At 40, I’ve noticed my face and lips are super dry and two predominant age spots stand out.
I want that natural makeup look that Shu Qi (The Transporter) , Gong Li (Miami Vice), and Demi Moore (Demi’s Charlie’s Angels beach scene. At her age? Just wow!) had in their movies. And so it has resulted in using beauty products like sheet masks that have snail mucin or yeast fermentation in it. Bee venom has worked wonders. Also, I have come to be obsessed with using Korean beauty products.
Below is a list various beauty products (not just from Korea) that I’ve been using this year:
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge – This adds color lips and cheeks and handy when you want to dash out the door but need some color to put on in the car.
The Body Shop Hemp lip balm – Super moisturizing for lips that constantly dry out
Hourglass Eyebrow pencil – Gives a lovely thick straight brow. Apply gently.
The FaceShop Designing Eyebrow pencil – Quality ingredients and application at an affordable price.
Wella Rugged Texture – Put a tiny bit on fingers and run through dry hair. It gives a beach-hair effect.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream – Sheer foundation with SPF. The secret to getting a perfect match is put three different swipes of foundation on the jawline and blend and go outside with a mirror in the daytime. Find the one that disappears (not too light not too dark) and matches the color of your neck as well.
Missha’s Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ – Good-for-you foundation sold at Target. I put a pea-size amount on my nose and spread it out all over my face for that natural appearance.
The BodyShop Vitamin C face mist – A quick pick-me-up for your face.
Le Labo Rose 31 perfume oil – Intoxicating musky scent. It’ll bring out the animal in you as well as your lover(s).
Missha First Treatment Essence – Helps skin maintain dewiness. I put a bit on my fingers and pat it on my face. I got a bottle of this stuff at Target. I use this essence as an alternative because SK-II (used by Demi Moore) is too pricey and Missha’s essence is in the same family Pitera (ingredient used by SK-II) is in. I am not fond of the Missha mist though because I can smell the fermentation when I spray it on me.
La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream – Makes skin more smooth and moisturized. I’m a firm believer after watching the successful changes on my Mom’s face. Worth every penny. You can buy this at Nordstrom.
Venofye’s Queen Bee Facial Peeling – A wonderful mask to be used sparingly. The bee venom sloughs off the skin revealing new skin. I use this once a month or once every two weeks. I heard to not use it with manicured nails because it will take off the polish.
Belif Moisturizing Balm – I use this as an alternative to La Mer. The consistency is so soft. Makes skin feel smooth and hydrated.
Lush Beach Spray – Apply on dry hair and scrunch for a piecey look. Smells great as well.
Essie nail polish in Bordeaux – When I first applied it I thought I cut myself. It is red as blood. I’ll use it when I want to feel sexy.
Lush Charity Pot – A lotion that smells like no other. Welcoming. Delicious.
Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner – An eyeliner that doesn’t tug the delicate eye area, glides on smooth because of its creamy consistency and has staying power.
Laneige Two-Tone lipbar – I got Lollipop Red #7. My K-Beauty lipstick go-to.
Face Stockholm Cranberry Veil lipstick– When applied with different pressure, you can get the right natural reddish tint.
Tony Moly Backstage Gel Eyeliner #1 – I put this on and my eyes appeared bigger.
Walgreens sells Well Beginnings Green Tea & Cucumber Wipes. Not only does it smell incredible, I use it to wipe and clean my face and use it all over. If my eye makeup won’t budge, I add eye makeup remover and delicately wipe it off.
Tomorrow, I turn 41. My beauty goal? Look my best at 41.
My face at 40 years old. I just got through using Venofye’s bee venom peel and La Mer.
Elle Peyarre - The Magazine 