Q & A about being 42, wrinkles and plastic surgery

Oddly enough, I've been getting a deluge of comments about my "youthful" appearance in the last two years. It all started when I hit the big 4-0. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm now considered properly middle aged or that there's a certain expectation of what a 40+ year old person is supposed to look like. It feels a little presumptuous to cover this topic as I have friends who look way younger than their actual age (check out their interviews here). In any case, let's go straight into the list of questions I've been getting.



1. Have you had any plastic/cosmetic surgeries done?
Nope. I avoid being poked and prodded unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary. Some of my friends have had botox, fillers and minor surgeries with good results. Personally, it's not for me unless my face collapses overnight or something to that effect.

Here are my personal thoughts that some of you may agree or disagree with me. Cosmetic surgeries are a slippery slope unless you are disciplined and not become overly obsessed with tweaking every so called minor flaw on your face. I've seen those who started off with getting the eyes done and before long, they think their nose needed some work too. Oh heck, why not throw in some facelifts and fillers while I'm here….. It's awfully strange talking to someone whose excited voice doesn't match her expression.



2. Are you sure you're 42? Can I see your ID?
You're welcome to see my driving license though the photo with my pissed off facial expression may not be all that appetizing to look at. Don't say I didn't warn you. I'm 42. I'm getting as blind as a bat and am one step away from getting varifocals so yes….I'm definitely ageing.



3. You don't seem to have any wrinkles. 
I have fine lines. They're not too obvious at the mo but they're there if you want to eyeball my face. I'd be worried if I didn't have any lest I accidentally discover that I've been made a vampire.

DNA certainly plays a part. Asians tend to age slower but after menopause…..KA-BOOOOOM. God is fair. My grandmother, mother and I share one similar feature. A moon shaped face and very chubby cheeks.  On a good day, we look like cute chipmunks. On a bad day, we look like greedy chipmunks that had overdosed on nuts.



4. You don't behave like a 42 year old.
True. From time to time, I succumb to an intense desire to prank others. You've been warned.

Secondly, I have friends of different ages, from late teens to early 90s. It's fascinating to explore and understand the minds of different individuals regardless of their age. They keep me curious, up to date with the latest trends and push me to try a new challenge that's outside of my comfort zone. How boring is it to be proper and serious all the time?

When you've dealt with deaths, serious illnesses and trauma in your life, you learn not to sweat the small stuff nor be overly concerned about what others think of you. I'd rather be the best me that I can be.

On that note, I don't care much for labeling age with personal style either. It's like hashtagging Carine Roitfeld #over60style and Emmanuelle Alt #over40style. Why bother? Dress according to your personality, lifestyle, body shape and budget. Age has nothing to do with it.



5. What skincare products do you use?
I try to stick to natural products as much as possible. I've covered most of these in my previous posts but here they are again with a few new favorites.

Cleansing
I have oily T zone and dehydrated cheeks and lots and lots and lots of open pores. I finally caved in and bought the Foreo Luna Mini (15% off here with code XMAS15). It's been nearly two months and I'm so pleased with the results. I use it once a day (mostly at night) and it's reduced my breakouts and blackheads drastically. My skin's baby smooth as the tiny contraption exfoliates gently which means I no longer have to spend ££ on AHA acid. My complexion is clearer and surprisingly brighter. It's so economical as I don't have to keep replacing the brush (there isn't any) and one charge lasts for months.

I'm loving Korres White Tea Fluid Gel Cleanser (15% off here with code XMAS15). It does a fantastic job of removing make up but doesn't dehydrate the skin. I tend to double cleanse at night, using Bioderma Sensibio H20 to remove my make up and then Korres White Tea Fluid Gel Cleanser  with Foreo Luna Mini.



Serums and Masks
I have noticed that my cheeks and the area around my eyes are getting dryer as I get older. The lines get deeper if I'm not moisturizing enough. In winter time, I swear by Apivita Prickly Pear mask and Apivita anti wrinkle eye mask. I slather on the prickly pear mask twice a week and the eye mask every night. All the expensive eye creams that I'd bought in the past were utterly crap with the exception of this Apivita eye mask. With one application, both masks plump and hydrate my skin so much so that they actually reduce the appearance of fine lines in 15 minutes. They work like a magic eraser. The two masks are ridiculously difficult to buy outside of Greece so I've resorted to getting them via eBay.

I've been using oils on my skin for years now. They're fantastic on mature skin but may be a little too rich for those in their 20s and early 30s. Right now, I'm flip flopping between REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Skin Oil  and my all time favorite, Trilogy Rosehip Oil.


Moisturizer
I tend to spend more money on serums than on moisturizers. I've used different ones but none gave as good result as Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturizer.  My skin stays hydrated all day and actually looks brighter and dewy. I also give myself a mini facial massage every night when I'm applying the serum and moisturizer. I haven't been to a facial in years. They cost a fortune here in the U.K and frankly speaking, I can't lie still for 15 minutes without fidgeting.



6. Anything else? 
Yup. None of this is any good if there's a lot of sun damage on your face. I've always believed that prevention is better than treating the damage. Make sure you pay attention to your neck as well.

Oh and finally, Photoshop was used to increase the exposure of the photos as it was rather dark in my bathroom. I was vain enough to use the healing brush to remove a stubborn zit. As for the rest…..what you see is what you get.

Deciphering Make-Up

Make up is the bane of my life. Can't live without it lest I scare myself sh*tless looking in the mirror first thing in the morning. Can't draw to save my life either. Still life, painting landscape, drawing a line as close as possible to your lash line in order to define your eyes (mimicking the voice of a beauty guru), .....pffftt....same thing.  Whatever.

It all sounds so bloody complicated. It's taken me years but I've finally figured it out. The dummy's guide to deciphering make up:

1. Smokey eyes
A makeup technique whereby one smears gobs of soot on their eyelids.


2. The No Make Up Make Up look
A look which can only be created by using a ton of products on your bare face in order to look........barefaced.


