My 85 yr old MIL handed me another subscription to a magazine she ordered but can't relate to. That's it on the left, More.
More is aimed at women over 40. It was a radical concept when it launched in 1988. Magazines and advertisers were predominantly focused on 18-34 year olds.
I was still in my thirties so I didn't read it and never developed an interest. Now, I'm pretty much out of the demo entirely and that doesn't sit well at all.
Last night, while leafing through, I read the "Best Anti-Aging Beauty Ideas at 30,40,50,60". As do most people who've crossed over into a new age group, I'm straddling the decades. I began with the 60 year old make up suggestions and worked my way backwards:
- 60's - use face & eyelid primer, lose the concealer, waterproof mascara, eyelash curler, neutrals
- 50's - use primer, sheer concealer, eyelash curler, waterproof eye makeup, mattes
- 40's - use primer, vivid cheek & lip color, tinted moisturizer, shimmers
- 30's - WTF Anything goes You're in your 30s.
I haven't used an eyelash curler in decades. Perhaps they work better now? I remember if I squeezed too often or long, eyelashes fell out.
I can't get waterproof mascara or eye makeup off. Never could. The magazine experts recommend it if you're using eye cream as eye cream will rub off the mascara, eye & brow shadow giving you racoon eyes, lost brows and smeary eye shadow. I usually have one or two makeup meltdowns by the end of day.
I've tried primer and didn't like it. It made me face feel dry and I have oily skin. Perhaps there's a really good one but I notice the recommended brand changes & price goes up with each decade.
Vivid colors, neutral colors, shimmers, mattes; beauty experts do not seem to be able to reach a consensus. Some writers extol the virtues of a red red mouth no matter your age.
The Diane Keaton photo I use for styling my hair
I have a photograph of Diane Keaton taped to my mirror. I don't expect to look like her. I do, however, style my hair like hers. She's my muse of the moment. When I was young, it was Sophia Loren. I spent hours in front of the mirror trying to draw my eyeliner like hers.
This is exactly how I did my make up in high school
The end result was not quite the same.
After reading the tips, I thought, "What happens when you're seventy?"
There are no provisions, no suggestions, no styling, make up, shoe suggestions. I can't think of a single women's magazine I've seen that addresses the older woman in terms of style. Do we just give up?
Do what you gotta do. If you're into make up and hair and girly stuff, enjoy it. One blogger wrote yesterday of her 90 year old mother who still gets gussied up, has her hair done, puts on make up and likes to wear feminine peignoirs even in the hospital.
I kinda like that.
11 comments:
I tried eyelid primer and all it did was emphasize the sponginess of my lids these days. My lashes could use some curl but I have the same nasty memories you do; I've wondered about modest false lashes for big events (not that I have big events any more). I used to love doing makeup; it was kind of a creative outlet. These days a little eyeliner and lipstick (neutrals of course) and I'm outta here.
I'm sure glad I don't mess with make-up. I think as long as you're looking younger than dirt, you are beating the odds. Also, the new internet technology lets you look at young as you like. I looked more than 20 years younger by just posting a picture. I hope you find yourself in your mirror. There are days I don't know who the hell is looking back me.
I was happy to give up makeup when I retired from the workplace. I still use it now and then, but now it looks rather odd to me. I like the nice fresh old face I see in the mirror...
The magazine recommends several kinds of primers, depending on your age. Makeup and beauty products are tough to buy with confidence unless you've tried them first. Department stores give samples. Most pharmacies allow you to bring back the product for a full refund. I should take more chances with those guarantees.
I still wear false eyelashes for evenings out. I buy the thinnest lashes and trim the corners so they aren't too long on my lid. One nice look is a thicker, feathery half lash glued between the highest point of the lash line and the outer edge. It opens up your eyes alot.
Gee Bill, and you'd look so cute with green eye shadow and a soft pink blusher. Stay away from red lipstick though.
well that advice was about as good as mine. thanks
hahaha! you should see the comment I just wrote on The Urban Politico's post about "Game of Thrones". Now that lit a fire in my belly.
I'll go ahead and admit I've no idea what a feminine peignoir is, but if I ever live to be old enough to see one when I'm more regularly in a hospital, you can be sure I'll appreciate it;)
If you watch "Mad Men", Betty Draper Francis wears them to bed all the time. They are frilly nightgowns with matching sheer robes. Very feminine and often, very sexy. Nobody wears them any longer. You can always try Google images.
I understand perfectly. I'll probably wear make up til I'm too old to apply.
I've gotten so lazy about makeup. I work at home and put on large sunglasses and a hat if I'm going anywhere but the barn, where my horses don't care what Iook like as long as I have carrots. When going out I really like the Maybelline Age-Rewind makeup. Really lightweight and good coverage. A brush of blush, some lipstick and I'm usually good to go. And baby oil on a cotton ball will easily remove waterproof mascara. I got MORE for a while. Eh... I still enjoy fashion mags like ELLE.
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