Hi friends! I hope you’re enjoying the guest posts! We’re having a Canadian good time, but I’m popping in today to talk about every girl’s least favorite subject… aging.
Last month I sent my friend Chassity an email wishing her a happy 30th birthday. Not knowing if she was struggling with the milestone or not, I added an encouraging, “30 to 35 are great years!” Her response totally cracked me up. “Why?! What happens at 36?!”
I’m not saying life goes downhill and we lose our beauty after those years, but they were really good years for me. I finally felt comfortable in my body, had gained confidence in myself as a woman, and wasn’t showing any signs of aging.
Don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying my life went to pot the day I turned 36. Life keeps getting better, but that doesn’t mean I want to watch it march across my face!
It starts with “laugh lines” around the eyes and mouth. Who’s laughing at those?! Not me! I’m crossing my fingers I get my mom’s beautiful genes.
Then it’s the frown lines between your brows, even when you aren’t frowning.
You really notice the difference when your face is plastered against the flawless skin of your kids!
I’m sure you think I’m shallow and vain. And maybe I am, but I’m staring at a big birthday this year. One that I’ll admit I’m struggling with a bit. The woman looking back at me in the mirror is not the girl I remember being. I’m trying to remind myself that the lines on my face are proof of a life spent laughing and smiling.
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I think women of all ages are beautiful, and I hope I’m able to live a long, full life, with all its joys and sorrows reflected on my face. But that doesn’t mean I won’t take care of myself and my skin and try to look the best I can! So when the people at Darphin offered to let me try their anti-aging products, I jumped at the chance! You know we do things budget-style around here, so I’m usually a drugstore girl when it comes to beauty products. But after my first use, I realized there is a difference in “the good stuff.”
The Aromatic Cleansing Balm smells amazing and, according to my son, looks like caramel. It turns into a milky emulsion when mixed with water, and leaves my skin feeling completely clean without any tightness.
Living in the South, and spending a lot of time outdoors, I have pretty dry skin. Which only magnifies the lines and creases, so I’m learning the importance of a good moisturizer. The Predermine Densifying Anti-Wrinkle Cream seems to plump out my skin instantly, without leaving a greasy feel. The smell is a little granny ‘mature’ for my taste, but only the tiniest bit is required and it glides like silk across your face.
Of the three, the one I’m most impressed with is the Stimulskin Plus Eye Contour Cream. After just two weeks of using it (like the Predermine cream, only the tiniest bit is needed and it goes on super smooth), the crinkles on the edges of my eyes are softer and the bags underneath are less pronounced.
My Darphin products have already taken up permanent residence by my sink, and I look forward to the nightly routine with them. I’ll still hit up the drugstore for many of my beauty products, but Darphin will be part of my collection now, too.
I know I can’t turn back the clock or stop time, but if products are available that help slow it down, I’m game! How are you dealing with the changing face in the mirror? What does “aging gracefully” mean to you? Let me know in the comments and you could win a Darphin Gift Basket (valued at a minimum of $100!)
Plus, Darphin has a special offer (one of their best!) just for readers of this post:
Get a free Age Defying Dermabrasion Deluxe Sample, Dark Circles and De-puffing Eye Serum Deluxe Sample and Spa Headband with any order at Darphin.com through 5/31/12.
Use code BLOGGER at checkout.
***UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winner, by random drawing, was #51, Cheri!***
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 4/23 – 5/24
Be sure to visit the Darphin brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
OMG YOU ARE NOT 39!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been following you for some time now because I love your taste and I think you are an absolute doll. I have assumed you were younger than me though! You look so awesome for 39!!!!!!
PS – I just turned 32………. And yes these years are great but dang if I can look anywhere near as great as you in the next several years, I say bring it on!!!
Tome, aging gracefully is all in the attitude….and…doing everything possible to stave off the physical signs of it.
Oh I remember that email! That was so funny. And I don't think you have a thing to worry about in the aging department. Look at you girl, flawless. And your Momma, hello dreamy skin. But Moisturizing is so good, glad to hear you like Darphin so well!
Good genes are really helpful.
Also, make your dermatologist your best friend. For me, a chemical peel 3-4 times a year and retin-a every other night = very big improvement in skin quality.
you look gorgeous cassie ! AT ANY AGE !
