26 Beauty Lessons As I Turn 36
I turned 36 today, and I’m feeling great. My life is quiet and comfortable, surrounded by people who love me, and my health has never been better. I wish someone had told me at 20 how I was essentially an Olympic gymnast in the mental gymnastics of standing in my own way. Now, with a little more gray hair and a lot more perspective, I've learned the art of stepping aside and letting myself pass. It's been about ditching the mental clutter for mental clarity, realizing that the biggest roadblocks were often my own making. This shift has been liberating, like finally deciding to clean your makeup brushes after months (we've all been there) - surprisingly satisfying and long overdue.
Today, I thought of sharing with you 26 of the most important beauty (and life) lessons I’ve learned so far. I know that many of these are easier said than done - we have to go through some things to truly understand them - but I hope these can be a guide for you when the time comes.
Beauty is Personal - It's not one-size-fits-all. If beauty exists only when beheld, why not start from your own point of view? Somewhere in the world, I guarantee there is also someone who thinks you’re the most beautiful person they’ve ever seen. It sounds trite, but when you accept this you will feel much less anxiety about the way you look.
Consistency Over Trends - Social media churns out new aesthetic trends and beauty hacks faster than ever these days, but don’t be blinded by them. Sticking to what you know works for you or to a new treatment prescribed by a professional is better than any trend out there.
Invest in Quality, Not Quantity - A few cherished pieces can tell your story better than a crowded shelf. Choose wisely and with love. We get a high from buying something new, surely, but that feeling is empty. It’s way more satisfying to use and finish a well-loved product than to buy a new one, I promise.
Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable - Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best anti-aging strategies. It’s a daily promise to protect your skin, because you're worth that care.
Embrace Your Flaws - Perfection is not only overrated, it’s literally impossible. You can be the most beautiful and accomplished person in the world (cough, Taylor Swift) but people will still find you lacking based on an insane set of requirements. Flaws are part of your story, each one a chapter of growth and self-acceptance.
Self-Care is Essential, Not Selfish - It's the gentle reminder that to nourish others, you must first nourish yourself. You can’t give anything if you yourself have nothing.
Knowledge is Power - Ignorance is bliss but willful ignorance can be bad for you and everyone else around you. Hunt for verifiable facts so you can make better decisions about the products you buy, and in general the way you live your life.
Beauty Literally Comes From Within - A healthy glow starts on the inside, with kindness to yourself and nourishment for your body. Don’t be cruel to yourself; be patient and know that you try your best everyday. Take care of your health as well because that influences every aspect of your life, especially the way you look.
Mindfulness in Beauty - Let your beauty rituals be moments of peace, a time to reflect and be present with yourself.
Less is More - Using more products is not equivalent to getting better results. Often, a simpler routine is more powerful than piling everything on blindly. Understand what works for you by doing a lot of research, and be hyper observant as you test new products so you can decide if they are worth that important spot in your life.
Confidence is the Best Beauty Secret - Confidence is one of those things that don’t have to be real to make an impact on the people around you. I’ve also found that faking confidence somehow generates real confidence after a while. Wear it daily.
Change is Good - Yes it’s scary when the world shifts from under your feet, but that’s just the signal that you are ready for the next step.
Skincare is an Investment in Your Future Self - Treat it as a loving commitment to the you of tomorrow.
Beauty is Ageless - Every year is a gift, bringing with it wisdom, grace, and the kind of beauty that time alone can bestow. I like what Helen Mirren said about aging: that it’s about accepting yourself at each stage and understanding that these stages are essential and have their own kind of beauty.
Kindness is Beautiful - It’s like mascara for your soul. Always apply generously.
Hydration is Key -The older you get, the more you realize how water is everything! Stay hydrated and you’ll be less sick and get better skin.
Never Underestimate a Good Brow Day - It can feel like conquering the world, one arch at a time.
Experimenting is How You Learn - In beauty, as in life, the best discoveries often come from the unexpected. Try something at least once before you decide it’s not for you.
Love the Power of a Good Concealer - It’s not just for blemishes, but for those days you need a little extra armor.
Listen to Your Skin - Sometimes we ignore what our skin is telling us because we badly want a product to work. But remember: our skin knows best!
The Right Fragrance Can Change Your Mood - A scent can be a journey, a memory, and a whisper of inspiration. Spray that expensive bottle of fragrance and don’t hoard it for a special day.
Beauty Rituals are a Form of Self-Respect - Taking time for yourself isn't just about looking good, it's about honoring your worth.
Makeup is an Art, Not a Mask - Makeup is demonized for making women look “fake”, but anyone who knows makeup knows it’s a a celebration of your creativity and the many faces of your beauty. Don’t listen to people who don’t know what they’re talking about.
Comparison is the Thief of Joy - Comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel is like comparing apples to beauty blenders – it just doesn't make sense. Your journey, with its unique twists, is incomparable. Remember, the only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and know that your uniqueness is your superpower.
Beauty Sleep is Real - Science backs it up as the holy grail of skincare and mental well-being. During sleep, your body goes into repair mode, regenerating skin cells, restoring moisture, and rebalancing hydration. Lack of sleep can lead to a compromised skin barrier, making it look dull and increasing signs of aging. But it's more than skin deep. Quality sleep is like a spa day for your soul, giving you the emotional resilience to face whatever the day throws at you.
Patience Pays Off - We want the acne gone by tomorrow, the wrinkles smoothed out by next week, and the perfect shade of foundation available yesterday. But the most profound beauty transformations come from consistency, persistence, and yes, patience. Like a fine wine, some things just can't be rushed. Your skin's health and your personal growth both thrive under sustained effort and time. Embrace the journey, celebrate the small improvements, and trust that the results will come.
So, as I embrace 36 with open arms, I'm reminded that the beauty of aging isn't just in accumulating years but in gathering wisdom, laughter, and a few fine lines from smiling too much. Here's to more lessons, more laughter, and maybe, just maybe, learning to water my plants before they reach a point of no return. After all, if life at 36 has taught me anything, it's that growth - in gardens or in ourselves - happens not in spite of the challenges but because of them. Cheers!
