Since the time when my mother gave me my first moisturizer when I was about 9 years old, I’ve had a skincare routine that I follow on a daily basis. While there may be days that I don’t wear makeup or even shower if I’m just staying at home, it is very rare for me to not cleanse and apply my layers of magical potions before going to bed.
During a session in Girls Scouts on personal grooming when I was about 10 or 11, the other girls didn’t think that my response of “my face” to the question “do you spend more time on your hair or your face every day?” was accurate because I wasn’t yet allowed to wear make-up. When I explained my skincare routine, that seemed to change their opinion of my answer. Even nowadays, I’d say that I average more time each week on my skincare routine than my hair. Is it any wonder that beauty is a multi-billion-dollar industry?
Compared to some, my daily routine is quite simple. Cleanse, clarify, and moisturize plus a light application of makeup in the morning. More or less the same at bedtime (a couple of different products) but without makeup. I don’t own/use any sculpting or toning or regenerating tools preferring to just use my fingers to massage and tap. And my skincare routine doesn’t stop at my neck. After showering, I apply a body butter from my toes on up (my current favorite is by Jergens).
Many of the FYP offerings I come across on social media are related to skincare and beauty, specifically targeted to women over 40/50/60. No matter the areas of concern or the desired results, there’s always a new product to try that promises revolutionary results. It can all be quite confusing at times. Even when it comes to makeup, there are so many choices. And not to mention, so many price points as well.
And this leads us to this month’s survey. Last August, I introduced a new-to-me post format which you can read about in Tell Me About Yourself. TL;DR? In a nutshell, once a month I’m seeking out my readers’ opinions on a variety of topics via a short survey. The results of these surveys will be included in a post on a related subject in the following month. I’ve skipped a couple of months since publishing the last survey, so later this week, I’ll be sharing the results of the one from last October.
The sole purpose of these surveys is to satisfy my personal curiosity (and perhaps yours). Responses are provided anonymously and I won’t be sharing/selling them to anyone else. They will only be used as summary data in a follow-up post. I have no intentions of developing any type of marketing tool or online course or selling you anything based on your answers. As a mostly left-brained stats-nerd kind of person, I thought it would be cool to be able to include my own researched information in some of the blog posts that I write.
You don’t know how thrilled I am to see the submission counts increase as I monitored them over time. I do hope that you’ll take a few minutes and complete this month’s survey.
In my look today, I’m showcasing another styling option for the shirt from my Mad As A March Hare remix collection for this month. While it’s hardly a novel idea, the source of my inspiration came from an article on InStyle.com that I came across recently, 12 Collared Shirt Accessories to Give Your Favorite Button-Down New Life. Adding jewel accents to the collar and layering with another collar were suggestions that also intrigued me. However, I was a big fan of statement necklaces when they were trending several years ago and I still have a few of my favorites so that made my decision a no-brainer.
The rest of the look is a mix of thrift store finds and retail purchases, most of which have been shown in previous posts. I bought the jacket last Spring and wore it in Old Habits Die Hard. The skirt appeared in Fresh Focus: Winter’s Frost and the boots were part of my Western: Magnificent 8 Collaboration look from last Fall. If you’re looking for a leather belt like the one I’m wearing, my suggestion is to check out the men’s section in thrift stores which is where I found this one.
Outfit details: Jacket – A New Day, Skirt – Cole Haan, Skirt – unknown (all thrifted); Shirt – Gap; Boots – Universal Thread; Necklace – Loft (gift from my daughter)
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, HOW MUCH LONGER CAN BRANDS IGNORE THE REVENUE OPPORTUNITY OF OLDER WOMEN?, was submitted by Gail over at Is This Mutton?. I guess I’m not the only one asking questions. In her post, Gail reports on the results of the latest annual survey she conducted recently with questions focussing on What’s In Your Wardrobe?. I was so amazed by the statistics and results of the survey. Be sure to check out the posts added to this week’s link-up below.
Establishing and maintaining a regular skincare routine is an important step in looking your best. When did your skincare routine first start? Do you stick with long-time favorite products or do you like to try new ones? What’s the best advice about skincare that you’ve ever received?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
24 Comments
I have to say I love your surveys!!! This was a fun one! As for skincare…I don’t know when I first starting using it. I remember using Noxzema in fifth or sixth grade so I must have been around 11 or 12? I got serious about it in my late 20s and bought Clinique! I was so intimidated by those women in their white coats. I spent so much (to me at least) that first go round. I have tried probably every single one of the moisturizers by the Estee Lauder companies. Now, I go for a monthly facial, purchase my retinol and a couple of serums there, and have had one BBL laser treatment. I was so impressed with it that I’m planning to do a couple more. I really enjoy putting on and taking off my makeup and applying skin care. I do neglect the rest of my body with the exception of my hands which receive the remainder of the skin care I’ve applied to my face, neck, and decolletage. Makeup is something I’ve loved forever. I remember buying those multi-color crayons from Avon (my mom’s best friend was an Avon lady). Now, I find it difficult to walk past eye shadow palettes! Now, foundation is another matter. I’m not big on it and quit wearing it years ago. I usually use Laura Mercier setting powder and then apply bronzer and blush. Thanks, Rena, for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I don’t think I worried much about skin care until I was in my 20’s (Sadly) and I grew up in the “more tan the better – use baby oil not sunscreen” years. So I was really behind when I started to care about my skin. The only thing that has really helped with wrinkles is that I had oily skin until I was in my 50’s. Now I use sunblock daily. But I do have to use foundation since I had sun damage from those teen years and have discoloration on my face. I’ve used drugstore brands like L”Oreal and more expensive brands like Lancome but now that I’m retired I stick with the drugstore brands. Loved this survey!