3. Nude lipstick
A lipstick that matches the color of your lips to replicate nude “natural” lips which you already have in the first place.


4. Kabuki
It's a brush, not classical Japanese dance drama.


5. Contouring
To create an optical illusion of a sharper nose, slimmer face and more angular cheekbones without undergoing any plastic surgery.


6. Strobing
Contouring is sooooo last year. We now i-llu-mi-nate.


7. Make up terminology
Winged has nothing to do with birds (or Greek mythology) nor waterline with the maritime industry.


8. Gloss
A gooey and sticky substance that you smear on your lips to trap flyaway hair.


9. Concealer
Concentrated foundation repackaged in tiny containers and renamed as concealer.


10. . Evolution of all-in-one creams
First came the BB (blemish balm) cream which was a major hit. This was soon followed by CC (color correcting) and DD (daily defense) cream. A game of one up-manship ensued so recently, we have EE (enlighten even). I'm dying for someone to come up with FF cream soon. I'd like to call it Flawless Forever. Thank you.

Summer Beauty Essentials

1. MAC "Twig" lipstick
2. Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF 50+/PA or here (color #21 Natural Beige)
3. Korres Wild Rose Brightening Moisturizer (cheapest deal: buy 1 get 1 free)
4. Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable (a cheaper option but equally good here)
5. Essie nail polish

1. MAC "Twig" lipstick

I've been using MAC lipsticks for a decade now. Actually, let me rephrase that. I've been buying MAC lippy in Twig for longer than I can remember. In fact, I've only ever owned one lipstick at a time until a few years ago when I branched out a little (by which I mean, I bought another one which is still buried somewhere in a pile of unused junk in the bathroom ). Interestingly enough, it's the one beauty product I get asked a lot by friends and strangers even to this day. The Twig color has a matte soft brownish pink hue which looks natural on most lips. The lipstick's lightly vanilla scented and doesn't really taste of anything (I can't abide strong lipstick smell or taste).

For a longer staying power and light coverage, I brush a thin layer of mineral powder over my lips and then lightly dab the lipstick across the upper and lower lip. I then use my finger and gently press/dab my lips so that the lipstick sort of blends into my lips to create a more natural look. If I need to head out in the evening to an event or for drinks with friends, I'd lightly color my lips with a lip pencil (MAC "Spice"), apply the lipstick, blot with tissue and reapply. You'll end up with a matte dusky pink color that'll pop.




2. Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF 50+/PA

My quest for a good foundation is a never ending process. I have a few bottles of pricey foundation from high end brands that I've only ever used once or twice (ouch!). The truth is I don't fancy apply globs of foundation especially after watching what seems like a million YouTube tutorials. I just don't have the willpower to apply primer, concealer, eye concealer, foundation, pressed powder, bronzer for contouring, luminizer......before I even paint the rest of my face. I might as well get a job as a Beijing opera actor.

The Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is perfect during the winter months but it's too heavy in summer particularly for someone with an oily T zone like me. A friend recommended me the Korean cushion BB cream and boy, am I glad I listened to her advice. I went ahead and bought Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF 50+/PA. I now understand why Korean beauty products are gaining popularity worldwide. The cushion compact makes it so easy to apply foundation (dab, not rub). The sheer texture has fantastic coverage which you can easily build on. I've now ditched my primer and only use a teensy bit of concealer. The BB cream evens out my skin tone and does an ok job disguising my crater sized pores with one light application. I rarely need to touch up and my face doesn't ooze with oil after a few hours either. It gives a nice dewy finish which even my nosy husband and daughter commented on several occasions.

I'm thrilled to find a light BB cream/foundation with SPF 50 that's sheer enough not to make me feel like I'm wearing a mask but gives ample coverage. Prolonged sun exposure causes irreversible damage to the skin so my personal opinion is, prevention's better than cure. The natural beige shade is closest to my skin tone. I've learned that Koreans prefer to buy a shade lighter than their skin tone whereas those of us who live in the west like to match our exact skin tone.




3. Korres Wild Rose 24 hour Brightening Moisturizer

I can wax lyrical about this moisturizer all day. It actually does what it says - hydrates the skin all day and night (there's one with sunscreen and another without) and brightens the complexion. I've found out that if I apply the moisturizer at night, my skin literally glows the next morning. That's saying a lot when you're in your 40s and your skin ain't what it used to be (sigh...gravity). Lately, my skin has gotten a lot more sensitive than when I was in my 30s. The Korres wild rose moisturizer doesn't make my skin break out. What I love is my skin stays moisturized but not oily. I've used moisturizers from various brands. Some are not hydrating enough which caused my skin to peel and others are too oily.



4. Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable

I've used Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable for a couple of years now. It makes reapplying sunscreen a breeze. We're told to reapply every two hours particularly if we're outside with the harsh sun beaming down on us. When I'm out and about, I find it easier to carry a small tube with a retractable brush than dealing with spills and sticky mess. I prefer to use natural products over one that's laden with chemicals unless I have no choice in the matter. The mineral sunscreen powder isn't cheap, particularly for those of us who reside outside of the U.S but there's an alternative that's just as good and far cheaper - BareMinerals Natural Sunscreen. If you're the sort that do tan, be sure to buy one shade darker or else you'll end up with streaks of light powder on your face.



5. Essie nail polish

I'm probably one of the last person standing to convert to Essie. I was hooked on Chanel but Essie nail polishes are far more affordable, chip resistant and come in a larger range of colors. I got bored of dark colors so I went a little crazy at the drug store. As you can tell, I'm allergic to colors.......which means my entire wardrobe's made up of black, black, black....military green.....grey and black. What I lack in my attire, I make it up with my nail polish.

Instagram & Beauty Secrets

Remember the prolonged brain fart that I'd mentioned here? It'll explain why I've disappeared from blogosphere for a week at a time. I'm still alive............on  Instagram because it's easier to churn out images than words. I'm a woman of few words.....*laughing hysterically*.....  Yeah right. Such an oxymoron. On a side note, thanks to this lovely lady - Vina, I found out that I was on the list of 20 Amazing Female Travelers to Follow on Instagram. Do pop over to check out the other 19 Instagramers. Thank you, Brit and Co for placing me next to such talented ladies.

