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Aging faces & new choices

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Angie posted recently about aging and the acceptance of changes in our physical appearance such as wrinkles, etc. I have no problem with getting older and embraced my laugh lines and grey hairs a long time ago. But that doesn't mean I don't want to look my best either.

I have noticed recently that my Bare Minerals make up was not quite doing me the favours it used to - my facial skin was looking a bit dull and dry, the power foundation was settling into the lines in my face (even with a primer) in a way that was unattractive.

So I went this afternoon to a local cosmetic company called Provici. Not only is it a local company in terms of the store and owner, but they actually make all of their own cosmetics. I met with the most charming SA and came home with an interesting bag of goodies - at not too outrageous a price I might add.

The biggest change is I am no longer going to wear foundation of any kind. Instead I have switched to a tinted moisturizer. I was always under the impression that as I aged, I would need a foundation to cover the age spots that have popped up here and there. Well I don't. When she put that tinted moisturizer on my skin, not only did it feel fantastic, but my skin looked fresh, supple, and dewey. This tinted moisturizer also has a bit of a light reflecting quality to it. Then she took a sponge, took a small swipe from a foundation stick and just dabbed the tiniest amount on to the few age spots. I loved the way my skin looked natural but even toned.

I also bought a lovely pink shade of baked cream blush called "Tulip", a sheer and not stick lipgloss called "Superstar", and a cream eye liner called "Onyx". And yes, I bought the foundation stick for the age spot coverage.

I guess I'm posting this just as a comment that our skin is constantly changing and what worked for you a year ago (maybe even only 6 months ago) might not be working now and to not be afraid to explore other options.

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35 replies

Latest reply was from nancylee

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon thanks for sharing. I use a mineral foundation which I find is still working well for me but I am always interested in hearing what is working for others. And you are so right about how we change and how we need to change our products to go with those changes. I have not yet found a tinted moisturiser or bb cream that worked they way I need it to but I love trying different things. Im off to research this brand now

MuseumGal

Veteran

That sounds wonderful, I'd love to find something that works so well for me. I too used to LURVE Bare Minerals, but sometime around 40, I started to notice it wasn't doing me any favors either. I've pretty much given up on makeup for every day (other than lipstick) - my skin tone/shade changes so rapidly, I can't keep up.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Here's the link to the store/company http://www.provici.com

deb

Veteran

Shannon, I realized that powder foundation was not working for me about 6 years ago and switched to the Clinique tinted moisturizer. Then they discontinued it. I switched to Benefit Cosmetics 'Hello Flawless!' and really liked it. I had to get a darker color during the summer months, though. Then I tried the Clinique CC cream and I will never go back. It is very light weight, and corrects the imperfections and evens out under eye darkness. I also switched to cream blush. It blends so much better on my drier skin. I like Bobby Brown but my favorite is MAC Brit Wit.

Joyce B

Veteran

Thanks for sharing, Shannon. Another thing to consider is the effect of a harsh Winter on the skin. I wear heavier duty skin creams during Winter.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I know the conventional wisdom is less foundation as you get older, but my skin tone needs a lot of help. (Will check out Clinique CC though.) I recently figured out that using a physical sun block (Paula's choice) under foundation gave me a less shiny face so I could forgo powder most of the time, and that has made a noticeable improvement.

Lantana

Veteran

I have a similar attitude Shannon. I'm not too bothered with looking old but
I like to look healthy. My brows and lashes have faded markedly over the years so I dye them to avoid looking drained.
I have badly sun damaged skin and nothing can hide that however I find if I highlight my eyes to make them the focus of my face the brown blotches aren't as obvious.
Well that's what I tell myself.
A while ago I learned how to make up my face for an evening event and I really I need to go back to have another session on how to do my "day" face.
I was surprised at how little makeup needs to be applied to make a visible difference.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sounds terrific, Shannon!

I so agree that our skin is always changing. In the last year I've developed allergic reactions to products that never bothered me in the past and have had to experiment a bit as well. It's always annoying at first, but quite nice when you find a good replacement or upgrade.

I'm definitely a one-in one-out girl with my makeup .

Anonymous

I've been happy using a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation for several years. I also see a difference when I use my Clarisonic regularly. I've also had Suz's experience of developing allergic reactions out of the blue and have given up eye makeup because I haven't found one that doesn't cause problems.

Gigi

Veteran

Interesting post. I haven't worn makeup for over ten years (too lazy) but am thinking about getting back in the game. I didn't know there was such a thing as a tinted moisturizer. I am behind the times, ha ha! I found out that there is a natural and organic cosmetic shop about ten minutes from me that will give you a free 1-hour makeup lesson if you buy $75 worth of makeup. Since I have no makeup to speak of, I assume that $75 is probably about right for getting started, and I will probably try it out.

