Remember I applied to be on the Sephora Squad? On the surface, I had no expectations. But—deep down inside, I wanted this so freaking badly! The reason being that it’s just so important to me—and it’s my mission to get the “Over 60” demographic noticed.
Sent in my application. Got 200 plus testimonials. For that alone, I’m grateful and over-the-moon happy!
I didn’t make the semi-finals. Here’s the wonderfully personal and generic email I received from Sephora.
This generic response is such a passive-agressive one. I’m shaking my head over the lack of creative writing!
And despite the amounts of testimonials I received…. the “Over 60” demographic was not included. It was not part of the not-so-diverse mix!
I’m a basic….
And like Frenchy, the Beauty School Dropout, I’m a Sephora reject!
I perused the listing of semifinalists and despite what Sephora stated about diversity and numbers not mattering—overall, it was the same old same old. Over filtered, over highlighted makeup people who, if they went out of their homes with the amount of makeup they showcased, they wouldn’t look like the average, normal woman or man.
One of the two over 50 semifinalists has over 43K followers. I can’t compete with those numbers. Many have more numbers but only a few of the 93 semi-finalists have low numbers. It is about the numbers.
Ladies. Our demographic didn’t even make the Sephora chart. Does it mean we don’t buy makeup? NO–it only means we buy cosmetics elsewhere–like at department stores, other specialty stores and online. My guess is that Sephora doesn’t want to branch out to welcome the over 60 woman as a customer. But–I wonder how many of those 93 semi-finalists DO shop regularly at Sephora. I’m handing in my Sephora VIP card!
And if I sound like “sour grapes”—it’s because I am. Not for me though. I’m sour graping over the fact the over 60 woman continues to be ignored—regardless of the amount of money she spends on skincare and beauty. The Beauty industry will continue to pontificate “anti-aging” and youth but as daunting as it is, I’m putting my big-girl hair on and moving forward!
Wait! Let me make myself clear. I’m putting my FAKE Big girl hair on…
Oh yes! That’s much better! Do you like my hair? It’s Avery by TressAllure and the shade is Mocha Gold!
But before I move forward, please let me take a moment to thank each and every one of you who sent a testimonial for me and thank you to each and every one of you who continue to follow this blog and Instagram account and YouTube channel. Atypical60 will never give up and neither will I!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Here’s a virtual Basket of thanks for you!
Now to the good stuff!
I was watching a video review that Tati Westbrook had on her YouTube channel. She reviewed an eyeshadow palette that I’ve been wanting. It’s the new Riviera palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills. It’s out of my comfort zone because of the bright colors. And being a neutral gal, I still wished for it. But at the price of $45—I’m not sure I want to make that monetary commitment!
The gorgeous Riviera Palette. That bright pink did it to me!
Anyway, Tati did a look that really was beautiful. It would have taken me at least 12 hours to make it look somewhat like hers. But here’s the thing. Westbrook loved the palette but said that other palettes were similar or had similar shades but were less pricey. I liked that she brought that to fruition.
Tati’s eye look was crazy-beautiful! Might I add, if you want great and honest reviews, check out her YouTube channel. She’s one of my faves! NO BS either!
And yesterday, I was at TJ Maxx perusing through their beauty section. I spotted a palette by Too Faced cosmetics. It’s the Chocolate Bon Bon palette and came in at under $25. I opened it and staring at my face were two gorgeous pink shadows—one being very bright. I bought the palette!
And, thanks to a Jeffree Star review on the bareMinerals Serum foundation whereas he showed how to use the foundation the correct way, I purchased another in a shade closer to my skin! It was worth the $7.99 because I gave it another chance and it works! The mascara–$3.99 and it’s one that I love!
I also purchased brush cleaner for a total of $3.99. And might I say, this was a great deal! Let’s compare it to the $19.99 iT cosmetics brush cleaner.
$3.99 brush cleaner on the left, the $19.99 iT cosmetics brush cleaner on the right.
The $3.99 brush cleaner has a built-in pump–
The iT brush cleaner has a pump that broke the first time I used it. I had to transfer most of the product into a smaller empty pump bottle!
No fuss–you simply place the brush, bristle-side down on the pump, push down, the cleaner pumps up and…
does a great job cleaning the brush.
