Phoenix's makeup, skincare, weight, health etc...

[Phoenix]

I hope this is not too self-serving.

There seemed to be some interest in my skincare and fitness/ health routines etc on the Show-me-your-VCA-bling thread and also elsewhere, so I thought it might be a good idea for me to stop thread-jacking and start a new thread. I'll post some pics first and then move on to the narrative. If you'd like, please feel free to ask me anything you want and I'd do my best to answer.

Let me start off by saying that I have my own issues, like pockets of fat that I'd still like to get rid off; and I am still a loooong way away from reaching my fitness goals (my personal trainer - whom I lovingly nickname "Satan" - is my body & fitness idol). In addition, I do have wrinkles and some brown spots. But I try my best to get / keep fit and maintain good skin-care. And I LOVE make-up!!lol

With all that said, here is a pic of my body as of a few days ago, followed by (part of) my face:

 

[PintoBean]

Can you tell us about the climate you reside in? I bet that plays a part as well. In NY, the winters are brutal to the skin.

However, if it's warm where you are you my also have to fight against AC dryness...

 

[Phoenix]

Can you tell us about the climate you reside in? I bet that plays a part as well. In NY, the winters are brutal to the skin.

However, if it's warm where you are you my also have to fight against AC dryness...

Excellent Q, PB!

I live in the tropics. It's hot here all the time, and the humidity hovers around 60-90%, most of the time about 80-90%. That helps a lot! When I go to a place like Australia, I'm horrified to see how dry and wrinkled my skin is, compared to when I'm here.

The AC is def an issue, but I don't have it on all the time. And anyway, I always wear a ton of moisturiser + some facial oil, whether I'm at home or out (the AC in malls & offices here is freezing!! They always have it on full blast!!) . More about my skin-care & make-up later.

 

[Phoenix]

Sooo, one of the main reasons I'm so much into fitness and health, aside from vanity of course, is because my poor mother (may her rest in peace) suffered so much from ill health throughout her life, but particularly in the last 6-7 years of her life. You name it, she had it, from high blood pressure to high cholesterol, heart problems, diabetes etc.. Towards the end of her life, she lost the use of her legs and was in so much pain and was suffering so much. Added to that was the fact that she was heavily dependent on my father and other people (health care professionals). I just do not want to be like her, and bad genetics - healthwise - seem to run in my family, with several of my siblings suffering from one kind of illness or another, or 2 or 3.

I was not athletic at all as a child, preferring to study to doing any kind of sports. But that changed when I reached my late teens and when I met one of my ex's, who was very much into weight-training. He introduced me to the gym. I also discovered boys, so I started to pay more attention to my looks (but not neglecting my studying, mind you), hehe.

I've had my fair share of weight issues too, yo-yo-ing between 45kg to 55kg (about 100-120lbs) during one period of time. To put this into context, I'm a little under 5'2" and am very small-framed with teeny tiny bones. Thank Goodness that's now over and am now about 100lbs, give or take 1lb either way. And I've been stable for the last 1.5 years and hope/ aim to always maintain this weight.

Body fat has also fluctuated between early 30's to 21% now (goal is to go down to 18% eventually and maintain it - anyway, more about that later).

Had a HUGE issue with drinking. Had a thread about that somewhere, asking for help. Now, am happy to report that I no longer drink. YAY!! And the best thing is I don't obsess about it now; so if the occasion calls for a glass of champagne, I'll drink it without feeling guilty and I'll go burn it off the next day or so.

 

[Wewechew]

Sooo, one of the main reasons I'm so much into fitness and health, aside from vanity of course, is because my poor mother (may her rest in peace) suffered so much from ill health throughout her life, but particularly in the last 6-7 years of her life. You name it, she had it, from high blood pressure to high cholesterol, heart problems, diabetes etc.. Towards the end of her life, she lost the use of her legs and was in so much pain and was suffering so much. Added to that was the fact that she was heavily dependent on my father and other people (health care professionals). I just do not want to be like her, and bad genetics - healthwise - seem to run in my family, with several of my siblings suffering from one kind of illness or another, or 2 or 3.

I was not athletic at all as a child, preferring to study to doing any kind of sports. But that changed when I reached my late teens and when I met one of my ex's, who was very much into weight-training. He introduced me to the gym. I also discovered boys, so I started to pay more attention to my looks (but not neglecting my studying, mind you), hehe.

