As we journey through life, one of the things we often discover is how much we have learned, especially when it comes to beauty. The routines, the products, the styles – all of it evolves over time. When most of us reflect on younger selves, who doesn’t wish they could offer themselves a few wise pieces of advice? If only we had known then, what we know now! The good news is that it’s never too late to embrace the beauty that comes with experience, and it’s never too early to instil the right habits.
- Protect Your Skin from the Sun (No Matter What the Season)
If I could only choose ONE piece of advice for my younger self – I wish I had been more diligent about applying sunscreen in my teenage years. Back then it wasn’t cool to care about SPF, having a “tan” was considered healthy-looking and solariums were a thing. Yes…we actually thought we could “bake” ourselves in what might as well been essentially little ovens without any consequences.
Now, obviously, I know better. Sun damage is the leading cause of premature aging with the sun’s harmful UV rays just as dangerous all year.
Tip: Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum of 50+ and make it a part of your daily skincare routine, rain, hail or shine.
- Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture
It took me far too long to accept my natural hair colour and texture. I spent too many years trying to smooth out curls and straighten waves – all the while fighting off the dreaded frizz. And don’t even get me started on the bleach…I don’t think my poor curl pattern has ever really recovered from me trying to pass as a blonde. I spent so much time trying to conform to someone else’s definition of beauty that I never embraced the beauty that was inherently mine. Now I love my hair in its natural state – whether it’s curly, straight, or somewhere in between.
Tip: Invest in nourishing hair treatments and avoid using heat styling as much as possible. If you do want some curls try sleep in rollers instead.
- Skincare Should Be Your Top Priority, Not Your Makeup Routine
In my younger years, the goal to always cover up any imperfections. I didn’t realise that clear, glowing skin starts with a solid skincare routine and no amount of makeup can make up for poor skincare habits. Prioritise your skincare routnine and NEVER forget sunscreen as the last step in your routine. Your skin will thank you later.
Tip: Invest in a professional skin analysis with a Dermal therapist or aesthetician. They can then recommend the best skincare products and treatments specific to your individual skin needs and together you can devise a plan to work towards achieving your skin goals.
- Stop Over-Plucking Your Eyebrows
The thin, barely-there arched brows of the late ’90s and early 2000s seemed like a good idea at the time however over-plucking can result in sparse, patchy brows that take forever to grow back…if they ever do. Looking back, I honestly wish I had listened to my mum, putting down the tweezers and leaving my poor eyebrows alone. She wisely told me that after plucking them for many many years, hers had never fully grown back. As a teenager with no sense of time other than “right now” did I heed her advice? Well, if you could see the current state of my sad excuses for eyebrows…clearly not.
Tip: Try investing in an eyebrow growth serum, letting them grow out as much as you’re able. You can then go back and fill in any gaps or sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder.
- Less is Definitely More When It Comes to Makeup
When I was younger, I often felt that the more makeup, the better. However, less is often more and a natural look can be just as (if not more) striking.
Tip: Embrace your natural features and find ways to enhance them, rather than trying to mask them.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
In my early 20’s, I never realised just how much staying hydrated impacts your skin, hair and your bodies energy levels – think dull-looking skin, dry lifeless hair not to mention overall fatigue.
Tip: Invest in a decent water bottle and make it a habit to drink water throughout the day… setting an alarm on your phone if you struggle to remember!
- Maybe Think Twice About That Tattoo
Oh dear…another one Mum was right about – thank god for laser tattoo removal machines. That once permanent mistake can now be a thing of the past, where it belongs.
Tip: Finding a provider that is close to home will make it easier for you to follow through and actually complete the process. Removing a tattoo can take upwards of 6 sessions, depending on factors such as size, the location and type of ink used.
- Don’t Skip Your Evening Skincare Routine (and always wash your face!)
Weren’t we all guilty of this cardinal sin at one point or another? After a night on the town or a long day, it was (and sometimes still is!) tempting to skip the evening skincare routine, especially on nights when you are tired or out late. But cleansing away the day’s makeup, dirt and pollutants is just as important as the morning routine – in fact more so. Nighttime is when your skin regenerates, so giving it a good, clean slate before bed is essential for maintaining youthful skin and allowing your products to actually do their work.
Tip: Always do a double cleanse at night, first with a gentle makeup remover or micellar water, followed by a gel or oil based cleanser depending on your skin type.
- Trust Your Instincts – Not Trends
I think most of us have fallen victim to one or more beauty trends…perhaps more than we would like to admit. Whether it was the bold lip colours or the latest skincare fad, it was all too easy to feel pressured to follow what everyone else was doing. However, beauty is about self-expression and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Tip: Curate a beauty routine that reflects who you are, rather than what’s popular at any given moment in time. Remember, trends come and go, but confidence lasts forever…so be true to yourself!
This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty supplier’s The Global Beauty Group. To find a treatment specialist in your local area, please visit their website.