I had no idea you were getting ready to turn 40. Personally, I think you've gotten more beautiful 🙂
When i turned 40 i thought is was all downhill. well, 7 years later i still got it. Spent yesterday afternoon with the girls at a Cubs game then at the Wrigleyville bars dancing our buns off with 25 year old guys who thought we the funnest girls ever. such a self esteem booster. Stay active and think young, dont let those invisible barriers stop you from doing things you think your too old for!
On the bad side — the worst thing for your skin? Teenagers, and the stress they cause. Looks like you have a few years to go maybe a magic cream for that will be invented by then 🙂
I agree with you. From 30 to 40 were my best years. I felt great, looked my best and was really comfortable with myself as a woman. I'm staring a big birthday in the face too…. 50. I can't believe it.
I've started noticing the tiny weblike likes around my eyes and across the top of my cheekbones. Me no likey.
I'd love to give the Darphin products a try.
btw…. out of all your pictures… my favorite, and the one I think you look best in… is the one by the pool. You look gorgeous and I'd never guess you were almost 40.
Ha – the good years – 30 – 35 hilarious! I'm turning 34 this year – guess the gig is almost up for me. 😉 You look amazing! I'm all about the "good eye cream" – it costs more than the drug store brands but it makes a difference!
I'm going to have to check this stuff out. I'll do anything at this point. I'm turning 40 this year (I never got over turning 30!) and I woke up recently to find my neck looking a little saggy. What? Now if I pinch my skin and pull it down in this area it doesn't snap back so quickly. Pretty soon I'm just going to go out of the house with a paper bag over my head. I feel young and it's not the number that bothers me as much as what the mirror has in store for me on any given day. By the way, your mom looks like she could be your sister. I hope that came out right:)
I know you weren't fishing for compliments but you look fantastic! In that last picture with your daughter, you don't look a day over 25! You are a beautiful lady and have flawless skin (: I don't think you have to wonder whether or not you got your mom's skin, it's obvious that you did!
I'm trying to minimize my lines and wrinkles by using a daily moisturizer with SPF in it. I'm hoping that will at least reduce the damage!
You are so beautiful! I hope that I can age half as well.
First of all, you look amazing. Keep doing what you're doing! I know I should be taking better care of my skin, but it is expensive to do! Especially if you are spending it on something that you've never tried before. Thanks for reviewing these products and hosting the giveaway!
Wow! 39?!! I would never have guessed it! I was seriously thinking you were closer to me in age … early 30s was my guess!! … I am staring down the barrel of the 'big 3-0' in a few months (mid-July), and I have to say, I am calmed by your comments! Several of my friends have already hit it in previous years, but when you're the eldest of your-generation-cousins … comments of "I feel old" coming from 25 yr olds certainly doesn't help matters, lol! … Also doesn't help that I am still 4 years off completing my uni (attempted straight after high school, but had to leave … started back when I had my daughter almost 4 years ago, but only part-time) and that at least a half dozen of my cousins will have already completed their studies .. 3 so far!! … Ah, I'm grizzling again – Sorry! … Thanks for your words on this tonight (in Aust)! They have really helped smooth out some fears! … Oh, and I've been using Clinique on and off for years – fantastic when I am using it!! Hate it when I can't afford to refill and go without for a few weeks!
i thought you were my age… i am almost 34. and i till think you look younger than me. you are beautiful, cassie. seriously. i wish i looked as good as you now!
What a treat these products sound like! Love to give them a try!
Oh, Cassie.. I'm right there with you babe. I'll be the big 4-0 in November. I certainly don't feel old but definitely need to invest is some GOOD eye and facial creams. The worst is when bending forward in a yoga class and you feel your cheeks touch your eyes. Ugh! Gravity is my enemy.
You look amazing!! This is such a great giveaway!
ohhhhh — hopefully this is better than my Oil of Olay from Costco! 🙂
I am always on the lookout for a new eye cream to take care of those wrinkles!
For me, aging gracefully means embracing whatever changes my body/skin throws my way and trying to make the best of it!
There's nothing wrong with aging, it happens to everyone, I believe the way you feel about life shows up on your face!
Aging gracefully is loving life, abiding in God's love, loving people, laughing and living without fear!
Girl, you don't look a day over 25!!! I love a good giveaway though – these products sound amazing! I try to avoid aging by moisturizing my face every morning and night – I have been religious about this since I was in my teens – and I really think this helps!
This November I will be turning 30. I've never been very good at taking care of my skin. I guess I figured since I dont wear make up I dont need fancy skn stuff. But in the last couple of months I've decided to take preventative measures. Still working on finding the right things, maybe I'll have to try this.
