Girls, Let's share some beauty tips!

[vnmama]

Hi,

I just saw some pics of Marcia Cross and Nicole Kidman, both in their 40s, and they look so flawless and natural. I am sure they have a little help, botox, etc., but I am encouraged!

Let's share some of our secrets....what do you use....skin, hair, makeup, teeth whiteners, etc.

What is your opinion on hair styles and clothes for women our age??

Do you do it yourself or are you regularly at the salon or spa?

Disclaimer, If you don't wear makeup, or you like having grey hair, more power to you, but this thread is not for you!

Thanks!

[phikappa]

From a guy's perspective (mine!)...

Nice hands, nice feet and subtle perfume (NOT overpowering!) covers about 90%.

[vnmama]

very interesting. I will take that into consideration as hands and feet are usually pretty low on my list.

However, I do suspect that if a woman takes care of her hands and feet, she has everything else pretty well in check whether you notice it or not.

[phikappa]

Originally Posted by vnmama

very interesting. I will take that into consideration as hands and feet are usually pretty low on my list.

However, I do suspect that if a woman takes care of her hands and feet, she has everything else pretty well in check whether you notice it or not.

Exactly.

[IronCamp]

Originally Posted by vnmama

Hi,

I just saw some pics of Marcia Cross and Nicole Kidman, both in their 40s, and they look so flawless and natural. I am sure they have a little help, botox, etc., but I am encouraged!

Let's share some of our secrets....what do you use....skin, hair, makeup, teeth whiteners, etc.

What is your opinion on hair styles and clothes for women our age??

Do you do it yourself or are you regularly at the salon or spa?

Disclaimer, If you don't wear makeup, or you like having grey hair, more power to you, but this thread is not for you!

Thanks!

For my face, since I have a skin condition called Melasma/post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH), I use nothing but organic products, which I purchase from Whole Foods or Central Market. The organic products have helped to clear my melasma, which is no longer visible.

It is also wise to do some reasearch on sun-screens, as many ingredients in sun-screens are not healthy for the skin. For example, Octinoxate reacts with the sun and causes PIH. I only use organic sun-screens on my face, that do not contain those chemicals. I wear sun-screen under my makeup every day.

I try to get facials once every 2 months, which included micro-dermabrasion. The skin on my face does not exfoliate well, so these really help with exposing new skin. You must be very careful with sun exposure after micro-dermabrasion.

For my body, I exfoliate every day in the shower with and exfoliating glove and then put lotion over my entire body (head to toe) once I get out of the shower. I use a sunless tanner lotion, to give me some color.

I whitened my teeth using trays that my dentist had made for me and they decently priced and quite effective. I touch up every 6 months.

Clothes - I try to stay with the trends, but I always put my own spin on it. Nothing ages you more than having clothes that are out of style.

Hair - this is what I have the most fun with. I change my style and color often. Currently I have a angled bob and my hair color is black with golden brown highlights. It's pretty conservative for me, but I love it. I also think that an outdated hair style also ages people. I think the worst is long, unhealthy hair.

I could go on forever!!!

Originally Posted by phikappa

From a guy's perspective (mine!)...

Nice hands, nice feet and subtle perfume (NOT overpowering!) covers about 90%.

I have to agree. I think you can tell a alot about how well a woman takes care of herself from her hands and feet. I get a pedi every 2 weeks and do my own manicure every week.

[PhatTxDiva]

Almond or jojoba oil on damp face before bed.

Sunscreen all the time. Don't care how dark you are or how cloudy it is. SUNSCREEN ALL THE TIME.

Lip scrub made from sugar and almond oil.

Burt's Bees on the cuticles before bed. If I'm being economical, plain almond oil will do.

Body scrub made from sugar and olive oil. {BE CAREFUL IN THE SHOWER!!!}

Shea butter on brown marks, elbows, knees, heels.

Dr. Bronner's castile soap. I prefer lavendar. If you use peppermint, be careful of your "special areas".

Hair rinse made of distilled water, apple cider vinegar, rosemary and sage. {The vinegar smell dissipates. You won't smell like salad. }

I have chemical sensitivities, so I avoid commercial perfumes. Instead I use a couple drops of essential oil in a carrier oil. I'm partial to Aura Cacia brand.

