Meet The Beauty Posse
It’s happened; I’ve finally given up on foundation. I’ve never worn a lot of makeup, but in my 30’s started wearing a light foundation daily to even out my skin tone. Not long after my 50th birthday, I began to experience dissatisfaction with just about every “highly recommended” product I tried. Tinted moisturizers made me too shiny. Regular liquid foundations looked too thick, settled into my pores (even with a primer), and sometimes made me break out. Mineral and powder foundations often made me look ashy, dusty and dry, except for my nose, which always seemed to get shiny a couple hours after application. If the texture was right, the color was wrong.
Re-focusing on skin care in the last couple of years has made a big difference. I still have some sun spots and melasma, but have noticed a real improvement in the texture and clarity of my skin, so much so that I recently started to question the endless pursuit of the “perfect” foundation. Why bother, when the end result really isn’t an improvement?
So having pared down my routine de maquillage, here are the stalwarts of my Beauty Posse:
Old Faithful
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| Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch |
This lightweight primer smooths out more “textured” areas and make those pesky pores vanish (as long as I don’t apply foundation over it, go figure). Though I facetiously refer to it as “spackle,” I’ve returned to this product after trying other primers. I apply just where needed and like the control of application the solid formula provides. (Some prefer the pen version; I prefer the jar.)
Hello, Lover
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| YSL Touch Éclat |
Why did I ever think I needed more coverage than this provides? A light touch, strategically applied, makes me look refreshed, awake, brighter. (Hint: apply a tiny bit to the inner and outer corners of the eyes, as well as on dark undereye circles, and in the corners of the nose.)
Bon Vivant
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| Cindy Joseph Boomstick Color |
I’ll admit, this sheer blusher looked a bit boisterously dark when I first opened the package, and looks a bit vivid when it first goes on. But it melts into the skin and gives just the lightest touch of a healthy glow, and is subtle and sheer enough not to fight with my lip color.
Highbrow
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| Laura Mercier Brow Definer |
Brains of the Operation. A combination of age, removal of my thyroid, overplucking during my teen years, and fine hair to begin with have left my brows sparse and almost invisible past the middle of my eye. Filling in my brows makes a bigger difference in my appearance than any other single facet of my makeup routine. What I love about this particular product is the mix of ease of application and longevity; the stuff stays put all day. I use a stiff angled brow brush to apply, and make small strokes in the direction of the hair growth to avoid that “penciled on” look.
Derring Do
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| Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara |
Like the college friend who helped procure a fake ID to get into the after-hours jazz clubs, this newest member of the Posse tempted me to live on the edge, and go for the Wonder Blue. Which does Wonders for my green eyes. (h/t to Tish at A Femme d’un Certain Age who recently recommended this product and put it on my radar.)
Trusty Sidekicks
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| Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers |
They ride along to save me from excess, (oily shine, that is) and keep the mid-day gleam at bay. I use just on my nose and chin.
The Mouthpiece
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| Dior Rouge Serum |
I like to wear a bit of lip color, but it has to be sheer and not drying. This slim lipstick also stays on much longer than you’d expect from a product that moisturizes and treats as well as many lip balms. You can vary the application for results from sheer to vivid.
Have you changed up your makeup routine recently, or discovered any great products? Any you never leave home without?
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I can’t go anywhere without one or two of those Shiseido blotting papers folded into my pockets, my oily skin drives me crazy.
I only wear a tinted moisturiser these days as I find everything else too heavy. I must wear my trusty Lancome mascara since my otherwise very long lashes are so fair they cant be seen. Also Chanel lipstick in a soft rose pink in my bag is a must. Not long ago I threw so much make-up out since I don’t wear much anymore.
Thanks for this timely post. I just left my entire makeup case at the house that I visited this weekend. My host is
graciously sending it but when I thought it was gone for good, I told myself it was time to update my look. I too
have given up foundation for a tinted moisturizer and concealer but I am looking forward to trying the Clarins
product.
Is it just me, or does the “before” woman look much prettier, younger and healthier than the “after” woman?
I hear you about using less makeup. I’ve been slowly using less and less makeup myself, and I think my skin looks better and healthier with less “goop” on it. I would have a really hard time giving up mascara, though – it’s probably just a psychological thing.
It’s not just you. The after woman looks as highly painted as she is, and not the better for it, IMHO.