I've had my fair share of weight issues too, yo-yo-ing between 45kg to 55kg (about 100-120lbs) during one period of time. To put this into context, I'm a little under 5'2" and am very small-framed with teeny tiny bones. Thank Goodness that's now over and am now about 100lbs, give or take 1lb either way. And I've been stable for the last 1.5 years and hope/ aim to always maintain this weight.

Body fat has also fluctuated between early 30's to 21% now (goal is to go down to 18% eventually and maintain it - anyway, more about that later).

Had a HUGE issue with drinking. Had a thread about that somewhere, asking for help. Now, am happy to report that I no longer drink. YAY!! And the best thing is I don't obsess about it now; so if the occasion calls for a glass of champagne, I'll drink it without feeling guilty and I'll go burn it off the next day or so.

I'd love to hear more about your fitness routine. How many days a week do you work out? You mentioned weights, but do you also do cardio?

And I'm right there with you about working out for health reasons (and vanity lol). The more I see grandparents and parents getting older, the more motivated I am to try to make sure I prevent as many issues as I can.

 

[valeria101]

I'll be reading this ! You have a routine ? I need one. My days are entirely random - work is that way, and it seems impossible to order anythign else anymore. As if I'd be jumping time-zones for a living.

Some of the broad lines fit only too well: 5.X, <100, working out to de-stress - sometimes both stress & working out get to be too much. Lately, South Europe's desert climate made me do things to my skin, lest it gets mumified. Makeup - nothing much to report, except the ocasional embarassment of being the only colour-less idiot in the room.

 

[Phoenix]

I'd love to hear more about your fitness routine. How many days a week do you work out? You mentioned weights, but do you also do cardio?

And I'm right there with you about working out for health reasons (and vanity lol). The more I see grandparents and parents getting older, the more motivated I am to try to make sure I prevent as many issues as I can.

Right?! I do not want to be sick and infirm in my old age!!

My fitness routine is as follows:
- twice or three times a week with my PT, where I do lots and lots of very heavy weights, intensely! (Satan much?! lol) and some cardio. So about 50 mins of very intense heavy weights and about 10 mins of cardio. Our primary goal is for me to build muscles and definition: so I'm trying to build a "bubble butt", aka Brazilian butt, the natural way, and build biceps, triceps, a nice set of shoulders and back, legs and a 4 pack - so everything really. To this end, I eat a lot of protein, esp since I'm aiming to add more muscles/ increase mass (more about that later when I describe my diet/ eating routine). I'm also building strength, and am a lot stronger & fitter than I used to be.

- via the intense weight-lifting, there's also cardio benefit. My heart beats very fast when I lift weights and am breathing very heavily. I also do cardio on my own 1-2 other times a week, like jogging (I used to run like 5, 10 miles easily and regularly, but alas I can't do any meaningful running anymore bc of a toe injury), Elliptical or bicycle etc.

So, I work out 4 times a week on average, min 3 times.

I walk too, like 2-3 times a week. I enjoy walking, even at a gentle pace and not for long distances, maybe 4 miles each time. I don't see walking as exercise or part of my fitness routine, just something I like doing. But thought I'd mention it anyhow.

I also did boxing but suffered a shoulder & back injury, bc of bad form (bloody instructor was no good!). I was out of action, completely, for 3 months and had to go through a lot of acupuncture and 3 sessions of chiropractic before I got better and before I was able to train again. I will go back to boxing later, once I've found a reliable and trustworthy instructor. My plan is to box at least once a week. And when I do this, I will do less cardio on my own bc boxing is very intensely cardiovascular.

 

[elle_71125]

First of all, I just want to say you look great!

I keep thinking about trying weight training. How would you say it changed your body (cardio vs weight training)?

 

[partgypsy]

you look amazing! My skin colouring is different than yours but I agree moisterizer is key! (and sunscreen). I myself was a book reader couch potato who later in life discovered exercise. My life is so hectic I do not have a regular exercise schedule any more, but that is my goal to get back to that.

 

[Phoenix]

I'll be reading this ! You have a routine ? I need one. My days are entirely random - work is that way, and it seems impossible to order anythign else anymore. As if I'd be jumping time-zones for a living.

