As an image consultant and satisfied customer of Decleor, Datin Sharifah Shawati shares with us how she doesn't let age catch up with her through exercise and by believing in herself.
The number one enemy of women everywhere is without a doubt the hands of time. The mere idea of aging and looking less than our primes can knock more than just a dent in our confidence and lower our love and appreciation for ourselves, kickstarting a slippery slope of negative effects in our lives. This is perhaps the reason why custom skincare serums that promise to fight all signs of aging are so popular these days.
We speak to Datin Sharifah Shawati, founder and CEO of Adamaya Image Consultancy, on how we can all regain control on the reins of time and feel and look our best regardless of age. Bonus -- she also shares with us which anti-ageing products she personally uses to keep her skin in tip top condition.
Datin Sharifah Shawati
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is a total package to me. It doesn’t just encompass good looks. You gotta have the beauty of the mind, the beauty of the body and the beauty of the soul as well as the spirit.
How will you encourage someone to age gracefully?
You need to be mentally prepared to age gracefully then you will because you’ll accept the signs of aging and embrace it. You’ll make it work for you and make it beautiful. You will feel beautiful despite what society says and it will show.
Why do you think women spend so much to keep the years at bay?
How you present yourself is selling what you have. Your mind, your knowledge and whatever you can offer people, people aren’t going to be able to see that. You have to present the outer appearance well so they will be convinced of what’s inside.
What are some tried and tested anti-ageing products you believe in?
I love Decleor’s cleansing oil. It removes the heaviest, thickest makeup without drying out my skin. I also love the Radiance Cleansing Mousse. It is thick and luxurious and leaves your skin feeling fresh and silky smooth. I also love the Aromessence Iris Rejuvenating Serum and Night Balm. I put it on before I go to bed and it reverses the effects of time while I sleep. They all smell divine and relax you so you get a good night's sleep.
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Cleansing Mousse, Decleor Cleansing Oil, Decleor Aromessence Iris Rejuvenating Serum, Decleor Aromessence Iris Night Balm
Cosmetics beauty products aside, how else do you think women can stay young for as long as they can?
Exercise, and take care of your spirituality. Don’t succumb to stress, that ages you faster than anything. I do yoga and pilates. I go on the treadmill for 45 minutes for 3 days a week.
What about diet?
I don’t take carb after 7.30pm. I have a big high-protein breakfast. Then I have a medium lunch, mostly lean meat, nothing fried. For dinner I have a small salad or soup, but it must be before 7.30pm. After that, your metabolism slows down and that’s when you get all the unwanted bulges.
Do you try and stay away from the sun?
I love looking tanned so to deal with sun damage, I use a lot of sunblock. I love the Decleor Aroma UV Shield.
What do you think encompass a beautiful woman, regardless of her age?
A beautiful woman is a confident woman who believes in herself. She is also able to inspire others through her actions. She is beautiful on all fronts – mind, body and soul.
As an image consultant, how would you advise women to look her best?
Whenever you believe you’re beautiful, it will come naturally to you. If you believe something of yourself, then people around you will believe the same.
Do you believe confidence is the key to looking good?
Most definitely. When you have the comfort and acceptance of yourself, you will have the confidence to present yourself to the world. You won’t just feel it, you’ll share it with the rest of the world. It all boils down to believing in yourself.
Who are your beauty icons? Who do you think embodies ultimate beauty?
I love Rachel Zoe, the American designer and fashion stylist. She not only dresses well, but is always calm in the midst of adversities and always carries herself well. No matter what is thrown her away, she takes it in her stride and calmly approaches the problem until she finds a solution.
(Photos: Decleor)
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