At home one day, organizing photographs into albums (last done, 2007), I came across a wedding photo of Hubs and me in the church. Just for fun, I showed it to a girlfriend the next day and she blurted out, “Wow, you were beautiful.”
Thank you. And ouch.
She must have seen my tiny wince at her use of the past tense, because she rushed to add, “Of course, you still are. Especially for your age.”
Okay. Stop talking.
Society has many, oh-so-many, ways to tell a woman she’s no longer young. For those of us who are sixty, but still feel forty, well, that’s super, but it doesn’t change the fact that we aren’t forty. We’re fifty, sixty, or seventy-plus. Yep, our youth has left the building. And it’s never coming back. But does that mean we “were” beautiful, back in the day, but now, due to the number of candles on our cake, not so much?
That’s just stupid.
Inner beauty aside (that’s between you and your spirit guide), let’s talk about outer beauty. It’s true that we’ll never look forty again, but was that ever really the goal? Studies show that Boomer women are more concerned with looking vibrant, less tired, more alive. Totally achievable.
There are a zillion articles in cyberspace about what works and what doesn’t, application techniques, ingredients, and where to put your money. Much of it is contradictory or motivated by a desire to sell you something (“You should buy our complete skin care line, because it’s all designed to work together.” Horse pucky). If you’re like me, and you love spending hours online, sifting through beauty sites for new skin care products or color trends, by all means, come on over and I’ll pour the wine. But maybe you’d rather be out curing cancer. Or helping your DIL raise future world leaders. Or maybe you’re busy plotting revenge against your husband’s trampy 32-year-old mistress. If you have priorities other than the study of all things beauty, this is for you.
I have a computer wizard that helps me whenever I need something done on my website (or, more accurately, when I’ve screwed something up and it needs to be undone). Could I do some research and learn how to do this myself? Probably. But I don’t want to. I love that I can just message her, describe the problem, then walk away, knowing she has the skills and the interest to make it all better.
Many women look at beauty products the same way. Of course you could do the research yourself to determine what you need, what you should spend, what brand you’ll like, and whether or not the product will perform as advertised. But maybe you don’t want to.
I started in this industry when I was 24. During the past thirty-plus years, I’ve worked in the cosmetics industry as a beauty director, product and sales trainer, freelance speaker, and newspaper columnist. I’m also an unabashed product junkie, and have sampled, kept, and discarded hundreds of products. During that time, I’ve encountered hundreds of women who have said, “Just spell it out. What should I buy? Where can I find it? How do I use it? Write it down, give me the list, and I’m outta here.”
I can do that.
Starting today, and every other Thursday, Laugh Lines will have a Q&A column about beauty for Boomers. I’ll answer your questions about products, techniques, or concerns. Big questions. Little questions. Everything in-between. What have you always wanted to know, but didn’t know who to ask? Never figured out how to do a “smoky eye”? Haven’t been able to find a foundation that stays on? Frustrated with skin care lines that all claim to make you look ten years younger (but never do)? Can’t figure out why makeup you’ve worn for 20 years now looks like Cirque-du-Soleil? Tired of under-eye puffiness that makes you look…well, tired? Piece of cake. Think of me as your personal Beauty Sherpa. I’ll answer you as simply as I can (including insider secrets that they don’t tell you at the cosmetics counter). I’ll also include inexpensive product suggestions, so you can “grab and go,” getting back to changing the world and living your fabulous life.
Is this going to be fun or what?? Here’s a sample of what’s to come:
Boomer Beauty, Made Simple. No. 1.
Q. I like to look natural, but polished. I’m comfortable with nudes, but my daughter says they make me look washed out. What am I doing wrong?
A. Unless you’re Beyonce, an entire palette of nudes is hard to pull off. It tends to make you look deceased. Most of us need a little color in our face somewhere, as a sign of life. Make your eyes sparkle with a navy or purple eye pencil, blended well, on your upper lash line. Or go with nude eyes, but wear with a soft cherry or coral-pink lip gloss. Blusher should be in a peachy-pink or rosy color for a soft, natural flush. (Nude blusher often looks like dirt smudges. Besides, who blushes in beige? And true coral can make you look like you’re channeling The Donald.)