I've used my share of anti-ageing beauty products in the past year or two but it's hard to gauge whether they truly work or not despite reading having read the reviews. I've been dying to find out beauty secrets from women who simply don't look their age. So......I started a series on Swoon Mag called "Beauty secrets from women who don't look their age". The title is a mouthful but what better way to get advice than from those who've walked the walk?

Beauty products & anti ageing

Being surrounded by beauty fanatics has had a positive effect on me. I went from being totally clueless to having subpar knowledge about skincare. The great thing about having a blog is getting readers who're more knowledgeable than moi. Over the past 2 years, I've been slowly getting home schooled by a few young friends who are at least a decade (or two) younger than me. I was dragged off to watch countless YouTube tutorials, none of which I can replicate easily.

"Now apply from the outer eye....."
"blend blend blend" (either I'm using the wrong brush because clearly we're not going for the raccoon look which is the result I'm getting)
"draw a thin line just above your water line" (what the HECK is water line? I had to google the word halfway through the video) (what happens if you can only draw one eye because the other hand's useless??)

They're always remarkably up to date with all the latest products from around the world, blurting brands that don't even sound remotely intelligible. Another hauled a box full of beauty products to my flat and upended it on the floor. If life wasn't complicated before, now....... I have to know that there's a serum, scrub or cream for practically every part of my body. The neck, hands, body, boob (firming and lifting), lips, elbow, feet......  And then we start zooming in on the itty bitty details - pores, blackheads, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails..... One can easily lose themselves in an unending and confusing labyrinth of beauty routines. Motherhood is starting to sound easier and easier.

I started using anti-ageing products for the very first time last year. Do they work? NO idea. My face hasn't collapsed yet. My philosophy on anti-ageing is very......Asian. It's hard to reverse the signs of ageing if the skin's already been damaged by over-exposure to sun. It's like trying to transform a raisin to its original state (a grape). Highly unlikely. If you've lived in Australia or New Zealand and have experienced our lovely scorching sun with extra dose of UV rays, you'll understand why I'm rather anal about sun protection. I once burned in 10 minutes......in the middle of winter.

I got talking to friend of mine who has an insider knowledge of the Asian entertainment industry. Who knew all those lovely celebs pimping products for big brands started injecting fillers and botox in their 20s? Call it naivety but I had NO IDEA. Goes to show you can't believe everything that you see in media. My question is that if a person started pumping chemicals into her face from such an early age, wouldn't she need more just to prop up the underused facial muscles when she's 40?

A friend and I were having lunch at Knightsbridge a few weeks ago and gaped open-mouthed at some of the worst face lifts we've ever seen. Permanent Jack Nicholson joker grin. Shiny plastic skin. One had an impossibly narrow forehead. A friend (let's call her A) was horrified when another (B) started pointing out bits that she needed to correct. B went under the knife last year but decided that the results didn't look exactly as she envisioned so the second round of cosmetic surgery ensued. What's surprising is A has a totally laissez-faire attitude towards ageing yet looks at least 10 years younger (she gets mistaken for someone in her early 30s ALL THE TIME when she's actually 43).

I can safely say that jumping on the beauty bandwagon has helped me become more vigilant about moisturizing especially when I used to have dehydrated skin that peeled (ouch....truly). I still get the occasional break outs complete with ever growing crater sized pores. My bathroom shelf is littered with various masks these days. A sign of a growing obsession.......

What are your thoughts and experience with anti ageing products?

Hair loss recovery & Hair products that rock

While I like to talk about all things beautiful on this blog, we know life isn't quite like that. Every now and then, I'll inject a healthy dose of reality into my posts. I wrote about my battle with hair loss in February 2013. It was a relief to hear that I wasn't alone. It can be difficult for those around you to understand. Only a few took me seriously. I was appalled after going to the toilet at a friend's house only to find clumps of hair on her floor after I've washed my hands. Or strands of hair falling onto friends' arms, laps or their food when we went out for coffee. After a few mishaps, I had to be extra careful when preparing meals. I was hoovering every other day too. Some of the "comforting words" I'd received were:

hey....at least you're alive...it's not like a life threatening disease  
I think you're being too sensitive. You're over-reacting. Come on......
It's not that bad......you've got plenty of hair anyway

To the two individuals who uttered the first sentence......please excuse me while I yank out your hair in various parts of your scalp and donate it to individuals who need it....seeing that you don't mind losing yours. Yes, I'm V-A-I-N. I like hair on my head and eyebrows above my eyes.

I was lucky to act really quick when hair loss sped up. It's been nearly 20 months since the first two photos were taken and boy, how things have changed. I haven't shown these pictures to anyone other than 2 individuals but seeing how little visible evidence regarding recovery from hair loss are out there, I figure why not.........

THEN

 Jan/Feb 2013

NOW

Nov 2014

I have lots of itty bitty hair everywhere which is a welcoming sight. The exposed top part of my scalp doesn't look like a light beacon which shines in the dark. For the first time in my life, I was pleased to see grey hair..... (this may come back and bite me in my ass). Now that hair growth is back on track, I need a shampoo that can put moisture back and tame my frizzy mane. You know I'm rather anal about natural products. I've tried many. M-A-N-Y. They left residue on my hair and my scalp became increasingly irritated and greasy. 

None worked until I finally tried Apivita haircare range. They're not 100% natural. I think the blurb on the shampoo states 88% natural. Whatever. It works. I no longer have itchy scalp and there's bounce in my hair. It's a shame that not many stores stock the Apivita range. I've finished an entire bottle of Apivita Propoline Shampoo for dry/dehydrated hair. I love love love the Apivita Shine & Revitalising Hair conditioner (mask). It kicks ass. It's that good. It adds lots of shine into my hair despite the fact that I rarely style or blow-dry it. The Apivita haircare products aren't cheap but they're bloody awesome (sorry, language deteriorating here due to hunger). If you want to save a few pennies, pin down friends who're going to Greece and bribe them to bring you back some. Otherwise, if you're like me, you'll just have to cough up the extra pennies. I've just tried out Farmaline which stocks a wide range of Apivita products. So far so good and they're far cheaper than most online stores out there. Do check them out here.

