Good skin? Bad skin?
Okie, so my skin isn’t quite flawless and to be fair if you ever see me in an ad or magazine spread – it’s usually with the aide of trusty ol’ photoshop! BUT, after nearly a decade in the fashion industry, I have learned a thing or two about getting that ‘perfect skin’.
My ‘education’ on the world of skincare really started when at the age of 14, my mother sent me on a ‘grooming’ course during one of my school holidays. One of the clear memories I have, are of the beautician saying to us young, innocent girls, “Ladies, remember in life – you get what you pay for! Buy cheap products and you’ll get cheap ingredients that harm your skin.” She was of course slightly biased as an Elizabeth Arden beautician, but nevertheless, that comment has stayed with me for life! If you ask me – pass on the next expensive dinner or pair of shoes to invest in your skincare. After all, your face is your fortune 
So, without further adieu, here’s my humble opinion on how to get that glow for your big day:
My picks
Foam cleanser: Clé De Peau cleansing foam. Quite pricey for a cleanser but well worth it. Especially after a day of make-up, I find all I need is one wash and everything’s removed leaving skin clean but not too taut.
Day Serum: Estee Lauder’s Idealist. I’ve been using this on and off since my late teens. Somehow, I always come back to Idealist and have recommended it to many friends who also approve. It leaves your pores smaller and skin feeling smooth and soft. Girls, I am BIG on serums. It is all about prevention nowadays!!
Day moisturizer: Kiehl’s Abyssine lotion + SPF 15. I discovered this during a holiday in New York years ago, where my skin kept peeling from dryness. I tried applying various creams but nothing worked and I looked like ‘flakey chai’. So as fate would have it – I strolled into Kiehl’s, gave it a go and use it till today!
Eye cream: Revive Eye Renewal cream. The BEST eye cream I’ve ever used. A friend introduced it to me and showed me how their eye circles had ‘disappeared’. Somewhat skeptical, I gave it a go and it’s helped a lot! And fyi, I’ve tried quite a few expensive eye creams in my time. Great investment!
Scrub: Laura Mercier Face Polish. Gentle on the skin and has a lovely scent to it.
Evening serum: Lancome Genefique. This was actually given to me at an event and after a week trial I found it cleared up my skin. Again, prevention is key! I’ve seen some girls who haven’t taken care of their skin… and you definitely age quicker.
Evening moisturiser: Clé De Peau gentle nourishing emulsion. I love this product. I clearly remember friends remarking that my skin was ‘glowing’ after using it for a few weeks! Remember, if no one says your skin is looking good – err, change products! Haha.
* Okie, I do have toners (that have been kindly given to me in my line of work), but I have been quite lazy and don’t use them. But so far I’ve survived… again, it really depends on what works for you!
My personal tips
Pimples: I have never liked getting pimples and thus have an array of different creams to attack their many variations! I use Kiehls when I need to dry up a zit asap. But for one that needs some healing and tlc, nothing beats placing a piece of Aloe Vera on the problem area. Yes, use the fleshy part of the plant and place it on the area. What I used to do (slightly OTT), was leave it on my face for a couple of hours till it dried up. Warning: I once forgot I had green bits of plant on my face and answered the door. Not cool!
Beauty inside out: Besides keeping a healthy diet, am a big fan of royal jelly. You’ve all heard the yarn how the Queen Bee feeds on royal jelly and thus grows bigger than all the other bees? Well, you may not grow like a giant – but taking royal jelly does give you skin that glows. Take a small spoonful on an empty stomach when you wake up. I use Supreme Royal Jelly from GNC as the raw form is most affective and natural.
Water: I’m sure everyone’s mother has lectured them on the benefits of water! Just a pointer, buy a water bottle and fill it up daily before you’re heading out. I’ve done this since school days so imagine how many plastic bottles I’ve saved! Save your skin and the environment!!
Stress: Stress disrupts sleep, throws hormones out of wack and gives you bad skin. If something is bothering you, try to chill before bedtime and learn to let go. The past is the past and tomorrow is always, a new day
* I know a lot of these products are pricey, but bear in mind that working as a model and TV host meant it was part of my job to take care of my skin! Pick and choose which type of product is most important to you. If you have dry or thin skin, you’re more prone to aging and should buy a good moisturiser. We’re all different so again, just discover what works for you! xx
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