Hey. I know you will love today’s post! I’ve decided to make a regular posting about beauty from my alter ego “The Paupered Princess”. I’m gonna try to do this on a weekly basis. (TRY!)
My Paupered Princess “LYFESTILE” Brand!
While I realize that I am by far NO expert on the subject, I do have a few bits to add.
I’m 60 years old. This means that I do NOT possess the looks that I had 40, 30, 20, or even 10 years ago.
This is 60. I can’t hide anything–especially the scar below my mouth (the one where I literally bit through my lip from a bathtub accident)..but I work with what I have!
I have turkey neck.
Turkey neck, lines, spots, all the “character” that comes with age! I got it!
I have freckles and spots on my face.
I have wrinkles.
I have wrinkles…..and…
The only way I can get rid of them is to walk around like an overexposed selfie. I would look like a FREAK!!!!!! Really–I don’t want to lose face!!!
My mouth isn’t looking as “bee stung” as it was when I was younger—it’s looking more like fish lips.
This photo is by Richard Austin–but how did he know my lips now look like this??
I’ve even been mistaken for a “sir” when I left the house without makeup. Sad and humiliating but true!
Fear not. I know what my imperfections are and I know how to work around them.
I am wise enough to know that NO amount of beauty cream or skin products—including the new “Blur” products will turn back the clock and turn the skin on my face to that akin of a baby’s bottom. Ain’t gonna happen.
I was fortunate enough to try a sample of this. Fortunate enough in the fact I never had to waste the money. This is the biggest waste of money. It is nothing more than a renamed primer! It won’t make you look younger! It won’t erase the lines!
Botox and fillers are out of the question for me. I cannot afford them at this point in my unemployed life! Besides, if I could afford to have these injections, you had better believe I would find the BEST doctor to administer these drugs—I want to be subtle!
With all due respect to Jocelyn Wildenstein, I realize she is a great patron of the arts and animal rights, but this woman was absolutely beautiful before she reconfigured her facial features!
A surgical face lift would suffice—and there’s no way on the face (pun intended?) of this earth I can afford to do that right now!
So today, I’m going to focus on the most basic of my beauty products. The roots of what turn this old and decrepit (well, at least according to advertisers and cosmetics companies I’m decrepit!) woman into a half-way decent human being.
All these products are incredibly affordable too…so let’s play!
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser: This is my “Holy Grail” of cleansers. I refuse to take my makeup off with anything else. A 12-ounce jar costs about $11.00 and is worth its weight in gold. A little bit is all you need. Makeup and dirt literally “MELT” away. Wipe off well with a damp wash cloth and your skin is makeup free with no residue.
This is the greatest makeup remover of all time! As soon as I hit the bottom third of the jar, I run out to by more. It can be difficult to track down, but I’ve had great luck purchasing this at Bed, Bath and Beyond! It is affordable and a little goes a long, long way!
Water—H2O: OK. We all have to pay a water bill—so this beauty bit is included in that fee! Seriously. After wiping my face clear of the Albolene, I splash water on my face. First, I splash warm water, and then dry with a towel. Then I splash cold water on my face to close the pores—AND it just feels good. Also—drinking plenty of water is just healthy for both the outside and inside of your body!
Don’t forget the importance of water. It IS an essential beauty product!
Moisturizing Cream: Presently, I’m using Olay Active Hydrating Lotion. The cost? Around $6.00 at Walmart. I’ll use the “Equate” brand dupe most of the time which costs about $3.50 at Walmart. I switch between the two when I can’t find one or the other. Either way, BOTH ARE THE SAME! Both creams make my skin soft and don’t make my face feel tight—and that’s the goal. You do NOT need to spend a fortune.
This is basically the old school “Oil of Olay” but repackaged. It works just as well as any high end moisturizer!
Chapstick: I’ve written this before and I’ll write it again. Chapstick, at about a buck a tube, works just the same way that a “Blur” product will. I’ll swipe the old Stick of Chap on crow’s feet and around my mouth and it helps to fill those little lines in. Is it a miracle worker? Hell no—but it assists in the smooth application of makeup!
I apply the “Stick of Chap” to my crows feet. They still remain, but Chapstick fills in those lines just a l’il bit–AND is far less pricey than any “blur” product!
Sally Hansen Crème Hair Remover Duo Kit: Ladies—this is all about that friggin’ moustache AND the halo of fuzz that we grow with age. Do NOT tell me that hasn’t happened to you because then I will be very jealous and/or not believe you! (Just kidding—if you are not privy to this, you are lucky!). This remover does have a little vial of skin conditioner but I don’t use it. The hair remover is more important to me. I paid five dollars and change for this due at Ulta. It works. It works just as well as the wax job I get at the nail place, but truth be told; sometimes I’m just too lazy to drive down the street to get my lip waxed. Five minutes after applying, the hair is gone. But—I wash my face and HANDS like crazy after this. God forbid any gets on the TOP of my head—the hair I DO have left is too near and dear to me!!! I can’t lose any more—LOL!
Two recent purchases at Ulta. The Crème Hair Remover Kit by Sally Hansen is a must to have on hand when you just don’t make it to have your face waxed!