I've tried the famed Moroccanoil which is fab. I've switched to the cheaper but equally awesome Redken Argan oil  and my hair really couldn't tell the difference between the two. They both produce shiny tresses which I could flip about like those models in hair commercials.

Stocking Up

It's too hot to do anything here in Athens other than finding refuge in air-conditioned places and submerging only when we've lowered our body temperature. Generally, I'm not a mall kind of gal but the promise of spending an hour or two away from the intense heat made the offer particularly alluring.

The 35% sticker at most beauty counters at the Attica department store including Bobbi Brown and MAC and......*gasp*  25% discount at the elusive Jo Malone (we never discount because we're sooooo exclusive) had us hyperventilating. There was the scary moment when I thought I'd stock up on ALL my beauty products before the fog lifted from my pickled brain and lucidity returned. Never mind that they would've expired or gone stale before I have the chance to crack open the packaging years later.

BUT....the one thing I always stock up is Korres when I'm in Greece. Take the buy one get one free shower gel and knock off another 20% from the €5 price tag. How could I not? Thanks to Heather's recommendation, I just had to get the sunscreen from Korres as well. It's light and absorbs like a dream into the skin. I can't wait to try out the Apivita masks because these days, my skin needs a kick in the rear end every now and then.

My current wish list

1   /   2   /   3   /   4   /   5   /   6    /   

My style may be understated with an inclination towards monochrome tendencies but I do love a dramatic avant-garde flair in a jacket. This Rick Owens Naska leather jacket (I wear a size UK 10) caught my eye when I was out window shopping today. The man is a genius at contorting a woman's body in the most flattering way - long slender limbs, an hourglass torso and beautifully sculptured shoulders. Invaluable if you have a less than stellar body like mine.....thanks to lack of exercise (which is why I'm walking around all weekend like a bow legged cowboy after nearly killing myself in a two hour training session). The gathered back adds a point of interest in the jacket which will spice up even the most ordinary t-shirt and jeans outfit. Yes, the £1125 price tag is a rather eye watering figure but my rationale is 1) it's less expensive than other Rick Owens jackets  2) it's at least £400 less than the coveted Balenciaga leather jacket  3) it'll still be incredibly fashionable for years to come  4) it'll make my figure look like Jessica Rabbit's.

The Jigsaw breton top came home with me. I've been looking for an affordable and well made lightweight striped shirt since...........well, forever. It has a scoop neck which alleviate the fullness of my moon shaped face and jiggly double chin. I was nearly boiled alive in my Petit Bateau heavy jersey mariniere when the temperature hit an astonishing 18˚C today so this thinner top will come in really handy this summer.

Thank you all for your input on foundations recently. I ended up with.........the new Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet completely by accident. I was given a sample and diligently tested it over the past 2 whole days. It's quite sheer but turns matte and slightly powder like once applied onto the skin. Quite extraordinary really. I only used a few drops but it certainly filled in my crater like pores. And most importantly, I did not look like a geisha girl.

My ceramic obsession shows no sign of abating. Debenhams has a 20% discount and an additional 10% off with code BM92 (today only). This was enough to convince me to splurge on a Wedgwood teapot and another teacup. My pretty cup and saucer sets never ever fail to put a smile on my friends' faces whenever I serve their tea or coffee in them.

I've been using Neutrogena sunscreen for more than a decade and I do swear by them. My stash of these impossible to get sunscreen is drying up pretty soon so I'll have to rely on brands that are more readily available in the U.K. I've read rave reviews about La Roche-Posay Anthelios range so these are on my list to get just before summer season arrives.

Foundations - what's working for you?

Foundation.....I'm talking about the stuff that goes on your face. Nothing to do with buildings or anything remotely intellectual. But the hunt for a good foundation is the bane of my life at the moment. After watching 6 Lisa Eldrige videos on choosing the right foundations in one seating, I realized I did EVERYTHING wrong. Let's break it down.
1) buying from online sites without trying it on. #MajorFail.
2) trying it on at the beauty counter under artificial lighting. #AnotherFail. Little wonder why my super expensive Chanel Aqua vitalumiere liquid foundation looked a shade darker when I brought my little bottle home.
3) did not get a sample and trying it at home. #UltimateFail

So far, I have tons of mistakes in my bathroom with various near full bottles of foundations that are a shade darker/lighter, horrible consistency....etc. In fact, last week, I decided to perch my patootie on stool at the Chanel counter while the moody make up artist worked on my face. Result? I may have a future being a geisha.

This obsessive compulsion came out of nowhere as I rarely wear foundation. Don't get me started on a primer cos that ain't gonna happen seeing that I can't even get the foundation of my make up routine right (pun definitely intended). After spending decades (4 to be exact) sleeping on one side, it's not surprising that one side of my face has pores the size of mini craters while the other look fairly decent. I was hoping a good foundation would at least fill up the trenches and give me a dewy AND even complexion.

What's your favorite foundation? What's working for you now? Or is it unnecessary? Anyone?? Help???

It's easier to cook than apply make up

When men get older, they're considered distinguished whereas us womenfolk are.....well, older. When a woman stands her ground in the workplace, there's a negative connotation to it. In other words, she's bolshie or difficult but when a man is bossy, that's called being confident. Don't get me started on the pay disparity between the two sexes. It's just so unfair. Alright, rant over. Do men seriously know how complicated it is to be a woman? I'm talking about make up here just to be specific. If only they know how much work it takes to look beautiful. Let me tell you, it's a complicated process that takes years of practice, a roomful of products and many many minutes/hours just to slather all those different stuff on.

