredients overnight when products can do their best work. As a result, I always keep a simple day routine and a more dedicated and rich night routine. She also taught me the importance of sun protection at an early age.
What are your beauty and wellness rituals?
I love the ritual of starting a routine and washing my face. I always look forward to my nighttime skincare routine, and the first step of washing my face leaves me feeling calm and content. However, it wasn’t until recently I learned about the mammalian diving reflex, that it all made sense. The cool sensation of water stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you relax.
I also like to do a mask nearly every night. It helps prolong the routine so I can take my time decompressing from the day.
What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Listen to your skin when trying new products. Oh, and of course, drink lots of water and try to get enough sleep.
What Superegg product does your skin love the most?
Definitely the Sound Renewal Serum Cream. It’s the first Superegg product I tried, and I instantly fell in love. My skin is always calm, hydrated, and smooth. Almost every time I test other moisturizers, I always miss this one and reach for it again.
Also, the Kind Atmosphere Biome Mist is my favourite mist of all time. I always start my skincare routine with a few refreshing sprays.
What are you reading or listening to that has made a lasting impression on you lately?
I’m not the biggest reader, nor do I listen to many podcasts. I’m more often than not just listening to music to ground myself and give me energy. I do always have The Design Book from Phaidon on hand because it covers design from architecture to furniture, tableware, and everything in between. It showcases how every design process is different and unique, and you can pull inspiration from anywhere.
What conscious decisions can we make to help the environment and our planet?
Try to be aware of what we buy, what we can recycle, and buy what we actually need and will use. I think there’s such a sense of immediate “need” feeling with consumerism that leads to excess waste. With fashion, food, or any lifestyle products, quality over quantity is always better.
What is your personal or professional mission?
To be my most authentic self, inspire, and continuously grow.
What does being a Good Egg mean to you?
To me, it’s similar to my answer to the previous question. To be the most authentic you, to be compassionate, genuine, and trying to leave a more positive impression on the world than negative.
Make a wish for your future self.
Learn to live in the moment.
Follow Taylor's journey at @taylorranta