Beauty over the years

It’s the first time this column has fallen on my birthday, so I thought I’d share with you how my regimen has evolved:

Teens

■ Young skin doesn’t need much fussing with at all. Just some face powder on your oily spots, brow gel, and tinted lip balm are the most you need. ■ My daily regimen consisted just of Pond’s facial wash and Clean and Clear oil-free moisturizer. ■ The only time I ever had a bad case of acne was in college. It was bacne so no one could see and I didn’t scar my face, but it was definitely bad enough to be painful. Seeing a dermatologist helped lessen the discomfort. It was stress-related, so thank God it did go away completely after a few months. ■ I started discovering my all-time favorite products in my teens. I still use The Body Shop’s body butter and lip balm to this day, as well as L’Oreal lipsticks. My first ever lipstick was my precious tube of Colour Riche. I remember it took me ages to decide on the shade!

20s

As I started working, I became religious about applying eye cream every night. Long hours of staring at a computer, reading documents, and lack of sleep will take a toll on your eyes and the thin skin around them.

■ I finally learned how to do my brows, which changed my entire look! I can’t leave the house anymore without at least penciling them in lightly.

■ I also learned how to try everything from contour to false lashes, thanks to YouTube tutorials and plenty of practice.

■ Not that you have to, but I incorporated many more steps into my night regimen. I became very religious about cleansing, toning and moisturizing daily, and exfoliating and masking a few times a week.

30s

■ I’m relying on heavier-duty eye creams now to prevent dark circles and fine lines. My favorite is still Origins GinZing.

■ Even if I wear SPF daily, I’ve still grown some spots on my cheekbones. I added whitening serum to spot correct and try to slow down more from appearing.

All ages

■ Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not really thirsty.

■ Wear sunscreen.

■ Take care of your face and body, but stop obsessing over that zit no one else would’ve noticed until you called attention to it.

■ Appreciate yourself today, no matter what decade of life you’re in!