When I was in my 20s, I remember thinking… “drat, my 30s are just a few years away!” It’s not that I was afraid of getting older, but I always assumed that my life couldn’t get any better than 20. Boy was I wrong, because my “Dirty Thirties” came into my life and I’ve been loving and enjoying it! Now that I’m 35, I have learned so much about who I am as a person and kind of embraced my love for life, instead of always wondering about what others were thinking of me. With my knowledge of proper skin care and techniques, I am happy to say that I am not only happy in the skin I’m in, but also excited to be the age I am. However, if I had to turn back the clock – there would be some things I wish people would share and divulge with me to prep for my thirties. There are 5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 and while each person may have their list of things, here is mine.
How’s my no makeup selfie? (pictured above) Let me be straight up and honest with you – if you live with me, near me or know me, this is my every day look. I leave the house like this to go shopping, run errands and everything in between. Hair in a bun, bare face (with exception to my serums, moisturizer, SPF, lip balm) and a hoodie or t-shirt. Unless I really feel like dressing up or have some place special to be, besides Mascara and some form of lip product, this really is my every day all day! Five or more years ago, you couldn’t catch me leaving the house if I didn’t at least have a powder or mineral foundation on. I was not only self conscious of who I was and how I looked, I also would have constant breakouts. Which leaves me to my #1 thing no one tells you about turning 35.
1. Embrace your skin – love your skin – take care of your skin. A few years ago I wore foundation often, eye makeup, primers, etc. for years before I was diagnosed with severe Eczema in 2013 and was told by my Dermatologist that I was not taking care of my skin. “Not taking care of my skin?” I said, “How is that even possible? I use all the best products on the market today!” I didn’t realize that the cosmetics I used on my skin to hide my imperfections were causing my reactions and I was breaking out and having flare ups because of it. Now two years later, foundation free, and I’m happy to say that besides my little break outs from my monthly friend, my skin looks good and feels great. Skin care really is EVERYTHING to me and while I don’t necessarily invest in all the expensive products (I don’t find the need to sometimes), I find that as much love that I put into my skin care routine and my skin, the more love I get back from it in return.
After having three kids, two of which are twins – every part of my body went array and even five years later of a consistent battle with my weight, I can honestly say I will never get back to that size 8, 125 lbs. that I used to be. While it saddens me sometimes, I know that my size doesn’t define who I am as a person and I’m still proud of who I am. My number two thing that no one told me about being 35…
2. Society does not define who you are as a person – YOU do! I have always been the type of person that considered myself a leader, but after having my children and putting on my weight, I did feel a little insecure. Let’s face it – who doesn’t? I’m constantly working on my body and being healthy, but I’m doing it for ME, not for society, not for people who think I need to lose weight and certainly not for any other reason but to be healthy and happy. I walk or run two miles a day, five days a week and feel GREAT. I’m still a plus sized gal, with scars from my stretch marks, surgeries and thunder thighs that would stop traffic, but I feel good. The stereotype of being a plus size girl no longer bugs or bothers me.
3. Embrace Your Inner Glam Whenever and Wherever. Red lips? Smoky eyes? I think that if you are feeling a glam look that day, even if you are just rocking it out around the house, do it! I remember being told in my 20s that using makeup is all about going to the club (mind you I live in a small town and hardly anyone dressed up), but that is not the case… wear it when you feel like it. I went to the grocery store using a red lipstick and bold winged liner and was asked by the cashier if I was going somewhere special. My response: “Yeah, to pick up my son from school!” Red lips are not just for the red carpet. Like a smoky eye, red lips are used whenever and where ever you feel like it. Embrace your inner Glam Diva.
4. Bold, Colorful Makeup is Beautiful! Makeup is a form of expression, creativity and whatever else you want to call it. I posted a look a few weeks ago where I had been wearing Barbie Pink lips and neon eyeliner (pictured above – lower right) and was told that it looked great. Sometimes, while a neutral makeup look or none at all is my choice for every day – I love to pull out the bright bold lip colors and eye shadows that I love. Purple lips? Bold, colorful smoky eyes? Candy Yum Yum Neon Lips? They are okay to use and have fun with. Makeup is about self expression and art! It’s fun, funky and I like to wear it now and then.
