Bucket List #4 – Be Beautiful & Pretty Again

Tweet

Pin It

Yes, this is item #4 on my bucket list – Be beautiful and pretty again.

Some may argue that the words "beautiful" and "pretty" mean the same thing. In my opinion, beautiful comes more naturally and could be used to describe someone who is physically and intellectually attractive (ooh deja vu while I was writing this). Pretty is more on cuteness, physical attractiveness with the help of cosmetics, different hair styles, clothes, etc.

So, what do I mean when I say I want to be beautiful and pretty again?

Over the past few years, I have stopped taking care of myself. I guess that's why I gained too much weight. I can honestly say that the stress of working in call centers before contributed to my poor lifestyle choices. I started to turn to food and, worse, cigarettes to control my anxiety and to "relax" myself.

Since I've quit smoking, I noticed that the rosy glow on my face is starting to come back. I used to have dark and dry skin because of my heavy smoking. Even my hair was so freaking dry. Just look at this photo:

Effects of heavy smoking on my skin – gosh!

I looked awful, right? I mean, look at my eyebags, my skin and my hair. Gosh.

I want to start taking care of my skin now and be beautiful again. This change has nothing to do with what I feel about what others think of me, but, how I see myself. I want to look at my reflection in the mirror and be happy with what I see. I want to love myself again.

One of the first steps I'm doing is MOISTURIZING my skin. I've searched high and low for the perfect solution to my dry skin and I discovered that the best facial scrub for me is already in our bathroom. My brother Kien has been using this and I never thought it could really help my skin. It's St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub (Gentle) – what I'm using now. Photo credit: John Kohr

I started using this over a week ago and the effects are already evident. My skin feels smoother and I'm guessing it's what helped bring back my rosy glow. Apricots are known to contain powerful antioxidants that cleanse skin. I'm now sticking with this beauty regimen.

I'm just glad I'm no longer experiencing breakouts. My only skin problem now is dryness. Thank goodness! But, I had really dry skin a month ago 'cause of the cold weather and 'cause I'm always inside air-conditioned places (our internet cafe and our bedroom). So, I started using petroleum jelly on the dry parts of my skin, particularly my T-zone. I don't like Vaseline, though, so I'm now using Apollo.

Apollo Petroleum Jelly

One thing I learned from my godmother/aunt is I could use petroleum jelly to soften my hands and my feet. I have only done this about 10 times my whole life, but, I know it works. I might do it again with my feet. Inexpensive foot spa, eh?

I'm still unsure if I should start using body lotion. I honestly don't like how lotion feels on my body. I used to like it back in college. I guess I just need to find one that isn't that sticky. Any recommendations?

Another beauty regimen that I'm adding to my list is using pore strips like the one pictured below. We bought it from Watson's. I used to take care of my blackheads manually, meaning I take them out myself using a blackhead remover. My nose would usually end up really sore, so, I'd rather use pore strips now.

Watson's Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Tape

I still have a few more things on my list on my quest to be beautiful again. I'll share them with you next time.

Do you have tips or recommendations on how I can take care more of my skin?
Please share them with me.

I'll post the "Pretty Me", part 2 of this bucket list item, next.