Happy 46th Birthday to Me!
The most common response when someone learns my age…“Shut the fu*k up! No way! You can’t be turning 46! What the fu*k are you doing?! Tell meee!”
To be honest, a lot of it has to do with genetics. I got it from my mama (and father), no doubt! My mom started all sorts of beautification rituals at birth. I’m no stranger to high maintenance (LOL!)
My mom used to make:
- Yogurt face masks
- Yogurt hair masks
- Multani Mithi + besan flour + milk or yogurt-based body scrub
- Home cooked fresh meals every day. We only ate junk food once a week
- Also, we had no frozen or packaged foods until we got older
I started noticing signs of aging around 40. Up until then, I really had no fine lines, wrinkles, or anything that gives away that I’m in my 40s.
The only issue I’ve had for many years is dry skin, which is a huge problem because dry skin ages way faster than oily skin!
I made a serious commitment years ago that I come first. And there’s nothing selfish about that!
Yes, it takes time and dedication to look young…and shit ton of money, too. Why lie?
And of course, it’s obvious how diligent I am with my skincare routine. Consistency is key!
Lemme break down my fountain of youth secrets for ya!
Spilling My Personal “Fountain of Youth” Secrets
Check out my secrets to looking youthful in my 40s below. Want personalized recommendations? Reach out to my team!
Find a healthy skincare regimen for you, and stick to it!
First of all, skincare (and everything else I’m about to mention) isn’t rocket science. When you live a generally healthy lifestyle and develop good self-care practices that you carry out DILIGENTLY, vibrant skin with a youthful glow just follows.
When it comes to your skincare routine, don’t over-complicate it! Social media has brainwashed y’all into thinking you need some crazy 10+ step routine because guess why? They want you to spend more money on products! Think the French way instead: Less is more & quality, not quantity, counts.
Here’s what I do most mornings:
▪ Skip cleansing (I have dry skin & a morning cleanse isn’t necessary for me)
▪ Splash cold water on my face to freshen up & get the blood flowing
▪ Gently pat a Vitamin C serum all over my face and neck, then wait 2 minutes
▪ Apply Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream all over my face and neck
▪ Can’t forget my Clé De Peau eye cream!
▪ Apply EltaMD Broad Spectrum sunscreen
And in the evening:
▪ I first cleanse with the Bioderma Sensibio Make-Up Removing Milk
▪ Next, I complete my cleanse with Bioderma’s Sensibio Smoothing Micellar Water.
▪ Then, since you can’t mix certain active ingredients, I alternate nights using the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum and my prescription retinoid (an absolute essential product when you’re in your 40s)
▪ After this dries, I apply more of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream all over my face and neck
▪ More Clé De Peau eye cream!
▪ Hit my silk pillowcase for a good night’s rest
It’s all about consistency, diligence, and also having a great prescription retinoid. And remember: always do unto thy neck as you do unto thy face.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Protect that beautiful face!
I wear SPF as often as I can, but not always. Some days I forget. I don’t use it in the winter even though I know you’re supposed to all year round. Oh, well. Overall, I’m on top of my sunscreen game. I especially love EltaMD’s facial sunscreen.
Add my Darth Vader visor on top to marry high fashion with UV protection!
Do NOT Smoke
Smoking makes you age 10x faster and makes you look much older than you actually are. Chemicals in smoke (and from secondhand smoke exposure) degrade and break down collagen and elastin in your skin, creating huge wrinkles. Not to mention those nasty smoker’s lines around the lips!
Plus, it smells disgusting anyway!
Use Antioxidants!
I’ve been on top of my skincare game as long as I can remember, at least since I was 15. Believe it or not, my dad was the one always doing face masks, massages, manicures, pedicures, etc. I definitely get my bougie ways from him!
I currently use MaeLove’s The Glow Maker serum and I love it.
Hydrate!
It’s very simple. What’s the difference between a raisin and a grape? WATER! Think about it, it’s the same as fruit. One is dried up and the other is full of water.
This means incorporating super hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid moisturizers, glycerin, or squalane into your skincare routine!
Drinking lots of water doesn’t directly hydrate your skin BUT it does keep your body’s cells functioning optimally, meaning your skin will naturally glow as a result of a healthier, better performing you. Again, it’s not rocket science!
Improve Your Diet
You truly are what you eat.
Sure, I went through puberty and have eaten shit just like all of us, but I quickly realized my eating habits affect my skin big time.
I stopped eating red meat altogether 5 years ago. I don’t miss it at all. And I shit like a rockstar because my body doesn’t work as hard to digest such tough meats. I quit cow’s milk 5 years ago as well. Love my Oatly milk!
