Exchanging photos with a friend via email recently who hasn’t seen me in over a decade, I began listing the beauty treatments I’ve had and regularly commit to, in response to her kindly complimenting me on my skin.
I’m a later adoptee so don’t be too impressed, only embracing anti-aging treatements more seriously last year, aged 43 with three kids aged 3, 11 and 14 respectively.
I thought I’d include an exhaustive list of the treatments I’ve had and continue to have in case you’re seeking some skin-spiration. I was pretty scared slash cynical of some of the treatments prior to biting the bullet and testing them out, but I’m so glad I did as each and every one has boosted my confidence and my only wish is that I’d succumbed earlier!
Here goes:
Botox, first off this has been an absolute game-changer. Whilst I only had faint lines on my forehead, I feel it’s helped with facial symmetry as well as removing visible lines and preventing them. I am able to leave 4-5 months between treatments too.
Lip filler. I plumped for this (get it?) after I mentioned to my dentist, Amy, at Montreal Dental Care in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, who also administers my Botox that I felt I was losing volume in my lips. This can happen with age, and I’m more than happy now with greater shape and fullness, whilst still looking natural and not duck-lipped in the slightest! I also opt for a Botox lip flip which helps make lips look fuller too. Kiss, kiss, ab fab sweetie, darling!
Laser. Why didn’t I do this sooner?! Visiting Skin Deep in Leeds I paid for approximately 10 treatments, staggered, last year, with a handful of top ups this year and I am completely staggered by how little regrowth I have had on my arms, legs and face. Their Candela GentleMax Pro is the gold standard in laser hair removal, working on b0th light and darker hair and skintones, and I could barely feel it either so please don’t worry about potential pain. Owner of the business, Daniela, is an expert in this field so I was literally in safe hands and she always makes me feel comfortable and at ease. No more random chin hairs for me, and my body is silky smooth and hair-free.
Semi-permanent make up. I was kindly gifted two microblading sessions (initial and top-up) on my eyebrows by Victoria, founder of the award-winning Cosmetic Artisans who reshaped and thickened by 90s-ravaged brows. I paid for a lip blush a few weeks later, which is still going strong over a year later in a perfect peachy tone all over my lips, meaning I can forgo lipstick and just add gloss and still look glam! Gorge!
Hair Highlights. As well as dying my grey hairs/ roots in a rich brown, I’ve added lots more golden JLo-inspired highlights to help brighten my skin and hide my greys more easily. Alexa, my hairdresser, based in Leeds, has become a friend and she is truly world-class. Can you tell that I’m essentially doing everything I can to return to my peak self at 19. Wish me luck-hahaha!
Eyelash and eyebrow growth serum by Grande Lash. You can see read about the collection of gifted products in my review for the full low-down but both the growth serum for lashes and eyebrows are truly the best I’ve ever used. I have sensitive eyes too and had zero issues with this brand. My lashes are the thickest and longest they’ve ever been and the growth serum has meant my brows never become sparse. Results were visible after two weeks for me with optimum results after 6. Perfect.
I’m also opting in for more facials and massages, I was consistent with whilst pregnant with my third child, but quickly abandoned postpartum and when I needed them most, so watch this space for more reviews, purchases and recommendations.
I must note, I do followthe Glucose Goddess plan to eat in a way that balances my blood sugar and keeps me energised, and I try to hit the gym 5 times a week on average (hitting 10k steps a day) for mental benefits as much as physical. I also use hair growth shampoo and conditioners from a variety of brands and oil my hair with a homemade mix of Argan, Castor and Extra Virgin Olive oils, gently heated with fresh rosemary from the garden in a pan (don’t let it burn) before storing in a plastic hair applicator I purchased from Amazon. I run the comb applicator through my (dry) hair twice a week, leaving it overnight and washing it out the next day. It keeps my hair long and healthy. Lush.
So that’s it for now, I’ll be updating you with more treatments soon.
Have you changed your skincare routine since turning 40?
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