I always like a good beauty quote, and Andrea Claire had a few good ones in her interview with Makeup Junkie. You can read the full interview and learn more about Claire's makeup, hair and style career here at MJ's blog. You can also see some of Claire's print work. I'm glad MJ is back online posting again.

Here are some highlights:

Fall 2009 Beauty Trends
Claire feels smokey eyes, matte red lips, and 80s revival will be the top trends this fall. This was confirmed in the MAC videos I posted earlier.

Advice to women of a certain age
Avoid trends such as 80s revival, if you already lived it once. Makes sense to me.

...if you had been there done that and bought the lime green shadow you cannot do that again! Besides, it is very much a 'must have young skin' to pull it off. Bold colour blocking with eye shadows can age you and have you looking like you are stuck in a time warp. This look is only carried off if you are an adolescent so if you are 21 and under I say rock it, over 21 opt for another trend of the season.

Claire gives the following makeup tricks:
Smokey Eyes

*layer carbon/charcoal shadows with metallic colour. [You notice that I have done this, as it works better for my eyes.]
*If you find shadows are difficult to blend with your dark base then layer MAC's Smolder pencil with a Lise Watier's Metallic Eye shine pencil, smudge together with a Q-Tip. [Or use the MAC smudger brush as I have done. And use a lighter base. MAC's Smolder moved on me and made a mess. Blackgraph stays put. They are two different formulas. Smolder would likely smudge better.]

Matte Red lips

*apply the lip liner after the lipstick so it doesn't appear to[o] geometric.
*dot a smidge of vitamin e on top - not to add gloss but just a little moisture -- if matte is too drying for you.

What I really loved is her beauty mantra:

Be realistic. Be real... Beauty is not serious - beauty is a moment in your day that can convey confidence, flirtiness, calm. What I mean is, all women 'take 5' in their day by touching up here and there ... Beauty is a moment in time that is forever changing. Embrace those little moments but don't be those moments just live in them.... HA! Life is short - enjoy it - have fun with it. That's what beauty and fashion is all about; ... A form of expression that can change day to day, season to season - enjoy the trends but remember to enjoy life too. Andrea Claire at Makeup Junkie

Be sure to look at Makeup Junkie's blog.

Karin --I do wear the lime shadow, just judiciously.
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts -- you know who you are!

Originally posted 2009-08-27 19:21:47.

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As you know from my other posts about Beauté Cosmetics, I really like the products that I have, and I love his technique for making lips look full. It is far more flattering on my lips than the aging dark liner sometimes seen on other women. And it works best with Beauté's glosses.

It is such an easy trick -- and fast -- and makes a big difference.

You can see more about this technique here.

I recently received an email talking about his work with Kristen Stewart. You can see details and pictures here. And, of course, we know that it would be hard to make Kristen look bad, but he certainly brings out her beauty and makes her look gorgeous!

I especially loved the look of her eyes here (from the above interview):

I want to try this smokey, cranberry look on my eyes today, though it will look different on my brown eyes, than on her green eyes.

Wouldn't you love to have Beau do your makeup! He reminds me of a younger Kevyn Aucoin, which is high praise indeed.

Have you used any of Beauté cosmetics?
Have you had a makeover with them? Or with Beau?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-11-13 07:35:45.

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One of the things I like to do, though unconsciously, is people watch. Likely it is because I grew up in the fashion world, so I enjoy seeing what people wear and how they wear it. I am not critical, I am just looking with an interested eye to analyze, because I've been a buyer. At a young age I was buying not only for youth, but for older men and women. I know too well the fleeting nature of fashion and of trying to stay ahead of the game to anticipate trends when shopping the markets to buy for the next season.

Stores in our area had a hard time sustaining themselves when they used northern buyers for our market. It just didn't fly. Think hot, humid, and tropical and you would be right. What you'd wear in NYC or Chicago, you would likely not wear here. Also, the majority of us grew up somewhere else and came here for the space industry, so our fashion tends to be eclectic, but geared toward extreme heat.

The other day I was on a college campus with my 11 yo who had a function there. There were parents, as well as kids from 5th grade to 12th. Three college girls parted a swath amidst us. One was striking; one was average; one was OK. It was clear the striking one was leading the others and they deferred to her. They were an island to themselves. She was head of the pack, and she knew it. Confident. The rest of us of whatever age were invisible to them. I wondered what they would look like as parents. It was hard to imagine. But the day is coming whether they parent or not.