5. Wrinkles, Gray Hair (oh – did I mention I have both of those?) and anything else which would normally define age, does not make you any less beautiful. YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON – EMBRACE IT! Due to some crazy genes, I started to develop gray hair in my early twenties (if not sooner) and since I was a smoker in my late teens, early 20s (so glad I quit at 24), I developed wrinkles – but that doesn’t mean that I am any less beautiful. Sometimes we forget that beauty is at any age, any body type, any skin type, any person and we put so much pressure on ourselves to be the best. The truth is, we are all beautiful – no matter what. Our lives and futures are not determined by how we look or what we put on, but the impression we make in people’s lives and the path and legacy we leave behind.
“When I leave this World, I want to be remembered as the person who made everyone feel great about themselves and the one that gave them inspiration to persevere, not just the person who taught them how to do a smoky eye.” – Honey
My legacy would be that you don’t have to give up anything. You can be chic but have a sense of humor, you can be sexy but comfortable, you can be timeless but fresh. – Michael Kors
So what does beauty mean to you at your age? What tips would you give yourself if you could turn back the hands of time? Stop on by and check out my dear loves from The Beauty Blogger Collaboration and see what they have to say about Beauty at any age.
xo
30 Comments
Yes, yes, yes to everything!
FYI I didn’t know that you’re 35. Great tips.
Great post! My mom has always been a believer in wearing lipstick wherever she goes. She may have her scarf on but her lips and cheeks are done. 🙂
You are my soul sister! I agree w/ everything you said.
I agree with everything you said! *hug* You’re beautiful, Honey, inside and out!
I understand the insecurity of weight, I have fluctuated over the past few years. I love all of your looks with or without makeup you have great skin! I am not blessed with good skin but I have moments that it’s not too bad hehe
Such an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing. We are all beautiful, no matter our size or age.
Great posst. You look amazing at 35.
I love it! I’m starting to have the post baby blues of my body looking so different but I have to get over it!
I loved reading this and seeing your pictures. I also have early grey genes. I got my first silvers when I was twenty-two. I am now about 60% grey. 😀
I always love your looks. And age is just a number!
How beautiful you are, in so many ways!
Wonderful advice! You are well prepared for he years to come
Yes to #3 specifically. When I go to work I put on whatever face I feel like that morning. Glitter liner, nude eyes, mascara only, etc. People will say “what are you all dolled up for” or “are you not feeling well”. My answer always is… Do I have to have a certain reason to throw on some glitter or not wear full makeup?? I want to do it whenever I want. When inner diva Brigitte wants out…she comes out 😉
So glad you’ve embraced beauty as something you define for yourself!
I just love this post – so honest and raw and I can tell you put your heart & soul into these words. Amen!
You know, I used to be so insecure in my 20s, but I gained some random confidence boost when I turned 30. This is truly a magical decade 🙂
I wish I took better care of my skin in my teen years! I wish I knew what I know now!
I’m a lot older than 35 but I know my skin and makeup skills are 100% better than they were at that age. Just keep doing what you do and you’ll continue being the best you can be.
You have AMAZING skin! I want to know your detailed skincare routine – please consider a step-by-step post. Age is just a number and I’m not going to let the thought of wrinkles and greys in my future worry me, but I wish I had your skin!
You are beautiful, inside and out!
You are gorgeous! I definitely wish I took care of my skin better!
I love your wisdom and that you do YOU. It is the best advice and the skincare regimen, too LOL
Girl!!! I loved this so much!! You really are an inspiration my friend! Now that I’m 30 I’ve come to realize many things about loving yourself that I wish I knew when I was younger. Stay beautiful!! Sending you lots of love!! 🙂
This is a wonderful post and just confirms why you’re so awesome. Turning 30 didn’t bother me but now that I’m nearing 35 I’m feeling rough lol thank you for the inspiring words!
Great, great post. <3 <3 Embracing myself is something I work on all the time, and it has definitely gotten easier as I got older. I find that looking for the good in others helps me to find it in myself, too.
What a truly beautiful and inspirational post from a beautiful and inspirational woman!
Such a great post and such thoughtful advice. Beauty at any size can be a hard one to grapple with, but when you reach the place where you’re good with you, everything else just falls into place.
This post made me smile and got me teary eyed. So empowering and encouraging! <3 Thank you!!
Beautiful post my friend!! I love your beauty, inside and out. <3