Monday Musings: Three Things I Wish I Knew Earlier About Being Beautiful
If I could travel back in time and sit my younger self down for a heart-to-heart about beauty, there are a few things I’d whisper in her ear. Honestly, I cringe a little when I think about how long it took me to figure some of these lessons out, but as they say—better late than never! If I knew then what I know now, I wonder how much more confident I would have been, how much time I would have saved wishing for things I already had, and how much earlier I could have embraced true self-care.
Photographed by Ryan Ong
Sunscreen: The Most Important Beauty Product You’ll Ever Own
Let’s start with the big one: sunscreen. I didn’t start using it religiously until I was 25. By then, my skin had already logged the neglect! Fine lines, pigmentation, uneven texture, yup, the damage was starting to show. And let me tell you, anti-aging serums, injectables, and laser treatments are not for the faint of heart (or wallet).
If only someone had drilled it into me that sunscreen isn’t just for sunny beach days. It’s for every single day, rain or shine. UV rays don’t care if you’re indoors or outdoors; they’ll do their thing regardless. The irony? Now, SPF is the cornerstone of my skincare routine. It’s the step I never, ever skip because I’ve learned the hard way that prevention is so much easier (and cheaper) than trying to reverse damage later on. Younger me, take note: Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
My Curls Are Beautiful, After All
Growing up, I wished my hair was anything but curly. I envied classmates with sleek, straight locks that always seemed effortlessly polished. Meanwhile, I spent hours fighting my curls—flattening them, smoothing them, trying to make them something they weren’t. I would get severe chemical burns from rebonding my hair as a teenager that took decades to heal. It felt like a losing battle most of the time, but I kept at it because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do.
It wasn’t until recently that I started seeing my curls differently. In fact, a TikTok video of mine went viral recently (almost 600,000 views, can you believe it? That’s a lot for me!), and it was all about a curling cream I’ve been obsessed with. This product doesn’t just tame my curls, it actually celebrates them. And for the first time, I can say the same about myself. I’ve realized my curls are unique and beautiful, just like me. I only wish I had embraced them sooner instead of wishing them away.
Health Is the Real Foundation of Beauty
Here’s the truth: no eye cream, serum, or trendy body-sculpting treatment can replace a healthy lifestyle. I’ve learned that the hard way, too. You can slather on the fanciest products and book the most high-tech facials, but if you’re not moving your body, nourishing it with real food, and keeping up with your health checks, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
I used to think “health” was just about being thin or fitting into a dress size, but now I know it’s so much more than that. It’s strength, energy, and the kind of glow no highlighter can mimic. Working out, eating well, and staying on top of my medical appointments have done more for my beauty goals than any product ever could. And the best part? It feels amazing.
When I consistently show up for myself at the gym or at the tennis, I feel stronger and more capable—physically, emotionally, and yes, even aesthetically. Clear skin? A result of better circulation and less stress. Toned muscles? They give me more confidence than any contour palette ever has. And healthy eating? My body thanks me for it with brighter eyes, stronger nails, and hair that actually grows the way it’s supposed to. Who knew?
The funny thing about beauty is that it’s often the little habits—the boring, unsexy, everyday ones—that make the biggest difference. I wish I knew these truths earlier, but I’m also glad I know them now. Beauty, after all, is a journey. And every step, even the missteps, teaches us something valuable. If you’re reading this, I hope it encourages you to take a step back and ask: What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier about beauty? It’s never too late to start.