I minimize rice, bread, and pasta in my diet as much as possible, but I do allow myself the occasional cheat day and/or meal. I’m not militant and it shows.
Sugar is my downfall. If I could cut it by 50%, I’d be even more golden!
I also never felt the desire to drink until COVID-19 hit. Now, I need a drink to relax. And that’s okay. I’m livin’ my best life.
I’ve recently signed on with a Whole30 coach and changed up my diet substantially. We substituted a bunch of foods I thought were good for me but actually were not. Changing my meal timings and giving myself healthier options for my age and concerns has really made a difference!
Increase Skin Cell Turnover & Renewal
I’m the first to admit how much I love med spas. Scheduling regular facials, body treatments, laser resurfacing treatments like Fraxel, and the like is super important to maintaining youthful skin.
I love non-surgical treatments to treat my signs of aging and prevent future ones as well!
Worst case scenario, I’ll have 4 facials a year (one per season), but a facial every 2 months is ideal. Screw going monthly…it’s all propaganda!
Exercise Regularly
This has got to be the most important part of my day/week that really gets my blood circulation going and gives me that glow. I used to hit the gym to lose weight but now it’s my mood booster and for weight maintenance.
I love to try out different types of group classes to keep it fresh and entertaining. You’ve probably seen me raving about Orange Theory Fitness on my IG stories!
It’s mandatory to wash off all your sweat immediately after working out so you don’t break out. I use Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Toner.
Take Supplements Consistently
Some people say taking supplements doesn’t do much good and you end up peeing most of it out.
The majority of your nutrients come from foods you eat. I say, that’s fine…I like shitting and pissing anyway! It doesn’t bother me. I do believe supplements have a cumulative effect when taken consistently.
I take:
▪ Biotin – For healthy hair, skin, & nails
▪ Vitamin D – Supports bones/joints as well as the immune system
▪ Goli Gummy ACV – An ancient remedy for SO many ailments
▪ Goli Gummy Ashwagandha – Reduces stress & tension. Say no more.
▪ Vitamin E – Promotes healthy skin, boosts immunity, helps your eyes
▪ Vitamin B12 – For energy & healthy hair, skin, & nails
▪ Omega Fatty Acids – Protects against sun damage, amazing overall health benefits, promotes healthy hair & skin
▪ Vitex Berry – Fertility and female hormone balance
▪ Probiotics – Gut health & glowing skin
▪ Triphala – A natural laxative I take only when I’m traveling
Don’t Underestimate the Power Of….
Nonsurgical Preventative Treatments – Like I already mentioned, I love going to a med spa. I am all about preventing and delaying the signs of aging for as long as possible. Botox, fillers, laser treatments—they work! And there is absolutely no shame in getting them. I make a visit to my doc every 4 to 5 months religiously.
Face/Neck Massage – I am dedicated to massaging my own face and neck several times a week. I’ve got every gadget you can think of! I rotate what I use but I never stop doing it.
I have the Sola Wave infrared wand, Gua Sha massagers, the Nurse Jamie Beauty Roller, an eye roller, and a microneedle dermal roller. It’s taking your face to the gym, and stimulation is key.
Sleeping Enough – This is one thing I consistently fail at no matter how hard I try. My sleeping habits are terrible. Luckily I was able to fight off the “raccoon eyes” look. Plus, I recently got my sleep disorder under some control this year. Bring on the sleep!
Knowing Your Limits – Understanding when to say enough is enough is super important for your health. Listen to your body and gut, they tell you what you need. For example, I refuse to be forced to drink beyond my means when out with friends. I also won’t stay out past a certain hour. Thank god for Uber!
It’s not just knowing your physical limits, though. I also don’t put myself around people that are toxic, negative, poison, or jealous. No trollin’ hatin’ beeches allowed. I have no space in my life for Negative Nellies. Instead, I surround myself with high-power, hard working, ambitious, and motivated women who inspire me constantly.
It’s Worth A Mention – Let’s not forget I don’t deal with the stresses of marriage and children. Those are 2 major factors that definitely make you age faster. This is not to say that different things haven’t sped up my aging, though!
Be Smart With Your Makeup
Going into my 46th year, I believe less is truly more. The beauty philosophies of the French really speak to me. I use specific products that give me maximum payoff with minimal effort that enhance what I already have, not mask it. Overloading with makeup at this age will definitely make me look older. Youthful is the word!
And there you have it. This is how I keep myself looking as youthful as possible. It might sound simple but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is amazing skin. It takes years of time, dedication, consistency, and investment in good quality products.
Do have a must-have “Fountain of Youth” product I should try? Send us a message or let us know on Instagram!
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