Some of the broad lines fit only too well: 5.X, <100, working out to de-stress - sometimes both stress & working out get to be too much. Lately, South Europe's desert climate made me do things to my skin, lest it gets mumified. Makeup - nothing much to report, except the ocasional embarassment of being the only colour-less idiot in the room.

I totally sympathise, @valeria101 . I used to work a very hectic corporate job and my weight & health suffered terribly. BUT (there's always a "but", lol), although I'm not a professional health and/ or fitness expert, speaking from my own personal experience, there is a way to deal with this.

First, fitness - Diet: I'd start off with looking at your diet, ie. what you eat on a daily basis. If you'd like to share more detail, I could help offer some more specific suggestions. But generally speaking, try to eat a healthy diet, ie. more lean protein, plenty of vegetables, not too many fruit and esp NO fruit juice (too much sugar). NO processed food, little amounts of carbs (complex carbs are better for you like brown rice), and drink PLENTY of water. I drink 4 to 5 litres a day = 135 to 170 ounces of water a day. Cut out or reduce alcohol if you drink. And of course NO smoking. Again, plenty of water!! I can't over-stress that. It's sooo important, it keeps you hydrated and does wonders to your skin, particularly if you live in a desert climate.

Fitness - Exercise: if possible, look into engaging a personal trainer - even if it's just for 5 or 10 lessons initially. "Satan", my current PT, is my third one. The first two were pretty useless. Go by word of mouth. Get him or her to show you a routine that you could take with you everywhere, be it at a hotel gym or in your own house/ apartment. You actually don't need more than 45 mins if you work really intensely and correctly. I used to do 2 hrs each time and Satan laughed at me when I first told her this. She said I would not survive more than an hour with her each time; and so far, she's kept her promise! lol. None of her clients can go for more than an hour with her, I've seen it with my own eyes, even the so-called bodybuilders or fitness fanatics. Of course, if you're not used to working out regularly, go slowly at first. So, introduce a workout routine into your daily life, perhaps starting out with once a week and then build up to 3 times a week. I'd say 3 times a week, 45 mins each time should be plenty good and if you're determined to do it, you'd find time.

Skin-care and make-up: I'd like to come back to this. But I think a well made up face is so super wonderful!! It makes you look more polished and put together and should make you look fresher/ less tired and in some cases can take years off your face. I once did a friend's make-up for her; and OMG, the difference was like night and day - it took 10 years off her face, and showed off her beautiful features even more. Going back to water (yes, that again!), water is such an essential part of any skin-care routine and good skin would allow your make-up to just slide on, effortlessly!

Good luck and pls don't hesitate to come back to ask more Q's if you'd like to.

 

[whitewave]

Good for you! Take care of your stomach, keep it all oiled and lotioned up and for the love of god don't have 3 kids in 2 years with a set of twins weighing in at 11.5 pounds at birth!

 

[lissyflo]

for the love of god don't have 3 kids in 2 years with a set of twins weighing in at 11.5 pounds at birth!

@whitewave - I just need to check, for my own sanity, whether the twins were 11.5 pounds in total or each??!! Thank goodness for c-sections either way!

 

[whitewave]

@whitewave - I just need to check, for my own sanity, whether the twins were 11.5 pounds in total or each??!! Thank goodness for c-sections either way!

Total. Lol. I would have pulled them out myself if it was each. One came out vaginally in 3 pushes and the other turned and went back in and I had a crash csection because of his prolapsed cord with the big long old emergency cut. I had great pregnancies but horrible deliveries.

Sorry to hijack...

 

[valeria101]

There is so much here !

First, fitness - Diet: I'd start off with looking at your diet, ie. what you eat on a daily basis. If you'd like to share more detail ... and drink PLENTY of water. I drink 4 to 5 litres a day ... particularly if you live in a desert climate.

Fitness - Exercise: if possible, look into engaging a personal trainer - even if it's just for 5 or 10 lessons initially. "Satan", my current PT, is my third one. The first two were pretty useless. Go by word of mouth. Get him or her to show you a routine that you could take with you everywhere, be it at a hotel gym or in your own house/ apartment. You actually don't need more than 45 mins if you work really intensely and correctly. I used to do 2 hrs each time and Satan laughed at me when I first told her this. ... I'd say 3 times a week, 45 mins each time should be plenty good

Skin-care and make-up: I'd like to come back to this. ... I once did a friend's make-up for her; and OMG, the difference was like night and day - it took 10 years off her face, and showed off her beautiful features even more. Going back to water (yes, that again!), water is such an essential part of any skin-care routine and good skin would allow your make-up to just slide on, effortlessly!

