Please excuse the shameless click-bait title BUT I honestly couldn't think of a less sensational way to say it!
Let's start at the beginning...
We all know that beauty, and more specifically, the Anti Ageing market is BIG business.
HUGE.
We're all sucked into it.
Some more than others, of course, BUT it's still a part of our lives... no matter how small.
Some people are constantly searching for the ultimate 'fix'.
Are you?
Does your beauty bill make you cringe a little?
Maybe you're a savvy shopper and think expensive creams are a waste of money?
If so, I bet you've still spent a fair few pennies over the years!
How much do you think you have you spent on creams, serums, eye creams?
What about facials and treatments?
Have you considered botox and/or fillers?
Maybe you've had them done already and want more.
Maybe you're looking to move to the next level?
Something happened the other day that switched a light on for me...
I was looking at close-up photos of one my latest outfit posts and thought ...
Maybe I'll just smooth out a couple of those haggard bits?
No one wants to look at a crinkly face, do they?
Then I had to give myself a good shake!
I'd already promised NEVER to photoshop my face or body here at Fake Fabulous and I felt ashamed that I even thought about it.
{All my fakery is with attitude and confidence, NEVER my image}
Then I reminded myself...
I'm taking these photographs in natural light.
I'm not using special lighting to fill in the shadows (not even my reflector) they are just there, as in real life.
PLUS... I'm 44, a mother of 4 and I work in a hospital for goodness sake!
I've earned the right to have a few wrinkles.
So, I made peace with my face.
Here comes the bit you probably won't want to hear...
Anti ageing is a load of rubbish!
You can't stop your face ageing.
As much as expensive creams feel great to use they can't turn back the clock.
Fillers, Botox and all that shizzle do make a difference BUT you won't look younger.
You'll just look like a woman in her 40's (or wherever you are) that's had work done to her face.
I know a beautiful woman in her thirties who's had a few tweaks and she looks like just that... an attractive woman in her 30's who's had a few tweaks.
She's not fooling anyone.
There is no magic pill that will turn back the clock either.
All you can do is eat decent food, keep hydrated, exercise a bit, don't smoke and don't drink too much booze.
All BORING stuff no one wants to hear.
Much like the weight loss industry, the anti-ageing industry preys on our insecurities...
Look at the state of you!
You're FAR too old looking.
Look at that grey hair!
Those age spots!
That saggy neck!
You're too old. Too fat. Not quite good enough.
In fact...You're pretty gross aren't you?
Don't worry babe, we're here to help you.
Simply buy our amazing product and you'll instantly feel better about yourself.
People will take you seriously and find you more interesting.
People will LIKE you more.
Men and women will find you attractive.
Life will be worth living again.
Don't forget....Buy now of miss out forever!
Hmmmm...
Sound familiar?
Of course, when we put our sensible (and rational) heads on, we all know it's all a load of rubbish but there is something deep down that tugs on our insecurities.
Something that makes us wonder...
What if?
What if THIS is the one thing that really works.
The product that genuinely makes a difference.
What if we miss out?
I'm not saying I'm immune to the beauty brainwashing.
Far from it!
I've spent an unthinkable amount of money on lotions, potions (and even devices) over the years after being suckered by clever marketing.
Now, thankfully, I genuinely believe all you need to do to feel better about yourself is make peace with your face.
I'm not saying give up your makeup, creams and potions either.
If applying them feels nice then keep on applying.
Makeup is loads of fun and can make you feel great.
I'll not be giving up my lippy any time soon!
But know that there is no magic wand.
Acknowledge that YOU are pretty amazing, and your flaws are part of that!
Know that ALL the images you see online, in magazines and adverts have been altered... even if it's just a subtle tweak here and there, none of it is real.
Give your face (and yourself )a break and know that YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!
Once you do this you'll feel a lot better about your face, and yourself.
You'll also spend a lot less money on stuff that doesn't work leaving plenty of cash for the important things in life that DO work... like a bright lipstick, a good book and pretty shoes!
I hope you can make peace with yourself this festive season.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Lots of Love...
SOME PRETTY THINGS THAT WON'T MAKE YOU LOOK 20, BUT YOU MIGHT LIKE ANYWAY...
