Up close with Sesame, the beauty blogger
Makeup using Zuii Organic which I will be reviewing soon.
Today, I’ll like to give you more insights about myself as a beauty blogger. I think its fair since some of you come by frequently and may want to know if I’m for real. I don’t know how many of you have read my About page but in any case, that’s quite a brief introduction about myself and doesn’t quite represent the whole picture.
I’m not too young
First off, I’m not your typical young blogger. Nah. Some of you who know me personally or have came from my other space know this already. I’m *ahem* not so comfortable in revealing my age as yet but let’s just say I’m older than many of the beauty bloggers out there although I’m hoping I don’t look quite my age. Heh. This is why a lot of my entries are focused on skin care and anti-aging tips.
I have a day job
I have a rather serious occupation although I don’t work the typical 9 – 5 hours. Lately there has been some changes to my schedules and so I’m a bit pressed for time but still I try to post here everyday because I love beauty blogging!
I am not a beauty expert
I have no expert background in beauty nor skin care. I started caring for my skin only in the late 20s after breaking up with a long time boyfriend. He took up 10 years of my time and I decided that going forward, I want to look great for myself! And now that I’m married to someone younger, I’m even more concerned about looking young. However, my main concern has always been my face and my hair. Until recent years, I’ve neglected the parts from my neck down!
I do not have great skin
I am very fair and have combination type of skin. Dry cheeks and a rather oily t-zone. My biggest beauty concern has always been my pigmentation problem. I was quite active in outdoor sports and adventure travelling when I was younger and never bothered to slather much sunscreen for protection. So now in my “old age”, I’m suffering the consequences and this also explains my obsession with sunscreen.
I do not use a lot of makeup
Although a skin care addict, I don’t care much for makeup except for foundation and lipstick. But recently, with all the influence from my fellow blogger friends, I’ve taken to like coloring my eyes a bit more! Actually, the truth is I don’t wear much makeup because I don’t really know how to. I can’t even apply eyeliner!
I like street wear and indie fashion
While I blog about fashion, I’m hardly a fashionista. Far from it! I like simple street fashion and I have a knack for wearable art stuff. I hate looking overly polished from top to toe and that’s why I’m not really into IT bags. The other reason is because I don’t have deep pockets to begin with.
I love beauty blogging
Beauty blogging has got me learning more about what I use on my skin. I started with most of the counter brands like Payot, Clinique, Clarins, Kose, Mernard, blah blah but junk them when I was “conned” by my beautician to stick to her boutique brand. I spent a lot of money on her products without seeing much results. Of the counter brands, the only product that performed well for me was La Mer Serum but these days I’ll rather spend my money on natural/organic stuff, DIY ingredients and seeking direct treatments from the dermatologist. So if you’re here looking for reviews of the counter brands, well, sorry. I will only do it if the product really excites and interests me.
I’m still a sucker for quick fix
Don’t be mistaken that I’m very beauty savvy. Hardly. I still get sucked in by products which promises miracles for my skin. I love quick fixes too! My only saving grace is shopping is not one of my favorite past-time!
I aim to look young
My beauty goal has always, and will always be to look young. Hopefully, 10 years down the road, I’ll still look like how I look today! So if you know of a beauty elixir, you know who to tell!
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Hey Sesame, its really nice to know so many things about you. Trust me, you don’t look old, I love your complexion and you are very pretty. I LOVE your blog, its my favorite beauty blog:)
Leon: Thanks for your kind words! ? Truely, my complexion looks better here only cos of the makeup. I’m going to review Zuii Organic soon and if you can get a chance, try it. It’s lovely!
Lucky for you because I LOVE SHOPPING! Laughs.
Kitty: I don’t know why I don’t love it that much…but I don’t mind it of course.
your skin look nice in the photo, i’m sure you did good job for that, jealous~~~~~
akiki: When I garner enough guts, I’ll post one without makeup and you see if you’ll still be jealous… ? Actually I did post one before sometime ago but it was just half a face…
Yay! Nice to “meet” you Sesame! ?
ParisB: ?
Nice to get to know you more Sesame ? I’ve always been wondering! Thanks for doing this! ?
Nikki: ?
Thanks for letting us know more about you, Sesame. And no, you definitely do not look old ?
Tine: Thank you for your kind words! ?
We have a lot in common, which is why we can share and communicate. Though I envy you your younger husband, I think I’ll keep mine – this year will be our 30th wedding anniversary! We come to your blog because we’re all interested in feeling and looking better, and we have a dialogue. And we learn from each other. Mahalo, sesame!
