Boomer women will recall the make up revolution of the 70s. Make up was glamourized in iconic shows like Dallas, Charlie’s Angels and flashy images of models like Iman. Farah Fawcett made the bronzed look one to aspire to. Disco fever became the defining feature of the decade and the accompany look was blue eyeshadow and heavy lipstick. I read magazines like Jackie and yearned to be grown up glam.
Just thinking about it all brings back a memory of boomer novelty buzz. There were new things to try and experiment with. Didn’t like the way you looked? Make up had the answer. The most important thing I remember learning from the older women in my life was red lipstick. It lifted your look and made you look ‘it’ even if you felt ‘not’.
With all that I am amazed that I had never had a professional makeover till yesterday. At the grand old age of 60 I took myself off to a well-known cosmetic branded store in central London for a make over. I went in with some trepidation, hoping that I wouldn’t be forced to go with a look which I didn’t want.
I didn’t need to worry. I walked out feeling a million $$. So smitten was I with the products that I bought some of the items that were used to give me my bronzed dewy sun-kissed look. I will never understand why I didn’t do this before. I will certainly be doing it again.
It made me ask myself why I am not more adventurous and embracing of new experiences. Fear of the unknown is still an unwanted friend in my midlife.
Have you had a makeover in your midlife? More pertinently, do you use make up in midlife? I know a number of women who have stopped using make up because they see it as pandering to a societal view of how women should look as they age. Preferring the natural look, they shun cosmetics.
While I get this as a feminist myself, there is another angle. Make up is about self-adornment. Beautifying ourselves for ourselves. This is a message not to be underestimated when it comes to self-belief.
As midlife women, we often find ourselves at a crossroads when it comes to embracing our changing identities and navigating the world around us. One area where this is particularly noticeable is in our approach to makeup. While some may view makeup as a tool for concealing our flaws, we should instead see it as a powerful medium for self-expression, enhancing our natural beauty, and boosting our confidence.
Make up can positively impact our lives as midlife women in so many ways.
- Rediscovering Self-Expression:
Midlife brings with it a sense of self-assurance and the freedom to express ourselves without fear of judgment. Makeup can be a wonderful tool for unleashing our creativity and showcasing our individuality. Whether it’s experimenting with bold lip colors, playing with eyeshadow palettes, or finding the perfect foundation to enhance our complexion, makeup allows us to have fun and explore our personal style.
- Embracing Our Changing Features:
Our bodies and faces change as we age, and makeup can be a supportive companion on this journey. It can help us highlight our best features and minimize any insecurities we may have. For instance, a touch of concealer can minimize dark circles or age spots, while a well-shaped brow can frame our face beautifully. By embracing makeup, we can adapt our beauty routine to suit our evolving needs and feel more confident in our appearance.
- Boosting Confidence:
As midlife women, we’ve lived through numerous experiences and challenges that have shaped us into the strong individuals we are today. However, sometimes we may still need an extra boost of confidence. Makeup can be a powerful ally in this regard, as it allows us to present ourselves to the world in a way that aligns with how we feel inside. Applying makeup can be a mindful ritual that helps us feel pampered, nurtured, and ready to conquer the day with grace and poise.
Feeling overwhelmed? Try these tips for embracing the concept of make up embracing in your midlife:
- Embrace skincare: A good skincare routine is the foundation for a flawless makeup application. Prioritize hydration and nourishment to maintain healthy and radiant skin.
- Discover your style: Experiment with different makeup looks to find what resonates with you. Consider trying new colors, techniques, and textures. Remember, there are no rules—only what makes you feel beautiful.
- Seek professional advice: Consider visiting a makeup counter or booking a consultation like I did with a professional makeup artist who can guide you in choosing products and application techniques that suit your needs and preferences.
- Enhance, don’t hide: Instead of using makeup to mask your features, focus on enhancing your natural beauty. Embrace your unique qualities and let your makeup reflect your personality and confidence.
- Adapt to your lifestyle: As we age, our lifestyles change, and so should our makeup routines. Opt for lightweight and long-lasting formulas that suit your needs and the demands of your day-to-day activities.
Makeup should be seen as a tool for empowerment and self-expression for midlife women. By embracing makeup, we can tap into our creativity, boost our confidence, and connect with others in the beauty community. Let’s break free from societal expectations and embrace makeup as a means to feel all that we are and more. Remember, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and discover new ways to embrace your unique beauty.
Embrace your inner and outer beauty and let me know how you got on.