Good skincare has always been my one guilty pleasure. Actually, I don't feel guilty about it at all, but I'm always looking for that "magic potion". I'd love to try Dauphin products!
Hey lady. I turn 43 this year. "Aging gracefully" has come to mean being a little kinder to that gal in the mirror than I used to be. She's not the fresh-faced girlie I know or remember but damn, she looks good and she's got her shizzit way more together.
You're lovely. And your Mom is hawt ;p Hope the west coast is rockin it for ya, hear you got nice weather to enjoy it all! Awesome.
You're getting better with age, girl! 🙂
Aging gracefully… I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I'm in my mid 20's, and I think it is extremely important to take care of your skin — even when you are at an age where it is easy to take good skin for granted. I have a simple skin routine, involving exfoliation, moisturizing, and a good cleaner that I do morning and night.
I really look up to women like Helen Mirren, who is beautiful and natural for her age. She clearly has good genes but in all likelihood has taken care of herself well. But, she also isn't trying to be 20 again. She dresses and styles herself in an age appropriate way, and I don't know a single person who doesn't find her beautiful. I think she is the epitome of aging gracefully!
Growing old gracefully to me means not concentrating fully on the physical part but paying more attention to all I have learned so far, all I still need to learn, and the blessings that are my family and friends.
You look just like your mother, so I am sure you will share her good genes. I never worried too much about getting older. I just don't like pictures taken. I read somewhere that that is a mistake because next year you will be even older. I am fortunate to have inherited good skin genes. The rest of the genes I got stink!
I tweeted.
https://twitter.com/#!/nalaxu/status/194504069916786688
You're a lair!!! There is no way on this earth you are 39!!! I totally thought you were 8-10 years younger – for realsy. I'm blown away, and now insanely jealous. My frown lines are working overtime right now 😀 Ok, not sure if I can say that with a smiley face icon behind it, but trust me I'm frowning.
Whatever you're doing, you look amazing! I think you have some great genes from your beautiful mom. I totally agree that things start to go downhill in the second half of our thirties (I'm 37).
40 is easy and you look great, so nothing to worry about! I just turned 47, but in my head, I am still 30. I am going to fight aging all the way and try to take care of my skin. I am always open to new products, so I will have to check this out!
First off…holy sh*t, I thought you were like 33 or 34, so already count me impressed! (c: And I'm totally terrified of aging…I can already see the lines, wrinkles, and age spots rearing their lovely heads! I definitely think that aging gracefully is accepting the fact that you're getting older and don't try to act/dress/be younger than you are! In the illustrious words of Stacy London "If you're going to try and compete to look like an 18 year-old, the actual 18 year old is ALWAYS going to win!" (c:
Wow, I had no idea you were almost 40! No way! Well, you look fabulous darling. I am 33, and starting to see wrinkles around my eys when I smile. Grrrr.
So weird this was your post today! I was just looking at aging creams at the store yesterday (holy poo… expensive!) I also read the other day that people in their 20's should use some of these specialized creams to "prevent" but if I won, I would definitly give it to my mom because she uses all kinds of these things and would LOVE to try it.
As always- love you and you are beautiful! 🙂
Thank goodness I inherited good genes, but in addition I try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
I've been a longtime reader nd my mouth is hanging wide open…… No way you are 39. I thought you were maybe 32 at your oldest!! Girl you are looking good!!!!
You look FAB – and I love the quote you posted. My mom always said "embrace your age – it's better than the alternative!"
Who doesn't need some great eye cream!?
Would love some new skin care products to try!
You sure are blessed with your moms genes, she looks amazing. You are beautiful and I'm so glad to see other bloggers my age 🙂 Love your blog
I agree with all of the above! I would never have thought you were a day over 30, seriously. You look great!
I would have never guessed you were 39! You look gorgeous & your skin is beautiful! I know we're always our harshest critics but I hope to be looking as good as you at 39!
Your mom passed on some fabulous genes. My mom lived to be 93 so I may be getting some of her longevity genes, but unfortunately she also passed on her genes for saggy facial skin. For most of my life, I looked at least 10 years younger than my age. AFter menopause it all caught up with me. The best remedy I have for my sagging face is to smile more.