In a bid for eternal youth.....(just kidding), I've decided it's high time I learn a little about make up. My good friend, Christy who sadly has moved back home to China used to come over to my place armed with make up. There was a dizzying array of make up contraptions, tubes and pots along with a list of YouTube videos I had to watch. She made putting on make up look easy.

I've learned that there are make up brushes for contouring, blending, eyebrow, highlighting and......brushes for just about every part of your face. I felt like I was preparing for an art workshop learning how to paint like Monet. I nearly gave up watching a few minutes into these make up tutorials but I promised myself...persistence is the key. Yeah, great pep talk there. You don't just apply make up. You have to "prime" your face first. I know about prime beef steak but I had no idea the word refers to doing something to one's face. There's the primer, foundation, concealer, pressed powder, eye concealer, eye primer (not to be confused with the face primer) and that's before you even slap ANY make up on. For someone who's only ever owned one lipstick until earlier this year, this was beyond confusing and overwhelming. Just shoot me now. Seriously. Why are there so many frigging steps to make up application?

This is a photo of me after spending 15 soul destroying minutes trying to emulate the beautiful AND young Jen of From Head to Toe. Before you think, only 15 minutes? Yeah, that was just the EYES, my friends. I haven't even started on the rest of my face. Just in case you're interested, the video is called Everyday Monolid Makeup Tutorial for those of us who don't have double eyelids. Bet you can barely see my artistic work with my eyes wide open and hidden behind the glasses. It took an additional 5 minutes to smear on some concealer, eyebrow powder, lippy and blusher. Ladies, what's your make up routine like? What do you use? Am I the only person finding this whole makeup application thing daunting?

Natural skincare products & review

From left to right: REN invisible pores mask, REN vita-mineral day cream, REN glycolactic radiance renewal mask, Coloresciene sunforgettable powder & brush (perfectly clear), REN AHA serum.


From left to right: Trilogy rosehip oil, REN mayblossom cleanser, Neutrogena age shield sunblock, Waitrose baby bottom cream.

I had a laissez-faire attitude towards my skincare routine until two years ago. As long as my face is clean and I've slathered something on, who cares? Ever since that scary visit to my  beautician (there's tiger mom and then there's tiger beautician) in New Zealand who told me that my physical age was 37 but my skin was at least 10 years older. You can always count on an Asian for no holds barred honesty.

So I've been experimenting with skincare in the past year with the hope of finding a handful of natural products that would work for my combination skin. A few were binned after a couple of months because they were just that bad. Some produced rather meh (technically not an English word but....) results. I've finally whittled the list down to 9 items which are fantastic and have never failed me so far.

You'll probably notice that most are from REN skincare range. I'm totally biased here as you can tell but after using them for 2 years, I can say that they're truly awesome. I can safely say this after talking to numerous individuals who waxed lyrical about the brand.  Not the cheapest by a long shot but they work.

Let me start with the top 5 of the bunch.
1) REN Glycolactic radiance renewal mask. A mouthful to say but hands down, it's the best I've ever used. It smells and looks like apricot puree. The orange concoction draws blackhead to the surface. More importantly, it leaves the skin moisturized and dewy. My skin just glows for days after using it.

2) Next is REN AHA serum. There's a lot of scientific babble on the little leaflet inside the box but all I know is if I use a few drops (I know they say use a pipette but seeing that they're £30 a bottle, I make mine last a year) every night, my skin looks radiant. You know something is working when your husband actually notices your skin. My pores seem to look smaller too which helps seeing mine are crater size on a hot summer day.

3) I've talked about Trilogy rosehip oil many times before. I know some of you mentioned that it's not for you. I'd say it works better for those who are in your mid 30s and above. I don't use fancy schmancy anti ageing creams anymore because the rosehip oil seems to keep fine lines at bay, at least for now. It's completely natural, organic and safe for babies and kids.

4) I bought Colorescience Sunforgettable powder after reading about it on Garance Dore's blog. I wish I knew about this product earlier. I'm very fair and tend to freckle easily. It's hard to reapply sunscreen when you've got a face full of make up. This gives an even coverage without an oily residue and it's even water resistant up to 80 minutes (in the water). It's perfectly safe for kids too (and husbands who think their skin is naturally equipped with SPF 100). I love that it's small and easy to carry around. I don't dig the brush as the bristles seem to fall out but on the whole, it's a brilliant product.The price tag of £35 may make you feel lightheaded but a little goes a long way.

5) So the product is called Waitrose Baby Bottom butter. It would've been considered cringe-worthy except that it IS made for babies. It's 100% natural. The main ingredients are olive and chamomile oils with a bit of vanillin for scent. It's ridiculously cheap (£2.89) which is always a bonus. I use on my body especially on my scaly legs. It's incredibly moisturizing but bear in mind that it takes a few minutes to absorb.

**UK residents: FYI, some of the REN skincare and Trilogy products seem to be 10%-20% cheaper on Active Beauty so compare the prices before you buy.

What skincare products are you using that work for you?

Secrets to looking younger

source

It's been an interesting year so far. It seems that the closer I get to the big 4-0, the more shocked friends and acquaintances are when they found out about my true age. I've seen expressions ranging from speechlessness to the jaw drop effect to outright belligerence that I must produce my driver license for evidence.

All very flattering though baffling considering that it was only 2.5 years ago when my beautician in New Zealand let rip and told me that my then 37 skin looked a decade older due to neglect. It would've been better if my Korean sister in law wasn't there to translate because there would've been NO way she could communicate with me. Two hours later, I staggered out with my head reeling from the endless list of must dos, I vowed to look after myself better. I'm still pretty low maintenance (and I still don't brush my hair) but at least I've eradicated a few fine lines by hydrating my skin a little better. Here are my secrets to looking younger:

1. Live in the U.K because you will have minimal sun damage to your skin. Rainy days: 300 days. Sunshine: 65. Result: The pale faced Cullen family (Twilight). Downside: You may be subjected to SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

2. There are pros and cons to having a round shaped face because every ounce you put on goes straight to your face. It also automatically puffs up any fine lines without you having to resort to botox or getting fat from your arse directly injected into your face. Moon face is so in. Not. If you're Asian, your relatives will be the first people to tell you when you've put on weight.

