Ok, I have given myself away. I'm not a teenie bopper. Ok, using the term, "teenie bopper" also gives me away. As a mature woman, I am slowly learning how makeup is different now that I'm in my 50's. I had to say goodbye to "burning blue" eye shadow long ago. So I can't wear glitter; not that I ever did. I can't wear purple lipstick (rats!). So how do you make mature makeup fun when there are so many restrictions?
What is really exciting is that more manufacturers are making products for mature women with more options than ever. I love watching YouTube videos where the beautiful young girl complains, "This is really more for mature skin." Yes! Finally! And, young lady, "Awwwww, deal with it!" Seriously, the baby boomer generation is getting older and as empty-nesters, we have more disposable (do I hear a flush?) income than the "teenie boppers." Cosmetic companies would be fools to ignore us. And, they aren't.
What have I learned in the last few years of intense makeup research and experimentation? Well, firstly, we can do anything we want, even if it doesn't look that great or it dates us. There really are no rules, merely suggestions. Although, we can use the same products as anyone younger than us, the techniques should vary for the best look. For example, I love eye liner. I think I have most every Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencil they make. I mostly smudge it on both the upper and lower lashes and avoid harsh crisp lines. I avoid black as it seems too stark next to less-than-perfect skin. If I do use black, it is smudged into the lash line simply to enhance the perceived volume of the lashes.
Lipglosses are age-neutral. Can I use MAC Dazzleglasses? Absolutely. I use the exact shades my youngest son's girlfriend uses. I choose to use it over my lips where I have previously filled them in with lip liner. Dazzling, yet not overdone.
Some of my future blog articles will focus on makeup for mature women. Some tips and techniques are universal but they will have been considered and tried on this mature woman who isn't trying to be younger, just trying to look as good as possible for my age. I think that's fair.
Hi, I just discovered your blog after you left a comment on mine. I would love it you posted more often; we could use more 40+ voices out there in the beauty-related blogosphere. I am also intrigued by your technical life, as I work in a very technical profession and find that beauty blogging is an incredibly fun (albeit self indulgent) diversion.
ReplyDeleteI also run an active discussion forum for 40+ women. If you're interested, the link is in my blog. Come play with us!