Friday, December 10, 2010

Cosmetics and the Mature Woman

It’s morning and a freshly washed face stares back at me through the bathroom mirror. With confidence I pull out the tools that will transform this older canvas into an illusion of, well . . . less older.

There are a few man-made marvels that I am truly thankful for, in-door plumbing being foremost, but cosmetics have a prominent spot on that list. My gratitude deepens in conjunction with the lines on my face.

As a young girl make-up was used to change from bright eyes to smoky eyes, between innocent and seductive, from pale to apple cheeked, from matte and natural to glossy and dramatic. The only ‘cover up’ used was for the pesky blemish.

As an older woman it’s all about the coverage. I don’t want to change my appearance as much as ‘hide’ the signs of aging. The furrows firmly established on my forehead and around my mouth, the age spots on my neck, the darkness around my eyes.

The wonders of makeup, and the art of using it, make hiding these exasperating, but inevitable marks of age, uncomplicated.

I’m not a brand follower but when I find something I like I stick with it. Max Factor went out of business, while I wasn’t looking, and took a favored pan stick with them. Reaching out for recommendations two suggestions came back for Max Studio Tech. I’m using it and so far am very pleased.

L’Oreal Voluminous is the mascara of choice as well as their Bare Naturale for blush. Cover Girl professional loose powder has been a staple along with Revelon’s Skin Lights powder which does an excellent job putting light in those furrows and brightening up the eyes. Avon has a Slick Tint colored lip balm that I’ve purchased in bulk but there is a myriad of suitable lip tints in the drawer.

I’m one of those that say, “Bring it on!” to aging. It’s a part of life and I’m ready to embrace it but there is definitely nothing wrong with looking good along the way.

Do you have a product worth noting? Please share.

12 comments:

  1. I wear so little of makeup. I used to spend more on it but in later years, I use whatever:)) Some blush, mascara and shadow does it for me!

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  2. Terri, you look lovely. Age spots require a better, quality base then in the past but I appreciate a quick morning routine.

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  3. Hey, Sally - you entered a contest on my blog the other day. You might want to check back and see who the winner is... :)

    http://madelinemora-summonte.blogspot.com/2010/12/this-wednesday-winner.html

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  4. I like the Cover Girl loose powder too. I don't wear a lot of make up, just powder, blush, and lipstick. Sometimes when going out at night I wear eye makeup too.
    Suzanne

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  5. Excellent post, Sally, and I heartily agree! A little paint on the barn never hurt the farmer's eyes, or something like that.

    I love L'Oreal Firming and Lifting Cream. Or is it Lifting and Firming? It does the job.

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  6. Paint on the barn! That is a hoot, Jeanette, I'll remember that quote. I haven't bought any firming cream but will give it a try under your recommendation. Will let you know what I think. Thanks!

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  7. Hi Sally, It is very nice to meet you. I have only been a lipstick gal all these years. I never wanted to spend time nor did I have the money early on to invest in major makeup products. I am quite interested in your blog. Thanks again for visiting.

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  8. Barb, thanks for popping over. I look forward to reading and sharing words together. Blessings.

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  9. I love my Balance and Brighten by Laura Geller. It's a powder (& brush) that offers good coverage for me. I first saw it on QVC, and have since purchased it through Amazon too. Although last I checked, the price was actually better from QVC. :) Who knew?

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  10. I have never heard of Balance and Brighten but I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip Karen.

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  11. Having just seen you recently I would say the powders and potions are working quite fabulously cuz I actually thought you looked MUCH younger than the last time I saw you!! Big, big hugs!!

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  12. Libby, you are a balm to the writer's soul. Thank you for the kind words. Big, big hugs to you!

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