The next day I stood in a long line at the post office. Two young girls were in the front, one might have been an exchange student. One wore a dress; one wore shorts and a T. Both were modest and circumspect in their clothing. In front of me were two women older than I am. They both were invisible, in their demeanor and in their clothing. Behind me were women, invisible, looking hot and tired, none young. More or less patient in the line. I tried to imagine them the age of the young girls and failed. I tried to imagine what the young girls would look like at the age of these women or of me, or the ones behind me, how they might dress, and it was near impossible. I wondered what the hopes and dreams of the older women had been, and if they had achieved them. I wondered if the young girls would achieve theirs.

Next came me, fading into invisibility, maybe, wearing my uniform for the heat: shorts and a T. And don't forget I wore a lot of bracelets before they came back in style. Or I set the style, LOL. I am fashionable, but not a fashion plate. And I'm recycling things I loved from years gone by.

It reminded me of Dylan Thomas:

Do not go gentle into that good night
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieve it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Or Robert Frost's

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I don't think of myself as old, though to some I might be, and there are moments when I definitely look older than I would like to. I don't intend to go quietly. I hope never to be invisible. I've got a long ways to go before I end up there. Maybe I'll be like the 107 yo woman blogger and still be blogging. That would be something! But I hope it is an interesting ride. And she is clearly not invisible.

Someone I know once said to me that she couldn't wait until she was old enough not to care what she looked like. How old is that, pray tell? I'll never forget the striking much older woman on the arm of a younger man in Paris, her head scarf twisted into a flower by her ear. High heels and tasteful makeup. I have something to aim for, but skip the heels!

How about you? do you think of yourself as invisible, or do you know better?

Karin

Here it is in full:

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Poem lyrics of Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Originally posted 2007-08-29 22:12:05.

No related posts.

Perhaps you've seen the online ad for the woman "57 year old woman looks 35" and the results look too good to be true.

Well, here's the fine print:

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*The story depicted on this site and the person depicted in the story are not real. rather this story is based on the results that some people who have used these products have achieved. The results portrayed in the story and in the comments are illustrative and may not be the results that you achieve with these products. this page receives compensation for clicks on or purchase of products featured on this site. The depictions on this page are fictitious and indicitive [sic] of potential results. Actual results may vary.

*Nue Science T&C Click here

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Whatdya think about that!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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I saw a friend the other day, and as we were talking, she remarked that she had read somewhere that there were only three things we needed to do to look 10 years younger:

Do your nails
Wear makeup
Wear jewelry

Hey, that seems doable!

Jewelry
Then she laughed and said that I could easily take off 15 years with my jewelry, LOL! (I like to bead.) How funny! It's good to laugh.

My personal look is flower child as someone told me.

I like simple, flowing clothes -- but I keep adding jewelry until it makes me happy with the effect, layering necklaces and bracelets. Most items are not chunky, but the overall effect might be after layering. I had to laugh recently when I read a designer who does the same thing. I'm not a minimalist -- remember the old rule of only so many accessories, including gloves? I'm over the limit just with the number of earrings I wear, LOL!

But I don't think I'm overdone -- except at times and usually intentionally.

Jewelry doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful. Buy silver. Buy pieces that look real even if they are not -- or buy things that are intentionally costume but beautiful. Watch for sales. Take up beading, though sometimes it can be expensive. Take apart old pieces you no longer wear and re-bead them, or pick up pieces at garage sales and rebead (or simply wear!)

Makeup
I, in turn, shared these three things with another friend yesterday. She has only just begun to wear makeup at age 60. Her comment: it was easier not to wear any.

Well, it might be easier, but I know which way I look better, though my kids tell me I look fine no matter what. That's love for ya!

Not too long ago Avon showed how makeup enhances and looks more youthful with before and after pictures, without and with makeup. What a difference! At the time, when I showed the pictures to my friend, she didn't believe it. I did, because I know the difference for me.

Nails
Remember how I've talked about taking care of your hands here? Same thing, almost!

My own nails are natural at the moment.

Nail polish alone doesn't last very long, though I know of several folks who reapply daily with different colors. My nails absorb color and turn yellow. I don't like that. Only Lipmann polish doesn't seem to do that on me.

I like the look of white tips, and I have an excellent manicurist who does a very thin veneer, but it's not possible at the moment, and I don't like what it does to my own nails after they are removed.