Soos: Yes, that’s what I think too…that we learn from one another. Wow, 30th anniversary says something about a great relationship. I envy you! And actually, over where I’m based, the mentality is still quite conservative. Until recent years, I think marrying a younger man is not something that receives many nods. Even now I think most women prefer older men for security reasons.
although i rarely comment but i subscribe and read all your posts ? i find your opinion honest and down to earth. keep on blogging ?
Tracy: Yes, we all becomes lurkers after awhile. I’ve been secretly sharing your joy with Micah but have not been commenting too!
Hi! Thanks for sharing yourself with your readers. I like to read your blog.
You have really maintained your looks very well!
May I ask how much younger is your husband?? ?
pf1123: Thank you! My husband is 5 years younger than me.
Nice to see who you really are! You look really pretty and definitely not old! I love your blog, I come here daily =)
SimpleMe: Oh thank you for your sweet words. Feeling a little shy. But yes, come back often! ?
Oh can’t wait to read the review. I tried Lavera’s light make-up fluid and I am very happy with the result.I am sure Zuii will be equally good.
Leon: I’ve just got the discount code so am going to post it tomorrow.
Yay! It’s nice to finally meet (see?) the beauty behind the blog *hehe* I love reading your blog and of course, I love your fabulous giveaways as well!
Blair: I’m glad you love the giveaways! I really enjoy doing them and am trying to keep them a regular feature if I can find enough sponsors.
This is a very nice post! I enjoyed getting to know the person behind the blog. #k8SjZc9Dxk__#k8SjZc9Dxk
Karen: I’m glad this post is relevant. I think it’s always better to see some real faces… ?
Hi Sesame! Nice to meet you & your real person…now I’m feeling more comfortable to know who I am talking to now~~
GabrielLe: ?
Looking awsome for every day
chirs: Thank you. ?
Hi Sesame,
Nice to see you in person! (still online though hee) I love all your blogs, this one, and ohmysocute is almost my daily reading :)Keep up the good work
madster: Oh, thank you for visiting my blogs! ? I just haven’t been finding enough time to blog at the other spaces everyday but I try to do so here.
A really wonderful and thoughtful post. You look really good!
happyfeet: Thank you for your nice words…and thank you for coming back frequently ?
Hi, nice to meet you! You have such a great skin! I am also getting concern with the condition of my skin lately. I do not like the sun that much, but I love going on adventurous vacation (hiking, etc) where I am pretty much exposed to the sun. Your blog has been a great help and very informative! Thanks.
evynoppie: My skin is not so great…it’s really the makeup. But if you do go out for your vacations, remember to slather sunscreen! I was just thinking that gals these days are so much luckier with the awareness of sun damage and importance of using sunscreens. I never had the benefit of those plus no Internet… ?
I’s very interesting to “see” you as a real person! And I am glad to hear you’re not a young twenty-something; that makes me relate even better to you as I am not all that young myself! I appreciate all the good advice that I find in several of the blogs, but I don’t care for the “know-it-all” attitudes of a few bloggers who shall remain nameless here. Some should realize that we all learn by trial-and-error and that, if they are fortunate enough to live that long, someday they will be older women, too, and might still care enough to want to have a nice appearance. Thank you for all the great products and advice that you share with us daily!
Sherry: I haven’t come across the type of bloggers mentioned. Most of the beauty bloggers in my circle are nice. But you’re certainly right…we learn via trial and error and in fact I’m always worried that my recommendations won’t work for my readers cos afterall, I’m only experimenting it on my own skin.
By the way, you look great!
Sherry B: Thanks for your kind words too! ?
Thats great, any idea why their website is always down?
Leon: Do you mean Zuii Organic? It’s working fine. I just posted the review.
I’m not sure that this is the best place to post this as it is slightly off topic. I was browsing your blog when I came across your entry on citrus oils and sunscreens. This site so full of helpful information and beauty tips that I felt that I had to comment.
It is true that when exposed to UV light citrus essential oils cause photosensitization, leading the skin to become more susceptible to the damaging effects of UV. However most products generally contain less than 1% essential oils – a concentration widely agreed not to have any photosensitizing properties. Obviously I cannot personally vouch that this is true of Keys Solar RX sunscreen, but if you are still concerned perhaps you could contact the company. Anyway, in the unlikely event that essential oils exceed this low concentration, the method used to extract the oil should be taken into account. Expressed or cold pressed oils maintain their photo-activity but steam distilled ones do not.
