Alright, alright, alright…it’s inevitable, we’re all getting old, literally as we speak. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be a few minutes older than you were when you started. Sad, huh? Well, it doesn’t have to be.  Yes, I agree, you’re only as old as you feel…but you’re also as old as you look. I do not believe in growing old gracefully, hell no, not me. I admit, I’m vain…ridiculously so. No apologies.  A few days ago, some lady came to my door asking if I was interested in lower my electricity bill. This is how the exchange went:

Me:  Hi?

Lady: Hi, you look young, are your parents home?

Me: No

Lady: What time will they be home?

Me: I don’t know.

Lady: Okay, I’ll come back some other time.

Hilarious. Granted, I wasn’t wearing any make up and I was in my sweats…but really? I look under 18? Maybe homegirl needed glasses but I WILL TAKE IT!!!  I’m usually told I look young because I’m not married or have any kids…and while, I can understand that a husband and kids will stress you out, I’m a firm believer it’s about care, maintenance, sleep, and genes.  Thank you, indigenous ancestors .  So, without further ado, I share with you my tips/routine.

First off, I sleep…a lot. I get between 7-8 hours of sleep a night. When I can’t fall asleep, I pop a Unisom.

I wash my face, always. No matter how tired I am, I always, always, always wash my face before I go to bed.  My product of choice is: Neutrogena  Oil-Free Acne Wash. I don’t have acne, but I will occasionally break out. This stuff is affordable at around $7.29 a bottle. It lasts me a couple months.

Every other day, I do an at home microdermabrasion system. I’m absolutely in love with Olay’s Pro-X Microdermabrasion Plus Advanced Cleansing System. My skin looks amazing after just a couple weeks. My annoying freckles from summer are almost gone and my face wells so smooth. It retails at around $49.99 but it’s worth every penny.

Eye cream is essential! The skin around our eyes is so delicate and usually the first place where we start to age. I LOVE Olay’s Total Effects Anti-Aging Eye Cream. I love this so much, I recommend it to everyone. My mom, my friends, they’re all hooked on this. It has no fragrance and it’s gentle yet effective. It retails for $17.99. Absolute necessity!

On my face and neck, I use L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream. This is my splurge. It retails for $106 for the 1.7oz jar. It’s expensive. I love the fragrance and it moisturizes my skin but doesn’t leave it oily. I don’t break out from it since it’s gentle. The jar will last me about 4 months and I use it every night. Is there a cheaper alternative? I’m sure there is but I’m yet to find it.

Despite what you guys may think from my glamorous Instagram pics (@ms_sharshar), I actually don’t wear make up everyday. Monday-Friday, I usually just put on some BB cream and blush. My absolute favorite is Yves Saint Laurent’s Top Secrets All-In-One BB Cream Skintone Corrector. It retails for $50.00…a splurge but it’s great in the winter when my skin is dry, I don’t need a day time moisturizer with this.

And that’s it. No Botox yet, no fillers. I’m actually yet to color the few gray strands I see…but I’m not above any of it. When the time is right, I’ll march my butt into the doctor’s office ready for whatever.  When you look great, you feel great, and when you feel great, others benefit from your greatness. So don’t be afraid of a little vanity…it’s for the greater good!