Divorce & Self-Care: Why Taking Back Your Power Starts with Your Skin with Esthetician Page Buldini

Divorce Happens

Divorce is a time of immense change, and often, self-care is the first thing that slips away. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with esthetician Page Buldini to discuss the transformative power of simple skincare during life transitions. Page shares her belief that taking just 90 seconds each day for self-care can be a game-changer—not just for your skin, but for your mental and emotional well-being. Together, they explore how small, intentional moments of self-care can foster resilience and provide a sense of normalcy during even the most turbulent times.

Beyond just skincare, Page dives into the deep relationships formed between aestheticians and their clients—bonds that often become lifelines during challenging moments. She talks about how the act of caring for oneself, even in the smallest ways, serves as a radical act of empowerment. From cleansing your face to moisturizing your skin, Paige emphasizes that these daily rituals are more than just routine—they’re declarations of self-worth and resilience.

Olivia and Page also discuss the importance of finding support networks and being proud of every step forward. Page offers practical tips that make self-care approachable, even during the chaos of divorce. Whether you’re doing the bare minimum or going all out, it’s about carving out that moment for yourself. Tune in to discover how a clean face, a little moisturizer, and a lot of self-compassion can help you take back your power and move forward with confidence.

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90 Seconds to a Better Day: Skincare Tips for Divorce Recovery: Interview with Esthetician Page Buldini

Olivia Howell (01:00):

Welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because as we all know, divorce happens—and then you start fresh. Today, I'm thrilled to have with me one of our very first Fresh Starts experts, Page Buldini. Page, tell us what you do and where you're based.

Page Buldini (01:28):

Thank you! I'm so honored to be here. I am the solo owner of Page Esthetic Skin Care in Medford, Massachusetts. I'm an esthetician and a laser technician. I just love skin—all skin—and I love taking care of it.

Olivia Howell (01:47):

I love that, and I love how much you focus on empowering people through their skin. We all know what a divorce glow-up is, right? After a divorce, you feel good, you look good. But I'm really interested in talking about that messy middle period—the part where the house is a mess, you feel terrible, your skin's breaking out, and you still have to go to court and deal with your ex. How do we take care of our skin during that really tough time?

Page Buldini (02:23):

That's such a great question! I think during any big change, it's important to just take 90 seconds for yourself. I can only imagine what people are going through—the weight of it all. So, if you can just take 90 seconds to do something for yourself, it can make a huge difference. I'm a big fan of multipurpose skincare because while it's great to have 15 products, it's not always practical. One of my favorites is the One Love Organics Oil Cleanser. It's amazing because at the end of the day, you just need one pump on dirty makeup skin—no need for anything else. Add a little water, massage it in, and it removes everything: makeup, SPF, dirt—all of it. It smells beautiful with papaya enzymes, and it’s such a great way to reset.

If you’re in a safe place, just let it go down the drain and take that moment. That's 90 seconds—just two steps. Cleanser and moisturizer. If you can do that, you can tackle the next thing. It’s one less thing to worry about.

Olivia Howell (03:47):

I love that. Ninety seconds seems so doable! Take us through a typical skincare routine for someone who really doesn’t have the time.

Page Buldini (03:59):

Yes! So, it's just that: Clean your skin at night. A lot of people are firm believers in morning and nighttime routines, but if you can at least go to bed with clean skin and a moisturizer that protects your skin barrier, you’re doing great. Look for something with lipids or collagen—anything that helps rebuild. When you wake up, even just a splash of water and some SPF will make a difference. So, it’s three simple steps: cleanse, moisturize, SPF. Manageable, but effective.

Olivia Howell (04:48):

I love that! And you also do waxing, right? For me, if my eyebrows are done, I feel like I can conquer the world. Can you talk about the empowerment that comes from those little things?

Page Buldini (05:12):

Absolutely! I love my job because while I’m literally removing hair, it's really about empowerment. I’m not here to change someone; I’m here to enhance what they already have. Even a quick brow wax can make a huge difference. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling good about yourself. There’s something really powerful about taking that time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes.

Olivia Howell (05:57):

I love that. And there's also the relationship you have with your esthetician, right? I feel like mine knows everything about me!

Page Buldini (06:35):

Yes, 100%. It’s almost like therapy sometimes! People open up; they share their lives. I feel so honored to hold that space for them. What’s said in the wax room stays in the wax room. It’s a vulnerable moment, and I want my clients to feel safe, heard, and cared for. It’s more than just hair removal—it’s a moment of peace.

Olivia Howell (07:57):

That’s so beautiful, Page. For anyone listening who’s going through a divorce, what words of encouragement would you leave them with?

Page Buldini (08:50):

If you’re here listening, you’re already in the right place. Olivia, what you’ve created with Fresh Starts is incredible—a network of support that truly understands what people are going through. Be proud of yourself because you’re taking steps to create a better life for you and your family. That is so brave.

Olivia Howell (09:28):

I love that. It’s all about bravery. Page, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and for demystifying skincare during tough times. Whether it's divorce, a job change, or just life being messy, those little moments of self-care matter. And 90 seconds? We can definitely do that.