On the occasion I wear makeup, it's Bare Minerals. If I can't decipher the label, I avoid putting it on my body.

I used to use Surya Cream Henna to cover my grey. But haven't found it here in Texas.

[batteryrequired]

Originally Posted by PhatTxDiva

Almond or jojoba oil on damp face before bed.

Sunscreen all the time. Don't care how dark you are or how cloudy it is. SUNSCREEN ALL THE TIME.

Lip scrub made from sugar and almond oil.

Burt's Bees on the cuticles before bed. If I'm being economical, plain almond oil will do.

Body scrub made from sugar and olive oil. {BE CAREFUL IN THE SHOWER!!!}

Shea butter on brown marks, elbows, knees, heels.

Dr. Bronner's castile soap. I prefer lavendar. If you use peppermint, be careful of your "special areas".

Hair rinse made of distilled water, apple cider vinegar, rosemary and sage. {The vinegar smell dissipates. You won't smell like salad. }

I have chemical sensitivities, so I avoid commercial perfumes. Instead I use a couple drops of essential oil in a carrier oil. I'm partial to Aura Cacia brand.

On the occasion I wear makeup, it's Bare Minerals. If I can't decipher the label, I avoid putting it on my body.

I used to use Surya Cream Henna to cover my grey. But haven't found it here in Texas.

My God woman....do you have a pantry right in the shower there with you or is your shower in the kitchen?

[PhatTxDiva]

Tee Hee. Nope. Just mix up weekly batches.

And kitchen bottles never go in the bathroom and vice versa. Keeping yourself up this way is dirt cheap. Easy to have two bottles of everything.

For example, you can get a 16oz bottle of almond oil right here at BB.com for only ~$6.50. Lasts a looonnnnnggg time. You can also get essential oils here for dirt cheap prices. {shameless plug}

Even though I don't actually ever eat the sugar, I keep it in the fridge to not draw ants.

Lots of recipies here --> fromnaturewithlove.com
and here --> makeyourowncosmetics.com

[vnmama]

Does anyone use any of the over-the-counter microdermabrasion products?

Do you use sunless tanner year round? On your face too? What brand?

How about opinions on white strips? Are they harmful? With all these blueberries and pomegranate juice, I feel like I need to use them all the time.

How about long hair on over-40? Not long and straggly, but layered, a few inches past the shoulders? Appropriate?

Clothes are also a toughy...I hope I'll never wear Mom-Jeans, but the clothes that fit seem a little too teeny-bopper.

Also anybody tried any of the "under-eye-illuminators"? Dark circles are one of my biggest problems.

Thanks!

[batteryrequired]

Originally Posted by PhatTxDiva

Even though I don't actually ever eat the sugar, I keep it in the fridge to not draw ants.

Lots of recipies here --> fromnaturewithlove.com
and here --> makeyourowncosmetics.com

That was gonna be my next comment. If and when you go camping....do you attract ants while sleeping

[PhatTxDiva]

Originally Posted by batteryrequired

That was gonna be my next comment. If and when you go camping....do you attract ants while sleeping

What is this "camping" you speak of?

[PhatTxDiva]

Originally Posted by vnmama

Does anyone use any of the over-the-counter microdermabrasion products?

As a black-skinned woman, I've been cautioned against using physical exfoliants. The scraping action can cause scarring and darkening of the skin. I stay with AHA/BHA exfoliants. I've us MD Formulations on the strong end (purhcased from a derm) to Alpha Hydrox on the mild end.

Do you use sunless tanner year round? On your face too? What brand?

Nope. I don't need much color, but when I want to add just a bit I use Hoola by Benefit Cosmetics. http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/p...8&bcBrand=core

How about opinions on white strips? Are they harmful? With all these blueberries and pomegranate juice, I feel like I need to use them all the time.

I haven't used any whitening products yet. But, I'm a big, no HUGE, chicken and have excellent dental insurance, so I'd probably go to an office to do it. Yes . . . chicken.

How about long hair on over-40? Not long and straggly, but layered, a few inches past the shoulders? Appropriate?

Appropriate? Um, I've never given that a thought. I have locs down to my butt that I don't plan on cutting anytime soon so um . . . Interesting question. Has anyone made negative comments to you?