My impersonation of Santa Claus? NOPE! It’s my Beauty Cause!!! Gotta look like a girl again!
Bye bye lady whiskers!
Toppik: Speaking of the hair on my head…….Toppik is another one of my “Holy Grails”. The price has gone up to $24.95 recently, but with that price jump comes more product. A jar of this lasts me about 8 weeks. That’s about 12.50 a month. Believe me; this is priceless in terms of confidence and self-esteem!
As you can see, the shaker went from .36 oz to .42 oz. More of the stuff I need. Reminds me–I have a blow out tomorrow. I have to put this in my purse!
Note-these are just the basic roots of my beauty products. From these products I build. Some days I don’t even bother to wear makeup at all—but I still use these products. Other days I’ll just put a bit of makeup on and others—well, I do the whole shebang—but those are for my future Beauty Bits!
Random Inexpensive Beauty Masks: You can find these in any beauty aisle of any drug store or in Ulta or Sephora. I usually pick one up when I feel my skin needs a bit of extra love! Take a half hour to just sit and Zen!
Hey. I scared my dog, Chippy, with this look–but a face mask is a fun and relaxing Zen moment for your visage!
My point is this: you do NOT have to spend a fortune on skin care! Save the money for a dinner at a great restaurant or put the money saved to your travels!
BTW, this is how I look today after using the cheapo skin products and some makeup. The lines are still there, but I work around everything–and I’ll always be cross-eyed, but I’ve learned it’s ok–that’s what makes my looks way different and unique! OH..and I did my hair myself—on Sunday. Dirty hair looks good!
I’m going off topic (or shall I say “Toppik”) today with my music. I’ve been listening to Cajun music and I LOVE BeauSoleil. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Louisiana. Here’s “Lil Darlin”—because all Atypical60’ers ARE Lil’ Darlin’s!! XOXOXOXOXOO! Get up and DANCE!!!!!
You look gorgeous, darling!
Thanks Sharon!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Your photos, as always, are amazing! Good job I wasn’t sipping a cuppa when I scrolled to the face mask one – haha, love it!!
Hi Haylee! Thanks–I’m glad you like!!! As for the face mask one–Bonaparte hasn’t seen that pic yet–let alone me in the mask. He’s going to go all Napoleon on that! LOL!!!! XOXOXO!!
Haha, you do make me chuckle!
Thought I’d mention the link to the video doesn’t work.
Oh shit. Thanks for the heads up!
Sharon–It’s working on my end–on my phone too!
It works for me – Windows 8 using Chrome browser, Android Lollipop 5.0, also on Apple Safari, iOS 8.4
I’m using Windows 7
You are so beautiful on the outside and inside. Me being a guy I don’t worry about the makeup, except if I am going out in drag. LOL, seriously, you look great! 🙂
Hi Spear! AWWW…thank you! Hehehe..I do study Pandora Boxx AND Miss Richfield for their makeup looks. Did you know Miss Richfield and I are twins? Thanks–I especially appreciate your thinking I’m beautiful on the inside–that is a lovely compliment to receive and I graciously accept! XOXOXOXOXOOO!!!
You look beautiful Catherine! I always enjoy your beauty tips – I’m going to pick up some Abolene today – and you always crack me up. I might have to give Toppik another try too.
Hey, I also have a nice chin scar… from the nasty big boys at the playground in Chicago, who spun the merry go round so fast that my 8 year old self flew off into the park office building.
Have a great weekend!
~Joanie
Hi Joanie! Thanks!!! Definitely give Toppik another try. Also–look up DermMatch.It’s a cake form but works really well too! Let me know what you think of the Albolene. I swear it’s sooooooooo much better than the expensive stuff. I have a sample of Lancôme that never takes the makeup off well..and the price is expensive too! I love lots of Lancôme products, but they makeup remover is just not as good as Albolene! OUCH! Those playground merry go rounds are a danger. I used to get vertigo from them! Wear that scar well darlin’! XOXOXOXO!!
Great post!!
Getting older is so weird – one minute I’m wearing my wrinkles with pride because they show all I’ve endured in my life – the next, I’m begging the Goddesses to please give me my face back! 🙂
I use some of these products, and I’ll be trying the others. Never thought of using Sticks of Chap that way (love that name!), and who doesn’t have those around?! I find that my most effective (and cheapest) beauty secret is a good night’s sleep. If I haven’t had one, I scare myself in the mirror the next morning!
OMG. You’re telling me getting old is weird! Sometimes when I look in the mirror, I’m so surprised that I practically have to carry around a change of panties!!! It is THAT scary! Glad you like my little code name for Chapstick. My kids and I have code names for so many things……But you are definitely right about a good night’s sleep–I forgot to add that. Honestly, if I don’t get enough sleep not only do I look like yesterday’s garbage, but I feel tired all over. Those days of breaking night are definitely over!!! XOOXOXOXO!!!!
Your gorgeous!! Love the post…the giggles and the suggestions!! Abolene is going on my shopping list! And thanks for the reminder to pick up more Sally for my ‘stache!!