3. Add a filter - preferably Amaro when you're instagramming. You look 10 years younger (at least!) at a click of a button.

4. Wear glasses to hide lines around your eyes. Don't bother with non-reflective lens. You want people to NOT be able to see your eyes clearly. Why not them see their own reflections on your glasses?

5. Dispense expensive anti-ageing creams or serums. Natural skincare works just as well if not better. And they're cheaper too........which means more money for shoes and bags. YAAAAY! (I use REN skincare and rosehip oil).

6. Find a mom and granny that do not have wrinkles. DNA rocks. My dad will kill me if he ever reads this......... he often gets asked if my mom is his daughter which pleases her to no end but the remark has the opposite effect on him.

7. Turn off anti shake or image stabilizer function on your camera or lens. Sharp and crisp images are detrimental to one's self esteem. You want blurry photos. I would also strongly advice you to overexpose every single shot before posting them anywhere. It eradicates any blemishes and wrinkles in a nanosecond.

Two Miracle Products

I cannot NOT share this miracle ointment so bear with me while I gush about it. My mom bought this Lucas Papaw ointment for me on a whim at an airport. For those of you who live in Australasia, this ointment is probably as common as sheep over there.

Last year, I managed to get a self inflicted burn which was awful to say the least (never put your arm across a boiling kettle! The steam is deadly. Yeah, you know but did I know that?!). The roughly 4 inch burnt skin healed with such astonishing speed within 24 hours after I slathered the papaw ointment. And 48 hours later, the skin was smooth albeit a bit marked.

A few days ago, I came home from London with a souvenir, presumably a flea who took great delight in feasting on various parts of my body. Have I ever mentioned that I hate ALL insects? I'm also allergic to this parasitic pest. Well, silly me applied the ointment on some bites but not the ones on my ankle and foot. Guess which healed and which didn't?  I walked around for days with a visibly swollen and disfigured ankle as well as HUGE red welts which itched like hell despite the fact that I was popping anti-histamine pills like candies. The Liberty SA who was assisting me while I was trying on Manolo Blahnik heels audibly gasped and backed away with a horrified look (I'm a natural human repellent). I came home, applied the ointment generously and by morning, my ankle has returned to its normal size with now nearly flat bite marks.

Despite its blab about using natural ingredients - yes, it's made of fermented papaya but it also contains petroleum. Since it has worked wonders on me and I only ever use it sparingly, it doesn't overly concern me. The Lucas papaw ointment isn't all that easy to find outside Australasia but so far, I think they're available at Pawpaw shop in London (they take online orders) or here for international orders without charging an extortionate amount for shipping.            

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara (U.S here)

I am a self confessed mascara virgin. The make up artist at my wedding discouraged me from using a mascara stating that the result would be practically invisible when I opened my eyes (Asian eyes and all). I took her word to be the gospel and never attempted to apply a mascara for the next 13 years UNTIL my friend aka make up genius, Christy placed a Lancome sample tube into the palm of my hand and insisted I gave it a try. I have dead straight and short lashes. However, the combination of the famed Shu Uemura lash curler and Lancome Hypnose Star mascara resulted in super long, curled and thick eyelashes. It made me want to go out and bat my eyelashes at everyone in town. And brought out my normally hidden narcissistic tendency - I can't stop admiring my long eyelashes in front of the mirror.

Lipstick virgin

I've always been told that the older you are, the less make up one should wear. Since I'm starting from ground zero, being a make up virgin at a grand old age of ........ ahhh.......not-too-old-but-young-at-heart-kind-of-age.... I think it's high time I ramp it up a little. So.... up until last year, I owned one lippy. Yup, one single lipstick. In fact, I've buying the same ol' Twig from MAC for the past 12 years. Now that's what I call minimalism to the core and I don't mean that in a positive way.

This is how I make do with 1 lipstick for that long. I dab it on lightly if I want a no make up, make up look (I've just learned this new term from YouTube so I like saying it whenever I get the chance just to show that I'm cool and pretend that I know what the heck I'm talking about). I apply a thicker coat along with pressed powder and lip liner if I want a matte and darker finish.

Earlier in the year, I decided that I should try a lipstick that doesn't contain any lead and nasty bits. The Bare Minerals lipstick (gelato) proved to be a surprisingly flattering color on my bloodless lips and doesn't have strong scent nor awful taste (not that I eat lipsticks but you know what I mean). It has a subtle pinky but fairly neutral tone with a slight shimmer which enhances your natural lip color (wow, I can't believe I wrote that. I sound like a cosmetic commercial)

And then I saw Sam's bright lipstick. Whoo-eeey, now that's what I call statement lips. I dashed off to the MAC counter at Selfridges but trying to locate a lipstick that's flattering is as difficult as denim shopping. There were 50 million colors with ladies all milling about, pushing and shoving. Furthermore, it's ALWAYS a madhouse at MAC counters and the service is generally pretty patchy. It wasn't until I met one of the sweetest and most patient MAC make up artist at Harrods that I finally found THE ONE - Amorous, a deep fuchsia and plum combination which I love. It has garnered a few compliments which is always a positive sign that I'm on a right track here. Spring, here I come (that is if you EVER get here)!

Belated Valentine's Day Treats

Well, it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Aubaine. No, they didn't pay me to say that. I've been a regular for years now. It's one of the best places to people watch (designer bags galore along with some of the best dressed ladies to date), their pastries are to die for and the service has always been exceptional. Last week, I received a rather puzzling tweet asking me to pick up my Valentine order from Aubaine. It turned out that they were gifting their favorite UK bloggers with a Valentine's Day surprise. I'll be lying if I didn't say I was incredibly flattered and touched by the thoughtful gesture.

