Skin

Turning 40, Glowing Inside and Out: A Self-Care Love Letter from LA

Our beauty muse and wellness queen, Nur Ozdamar, shares how she spent her milestone 40th birthday in LA, indulging in self-care rituals and embracing a new chapter with radiance and joy. From skincare splurges at Erewhon to a transformative facial at Joanna Vargas, she reminds us that the ultimate act of self-love is taking care of yourself inside and out.

October 25, 2024

My recent trip to LA was a complete self-care immersion, and I turned 40 somewhere along the way. As with many things in life, Beyoncé described 40 best: “Whoever tried to condition women to feel that we are supposed to feel old or unhappy when we turn 40 got it ALL THE WAY F’d UP.” This has been the best I’ve ever felt. I’m absolutely thrilled to be 40. Having incredible family and friends plays a huge part in that, and I’m endlessly grateful for it.

The most charming cake to celebrate Nur’s 40th—and just look at her glow!

Now for my self-care recap: I spent most of my time (and money) at Erewhon and Credo Clean Beauty, where I stocked up on potent potions and high-vibe skincare. The Erewhon x Lori Harvey matcha smoothie had me hooked, packed with a long list of superfoods and supporting an organization empowering Black women.

The Erewhon x Lori Harvey matcha smoothie was a tasty treat.

My supplement haul included cult favorites like Eidon Silica, which helps your body produce its own collagen and supports gastrointestinal health, cartilage, and joint function, and Biosil Collagen Generator Drops, which activate your body’s ability to generate and protect its own collagen. I often get asked if these supplements work, and I always say they work as long as I believe they do.

Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peeling, $125

I’ve also noticed I’m spending more on skincare and wellness than makeup these days, and I’m totally fine with that. New purchases included the Anablue Scalp Cleanser (no scalp scrub compares), Shani Darden’s Triple Acid Signature Peel for at-home, professional-grade results, True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (a multi-award-winning cult favorite), and Wildling’s incredibly decadent Starnectar Jelly Cleanser, which my partner asked if he could eat.

Joanna Vargas: a haven for holistic skincare with real results. Naturally, Nur received one of the finest treatments during her time in LA.

But the pièce de résistance of my trip was the Triple Crown Royale facial at Joanna Vargas. This spa is a haven for holistic skincare with real results. The facial combined microdermabrasion, microcurrent, and oxygen therapy to sculpt, lift, and illuminate. The microcurrent, in particular, was like a workout for my facial muscles, leaving me with that snatched, sculpted look. I definitely forgot to take before-and-after pics, but the results were undeniable—my skin was practically glowing. I was obsessed with how the microcurrent sculpted my features (those gloves are now on my wishlist). And the lymphatic drainage? Pure bliss.