Just sitting here thinking of how I can introduce myself, rather than the usual ‘I am’ …
I guess to start with, my names Alifia. I turned the big three-0 last year and have two boisterous little men. I can tell you that my plan is to tell you more about how I got into skincare, but I can’t promise you won’t get more in this post.
It took a lot for me to just scrape a pass on my GCSE’s. I realised after starting my A-Levels that academia wasn’t my calling and that I was better suited to practical learning. Also, I mean, how are we supposed to know at 16 what we want to study and how we want to do it?
I found myself stuck and continued with my A-Levels as I didn’t really know what was out there and to be honest, I was lazy back then, I didn’t want to put any effort into finding something I was passionate about.
However, I got caught up in a major life event and it changed my whole outlook. I am where I am now because of it but I do wish it didn’t take something so loud to make me get up of my arse (sorry for the language!)
I have always looked after my skin, I used to work on top of my studies not to go out and socialise but for over-the-counter skincare and makeup. I ended up putting a lock on my door because my 11 year old sister used to help herself to my Yves Saint Laurent, my Mac, my Decléor.. I could go on. Basically, I had nice things, I’m not saying I worked hard for them, but I worked, and I wasn’t up for sharing. We still argue now but it’s more that I ‘borrow’ her things. How the tables have turned.
Before my accident, I never left the house without doing a skincare routine and a full face of makeup. I was so close to writing that ‘that is why I would wake up early, not to work out but to do my face’. That’s a bit of a fib, I’d just be late to my life because I was getting ready, girl needs her beauty sleep. I know this more than ever now having my boys and not knowing what sleep is for the past 4 years.
This life event and accident that I’ve mentioned, I do want to get into it but it’s a different story for another time. After a hard 3 months of rehabilitation, I decided to go back to my part-time job as a cashier and completed my qualifications from home.
Mum and Dad were worried about me having to deal with stares but like I said I had to move on and deal with what was going to be part of my daily life. After some family lectures – we know what these are like coming from an Asian household – I went on to study beauty therapy. This was the hands-on learning I was ready for. I did find this challenging, I looked very different to everyone else on the course, but I wanted to explore more about my skin and I went on to study Media Makeup at Uni.
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It’s not a fairy tale but I met my partner at 19. He saw my personality rather than what he saw at face value. He has supported me to follow my ambition of working in the beauty industry, I pride myself on focussing on what makes my clients feel confident about themselves.
Our boys only have 12 months between them, they will be 4 and 5 in August and for 3 days a year they will be the same age. At least I get away with only having to have one birthday party a year… I spent the first few years of parenthood in my nightgown completely winging it. By the time we got through the nappy stage, the pandemic took over.
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All of this does give me butterflies, I’m excited to share crazy stories of motherhood and how it changes us but with tips and tricks of self-care. I started out with skincare young, and I have learnt so much about the industry and its products over the years working in salons and moving into bridal makeup. Oh yeah, I’m also a hair stylist by day. Coming from a busy household, I’ve had to make sure people are fed and since the lockdown I’ve gone a bit mad with my passion for food and baking. You’re going to love some of these recipes.
Business has been non-existent during the pandemic but I’m finally making headway into setting up on my own, the focus being advice and guidance on skincare, hair and makeup. I don’t want to work for a particular brand as I think they all have something unique to offer depending on skin type. My skin has changed since my accident and after having the kids, however the pallor of my skin tone shows what mood I’m in. I am not the greatest at eating healthy foods since I’ve had the kids (or ever), but we can all preach better than we practice, right?
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The kids have never commented on why my skin looks any different to others, I suppose I’m just mum. I’m confident going out now without any makeup but if I don’t look after my skin, it really does show, and that’s why I want to tell you about why skincare is important and show you the fun that you can have with it.
Money’s been tight after having a family and so I’ve got budget skincare down to a T.
I want to end on the note that there wasn’t anywhere for me to turn to when I needed advice and guidance, there are a lot of skincare bloggers out there, but this is different, I am different. I’m going to use this space to offer a platform for those who just need a bit of real life.
Take care and look out for my next post!