My food habits sound like bragging - I grew up off a great French-style vegetable garden & kept those habits. Water - that is somethign I learned to respect here, after getting silly-dehydrated once or twice, just because the very dry summer heat was news to me. [for a few hours, I got some twenty years worth of wrinkles at once ! - now ... I know the future, I guess ...]. I haven't kept count of how much more than usual I am drinking - 3-4 L, perhaps. In any case, I do not care to see my 70 YO face again, for the next 30 years...

-

2h workouts - I know those... - eventually, I managed to nudge a vertebra - years ago now. Of course, I had to give it all up cold turkey - weight did not budge, the mirror kept approving, so... I never got back to any routine at all. Would work out for pleasure every now & then, not keeping count. The 3 X 45min sound very good in context:

Lately, I am discovering that although my old reasons for keeping (too) fit are gone (walking mountains & going down caves is staying in the past), working out is the one thing that helps with stress - which, has finally gotten out of hand this summer ,-( Long story short: not two years into an absurdly intense research project, I finally got 110% exhausted. I simply had to leave everythign hanging & STOP - not-few weeks ago. Honestly, I cannot recall the previous time when I was not working. Something had to give, I guess... Slowly, I am getting back in the saddle - three hours / day, rather than thirteen. Of course, things must change.

Finding a trainer could be interesting & a first for me.

-

Makeup ... hm... now that you mention, a friend doing me is how I started doing anythign at all ! I hadn't thought of that amazing day in ages [the friend was my old professor - an old school lady type & I must have been RED with Embarassment, but ... yes, she transformed me ... ]

These days, I do foundation & concealers - mostly for feel-good & a sense of occassion. What I never do are colours that show that makeup is there ...

No idea if I could pull off exactly what you do, but would certainly love to hear what you like to do ! (eg. reference pictures or video)

 

[lissyflo]

Whitewave - sounds terrifying!

Phoenix - I completely agree re: personal trainers. I haven't be able to justify one in a few years but loved the variety and motivation they add when I used one in between having my sons. I used to jot down the basics of some of the workouts they gave me so I could repeat them by myself and change up my routine. It's so easy to do the same thing in the gym each time when you're on your own. It's definitely worth the investment in yourself.

And you look amazing by the way! I wish I could bare my midriff still, but my wrinkly stomach would scare small children after having my sons!

 

[PierreBear]

Ahhh Phoenix! Thank you so much for starting this thread. Good for you, taking care of your body so well. It takes a lot of discipline but the efforts pay off, which clearly shows through in your photos.

I'm eager to read about the skin care regine. I've had a dermatologist say, don't buy any of that fancy stuff. It doesn't really make a big impact and the best thing you can do is wear sun screen and be as stress-free as possible to avoid wrinkles. So I trended from buying fancy moisturizers to just getting Neutrogena products. It's hard to know what's effective or not since the items you are applying at least in my current age bracket (in my 30s) is more preventative than treatment base. I won't really know the impact or benefit until possibly when I'm older. So it's hard for me to discern whether the extra $50 bucks is worth it. Hey, it might make me smell nice and give a placebo effect when I'm putting it on but I do wonder if it's really doing much. Your thoughts?!

Also, if you don't mind me sharing, I am of Asian descent but grew up in the US. My skin isn't perfectly clear though I eat fairly healthy and take care of my skin. However, when I travel to Asia to visit family, my skin always clears up. Within a week of just being in "the motherland" it's a noticeable change that happens even though I'm eating more than I usually do, being outdoors in more polluted air conditions, and not washing my skin with a clairesonic device. Any thoughts on this? I wonder if it's less preservatives of food in Asia? Or maybe genetic-wise, I was meant to live in those climates? Orrrr the universe is telling me that I need to be closer to my family. hehe : )

Thanks again for sharing your secrets!