Q. I haven’t worn makeup for years. I feel like I look tired all the time, but I don’t want to look “made up.” Any suggestions?
A. Keep it simple. A tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. A light brush of bronzing powder all over for a healthy finish. (If you like a little glow, get one that includes soft shimmer.) Add a soft, peachy-pink blusher and a single swipe of shimmery nude eyeshadow. Swipe on a tinted lip gloss, and you’re done. You’ll look virtually makeup free, but like you just came back from a weekend in Bora Bora.
Q. What do you do when you’ve only got five minutes to get out the door?
A. I love this question, because it happens to me all the time. Apply tinted moisturizer. Brush blusher on upper cheekbones. Apply your favorite “wow” lipstick. And on your way out the door, grab a seriously cool pair of sunglasses. (The price is less important than the cool factor.) You’ll be all that, in less than five. Works every time.
Products I’m loving for these looks:
Maybelline Lasting Drama makes a gorgeous sapphire blue eye pencil
Maybelline My Baby Lips Balm Crayons are just fun
Physician’s Formula Argon Wear Blush, in Rose
Rimmel #Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint. Gets you perfect, fast
Hard Candy Baked Bronzer. Healthy, luminescent skin
L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Singles, in Amber Rush
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil. Soft, sexy, sheer
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, in Rich Girl Red
I’m already loving this new column, Vikki. You are providing such a great service to us boomers. I’m taking your list to the drugstore this weekend. I’ve been using a mineral powder foundation for 13 years and definitely need a change from the dull, cadaver-like look it seems to produce anymore. And I’m still not completely comfortable leaving the house without some makeup, so a tinted moisturizer sounds perfect. Thank you!
Thanks, Roxanne! You’re right. Mineral powder foundation, no matter what they tell you, can look chalky and can settle in fine lines, making them much more visible. For diehard Bare Minerals users that want a little more coverage, they make a liquid version that is quite fabulous. Apply it with a sponge or makeup brush (not your fingers), and you’ll get that clean, even skin tone you want, but without the dry powder. Tinted moisturizers are faster, but sheerer. :)
I am 71, and wear no make up. Even when I was younger, I didn’t wear it. Awhile back, I was strolling down the sidewalk, in Waikiki, talking story with many, along the way. A shop keeper (a man probably in his 30’s) was outside his store. We said Hello and started talking story (It’s an island things!) He kept looking at me, and finally asked what moisturizer I use as my skin is so nice. I told him I don’t use anything. As I was leaving, he called out, that I am beautiful!
Kanani Elaine, what a fun story! If you feel good without makeup, and 30-year-olds are still flirting with you, I wouldn’t change at thing! :)
YAY! Thanks for this and I will look forward every Thursday to a new column. :) Since I have the attention span of a gnat and the memory of….what was I just saying? I’m going to put my first question/request here. ;) I mentioned to my SO last night that my tiny makeup habit died in graduate school. Just no time and really no interest. Now I am 60, and heading back to school as a part-time professor. I want to wear some makeup, but it needs to be appropriate for a teacher and for someone who never really wore makeup. It also needs to be dead-simple. I like the idea of a tinted moisturizer and have used Laura Mercier in the past. Pricey but it feels nice and light (I probably still have the tube I bought 20 years ago). I used to have eyebrows and now I have eyebrow hairs placed at odd points above my eyes. Luckily I still have eyelashes, how they managed to survive years of eye-rubbing I have no idea. So, my question… what do you do with someone like me, who never really wore makeup and now is going to start. I want subtle but polished.
Thanks, Leslie! I’m going to run the column every other Thursday. I might amp it up to weekly, depending on how it does and how much time I have. But I’m so glad you’re a fan! As far as getting back into the makeup thing, scroll up the the second question. That will get you started. Five products, all quick and easy to apply. Start there, and let me know if you want more. Have fun with it!
