wearing make-up

Liz46 I began to despair of my eyebrows, particularly when the trend for caterpillar like hairy ones began. I had overplucked (who didn't?) back in the day and they were so sparse. I went to a local beauty salon and had my eyebrows dyed, and the girl waxed around them and tidied what little there was. The effect was remarkable - they looked better than I thought possible, and I now go once a month . The improved brows, a little foundation, mascara, light blusher and lipstick and I am 'tarted up' to face the world!

This thread has reminded me of the time I collected my gd from nursery and on the bus home noticed her closely studying an elderly lady who was wearing blue eyeshadow and bright lipstick. She then declared in a very loud voice: Nanny that lady is wearing ugly sister make up.

I lost most of my eyebrows when I had chemo. Can anyone recommend a really good eye pencil or the best product to help me get some eyebrows back I heave fair eyebrows so they have to be blandishments. Bobbi brown blonde was good but they don’t do the shade I need anymore?

Cheska I have tried soooo many products for my sparse over plucked brows. Some I bought which said suitable for fair brows just looked ginger which is definitely not what I wanted.

Turns out the best product (for me) I’ve tried turned out to be one of the cheapest. l’Oreal brow pencil in Blonde.

Hope you’re much better now.

Cheska, hope you're doing well .

I have thin eyebrows and have a few grey ones in there, I use benefits wow brow it has a small wand like putting on mascara, really easy and looks good. Or you could get them dyed.

I always use make up, I don’t feel dressed without it, now I’m over 60 I use it lightly, moisturiser always, primer sometimes, light foundation, blusher, mascara, kohl pencil just on the top eyelid and just under the lashes smudge it, and a bit of lippy and Vaseline on top.

Notanan & Jura2, could you say which brands of sunscreen you use? I've never been able to find one that doesn't feel oily or mask-like on my face.

Cheska I don't know if you might consider 'microblading' - my local salon has just started this. It's not cheap but the effects last for about eighteen months, so I am told, and one of the ladies had it done after suffering alopecia. It's like a tattoo but not so long lasting, All the best - I wish you well. x

I have always worn full makeup...I use marginally less now. Have always loved makeup, worked in a hairdressers as a Saturday girl from the age of 13...and was even sent to colouring school, taught perming and cutting and finally, did a short beauticians course, before deciding to train as a nurse. Makeup makes a huge difference, certainly to me, before work every day I put on makeup and hot brush my hair. Would feel undressed without doing it.

Notanan & Jura2, could you say which brands of sunscreen you use? I've never been able to find one that doesn't feel oily or mask-like on my face.

Aldi and lidl copy the midrange (expensive to me) brands so I stock up there when they have stock.

But I dont wear the spf one every day. On office days when Im indoors 9-5 I just wear serum. I wear SPF ones on weekends/days off. So less clogging as only on my "out and about" days not every day

When I was younger with more disposable cash to splash on such things I used Clinique city block daily and it wasnt clogging.

I havent tried it recently, in general I find Clinique to be a "young skin" brand. But they are good with free samples so maybe try city block if you are out and about daily.

I sometimes use foundation, mainly in the winter, but use blusher, mascara and lip gloss normally. Eye shadow sometimes, problem is I need my glasses to see where I am putting it and I can't put it on while I am wearing them! The joys of getting older.

I only used to wear eye make up when I went out. Didn't like the feel of foundation and felt ridiculous in lip stick - I tried so many different shades but never found one I felt ok in. But now, having 'dry eyes' I don't risk mascara as I have to use drops. So no I don't use make up - but I still feel feminine....(this to someone up thread ) and think I look ok. Mr R thinks so anyway!

I feel sorry for the young 'uns, having to wear all that heavy contoured make up, false lashes, eyebrows painted on, no five minute slap it on !

I'm enjoying reading all the very varied makeup routines you have. I never leave the house without applying concealer for my red blotchy nose. Years ago it was Panstik, yuk, so thick. Products have improved and I use a tiny bit of Mac now, applied with a brush.

