Savvy Thinker » Youthens

Cosmetics for Un femme d’un certain age

Karin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:02:09 +0000

Have you ever noticed
...that most makeup blogs (and images) are written by younger women...

...that advertising shows young women, even if they are advertising a product for an older woman, 90% of the time or more... What's up with that!

What if you fall outside the youth category, but you still have a lot of good years left!
...the short answer: find what works for you...

...if you intuitively know that something isn't working, be satisfied only when you figure out how to tweak it...

...ask MUAs, ask SAs, ask your hair stylist...

...ask a woman on the street if you love her look what makeup she is using or who cuts her hair or does her color...ask her what color she uses...

Colors
The older you are, the more it matters what colors you wear on your face or on your body. While you could get away with it when you were younger, you can't any longer. Wrong colors are no longer forgiving.

Warm or Cool colors
Find out if you look best in warm or cool colors. Most neutrals are also either warm or cool. So, for example, one gray or brown might be good on you; another not so good.

Softer or deeper
Because your skin tone changes some -- it might become pinker, asher or sallower -- you might need to go softer, brighter or deeper in your makeup colors to balance your skin tones better. You might need a darker or brighter lipstick -- or the opposite, one that is softer and more neutral. Same for your blush and shadows.

Hair color and style
Taking care of your hair will take years off your look. Keep your style in style.

If you color your hair, be sure to really look at yourself. Check the crown area. You might need to color more often. While you could get away with roots when you were younger, they aren't flattering now. Truthfully, they weren't flattering then either, but they are less so now. Or if you are quite white and your color washes out, you might need to color to keep the tone. If you let your hair go white, keep it white, not yellowed.

If you are used to being blond, you might have to change the shade of blond to one with more gold for it to look best.

It never hurts to look at illustrations in magazines and ask your hair stylist for other ideas. If you want to choose something different, give it some serious thought and go to someone who is really talented.

Eyebrows
Eyebrows becoming white
If your eyebrows are coming in strong with white, they are likely becoming more wiry too. Brush them upwards, then trim them even across the top. Then brush them back into place again.

Color the white
You can do this with permanent coloring. Some coloring is made strictly for brows. You can use some of your hair color, if you are careful. Disclaimer: don't get it in your eyes.

An alternative is to use a brow mascara made to color brows. Here's one.

Revlon also makes one that is duo ended, one end having a brow pencil.

A friend uses the following Lancome one, but in a different color. It has made all the difference in her appearance. Her natural brows are almost black, but she has about 50-50 white. This covers perfectly and looks natural. The brush is different than a mascara brush and covers better. I would recommend Lancome's. The Revlon (in blond) is more of a gel fixative; I don't think it covers my small amount of white, which fortunately doesn't show.

Hands
Don't forget your hands. If you need to, use hand lotion. You can even use a mask on them (some are made specifically for hands). Moisturize your cuticles before they start to ravel. After they ravel, a few applications of cuticle cream will take care of it nicely. I usually use the back of my hand for facial product; then I rub the backs of both hands together to distribute whatever is left on my hands. That works!

Body
There comes a point when you need to moisturize your body. If you are especially dry, you can shower, but eliminate any soap products. Just use water, except for the places where you need soap.

Arbonne has a fabulous Body Serum and Body Lotion. It cures what ails you. The difference in my arms is remarkable. Whereas before, my arms were moisturized, they felt like there was product on them. Now, my arms are moisturized, but it feels as if my skin can breath.

Contact Book Girl, if you are interested and do not have a consultant.

Use sunscreen and limit time in the sun
'Nuf said.

Teeth
Make sure your teeth are clean.

Bleach them with a drugstore product or at your dentist. All those years of coffee, tea and simply years do not have to show up on your teeth.

Change your products with the weather or by location
You will likely need more moisture in winter months than in summer. And if you go from a place with high humidity to a place with low humidity, you will need more moisture. The reverse is true also. If you go from a dry area to a humid area, you can use a lotion instead of a cream, for instance. Or simply use a little less product. Some products are considered smart products -- they deliver only what your skin needs at the moment. If you fly, moisturize your skin during the flight.

Think about tweaking your products depending on life stresses
We all know about skin break outs with stress or time of the month. Be proactive. If you are in a particularly stressful situation, take better care of yourself than you might on an ordinary day. It never hurts to be good to yourself. Change your moisturizer to one that defends against breakouts or that will give you added moisture. You know yourself and what you need.

