Saving Face

The closer I get to being regarded as a classic, the more I turn to the classics.
My skin and hair currently behave differently from they did in my 20s, 30s, and early 40s, but I'm still blithesome. So, even though skin and body care are continuously improving, I do not feel compelled to follow the current makeup or skincare trends, and instead, opt for products containing plant-based ingredients, especially natural oils.

One particular product that I'll continue to use (in memory of my dad) is Noxzema.
Being well-groomed was an undeniable trait of my dad, and he liked to see clean and clear skin.
I cannot recall ever seeing his cabinet without a container of Noxzema, and when I last saw him, he shared half a tub and gave me this very one pictured above.
"What caused that pimple on your cheek?" asked Daddy.
Handing me his Noxzema, he continued, "Use some of this. Rub it in a fast, circular motion, which helps the skin to regenerate," he said.
All that time, I smiled, thinking, "I'm not that bothered. It will fade with time."
Retroactively, his advice was a blessing, and the distinctive scent of Noxzema brings back fond memories of him.
After washing my face with Noxzema, it feels invigoratingly clean, without drying out my naturally dry skin.

Hydration and simple elegance are the key to looking fleeky, and a solid foundation starts with well-moisturised skin.
I drink a lot of water, and my go-to moisturiser is the Weleda cream, a certified natural skin care product.
I use the Skin Food Light in the daytime, and the original Skin Food at night, for a more intensive cell repair. Both make my face look plump and moist, and don't clog my pores. This product doesn't leave a film-like coating on the face, but instead absorbs deeply into the skin and works inside out.
When I returned to the UK in search of an effective and affordable product, I went to the popular Holland & Barrett health store and was introduced to the Weleda brand by the shop clerk.
I haven't looked back.
A single dab on the fingertips is all I need for my face and neck, so one tube lasts over a year.
I recently replaced these two, and it had been so long that I forgot the exact name.
I'd walked the aisles, failing to spot it. "I'm looking for the face cream called Well-ie-da—a reputable face cream in a green tube, I said to the cashier.
Eyes and ears in the shop perked, like they heard a familiar bell, and the cashier and a few customers repeated, 'Well-ie-da...?'
Perplexed.
The realisation dawned on them.
"Oh, 'Well-é-da', said the clerk.
A "classic" lady in the aisle said, "Here it is; I just picked up a tube."
We both beamed.

The skin of the lips is delicate.
I never ignore my lips.
Healthy-looking lips don't lie.
I am super self-conscious if my lips are dry.
I sometimes use this vaseline in layers, because I find the original and the cocoa butter to be more moisturising.
However, the tinted moisturising gloss is a secret for rosy lips.
The hint of colour enhances the entire face and makes the lips look magnetically plump.

