My Favorite Anti-Aging & Skincare Products
As you know, I love posting about budget decorating ideas. But after 8 years of the same, I’ve been yearning to write about other topics that I love. So today I’m branching out and I’ve become an official BeautyTap Advisor, so I’ll be sharing my favorite skincare products along with some anti-aging tips that I’ve discovered over the years. (This kicks off my new “lifestyle” series here on the blog, I hope you enjoy!)
This is 49
My kids recently commented that they have almost no pictures of me – the woes of being the camera-shy family photographer. So I’ve been ramping up my confidence and practicing the selfie game (which I loathe) to get a little more comfortable in front of the camera. Photography is also one of my passions, so it works out perfectly. :)
My skin type // Say hello to 18 year old me. ?I’m not super confident in this photo. I had extremely oily skin which was also the culprit for cystic acne in my T-zone. Back then treatments options were limited, many weren’t effective (or safe), so I scrubbed the heck out of my face and (wrongly) and used cosmetics as a way to cover up my breakouts. Not the best strategy, I know — but there was a side benefit. In the days of tanning salons and sun worshipping, the SPF in my foundation saved my face from rapid aging back in the day. So I credit that as my accidental strategy for keeping deep wrinkles at bay. (Kids! Wear your sunscreen!)
Oil cleansing for large pores // Water repels oil, so I recently discovered that pulling oil out of your pores actually requires… oil ! It seems counter-intuitive but it works wonders. My go-to skincare line is Grace Green Beauty. I buy it locally but they ship nationally. Here is a quote directly from the Grace Instagram account: “…organic castor oil works as a magnet to pull impurities to the surface of your epidermis and dissolve them. Each of our oil cleansers: remove excess oil, balance oil production, boosts glow AND removes makeup. It’s pretty much the total package. Fun fact. Each Grace facial cleanser boost your eyelash and eyebrow growth.” — Grace Green Beauty
Daily Skincare Routine
Cleanse: Grace Green Beauty for oily skin
Tone: Witch Hazel
Moisturize: 1 part Retin A mixed with Cerave
Under Eye: Aveeno Eye Cream
Medication: Spironolactone (daily)
Collagen: 2 scoops daily in coffee
Medications // Even at 49 years old I still need medication to keep my acne at bay. I take Spironolactone daily and use Retin A (both prescribed by my dermatologist). I mix Retin A with this moisturizer work wonders so it doesn’t dry out my skin. I also use Retin A on my hands and neck (I wish I would have protected my neck with sunscreen more diligently back in the day).
Water Intake // Sometimes I fall out of my water routine, but when I have a flask or water bottle with me at all times, I start to crave it. It makes a difference in my joints and my skin. I crave caffeine less when I’m drinking more water. I add 2-3 drops of lemon, grapefruit or peppermint essential oils depending on my mood, essential oils also helps ease digestion.
Sleep // When I’m not rested it shows immediately on my face. I truly believe our new mattress has improved my overall health. I feel so much better every day. At times I take turmeric supplements to help with achy joints (the doc suspects I have arthritis flare ups, lots of sports injuries to thank for that). The pain can sometimes cause insomnia. Thanks to our new, high-tech mattress I get a solid night of sleep.
Chiropractic // I am getting to the age where a “pain management” doctor is on my radar thanks to years of sports, volleyball and running. I undergo chiropractic care to feel better, which immediately helps me sleep more soundly. I try to take a holistic approach to wellness. Pain is what causes me to stop an exercise regime so I am very careful with what kind of workouts I’m able to do.
Makeup // Soon I will share some of my favorite makeup. I really love testing out new looks now and again — my latest obsession is magnetic eyelashes, I finally just got the hang of them — they’re so fun! Sometimes I go crazy with the contouring and highlighting for a night out. But I mostly stick to the basics.
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I’ve always been a do-it-yourself type of person. I’ve cut and colored my own hair, applied my own acrylic nails…and I thrift a lot of clothes. So adding this topic on occasion could be a lot of fun!