Smile
If you look happy, you will draw people to you, and they will notice your happiness, especially if the rest of you matches the same image and doesn't get in the way of your smile.

What have you changed in your makeup or style as you have gotten older?
Have fun with it, and remember to be happy! Experiment a little; you might love it!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts -- you know who you are

Originally posted 2009-08-24 13:51:47.

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10 reasons to love cosmetics

Karin — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:58:24 +0000

10. Cosmetics enhance you -- you become the best you you can be.

why not look your best ...: natural, fun, but enhanced. We’re not going to lie, that’s what cosmetics do, they enhance your looks. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can become a more beautiful you. Sasha

9. What you do today will have a direct bearing on what you look like in 5 years.
There are products that really work, changing your skin -- and there are some products that don't do a whole lot, it's only advertising -- and there are products meant only to have a cosmetic effect. Take your pick, but don't forget to include products that work -- from lip gloss to skin care.

8. It's an easy way to pamper yourself. Your skin needs as much pampering as you do. Enjoy taking care of yourself. Take time to let the sensations register. You are being good to yourself.

7. When you look your best, you feel better. When you look your best, even if you're not feeling 100%, you really do feel some better. And unfortunately, the reverse is true too! So do everything you can to have the best day possible. Putting on a good face takes on a double meaning when you are camouflaging.

6. Other people see you. If you won't do it for you, do it for them. Believe me, they do see you, and they talk. Make sure they have something good to say.

5. You look more polished and professional. It levels the playing field and helps you compete. That doesn't mean you have to go all out. If you've never used much makeup, begin small and go from there, but at least do something. A new lipstick or shadow color can update your look giving you a lift.

4. You can be a different you. Everyday can be a new you depending on what you wish to portray about yourself. There's no end to combinations that will bring out your different aspects. You can be the vamp, the ingenue, the career woman. You can be dramatic or natural, colorful or neutral.

3. You can enhance your best features and downplay your negatives. Who doesn't want to do this!

2. You look younger. The only time this doesn't matter is if you are in your 20s. All the rest of your life it makes a difference. Stay current in your thought and in your appearance.

1. It makes you happy. See above, for all the reasons. I can always use more happiness!

Do something fun today with your face.
Try something different. Let me know what you do.

What else can you add?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts -- you know who you are

Originally posted 2009-08-24 10:57:27.

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Review: Guerlain Success Eye Tech

Karin — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:00:21 +0000

Once in a while a product comes along that seems revolutionary. This is one of them.

I have a SA to thank for sharing this with me the other day. I could feel an immediate difference even with some other product likely still on my eyes.

It is pricey, but in this case you get what you pay for.

Eyelid lifter, wrinkle minimizer, anti-bags, anti-dark circles
What more could you want!

Most lifting products are drying -- that's what makes them work.
This is not drying, and it is not like other lifting eye creams I have ever used.

It can also be used as an eye mask, once or twice a week
I have not done this yet.

My take
The SA was turning 64 she said. Her eyes looked as if she could have had surgery, but she had not.

She and I both agree that the Orchidee eye cream didn't seem to do much. (I have had a sample.) I preferred the lip and eye cream to the Orchidee. But I prefer this cream over anything else I own. That, of course, means I have others to use up and not replenish.

My eyes are hooded, always have been, but they feel more open -- seriously! And they felt this way from the first application.

Do yourself a favor and find a counter that sells this. Let them put some on you. See if you don't agree.

In a month we'll have to see if we see a difference in my eyes. In the meantime, I feel a difference.

Do you use this?
Have you ever tried this? What do you think? It seems like magic to me.

Karin
5 for effectiveness
$$$ About $110 -- on a par with some Shiseido, La Prairie, Cle de Peau

Originally posted 2009-04-10 23:13:21.

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Beautiful skin — Holding back the hands of time

Karin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:12:32 +0000

Holding back the hands of time seems like a full time job after a while! Well, not really, but still...

How does one get or maintain beautiful skin?
The long and the short of it is: prevent, solve, and maintain.

Does it really matter what you use or do?
How much is genetic?
Those are the million dollar questions. And companies are banking on the answer in research and development.

The answer is both. But with all the products on the market targeted to specific areas of skin, there is a product to solve nearly every skin situation from acne to dryness, even to wrinkles and sagging.

That said, my mother-in-law who had beautiful skin used only Jergens original hand lotion on her face for years. Then she stopped for some reason, perhaps because it was harder to find.

I'd be afraid to do that. I've used specific products from the time I was about 18. Some of them I am still using. The rest I try, rotate, return or rebuy.

