Beauty & Health

How to look and feel younger: my secrets revealed!

People often ask me how I manage to look 10 or even 20 years younger. Recently a friend even said, “You look like the younger sister of Esther Jacobs!”

Well, first of all, I have to thank my parents for the good genes. And I think the fact that I have no kids may be a factor as well: I’ve seen my friends age from lack of sleep and stress from having children. Below are my daily habits and my favorite beauty products.

My philosophy and daily habits

Here are a few things I do that I believe anyone can adopt to look relaxed and feel their best:

  • Get plenty of sleep: I almost never wake up to an alarm clock, so I always make sure I get enough rest.
  • No alcohol or coffee: I don’t drink alcohol and only very occasionally have a decaf coffee.
  • Stay active: I move a lot and make sure to stay active. I aim for 10.000 steps a day and do three hours of workout per week with my online personal trainer.
  • Hydrate: I drink plenty of water, green tea and herbal tea (never soft drinks) although I’d like to hydrate even more.
  • Healthy eating: I eat reasonably healthy: lots of fresh veggies and plenty of protein (I aim for at least 100 grams per day). My only downfall is my love for sweets, especially cookies and local treats
  • Control over life: Having control over your life, yet knowing when to surrender to the current reality and feeling free is crucial.
  • Laugh often: Smiling genuinely hides any wrinkles or small imperfections. It’s the best way to look good, and everyone can start doing it today.

My favorite beauty products

Many people ask me about my favorite beauty products. These are the items I use every day while traveling and working around the world.

Nail polish

You have probably noticed my love for fuchsia. My toenails are always painted in this color and it makes me happy every time I look at them. Because the exact shade is hard to find abroad, I always carry my own polish. The one I use is HEMA kleur candy twinkle. The name alone already makes me smile.

Lipstick

To stay in the same color mood, with a little gloss and soft hydrated lips, I use Sisley Phyto Lip Twist nr. 5 Berry.

Mascara

Mascara and lipstick are the only make up products I use. My favorite mascara is L’Oréal Volume Million Lashes Extra Black.

Eyelash and eyebrow tint

My eyelashes and eyebrows are naturally blonde, so without mascara my face looks quite expressionless. When I participated in Survivor in 2005, I had them tinted for the first time. Waking up with a bit of expression in my face was such a relief that I have kept doing it ever since. I used to go to a salon every few weeks, but now I do it myself because it is so easy.

I use Berrywell Augenblick 3 Natural Brown and the Berrywell Cream Developer 10 Volume 3 percent. I mix one centimeter of paint with four drops of hydrogen peroxide, blend it well and apply it carefully with a small brush. I remove it after one minute to see how my hair and skin react and repeat until the color is right. For me it lasts about six weeks.

Perfumes

I love Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, even though it was originally created for men. The scent is fresh, clean and strong in a good way.

When I am in sunny places I prefer Jil Sander Sun, because it does not irritate the skin when combined with sunshine.

Deodorant

A deodorant without aluminium is important to me. The one I use is the organic Mádara herbal deodorant. It is gentle and lasts surprisingly long.

Thank you for all the compliments and for following my journey!
Remember, laughter is the best beauty secret.