The macarons were THE best bribery tool to keep your kids (Lil L and her friends) in tow. Rule number 1 when it comes to parenting - When in doubt, bribe. One eye on the sweet treats and the other on their dinner. Let's just say that for once, I didn't really have to repeat myself a million times about not finishing their dinner. For me, the best bit was the dark chocolate box which is being rationed out to last the entire week.





The hubby knows that there's no use buying something that I don't really want even if it's expensive. He decided to surprise his cheapskate wife who has been eyeing the Shu Uemura lash curler for the last century but couldn't bear to part 20 quid for the beauty contraption. He's still mystified by the "torture tool" but hey, if the wife's happy, he gets extra brownie points (aka no nagging when there's a trail of clothes on the floor). Ahh....Shu Uemura lash curler, where have you been all my life? It's definitely designed for the Asian eye and fits over my eyelid perfectly. No pinching, no tears (yes, I nearly snipped my eyelids off) and finally, my sparse short lashes now look amazingly long. Well, if you're crazy about Shu Uemura and Karl Lagerfeld, you should check out the result of their collaboration.

Dealing with Hair Loss

The Organic Pharmacy Phytonutrients, Jason Thick to Thin Conditioner, Jason Thick to Thick Shampoo, Moroccanoil

My heart sank the day I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure (otherwise known as hypertension). I was merely 35. I walked haltingly to the nearest pharmacy to pick up my dreaded medication. I was to be on it for life. "You want hypertension drug?! YOU?! You're 35, right? 35 and on the meds!", exclaimed the pharmacist shaking his head in disbelief as he walked back to the dispensary. Dude, thanks for making me feel lower than I already did.

It was four years later and ongoing hair loss that I'd finally put the two and two together. I was molting all over the floor. It wasn't uncommon to find strands of hair in my food. By the time I'd finished my shower, there would be a clump of hair stuck to the plughole. I had to clean my hairbrush everyday.

Initially, I chalked it down to post natal symptoms. By the time Lil L was 3, that wasn't supposed to be an issue. Stress? Not really. My family on either side didn't go bald at such an early age either. Three months ago, I was starting to see skin and sparse hair along the top. I was alarmed and it finally hit home that I have to do more research to find the root of my problem. I'd never thought I would experience hair loss. Me?! I mean I used to complain about my thick hair!

What I'd learned from this is if you're given prescriptions, no one, I mean no one unless the most conscientious doctor or pharmacist in the UK would bother to tell you about the side effects. Ask. Read the fine print (beta blockers can cause hair loss). My GP didn't even know until I told her. She was shocked. Long story short, I've swapped meds and hair loss is now very minimal. It'll be another 4 months to a year before I start seeing proper hair growth. I am one of the luckier ones because there are others who'd lost 50% of their hair within months of starting on the medication. I've also managed to hid it very well so no one with the exception of my hairdresser really noticed any hair loss. Unfortunately, there's little information out there about hair loss recovery due to medication.

I've now decided to take matters into my own hands with support of my GP. I've increased aerobic exercise, started juicing beets and celery (they are great to lower blood pressure), bought natural supplements to help with hair growth (and general health) as well as swapping to new and natural volumizing haircare products. My hair, particularly the fringe has a lot more volume and bounce, thanks to Jason Thin to Thick shampoo. I'm pleased that it doesn't contain and SLS, paraben or phthalates. The conditioner is thick and creamy but I haven't noticed any softness in my hair. I probably won't bother replacing it when the conditioner runs out.

The miracle wonder product would have to be Moroccanoil which really calmed down all the frizzy baby hair that's growing and makes my hair so silky and sleek. I bought the small bottle but you only need so little. I figure that it'll be at least another 6 months before I need to buy another.

Few people would talk about hair loss as it's still considered shameful and a stigma in the society. However, it's distressing to the sufferers. I'd love to hear any stories from those of you who have experienced hair loss.

DIY: Natural Lavender Baking Soda Facial Scrub

My skin's been looking rather dull and flaky recently thanks to the wonders of central heating. I'm currently hunting for a good natural scrub when my friend Laura aka natural skincare guru suggested I give this a go. Cheap as chips, as the Brits would say but in this case, it's actually cheaper. I overdid it with the lavender drops with my baking soda scrub so go easy with the oil as the smell can be overpowering. I've tried it and my skin not only feels smoother, it glows. Here's Laura with the instructions.

Hey everyone! I’ve been away for awhile but I’ve actually been testing out a new face wash that a little birdie told me about. When she described the method, I was skeptical but she convinced me to try it for one month. Holy Cheap-Amazingness - this works. Really well! And did I mention cheap? And totally clean, green and natural?! This is so easy it’s almost ridiculous. Especially when you consider the cost of some of the luxury or natural face washes and exfoliating products out there. Remember - more money for shoes!

Here’s what you need:

1. A small jar with lid or sealed container of your choice
2. Baking Soda (or bicarbonate of soda)
3. Lavender essential oil (optional)*

Here’s what you do:

Dump baking soda into your jar. Add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil (depending on the size of your jar. For the size I have pictured, I used about 4 drops.) Twist on the lid and shake until the oil is infused into the baking soda.

Put a small amount into the palm of your hand- as much as you feel works for you and covers your face. Experiment with this.  Add a little splash of water into your palm and mix to make a paste. Apply and work gently onto your face and neck. Rinse with warm then cool water to close your pores. Follow up with your usual toner and or serum or moisturizer. 

I must admit, this feels weird as you’re applying it. It might tingle a bit and it’s not smooth like a bottled cleanser - more like a gentle exfoliant. But what it’s doing is worth the “weirdness!” The baking soda is adjusting the ph level of your face and making it more alkaline - more balanced. This really helps with hormonal ache, dry patches and blotchiness. It also clears up and prevents blackheads!

*The lavender oil is optional but it makes the soda smell nice and it’s amazing for your skin as a both and soothing AND antibacterial agent. 