Try some new products
Everyone finds products that work for them at a price they are willing to pay and can afford. But if you are still using what you've used for 10 years, you might consider trying some of the newer products available as some of them are cutting edge. Don't discount trying products from companies such as Olay or Avon, both of which have some good, and sometimes very good, skin care.

Add a serum, if you have not used one -- or consider a different one.

I think our skin gets used to a product and it ceases to work as well -- or it has reached its optimum level. Switching products will sometimes jumpstart the skin.

How can you get past the hype?
How much can you believe when images are photoshopped?
Good questions. Dunno. Try them for yourself; listen to your friends, if they have tried them; read blogs such as this one; check out reviews online at MUA or other places.

What about all the claims?
Frankly, to me, most of the claims sound the same. Large percentages see improved moisturization, lessening of wrinkles, smoother texture, brighter look... I always wonder if they are taking someone who has never done anything -- or if they are taking someone like me who has kept abreast of the products. It stands to reason that there will be greater results on a person who has neglected their skin than someone who has cared for it.

What do you do for your skin?
What are your specific concerns?
Is there something you would like me to discuss?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-30 08:23:38.

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Beau Nelson, Creative Director of Beauté Cosmetics Inc Does Kristen Stewart’s makeup

Karin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 12:35:45 +0000

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

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LOTD with Arbonne Tickled + others

Karin — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:21:36 +0000

I particularly like the shimmer of Arbonne lippies. They are, as I've said, an updated 60's look.

I find I'm really enjoying using them with other lippies on hand, to make my other lippies look Arbonnized. Plus, it expands my colors of Arbonne, since I don't have a full range.

After all, there are 28 shades of lipsticks (I have 3 and ordered 2 more); 10 shades of prep and plump (I've ordered 1 to try the formula); 6 shades of lipgloss (I've ordered 2); 6 shades of lip pencils. Plus there are 6 shades of lip gloss in the teen line (I love these and have ordered 2.)

Krista Embry uses Arbonne in Impact Your Image. It's interesting to me that she never uses a lipstick alone, but usually with two pencils, a gloss, etc. I've done that for years. It sure is fun, anyway! Once you learn the techniques, it is very fast. The only time it takes is to decide which lippies or lip products you will combine.

I find for my lifestyle and the place I live which is decidedly casual, I prefer to line with gloss now, rather than the dozen(s) of lip pencils I have on hand. I use them only very occasionally. Rimming with lipgloss is a younger look. It youthens (I love the word and picked it up from someone else.)

Arbonne Tickled on one lip with
MAC Popster lip conditioner on the other lip -- I really love the feel of this conditioner. I'll likely buy more colors or a clear in it. Bookgirl was given one of their conditioners for Christmas by a friend and she loves the feel of it too. Not to mention it is a pretty color alone or layered with others.
Rimmed and up the center with Beauté Allure

And here is Tickled with:
Beauticontrol Subdued Magenta on one lip, smooshed; rimmed and up the center with Beauté Allure

If I try Tickled with more shades, I'll update this post.

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, go here.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-06-15 08:56:13.

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LOTD Beauté two looks

Karin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:37:41 +0000

I've really been enjoying the Beauté glosses. So far, they are truthful in their claims of volumizing the lips as well as moisturizing. You can see my review here.

I will update my review with these pictures too.

Lips: Love this color!
Isn't this a great color!
Beauté Urge (a red) rimmed with Beauté Paramour (and in the center)
This is what I had hoped the MAC would look like yesterday, but it was too pink.

Later in the day:
Heroine rimmed with Allure, using Allure up the middle also.
This is an absolutely perfect shade of neutral mauve. I felt it was me only better. I loved it!

Have you tried Beauté glosses yet?
What's your favorite color? How do you like them?

My take: I love the colors I've tried.
So far, my lips are fine. They feel volumized -- and it is very even. It's a whole lot easier than injections, which I've never tried -- not to mention some of the horror stories -- and no pain or stinging.

I have tried them over another lippie and I liked that too. It still felt volumized.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-10 22:52:39.

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LOTD Nars Riviera NYX Chandelier MAC Kitty Power Eye Liner

Karin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:50:04 +0000

Nars The Multiple
The Multiple is the original all-in-one, cream-to-powder, multi-purpose makeup stick. With fingertip application, The Multiple highlights, sculpts, and warms eyes, cheeks, lips, and body in an array of shades from sheer accents to mauve and bronze. Sephora

I've used this for my cheeks before, but had not tried it for lips until today. See my FOTD.