Clothes are also a toughy...I hope I'll never wear Mom-Jeans, but the clothes that fit seem a little too teeny-bopper.

No response here. I absolutely hate buying clothes.

Also anybody tried any of the "under-eye-illuminators"? Dark circles are one of my biggest problems.

I use Bare Minerals. The product is called Natural Light Face Lifting Duo. http://www.sephora.com/browse/produc...ategoryId=5737

Thanks!

...

[Mark1T]

I'm with Phi (no cosmetologist), that subtle perfumes make me insanely hot.

Thank you very much.

p.s. So do brunettes, blondes, red-heads, short hair, long hair and hair on the shoulders, OMG

[cindys76]

My hair is just below my shoulder blades and I've never received any negative comments. I remember when I was growing up my grandmother had very long hair - down past her butt. I don't think age makes any difference on how long you wear your hair. Yes, the hairdresser colors it.

For my face I use Olay soap - the scrubby kind, don't remember the name right now, and Aveeno soaps. So far I really like Olay Regenerist moisturizers, but haven't tried the eye dermapods yet. I'm still looking for something for under eye circles - they're a problem for me also.

[bodyrokk]

long hair on women very good!!

[Pretty Hardcore]

Originally Posted by vnmama

How about opinions on white strips? Are they harmful? With all these blueberries and pomegranate juice, I feel like I need to use them all the time.

How about long hair on over-40? Not long and straggly, but layered, a few inches past the shoulders? Appropriate?

Clothes are also a toughy...I hope I'll never wear Mom-Jeans, but the clothes that fit seem a little too teeny-bopper.

Thanks!

I use Crest Whitestrips and they seem to work ok.

My hair is just past my shoulders and layered, I like it this way. I usually wear my hair between my shoulders and mid back and layered.

Clothes are really tough. Because of my size, the clothes from the women's section usually too big, so I do most of my shopping from the junior's section. For you are selective in what you buy, it can look great - the fit is everything. But there is nothing worse than a 40 + year old women dressing in too young - it can look so ridiculous.

[LR3]

you might get more responses in the female section on the board.

[TuffGirl]

Originally Posted by Mark1T

I'm with Phi (no cosmetologist), that subtle perfumes make me insanely hot.

Thank you very much.

p.s. So do brunettes, blondes, red-heads, short hair, long hair and hair on the shoulders, OMG

Mark!, I've got just the thing for you!

[TuffGirl]

Originally Posted by LR3

you might get more responses in the female section on the board.

True.
My opinion.

[smdiskin]

Sorry I've never been much into the whole beauty routine thing....
Hair (long) gets washed, skin get scrubbed and callouses on hands seems to come off quite nicely when doing DLs...
(Sorry if this is a little tongue in cheek.... feeling silly at the moment)

[Titania]

Originally Posted by mcampana

.....It is also wise to do some reasearch on sun-screens, as many ingredients in sun-screens are not healthy for the skin. For example, Octinoxate reacts with the sun and causes PIH. I only use organic sun-screens on my face, that do not contain those chemicals. I wear sun-screen under my makeup every day. .........

A huge bump to that!
Many of the sunscreens on the market actually accelerate skin cancer!!! Google Propylene Glycol and Sodium Laureth Sulphate, two common ingredients in sunscreens, soap, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics etc, and you'll be surprised!
Mix those ingredients (they are just two of the many toxic chemicals in so many products) with UV radiation and you are simply baking toxins into your skin

Originally Posted by smdiskin

Sorry I've never been much into the whole beauty routine thing....
Hair (long) gets washed, skin get scrubbed and callouses on hands seems to come off quite nicely when doing DLs...
(Sorry if this is a little tongue in cheek.... feeling silly at the moment)

lolz

[IronCamp]

Originally Posted by vnmama

Does anyone use any of the over-the-counter microdermabrasion products?

I have used OTC microdermabrasion product, but don't feel it really made much of a difference. Plus, I don't trust the chemicals that are used in that sort of product, since I have Melasma/PIH.

Originally Posted by vnmama

Do you use sunless tanner year round? On your face too? What brand?