Good for you! Foundation is a covert attack on women’s self-acceptance, and I’m not entirely joking. Think how good-looking men are, and that’s without makeup- unless you count Prince, which is a whole different thang. I wear only moisturizer/sunblock, mascara (just a flick) and sheer lipstick. Ramp up to the paint-on kind when I’m working because I talk the other kind off.
One thing I discovered (via Paula’s Choice) is Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry 30 SPF sunscreen. I absolutely love it–goes on so smooth, and has taken care of my issues with wearing sunscreen on my face. With this, I just use a little bit of concealer, and a touch of powder–nothing else. It’s the best sunscreen I’ve ever tried (drawers full of rejects), and my skin is shine-free for the rest of the day! (here in the humid south, that’s saying a lot) Anyone who wants/needs to wear sunscreen but has oily skin and hates the sticky stuff, this will revolutionize your life. 🙂 Ok, maybe not your life–just your skincare routine!
I mix a Sisley foundation with a Laura Mercier tinted moisturize, and add Cle de Peau concealer. That way I get light coverage in the right, weird yellow/pink color I seem to need. I have small broken blood vessels in my genetic heritage, so foundation still works for me.
I still wear Clarins tinted moisturizer and love the Clarins Instant Smooth. I switched to lip gloss because lipstick usually looked too heavy on me. I had to experiment with glosses until I found a Clarins and a Chanel that I love.
That Boom stick looks great! Never heard of it before. Is it available in stores? What is your favorite Dior lip shade? So many choices!
Anonymous, the BoomStick is only currently available directly from Cindy Joseph’s website, I believe. If you click on the link below the picture should take you there.
I’m with you on the foundation woes…Lancome just discontinued the one I liked. “Improved” it beyond recognition. And I agree, if the texture is right the color is wrong…I’m Snow White and most lines don’t come pale enough. I’ve got redness to cover on my nose and chin though, can’t do without it completely.
Does anyone know of an effective oil control/mattifying primer? I don’t have texture or pore issues, just some redness.
Anonymous, I can tell you what *doesn’t* mattify. I recently purchased Laura Mercier’s oil-free primer. While it’s a nice consistency (very light) and helps my foundation stay put, it provides only moderate oil control. I’m very shiny by mid-day. But at least my foundation isn’t melted off.
Monistat chafing relief powder gel works the best of any mattifier i’ve tested. it’s also the cheapest by far (you find it next to the other monistat products in the drugstore). but of course when it is 103F and i’m sweating like anything it does look a little greasy. ! steph
I, too, have pretty much given up on foundation for the same reasons. But I do still wear lipstick and mascara, and occasionally shadow and liner. I use a veil of one of Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Bricks for highlighting and a touch of colour; and once in awhile I need a bit of powder for shine; not much at all though.
Yesterday I was at a Clarins counter and was looking at the WonderPerfect mascara, which the SA was wearing. I am definitely going to try that one. For years I have worn Inimitable by Chanel; before that I wore their Drama Lash, as they made the best out there back then.
I love the Benefit line of liquid foundations but what I really love is Sun Beam by Benefit it adds a glow to just below the brow line. Love it!!!
http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/
This is a great and very helpful post. I have the same eyebrow issues as you…for the very same reasons; although I have not had thyroid removal, at one time I did have thyroiditis, which is resolved now…but wreaked havoc during it’s presence.
I do have one product recommendation; I agree with you about most tinted moisturizers…they make the face too shiny..but I use a fabulous one; Luxiva Sheer Defense Tinted Moisturizer, available at Merle Norman. It does not add shine; it doesn’t add shimmer. It has SPF 15 and it looks totally natural. I adore it. I despise foundation…it feels awful. I love my Luxiva tinted moisturizer. I will cry if they stop making it.
Oh we are on the same wave length today!
I use Eminence sun minerals defense which I have blogged about this morning!
Skin care is my number one priority…
your skin looks great and you look naturally beautiful in a very French girl way.
I had always problems with moisturizer, too. But for years I am using now BB Creams: perfect (light) coverage, improves skin, fights wrinkles and age spots – all in one! And as they are from Asia they have really light shades, too.
