For me, passing 45 really means one thing… this selfcare routine over 40 became non-negotiable.
I need to start taking selfcare a bit more seriously. This selfcare routine over 40 wasn’t something I planned — it just kind of became necessary.
I mean — grey hairs are showing up everywhere, my skin is changing, and that big white “river” between my eyebrows? Yeah… that one definitely needs regular maintenance.
In the past, I wasn’t that strict with my selfcare. Skincare was more something I did when I felt like it, not really a routine. But since we live close to the beach, with the heat, the humidity, and those intense summers, I really had to step up my skincare routine.
And the water… don’t even get me started.
The first few months, I couldn’t get my hair soft and shiny again. There’s so much chlorine in the water — and other stuff I don’t even recognize — that my usual products just didn’t stand a chance. Even Philip Martins, which I used to love, was simply too gentle for this kind of water.
So… new plan.
After a long try-out phase, I finally found the perfect salon for my hair — with the absolute best, funniest, and most talkative hairdresser in all of North Carolina. She’s well-traveled, social, and every appointment is never a dull moment.
People who have known me longer know I have a bit of anxiety when it comes to new hairdressers. Probably because of past trauma… like the time I walked out with more grey hair than my grandma (thanks to a blonding treatment that didn’t go as planned), or the time I came home with red hair that Pippi Longstocking would be jealous of.
Both times it took at least four treatments to fix the color and the damage. So yeah… my trust level with hairdressers isn’t exactly high.
But Brooke? She nails it. Every single time.
I don’t even have to explain what I want — she just knows. And she uses Aveda… which, by the way, smells amazing. L O V E it. I’ve been using their Botanical Repair as well, and that combination with the salon treatments really made a difference for my hair.
After trying what feels like every brand out there, I finally found what works for my hair: Ouai, combined with Aveda. Their shampoo and conditioner for fine hair actually hold up with this water, and the Thickening spray is a lifesaver on the days my hair decides to completely give up. It smells good, it works, and it actually survives the sun, the sea, the humidity… and whatever is going on in that water.
But honestly… I did not expect getting older to be this much work.
At least not if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and your hair somewhat under control.
My sweet mini-me always says, “Mom, you still look pretty and young.” And I love her for that — even though she might be slightly biased 😉
But hey… you know what they say about drunk men and little kids… they always tell the truth. So I’m choosing to believe her.
Even though it takes more effort than it used to, I actually like spending time on my beauty routine now.
That “canyon” between my eyebrows (Grand Canyon, eat your heart out) is finally getting better.
Thanks to Botox.
Yes… Botox.
I know. Botox!? Really?
I started with a little bit in the Netherlands, but here in the U.S. it’s definitely next level. And once again, I found the right person — Lizzy. She’s the one who does my treatments, and she’s the BEST. Her distraction techniques during the injections are… interesting, but they work. And she clearly knows what she’s doing.
Don’t ask me which product goes where — I just know it does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
And yes, my first experience with Botox in the Netherlands wasn’t exactly great. After about a week, one eyebrow decided to stay permanently surprised.
Which, to be honest, turned out to be quite useful.
At that time, I was helping out at my cousin’s hotel in Greece, and when I walked past a cleaning lady who was casually spraying water everywhere for absolutely no reason… I just looked at her with that eyebrow.
She immediately turned it off.
So… not all bad.
But over time, it actually got better and better. At least, that’s what I think. And let’s not forget the monthly headaches — they’ve become much less intense since starting Botox.
Honestly… great selling point for the husband 😉
If you had told me 15 years ago that I would say yes to Botox, I would have laughed.
And yet… here we are.
And honestly? Why not.
If it makes you feel better, a little more confident, a little more like yourself — then it’s worth it. You’re the one who has to look at yourself every day.
This week I’m starting with a new skincare routine. I’ve been using Tatcha’s lip mask for a while now (and I’m obsessed), so I decided to try more from their line — the Longevity Serum, the Memory Cream, and their SPF 50 Silk sunscreen (because yes… we do want to protect the skin). I also added their eye cream, because… let’s be honest, that area needs a little extra love these days.
I’m also going to try a few new things, like the Paula’s Choice 1% retinol and a vitamin C serum from Timeless. No idea yet how that’s going to work out, but it sounds promising.
Let’s see how this routine goes… I’ll keep you posted.
Fun fact: I used to be a skincare specialist back in the day. I had to stop because of my hypermobility disorder, but I’ve always kept a love for skincare. These days, with my eyesight not what it used to be and not wanting to risk over-plucking parts of my eyebrows I actually want to keep… I happily leave certain things to the professionals.
I didn’t grow up with a mom who taught me what to use or how to take care of my skin — she’s just naturally beautiful. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I’m trying to do things a little differently. Especially since my mini-me is very into skincare and loves a little spa moment. And honestly… I love joining her.
It also helps that nail salons are literally everywhere here. You do have to find a good one, but once you do… a pedicure, a massage chair, and an hour of doing absolutely nothing? Not bad at all. And you walk out with perfect feet, ready for flip-flops or barefoot beach days.
Another bonus for the husband… he doesn’t need to give foot or back massages anymore. Already handled. Win-win 😉
So yes… I do value some me-time (with or without that little pretty human next to me). Just to feel a bit better, reset, and relax.
Because let’s be honest… treating yourself every now and then isn’t a luxury.
Nobody else is going to do it for you… so you might as well start. Take care! Love y’all