Gross–I know, but the cheap-o brush cleaner did a stellar job, smelled great and left no residue–whereas, the iT cleanser smells like turpentine and leaves an oily residue! I rest my case!
Today, being Saturday, there was no pressure to be out the door to get to the office. And so, I took my time playing with this palette. I definitely took a trip out of my comfort zone but was so happy with the way my eyes turned out.
I used this palette today and that bright pink–yeah. I used it!
I went out of my comfort zone and glad I did!
Not overdone but a step away from my usual neutrals. This is a fun look for those days when I’m not rushed!
In fact, the eye shadows inspired me to go one step further.
I ran to my closet and took my raspberry pink bag from Nat et Nin out of hibernation.
I picked this up a few years back in Paris and don’t use it as much as I should!
Then I went into my scarf drawer and grabbed a Lilly Pulitzer Infinity Scarf that hasn’t been worn in years.
The eyeshadow palette inspired me today!
Isn’t it funny how you can become inspired by the smallest things—like a little eye shadow?
Today’s look–inspired by an eye shadow palette!
Or…. inspired by a bunch of friends who read your blog. Yeah. I’m inspired by my failure to be on the Sephora Squad. I didn’t make the cut—but in the long run, it doesn’t matter. I’m here and not going away. That rejection was a wake-up call to me to get back on track with the blog.
Yeah Babe! I’m back on track!
So, thanks guys—thanks for your constant support. I feel rejuvenated!!! Off to get the nails did now and do some food shopping.
Once again, Kim did a stellar job on the nails!
Thanks again and have a spectacular weekend!!!
You make me smile! Thank you!
You may not have made Sephora’s squad but I invite you to be on my squad anytime, Cathe. I am not such a fan of Sephora due to having a bit of a disappointment in their El Paseo store a few years back. I selected a few products and went to the register. The sales person rang them up and handed the bill to me. I asked him what little gift I would receive as I was a member of their loyalty club. He looked at me as if I had 3 heads and said…”oh, you say you’re a member of the loyalty club…are you SURE”?. I guess I just looked a tad bit too old for him to take me at my word…grrrr!
Thanks Liz!! And I am honored to be on your elder squad!!! Dear God, you have no idea what kind of saucy language I would have used had the Sephora sales person said that to me. The entire mall would have heard me!! That’s disgusting!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO
Chin up – onwards and upwards! You are our heroine, forget Sephora!!! xx
Thankyou Judy! I’ve put on my big girl fake hair and my big girl panties and am ready to march on!! XOXOXOXO
You deserved to be on the squad, Catherine. Sephora is the loser here. I really love reading your blog! Thanks for sharing all your experiences with us!
Thanks for your encouragement Molly!!! It’s keeping me on track!!! XOXOXOXO
Thank-you for trying to represent our demographic. However, I personally refuse to enter a Sephora ever again after more than one rude encounter with yet another of their over-made-up sales associates who cannot seem to get it through their puny heads that our demographic can buy and sell the lot of them. Their loss! Cheers!
Thanks GG!!! Yeah—I’m discovering that I’m much better off being rejected. It’s not that bad because I can concentrate on all the good stuff about our demographic!! XOXOXOXO
It really sucks that Sephora passed you over and the letter they sent you, well……. I know that all your fans appreciate your honesty and will always be here to support you.
Thanks Toni. Yeah–that letter was a demeaning insult to all those who weren’t chosen to be a semi-finalist. I’m feeling better with every passing moment!! XOXOXOXO
Sephora lost out big time in overlooking you as a member for their Squad. Then again, you’re way too cool for Sephora “anything”. I grew so weary of their overly made up juvenile sales stalkers asking me what I wanted every time I looked twice at an item, I crossed them off my list. Like you, Catherine, I get crazy mad with the under-representation of the 60+ woman in the cosmetic and fashion industry! Thank you for being our voice in the mass of ignorance. (did I just say “ignorance”?) Oh well.
Can I just say, I’m loving that Mocha Gold shade, it’s beautiful on you, like sparkles around your face! I can’t believe you hide that gorgeous pink bag and Lilly P. scarf in hiding, they are the essence of you and so chic!