I personally have suffered from annoying hormonal acne, despite my age and good results in all other skin concerns from my natural and homemade serum and toner. I’ve been using this baking soda rinse once a day, right out of the shower and before applying my toner, serum and makeup. I’m happy to report that I’ve had no hormonal breakouts and my skin is more even-toned than ever. My skin is super soft and smooth, with no red or dry patches, for the first winter in years. I’ve also noticed that my face just seems brighter! 

I don’t use this to take off makeup off at night, (I use a special makeup removing micro-fiber cloth that I’ll talk about next time) But I no longer use any soap or cleansers on my skin - natural or not! This is it!

Things to consider:

If your skin is extremely sensitive, just give this a whirl once a week and rub in the paste very gently. Apply moisturizer or my oil serum immediately. If you have good results, increase the frequency. My skin does fine with once a day, other people I know use it between 1-3 times a week.

It’s a myth that if you’re skin is very dry, this will make it more dry. On the contrary, It will balance out your skin over time. And the very fine particles will gently clear out those flaky patches!

If any of you try this, let me know how it works. If you have questions, I’ll try my best to answer them or to point you in the right direction!

Happy Skin!

Natural Skincare Series Part 2: Homemade Toner

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't used toner in decades. Yup. Virgin toner-free face. That probably explains the blackheads (or should I say crater-heads) and blemishes too. Let's just say that I'm in the process of hunting down a bottle of organic unfiltered apple cider at this very moment. Take it away, Laura!

 

Thank you for such a great response and the kind words about part one! For part two I’m going to show you my favorite toner recipe. It's called the ACV-Green Tea Toner (or as my husband says, My “You’re Putting WHAT on Your Face?” Toner. )

I love green tea. I’ve been drinking it nearly everyday for years. So when I found out that one of my favorite things in the world could also be used for skin care, I signed up right away. When I make this toner, I just brew my normal cup and leave some in the pot to steep longer. You can use any green tea you want. Really. Anything from Twinnings to Tazo to the most rare and luxurious brew found at Mariage Freres in Paris. Infused teas are great, too! I usually use Jasmine Pearl but I made my latest batch with peach green tea. The extra fruits or flowers commonly found in flavored teas just add more antioxidants. 

Now, some of you are asking, why tone at all? Toning after cleansing will do one very important thing - balance the ph level of your skin. This helps prevent acne and blackheads and keeps the skin from drying out. The ingredients in this toner are also packed with amino acids, potassium, alpha-hydroxy, antioxidants and they stimulate blood flow and circulation. Basically, this toner controls bacteria and reduces toxins so that your skin can repair itself naturally! Over time you will also have glowing skin! We all want glowing skin.

There are 2 versions of this toner. The first one must be refrigerated. The second has the addition of essential oils and a carrier oil (these act as a preservative) and will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, and if refrigerated, one month. 

Simple Toner #1

1. Filtered or distilled water
2. The green tea of your choice, brewed for 15 minutes.
3. Organic UNFILTERED Apple Cider Vinegar (I like the Bragg brand) 
4. A 1 or 2 oz. darkly colored glass apothecary bottle (dropper top optional)

To make the standard toner, combine all ingredients in the bottle in equal amounts. For the 2 oz. bottle I have, I use 2 teaspoons of each ingredient. Then shake and apply with a cotton ball.  Store this toner in the refrigerator! Use within one month.

Toner #2

1. All ingredients for toner #1.
2. Approximately 2 drops of Tea Tree oil
3. Approximately 4 drops of Jojoba oil (you may substitute another carrier oil if you wish)

Combine the ingredients in the glass bottle the same way as instructed to make toner #1. Then add the oils. Shake!

If you store this toner in your bathroom, make a batch every 2 weeks. I just put it on my calendar. 

***Warning***These toners do not have the most pleasant smell - especially the second version as Tea Tree oil is STRONG and piney. But the addition of the Tea Tree oil will also really fight those breakouts and blemishes! The Jojoba oil mimics the natural oil already found in our skin so it’s a great stabilizer. Remember that we’re giving up the flowery and flouncy lab created smells in favor of clean and natural things that are non-toxic! But trust me, if you apply this toner and then the serum I wrote about last time, the smell will be gone by the time you brush your teeth and slip into your divine La Perla nightgown and fabulous cashmere robe...

When you first make this toner, I suggest you start out with a very small amount and test it on your skin. Maybe just 1 tsp. of each ingredient. Be sure to adjust the amount of oils down too, if you’re going to make toner #2 and play with the total amount used. Try it for a few days. Also, if you’re switching from the long-time use of any products with sulfates, your skin might initially look worse (blotchy, more breakouts) because it’s detoxing. This is good!  It will clear up! Here are some modifications if you need them:

1. If your skin is dry, reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar and increase the amount of water.
2. If your skin is very oily, you can increase the amount of ACV and decrease the amount of water. 
3. If you’re skin is sensitive or you’re using this on pre-teens, decrease the amount of ACV and increase the amount of the green tea.

You really have to just play with it. For my combination skin with hormonal break-outs, the equal parts work best.

Let’s talk about the apple cider vinegar. I can get the Bragg brand at my local health food store for around $3.00 a bottle. It’s a bit more for the large bottle in my picture. If you can’t find this where you live, you can purchase it online. Any other brand is fine as long as it’s organic and unfiltered. This type of ACV will have particles and a type of pulp at the bottom. This is the good stuff and packed with vitamins! Don’t filter it out!

If you’re not familiar with ACV, here are some other things to do with it:

1. Use it with olive oil, lime and infused herbs in homemade vinaigrette 
2. Mix one tsp into water and drink once a day (with a little added honey if you want) as a natural detox
3. Use instead of lemon for marinades
4. Rinse berries of all types after you buy them in a solution of one part ACV to ten parts water. This will keep the berries fresh for up to 2 weeks in your refrigerator!

The Bragg website has tons of other recipes and ideas. If you start to make your own skin care, you will begin to see how the natural ingredients used can be used in so many other ways. 

If you decide to try this and have questions, leave a comment and I’ll answer it as best I can. 

Oh.... happy skin!

Thank you again, Laura! I hope you've all enjoyed the weekly lesson from her.