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi Phoenix, great thread. I want to see a person actually doing all the things I "should" be doing. I exercise enough, but probably run more than I should. I know...bad for the knees and terrible for the skin. I had such great skin before I started running but the sun exposure has given me lots of brown spots. Oh well. It can't take away the knowledge and the amazing feeling of finishing 8 marathons. But my face and body have paid the price though. Part of me wants to finish at a double digit but not sure if I have the desire anymore. I digress. I will share my routine with you and tell you where my downfall is. Let me know if you agree.

Here is my workout regimen:
I run between 15-20 miles a week when I'm not training, which is only 3 runs a week. One is very intense, hard speed repeats from .25 to 1 miles. The other two are easier. Bar method three times. I do small isometric exercises which focus on sculpting lots of minor muscles. More than any other workout I've ever done, this is sculpted my body. I have a butt now. Never did before. Movements are small so you burn out really hard to reach muscles. The point is to get you a dancer's body. I see all the women that do it. Hey look amazing. It works. And they really focus on stretching, which I love. However I have given up strength. I used to strength train 2-3 times a week but I have replaced it with bar because it didn't wear my body out so I could do hard runs. Anyway I did a traditional bar bell weight lifting class today which I haven't done in over a year. I died. My legs were like jello immediately after class. Ill be walking funny tomorrow. I need t make strength training twice a week. At my top I would squat 50 pounds but do many many reps 5-6 minutes straight, just varying rhythm. When you say heavy weights, how many pounds are you actually squatting, bench pressing, back, biceps, triceps? I am curious what weight you are finding that works for you.

I eat a lot, carbs in particular. Whole wheat bread or oatmeal for breakfast,!plus one or two eggs. At least one large bowl of brown rice and meat for lunch. Another 1-2 bowls of brown rice and meat for dinner. I love sweets so I eat fruit in its place, I eat a dessert at least 3-4 times a week. Everyday I eat at least one medium apple and one other fruit, a peach, banana, another apple. I am addicted to apples. I snacknin between meals . I do indulge in junk like chips or cheese its!! Love them. If I were to track calorie intake, easily 2200 calories a day. Water? Usually 5 cups, which includes my coffee, about 70 ounces. Since I turned 45, an extra 5 pounds will not come off.

It's the food right? Cookies in the office, cheese its, chips, ice cream, that destroys all the effects of working out. And I should weight train more. Back up to 2x a week.

 

[azstonie]

LLJs, just to be safe, you're eating organic apples, right? Nonorganic apples are a fixture on The Dirty Dozen food list. (I raise this because you eat a lot of them.)

 

[Phoenix]

First of all, I just want to say you look great!

I keep thinking about trying weight training. How would you say it changed your body (cardio vs weight training)?

Thank you, @elle_71125 .

I'd absolutely try weight training! I have a friend who used to say she hated exercising. She tried weights and now she's hooked! lol

Ok, your Q: it's an excellent Q! Most people don't understand the differences btw cardio and weights, and I was the same up until recently. I've been learning a lot from my PT; and even to this day, I don't fully comprehend the differences. But listed below are the main ones. I'll try and answer your specific Q and also address some of the misconceptions that most people have, bc this seems like the perfect place to point them out.

- Both cardio and weights yield cardiovascular benefits - though to what extent the benefits differ, I don't quite know (yet)

- Cardio is primarily to help you lose weight and lose fat; whereas weights allow you to build muscles, gain strength and lose fat too (but to a lesser extent than cardio, assuming you work out intensely doing either exercise and for the same duration).

- Now, this next bit is very important: it's extremely difficult for a woman to bulk up/ build muscles doing weights. Most women are so afraid of doing weights bc they think they'd end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger! Nothing could be further from the truth!! Women have different hormones than men, and thus a woman will bulk up a lot less than a man who does the same weights programme and even eats the same kinds of food as she does. Even a bodybuilder who competes would have to do lots and lots of very intense extremely heavy weights and follow a very specific diet, all targeted to build muscles/ bulk; and it takes a looooong time to get the kind of body they desire. A lot of (women) bodybuilders, who are so big sometimes mess with steroids and that stuff is the pits! It's so harmful!! I know this is not what you asked specifically, but felt that this needs to be pointed out.