How about you?
Do you have your nails done? Do you wear makeup daily -- at least some? And do you wear some jewelry?

What is your particular look?
classic? traditional? sexy? gypsy?

Don't forget to keep a smile on your face, put fun in your life, and smell good too! Who knows, that might be as important in keeping youthful as anything! What do you think?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2009-10-17 10:05:36.

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This book was offered free for Kindle as a hook to the rest of the books in the series. It is the first time I had heard of this author, her heroine, or the series, but it sounded fun.

This book is gentle, somewhat slow moving (or perhaps I just didn't want to rush through it) humorous and insightful. I highlighted quite a bit in the book.

It is a Christian story, but it is not preachy. At times you hear her prayers or her thoughts on God and life in general, and she helps one character be more inclined to visit churches (which his previous girlfriend had wanted.)

The Story
Ivy Malone is an older lady who within the first few pages loses her best friend, approximately the same age, to sudden death. She muses on life as she goes through it, much like I do, but perhaps more pithily. I enjoy hearing her humorous thoughts as she goes about her business. Her asides are sometimes laugh out loud.

She and her friend had gone out to an old cemetery, only to find that there had been vandalism. Many of the headstones were pulled or pushed over.

They go to the police, but they are overlooked and under accepted.

So Ivy vows, after her friend's death, that she will go out to the cemetery at night to watch for the vandals to return, which of course they ultimately do. She wants to solve the mystery, as well as catch them.

During the process she realizes that she has become invisible, in the sense that wherever she goes, including to the police, she is pretty much ignored for the younger people who are in the same place. She figures she can use this new found invisibility to figure out what is happening.

She is definitely braver than I!

Along the way she nearly gets killed and solves a murder. And she is courted by one man and is somewhat courted by another (or it is the development of a good friendship in elder years.)

The characters
I enjoyed the development of characters in the book -- for example, the young woman with a mystery herself or the young police officer that befriends her (and she befriends him) who does believe her. I also liked the strong friendships, for even their foibles are simply accepted.

I was sorry that a character is murdered.

My rating
I'd give this book 3 out of 4 stars. It's not terribly frightening nor gory. Ivy certainly has pluck, something I'd like to continue to cultivate in myself. She is sort of Nancy Drew, all grown up. She is a genuinely nice person in her dealings with everyone.

All the ends are neatly tied up, pretty much, which might not happen in real life, but you feel good for spending some time with Ivy.

Have you read this book or any of the series? do you have a favorite?

Buy: Invisible (Ivy Malone Mystery Series #1)

Buy: Invisible (Kindle book) (Ivy Malone Mystery Series #1)

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Originally posted 2011-01-07 21:04:24.

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Mascara ads
I know I've spoken about it here before, but it seems rather ludicrous to advertise mascaras with various types of false eyelashes, none of which gives you the true idea of how a mascara really performs. For that, you might have to ask your best friend, or try them out and return them, if you don't like them, or if you are sensitive to any ingredients.

Skin care
How can we know what a skin care line does, when viewing ad that use heavily retouched photos or a model who has had a lot of work done on his or her face to show how much, supposedly, a skin care line does for one's skin/ wrinkles/ firmness/ or etc.

Where are the real folks? and how long will they remain real when bombarded with images that are manipulated (or faces that have been.) I put myself right square in the middle of this one, because I have several friends or acquaintances that have had major work done. Will I at some point? Well, so far, I'd rather travel with the money, if I had the money.

Image of Leslie Blodgett, CEO of Bare Escentuals, in Sephora
Imagine my surprise to come upon a near life size -- or maybe larger than life size, which fits her talents, image of Leslie Blodgett in Sephora. And she looks darn good! In this image she has allowed a few fine lines around her mouth to show. And you know they could have been airbrushed out. She rocks!

I love a lot of Bare Escentuals products, including their brushes. I don't use their mineral foundation, because I prefer a liquid foundation, but I love their lip glosses and eye and cheek colors.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Originally posted 2010-05-05 07:58:51.

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Here are some thoughts on various types of serums and the links to posts where I have written more specifically. Some of the serums are pricing their way out of my price point. There are actually some that are over $1000 being marketed in Japan. I suspect some are worth it; others are not.

Whenever possible, let a beauty advisor put some on your skin. See if it is possible to get a small amount to try at home before you commit to a big purchase.