Thanks Landry. Yeah–you know what? Those 93 semifinalists? Most of them were so over-the-top made up–so I think it’s more about getting people to buy the makeup rather than using makeup to enhance natural beauty and features. We gotta get back to basics. I’m concentrating now on our demographic in particular and “eff those who want to ignore us”.
I love the Mocha gold shade–isn’t it lovely? And the bag and scarf–I’m so glad I was inspired by eyeshadow!! Can you believe it?? XOXOXOXO
They definitely should have sent you some free samples to thank you for applying. Boo, Sephora! We should schedule an over-60 protest, hit Sephora at the same time, and watch the manager faint.
LOL! Maryellen–or samples as a consolation gift!! XOXOXOXO
Having just moseyed on over to look at the finalists, all I can say is than the good lord you weren’t selected – seriously after that Olivia Jade thing that even made the papers here. Honestly, looking at them, I felt no affinity to any of them, and I suspect they live a life parallel to normal human beings. I assume they already are heavily paid and their “influencer” status is a full time thing already – if you had been unlucky enough to have been chosen then you’d lose your independence and your “you”, these people are happy to be reduced to a “thing” I didn’t feel much humanity looking at any of them, could any of us emulate such a high maintenance lifestyle (thanks but no -I’d rather have a life…). These desperado wannabes just look a little contrived and samey, the ones that might be a little different (thank you Sephora, why thank you for discovering fat people, bless) are picked for their oddity not their talent but their usefulness to Sephora, I almost feel sad for them – they’ll be discarded soon enough,
To be honest I think as over 50s we need to make our own culture, if they wont appreciate us then we find ways round them hon, I think there are plenty of tools we can use – disruptive advertising techniques, our networks and we dont get to our age without learning a few networking tricks all our own. Bless Sephora – they can stick to their phoneys, their anybodies, their… we are better than that
Dear Juliet! You worded that so well–I thought the same thing. MANY of those 93 have HUGE followings and do get paid. I question the ethical nature of Sephora–and I say that because they were false in stating that they accepted those from all walks of life–because they didn’t. All they needed to say was –are you a MUA or do you work in the industry and do you want to be an influencer for us. You would think after that Olivia Jade expose, the company would look for more normalcy–but they didn’t.
And you’re right. We need to make our own culture and I’m totally in for that! Thank you so much!!! XOXOXOXOXO
I think you are building our alternative to Sephora and these other “paid for” influencers – sooner or later things will swing back to the honest tell it like it is genuine people, I am so grateful that you continue regardless of Sephora, I think we are at the start of something much better – look how lovely and inclusive this blog is! HUG xxxx
Boy, are they missing a whole demographic. You being one of them. They’re missing the boat. I’m sorry you were not asked to be on the squad. What fun they would have had, and so would we.
Hey Sandy. You know–at some point, all those young people will become old. And Sephora will have to change it’s tone. Our demographic continues to remain out to pasture. We don’t even make it into the analytics–it’s awful. But I also blame the beauty and fashion industries. They are so youth-obsessed that they have blinders on! Oh, I know I would have had a blast.Tee hee!! XOXOXOXOX
You are beautiful, GF and sorry you didn’t make the cut. Seriously, it really is annoying the way they take our money and then ignore us as a demographic segment. I remember thinking I would never be thirty (I was 21) Then I was and realized I too would be old. I suspect the one who wrote your response suffers from the same delusion. Keep up the good work. Your blog is informational and most entertaining!
Thanks Beemer!!! LOL. I certainly remember when I thought 30 was old! And now at almost 64, I think of myself as young at heart but still interested in beauty! The industries think we give up and we don’t! Thank you–I’m glad to be informative and entertaining! XOXOXOXO
Awww, that’s too bad they didn’t take you on! Their loss… When will retailers figure out how much $$ the over 60 demographic have to spend. Unlike the over six o’s of old, so many of us wield a mightier disposable income then our younger sisters and we still like to look great, it’s a huge untapped market! I just don’t get it:(
We appreciate you very much, you are our own influencer<3 so who needs Sephora? Grow your own social media platform and show 'em who is the boss lady!!
