Have you been called ‘a woman’ yet?
Nurthuring
Maggie Gibbons
You know the way people always know exactly where they were when Kennedy was shot or Diana was killed? Well, I reckon it’s much the same the first time you were called ‘a woman’.
With me it was AIB in Malahide and I was getting a cheque cashed with a young new assistant who didn’t know me. She asked her older colleague if it was ok and basically your one looks up and says ‘yes, I know that woman’. WOMAN!, my inner girl shrieked while I frantically looked around to make sure it really was me she was referring to.
And yes, it sure was. I raced home to look in the mirror to see where the girl had gone, she was there months earlier, so what happened? Had my body morphed into an aged lady, or were there were more wrinkles and bags on the face?
Some months earlier I was addressing a class of college students and one of them cheekily asked me how old I was. Being one of my better days I coyly asked her ‘How old do you think?’ About 50 she replied! A mist descended over my eyes and though my mouth opened nothing came out, this silence continued for about 30 seconds before I eventually squeaked ‘I’m 41!’.
Now please don’t think I’m age obsessed, or that I don’t accept getting older. I most certainly DO. I embrace most of what each passing decade brings. (Okay I could forego the moustache!) No, it’s the reminders that give the little shocks. My female friends are still ‘the girls’ for God’s sake!
So I say bring on all the anti-ageing help we can get, the more it promises, the more I want it. What will they do? Probably nothing except make me lighter in my purse and annoyed with myself once again for allowing myself to be seduced by false promises…
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is your skin a bit parched giving you a tired appearance. We all have favourite products and this week I’m not actually recommending particular brands, rather I’m advising you on a good anti ageing regime. Make-up you used in your 30s won’t have the same benefits in your 40s, and beyond. Time for the big guns…
Only cosmetic procedures will nip, tuck and turn back the clock. However there are simple makeup tricks you can do at home to stave off that dried-up prune look.
Anti-ageing tricks
Moisturise
This is probably the most important part of your make up routine. Make sure it contains SPF to protect from sun damage. If you’re not into make up then choose a tinted moisturiser.
Facial oil
This is hydrating and nourishing. Your skin will soak it up like a sponge.
Make-up
Get that healthy glow by using a mineral make-up, or a make-up with light-reflecting ingredients. Avoid heavy foundation, as it will just sink into the wrinkles.
Blush
Smile broadly to find the ‘apple’ and highlight this area with a light blusher. If you have dry skin use a cream blush.
Lip balm
Lips thin as we age, we lose collagen which keeps lips plumped. Lip balms hydrate – look for ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter.
Eye cream
The skin around the eyes loses elasticity which leads to lines and dark circles. Use an eye cream followed by a concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone.
Brows
Having over-plucked my eyebrows all through my 20s and 30s, I’m now left with straggly half brows. Get a good eyebrow pencil, if you’re fair go for a blonde colour, avoid harsh black lines at all costs – so fake! I tried tinting at one stage but it didn’t last, so I now use a pencil.
Remember though, the cheapest and best anti-ager of all won’t cost you a penny: A nice smile. Try to keep it there when someone calls you a woman for the first time…!
Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.