This is only a partial list, as I have thought of them. I will continue to update, as I think of it.

Body Serum
Arbonne has a wonderful body serum and body lotion. You can find my review at the above link.

Facial Serums
There are also serums targeted for eyes.
Anti-Wrinkle
La Prairie CELLULAR Retexturizing Booster
This just might be a miracle product. Whenever I apply it, I see immediate results. I generally use it for several days at a time, then I give it a rest and use it again when I see the need. It is expensive, but it really works. I think it works better than Renova. Price: $185.00 | 30 ml / 1.0 oz. (Unfortunately, it's possible this is no longer available. I have not tried any of the comparible LP serums to see if a newer one is as good.)

Serums with Vitamin C
Many companies have C-serums because they work. I have used C products for years. Mary Kay is one of the companies that has just added a C formula. If you can't beat them, join them. The important thing is to find a C serum that works for you, then use it.

Here's a partial list of companies that have C-serums: Awake, MK, Aromaleigh (generic), Lancome, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Avon, Lumene. Choose the link above to see my thoughts on each.

Arbonne has a number of excellent serums, including lifting, RE9 (with C), and Revelage (whitening) I won't be without the lifting or the whitening.

Avon has been a leader in skin care, very innovative. They were the first line to come out with an alpha-hydroxy -- and it made a big difference in my skin. Their anew products are excellent. I do not care for either of their pump serums that they had a couple of years ago, because they smelled so bad. I recommend smelling them before buying to see if they still smell. I didn't notice a huge difference like I did with their alpha-hydroxy products. Some of their products are targeted by age.

Beauticontrol
Beauticontrol makes several serums that I like. Some are targeted for 30's, 40's, and 50's skin. I've liked Regeneration Gold for years. It's a two step process that mixes when you pump it. It used to be that one was red, the other white. Now one is green, the other white. I do not know if it is the same product. Regeneration Platinum Plus is supposed to be the next step up, but it rolls on my skin, so I use it only on my neck and chest and bought more of the Regeneration Gold. They make C products, but I've not tried them as I have others that I am using at the moment.

Chanel Serums
Chanel makes a number of serums, and they are all excellent. It depends on your price point and your skin concerns. Sublimage products kept me moist even in the dryness of Las Vegas, using no other moisturizers layered in. The Radiance line has an excellent hydrating serum. As an aside, I did not care for Sublimage eye cream.

Clarins
I have used Super Restorative Serum. I likely might buy it again. I like what it says it does; I'm not sure I saw it doing it. I tended to use it more for hydrating than anything else. When I opened the container, when it seemed empty, there were still several days worth of product left. I put it in a small jar and used it to the last drop.

On the whole I like Clarins products, so I suspect their other serums would be good too. Their beauty advisers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help you. They are good about giving small samples to try.

Cle de Peau serums
Cle de Peau is the high end Shiseido line. CdP makes a number of serums, and they all feel good. I'm not sure how to choose one over the other. I have one. I'm not convinced it does anything particularly, but that might be because I tend to use others that I have.

Dior Serums
Dior makes some excellent serums. Capture Totale and HydrAction are two that I have tried. Capture Totale came highly recommended by a woman in NYC who swears by it.

Guerlain serums
Orchidee Imperiale is their highest, newest line. It is excellent. Super Aqua-Serum came highly recommended on the strength of one older woman who works for Guerlain whose skin is exceptionally beautiful. It's a toss up which is better. Take your pick. They also have Success Future and Substantific serums. I get my Guerlain from Claire at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Call 702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com

Hydrating serums
La Prairie CELLULAR HYDRATING SERUM is an excellent hydrator, one of the very best. It is lightweight. It works by binding moisture to the skin and restoring the skin's natural moisture barrier. A little goes a long ways and it stays fresh in the bottle. I use it generally on very cold days or whenever my face feels like it needs more moisture from the inside out. Price: $185.00

La Prairie Serums
Like Chanel, these are excellent, and it depends on your price point. I have not tried the latest lines.

Shiseido serums
Shiseido has a number of serums that are all excellent. Again, it depends on your price point and what you are hoping to accomplish.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It's in my rotation of C products.

Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.

Viviane Woodard
I've used these products since I was 18. They have a number of serums, including specialized ones to use at night. Their day time serums are very good and moderately priced. The evening ones really give your skin a boost. They are used only periodically. Unlike ones by La Prairie that are also used only occasionally, these will not break the bank. Likely they perform different functions, but they help the skin.

