Hello everyone!
Today, on May 30, 2025, I turn 40! I’m thrilled to share this milestone with you, my incredible readers. Writing this post for publication at 7:00 AM CEST, I’m filled with gratitude, reflection, and excitement for the journey ahead. Turning 40 feels like stepping into a vibrant new chapter, one where I’m embracing my vegan lifestyle, the natural silver wavy/curly hair I mentioned in a previous post, and the confidence that comes with four decades of experience. I’m also proud to be fluent in five languages—Maltese, English, Italian, Spanish, and French—which fuel my passion for beauty, researching true crime cases, and enjoying music, movies, and TV series in different languages. So, grab a cup of tea (or a vegan smoothie!), and let’s dive into what this milestone means to me, why I’m keeping it low-key, and how I’m stepping into this decade with joy, accompanied by my Maltipoo, Rascal, and his loyalish presence—he’s a bit of a daddy’s boy, preferring my father’s company!
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Forty carries weight, doesn’t it? In my twenties, I imagined 40 as a distant, “serious” milestone. But here I am, feeling vibrant, empowered, and more comfortable in my skin than ever. My journey—graduating from university in 2006, embracing my wavy/curly hair in my twenties, going vegan at 30, letting my silver curls shine last year, mastering five languages, and diving deep into true crime—has shaped who I am. This birthday is a celebration of those choices and the woman I’ve become.
I’m not doing anything special today. I’ve never been one for big birthday celebrations, as my student years often saw my birthday overshadowed by exams: an O-level exam on my 16th, an A-level on my 18th, and university finals on my 21st. Those milestones passed without fanfare, shaping my preference for quiet reflection. Today, I’m marking 40 with simple joys: a comforting vegan breakfast of oat milk hot cocoa and wholegrain biscuits, writing for the blog, and a peaceful walk with Rascal, whose wagging tail and playful energy lift my spirits—even if he’s secretly pining for my father. I might also unwind with some music or a French series later, savouring the richness of different languages. It’s low-key, but it feels just right.
My twenties were a whirlwind of self-discovery—learning to love my wavy/curly hair after years of fighting its texture and experimenting with bold makeup looks (some best forgotten!). Embracing those curls was a step toward self-acceptance that set the stage for my confidence today. Launching Cosette’s Beauty Pantry was another leap of faith, born from my passion for beauty, skincare, and empowering others. Late nights, testing products and dreaming of connecting with you taught me resilience and creativity.
My fluency in multiple languages has been a gift. These languages let me engage with a global beauty community, from reading French skincare blogs to chatting with Spanish readers. They’ve also enriched my love for true crime, allowing me to research cases in different languages—diving into French court documents, Spanish news archives, or Italian podcasts to uncover new perspectives. I’m excited to announce that new true crime videos are coming soon on my YouTube channel, True Crime Tales with Cosette, where I’ll share these stories, blending my love for research and storytelling. Beyond that, my languages open up worlds of music, from Italian pop and French ballads to films and series, like Italian dramas, French thrillers and Spanish horror, which I enjoy for both entertainment and cultural insight.
At 30, in 2015, I went vegan, driven by a commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. The shift felt natural. Veganism reshaped my beauty routine, leading me to cruelty-free treasures like lavender-infused lip balms and aloe vera serums. It’s been about aligning my choices with my values. As I shared before, I stopped dyeing my hair last year, embracing my silver wavy/curly strands. It’s a badge of wisdom, a reminder that beauty evolves, and I’m owning it with pride.
Stepping into my forties, I’m filled with calm excitement. Forty celebrates all I’ve learnt—wavy curls, veganism, silver hair, languages, true crime, and Rascal’s loyalish companionship. On Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, beauty is personal: a cruelty-free mascara, a DIY aloe vera and chamomile mask, or a quiet moment with Rascal nearby. At 40, I’m leaning into these rituals that make me feel radiant.
Reflecting on 40 years, beauty and true crime have been constant threads. From market-sourced ingredients for DIY skincare to brands I’ve reviewed, beauty connects me with you. My languages amplify this, letting me explore global beauty trends, true crime cases, and cultural gems in music and film. This birthday has me thinking about the future: sharing vegan recipes, diving into sustainable beauty, exploring ageing with confidence, or creating more True Crime Tales videos. I’d love to hear your ideas for the blog and channel!
As I share this quiet 40th birthday reflection, I’m grateful for you. Your support makes this journey special, as does Rascal’s loyalish presence. Turning 40 feels like a fresh start, a reminder that ageing is a privilege I’m embracing with silver curls and hope.
So, tell me in the comments: what’s one milestone or change that’s made you feel more confident in your own skin? I can’t wait to hear your stories!
With love,
I'm not too far behind. My birthday was on the 18th, and I turned 35. Honestly, it feels like turning 40 is an impending doom for me though. Not because it's the big 4-0 but because of it being close to the same age my mom passed away (she was just a few years older)! That's definitely something I need to get out of my head because either way getting to that age and possibly passing it will be a privilege.
ReplyDeleteLoved this article! I love my 40s and honestly, people who are younger don't know how nice they are. You finally know yourself and you know what you deserve, you have wisdom, and you know what's important in life. Happy Birthday :)
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