I love this Vikki! I know I’m going to learn so much! So…I guess I’m fixing your website while you fix my face. Lol!
Too funny, Rena! Yes, I think this is what they used to call the “Barter System” in the olden days. We all offer what we can to the pool! :)
Vikki, this is great, but what about mascara? To me, that’s definitely in the 5 minute arsenal of tricks. Without eyelashes, we all look like we forgot something, and that’s an easy one…not that the makeup companies make it easy with the ga-zillions of types on offer!
Hooray and thank you! I never wore much makeup but stopped when I needed bifocals. I saw a picture of myself online this week and my dog was adorable but my face was a fright! Totally flat and no noticeable features. Where did my eyes and eyebrows go and when? I’m horrified and ready for help!
Kathleen, you’re too funny! I don’t stand next to adorable babies, puppies, or my sister in any photograph. They’re all too cute for words, and I’m always the oldest one in the photo. Yeah, no… :)
Thanks, Vikki. Humor helps, and you do that well. I’m shopping today for the starting 5 products. Family birthday party at the end of the month, with kid cuteness abounding. I’ll stay on the edge of the pictures but will be wearing my fab five!
I’m with you, Nancy. I love mascara, particularly anything by L’Oreal. They have a bunch of them, and they’re all great. I didn’t include it today because makeup newbies sometimes struggle with it and it can add several minutes to your morning routine to do it correctly. It’s in my 5-minute arsenal, Level 2. :)
Awesome column! Great advice, specifically geared to “us” and our wisdom highlights!
Thanks, Mona! Yes, I’m hoping it addresses the needs and wants of our generation. I’m right there with you, at 60. I never pitch anything I haven’t tried and don’t love. But it’s all one woman’s opinion! :)
It doesn’t matter how much beauty advice I read, I want to read more. It’s all good!
Carol, me too! I never get tired of talking about it, reading about it, trying it (read: buying it)! But I don’t shop anywhere that doesn’t have a guaranteed return policy. :)
Oh I’m thinking this is going to be so much fun!!! Thanks for spreading your knowledge, Vikki. Will be waiting for your post on Thursday.
Thank you, Miss B! My next one will be Jan. 19. For right now, I’m going to post every other Thursday. If it goes well, I might amp it up to weekly! :)
I love this idea. I’m going to check out the Rimmel product you mentioned. I like that you are suggesting drugstore brands rather than expensive lines that we might not all have easy access to. Thanks for your help! -Jenn
You’re welcome, Jenn! I figure that first of all, many drugstore products work every bit as well as their expensive Nordstrom counterparts. And also, you can get all the help you’ll ever want or need at boutiques or high-end cosmetic counters. But practical help in a drugstore? I’ve never seen it. :)
You are Beautiful! Saw you and the Hubs at the grocery store a couple days ago, tried to catch up with you, but you were movin too fast!
Thank you for that, Cate! You made my day. Next time you see us, whistle or shout. I’d love to see you! :)
Yes the mascara disaster! Still searching for the one that I imagine that will make my eyes pop out!
Cheryl, try L’Oreal in Voluminous Superstar. It has a primer at one end and the mascara at another. This is my go-to mascara that I always come back to after I’ve foolishly tried something else. :) The instructions are on the back of the product, but basically you just apply the primer like a coat of mascara, then apply the mascara. Thicker, longer lashes, every time. Vavoom!
Great idea. I’m definitly a beauty junkie. I think it’s my artistic background that makes me so inerested in colors and textures etc. 1. Please run this once a week. 2.Could you make the photos larger? Could you include how the products look on your face?
There that should keep you busy for a while. I was going to ask you about your computer Guru. Then I realized that it’s Rena. We’re both left overs from Julie.