Whitening serums
Many companies offer whitening serums. They started first in Asian countries. It's not surprising that Shiseido has one. If you want to break up an age spot the fastest possible way, then your best bet is laser. Be sure to use SPF every day along with these.
Arbonne Revelage is an excellent whitener, which works by breaking up dark spots from below and keeping them from forming from the top.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Even Complexion Essence
I consider this more of a preventative, than a curative. I want to see faster results. I have no patience.

What serums do you know, use and love?
As I think of more, I will update.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-28 20:49:42.

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What is a serum?
A serum is the first step of your skin care, after your cleanser and toner.

Does a serum hydrate?
It does not hydrate much, if at all; it is not a moisturizer. It is important to use a moisturizer afterward for that reason. It nourishes the skin by inserting ingredients into the skin.

What kinds of serums are there?
There are serums for every conceivable type of skin, and there are serums in development for the next level. Anti-aging serums, anti-wrinkle serums, skin brightening serums, acne preventative serums. to name a few.

What is the purpose of serums?
A serum delivers concentrated ingredients to deeper layers of your skin, whereas a moisturizer hydrates the top layers. The molecules of a serum need to be small enough to penetrate the layers of your skin.

Do you really need one?
Likely so, if you are a certain age. A serum boosts the ability of your skin to duplicate some of the natural functions of younger skin.

If you have not used serums, you will most likely see more changes when you begin to use one, than if you have been using serums for a number of years.

But serums are becoming increasingly sophisticated -- and sometimes pricey -- so newer serums can make a difference over the older, familiar ones.

How does a serum work?
The texture of a serum is more liquid than even a lotion moisturizer. It penetrates quickly. It is designed to get anti-aging ingredients, like peptides or vitamins, CoQ10 or retinol into your skin.

What do I do?
I have a number of serums. I alternate them depending on what I feel like or what I feel like my skin needs. I haven't found that any particular one works better than any other particular one.

Why change serums?
I find that by rotating them or alternating them, they tend to work better than if I continue to use one alone. My skin doesn't get bored with it.

Additionally, if you are still using the serum you used even three years ago, chances are today's serums are better -- and it's possible that your skin has changed enough to need a different formula, or one that is even more targeted.

Day or night?
Either, or both. You might use a different one in the evening than in the morning.

The prevailing thought today (and remember that theories change, so my best advice is to do for your skin what works the best for it, regardless of current thought on it) is that a daytime anti-aging moisturizing routine should protect and hydrate and should include UV ray blockers.

The strong feeling is that your night-time routine needs to regenerate your skin, as well as hydrate it. The thought is that repair and regeneration takes place at night. Whether this is truly so or not, remains to be seen over the next few years.

Do you use serums?
Do you have a favorite? My next post will share some of my faves.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-27 07:29:37.

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There aren't many people who can hold a candle to Dorothy Dale Kloss, the oldest showgirl in the world. (But my aunt is still tap dancing in her 80s!)

It's a lot of fun to research her name on the Internet, then see her in various videos and listen to the audio of her on a radio show.

Talk about inspiration!

Think about what it takes to rehearse for 8 hour stretches, pun intended.

She has beauty, verve and humor, not to mention grace, stamina and ability.
I wanna be her when I grow up. But to do that, first I'll have to begin to take tap lessons (never took them, but took ballet and jazz.) Book Girl has a good start as she is taking up tap again.

What to do with her life
She wondered what she would do with her life when her son and his family moved cross country. She had been a professional dancer from the time she was 15 and even taught Bob Fosse when he was a boy. Imagine that! One of her students suggested she audition for the Follies in Palm Springs.

She won her spot when she was 71 (all them are 55 or older.)

And she has a 63 year old boyfriend. How about that!

Don't you just love to hear of people who are still active and vital! I sure do.

And how come I didn't know this was there when I was visiting Palm Springs! Now that I'm not visiting Palm Springs, I hear about the show! Where's the justice in that!

But here's the thing
When I grow up, I wanna be a little bit crazy; a little bit wild; a little bit zany, and whole lotta me. I want to be more me than the me I was and the me I am. LOL! And why not, when to get there, we only need to plan for it today.

I hope you put some fun in your life today! Amen to that!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2009-12-12 07:32:39.

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