Cassie, I don't normally comment, but just have to say, YES, you got beautiful genes! I grew up in Denton with your mom, dad, grandparents, step parents,step grandparents, and all the families in between! I have enjoyed your blog for at least a year now, and am so impressed with your talent! Not a bit surprised, but you have a beautiful family of your own to pass those great genes on to. So proud of you!
I had no idea you are 39!! You look fantastic! (Not that a person age 39 couldn't look fantastic…) I just mean, I thought you were in your early 30s. I so agree with you about the confidence as a woman gained in your 30s. and I absolutely love that quote about growing older is a privilege.
Although I'm much older than you, I too received some wonderful genes from my Mom's side of the genetic make up. Almost no wrinkles at 67 (and no plastic surgery!) so my skin could use all the care it can get. You are a beautiful young woman and I love your blog, although rarely comment! The products are intriguing!
This line looks amazing. I would love to try it.
Aging gracefully is being comfortable where you are in life. Sometimes it's hard when you look in the mirror and your face doesn't match how you feel. Would love to win and try the product!
P.S. Love your kitchen!
Age is relative! I'm 53 and think you look beautiful and young! Though I try to take care of myself, standing in front of a mirror next to my 24 and 26 year old daughters can be a challenge.
You look just as beautiful at 39 as you did at 30!
Aging gracefully means embracing the skin "flaws" that come along with getting another year older. I keep reminding myself that is really is ok for sun spots to be age spots and laugh lines to be wrinkles. We all age (eventually).
I've spent a small fortune over the years in the quest for products that keep my skin looking and feeling good. Quality skincare is one thing I have always splurged on. And I have always stressed to my 28 yo daughter the importance of taking care of her skin NOW.
Currently, I use pure Argan oil and I really do like it. But I appreciate the opportunity to try Darphin. Thank you!
You're beautiful! I'm about your age & people think I'm 26-28. I don't smoke, tan or drink.
I tweeted
"Enter to win hi Sugarplum's giveaway! ow.ly/1LakgA"
You look amazing! Thank you for sharing and love all the guest posts while you've been away! Can't wait for the trip report
I'm almost 43, but dreaded turning the big 4-0. Once it finally happened and was over, it didn't bother me so much. The wrinkles that bother me most are the frown marks between my brows. If I had the extra $ I would try botox. You look amazing and I never would have guessed you were about to be 40. There is a wonderful site called beautypedia.com that reviews every skincare/cosmetic brand out there, from the cheaper drugstore brands to the expensive brands like Darphin. I highly recommend you check it out! Heidi
I'm almost 32 and am starting to see some signs. It really did sneak up on me! Thanks for this post!
gretchen.a.kim(at)gmail(dot)com
I actually think you look more beautiful now than in your early 30's so in my opinion you are only getting better with age! 🙂
Agree with the above. You look very young!
great giveaway!
You are beautiful Cassie! I'll be 59 this year and I need that cream desparately!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
i think aging gracefully means feeling confident in your skin no matter how it changes
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
I've always assumed you were significantly younger than I am Cassie! You look amazing, but more importantly, always happy.
Aging gracefully is doing what you can to keep you feeling beautiful.
https://twitter.com/#!/tweetyscute/status/196279149411840001
To quote someone famous, "You look mah-ve-lous!"
Aging gracefully to me is like that old saying about the serenity to accept the things you can't change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I can only do so much with cosmetics…and the rest I have to accept. But hey, those aren't wrinkles–they're character lines! 🙂
homeslice, you are one hot girl. i can only cross my fingers that my 30's are as gracious to me as they have been to you! xo
I couldn’t agree with you more, growing older is a privilege, as long as I’m growing wiser as well. 😉 I don’t mind about changing face in the mirror, that’s just who I am. Aging gracefully means accepting who I am as I get older. Of course, I love products that help me look as young as possible along the way.
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/196511173829607424
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
I find that the older I get, the more I wish that I had appreciated myself when I was younger. I am already sensitive to young high school boys who bag my groceries calling me "ma'am"! Thanks for the giveaway!
"Aging gracefully" means wiser, happier and enjoy every minute of daily life to me.
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/196819672014913538
https://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/197103081194917888
[email protected]
Aging gracefully means living life as fully as possible with the recognition that changes come with age.
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/wizardewu/status/197141562017316864
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
Just had to say, WOW. you are not 39??? You've got some amazing genes, there lady! Work it.
love that darphin is natural too. lucky lady that you got to try them too
[email protected]
COOOOOOOLEST POST EVER! I SWEAR! MOST INTERESTING! GREAT PICS! LOVED IT, THE QUOTE REALLY TOPPED IT OFF AT THE END!!!