Are you enjoying this new topic? We still have a LOT of home improvement to share, so that won’t change. I just really enjoy getting made up and looking nice sometimes. So at my age, it’s time to embrace it while I can.
Let me know in the comments what other health and beauty topics you’d like me to cover, or if I should stick with my typical DIY and decorating blog topics!
It’s always interesting to read about how someone takes care of themselves. thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks Susan, I look forward to sharing more. I just love testing out new beauty products!
Your a gorgeous woman and I can see a difference in your look. Your face looks more glowing and thinner. Your stunning keep up the great work it’s working and I would love for you to share your secrets so I can try some too! I’m feeling blah in my looks these days with the salons closed.
Good to hear from you Teresa! I have changed quite a bit since that photo, I’m not the pillar of perfect health but makeup and skincare have always been my go-to when I’m feeling blah! I can’t wait to see my stylist, too!
I think being quarantined has made us more focused on being healthy and looking at what we eat, how we treat our bodies and skin. Before the focus seemed to be how we looked on the outside.
The few bloggers I follow seem to be expanding to how they take care of themselves. I think it’s great to share these things and gives us a glimpse of the “ whole” you.
Thanks for yourself out there.
Sharon
Thanks Sharon, I wasn’t sure considering this is a DIY & home improvement blog, but if some of my tips help people, that’s all that matters. Self care is so important, and I’m working harder at it the older I get. :)
I’m a guy so I’ll share one of my beauty tricks you can share with the guys in your life. I’d recommend getting a fresh haircut 2-4 times per month. I recommend a “medium fade” on most males. A haircut can change your whole look and make you look skinner. Then I exfoliate my face not with expensive exfoliants from Nordstroms but a simple semi-abrasive cloth called a Nylon Exfoliating Towel, widely available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fLJGPt and fold it a few times into a square and lather it up with your normal brand of face wash and lightly scrub the face in circles. You face might be red for a day after but it’s well worth the improvement in complexion. That combined with just a fresh haircut can go a very long way. Hope this helps!
Thank you for sharing your beauty tips!!
Phyllis
Thanks Phyllis for being here :) — this could be a fun topic for me as we take breaks in between our home improvement projects!
Yes, great idea .I love seeing what other ladies use for skin care and sharing fashion and makeup tips is like talking to a girlfriend!
Marilyn, YES! It is! I think now that coronavirus has hit, I won’t be testing any products at the beauty counter anymore (now it’s even more of a health hazard, right?) So I’ll rely heavily on real-world reviews and feedback from others! I hope to start a small group where I go makeup free and do my makeup live (if I can get the nerve up!)
I like the idea of sharing your beauty tips and make up. There are only so many decorating tips that we can all use or have the time to do. I think most women can put to use pretty quickly skin and makeup ideas. Looks like you’re doing a great job. Nice photo!
True, I always like a quick tip I can try during my morning routine. No power tools or complex materials needed. :) Thanks for the feedback! This will be fun!
Not everyone is honest enough to share their secrets and that’s why I’m excited every time I get a chance to read what you have to say. Can’t wait to hear about the magnetic lashes. Love learning about every aspect of life! Keep it up! Thanks!
Diana
Thanks Diana, as I get older I feel more comfortable sharing, life is too short! The magnetic lashes took some practice and I love using them!. I find a natural-looking length — then cut them down the middle. I find they look most natural when they are shorter and only enhance the outer corners of my lashes. I’ll have to do a tutorial on this, I love that they’re reusable, too.
It will be a lovely addition! Sisters and girlfriends always share clothing and makeup ideas. Count me in on the magnetic lashes. I have been wanting to practice rockin’ my best 74 year old self. I believe you are on target with branching out. Learning new things keeps us young at heart. I especially like your choice of natural products. Best to you. ~ Betty
Yay Betty! I’m glad you’re on board — makeup is a fun, creative outlet and so easy for us to try at home. With my skin challenges I’m always trying to find new ways to “fix” my skin. As I find new products I can’t wait to share. Thanks for being here!