How to level up pt.2 - how I did it
I work in tech. In addition to working hard at my job, I am always learning computer science theory, new programming languages, new libraries, etc. to improve my skill set. I network with other women in tech to motivate myself. Work hard and keep learning.
I exercise Mon-Sat, 40-50 minutes of weightlifting and an hour of treadmill. Yes, I invest almost 2 hours a day, 6 days a week. It pays off.
I eat very very healthy. I only eat not-so-healthy food when a rich man is taking me out to a restaurant. I eat a small amount of brown rice, plenty of tofu for protein, lots and lots of vegetables and mushrooms, and a fruit (or a handful of them if they're like berries) for dessert. I eat the same things every day. Some people would find it dull (in which case you should find creative recipes that are healthy) but I don't mind it at all, as I get to eat gourmet food regularly on dates. It is very inexpensive and convenient as I can buy produce in bulk and prepare them routinely.
Please keep in mind that drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep will do more for your skin than any product ever will, but it is important to use the right products to take care of your skin as well. I also use fragrance-free products, I just don't think fragrance is necessary in skincare and it may have negative effects on your skin depending on your sensitivity.
My skincare routine is as follows, in order:
Cleansing oil - night only, to remove makeup. If you're wearing sunscreen (which you absolutely should) without makeup, it still needs some cleansing oil to remove.
Facial cleanser - I use a mild one as the cleansing oil does the heavy lifting.
Exfoliating gel - once or twice a week remove the dead skin cells off your skin. It helps smooth your skin and help skincare products absorb better.
Toner - to immediately hydrate my skin after cleansing, as well as restoring the ph level.
Face mask - once or twice a week, it's more of a psychological self care thing, though.
Moisturizing lotion - for moisturizing.
Moisture cream - for extra moisture. My skin is pretty dry and I also live in a climate that's very dry 75% of the time.
Eye cream - even when you're young, you should start taking care of your eye area before you get crow's feet.
Sunscreen - morning only. I use mineral sunscreens as chemical sunscreens tend to cause irritation for me.
Massage in the products well and allow time for each product to absorb.
This is pretty minimal for a Korean woman, but sometimes less is more in my opinion.
I keep my makeup pretty simple as well.
(Not that I look like Jennie but this is the closest photo I could find to my makeup style)
I have naturally strong eyebrows and nice cheeks/cheekbones so I make sure they get the attention.
My style is very simple and professional, best described by business casual. I don't own many trendy pieces. I don't wear heels except for special dates or occasions, I just own my shortness. I do what works for me rather than following what I see on Tumblr or Instagram.
Working at a tech startup, dressing very very casually is tolerated and even encouraged, but having a small body and young face, wearing hoodies like my colleagues just has me looking like a kid in school rather than a professional woman.
For dates, I wear very feminine dresses that have the right details.
I always buy clothes at brick-and-mortar stores where I can see and feel the material for myself and try things on. Buying online may be more affordable and convenient, but you don't know for sure how it's going to look just based on photos.
Store-bought clothes will rarely fit perfectly. It's important to buy items that fit right, but sometimes if an item made of high quality fabric is on sale for a really good price but the fit isn't ideal, I will buy them and get them altered.
Remember that good physique is the best fashion statement.
I consider myself a dilettante; I have varied interests. I frequent the library and the theaters in my city to remain cultured. (Though corona kind of killed the performing arts...) I take one-day classes and online lectures. I listen to podcasts when I'm on the train. I'm always learning new things. I don't have one set hobby that I really stick to, but I'll always be able to say "Oh, these days I'm really into..." when someone asks about it.
I use a notebook style planner to keep my schedule and to-do lists in one place. I find that having a paper planner is better for me, using apps on my phone just don't work as well in my experience.
I have a routine that I stick to religiously, but sometimes I have to deviate from my routine; it happens. On such days I plan ahead around it to make sure I get everything done. I plan every moment from waking up to bedtime. I plan planning sessions into my schedule. I plan break and rest times so I don't get burnt out. Being meticulous works for me most of the time, but I've also learned to be flexible as not everything goes as planned.
Like I said in the beginning, I network with other women (and men) in the tech industry every chance I get. And since technology is used in pretty much every industry, I come across people who work in other industries, and I make sure to network with them as well. I meet people from my one-day classes and art performances I attend. If you interest yourself in professional and social gatherings, you will find people who are also interested in that sort of events and care enough to attend. That's how you meet people who are on your level.
If you do socializing right, you will come across men who are eligible. My personal approach with them is numbers game. Engage, politely extract myself when they turn out to not be the kind of man I want, move on to the next.
Do all of the above, so you'll be worthy of a worthy man.
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