For many years working in the corporate world of the beauty industry, I had to dress and look in a certain way. Even in the office, the policy was very strict on clothing and make up. So my face was 90% of the time covered by foundation/BB cream, blush, mascara, eye liner…. It worked well then, having in mind my younger age, and covering the stress and tiredness I was feeling on a daily basis. However, years later, quitting my job and becoming an entrepreneur, the make up and clothing policy didn’t exist anymore, I decide what and when I will wear – on my face and my body. There is such a myth, that in order to look healthy, “young” with glowing skin you need to use make up, and not just few touches with the brush, but a whole arsenal of 12 products. All this made me dig deeper into the going barefaced trend, trying on my skin first and then advocating for “Let’s try to be healthy and more natural, rather than disguised and “younger” for few hours a day". Because let’s be honest – in the end of the day when you remove your make up…. say hello to the old you.
What did I do? It is a combination of things, which lead to a beautiful, healthy and natural skin. Besides I changed my lifestyle with a healthier one, I barely use any heavy or visible make up, and everyone’s opinion is: “Wow, you look much better!” Here are few tips on how to achieve this, highly recommended for women after 40, when your body and skin change due to the perimenopausal state we enter in:
- MAKE SURE YOUR SKIN IS WELL HYDRATED – I MEAN MOISTURISE!
The phrase "lit-from-within radiance" is commonly used in the beauty world to describe skin that is well-hydrated. The outer layers of the skin play a crucial role in retaining moisture and nutrients while also protecting against pollutants. If your skin looks dry, red, or flaky, it suggests that its moisture barrier is compromised, resulting in tiny invisible cracks that allow moisture to escape and diminish the natural glow of your skin.
To restore your skin's radiance and moisture barrier, it's important to use appropriate skincare products. Avoid using retinoids and exfoliants until the dryness or irritation has improved. Incorporating a daytime moisturizer into your routine will not only keep your skin hydrated but also plump it up, giving it a smoother and more dewy appearance. For nighttime, apply a face cream containing oils, which are crucial for replenishing the moisture barrier within your skin. You go-to product for a long term hydrated skin is our Anti-oxidant Lifting Day&Night Cream – contains 3 Mediterranean oils: watermelon seed, grape seed and olive oil.
- MASSAGE YOUR FACE.
Gently massaging your face for a few minutes enhances blood circulation and aids in reducing excess fluid buildup, resulting in a tighter, firmer, and more radiant complexion. Before starting, apply a face oil or serum to prevent pulling and tugging on your skin. Whether using a facial roller tool or your hands, always massage in an upward motion to promote a lifted appearance. Apply just the right amount of pressure to stimulate blood flow without causing irritation or pulling on the skin. It may seem a small effort, but it is extremely powerful for your overall skin health.
- BEAUTY SLEEP.
Adequate sleep is a cornerstone of holistic well-being, with profound implications for your skin's health and vitality. Beyond the cosmetic concern of avoiding dark circles under your eyes, ensuring a consistent seven to eight hours of sleep each night plays a pivotal role in supporting the skin's natural regenerative processes. During sleep, the body engages in cell repair and the production of collagen, a structural protein essential for skin elasticity and firmness. In cultivating a comprehensive approach to skincare, it's essential to recognize the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors. I can’t stress enough how important is prioritizing sufficient and quality sleep. It empowers you to nurture your skin from the inside out, promoting a radiant and refreshed complexion.
- “NO-MAKE UP” MAKE UP.
If going completely makeup-free isn't your preference, there are excellent products available to help you achieve a natural appearance. Sometimes, all it takes is a touch of tinted lip balm and a quality brow gel. Alternatively, you can opt for versatile products that serve multiple purposes. For instance, applying your tinted lip balm on your cheeks and lightly at the eye crease can seamlessly unify your look in a more understated manner. My choice for a no make up make up is the following: a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, a hint of blush on the upper part of the cheek, a touch of mascara, lip gloss/lipstick and voila! For evening going out touch of glow, I mix my BB cream with a liquid highlighter, it gives this subtle shimmer and glow to the skin.
- EAT HEALTHY!
Maintaining the health of your skin and hair is intricately linked to adopting a well-rounded diet. Embracing dietary patterns such as the renowned Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest in the world, can offer significant benefits. This diet emphasizes the consumption of abundant vegetables and fruits, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants crucial for skin health. Moreover, it encourages moderate consumption of sweets and incorporates the tradition of enjoying a glass of wine daily, known for its potential cardiovascular benefits and polyphenol content, which may contribute positively to skin health.
In addition to adhering to such dietary principles, ensuring hydration by drinking ample water throughout the day is paramount for keeping your skin nourished and supple. Introducing natural detoxifiers like green tea can further support the body's cleansing processes, promoting a clearer complexion from within. Furthermore, integrating probiotics into your diet after meals not only fosters gut health but also reflects positively on your skin, contributing to its overall clarity and vibrancy. By embracing a holistic approach to nutrition, which includes the incorporation of Mediterranean dietary principles alongside hydration and detoxification strategies, you can effectively support the health and vitality of your skin and hair from the inside out.
- FAKE A GLOW!
If you can’t make it, fake it! Achieving a natural, glow without risking sun damage not only enhances your appearance with a healthier and more radiant complexion but also eliminates the need for heavy foundation. It's no wonder you receive a plethora of compliments after returning from a well-rested holiday. While numerous options abound, if you're seeking a bronzed look coupled with skincare benefits, consider a self-tan serum. It not only imparts a natural tint to the skin but also provides a surge of hydration. Another option is self-tan drops, added to your moisturizer or serum, will give you this sun-kissed beautiful color that everyone longs for.
And last, but probably the most important one: STICK WITH A SKINCARE ROUTINE.
I believe that “good skin” is synonymous with healthy skin. This entails having clear, even-toned, radiant, and glowing skin, free from blemishes, pigmentation, redness/erythema, dryness, or spots. BUT still a skin with texture and pores, even visible. A filtered face should not be our aim, simply because does not look naturally. Achieving this requires a consistent skincare regimen that targets specific skin concerns. My approach revolves around 'reveal, enhance, and protect'. To reveal the skin's natural beauty, effective cleansing and biweekly exfoliation are key. Enhancing the skin involves incorporating active ingredients such as antioxidants (such as vitamins C, E, and B), ceramides, peptides, as well as at-home treatments like masks and light peels. Lastly, protecting the skin involves using products with active ingredients and SPF. To achieve the best outcomes, it's crucial to adhere to your skincare regimen for at least one full skin cycle, lasting approximately six weeks. Continuously switching products or overloading your skin with too many active ingredients can detrimentally affect its condition.
Your routine does not need to be made of 10 products – all you need is cleanser, toner, serum and a moisturizer. Trust me this is more than enough for your skin to maintain a healthy and radiant appearance. You don’t need to break the bank either. Our Mediterranean Glow Set is designed for all types of women, especially the busy mums and wives. All products come in an airless packaging, guaranteeing the longevity and stability of the ingredients inside. They are easy to carry in your purse and are multitasking – from 3 in 1 moisturizer to 2 in 1 serum.
And remember: your best age is now!
