beauty files
Color Yourself Young
As I get older, I wear less makeup. It’s liberating to not be dependent upon makeup. Now that’s not to say that I don’t absolutely love taking the time to make my face up for the appropriate occasion. It’s interesting to me, though, that one of the main mistakes women make as they get older is wearing more makeup. Whether it’s more foundation, dark eyeshadow or stronger lip color, you will find that these actually accentuate wrinkles. My suggestion would be to skip foundation if you can, or instead, wear a tinted moisturizer or light powder. Stay neutral during the week with eye color and avoid shimmery shadows, as they accentuate lines. Ensure your lip color is complimentary to your skin color and face – in addition to not competing with your eye makeup. Dark lipsticks make your lips look smaller. Choose pinks, beiges or corals with a little shimmer. Or use a gloss with flecks of sparkle to make your lips look fuller. [my] favs of the moment are from Dior and Chanel.
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Catherine,
Your advice was so helpful to me! Thank you for your insight and sharing your experiences. I can’t wait to try some of your recommendations!
Jennifer
I currently use Bare Minerals foundation. When I first started using it, I liked it. Now I find it messy and it’s causing breakouts. I am not sure if it’s right for my skin. I’ve used Clinique before. My skin is oily and I am prone to breakouts. I have acne scars. Should I switch to a cream foundation or combine it with a powder?
Dina,
I am sorry to hear that BE is not reacting well with your skin. Mineral-based powder foundations seem to provide good coverage. However, I have heard that the ingredient “bismuth oxychloride” can irritate skin. You might want to look for a mineral powder that does not have this ingredient. Cream or liquid foundations (depending on the formulation) might lead to more breakouts. Do you use a concealer - is it powder or cream/liquid? Have you asked your dermatologist what he/she might suggest for your skin? Sometimes you can find recommended makeup in the derm office. And sometimes breakouts aren’t even related to makeup…it’s more around how you cleanse and care for your skin (or stress!). Have you changed face wash or anything like that in the past month or so? With regard to covering up acne scar marks, you could try Smashbox’s Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Color Adjust Green to mask redness. Best bet is to see a Derm and get rid of the acne all together. Could be as simple as getting on Differin…which I did with my skin condition.
I’ve been reluctant to try Bare Minerals foundation because as I age, I find that too much powder is not a good thing. Last weekend at Nordstrom, I searched the aisles for it, but instead ended up at the Philosophy counter. The representative convinced me that BE is messy and not as good for your skin as advertised. I ended up purchasing Philosophy’s finer milled version called “Supernatural”. It does look quite natural on most of my face and very convenient to use (has one of those screw top puffs that dispenses the powder as you glide). However, I’m not thrilled with the application or coverage on my nose. I’ve resorted to applying Prescriptives Traceless (level 3) on nose, level 2 under eye (brightens that area and I have not found concealer holy grail), followed by Shiseido enriched loose powder only on those areas. Needless to say, I’m still hoping for an easier one-step solution!!!
Thanks for your insight, Missy - very helpful. I agree with you…we need to be careful with powder (and foundation, in general) as we age. A good rule of thumb is to apply powder to the T-zone and cheeks. Stay away from your eyes as it can creep into fine lines. Same goes for foundation…but I would actually recommend only applying a liquid or cream foundation to the areas that absolutely need it. In fact, if you can get away with concealer (versus foundation + concealer) and powder to set it, that’s even better, and will reduce a step in your routine. I would like to try Philosophy’s fine milled powder. A couple of months ago I bought Becca’s Fine Pressed Powder (has rice powder in it to absorb oil) and I love it. I typically skip foundation/powder all together, but my SPF makes me too shiny in the summer. I bet Philosophy’s Supernatural is similar. Keep the product reviews coming!
Thanks so much, Catherine and Missy. For the first time, I made an appointment with the dermatologist. I hope to get to the root of the problem.
That is fantastic news, Dina. Please do check back in to let us know how your appointment goes. I am excited for you.