External beauty fades, but a beautiful soul remains.
My self-esteem can neither be bought nor diminished by society's skin-deep beauty standard, because I believe that the core of beauty lies in simplicity and intrinsic values.
Also, the war against women's 'shelf life' is difficult to win, conclusively; therefore, having a beauty regimen that requires you to break the bank is pointless.
So, I proudly recommend all the above economical products that I use daily for a natural and healthy glow.
What are your views on minimalist skincare routines, and what's your regimen for maintaining healthy skin?
As always, all the images included were taken by me, (on the 20th July, 2025).
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Great.:)
You've got this @millycf1976! Keep putting in the effort and you'll reach your target in no time.
👍
Look at that face! So glowing, and spreading the beautiful and happiness smile. ❤️ more chemical product will bring bad effect for whole body. So keep it minimalist 🌸
Thank you, Anggrek ❤️
With age comes wisdom, and a minimalist beauty routine is indeed powerful.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a lovely week ahead:)))
In fact, I dont like to use make up anymore. Feels like my face bringing hard weight ehehe
Basic skincare is a must like sunscreen and moisturize 😊
🌸🌸🌸
I'm the same. My face looks heavy and lifeless with makeup.
I think we get wiser as we grow older and realise that we fell into bad habits when we were younger, based on societal norms.
I agree, and need to get myself a good sunscreen.
Thanks for that reminder 😍🌼
Permit me to use the word "beautiful" after all these decades and clearly treating not just the body but mind with care and love does a lot of magic. It must feel great using a product that still connects you to your root.
You look much younger than your age and it's something to be happy about. Using natural products never crossed my mind and as a man with black skin, I use just vaseline and deodorant.
Glad to know today is your birthday as well, cheers to a beautiful age. I wish you continuous happiness, long life in good health and love... 🎂
More than you can imagine.
I don't prioritise external beauty, but yes, I'm happy about it. While writing this, a YouTube video came on with a list of about 10 naturally beautiful celebrities who feel under the precious of Hollywood to change their looks to remain relevant. The procedures ruined their faces, and they've lost credibility in the industry.
It goes to show that having a healthy lifestyle and practising good self-care is the best way to save face in not only a harsh industry, but a harsh society.
😁😊 Very observant! Thank you! 😍
Many of those celebrities use surgeries just to look good and in the end, it backfires. Truly, a healthy lifestyle is the only legit way.
In a harsh, irreversible way.
You're beautiful!! But I'm guessing you hear that all the time <3 Happy birthday, wonderful person. I'm so glad to know you. And thank you for sharing your secrets. I hadn't heard of Noxzema, to my shame, but now I'm curious and looking for options existing in Romania. I see they have it here in the Czech Republic, but a bit wonky transporting it back home. Shall have to see. A good, non-drying, non-irritating, natural cleansing cream is hard to find. :)
Thanks for your lovely comment 😊
It's nice to know that there's Noxzema in Prague.😍
It gives your face a tingling feel that's refreshing, and you could always use a toner after if your skin needs it.:)))
'Stunning' does not even begin to describe it. If black don't crack was a person, it would be you. And it's amazing to see the effort you've put in to maintain this. Sticking to a few trusted products over the years.
It cannot be emphasised enough how that singular act of consistency can make the skin glow continuously. If and when I get to your gloriously gorgeous age, Milly, I would consider it a win looking just like you do. Happy Birthday.🥰❤️
I agree 100%
When I lived in the Philippines, I did project management on a construction site. My skin suffered from the dirt and I developedacne. It tookme a long while to get my skin back, following lengthy regimes. After a while, I realised that I could cut back with products and the steps, but be consistent with proper cleansing.
Thank you for the compliment and the lovely wishes.
Btw, it was nice to see you with your natural hair in your last post. It's great that you embrace it, despite whatever negative things people might say. You are beautiful just the way you are 😍❤️
Seriously, you look younger than your age. Those products have been around for decades and are still serving their purposes. I love when women pay attention to their skin and body, and at the same time, I don't like it when they go to the extreme, which to me is in excess. Beauty lies in the soul, not in physical appearance.
I have not been a fan of having different products for my skin care because I only go for one cream that does the whole function for my skin, and I love how it looks.
There was a time I bought a tube for my lips with the aim of making it pink but I guess it was the fake. Another reason I don't just go for these products because most of them could harm my skin.
Those are amazing products that you still use today.
Minimising the use of potentially harmful products is essential, and a simple and consistent routine works wonders.
I'm pleased to hear that you don't fall for anything extravagant.
Thank you for your kind words 😊
It's my pleasure, ma.
😍
Who says black isn't beautiful and chic. 😅. In all these years, you've stuck with these simple skincare products, which have worked all the time, giving your skin a radiant look. Wow!
Being a minimalist is always a win.!
😊
I've been through stages where my skin suffered from environmental pollution, and had to work hard to restore it. However, other than that, a minimalist routine along with DIY face massages works wonders:)))
Oh, I can imagine how tough it was for you during that period. But it's great you handled it well and your skin was restored.
😊🤗
Well, you have said it all there is no need to break the bank before looking good and I wish most women could understand that and also focus on their self than looking for a magical cream to glow once they use it.
I love all this product of yours ma’am and more so I don’t do much when it comes to looking good because I believe that inner peace is all I need and that has been working out for me for a very long time now.
I haven’t used any other products for years now except for the usual cream I use both for my body and face and still I look the same, that’s probably because I am still young anyway but I don’t plan changing my cream anytime soon anyway since my skin is cool with it.
It's good to hear you say that. If a product works well for you, then stick to it.
Self-worth is everything. In recent times, I've encountered many young African women (mainly from Ghana and Nigeria) who live in the UK.