Since I finally conquered my acne problem and got my skin balanced, I’ve lightened up quite a bit. I still wear foundation, but I’ve switched from the opaque stuff I used to wear, to more natural-looking formulas. I still need coverage, though, due to redness and sunspots.
I used to skip the blush, but now it’s a must. I no longer have that youthful natural pinkness on my cheeks. Same with my eyes– I’ve actually increased my use of eye makeup, because I can’t rely on my naturally dark lashes as much anymore. But I do keep it neutral.
And while I used to prefer berry and bright pink lipsticks, I’ve found that muted rosy tones now suit me much better. They make lips look fuller and de-emphasize the tiny lines that are forming on the edges of my lips.
I know, why does it take us till our 50’s to figure some things out? : >
I love your simple routine, and mine is similar, with a little eyeliner and some E.L.F. powder in my T-zone. I think really if I just put on lips most days, no one would notice the difference, and all that time saved . . .
Fabulous post, Pseu. Love your product choices as I know you know I would.
Your face always looks beautiful to me so you’re obviously on to something.
xo,
Tish
The lady on the left looks more attractive to me. I agree with Tish — your face looks beautiful.
I also HATE foundation, and go without it when ever I can. I tried the Clarins cream at the Clarins store and loved what it did, but when I mentioned that I did not often wear foundation and intended to wear this alone, the sales person told me that this product was not for me, and proceeded to try to sell me tinted moisturizer which I hate more than anything. I did not buy anything that day. When will I learn to listen to my gut?
As I started reading this I thought: Does she know about Touche Eclat!? I’ve been using it since I turned 40 and I love it. It is foundation, IMO. Just put together in such a way so that you can apply it judiciously.
I love product reveiw posts. It is so hard to sort through all of the choices with all of the MARKETING and false claims. I do not use any skin creams so just tune out to all of the false claims about those but I do wear make-up and have tried many of the designer brands and drugstore brands of lipsticks, concealers, eyeshadows, rouge, and eyebrow pencils. So far I have only found one product that I will not do without and have stopped all experimenting because it works wonders on me. It is the YSL Touche’ Eclat that you began your post with. It is not a concealer per se because it is not good for covering blemishes or dark spots or frekles but for undereye dark circles it is perfection and is best used just as you say.
I have tried other YSL products and none that I could rave about. As for mascara I have tried them all I feel and the best so far for me is the drugstore brand NYC that my granddaughter turned me onto. If only it was as simple as “you get what you pay for”.
I have a few spider vein spots that need coverage, but apart from those spots I try to go easy. Bad/cakey foundation is worse than none at all.
I think one’s efforts are better spent moisturizing and getting enough rest so our skin IS healthy, rather than attempting to make it look that way.
When I got the facial last Saturday, she said that the goal for middle age is to get rid of foundation or go with as light and little as possible. After my facial, I haven’t really needed it! But I am intrigued by the product you have here and might consider giving it a try.
Eyebrow and kajal pencil and I´m fine.
When I go to town, I place on some compact foundation, some blush, lipstick and mascara.
I own very little cosmetics.
Hello,
Like alot of others reading your post, it suddenly dawned on me one day the tails of my eyebrows were gone? Maybe a few stray hairs but not much else. I purchased rapidlash about 6 weeks ago and have been faithfully using it every evening on my brows and they are starting to have hairs again. I purchased the rapidlash at Costco. As for foundation, Guerlain poweder is fab for mature skin. I don’t know how they do it but it’s a powder that melts into your skin givning a dewy flawless finish. Since it’s a powder I just use a big fluffy powder brush. It must be good foundation since I’ve had numerous people comment on my complexion since I switched. It’s pricey but I purchased it in December, use it every day and I suspect it won’t be used up until this December. A year seems like good value.
Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (it has sunscreen too) – I mix it with a bit of water so it’s even more sheer, and her under eye concealer too. One coat of mascara (going to try the Clarins Tish recommended) right now, I use Chanel. A soft Chanel blush, and Chanel “Boy” sheer lipstick.
I have the same problems with my brows and for the same reasons. I do tint them myself but I fancy having a go at this product.