- Too much cardio can actually eat away at your muscles. To this end, if your goal is to build muscles, you cannot do too much cardio. Now, how much is too much is a Q that I don't have the answer to yet, and I suspect that it'd vary depending on many factors like your weight, height, current fitness level, diet etc...Interestingly, I'm trying to do a "CUT" (it's a term used in weight-training/ bodybuilding), ie. to be super lean like to go down to 18% body fat. FYI, my PT has gone down to 13% at one point; but that's extremely difficult to achieve and it can mess up your hormones. But my goal of building muscles and losing body fat are conflicting. If I do too much cardio and eat super super clean, I'd lose body fat for sure. But this would be at the expense of losing muscles, so I'd be and look less sculpted - and I love love love my muscular shoulders, back and legs etc.

I've been exercising for decades, with lapses or spurts of of inactivity here and there. I used to do a lot of cardio and it has helped me to shed the unwanted weight. At one time, I lost 10kgs in 3 months doing intense cardio 5-6 times a week. But, I'd say I've NEVER had this body, up until recently - due to a few reasons, but the main one is that I never actually lifted such heavy weights, in such an intense manner, eat the diet that I do now and more importantly, do it consistently. I can lift very heavy weights now, for example, I deadlift almost my own body weight and my goal is to lift my own body weight (ie. 45kg) by the end of this year. I almost reached this goal in February this year and then my boxing injury happened! FYI, my PT can lift 100kg and she's only 4'11" and weighs just a little heavier than I do.

Here's a video on deadlift in case you/ or anyone might be interested:

I love this video too! It's so fun to watch. That girl, Nikky B, has the best butt ever!!

I'd say my body now is the best I've ever had. It's been sculpted the way my PT and I set out to achieve and it's getting better and better - my aim is to look like my PT (mind you, she's been doing this for years and years). Cardio would never have allowed me to sculpt my body to be and look like this. And weights have helped build up my strength and energy like I've had never had before. I'm so strong and fit and when I have a cold now (which is very rare) it goes away like in 2 days, whereas it used to take me weeks to recover.

Hehe, that's a lot of infor. You can see that I'm very passionate about weights!

 

[LLJsmom]

LLJs, just to be safe, you're eating organic apples, right? Nonorganic apples are a fixture on The Dirty Dozen food list. (I raise this because you eat a lot of them.)

Yes, usually organic, but I use this fruit rinse thing that washes the apples. It's organic, blah, blah blah... But my mom makes me...

 

[Phoenix]

you look amazing! My skin colouring is different than yours but I agree moisterizer is key! (and sunscreen). I myself was a book reader couch potato who later in life discovered exercise. My life is so hectic I do not have a regular exercise schedule any more, but that is my goal to get back to that.

Thank you!

Better late than never, eh?!. I hope you find the time for regular exercise. Think of your health.

Yeeesss!! Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!! I cannot say it enough!! That and sunscreen! I absolutely agree. I have to make an admission though: I've recently started to get a light tan. I love how I look with a tan, much healthier. I used to shield myself from the sun, lest I get brown spots, for years and years, until recently. I still slap on a huge amount of sunscreen, esp on my face, everyday; and when I go out for a job or a walk (which is when I acquire my tan), I'd only do it for half an hour max each time and certainly not everyday.

Here's a pic of me looking very tanned. I've now gone much paler but still with a teeny tiniest hint of colour. I've seen my friend who suns regularly and she freaks me out - she has these horrible BLACK spots (yeah, black and not brown). And she's sooooo dry, I feel like I need to drag her to a large vat of oil and dip her in it!!

 

[Phoenix]

Total. Lol. I would have pulled them out myself if it was each. One came out vaginally in 3 pushes and the other turned and went back in and I had a crash csection because of his prolapsed cord with the big long old emergency cut. I had great pregnancies but horrible deliveries.

Sorry to hijack...

Too funny!

 

[jaysonsmom]

Phoenix, sorry to hijack your thread.... I know this thread is mainly about sharing your personal tips on nutrition, skincare etc, and I'm a total believer in taking care of oneself, but I wanted to share a funny thing I heard a stand-up comedian comment on:

He said that he loves Asian women, 'cos Asian women never seem to age. When they are in their 20's they look like teens, and when they are 30 they look 20, 40's they look 20, 50's they look 20! Then one day, you wake up, look over and BAM! you're sleeping next to Yoda!!!!

Hahaha......I was rofl! I can laugh at this because I'm Asian myself, and I've looked pretty much looked the same from middle school until now (I'm in my 40's). But isn't what he said kinda true? Have you ever seen a 80 year old Asian woman look 20? It's almost as if a magic wand strikes and we prune up overnight!