They're obsessed with applying layers of makeup, lashes, hair extensions and wigs, that are contrasting to their natural hair. They then saying that they feel beautiful after adding the fakeness (which hides their natural beauty).
One of them said to me, "Sorry, I don't want to seem rude, but how old are you? When I told her, she was shocked. She said she was puzzled because she was looking at a girl with an old lady vibe 🤣
Ageless beauty😍, I also opt for minimal and natural skin care products because I can't always deal with trying too many options. Thankfully, my skin is maintained this way. Just like you, the lotion I use was introduced to me by my mum. I'm married now with kids, and I'm sure I'll pass it on.
You share the same birthday with my sister @jessicaossom, Happy birthday ma. Wishing you many happy years in good health. Shine on!
Being introduced to the Weleda brand felt like a privilege for me.
When I lived here in the UK before, I always bought expensive products (sold as natural products) that sometimes caused me to break out.
I don't think I'd have noticed this one if it wasn't pointed out to me.
So, I can appreciate you wanting to pass down that special cream of yours to your daughter.😍
Thank you for the birthday wishes, and Happy Birthday to your sister. I know a few other people who celebrate their birthday today, too, and a few friends of mine did so yesterday:)))
How wonderful to read you ✨ I loved how you connected each product to such precious personal experiences and memories, like those of your father. It's a beautiful and meaningful approach. I also really appreciate your vision of beauty: authentic, understated and deeply human. By the way, I LOVE YOUR HAIR.💕
You have a lovely way with words 😍
It's strange the memories that linger, that make us smile
Thank you!😊 I've been wearing my hair in those microlocs for a year now, and it's the best thing I've ever done. Now I can wash and go, and it reduces stress (it's naturally delicate and unruly, otherwise).
Greetings... beautiful smile... thousands of blessings
Thank you very much 😊
This was so funny😅😅
May your dad's soul rest in peace. It's so sweet that you have the memory of the noxema tub to remember him by. And I'm sure you have other memories too.
I love the vaseline lip pomades, although they're packaged differently over here.
Nicely written!
Hey Zita!
Thanks for your lovely reply 😊
The associations and memories we have of people are fascinating.
I thought it was a sweet gesture from my dad, since his Noxzema was so precious to him.
Maybe you have these lip pomades in tubes? If I recall well,they come in tubes in the Philippines and possibly in Jamaica, too.:)))
They actually come in little plastic tubs. Kind of like little rectangular cups🙂
I didn't even know they packaged them in tubes.
Ah, yes! They sell those here, too.
I'm surprised that I don't have one to take a picture of.
I find these small ones handy. I can easily swipe it directly on my lips when I'm out and about, when I'm unable to wash my hands:)
Oh okay🙂
Yeah, I imagine these round ones are easy for when you're on the go.
Well have a great week ahead Mrs Milly🤗
Thank you, and you have a lovely week, too:))
One thing I’m definitely taking away from this is how much more effective a simple skincare routine can be, compared to a 10-step routine that feels more like a lab experiment than self-care, lol. I also really appreciate how you made a side note that skincare isn’t just topical. What we do internally, like staying hydrated, makes a huge difference too. It’s a reminder that how we treat our bodies shows up in our skin. I love saying this to my sister, "how you treat your skin, is how it treats you."
And honestly, I wish more people understood how helpful basic cleansing can be. A lot of breakouts are just clogged pores from dirt and oil buildup. Cleansing regularly does more than people give it credit. Of course, I know there are skin conditions that need a dermatologist’s help too, but starting with the basics really helps.
Like you, I keep it simple: wash my face morning and night, let the water dry slightly before applying my aloe vera moisturizer, and at night I use a dark spot treatment (I think it’s a 5% azelaic acid cream, but I’m not 100% sure because I always forget the number, haha).
Now, can we please take a moment to spotlight that radiant, glowing, ridiculously contagious smile of yours? You have a dimple! A whole dimple! You look amazing, Milly. And to think you’re in your 40s? Mind. Blown. Truly. I can only hope to have skin that glows and a smile that beams that bright when I get to that stage in life. 🧡
I tried something several years ago to help me restore my face that broke out with acne (from environmental pollution). It worked, but thankfully, I didn't become addicted to that routine and went back to a minimalist approach.
Thank you very much! I plan to enjoy and continue taking care of myself, and I'm looking forward to turning the big 'five oh' next year 😍
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Nothing compares to something that carry the memory of a loved one - feels as if he's just close by. You must be very close to your Dad. Wishing you a lovely day.
💯 More than you can imagine.
Thanks for your lovely comment, and have a nice day too:)))
That's good to know— it isn't that lonely anymore.
😍🤗
I'm using vaseline rosy lips, too :) always Vaseline for lip balm..
!LADY
It's always a nice choice 😍
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Hi @millycf1976, saw your post on @honeydew's blog. A belated happy birthday to a radiantly beautiful you!
Thank you for sharing these products here. I've never heard of Noxzema, but I see it is available in our country,
People spend thousands on their beauty regime, awfully wasteful! Often, these good old standbys do the same job!
I only use L'Oreal day and night cream (for the oldest skin possible), the jars last a couple of months and help fill some "crinkles" on my face, but I don't think all the money in the world can stave off gravity. At least it softens the sagging. No Botox for little old me, please!
A lovely post Milly, and I hope you had a beautiful birthday <3
Hi Lizelle!
That's well said 💯
And that's all you need to not shake your confidence. Self-acceptance is vital, and I don't think I'd ever go the Botox route.
I'm not surprised that Noxzema is there in your country, but I'm surprised that you didn't know about it before.
Finding my way back to these tried & tested brands has been a good revelation.
I don't think you could ever go wrong with L'Oreal.
Thank you for your lovely reply, and yes, I had a quiet and relaxing birthday! 😍
PS. Many thanks for the tip. I only just noticed it 🙏❤️
I was a little later to vote🥰
Have a lovely Friday, @millycf1976 ❤️
😍Have a lovely Friday, too ❤️
I love love loveeeee your skin ma. Oh that glow! Its the simplicity that's the magic. As always, less is definitely more.
Oh, thank you! You have me blushing here 😊
It took me a while to realise that, but you're so right.
Thanks for your lovely comment 😍
Your gorgeously beauty. Make no doubt about that!
Thank you 😍😊