“Age is just a number.” We’ve heard that saying so many times. So often that many think of it as an excuse to what people really feel about aging. But the thing is aging is not an obstacle to overcome, but a stage of life we all must embrace and love in order to do it gracefully. Think of the characters Samantha Jones from the HBO hit Sex and the City or Dr. Jean F. Milburn in Sex Education—these modern women take charge of their lives. They defy the ideals of femininity and beauty, and break down boundaries on what women can and cannot do as they age.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” If you’re lost about how to make yourself a masterpiece in the years to come, you are in luck as ageless Filipina beauties Margie Moran, Jeannie Goulbourn, Mia Borromeo, Salome Uy, and Susan Campos share their secrets in making beauty eternal, and easy tricks on how best to pamper yourself during this quarantine period.

Commit to your skincare

Looking younger demands healthy skin. And having good skin doesn’t just come from a good set of genes, but also from adhering to a skincare routine religiously.

“Unable to go to my trusted Belo beauty clinic during quarantine, I did facial treatments on my own,” Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran says. “I kept my skin moisturized before retiring. In the mornings, I applied sunblock even if I stayed indoors.”

President of Ballet Philippines, Chair of the Cultural Center of the Philippine, and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran

Dermatologists say moisturizers and SPFs are the products to keep on your beauty counter to combat the aging effects of UV light and sun damage. Using collagen-infused cream is also a must as they boost skin elasticity.

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Go for natural

While skincare products can help you best achieve and maintain a youthful glow, Mother Nature also provides free and sustainable beauty ways.

Included in Philippine Tatler editor Mia Borromeo’s daily beauty routine is drinking a warm cup of salabat in her garden. As for jewelry designer Susan Campos, basking under the morning sun is where she gets her dose of vitamin D.

“The garden has become my little sanctuary—gardening is so peaceful, uplifting, and inspiring,” Mia says. “Being in touch with nature is therapeutic and gardening is a healthy way to get vitamin D!”

Editor of Philippine Tatler Homes and Philippine Tatler Traveller Mia Borromeo

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Have fun while working out

Regular exercise not only boosts your body’s strength, it also clears the skin of impurities. Exercise promotes the production of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins—making you calm, happy, and confident. That’s why looking for ways to inject fun into your fitness regime is also key to looking youthful at any age.

“I go on a treadmill for 30 minutes while watching my K-dramas. Usually, I don’t like the treadmill because it’s boring,” says businesswoman Salome Uy. “But with K-dramas on TV, 30 minutes pass so quickly. I also do some weights and I use twister exercises.”

Businesswoman Salome Uy on the treadmill where she also watches her K-dramas

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Meditation brings out beauty from the inside

A Harvard study shows that, apart from fitness and skincare routines, the most effective way we can slow down aging is by meditating. Closing your eyes to have a moment of peace reduces stress and anxieties that could manifest on the physical appearance.

“I do 15 minutes of meditation upon waking up—Buteyko breathing. An hour after dinner, for relaxation, I listen to binaural sounds on Spotify,” says fashion designer Jeannie Goulbourn. “My solemn time is taking online courses for two hours on designated days, along with 8:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. masses, daily rosary, and novena.”

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Have a trusted beauty tool

The ladies also share their go-to tools in lifting and sculpting their faces. For Susan it is the Derma Wand. “I’ve been using Derma Wand for over 10 years,” she says. “I use this daily for tightening and cleansing. I can’t live without this.”

Stone rollers are staples in Salome’s morning routine. “I also use black onyx rollers for day and jade roller for night time,” she says. “I put them in the ref so they’re really refreshing to use.”

Stone rollers are effective tools to massage the face. They help stimulate blood circulation, which helps lessen the appearance of fine lines.

Night rituals are essential

Having a skincare routine before going to bed is the very definition of having a beauty sleep. Nighttime is when the skin recovers from daytime damages and when it best absorbs beauty products. Applying serums and hydrating face sheets are a must before dozing off.

“A good night’s sleep is important. I try to get eight hours of sleep and I’m in bed by 9:30 p.m.,” says Jeannie. “My simple beauty routine includes using coconut oil to cleanse my face, followed by a facial steam with lavender or rose essential oil. Then I apply Clinique’s cleanser, toner, and light moisturizer. I also do a cucumber yogurt face mask. I also use Pond’s cleansing cream every night.”

Worry less and just think of the important things

Keeping things simple and focusing on what is important are keys to having a youthful appearance and demeanor, especially during this time of crisis.

“As weeks passed, material things became unimportant and I was content with what I have. I valued my family relations and friends became more special to me,” says Margie. “Privately, I forgave my enemies. My hope is that everyone will reflect the impact of this crisis and live a more purposeful life.”

“We are living in history. This pandemic will go down as one of the most critical periods mankind has ever had to endure,” Susan adds. “Someday, our great grandkids will read about this episode in history and say: My great grandma lived during those times. I just hope I can get a chance to tell the story to my great grandkids myself.”

These extraordinary times have given ways for us to learn more about ourselves, while realizing the importance of loving yourself and those around you. Rustan’s Department Store prides itself to be an expert when it comes to the needs of the Filipino community. Bring the world into your home with a few easy clicks as the luxury retail store gives you more convenient ways to safely shop online for your necessities, worry-free.

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#Salome Uy

The secrets to looking young, according to these ageless beauties