Unfortunately I’m not familiar enough with sunscreen testing to comment on Mr Kreider’s claim that citrus oils can artificially inflate SPF ratings. However, it is a fact that Keys Solar RX contains a high concentration of micronized zinc, so regardless of whether or not his claim is true, I still think that it would provide effective protection. Finally, citrus oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties so they may very well be a positive thing to have in a sunscreen! And of course they do smell nice…
There are so many other variables to be worrying over when choosing a good quality sunscreen that I hope this sets your mind at ease, and allows you to strike just one more off of your list.
Hi Occasional Reader: I’m so glad you posted this because I have indeed been wondering. I think if the citrus oils are listed at the bottom, then the concentration should be low enough and not cause problems. As long as it’s just one type, I think it’s generally safe. I’ll probably steer clear of those with a number of citrus oils or photosensitive ingredients.
Gosh, you look pretty young to me and let me tell you right here and now. I’m older than you yet I still suffer from acne, this developed in my 30’s, I went through my youth with clear skin.
I have an oily t zone with otherwise dry skin. Most acne treatments are horrid to my skin.
So glad to have found this blog.
Elaine: Now that you’ve mentioned it, I seem to be getting more acne than in my teens! I wonder if it’s due to hormones or cos I didn’t cleanse properly. And it’s funny that I’ve come to this age to realize that it’s important to cleanse my face thoroughly and what clean really means.
heh i’m glad you posted it up! and i think it was a brave step to put up pictures of yourself (=
Elleve: A brave step to post an almost frontal shot. I used to post just half a face or keep the pix real small. ?
Hi……love you no matter what. Learn alot from you.
btw, you have good skin….and i know what you mean by street wear.
Please keep on blogging…..
slp: Thank you for your kind words! Yes, I will keep blogging… ?
Confidence, confidence, confidence. ?
BT: ?
Hi, ? I’ve been following your blog for almost a year. I learn great skin care tips from you! And,your organic DIY recipes which I bookmarked/kept them for reference later..(When I have time to try them) Do keep blogging, ?
Natalie: Oh thanks for coming by frequently! So happy to read that you enjoy those DIY recipes that I post. Your comments are very encouraging and I will keep blogging! ?
love your blog too! and glad to read so many things about yrself ? and u have inspired me to DIY more and start anti-aging recipes as young as possible ?
Prettybeautiful: You’re at an advantage cos you can start looking young now! I saw your pix on Tine’s blog and you look good!
u look great and happy to know more abt u. i really enjoy ur blog. i am also looking for ways to maintain my “youth” as currently i got a younger bf. thus i understand ur comment on others’ conservative mentality. wonder how long it takes to overcome this.
btw where did you order ur Egyptian Magic Cream. Thru harvesthealth.com? Do keep us update on this cream as it sounds like a wonderful product but the price a bit steep.
please keep blogging. cheers. ?
Jo: Hey thanks for your compliments and I’m so glad to know that some of the info here are useful for you! Heheh…it’s kind of pressurizing to keep looking good cos we have a younger partner. But on the other hand, it’s good for ourselves too! ? As for conservative mentality, the pressure maybe more from family? Strangely, my family was very open minded but his took awhile to overcome. As for others, I don’t really care. More important is I don’t look older than him!
I got the Egyptian cream from the spree I mentioned. You can check my other post on it but the spree is closed. The price is a lot cheaper through the spree. I expect to pay no more than S$40 for the pot…
HI sesame, unlike some teeny bopper bloggers you simply stand out as a real woman with true beauty, living in a real world. Thanks for sharing this and I love your blogs-both this and Casserole are my daily reads.
Isabelle: So you’re one of those who visit my other space too… ? I haven’t been blogging much there but will get back soon. Thanks for coming by daily!
ur skin looks great! you were the one who got me started on organic products and i’m loving them ? i know i can trust you and i guess that’s why i’m always buying more and more…hee
can’t wait for ur egyptian cream review.
stay pretty always!
Emi: I’m so happy to hear that I’ve inspired you in some ways! I can’t wait to review the Egyptian cream… You keep beautiful too! ?
Emi, I think you may have left a comment in the giveaway – if you did, please remember to leave a link to the item you like for the entry to be valid cos those without links will be deleted. Thx!
Your blog is a regular read for me, I like it more as we are about the same age & have the same concern & same skin need than a lot younger blogger.
Do you know that Japanese now have a new name for women 35 – 45, it is “around 40”, for woman who are more independent, securer but still young. This is a better age than late 20+.
Theresa: Like they say, 40 is the new 30!
Yay! We can finally put a face to your name (erm I mean blog).
Well, I think it could be your years of experience (read: age) that make us love your blogs. I am not exactly a “young” reader too so I can understand your skin frustrations as well!
Oh well, life is too short to decide whether a much younger or an older partner is suited for us, that would take years off our face! ?