Thanks!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and suggestions. I cannot say enough about Abolene–that stuff rocks!! Oh..and I’m very happy to have given you that reminder to bick up more Sally! XOOXOXOXOOO!!!
Looking as gorgeous as ever Cathe. Xx
Hi Carmen!! Thanks!!! Hey–have a safe flight back home!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
It’s funny but I would be honest dearest mom: You should not make fun of yourself so often even when it’s funny. It’s a great ability to take yourself lightly still making fun of yourself again and again is not such a good idea. 🙂
Your humble servant,
Anand 🙂
Anand, I think it’s okay to make fun of one self once in a while, as long as you are confident that you are beautiful inside out. But I agree Catherine is gorgeous 😉
And she has adopted me as her blogging son LOL 😛
And you look fab!!
Thanks Anand! I’m officially adopting you as my fourth child. You are my blogging son!!! XOXOXO!!!
Hahahaha thanks mom 🙂
Hugs and blessings from blogging son.
Anand <3 <3 <3
Love this list! I used to use Albolene but switched to Cetaphil one summer and it stuck, but I need more moisture for the winter so I think I’ll resume Albolene when the colder weather sets in. Love Toppik too, good stuff. You look absolutely fantastick and those glasses are the bomb!
Hi Margaret! Another Albolene user–I love it!! It’s definitely better for the more moist winter skin! Thanks–the glasses are Armani–got ’em at Lenscrafters! LOL–Bonaparte almost blew a bomb when he saw this post today. He was incredibly upset at some of the photos I posted! Heheheheee! “Pliz. dun’ show zuouz silly peec-turz” “Plz.Ah em bigging ou”! I’ll be good for a few days! XOXOXOXO!!!
I love these tips! Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to more of them. ( And, I sort of agree with Vibrant.)
Hi Leslie! Glad you love the tips! I just received a lecture from Bonaparte on my photos. It’s like the Franco/American version of “I Love Lucy”. He is not ‘eppy right now! XOXOXO!!! Oops!
Catherine, you are so beautiful and vibrant. I’m ten years behind you at 50. And no, we don’t look twenty anymore. But we are beautiful. Your humor is great — loved it. Do many of the same things each day or each week. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Francesca! Thank you so much for the compliments! We are all beautiful–and I wish the cosmetics companies would realize that 40,50.60…all the way up–we still use product and it isn’t just the ones with airbrushed skin! I always try to keep a sense of humor with this stuff. Gotta laugh. A Smile is a great beauty tool! I’m happy to share! XOXOXO!!!
My face looks like Santa Claus’ every morning too with all the shaving foam around my chin! Sadly, I’m increasingly worried that I may also end up resembling him in the waist area if I don’t start taking steps to limit my doughnut intake.
Hi Bun–Oh…me too. I’m working on getting rid of my muffin top because if I don’t it’ll turn into a cake top!!! XOXOXO!!
Hi, Catherinez! So fun to meet you. I, too, am 60, or will be in December, and I think we are both amazing no matter what!
Hi Jackie, The pleasure of meeting you is just as fun! 60 is a great age–we’ve been there, done that! And we ARE amazing!!! Hope to see you more often!! XOXOXOXO!!!
As I am not a make up user (although I want to but usually I opt out because of cost lol :P). My friend even tease me if I even use a lipstick sometimes but I know it can help to enhance once beauty. In my opinion you are very beautiful inside and out (make up or no make up). I hope to age gracefully and beautifully as you do. I love the beauty tips and I hope I can afford them and may use them when time comes for me to use them. lol 😛 (although come to think of it – it is time for me to use them! lol 😛
Hi Shine! Thank you so much for your compliments! Oh…I can tell you that you can find decent makeup on the cheap! Not all of it has to be high end or expensive!! XOXOXO!!!
Thank you Catherine. 🙂 I think I’m really not a make up girl especially now that I am at home always. If I buy lipstick they are usually not used unless I go out or there’s an occasion for it but I do use facial cream though sometimes if I’m not too lazy lol 😛 I guess I’m just used to it but I admire beautiful lady like you who knows how to strut their stuff so to speak 🙂
I admit, I use the Sally Hanson mustache remover too! I love it. My skin allergies don’t really allow for much else to touch it. My hair on the other hand… let’s just say I drive my kids nuts because I call my gray hairs my sparkleys. Everyone needs a little sparkle in their life. 😉
Hi Diane–that Sally Hanson stuff really works great–but I LOVE that you call your gray hair your sparkleys! Wish I had thought of that–LOL!! XOXOXO!!
You look great. That fish picture is hilarious. Chap stick on wrinkles !!! Never heard of that. I’ll have to pick up a six pack, that should be enough to cover my face.
Thanks Jean–Isn’t that fish pic a riot???? Hey, I figured the chapstick thing out a couple of years ago when Benefit Cosmetics discontinued “She-Laq”–it was this stuff that stopped makeup from smudging–and I noticed when I put it on my eyes, it tightened them and made me look younger. Then, naturally, it was discontinued. So one day I just put chapstick on and thought it worked well-been doing it ever since! XOXOXOXOO!!!