Thanks, Sandra! There’s a definite possibility I’ll run it weekly, after I’ve tested the waters a little bit. It’s quite an investment of time, and I want to make sure there’s an appropriate level of interest before I bite that off! I can absolutely make the photos larger. Done. Let me percolate on including how the products look on your face, because that would involve videos, which is a whole ‘nother project! :) Thanks for the support and the great ideas. MWAH.
PS. Is that argan blush a cream blush?
No. Mine is a packed pressed powder. Love it!
I love what you’re doing Vikki! How fun. I already want to try some of your suggestions. I also used to be a sales director for a skin care line. Can’t wait to hear more.
Thanks, Rebecca! What line did you rep? I always love swapping ideas and sales stories with other beauty sherpas! :)
Where do you buy the Rimmel Skin Tint? I am having a hard time finding it. Thanks and I hope this goes weekly – I am printing everyone of these to take with me when I go make up shopping. LOVE love love this blog.
Thank you so much, Becky! I always love to hear from someone who likes my writing! The Rimmel skin tint is at Walgreen’s and Walmart Superstores. It’s easy and looks natural (but covers the boo-boos!)
I am on board! Just today I thought I looked sallow and almost pale and under my eyes, my bags are packed! Who doesn’t like some tips?
LOL, Haralee! You’re gorgeous! But yes, we all love tips. I’m a total tip junkie. I’m constantly reading and sampling new things. Now, they’re just a little more “results oriented” than in my youth! :)
Loving the new addition!
Thanks, Goddess! Love seeing you on Laugh Lines! :)
Okay, awesome advice!
Thanks, Michelle! :)
This is going to be a great column. Thanks for sharing products you love!
You’re welcome, Cathy! Hope to see you here often! :)
Vikki, many thanks for your books, columns and tips. You’ve made my “ageing process” woes less traumatic for this 70+ lady. My ” youth may have left the building” a long time ago, but I’m not going down without a fight! Going shopping now for the products you’ve recommended.
You’re very welcome, Feliz! We Boomers need to work together and share our secrets, until we own the world! :)
I didn’t have time to read this yesterday so I saved it. Now I’m pumped! This is going to be great, Vikki! I am currently one of the guinea pigs for the new L’oreal ‘cell renewal’ cream, and I love it! I worked for Lancome, same company, back in the dark ages and they have great products. But, I love trying new things and experimenting with new looks. You’re doing all of us a great service!!
Thanks!
b
Thank you, Barbara! I was across the street, with Estee Lauder. It was around the time the wheel was invented. I’m with you on products. Once a beauty love, always a beauty lover! :)
Hello, I am interested in what product really works to fade facial dark spots. I’ve used many and nothing works so far. This beauty column is great!
Thanks, Margo. There are several out there that work well. My two favorites are from Aveeno and Garnier. They will have “dark spot corrector” or “age spot corrector” on the box. Remember that it takes a few weeks to work, so be patient. Let me know how it goes! :)
Loving this..with my sixty plus years of age still wanting to look decent! I am reading all the tips and taking notes..thanks. I am a follower..you’re too funny..awesome!
Thank you for your kind words, Deb! I’m having a blast, writing about what I love most, and I hope my readers will see that. Thank you for the follow. You just made my day! :)
Just thought of a question ! What’s a good fragrance for us”charmingly wonderful sixty plus” women to wear?
Boy, this is tough, because fragrance is so subjective. But my thoughts are that we’re better off with lighter scents. Heavier, or more musky fragrances can smell “old lady-ish.” Avoid knock-off fragrances that claim to smell “just like the original.” They don’t. I love to combine scents, for something personal. I currently wear a spritz from Philosophy called “Fresh” (smells like a cookie) and then a spritz of Coco Mademoiselle (a light floral) from Chanel. I recently had a gentleman lean over and tell me I “smelled like a vacation,” which would have been a delightful compliment had his wife not been standing next to him. Dear Married Guy, one should not smell the neck of another woman when one is with his wife. It probably won’t end well. But thanks! :)