Folks, I'm in my early 30's (31 to be exact, if you're asking) and I'm not embarrassed to say that I'm often told I look younger. In fact, two weeks ago, on a busy Friday evening, I popped into a supermarket to buy a bottle of wine as a weekend treat, and low and behold, the whipper snapper behind the counter asked for ID. Oh yes, this gent thought I looked UNDER 18. Day, made. Instead of being annoyed for not being able to purchase said bottle of wine, I smiled and thanked him for the compliment and left the wine behind. I then skipped home believing I looked and still was 18 and popped into another supermarket. The other supermarket were more than happy to believe I was a fuddy duddy!
It did get me thinking about the reasons behind why some people think I appear younger. Make no mistake, I have been cleansing, toning and moisturizing with all sorts of brands since the age of 14. My mother told me it was important and it provided a good base when applying make up and so I kept this routine up. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing with rigour and then applying orange foundation topped with Rimmel Heather Shimmer lipstick. I was a babe.A total babe.
I also stay well out of the sun. I don't posses the ability to tan and so when I venture on sun holidays I stay firmly in the shade and in the past 5 / 6 years, I've ensured that my moisturizer includes sun protection also. Even in winter and on cloudy days, I have that stuff smothered on my face.It's my religion.
On top of this, I remove my make up, without fail every night. I once read that you age an additional 8 days by not removing your make up at the end of the day and before bed. My fear of growing old, combined with this information, always ensures I have a supply of cotton wool and cleanser. Don't get me wrong, I have missed the odd evening, usually after a drunken night out way back in your early twenties. But, 99.9 percent of the time, I am a slave to this routine.
Genes also, must play a factor. I came across a photograph recently of my mum in her early 30's and close up, it was like looking at myself (except with shorter hair). It was a little scary actually as growing up I was always compared to my fathers side of the family and not my mums. Some days when applying make up, I feel like my mum is reflecting back to me in the mirror. The older I get, the more I am looking like her. However, this is a good revelation. She's 54 this year, and has excellent skin with very little lines or wrinkles. She hasn't evaded the aging process altogether, however compared to some women in their 50's who I know well, she's definitely come out on top. Go mum! Clearly she has been cleansing, toning and moisturizing too!
My skin naturally falls under the category of dry. When I pop out of the shower I immediately have to cleanse my skin, otherwise it feels tight and uncomfortable and I detest that feeling. The skin on and around my nose can especially suffer, often looking a little more red than desired and also proving difficult to cover when trying to find the perfect foundation. Personally, the best way to cover it up, is to allow time between shower, skincare routine and application of make up. If I rush this sequence I end up looking a tad worse for wear.
Water and a great, healthy diet is always connected to great, plump skin. Since January, I've been working hard to follow a Paleo diet / lifestyle (more on that in up and coming posts!) and I've noticed a fantastic change in my skin. Some tiny lines have plumped up, spots have disappeared and not returned and even the boyfriend commenting that my skin was looking amazing. (Not like him at all!). I'm not fantastic at drinking enough water (*reaches for bottle of water*), but I'm working on it. This makes me believe, even more that an awesome genetic make-up is a vital and lucky contribution to young skin.
So, to conclude - whether you're a skincare junkie or a soap and water kind of gal, it's important to have a good, clean routine especially now that we're all getting a little older, and if I could suggest one thing it would be, of course, to cleanse, tone and moisturise! Just stay away from the orange foundation.
*Oh and if you're in your early twenties and reading this, appreciate the gorgeous skin you have now, trust me, around age 28 you'll start to notice a few changes!*
Great post! I recently turned 30 and skincare is now an essential rather than a luxury!! I too follow my Mum who has great skin and has always used 'Oil of Olay' products so I do too :)
ReplyDeleteI remember the Heather Shimmer lipstick days haha :) x
You have such amazing skin Becca! I used to be terrible at taking off my makeup but got in a routine since last year and can imagine not taking my makeup now, really does make a difference to you skin! I have a few years before 28 so lets hope this good routine helps me look 12 forever :P
ReplyDeleteYes your skin looks fab - I have slept in my makeup far too many times to remember! Naughty!
ReplyDeletexxx