How to look fab even when you don't feel like it
Have you ever been so busy that you forgot to take care of yourself? Whether it's for school projects, work deadlines, or just managing your personal life, there are days when it feels like you barely have the time to breathe. In my case, it usually means about four hours of sleep, late and unhealthy meals, and a complete neglect of my skincare routine. As a result, I pretty much look as awful as I feel.
Stress is a fact of life - it's simply impossible to avoid it! But there are ways to minimize its toll on your body, which is the timely reminder I got from the Watsons Time To Renew event. They centered on three key ideas: restore your beauty, revitalize your tresses, and restore your health.
Watsons invited four celebrities to talk about how they manage to look good even as they cope with the demands of their work. And honestly, if you've never seen what goes on behind the scenes, know that the hours are insane and you'll soon learn to sleep whenever you can wherever you can, especially when on location!
Sure, they have a glam team to keep them looking camera-ready but actress and Ponds Beauty Council member Iza Calzado shared that she pays special attention to her skincare when work is at its most demanding. Actor and Nivea endorser John James Uy seconded this, noting that men often don't use makeup so fatigue can be more evident on their faces. Meanwhile, Alice Dixson revealed that she achieved the bikini body in her famous Palawan photo with the help of Kilo Off, and Ruffa Gutierrez talked about the importance only using safe and effective supplements like the ones by Cosmo Skin (her faves are Glutathione and Premium Collagen).
For us mere mortals who don't get help to look good or have loads of cash to spend on expensive pampering treatments, it's still possible to survive tough days without looking like you went through hell and back.
Make the most of your shower
Even if it's just quick and utilitarian, bathing can be something of a de-stressing ritual. Imagine that the water is washing all your worries away, if only for the next 15 minutes. You can make it a lot more enjoyable by stocking up on great-smelling shower gels and shampoos, which can add a sense of luxury to your bath. Take this opportunity to also nourish your hair - the Tresemme Expert Selection Keratin Smooth Conditioner is a fave among bloggers!
Find ways to stay fresh
Don't even have time to take a shower? We've previously shared tips on how to hide your dirty little secret but it basically boils down to two things: wet wipes and spray-on deodorant. I keep a pack of wipes in my purse and another on my night table, so I can get my face clean even when I don't have access to water or feel too tired/sleepy to make it to the bathroom. Spray-on deodorants are also easier to apply than your usual sticks and roll-ons, and are also more sanitary than reapplying those products to a sweaty armpit.
Opt for more potent skincare
I've been forced to rethink my picks of products to use when I'm tired AF: if I'm going to put just one thing on my face, it better be pretty damn good! Night creams present an ideal candidate: they're often intensely moisturizing and choc-full of the best stuff, including anti-aging solutions that powerfully address stress at the skin-level. Pond's Age Miracle and Pond's Gold Radiance are top faves for Iza Calzado because they work to repair your skin as you sleep. Keep a pot by your night table (next to those wet wipes) so you can just reach over and slap some on before you finally crash for the day.
Drink to your health
When I'm super busy, I usually eat late. I also often end up with fast food because I don't have the time to cook or the patience to wait for a better prepared meal. Vitamins and supplements can be very helpful in this regard because my food intake probably isn't getting me all the nutrients I need. I do recommend checking with a doctor first before taking anything though because taking medication you don't actually need can be taxing on your liver and kidneys. Yup, there is such a thing as getting too much of a good thing!
At the end of the day, rest, exercise, and a good diet will still be the top things you need to keep glowing even when the going gets tough but a visit to your favorite Watsons can also help! You can indulge in a bit of retail therapy while stocking up on your care essentials, and possibly even be rewarded for it.
Watsons is currently doing a raffle exclusive to SM Advantage, BDO Rewards, and PriMo card holders, and the prizes are just what the doctor ordered. There will be thirty-five (35) winners of Spa Pampering Packages at The Spa; Ten (10) winners of Full-Year Gym memberships at Fitness First; and Ten (10) winners of Overnight Weekend Wellness Packages at The Farm at San Benito resort. I need all three, please!
What do you do to avoid looking haggard when life gets stressful? Any other de-stressing tips that you care to share?
This story is brought to you by Watsons.