D'Ellen

Veteran

Thanks for sharing your experience, Shannon! I'm 62, so it's been a while since I realized even liquid foundation was emphasizing my "laugh lines". Plus I've never liked the look or feel of foundation on my skin. I've always had a difficult time finding the right color and felt as if I was wearing a mask. Then I discovered Estee Lauder Enlighten foundation, which I wore for several years...until it was discontinued. After "making do" with another E L foundation for a few years I found Merle Norman tinted moisturizer and I love it. But I still use the foundation on my nose, chin and other areas where I need a bit more coverage. Just yesterday I received a sample of Clinique CC cream...and I think this stuff is magic! It's so light weight, but gives enough coverage where I need it, and it makes my skin glow. I'm still in the "trying it out" stage, but I'm hoping it will be a long-term solution for me too, Deb!

lyn67

Veteran

Thanx for the update, Shannon! I do a bit of light creamy foundation(Maybelline) all the time, but never seem to get right a creamy blush or BB/CC cream, so perhaps it's time to try again:-)

Raisin

Veteran

Sounds great Shannon! I think it's good (and fun) to update our makeup routine every now and then. I agree, I think tinted moisturizer is perfect for a little coverage and making us look all dewy and alive. I have recently changed my make-up and personal care over to all natural/organic items and although it's a bit tough finding what I want, it's fun to try new products. I want to see a pic of your new tinted moisturizer in action! I bet you look very fresh!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

That sounds like a great change! About two years ago, I switched from foundation to tinted moisturizer (Laura Mercier oil-free) and am very happy with it. Now that my skin has stopped breaking out (interestingly, ever since my hysterectomy, even though I still have ovaries and am not necessarily menopausal), I'm thinking I may change formulas -- it seems I could use a little more moisturizing these days, especially in this extreme winter we're having. Age spots (my dermatologist calls them wisdom and experience spots) are definitely becoming a concern, unfortunately. I'm a freckly, spotty person to begin with -- I console myself by thinking maybe these just blend in with my freckles and moles!

Anonymous

Thanks, Shannon. I've been thinking lately that my MAC Studio Fix powder foundation just isn't looking that great anymore. Time to rethink.

nancylee

Veteran

Good observations, Shannon. Our skin (and even our bodies) are constantly changing and it's good to make adjustments as needed. So glad you've found a new makeup system that works for you.

For years I've used YSL Touch Eclat to cover up redness and then a tinted moisturizer (used to use Laura Mercier, now I use NARS) over it. Another thing I added in my late 40s is a primer. I like the Smashbox brand…it makes any concealer or even tinted moisturizer smooth right over my drying skin. It sounds like a lot of work to look "natural" but it works for me.

Shirley

I use the BB or CC cream from drug stores and they work pretty well. But I don't know what to use for under-eye consealer that won't settle into crease. Or I just accept that it can't be fixed. Thanks for sharing.

Peri

Veteran

I've made similar changes recently after feeling like I need to soften up. It is beyond difficult to find a foundation pale enough and neutral enough for me...most of the major lines are out. I was using a Japanese line (I figure my shade was inspired by geisha makeup!) but this winter felt like I needed a touch of warmth. I switched to BB Skin in alabaster, which seems like a tinted moisturizer. That shade in the other formulations is a touch too yellow but the Skin is light and blendable enough that it just reads as a wake up touch of life.

I also switched to a soft Clinique pencil for under my eyes for just a fuzz of color instead of a real line. I'm sticking with the LM cream liner on top and I added a neutral taupe...LM in Bamboo...eyeshadow for more warmth too.

Change is good, go with the times....makeup can get dated just as easily as fashion!

shiny

Veteran

Yes! I recently changed my make-up strategy as well. It's kind of a tradition for me to treat myself to a makeover every time I get a new job. So back in December I hit MAC and got fussed over for a few hours. I walked out $300 poorer.... sigh... but with some new tips and tricks up my sleeve.

Since my late 30s, I opted for tinted moisturizer or creamy foundation and a very light touch. My secret weapon has been Lancome Regenerist moisturizer - that stuff is amazing and feels so good! I am continuing with the Lancome ritual (day and night cream), but I have new MAC serum, primer, foundation, concealer, powder etc.... in other words, I need MORE, not less, now.

Now that I'm getting close to 50, my hormones are becoming erratic and I'm having lots of hot flashes. My face is even more dry than it was before, but has also developed a lot of redness. I've always had a ruddy complexion but this is ridiculous. It's not rosacea, according to the dermatologist. Not really sure what it is -- it's more like flushing. I do not need any blush, but I do need heavier foundation to tone it all down -- otherwise I look like a clown, like someone who has gone overboard applying the blush, and I haven't!

I also invested in concealer, since it made a big difference when the MAC person applied it. I don't have horrible circles but I liked the effect a lot -- brightened up my eyes and made me look less tired. However, I'm still learning how to do it at home myself -- not sure I'm doing it right...

I can wear the powder as long as I start with a good base first, and I use a very light touch.

I bought some office-appropriate lipstick too but it's only okay. I like the color (looks good under fluorescent lighting), but it doesn't last all that long (not as long as they said it should), and feels dry to me. I need something more moisture-rich. I am open to any suggestions here.

EDIT to add the picture that prompted me to go to MAC for new foundation... (Yes, I was a nun for halloween.) See that redness in my cheeks? That's not blush! That redness was showing through my foundation. At first I thought maybe I was having an allergic reaction to my makeup, so I threw it all out, but no. It's still happening.

