Your Lifestyle
Since I was young, I always had good skin. You know, like when people say, “You have good hair. What are you mixed with?” Immediately, I wanted to hide the fact that my born in Montreal mother looked more Latin than she did Black.
This, of course, may have something to do with the ‘good’ skin and the ‘good’ hair, but now in my fifties, I know both require great upkeep. Here is a list of products I use daily on my skin. I will not say these products will work wonders for you and that you will look and feel like a brand new person. What I will say is that they have kept me looking younger than my actual age for decades.
Try Something New
It never hurts to try something new, especially if your old routines are doing nothing for you. Or you find what used to work is not working anymore. Some of these products you may find too oily for your skin type. Again, you know what is best for your skin.
But this has worked for me. So try it for a few days and see what happens or leave it. No matter what, I hope I have inspired you to seek the beauty inside and out that you deserve.
I was never consistent with face masks, and now I am. There are hundreds to choose from and though I don’t see fine lines disappearing, they make me feel refreshed and youthful.
#5 Face Masks
The YES brand is probably the most popular and easiest to spot. With its bright colors and smiling, cheerful lady masked up, anyone would want to pick a few and try them out. I have tried several, including the ‘Yesto Grapefruit Brightening Vitamin C glow boosting paper mask’ but I have also tried the que bella bath and beauty brand, Spalife and Burt’s Bees.
In the months I spent trying one mask after another, I landed on by nature from New Zealand. Their collection offers 2-in-1 with a pre-mask rather than a cooling or soothing sheet mask. At first, it turned me off applying the masks by hand (so old school), but I discovered once rinsed off, I feel the difference more than I do with a paper mask. However, keep in mind, I haven’t tried every mask out there.
There are so many brands of face masks out there able to cater to your needs, whether you want to hydrate and brighten under your eyes or bring moisture back to your skin, there is a calming and refreshing face mask out there with your name on it.
#4 Matte lipstick - in any color
Let’s face it. During the pandemic, we were going about our day as natural as the day we were born. And why go through all the hassle of makeup if no one is going to see you? If they did, nine times out of ten, a protective mask (not a rejuvenating beauty mask) would cover half your face.
My two favorite go-tos are Revlon Ultra HD Matte in 660 Romance - what a mean red lipstick this is. I use this on the regular and it stays on all day long. To glam it up: I add gloss. And now I can sans the masks. The variety of colors is endless. You are bound to find something you like if not love. I am a sucker for a light gloss color that works with all my matte lipsticks. My favorite this year is Revlon The GLOSS 306 Taupe luster. I love it so much I can’t stop buying it.
Megalast LIQUID Catsuit in 926B Berry This is my cheap buy. Because of the price, I can get two or three different colors. If I could only wear one lipstick color for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I love my reds, but this color can dress up or dress down. It truly is every day - everywhere color to wear.
#3 Grapeseed Body oil
One of the best finds I have discovered in my adult life is body oil. A few years back in my forties, I noticed the skin on my legs, neck and chest started wrinkling and on the legs appeared dry. While I sought advice from other women, I knew lotion was not enough. At least, not the lotions I had tried.
The advice from hair and skin influencers spoke of coconut oil and grapeseed oil. I tried coconut oil and quickly discovered this oil dries out my hair, but does wonders for my skin. However, I went with Grapeseed body oil because I could use it on my face and hair (even though I get the frizzes) and not break out like I did when using other body oils. Brooklyn Botany Grapeseed Oil for Skin, Hair and Face – 100% Pure and Natural Body Oil and Hair Oil - Carrier Oil for Essential Oils, Aromatherapy and Massage Oil.
Now I know there are several brands to choose from, but this is my go to. For less than $13 dollars, it lasts me months and my wrinkles are gone.
#2 Ginger Essential oil
The benefits of ginger essential oil are overwhelming. My little bottle packs a punch and on the box it says, “it helps to dissipate blood stasis, relieves vital activity, regulates oily skin and improves the body’s moisture and excessive body fluids.”
Users of all ages benefit from this essential oil and you only have to apply a few drops twice a day to see results. On Amazon, you can find an array of brands. I use Wholesome Ginger Massage Oil, 100% Pure Natural Organic Ginger Essential Oil for SPA Massage, Body Relaxation and Lymphatic Drainage (30ml) almost every day to reduce the swelling in my left leg recently diagnosed with a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) also known as blood clots.
When the swelling goes down, the stiffness, numb toes and slight discomfort subsides as well.
Keep in mind this is a spa body massage oil used in many ways, but also for relaxation and as a skin moisturizer. I came across this product with my first DVT diagnosis back in 2019 and I continue to use it even when there is no sign of swelling anywhere on my body.
Some brands can be harsh on the face, so choose wisely. I buy two, one I know that works well on my face and the one above that works for me everywhere but my face. Taykoo Professional Brightening Spotless Oil, Professional Pigmentation Remover, Dark Spots Removal Age Spots Hyper this product boosts fighting dark and age spots and though I am happy with my results, I know I would be happier if I used it regularly.
#1 Vaseline
Vaseline Original Healing Petroleum Jelly has been around for decades, if not longer. Touted as a relief for minor cuts and scrapes, along with being a remedy for dry and cracked skin. I can speak to all the above since it has been a staple in my family since I was a child.
My mother used this to take mascara off and as a face moisturizer. It was her #1 beauty tip for keeping my face youthful. I know it works! I love the cocoa butter version–it smells so good. What else is so excellent about vaseline? You can buy it almost anywhere and it’s inexpensive. You can’t ask for more when it comes to taking care of your skin. Yes, it is heavy and I admit to using vaseline only on my feet and eyes daily.
After all, there are so many products to choose from. Why use anything but what works best on your skin? I hope you have a fabulous skin care routine you love and works for you, but if you don’t, please give my recommendations a try, and let me know what you think and how you feel.
These products are not paid affiliates, at least not yet. I use each one of the products I recommended because I enjoy them and they make me feel great! And that feeling is priceless!
