I'm a lifestyle editor and these are the 7 beauty products I use to fake my age
I don't drink enough water, I am bad with sunscreen, and I've never had Botox or fillers. These are my miracle must-haves.
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I don’t want to brag but every time someone discovers my age it’s usually met with an overreaction of some sort.
“NOOOO!!!”
“What?! No way you are in your 40s!”
“You look so much younger...”
One guy even asked for my ID recently before I entered a Sydney bar. LOL
Now, I am well aware that because I’ve just said this you’re all going to point out my wrinkles and tell me that I definitely DO look like I’m in my 40s - serves me right for bragging, I guess.
But here I am… hi! I’m Leah and I’m 42.
I don’t drink a lot of water. I don’t wear sunscreen daily (when I definitely should be!), I’ve never had Botox or fillers, and I don’t drink celery juice or take collagen supplements.
Truth is, I never took skincare that seriously until a few years ago.
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Do I look my age?
Actually, don’t answer that because once again I run the risk of you telling me yes. Instead, I’m going to go off what other people say to me. Or more importantly, ASK me.
As a lifestyle editor, I am around a lot of different beauty products - many of them targeting anti-aging. And because of my job, people often turn to me for advice on new products or ask what products I swear by.
So if you're not keen on doing anything drastic to your face to keep that youthful glow (like the cosmelan peel I did last year to get rid of pigmentation) - and to also stop people from asking me - here are 7 beauty buys I always have in my bathroom... to fake my age.
Getting rid of those wrinkles
The key to looking young is softening up those wrinkles. Accept it, they're going to come soon (especially if you've got more than one kid!)
Wrinkles Schminkles is one of those 'miracle' face patches that tightens the forehead to give you the botoxed look without the needles.
I usually put it on at night before bed and peel it off in the morning. The forehead instantly feels tighter when you peel off the patch and while you can still frown, the area looks noticeably smoother.
A two-pack will set you back about $44 from Priceline and Adore Beauty.
Next up it's what I like to call my miracle combo - Software's Vitaminc C serum and Retinol Complex Oil.
The high-potency vitamin C serum reduces fine lines and aids in the fading of pigmentation. I use it in the mornings and follow it up with the Retinol oil at night to target those fine lines a little further and help with elasticity and overall firmness of the skin. Using the two together in my skincare routine has made my face glow throughout the day - or as my kids and husband like to say "very shiny".
The Vitamin C Serum will set you back around $59 at Priceline while the Retinol oil retails at $49.
RELATED: The $60 cream women swear is almost as good as Botox
Get the glow and target those breakouts
Last year I became addicted to LED lights used in facial treatments. It's a "must-have" influencers always brag about on social media so I decided to welcome one home because I'm a sucker for Instagram ads convincing me I NEED something. But this one I actually did.
Sit down though, they're not cheap! I've incorporated the San Lueur LED Light Therapy Facial Mask into my skincare routine and while it is an investment at $795, it's one that keeps my skin in top-top shape without having to leave home.
The mask is designed with convenience and comfort in mind, which means I don't have to visit the beauty therapist each time I want to be put under a red or blue light. It's soft and flexible and for 20-30 minutes a day, we have a date. It boasts three clinically-approved light wavelengths - red, blue, and near-infrared. I like to use the red and blue lights weekly to target inflammation, wrinkles, and any breakouts.
I'm addicted for a reason because the mask bloody works!
RELATED: What are the best ways to treat acne?
Good hair days and protection from sun rays
Like most parents, ever since I had my two children, my hair has never been the same. It seems as though it is getting thinner and thinner and I'm finding it extremely hard to fake those beautiful full locks I once had.
John Freida's PROfiller + Thickening Spray (RRP: $20.99) is the GOAT when it comes to a good blow dry. It gives my fine hair an instant boost and my hair feels stronger and stronger each time I go to style it. Also an added bonus is that it smells good. You don't need me to tell you that when your hair looks good and healthy, the compliments come rolling in.
Also something you don't really need to hear from me is protecting your precious skin from the sun. I told you earlier I am not as on top of sunscreen as I should be so when BOOST LAB launched their new Goody Goody Sun Drops, which doubled as a serum, my ears perked up.
The 50+ serum can be used with your usual skincare routine, so the ease of not having to apply too many products each day along with a big thick layer of sunscreen (and make-up!) was a definite winner for me. It doesn't feel too thick, so having it on every day is easy. And my skin is getting the protection it needs in the process.
Grab a bottle from Adore Beauty for $39.95.
Puffy eyes and breakouts you don't need right now
Wrinkles aside, there are two other common skincare concerns that hit parents hard: Hormonal breakouts and tired, puffy eyes.
I thought pimples were a thing only my teenage self would have to deal with - how wrong I was! Hormal breakouts are real, kids. And they always come at the wrong time which is why the tbh acne hack spot treatment (RRP $29.95) is my go-to for these small pop-ups. It's a cult buy, so you might've seen it before. This tube of gold contains a treatment that has been formulated by a medical research and development company using patented technology to break down what is known as 'biofilm'. Not to get too scientific on you, but biofilms are basically colonies of bacteria, protected by a very hard-to-break-through layer called EPS. Most products can't target this.
It dries out the breakout without being too drying on the skin - and when I say it got rid of a nasty pimple forming in just one day, I'm not lying!
Now that you've got the pesky pimples out of the way, let's get you some (fake) sleep. You have kids, so things aren't ever going to go back to normal, so you might as well use some trickery with an eye cream.
I love Murad's Eye Depuffer so much that I use it during the day and at night. It's $99, so not the cheapest, but definitely one of the best I've used!
It's a targeted eye treatment with a microcurrent-inspired amino peptide, ginseng, lily, caffeine, and a light-reflecting complex which helps firm, tone, and brighten those under eye bags that we delivered with our babies. The applicator is cooling on the eyelids giving you that instant 'ahhhh' feeling.
Now, if you're in your 40s, I can't guarantee that you'll look as youthful as me after using these products (you need to bring the same amount of immaturity to your day for that!) but if you're after some good recommendations without having to research too much, try these faves out.
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