Dina,
That is great news. I agree with Catherine that it’s fun to experiment with products, but everyone should consider a prescription strength retinoid product as part of their arsenal. If you have even mild acne or rosacea, your insurance company will generally cover part of the cost and you may end up paying less than you would have for ineffective treatments. Best of luck!
I haven’t been doing much in the makeup department with regard to my routine lately. I have a lot to juggle with work and family. What can I do that is simple, easy to apply and doesn’t cost a lot of money?
Great question, Sharon. And very timely with some of the new Fall looks coming out. Here’s what I suggest: buy an eye base, gel eye liner, and a good volumizing mascara. My favorites are Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Bone, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Espresso Ink and DiorShow BlackOut mascara - and these work for all skin tones. Apply the cream shadow (or eye base) across the lid with your finger. Then swipe the liner (with a brush) across your lash line (top lid only). Finish with mascara…and you are done. It’s a clean, but finished look. You can glam it up by sweeping the liner up at the ends at an angle. Fall tip: take a shimmery cream or gold eyeshadow and apply in under your bottom lashes from inner corner to end. You will see it everywhere come Fall. Good luck!
Hi, I went to Bobbi Brown and bought the lid liner/shadow and the eyeliner stuff. I am smashing. Thanks for your help. The girl at the counter slapped on some shiny lip gloss similar to my lip color. She said natural was good. Boy was I stylin’ after I left there (even though I was wearing pink gym shorts and a white tee). Oh, what a little facial bling can do.
Hi Ladies,
I’m not much of a blogger so not quite sure where to post my latest beauty finds. First, ditto on Catherine’s minimalist makeup staples above. I’m still shy about the eyeliner part, but maybe I’ll give it another try. I still agree that one should avoid foundation if you can, but I still like a little something to even out the skintone and minimize the pores. Just purchased Matt Lovely by Bourgois at Ulta in shade 25 (I tan easily in the summer). The name says it all and it actually stood the test of this ridiculous summer heat. I posted about my experimenting with the mineral powder foundations and frankly after trying two brands, I’m just not convinced it’s right for me. It may be something about the titanium dioxide that is just making me too masky and looks unatural. So if you’re looking for an alternative for oiler skin, check out the Matt Lovely. Careful to use sparingly because a little drop goes a long way!
Thanks, Missy! I love your contributions….please keep them coming.
Any recommendations for a prefoundation lotion? I just used Colorscience line tamer and thought it was okay but would be open to trying something else. I have also used Bare Escentials’ vitamin stuff recommended while I was pregnant. However, it just isn’t doing the trick.
Hi Cindy! Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($15.50) and Laura Mercier’s Hydrating Foundation Primer ($30) are great. I recently tried a new one - I think it was from Dr. Brandt?? Once I get my memory back, I will let you know.
I just went online and bought the Bobbi Brown shadow and gel eyeliner. Online is great because I got to choose 2 free samples (eye cream, tonic something ? or lip stick) great deal. Let me know if you remember the name of the Dr. Brandt foundation primer. I hope to get to Sephora next week. Next question…what is a toner, it’s purpose and what are important ingredients to look for?
Thanks!
Cindy
Fabulous about your online deals! I cannot, for the life of me, find the Dr. Brandt item…makes me think it’s another brand that I can’t recall. However, I have heard good things about Sue Devitt’s Microquatic Fortifying Primer. Sephora carries it. If you are going into Sephora, try a bunch there to see what you like best on your skin.
With regard to toner, most people think of it from the old astringent days. Clear your mind of that. Toners are meant to remove excess debris after cleansing, balance pH and prep/freshen the skin for moisturizer. The main ingredient to stay away from is alcohol, as it can really dry the skin.
Cindy, I found what I was thinking about and it’s not Dr. Brandt - mystery solved. N.V. Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother ($75). Also found another interesting product at Sephora: Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Tint ($42) … it’s an all-in-one mattifying tinted moisturizer that elimates shine for up to 8 hours. It also has a 20 SPF.
clinique skin care…
I found your site through Google and although I can not find exactly what I was looking for, compliments for the great job done….
