Turning 40 & Launching My Beauty Blog: Lessons Learned From 20 Years of Makeup Magic

Guess what? I’m hitting the big 4-0 this year! 🎉 To celebrate, I’m launching this blog to share my beauty journey, tips, and experiences. Fun fact: I’ve been a makeup lover since college, and it all started thanks to my late sister. She invited me to a makeup class when I was 20, and that’s where I got my first full makeup kit. I was hooked! From then on, I religiously practiced my makeup skills. I would flip through fashion magazines, keeping up with the latest trends and techniques, and, of course, experimenting on my face.

But when doing my own face got repetitive, I decided to try out my skills on my sister and friends. Let’s just say I had a lot of practice! Over the years, though, as my age started catching up, my skin began to change, and I was suddenly battling flaky skin and foundation that separated—ugh, the struggle was real.

The Skincare Struggle: Flaky Skin & Makeup Mishaps

It was honestly frustrating when my once smooth skin couldn’t handle makeup anymore. I wondered what had gone wrong. That’s when I turned to Google and, of course, binge-watched YouTube beauty gurus for answers. Slowly but surely, I started to learn about different skin types, skincare routines, and most importantly, how to prep the skin properly before applying makeup. This was a game-changer for me!

During this time, I even started a beauty account on Instagram to share product reviews and my personal experiences with different products. It was a fun way to document my journey and help others along the way.

A Career in Beauty: Behind the Scenes at a Cosmetics Manufacturer

By God’s grace, I eventually landed a dream job at an international cosmetics manufacturer based in Malaysia. This was a major turning point in my beauty journey. I got firsthand experience in understanding product ingredient lists, what they do, and even the ingredients to avoid (yep, the dreaded blacklists). My job involved managing cosmetic projects from concept to delivery, and I loved every minute of it! I even had the chance to travel to Australia to meet clients, which was an amazing experience.

This role gave me so much insight into the beauty industry, from how products are developed to how they actually work on the skin. It helped me make smarter choices about the products I use and recommend.

Understanding My Skin: Dry, Dehydrated, and That Pesky Sweaty Nose

Now let’s get back to my personal skincare struggles. Through trial and error, I finally came to terms with my skin type—dry, dehydrated skin with a sweaty nose (the ultimate combo, right?). This sweaty nose issue has been a huge problem for me, especially when it comes to makeup. Every time I applied matte foundation, it would end up looking cakey and flaky. I was forced to stop using foundation because of how it separated and looked patchy on my skin.

One of the biggest revelations for me was understanding that while my skin was dry, it was also dehydrated. This was a total newsflash! Dehydrated skin means that your skin is craving water, so it sucks up all the moisture from your products. And if you don’t lock that moisture in properly, it’ll keep absorbing any products you apply after, leaving your skin drier and duller. It’s like feeding a never-ending black hole!

How I Fixed It: Hydrating, Locking In Moisture, and Gentle Products

After lots of research and experimenting with different products, I finally found a routine that works. The key to fixing my skin issue was to keep it hydrated and lock in moisture. I started using a combination of gentle cleansers and thick moisturizers, along with facial oils and primers. This has made all the difference!

Facial oil has been a lifesaver for me, as it helps seal in moisture and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. I also learned that prepping the skin properly before makeup is crucial to getting that flawless finish, especially for someone with my skin type. Now, I can confidently wear makeup without worrying about it separating or looking flaky.

My Advice: Know Your Skin Before You Choose Products

All the product reviews I share are based on my personal experience with my skin type, which is dry and dehydrated. But here’s the thing—everyone’s skin is different. What works for me may not work for you, and that’s okay! The most important thing is to understand your skin type and its specific needs before jumping into any products.

So, whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, or something in between, take the time to get to know your skin. Trust me, your makeup and skincare routines will work so much better when you’re using the right products for your skin type. Let’s glow up together!

And there you have it! My beauty journey, my skincare struggles, and how I finally found a routine that works. I hope this blog helps you on your own journey to glowing, healthy skin! ✨