Keep this going! ?
De: Haha…I like that…years of experience! ?
It’s okay that you’re not as young as most beautybloggers out there. I read your blog on a daily basis because you provide good information!
Kat: Thanks for telling me that! I’m glad that the info here has been relevant. ?
Thank for letting us to know about yourself more. You are beautiful.
Kiran: Thanks for your compliments! ?
waaaaaaait a minute. what do you mean you do not have great skin? lies! ?
Sarah: No, not lying I swear! The natural lightings and makeup are lying to you! ?
hi, your website is great. thank you for being so helpful about sunscreens. i am going to subscribe to your site too! ?
gi: Hey, I’m glad you find the info useful. I’m obsessed about sunscreens! But whatever I have here is based on research; I’m not a sunscreen expert though…
They say the best revenge is to look great and be happy. and adventure travelling is so cool. *wanderlust!*
Oprah: Oh yes, I miss adventure travelling. But if I do now, I’ll remember – SUNSCREEN!
Hi, came across your site few days ago. How i wish i know about this blog earlier on, there are so many good tips. I have been reading the past entries. It nice to know so many things about you. It seem we share many similar areas. Like you, im also streesed out by my pigmentations because, again like you, i only realise the importance of sunscreen in my 20s odds, just to name a few. Anyway thanks for sharing!
Nicole: Welcome to my blog! ?
I am 51 years old, and I don’t hide my age at all!
Remember, it’s not about the age…it’s the state of preservation!!
http://www.makeupforprofessionalasianwomen.com/
Jamilla: Hey, I’ve just been reading so many comments on your blog. I’ve not seen it yet but I will be visiting soon.
hi sesame,
i accidentally found your website as i was searching for more information on the tanaka massage, and japanese bone facial exercise. i read some of your articles as i was searching if you had a review of the massages that i was interested in. i’m from the EDS forum, and there is a whole group of us that are trying the tanaka massage but having problems translating/diciphering the bone facial exercise. the massage/exercise is anti aging and face reshaping (?). do you have any experience with these massages/exercise? i think we need some professional help or someone with much more experience. i can send you the link to the relevant threads and video demos but didn’t think it was appropriate to post on here. please let me know when you get a chance. thanks! btw, cool site… i love the reviews!
lina
Hi Lina:
Thanks for coming by! I haven’t have experience with the Tanaka Massage. Perhaps I’ll try to take a look at it next week and see if it’s something I can understand and inteprete.
hi sesame,
yes, please, thank you. on essential day spa, in the forum, under do-it-yourself, there are three threads: the original ‘anyone heard of bone facial exercise’; then the original split into tanaka massage (anti aging) and japanese bone exercise (face moulding/anti aging). the tanaka massage has been generally interpreted, and alot of meembers are achieving results. it is the japanese bone massage that we cannot interpret properly nor get the source shipped to north america. some of the girls living in china/asian obtained copies but it is in japanese. i was wondering, with your spa experience, if you have ever tried these. allegedly, these 2 massages are very popular in korea and japanese. i thought i would take a chance and ask you.
take care.
lina
Hi Lina:
I finally found some time to watch the videos. Look pretty similar to what I’ve read from the Japanese Skincare Revolution as well as the facial I currently am experiencing.
I’m going to post my thoughts on this tomorrow so do come back and check it out. I can’t explain every step because there are 11 steps in all but feel free to ask me questions and I’ll try my best to answer you.
Hi,
I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago when I was looking for more information on MVO’s tinted sunscreen. I have really enjoyed reading your various entries. However, there is a lot of entries with each one building on the next sometimes and for a newbie like me, it can be a lot to go through. As such, I was wondering if you have (or would consider creating) an entry where you tell us all the different products you currently/normally use and would continue to use into the future. I would love to know what you like best and/or use on a daily basis (ie facial cleanser, moisturize, foundation, etc). I believe the best products are those people personally use on themselves. Please please please let me know!!! You’re entries have been incredibily insightful but I have been searching like a mad woman to find what other products you’ve consistenly used. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I did consider but I have my reservations. The reason is because I’m currently using an expensive range of salon products. I realized that when I run a review, many of my readers would actually buy the products. So I’m a little hesistant about writing what I use cos the price of that range is high and I don’t want readers to spend that kind of money without guarantee that it’ll work for them. Plus we all have different skin types. But I would reveal when asked. Typically, I ask readers to go for the facial, and consider carefully perhaps purchasing a sample set before commiting to the full size.
But for other products, I’m pretty open cos the products are more accessible and the price isn’t too out of reach. Currently, I use MV’s Anti-Aging Oil and Sunscreen.