Yes. Yes. For my face, I use Nuetrogena micro-mist tanner in the evening, before bed. For my body, I used Nuetrogena firming self tanning lotion (or really any of the brands, as they all work pretty well. I usually get what's on sale). I put it on, after I shower (and exfoliate) I also use the self tanning lotion on my face in the mornings, after my shower.

Originally Posted by vnmama

How about opinions on white strips? Are they harmful? With all these blueberries and pomegranate juice, I feel like I need to use them all the time.

Never used them, so can't comment.

Originally Posted by vnmama

How about long hair on over-40? Not long and straggly, but layered, a few inches past the shoulders? Appropriate?

Well, I am partial to short hair, but I think long hair (maybe just past the shoulders) can look good on someone over 40, if it is kept in a style. That would require visiting the salon at least every 3 months.

Originally Posted by vnmama

Clothes are also a toughy...I hope I'll never wear Mom-Jeans, but the clothes that fit seem a little too teeny-bopper.

Shop at stores like New York & Co, Black House/White Market, Buckle (for jeans), Arden B, etc. At these types of stores, you will find clothes that are made for women and not teens.

Originally Posted by vnmama

Also anybody tried any of the "under-eye-illuminators"? Dark circles are one of my biggest problems.

Never have, so can't comment.

Thanks![/QUOTE]

[KimberleyRN]

I make my own foot scrub with oil/sugar too!

I use exfolliating gloves in the shower for my entire body (including face).

Moisturize and protect the skin on the hands, face, neck. So sad to see a youngish face sitting on turkey skin neck and old lady hands.

Water is my biggest beauty 'secret'. Stay hydrated to benefit the complexion.

I have to keep my nails short as a nurse, but I still keep them trimmed neatly and the cuticles in order. I do not wear nal polish. I do wear toenail polish though and get pedicures regularly.

I wear Cool Water perfume... a light clean scent that is refreshing.

I go to the dentist twice a year and he takes care of my teeth. No need for whitening since I do not drink colas, teas, coffees or dark juices.

[NotTooLate]

You guys can't be serious with the long hair question. I'm 50 next month and I'm not cutting my hair. If you think I look bad now I look worse with short hair. Who cares how old someone is when regarding hair length. I never heard of such a thing. In the old days women always had long hair. My grandmother died in her 80s with pure silver hair down past her waist and it was gorgeous hair too. Unfortunately I didn't inherit her thick beautiful hair.

I don't wear makeup and I DO like having silver hair and I don't fuss over all this stuff. What ever happened to a bar of soap, clean water, a comb, and call it a day? I can be out of the house in a 5 minutes notice.

[IronCamp]

Originally Posted by NotTooLate

You guys can't be serious with the long hair question. I'm 50 next month and I'm not cutting my hair. If you think I look bad now I look worse with short hair. Who cares how old someone is when regarding hair length. I never heard of such a thing. In the old days women always had long hair. My grandmother died in her 80s with pure silver hair down past her waist and it was gorgeous hair too. Unfortunately I didn't inherit her thick beautiful hair.

I don't wear makeup and I DO like having silver hair and I don't fuss over all this stuff. What ever happened to a bar of soap, clean water, a comb, and call it a day? I can be out of the house in a 5 minutes notice.

Did someone say that older women shouldn't have long hair? If they did, I missed it. I am partial to short hair, regardless of age, if it is a up to date style. I don't think there should be any hard or fast rule on hair, with respect to age.

To each her own....I say do what makes you feel good. If using a bar of soap, clean water, and a comb is what works for you, that's all good. The things I mentioned make me feel good, so I do them.

[jgreystoke]

Originally Posted by vnmama

I just saw some pics of Marcia Cross and Nicole Kidman, both in their 40s, and they look so flawless and natural. I am sure they have a little help, botox, etc., but I am encouraged!

I never heard of the first, but Nicole Kidman has destroyed her looks by starvation. Her leg is less impressive than your arm, with less muscle. A huge head on an emaciated praying mantis body is not attractive, quite the opposite. If you blank out the face and look at the bodies of stick thin people, they display the same sort of decrepitude you normally only see in the very old. From the head down, Kidman and her ilk look ancient.

Botox shows how insane people are becoming. Injecting muscles with toxins to paralyze them, doesn't make people look good, even tho' they may be paranoid about smiling or expressing surprise lest they develop wrinkles.

