I’ll admit that turning 35 doesn’t exactly feel (as Kai and Leo would say) “easy peasy lemon squeezy.” I’m definitely having some *feelings* as I (officially) transition into my mid-thirties. Other birthdays have flown by without even a blink. No biggie.
This one feels bigger, more permanent, and heavier in some ways.
Every year brings new challenges, new wisdom, new love and life. I’ve always felt honored to embrace every new stage of life whether it was 16, 18, 25, 30 and now, 35. In life, I practice transparency and authenticity in everything I do in order to remain completely honest to where I’m at in life, what I’m struggling with, what I’m in love with and finding the courage and determination to fight through the challenges that inhibit my growth.
Challenging and accepting growth also means embracing physical changes. In 35 years of life, I’ve been in both the worst and best shape. I tried extreme veganism, became a plant-based foodie, a hardcore yogi, had three children and traveled around the world. Childbirth created skin pigmentation and years around the sun meant skin shifting, wrinkles and everything that comes with growing. I am proud of the way I view my body, as a woman, and especially during this age of social media and living in Los Angeles. The healthy, balanced relationship I share with it makes me feel confident but that doesn’t mean I’ve taken all the support I can to keep me feeling vibrant, beautiful and healthy.
One thing that’s helping me gracefully move into this next phase is certain beauty regiments that help my aging skin feel more youthful. As it turns out, the majority of my wellness friends have all been using these sorts of services for YEARS — some of them as maintenance in their late 20s, others more recently as they entered their 30s.
I’ve decided to share many of my secrets in this blog post in case you ever have any questions or ponder any of these services for yourself or a friend. I’m always here for open dialogue!
Here are some of my favorite beauty rituals and maintenance practices to keep me feeling confident and in LOVE with the body I’m in:
Shape House - I’m in love with this self-care center and have been going here for lymphatic drainage and a delicious detoxification sweat! Sweating is so healing for the body!
Facials and massages - I routinely get a facial for maintenance and as a general self-care practice. It’s “me” time whenever I go to get a facial or massage. It’s time away from kids, husband, friends and everyone in order to turn inward and reconnect with myself and feel amazing in my skin and body after! I get facials done at Beba Beauty for deeper treatments (mention my name for a discount!), HeyDay for routine maintenance facials and The Now for a 75 min. Massage with extra head focus and CBD cream.
IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment - I’ve been doing IPL (light therapy) for about 6 months now. I decided to omit the numbing cream and daily bleaching cream due to breastfeeding, but I definitely notice a difference each time I go. The results are quite mind-blowing, to be honest! I went to Lasky Aesthetics in Beverly Hills and was blown away by the center itself, care, concern, professionalism and RESULTS.
Eyelash extensions - I’ve been doing eyelash extensions for YEARS now and I love that I can wake up feeling put together with no makeup on. I go to Beba Beauty in Westwood and I really focus on the lashes feeling as organic as possible. I also go back and forth between eyelash extensions and keratin lash lift to give my eyelashes a break. Day to day my skincare routine is so vital to feeling bright and fresh. My favorite brands are AHAVA, Boscia and True Botanicals.
Endermologie and IV - I go to my girl at Embody Esthetics in Beverly Hills for Endermologie on my entire body. They also do IV which helps with hydration and vitamin C. I’ve noticed amazing changes particularly to my c-section scar with Endermologie. Highly recommend Embody!!
Glamsquad and Dry Bar - When it comes to getting ready for shootings, events, etc. I rely on the Glamsquad team to come help get me “camera ready.” They come to your home and give you the full treatment which is so great for a mama with a baby at home! When I can I also love getting a blow out done at Dry Bar. It’s such a relaxing and beautiful salon and the team really knows what they’re doing.
3 months ago I got my first ever Botox treatment (!!!!) with Dr. Rovelo and I honestly don’t know where I’ve been. Friends several years younger than me have been doing it and we just never talked about it because it wasn’t in my awareness of possibility. I did a little Botox around my eyes and forehead, where my smile lines and concentration lines form. Already, after 3 months, it’s almost completely gone but I like that because it gives me a chance to check in with my skin and face to see what level I actually want to continue at, if any.
I pumped and dumped all weekend after getting Botox on a Friday afternoon. I can’t believe how terrified I was and it honestly just felt like little teeny pinches and nothing more. The IPL was way worse. Within 7 days I saw the Botox completely show up - AKA all my teeny wrinkles were gone and the muscles in my forehead weren’t being used anymore when I frowned or concentrated in a yoga class.
Once I’m done breastfeeding Noa, I’ll be working with Dr. Rovelo for pigmentation and more treatments including bleaching creams, etc. I highly recommend her if you’re also experiencing these kinds of “growing pains”! She works with you and makes sure you feel comfortable and confident in any kind of treatment you pick!
So, here I am, approaching this new phase of my life journey EMBRACING my new growth edges and sitting in the magic of all I have created up to this point. I am abundant. My children are happy and that’s what matters.
What are some of your favorite beauty maintenance rituals and self-care splurges? I'd love to know! It's so important to stay open on this and share these conversations. Comment below or connect with me on Instagram!
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