Did you leave off Lipstick deliberately? I DO use lip balm daily, nightly. And there are a whole bunch of lipsticks in my “beauty” drawer.
Anxious to see the results of the survey! Man, I wish my mom had shown me how to use skin care at a young age. I don’t even know how I ever learned to do anything with my face – probably from friends? But I am committed and never miss a night, boy I wish I had started wearing sunscreen 40 years ago!
xo,
Kellyann
It was an interesting survey. I have sensitive skin so I am careful what I use. But I just wash my face with gentle soap and wear some face lotion. If I wear makeup it’s always natural and I’ll wear eye makeup as well. Great outfit and I hope your having a nice week. Check out my new post.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2023/03/the-best-makeup-organisers-to-declutter.html?spref=pi&m=1
Love this chic look and I adore that pretty necklace! I am a huge skincare gal so I look forward to hearing the results of this survey. Thanks for the link up!
https://kathrineeldridge.com
The cosmetic category I have by far the most in is lipstick! I like the statement necklace with the button up shirt.
Your skin always looks radiant and flawless. I started skincare around age 12. I wish I’d been more aware of the dangers of the sun. Thrilled to be your featured post, than you!
Which should say “thank you” !
I didn’t start proper skin care until very recently. I spend a lot of time on it now and feel there’s some noticeable improvements xx thanks for the linkup too x Jacqui
Fun little survey! Not sure I was much help as I really don’t do much with my skin and I don’t wear make up anymore… I mean I would if we had like a wedding to go to or something (maybe?) but in my day to day life I’m likely to use lip balm and that’s about it. That statement necklace looks fabulous.
Skincare is such a good topic for your survey! I spend a lot of time on my skincare routine and can’t wait to read the results!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I love that maxi skirt on you! 🙂 It took me a while to figure out a skincare routine that works for me, it’s just cleans and serum and moisturise for me, all day every day, haha. I do try use a face mask once a week, but otherwise nothing fancy. I have up makeup in 2020 and even though I’m back in the office I’m still makeup free – I even stopped wearing tinted bb cream, just a sheer sunscreen now everyday. Keeping it super simple!
thank you for the link up!
Nice survey and it also got me thinking..lol
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
Gosh this makes me feel very feeble as all I do a basic clean and moisturise to my face twice a day plus the occasional facepack! But with fair skin I’m lucky in that I have never enjoyed sitting in the sun so don’t have skin damage. I do enjoy applying makeup every day though. Body butter all over everyday is something I’d like to aspire to but only really do this ready for the summer months! Need to reflect on my routines!
I love that skirt Rena!!
Pamela
Besides washing my face daily, I am using a tinted sunscreen on sunny days. I find that most make-up irritates my skin and eyes. I am toying with the notion of bringing lipstick back, but not certain if lipstick only would look odd. Maybe I ought to try it and ask the hive mind.
I really love this outfit, Rena! The skirt is so pretty, and the necklace over the button up is so eye-catching.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
I remember this skirt of yours: I love it so much! And it really pairs well with that light brown.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I have good genes and good skin. My mother at 80 had no wrinkles and she simply washed and moisturized her face every night with Esoterica (remember that?) I love taking care of my skin and have been doing so as long as I can remember. I particularly like moisturizing my skin after a shower with a good body butter – not Jergens, where the first ingredient is water which does nothing for ashy skin. I pick these up at natural stores; my favorites are shea and mango butter.
Great post.
I’m a first timer here. Love the “Fine whatever” title of your website. Thanks for hosting the link up.
I’m missing lipsticks Rena! I thought you would spend a lot of time controlling your hair! Did i ever say it’s gorgeous!
That is amazing you started skincare so young. I’m trying to teach my 10 year old now. She’s has such pale skin I want to make sure she takes care of it!
Your skin looks healthy and radiant. I don’t remember doing any sort of skin care until I was in my teens. And, of course, I spent many hours in the sun without sunscreen when I was growing up. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 56.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Looking very nice. Did the survey. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week
I really like the combination of that skirt with the striped shirt and blazer! It’s such a versatile skirt on you 🙂
I was probably a teen before I started doing anything more than just washing my face and adding a moisturiser, haha! I went through a few years of very basic skincare but always having to wear makeup. Now I don’t wear makeup – although I d use a sheer sunscreen, it’s kind of a must have here in Australia! And sometimes mascara, that’s it. I’ve added serums to my skincare and I find a cleanser, serum and moisturiser makes my skin look much better than makeup ever did. it’s also a real time saver in the mornings, haha!