DETAILS: RED JUMPSUIT || NUDE HEELED SANDALS || CLUTCH (SIMILAR HERE) || SUNGLASSES

Hindsight is 20/20. We’ve all made mistakes but we live and learn – and hopefully share! As I’m gearing up to hit the big 3-0, I wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned over the last few years.

It doesn’t matter what you major in. Hard work and ambition can get you the world. Without that work ethic, a degree in any field is just something on your resume. Hard work and dedication to your passions is really what gets you places.

Take care of your skin! A tan lasts for moments but your skin is with you forever. Use SPF especially on your face and opt for healthier options like sunless tanning (I love this sunless face lotion I have been using for years). Also start your skin care regimen in your early 20’s before you have wrinkles. I wish I would have started earlier. This is a great day serum for wrinkles.

Hair ages too. Between being on a budget with your hair styling tools and experimenting with hair colors, your hair will go through the ringer in your 20’s. Start taking care of your hair now. One of the easiest and more important ways is with a heat protectant. I love the Nexxus New York Salon Care Heat Protecting Mist enriched with flax seed oil and antioxidants to protect your hair from heat damage like dryness and breakage. The Nexxus New York Salon Care Encapsulate Serum is another one of my favorite products for repairing my hair with pure elastin protein and other nutrients. I use this daily to restore my hair fiber back to its pre-damaged state.

Less is more. Whether it’s makeup, perfume, or accessories, less is always more. Obviously we have the days it’s fun to get glammed up but overall simplify. I remember I used to pile on bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc., but I feel like the older I get one statement piece or a couple delicate pieces do the trick.

Family is everything. When you are young you think you would rather hang out with friends, but as you grow up you realize family are the people who usually always stay by your side. Start young and don’t miss out on those opportunities. Spend time with your grandparents! One of my favorite memories with my grandma was a few years ago I went to visit her and she went through all her old photo albums and told me about her childhood and growing up. Learned so much! Even just taking the time to call them makes their day!

Floss. Your dentist knows what’s up.

Set goals! Ambition without goals doesn’t get you anywhere so set both short and long term goals for yourself. And don’t forget to include a timeline to hold yourself accountable.

Try new things.  Wether its a trend you are nervous to try and think you can’t pull off or an adventure you think is extreme don’t let your second guessing hold you back, be adventurous and try new things.

Choose your friends wisely. One of my favorite quotes is “You will only be as good as the people you surround yourself with.” Surround yourself with good people who reciprocate your friendship. Nobody likes a one-sided friendship.

Keep a journal. It took me until I had kids to realize how important writing in a journal is. There are so many details that will fade over time so just take a moment now to jot them down and you will get to keep them forever. Even if it’s just once a month, start writing down your favorite moments.

Start saving! You’ll never remember half of your purchases or those meals you splurge on, so start saving now to be able to one day afford those pieces that you will remember. I gave up a lot of my budget buys to invest in quality pieces and it has transformed by wardrobe. I will still never forget the feeling of buying my first designer purse or Louboutins!

Be good to others. Whether you can give through time or money, just give to others. None of us can make it alone, so lift others wherever you stand. Always make it a priority to give back!

XX,
Christine

* Photos by Emmy Lowe. In collaboration with Nexxus New York Salon Care, a product of Unilever.