I have small eyes and used to enjoy makeup to enhance them, but I've developed a bad dry eye condition, and absolutely cannot wear mascara now. If I do, I develop stes type infections that take ages to go. Occasionally I will apply shadow above the eye, well away from lashes. But because I wear reaction glasses, my eyes cannot be seen much of the time.

I have never got on with lipstick, didn't like the feel. And I don't have really thin lips, they are still reddish, so I don't bother. Maybe just a slick of Vaseline occasionally.

In winter I wear a little Clarins fake tan as a blusher. I
prefer that to normal blusher, it looks more natural on me.

My eyebrows are mixed dark brown and white. I dye them about every 6 months with a mens beard dye . Only a tiny bit, just a minute or two, then trim any extra long tough hairs. Works well and very cheap.

I wear moisturiser and eye serum every day, just a cheapie Superdrug but it leaves my skin looking smooth and soft. I have never been a beauty, so now I just try and keep the stray hairs at bay, so I don't frighten the children.

SueDonim I use Clinique city block sunscreen. It comes in two strengths. It is slightly tinted but not a moisturiser so you have to moisturise underneath. It's pricey but lasts ages and is very effective. I have sensitive skin so am careful what I use. I don't use much other face make up just a touch of blusher, and always kohl eyeliner (hang over from my youth!)

I had not heard of Benefit until Daisymae told me about it. I went to Debenhams in Chester yesterday and told the assistant on Benefit that the grey hairs in my eyebrows were increasing and Gransnet told me to come to her! She put some 'product' on my eyebrows brushed them up and trimmed off the ends of the longer hairs and then brushed them down and did the same. She added a bit more colour (a fairly light colour) and they look much better. I just had to pay for the 'Ben Brows'. No charge for the trim and I look much better.
I also bought a tube of Bobbi Brown tinted moisturiser. I've just to get in the habit of using them now! Thank you ladies.

For some reason my eyebrows have stayed as bushy as ever.
I find some very long auburn hairs - my head hair was that colour. I just pluck them regularly to keep them in check.
Like *seacliff, Im enjoying reading about your various routines.

I'll try the Aldi sun block, thanks for the nod.

The Clinique I don't like. I find their products too drying, even the moisturiser, which is weird.

I have always liked to wear make up but recently felt I had lost my way due to lack of knowledge regarding the myriad of products now available Happily, my 16 year old niece is an expert. She advises me that, primer is brilliant for older skin, tinted moisturiser is best, the Bobbi Brown one gives luminosity. A tiny dot of peachy cream blusher blended into cheek apples is always good
When using any products less is more. Blend blend, blend. Your eyebrows should look like
sisters and not twins !
I can definitely recommend eyebrow threading and tinting. Makes a massive difference.As I have got older I need definition to avoid my face looking like a boring digestive biscuit. If you have a young relative please ask their advice on a natural look. Although, as my niece told me, she is not a miracle worker ! I find that the best result is to use make up that just helps us to look fresher and helps to avoid looking as if you are wearing it.

In my cynical mood -
I've noticed many of my older 'reserved' friends now blossoming out with fresh complexions. They do look bonny, but I suspect the motives of the make-up companies.
They're in it to make money. It's a fashion trend.

debgaga I tried threading a few years ago. Agonising and goes on for ages, just a few hairs at a time. I emerged with mascara stained tears running down my cheeks. Not my best look.

For me, waxing is much better, quick ouch a couple of times for each eye and it’s done. We all do things differently.

I feel sad reading many of these comments about makeup. I think it's the British disease if you are over 70. There is a terrific website called Look Fabulous Forever set up by the inspiring Tricia Cusden (she's 72) and she has revolutionised the way I wear makeup (I am 70). I now have a simple, well planned routine, using very few products. I look so much better! And I feel great! And best of all, no more wandering around expensive makeup counters .

a boring digestive biscuit debgaga

Without just a touch of foundation, blusher etc (without overdoing it!) I look like an underbaked shortbread

I do leave my face bare when at home though.