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Sheila

Veteran

I had not worn makeup in years and recently started again at the age of 50.

Foundation can be a problem as my skin color must be quite cool and I find I look rather jaundiced in most of them. One item that has been a HUGE help to me is a foundation brush. I had it used on me on my color analysis and will never go back my hands.
I have a clean Bodyography primer that I wear sometimes. I am a bit wary of these primers as most contain silicone... I guess alot of products do - I wear this occaisionally.
I have tried to dye my eyesbrows as I have a few white brow hairs... unfortunately these hair make themselves known ! They either stick straight out of go wildly curly ! I had some luck with the professional dying but the last time I had it done I realized that they were much too warm... almost a red brown ! It was not great .... Since then I am using the clinique brow powder in the color Charcoaled... it is the perfect cool blending powder, especially if you have gray hair.
I absolutely require lipstick ! With gray hair and no lips... I look like the column of blah. I know now that I have to avoid nude lipstick like the plague. I had thought that nude was more natural but NO... it is not. A pinky violet is more natural - and browns have to avoided at all costs.
I am so enjoying this makeup "adventure" and have perused galleries looking for tips and I feel more confident.

gryffin

Veteran

Shannon - really great point that our skin is always changing and we need to adjust to that. I do think as we get older, less is more. I have never been a fan of true foundation because I really like to see skin, not product, so I love sheer and translucent coverage. That being said, a little evening out is everyone's friend!! So glad you found products that you like!! I think that is a really great point also about products that have light reflecting properties. Think of a babies cheeks - the skin is so even is reflects light. So not only is it pretty and youthful but it tends to camouflage little imperfections. Going to check out your link. Thanks so muh for sharing your experiences with this!!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

yes, skin does change. I'm finding tinted moisturizers are making me break out more in my 40's So I switched to a gentle lotion with sunscreen and made friends with concealer with salicylic acid in it for blemishes. This may sound dumb, but I never really used concealer before. I find that just for everyday run to the grocery type stuff, it is enough paired with a flick of mascara. I still do foundation on dates with the BF (I have both the mineral kind and creamy liquid). Using it only once or twice a week is better I feel for my skin.

Beth Ann

Veteran

So glad you found a way to pamper your skin in the dead of winter, Shannon!

I've been using mineral foundations, too, but in the last two years, I've switched to BB cream (Garnier) once the weather gets cooler. I love the way it smooths without weight or a pasty look.

I've not found a cream blush I like yet, though. Score to you for finding one!

Aquamarine

Veteran

You are so right Shannon... We need to reevaluate our makeup just as we reevaluate our clothes! Skin changes with age and even with the seasons.This has been a tough winter for my skin. I too stopped using my mineral foundation and switched to a BB cream. Not that I used that much makeup to begin with, but I do need to tone down red spots and even out areas, at least when I go out. I am so much happier with the BB cream right now!

Laurie

Was just thinking about this this morning. I have been coloring my hair forever, and decided that, at 53, I would try going back to a lighter version of my quite dark, ashy shade. Getting the red out of my hair helped even out my complexion, but I am loathe to admit I'm a "cool" in the color analysis. But that's for another topic. Anyway, I sat outside today (I live in South Florida), and tried on my foundations - mineral, liquid, powder. All settled into the lines in a pretty unattractive fashion in the bright light down here. I need to cover up some redness around my nose, but all-over foundation just looks.. heavy-handed I guess is the best word. As far as cream blush Beth Ann, it is hard to find. I did get a Sonia Kashuk brand one at Target that was nice and creamy (blended easy) and lasted well throughout the day with a light swipe of powder to set it.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Shannon! Your tips are so timely and helpful to me as I sometimes look at a photo of myself and see so many deep lines. I love the colors and shades you brought home with you as they sound so natural and pretty, bringing out the best in you. What a great SA you had working with you.

I'm going to take a look at their line and see if they have anything locally, as choosing what's best for our skin tones is essential. I've also been doing what Angie said about only rinsing the face in the a.m. and doing the deeper cleaning in the evening, which I think is much better for our sensitive faces.

A "baked cream blush"? This intrigues me. Now, we need a photo of you.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks Shannon!
Some useful hints here.
I don't currently use a foundation, just mineral powder on my nose and chin, but the Clinique CC one sounds interesting. Off to investigate

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Sounds like there's quite a few of us ladies changing up our make up routines.

Shiny - you are so right about the havoc menopause can wreak on our skin. I can have dry patches and pimples all at the same time. It's like puberty all over again but with the added joy of age spots!!!

Vicki - I too am doing the rinsing with just water in the morning with a deep cleansing at night. Much more gentle for our skin I think.

Wow - many of you are using and swear by Clinique CC cream. Might have to check that out at some point.

In my outfit post tomorrow morning, I'll take a close up of my face and show you the results (consider yourself warned - lol!)

Nicole D

Veteran

...and just a plug for Clarisonic. I got one for Christmas and it makes a huge difference - worth the investment. I am 43 and have genetically good skin in the wrinkles dept but prone to redness, so I hear you about CC cream. Olay makes a fab one.

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