I’ve found all sorts of new products to try since I started reading your blog & several others (like Tish’s). I recently got the Clarins “spackle”—- that’s what I call it too—and like it a lot. I have the jar version, and a tiny bit fills in surprisingly well. Have also been using Touche Eclat for several months & like it also, but it seems to get a bit thick after a while. Still searching for a good mascara, may have to try your suggestion. I too find myself wearing much less makeup than I used to; rarely wear eye shadow, although I use Touche Eclat on my lids to even out the color & brighten them up. I need eyeliner too, since I’m fair & my lashes are pitiful. One great product I use to “set” my Touche Eclat is the Laura Mercier brightening powder; I must have had this jar for 5 years and there’s still plenty left.
I couldn’t agree more! My skin’s rejection of foundation happened earlier, tho: by my early 40s I could only get away with very light foundations, like Mac Face and Body (but it made me break out) or MUFE Face and Body (but it, too, eventually felt like too much). Now in my mid-40s, with extremely dry skin, I make do with tinted moisturizers/sunscreens (my recent fav is Omorovicza BB Cream as well as their “Perfection Enhancer,” which is a little less luminous, more yellow; I also like Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen). With skin as dry as mine, I don’t mind a little shine! And as you (and most of today’s commenters) said, fixing eyebrows is everything!
Interesting how similar this experience is for so many of us. Well, all I can say is, in your WIW photos, your face always looks great! 🙂
The Laura Mercier brow product is the best! You recommended it a while back and I ordered it right away as I have faint brows like you do and found pencils too harsh and powders just didn’t last. Have been meaning to thank you for sharing!
I rarely use foundation (any time I do, I regret it and wash it off!) – and I’m an avowed fan of Dior shadows, Dior lengthening mascara, and use a few different powder blushes – in soft tones – when I’m in the mood
Not long ago I discovered Bobbi Brown’s shimmering lip gloss (I love Dior’s gloss – great for moisturizing and no taste); the Bobbi Brown is a wonderful alternative – slightly less expensive, and feels very good on the lips.
I tried a Laura Mercier eyeliner three years or so ago. Was astounded at how long it lasted and how much I loved it…
I’m of the 10 minutes or less makeup sort (usually 5 minutes). I keep thinking I should change things up more often, but I rarely do…
Does this mean you found a cure for broken capillaries around the nose??? I would love to go without foundation but between that and the slightly darkened skin around my mouth, well…no.
I also need something to control the shine and oil on my nose, which is an honorary member of OPEC.
The one product that I use daily is a colored eye primer to reduce the red in my eyelids. That makes an enormous difference. I like Touche Eclat, but it’s pricey. Bobbi Brown’s longwear cream shadow and MAC paint pots work really well, too. Their yellow shades match my skin perfectly.
-EM
Oooh – I found three things here that I want to try. The LM brow definer, YSL Touch Eclat and Clarins “spackle.” I haven’t experimented much with make-up, so tend to wear the same thing all the time, because my skin breaks out so easily, but I’m going to try these for sure.
I tried the Clarins product, but it caused me to break out horribly. It felt wonderful though.
I use the YSL Touche Eclat and like it as well as the similar Dior product.
Lancome lipsticks are my favorite.
BB cream is a wonderful combo product. It originally hails from Asia and has been introduced to the UK not long ago. Not sure if it is yet available in the US, but I recommend you give an inexpensive version a try. It’s similar to a tinted moisturizer, but somehow provides better coverage while avoiding a heavy foundation look.
I got a little thrill when I saw this post, because this is exactly the same conclusion I came to this weekend — I’m done trying to find a foundation. I hate the way liquid or cream foundation feels, powder foundation is too mask-like and actually magnifies my lines. Worse, because I have a slightly darker chest due to sun damage, my face was a few shades lighter than my chest when I wore foundation, not a very good look.
I darken my eyebrows with Laura Mercier brow definer or MAC espresso eyeshadow, touch up inner corner of eyes, edges of nose, and edge of upper lip with Touché Éclat. Unlike you, I like a longer lasting lipstick, and always use Chanel Double intensite in Rose Garnet. I rarely use mascara, because I don’t like the way it feels, though I probably look better with it.
But my big discovery was Guerlain bronzer, and I’m bronzer-phobic. Just a touch of this beautiful bronzer around the edges of the face completely transforms everything. It!s not at all orangey, and melts into the skin, giving it a moist glow. Best of all, my face and chest match. II use a second bronzer as a blush. It’s a subtle but significant difference, and I’ll never go back. And I had given up on bronzers completely.
