A woman has imparted the pearls of wisdom that she wishes she knew when she was in her mid-20s, which she’s actually worked out as she nears 40 – but she shared them so others are aware
A woman has shared the “21 life hacks” that she wishes she knew when she was 25, rather than 37, in the hopes that it may inspire others in their 20s to take her advice. Carly, who posts on TikTok as @carlyindubai, shared her tips, which came in the form of skincare products she wishes she’d started sooner, to types of people to be wary of when you’re moving through life.
She also shared that there are some things you shouldn’t be doing with your make-up “after you’re 30” and why scheduling things like “emails and Instagram posts” can “save a lot of time”. Carly did her makeup as she imparted the pearls of wisdom.
1. Use tretinoin
According to Healthline, Tretinoin is a medication used to treat acne and sun-damaged skin. It can’t erase deep wrinkles, but it can help improve the appearance of surface wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.
It may sound counterintuitive, but tretinoin works by irritating the skin and speeding up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes them divide faster and die faster, so newer, healthier cells can take their place.
Carly said that you should “start slow,” and “buffer with moisturiser” as your “future self will thank you”.
2. Use a lash serum
Rather than opting for lash extensions, Carly recommended that you grow your own lashes with serum.
Lash serums can help with length, thickness, and strength, but it’s not a quick fix and requires consistent use over time, so if results don’t occur straightaway, don’t be disheartened.
3. How to say no
Carly shared that if you’re someone who struggles to say no to people, saying something like ‘that’s not going to work for me’ is the nicest way to say it.
“It’s the ultimate polite no,” she shared, saying that you should “try it” because it “feels amazing”.
4. Throw things away that you don’t need
Carly’s example was “throw away your Apple boxes,” saying that she promises you won’t need them.
This isn’t the only way you can use this advice. It’s equally as important to throw away, or donate, other things you will never use again to keep your space as uncluttered as possible.
5. Use Arnica
Carly said that if you have a bruise, you should use Arnica gel. She added: “Everything from yourself to toddler tumbles – it really works.”
6. Hotels over Airbnb
She said the reason she prefers hotels is because “you get a nice robe and slippers – and someone else makes your bed at night”.
7. Deodorant at night
To this one, she said: “Just trust me”.
If you are someone who sweats excessively during the nighttime, it may be a good time to put deodorant on after you’ve showered or bathed before hitting the hay.
8. Say sorry when you’re in the wrong
“Just trust me, say sorry when you’re in the wrong. It makes things so much easier,” Carly said.
It’s important because it shows that you recognise your mistake and care about how your actions have affected someone else. It demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and empathy, allowing both you and the other person to move forward.
9. Ignore braggers
Carly shared that in her experience, she’s found “people that brag the most are usually the most insecure”.
She said that they’re “usually masking the thing that they’re most insecure about”.
10. Set timers
“Set timers for absolutely everything,” she shared.
This is so you can keep on top of the tasks that you’re supposed to be doing, and so you don’t have an excuse for forgetting things, because there’s lots to remember.
11. Say things out loud
Carly urged people to say things out loud, such as “I’m locking the door”, and “I’m turning my straighteners off,” or “I’m blowing the candle out”.
It may sound a bit crazy, but you’ll “stop second-guessing yourself” as you’ll remember saying what you said.
12. Give yourself a spending rule
She said that you should “ask yourself in 48 hours whether you still need that big item”. The rule states that if you do, you can purchase it.
However, if you don’t actually need it, then it may be time to reconsider where your finances go.
13. Speak kindly to yourself
Carly said she hears too many people “putting themselves down” every single day, and it’s important that you’re nice to yourself.
After all, you are the only person you’ll be with for the rest of your life!
14. Pre-bedtime ritual if you have children
The content creator joked that if you have one gin before you put your kids in the bath and then to bed, you’ll be “20% calmer and 80% funnier”.
The NHS recommends that both men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. These 14 units should be spread out over 3 or more days, and it’s advisable to have several alcohol-free days each week.
15. Keep your lower lashes mascara-free
Carly said that through trial and error, she’s learned that after you turn 30, leaving mascara off your lower lashes is better.
She said that if you put mascara on your lower lashes, you’re in the “danger zone,” and you may end up looking like a panda as the day goes on.
16. Microneedling
Carly recommended microneedling, saying it’s “magic”. We’d recommend seeing a professional if you want to get this done.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure using thin needles. The procedure can help reduce the appearance of skin concerns such as acne scars, stretch marks or wrinkles, according to Cleveland Clinic.
17. Use dry shampoo
If you “use dry shampoo immediately after a blow dry”, it can be a game-changer. If you’ve got an “oily scalp” it will help to “prevent that grease”.
18. Keep a bag in your car
It’s important to “keep a mum bag in the car of all the essentials,” but this can be applicable even if you’re not a parent.
Carly said that in your bag should be “all the essentials, pyjamas, kids’ toys, sticker books,” because you “never know when you’re going to need it”.
Of course, you can choose what goes into this bag that you may need in case of emergencies.
19. Don’t overbook your weekends
It’s important that you give yourself enough time to relax and unwind during your weekends.
You may want to grab coffee with one friend, but trying to meet up with five different groups during one weekend may be a little ambitious. It’s likely to leave you feeling more burnt out than you did before the weekend started.
20. Schedules
Carly said: “You can pretty much schedule anything, whether it’s emails, Instagram posts. It saves a lot of time.” As a bonus, it should reduce the risk of you forgetting too!
21. Travel hack
“If you’re travelling with kids on a long holiday, get yourself a shoe holder. It makes the packing so much easier,” she gushed, as you can see what is in which section.