 

[Phoenix]

Ahhh Phoenix! Thank you so much for starting this thread. Good for you, taking care of your body so well. It takes a lot of discipline but the efforts pay off, which clearly shows through in your photos.

I'm eager to read about the skin care regine. I've had a dermatologist say, don't buy any of that fancy stuff. It doesn't really make a big impact and the best thing you can do is wear sun screen and be as stress-free as possible to avoid wrinkles. So I trended from buying fancy moisturizers to just getting Neutrogena products. It's hard to know what's effective or not since the items you are applying at least in my current age bracket (in my 30s) is more preventative than treatment base. I won't really know the impact or benefit until possibly when I'm older. So it's hard for me to discern whether the extra $50 bucks is worth it. Hey, it might make me smell nice and give a placebo effect when I'm putting it on but I do wonder if it's really doing much. Your thoughts?!

Also, if you don't mind me sharing, I am of Asian descent but grew up in the US. My skin isn't perfectly clear though I eat fairly healthy and take care of my skin. However, when I travel to Asia to visit family, my skin always clears up. Within a week of just being in "the motherland" it's a noticeable change that happens even though I'm eating more than I usually do, being outdoors in more polluted air conditions, and not washing my skin with a clairesonic device. Any thoughts on this? I wonder if it's less preservatives of food in Asia? Or maybe genetic-wise, I was meant to live in those climates? Orrrr the universe is telling me that I need to be closer to my family. hehe : )

Thanks again for sharing your secrets!

@PierreBear, here's my skincare routine:

My skincare routine is actually not complicated at all. I'm too lazy to bother with regular facials, masks etc..

- Basics: I drink lots of water (yes, back to that again), as it helps to hydrate my skin from within. And regular exercise helps boost blood circulation and sweat out all the impurities - or so I believe, lol. Also important is a healthy diet, like you've pointed out, @PierreBear . I eat lots of green vegetables, at least one fruit per day (Kiwi, 1/2 grapefruit, berries, etc) and about 10-15 nuts (almonds, walnuts etc.. but NO peanuts). I believe also protein is essential, bc after all your face is made up mainly of protein. If you or anyone reading else this is a vegetarian or vegan, I'd highly recommend incorporating non-meat proteins into their diet on a daily basis, as I've seen vegetarian/ vegan friends age faster due to a lack of protein.

- Cleansing: I only cleanse once a day. I have combo to very dry skin, cheeks are super dry. I use an oil cleanser, like the Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Oil or Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. Basically, I put on the oil, massage it a bit, wipe it all off with a large-ish cotton pad, dampened with a little water (I find with dry cotton pads, the makeup doesn't come off so easily). Then I wipe again with another damp pad. Then I apply more oil and this time, I massage it in a bit more and leave it on for a few minutes. I go to the shower and wash my hair and rinse off all the oil.

- Toner: I do not use any kind of toner, as I find double cleansing sufficient. Toners would just dry my skin out and are unnecessary, IMO.

- Serum: I use a serum before moisturiser. I tend to alternate between the Obagi Vit C serum and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I use one for the eyes and another for the rest of the face.

- Moisturiser: then I put on my moisturiser. My go-to is the Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme (Riche). I've been using this for the last 10 years and find it rich enough for my very dry skin. I've in the past tried La Mer but it made me break out. I've also used Obagi and have now stopped, as they've changed the formula and their Obagi moisturisers make me itch, break out in a rash! So Estee Lauder has been my faithful companion for years and years now. @PierreBear, I've tried using the high-street/ drugstore brands too, but don't find them rich enough for my skin. I think there's a reason why expensive brands continue to prosper. They have extra and better ingredients, or so I believe - maybe it's the placebo effect! lol. I moisturise both my entire face and the neck and upper chest area/ decolletage.

- Oil: Lately, I've added one extra step in my skincare routine. Up to this year, I stopped at the last step. But my skin is getting dry and drier, due to age I expect. So, I put on a few drops of oil on top of the moisturiser, all over my face & neck, skipping only my nose which is slightly more oily.

In the morning, my routine is the same, except I do not cleanse. And I religiously apply sunscreen after my moisturiser and before any makeup. I use the same moisturiser, day and night.