Oh! And I forgot about the spackle — it!s a miracle product. Right now I’m using Becca pore and line corrector, because it comes in a small tube and is easier to carry around, but I usually use Lisse Minute, to.
I have been using the Boom Stick for about 2 weeks and really like it a lot.I got all 3 of the pieces and use them together. It scared me when I first applied it because of the darkness but after a minute it looks so natural and light! I highly recommend this new product.In the heat and humidity we are currently having, it stays on and doesn’t streak or get too shiny for me.
This post and all comments are very interesting. I have been wanting to find a good eyebrow pencil as I have no brows at all past the middle, will go look for the L.M.brow definer today as well as the tinted moisturizer, which seems to be recommended again and again.
Have just gone back to Bobbi Brown foundation stick. Used to use it years ago. It is good for travelling and you can just put it where you want. Also like the BB eyebrow pot . Great for filing in. Might try the clarins primer but as have to wear factor 50 it may be too many layers.
Barbara: age 67. I’m BACK into wanting a coverage to even out skin tone-not daily, but when i really want to come off polished–and loving the SMASHBOX bb creme, use only a tiny bit, spread with my fingers. And another great new discovery a base for my lipstick; I’d read as you age your lipstick bleeds–at 65 still wasn’t happening, so thought it was a myth. Nope, just hadn’t caught up with me yet. At 67: loving using Trish McEvoy flawless lip, with my fave new lipstick Smashbox in a fushis, a color i think is great on older women, warm, vibrant, kind of uniquely stylish and more summery than the brown tones i wear in the winter. And just got cleu de peu, but find it doesn’t go on evenly so am going to try out your red on the YSL Touche Eclat. And want to try your eyebrow rec, too. Thanks for real older women sharing real life solutions.
I have no real make-up routine and was mortified by many of the photos taken at my daughter’s wedding, when I had had my make-up professionally done. It seemed to age me. Of all these products, I’m most curious about the spackle and the eye brow color.
Two things – I had trouble wi foundation too, but when I want to look my best I mix equal parts Chantecaille Future Skin with Paula’s Choice Resist moisturizer, pat on, and lightly brush with a foundation brush. In a hurry, sunscreen topped with tinted sunscreen brushed on in the uneven areas (like Stila SPF 20) and dusted lightly with loose powder. For brows, brush down toward the eye to find the arch, line arch with charcoaled (Clinique) powder and then brush brows into shape. Fill in any sparse areas. Set with Anastasia clear gel. In a hurry – just the gel. I also like Clinique Black Honey for lips and a pretty new coral lipstick from Aveda.
Love this post! i’ve always worn makeup, but in the ‘no makeup’ style. So i’ve not had to change my philosophy all that much, just the products.
I have dry skin the EATS makeup. ALl gone within an hour. I use revlon color stay foundation, just around my eyes (dark circles and lids), nose, and broken veins on apples of my cheeks. This provides coverage and helps any concealer i put on over to last.
I read an article by Kevin Aucoyn years ago where he said just use foundation on the triangle formed by the outer corners of your eyes and your chin. or, even better, just where you think you need it. I’ve found that by using this trick i get nice coverage and lots of people think i’m not wearing any foundation or concealer. It’s a strategy worth trying.
Everyday Mionerals soft bronzer has a great, sheer glowy texture and very light color. Really adds dimension to the face. I agree that eyebrows make a huge difference. i use MAd’s Ohmega eyeshadow with an angled brush, it lasts quite a while (pry because of the revlon color stay underneath).
Lips color and definition is big for me. It adds a lot of life to the face. i’ve found lip pencils last really well. i like to put lip gloss over top or chapstick lasts well and gives a nice look – moist but subtle, very natural.
i’ve also recently been using Burt’s Bees tinted lip balms (the ones that come in a cardboard tube). A bit pricey for what they are…but great colors in just the right amount, nice balm properties, they last, and best of all they fade to a nice hint of color without making that awful blurry outline around the lips like so many tints do. I like rose and hibiscus and want to pick up the pink. super fun in summer. also great over lip pencil applied very lightly.
that’s a good last point – use a light hand now more than ever. Thank you everyone for your comments! steph
I’ve tried dozens of brow products, but finally found my HG: Lancome Le Crayon Poudre. It’s powder in a pencil forms, long-lasting and very quick to apply.