Drink plenty of water, and smile and express emotion. If you favor the blank, insect look, botox might be effective. If the effect is lopsided and/or the paralysis spreads, which often happens, you might look like someone who's suffered a stroke.

Originally Posted by vnmama

What is your opinion on hair styles and clothes for women our age??

Anything that flatters you, and that you like.

Originally Posted by vnmama

Do you do it yourself or are you regularly at the salon or spa?

If you mean hair, when I find myself looking like Christopher LLoyd's professor in the movie Back to the Future, I get my wife to run over my noggin with an electric clippers. Might as well be run over by a lawnmower, but less painful.

Originally Posted by vnmama

Thanks!

You too. Enjoying your thread.

PS

Tho' your pic doesn't show much, you look much more attractive than the unfortunate Ms K. If she had an arm like that, she wouldn't look so frail that you'd advise her to take her rings off before trying to lift her arms over her head.

[dcerullo]

I have very long hair and don't plan on cutting it anytime soon! I don't look good with short hair. My hair is very curly so I can either straighten it, leave it curly or put it in a ponytail, very versatile and I do visit my stylist every 8-10 weeks for upkeep!
As far as skin care goes I use a bodywash with shea and cocoa butter with a scrub puff, moisturize like crazy with shea butter. Face, wash with phisoderm and use a good old fashion washcloth! Lancome anti aging wrinkle peptide, blah blah blah after! lol And yes I wear makeup, I use Lancome and a brand the spa I go to carries.

I try to get a Mani/Pedi every few weeks as my schedule allows. Clothes, I have the same problem mentioned by a few other women as far as size goes, being tall and wearing a very small size can result in many skirts and dresses and since I dress in business attire everyday it can at times be a challenge!
Great Thread!
DJ

[PhatTxDiva]

Originally Posted by Titania

A huge bump to that!
Many of the sunscreens on the market actually accelerate skin cancer!!! Google Propylene Glycol and Sodium Laureth Sulphate, two common ingredients in sunscreens, soap, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics etc, and you'll be surprised!
Mix those ingredients (they are just two of the many toxic chemicals in so many products) with UV radiation and you are simply baking toxins into your skin

lolz

Excellent advice. Also, I will shove one of these in my bag when I'm out and about and can't Google.

[bbbom]

Interesting thread, I'm of the forget the makeup and just keep it clean type but I don't go anywhere without my mascara (blonde eyelashes look like NO eyelashes without some help) - waterproof for riding, nonwaterproof for non-riding days.

I like Clinique products for my face, it's very moisturizing, non irritating (for me) and feels good on my skin, smooth but non-oily.

Hair, well I prefer mine long, at least past the shoulders and simple, some swish bangs or something but with fine straight hair, I let it be. It has to look good when I take off my helmet after a long day of riding though so conditioning is a must and that silkening stuff that you put on to keep it from tangling. I braid it & stick it up in my helmet to protect it. Helmets will give you a nice shag haircut if you let them!

Moisturize everyday after a shower. I love the Bath & Bodyworks lotions, they give you a little bit of scent without being overpowering.

Nails, I keep my toenails painted, well the 9 I have currently, waiting for one to grow back. I don't paint my fingernails anymore because they get weak it seems. Now they grow like crazy and are strong. Too strong sometimes because instead of breaking, they will bend way down low. I have been known to pull out a pair of wire cutters to trim them down when we are out on a ride and I notice that they are getting too long for my gloves.

I have some good sunscreen, it's SPF57 called Fallene COTZ (Contains Only Titanium & Zinc). It's a little spendy but after going through 4 weeks of hell to treat what the doc called precancerous cells on my face, I have no desire to get tanned anymore. 4 weeks of topical chemo last winter, basically frying my face twice a day and everyone around me wincing in pain just looking at me, I learned my lesson about sun.

But, my skin does look mahhhhvelous now! Don't know that I'd do it again but it was better than having chunks cut out later.

[Titania]

Originally Posted by PhatTxDiva

Excellent advice. Also, I will shove one of these in my bag when I'm out and about and can't Google.

Cool I'll have to keep an eye out for that book.
I was beginning to think nobody had noticed my post.....either that or they didn't want to notice it!