I WAS JUST BROWSING MY FB PHOTOS (AS I WAS RE-POSTING THAT QUOTE TO MY FB) & I NOTICED I'M STARTING TO GET THE WRINKLES IN-BETWEEN MY BROWS & NOSE WHERE I SQUINT MY FACE TOGETHER ALL THE TIME (BC OF THE SUN, STRESS, LALALA…) & I CAN'T COMPLAIN, ESPECIALLY AFTER READING GETTING OLDER IS A PRIVILEGE DENIED TO SO MANY!
I MUST SAY THOUGH, I WOULD CALL YOUR AGING GRACEFUL. I HOPE I LOOK AS GOOD AS YOU, (AND STAY THAT SKINNY) WHEN I REACH THE BIG 39. THANKS FOR THIS AWESOME, COLORFUL, THOUGHT-PROVOKING POST (& GIVEAWAY, OF COURSE =)!
[email protected]
2ND ENTRY TWEET (GIRL… YOU KNOW I HAVE TO, LOL) https://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/198722406364360704
I embrace every new year….I was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago and I celebrate every year being alive past that dreadful day.
It means no plastic surgery and taking care of yourself mentally and physically
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/199364837887848448
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Wow! You look great!
This stuff can be pricey and I never really believed a good product could make such a big difference until I started using high end shampoo & conditioner and noticed the HUGE difference.
It's good to find something that actually works.
Wow! You look great!
This stuff can be pricey and I never really believed a good product could make such a big difference until I started using high end shampoo & conditioner and noticed the HUGE difference.
It's good to find something that actually works.
Your beautiful no matter what your age!
You look great!
Aging gracefully means happy life for me
[email protected]
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/199928190150520833
[email protected]
I think as long as I accomplish the goals I set for an age I'm ok with aging. Hope one day I'll have a beautiful family like yours. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/201249261717946369
songyueyu at gmail
It means accepting the wrinkles and other wonderful things that come with aging.
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/202218036097318912
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I would love to try the De-puffing Eye Serum to help with my aging eyes!
I will turn 36 next month. I only wished I looked as good as you.
Unfortunately, I DO NOT have good genes to rely on. I am fighting time AND genetics.
I try and convince myself that I am "OK" with it and then I see a picture of myself and it comes crashing back to me that I am SO. NOT. OK. WITH. IT.
I despise the loose skin on my face almost as much as the wrinkles. The loose skin on my thighs comes in at a close second.
Why when I finally have made a truce with who I am as a person…on the inside, does the outside rebel? I guess we can't have everything at once, huh?
it means accepting your face as you mature.
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
To age gracefully, smile a lot!!! The main thing I do is moisturize and stay out of the sun. I'm starting to see some signs of aging anyway though at age 47 so I'd love to try this!!! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Great giveaway – aging gracefully means making the best of what you have each day!
I'll be looking for a poster of the saying you have in this post about growing older.
You look great! I just turned the big 4-0! Yikes… scary but good. Would not take my 20's back for anything… I could use some good product though 🙂
One of the best things we can do for our skin is drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen daily and moisturize. My Mother taught me early to remove make-up nightly. I do love trying new moisture creams and am trying products to help fade dark spots. I'm 64 and am told I look much younger.
aging gracefully is taking preventive measures to combat the signs of aging.
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
i tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/205151737001152513
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
These products sound awesome! I'd love to give them a try!
aging gracefully mean loving your at any age.
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/205505229683298304
For me, aging gracefully means allowing the gray hair to show, letting my experience show in my wrinkles, and avoiding plastic surgery!! I don't disagree with a little help so the gray is pretty, not dull and dry and the wrinkles are showing in a soft skin. I don't want to look like I'm 90 when I'm only 70.
I'd like to try the age-defying dermabrasion because next month I turn 51.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
Im a bit late to the party, (I realize the give away is closed), but I wanted to let you in on my little seceret Iin anti-aging skincare I recently discovered. The products are from the dermatologists who created Proactiv! I figured if they made such a great product for acne, surely their anti aging stuff must do wonders as well…and it's amazing!! It's still expensive, but not quite the pricetag Darphin has. Anyways, you're always sharing tons of helpful stuff with us, just wanted to share something with you. Thanks Cassie!