Using Beauté technique
See more about the technique here.
Lips: Nars Riviera, on entire lip
MAC Kitty Power glitter eyeliner, used to rim. This is a gorgeous shade, very pretty on the lips. I've used it less so far on my eyes.
NYX Chandelier in center. This is a pretty orchid pink shade. Here's a picture from an earlier FOTD that shows how it looks alone.

My finished lip I thought it was soft and pretty.

What I like about the Beauté technique It's easy.
Subtle
It gives a softer and fresher take on lippies than a lip pencil does.
Camouflages
It camouflages the little outer edge lip lines better than a pencil does.
Volumizes
It actually works to make the lips more voluminous.
Youthens
Isn't this a great word! I saw this somewhere online yesterday and thought I'd start using it.

Have you used this technique yet?
Please try it, if you haven't! Then, let me know.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-06 13:44:03.

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How to look 10 years younger

Karin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:05:36 +0000

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

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Review Arbonne Revelage

Karin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:55:10 +0000

Arbonne's Revelage line targets areas of the skin that are darker to break them up, not only from the top, but from within so they are less likely to come to the surface. This is a new technology; they do not use bleaching agents.

If you've ever looked at your skin under the dermatologist's light, you know that what you see on the surface of your skin is only the tip of the iceberg, and thankfully, as far as I'm concerned, I don't know that they will ever surface in their entirety, especially if we are vigilant to use sunscreen.

Formulated to provide a brightened, flawless complexion with exclusive, targeted skin-perfecting ingredients, Revelâge works to reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation, freckles and age spots. ... learn how these products work together to promote a brighter, even-toned appearance. Arbonne

I tend to like my freckles -- I think they look youthful -- but when they get too noticeable, I'd like to lessen the effect of them.

Intense or Light Integration
There are two ways to use the products -- intense or light. I feel a third way is that you could jump start the appearance of your skin occasionally, when you want to look your very best.

Intense is a misnomer, if you are thinking harsh. They are not harsh in the least.

These products are used along with the RE9 line in some combination to regulate whether you are using them intensely or lightly. For now, I consult the sheet to know what order and what products to combine.

Revelage Concentrated Age Spot Minimizer $45.00. This is used day and night as the first step, followed by the Re9 Serum or the Revelage Night Serum.

Highly concentrated formula precisely targets and delivers powerful antioxidant and brightening ingredients to skin to diminish the appearance of stubborn age spots and skin discoloration. Arbonne

Revelage Age Spot Brightening Day Cream with SPF 30 $55.00 This replaces the Re9 Cream, if you are using an intense integration. It is cosmetic and preventative. I love the instant look of my skin when I apply it.

Lightweight moisturizer provides luminosity and a brightening effect to the appearance of age spots and helps prevent signs of premature skin aging due to sun exposure. Arbonne

Revelage Intensive Pro-Brightening Night Serum $60.00 This is used for Intense Integration in place of Revelage Serum.

High-performance serum contains proprietary, time-release Revelâge Complex to target dark spots, resulting in a more luminous, younger looking complexion. Arbonne.

My take:
I've used these products for the last three days, and I love them. If you have ever used a bleaching agent from a dermatologist, you likely know you have to use it continuously and even then it hardly works. These products work for me with the first application, with no bleaching agent.

My skin was noticeably brighter after one application of day and night, and I loved the appearance of my skin with the cosmetic effects of the day cream. I felt it looked as if my skin were lit from within. It really was luminous. The lighter areas of my skin were brighter.

I really like the idea of breaking up what is beneath the surface so that dark areas are less likely to come to the fore.

Here's what I looked like the second day. I don't know if it's as apparent as it is to me. I love it when a product works!

Hands
I like this hand lotion as it is not greasy, but it is nicely moisturizing, and it is fragrance free. It does not conflict with any fragrance I might wear. I do not have any age spots on my hands, so I can't speak for that aspect of using it.
Revelage Age Spot Brightening Hand Therapy with SPF 30 $37.50
Helps diminish the appearance of age spots and fine lines on hands, while helping prevent new discolorations from forming.

Have you tried any of these products?
What do you think?

Let me know if you'd like Bookgirl to order for you, if you don't have a consultant.

There is a 10% savings if you order the duo together:
Revelage Age Spot Brightening Duo
Intensive Pro-Brightening Night Serum, plus Age Spot Brightening Day Cream with SPF 30. A $115 value, for $103.50.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts

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