Oh once a week or once every two weeks, I exfoliate. I don't know if it's done me any good. I just do it every so often, just bc I feel like I should! lol Re face masks, facial massages etc. I have a friend who swears by masks and regular massages. I'm too lazy to do either. But apparently, there's a benefit. It they work for you, then by all means...Incidentally, always remove all your makeup and cleanse & moisturise your face before you go to bed....soooo important!!

Needless to say, no smoking!! No drugs of any kind!!

LOL about your skin and Asia. I honestly don't know. Yeah, maybe it's the Universe's way of telling you to come home to Motherland!. All I know is that a cold, dry, non-humid climate dries out my skin and makes me age 10 years!

 

[Phoenix]

@PintoBean , this one is for ya!

Makeup - Part One:

First, I love love love makeup! I don't wear that much, really, except for evenings out, special occasions etc. I have two large drawers full of makeup and Sephora loves me!! I just love how makeup transforms a person, almost magically.

I started wearing makeup in my mid-teens, but only eye makeup and lipstick. I avoided wearing foundation decades. Only since the last couple of years did I start wearing a foundation or BB/CC cream. I didn't want my skin to get clogged up. And I almost never wear powder - it's too drying for my face. If your skin is oily, then perhaps sweep on a very light layer of powder. I don't like the cakey look of too much powder, but then that's just me and my personal preference.

- Primer: ok, first step. I only discovered primers within the last year or so. A primer is super important to help your foundation/ BB/ CC cream to glide on. I read that you should use separate primers, one for the face and another for the eyes. Again, I can't be fussed! I just use one. My fave is Bare Minerals. There are so many on the market - just find one that you like.

- Foundation/BB/CC cream: I alternate between foundation and BB/CC cream. No particular reason really. I just go with the flow. I tend to use a watery foundation, preferring that to a fuller coverage one. I tend to use my fingers to put it on. I've tried brushes, sponges etc. but personally find using fingers a lot easier.

Fave foundation:https://www.sephora.sg/products/make-up-for-ever-water-blend-foundation/v/y305-soft-beige. The shade depends on whether I have a tan.

Fave BB cream: https://www.sephora.com/product/pri...e-broad-spectrum-spf-30-P385504?skuId=1576842. Shade also varies according to skin colour.

I usually just stop there and put on some lipstick; and occasionally, a liquid or gel eyeliner. I have eyelash extensions and have had my eyebrows embroidered, so I don't really need to bother much with eye makeup, not unless I go out to an event or to dinner. Sometimes, I''ll put on a few drops of facial oil on my cheeks, before applying primer. But that's about it, really.

I never ever wear any makeup when I go to the gym, or when I'm out jogging or walking.

Ok, full-on makeup to follow later.

 

[LLJsmom]

OMG. That's a lot of work. I do nothing, except wash my face in the shower. No cleansing. No make up. I have to rethink everything...

 

[Phoenix]

OMG. That's a lot of work. I do nothing, except wash my face in the shower. No cleansing. No make up. I have to rethink everything...

LOL! That's actually a very short routine, @LLJsmom . I'm the most simple and carefree person amongst all my friends, skincare routine-wise. Also, once you've built up a routine, it becomes second nature. I don't even think about it, I just do it. And it takes so little time and effort.

Incidentally, I do practically nothing with my hair, except to wash it and condition it daily. A friend has advised me to use a hair tonic. So I've started doing that, but sometimes I still forget.

Now, makeup for parties etc...is an entirely different kettle of fish. But then again, I use/ do a lot less than makeup videos tell you to do.

 

[Phoenix]

@valeria101, I'll address the specific points you raised in your post later. But re makeup, colours are supposed to be subtle, for everyday purposes. I hope you find my post above useful. I'll go into more detail about makeup later.

Will also post reference videos of my fave makeup artiste and maybe...just maybe, lol.... pics of myself wearing different kinds of makeup later.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Phoenix
Will you marry me??...
old chinese wives tale ...if you wanted to stay young looking then you must consume a lot of bird's nest soup...

 

[valeria101]

@valeria101, ...
Will also post reference videos of my fave makeup artiste and maybe...just maybe, lol.... pics of myself wearing different kinds of makeup later.

Yay ! I wouldn't ask for pictures of you ! I can't imagine myself doing this either ... 1000XThx. for such a thought !

[I am also trying to find examples of what I do rarely do - could be fun]