Thank you so much, Clinique skin care. I hope you were able to find what you were looking for.
there is only one mineral foundation if you ask me, Ive been a makeup artist for 20+ years, I use Susan Posnick exclusively in my kit, and every celebrity who I put it on, buys it. this is my truth.
Hi Victoria,
I have Susan Posnick’s mineral powder - and love it! Most days I do not wear foundation … every now and then, I want a “completed look” and her powder is so light and natural (and has sunscreen in it - yeah!). Plus, I recently met Susan in person. So I am even more of a fan now. What are your thoughts on Alison Raffaele’s mineral powder?
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine
I am thinking of starting to use Theraderm, and have been told its also a preparation for the LA peel.
I have quite a sensitive skin and would like to know your thoughts on peels, and if you have seen the benefits
regards
Kate
Hi Kate,
Having sensitive skin myself, I know there can be hesitance to peels. First try the lightest form of one - it’s a good way to determine how your skin will react. I had a professional peel done (non-chemical, it was a Cosmedix brand peel) and I really liked the results. My skin was so clear, glowy and smooth for weeks. It’s best if you continue with peels at least quarterly. However, I moved and haven’t found a replacement Spa yet. I have used a few over the counter peels and have had luck there, too. Theraderm (you will love these products!) has one that is great (NuPeel) as well as Natura Bisse. Some products are listed as peels and are more microdermabrasion than anything else, like Philosophy’s MicroDelivery Peel. Are you getting this done professionally?
Thanks,
Catherine
In my 30’s I had my skin under control. But since hitting 40, it’s been a different situation. I know it’s because of hormones (yea!) but my skin is so sensitive that the acids (glycolic and salicylic) actually “burn” my skin. Because of this, I have more dark spots than before and it’s harder to get rid of now.
Are there any products you could recommend? Particularly for darker skin.
Hi Nichole,
First and foremost, welcome! The most important thing you can do is to get on a good skin care regimen and use sunscreen to keep spots at bay.
Knowing that glycolic acid and salicylic acid burn your skin means you need to stay away from them. I am hesitant to recommend specific skin lighteners with Hydroquinone in it for your spots due to research on individuals with dark skin tones (typically African Americans) that have been exposed to high concentrations of Hydroquinone over a long period of time. It has resulted in a “blueish tint” (Exogenous ochronosis). However, that’s not to say that products with Kojic Acid wouldn’t work well for you. Have you been to a dermatologist yet? Have you tried a prescription strength retinoid? Once I have a little more information, I can steer you down a better path.
Thanks,
Catherine
I’ve never tried any products with Kojic acid and it’s been some time since I’ve used anything with Hydroquinone.
I haven’t been to a dermatologist since this is a pretty new development. It was my hope that it was a temporary situation. I will check but I may have to to get the hormones under control first before I can really address my skin.
I will let you know what my doctor says.
Nichole,
Have you introduced any new products lately that might be the culprit? Of course it can be environmental, stress related or hormonal. Not that that helps you … However, I definitely think a dermatologist will be able to uncover what’s going on with your skin. I am afraid to recommend any specific products without having history and a better look at your skin. My apologies for not being able to help more.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, a quick update. During a trip to Dallas, I bought “Black and White Bleaching Cream w Hydroquinone.” I used this product a very long time ago but didn’t remember how it worked. It’s not that expensive so I bought it to see what would happen.
I have been using it, off and on, for about four weeks and I see some major improvements in the dark spots. At first I put the cream all over my face which seemed to create more discoloration. After that, I started putting the cream only on the dark spots and I do see that they are fading.
I will probably give my skin a break from the cream every 2 weeks. But so far so good.
Also know I did increase my use of exfoliating facial scrub with tea tree oil (which is more like a cleanser for me) and a refining exfoliator. I’m sure this is helping as well.
I will keep you updated on my progress.