Hi Momcat! LOL. I’ve been trying to grow my social media platform but–I don’t buy subscribers and I suck at marketing myself–I noticed yesterday that I lost 300 blog followers–I was shaken up about that but I blame myself for being too tired when I return home from work. (I’ll have to write whilst tired-). It’s not an easy thing but I LOVE it. I love doing this because I WANT to be the voice of our demographic! XOXOXOXOX
I am really sorry. I love your blog and YouTube channel and I am always so happy to see a new post. I think I said as much in my recommendation. Thank you for being you! You know, I think Sephora needs to post a large conspicuous sign that anyone over the age of 50 will only be be allowed to make purchases/spend money, preferably online. In-store appearances are highly discouraged.
We have helped support and grow this brand over the past 20 or years they have been in the US. Now they want us to quietly go away. I agree with Momcat-grow your own social media platform! We will all be right there with you!
Hi Patricia! You touched on something very important. We DID help grow the Sephora brand. I can remember shopping there for ages and ages and now we’re trashed out. It’s daunting. LOL. I’m trying very hard to grow my social media platform. I need a marketing plan but I stink at it! LOL!! XOXOXOXO
I wonder if we can say such things on their website – maybe if we are vocal enough…. 🙂
Cathe, I am so sorry that you did not make the Sephora Squad, but only because they hurt your feelings. Of course I sent in a testimonial, but I did wonder at the time if you even had a shot because you are known for your honest and unbiased reviews. To be honest, I thought that would work against your ever being selected. That said, their loss is our gain! Furthermore, if they don’t want you, then I don’t want them. I’m sure anything I could buy there I could buy elsewhere. So please just continue to be you and let them be stupid. You continue to inspire us all with your optimism, humor, beauty and honesty, living your best life, and sharing your outlook and experiences with all of us! We are all the better for knowing Atypical60!♡♡♡
Hey Kewl. Yeah. I think you might have something there in connection with my honesty! Live Skincare wasn’t too thrilled with my review even though I said great things and approved of the products. I think they were upset because I called them out on the use of the term “anti-aging”. Too freaking bad. They should know better. That term is vulgar and I will continue to call out every brand for using that demeaning and insulting term.
So yeah……………………..I guess Sephora didn’t want the blunt honesty! LOL!! XOXOXOXO
I am sorry you didn t make it! But luckely you don t give up! Have a great Sunday!
Thanks Nancy!! Hey! Happy St. Pat’s!!!! XOXOXOXO
Really sorry you were not chosen. According tho their figures it looks like no one over the age of 54 shops at Sephora. Those of us who shop and have shopped there, must be invisible. It is not very clever to exclude baby boomers, we are the most cashed up consumers. I guess if everyone over the age of 54 stios shopping at Sephora they wont care. You would have been an amazing asset to the squad. It is totally Sephora’s loss. Love your blog, please dont let this effect you or dampen your spirits..
Hi Alex. Oh…no..this did NOT affect or dampen my spirits. I’m over it and ready to blog stronger! But yeah–when I saw those numbers I was shocked because I know many women my age who shop at both Sephora and Ulta. My guess is that they don’t include us and that pisses me off. I was quite surprised by that!!! XOXOXOXO
Catherine,
You look beautiful with the pink eye shadow and coordinating pink outfit! The pink brightens up your features and is youthful looking. I love that shade of lipstick.
I am sorry you did not make the semi-final Sophoria list. I was one of your 200 “cheerleaders!” But Sophoria, not you, is the loser. Do they realize the amount of products women of our demographic purchase?! It would have been wise of them to include us in their advertising and focus. I will purchase from Sophoria from now on only if I cannot find a product I want elsewhere.
I rely on your excellent work reviewing products and the demonstrations. I also love your inclusion of what you wear each week. I still am in love with the small patterned black and gold pants I bought for a cruise two years ago which were inspired from seeing you in the same type of pants several times.
I am now using The Ordinary Hyaluronic Serum; Laura Geller’s Baked, Balanced, and Brightened Foundation (on days at home and to touch up my regular foundation); a primer you recommended; and a few other products you have reviewed on your blog. Thanks for doing the work for me by trying out these products and saving me money by not purchasing ones that do not work well. As you can tell, I am grateful for your blog and all the work you put into it. Congrats on being an inspiration to our more mature age group, and keep up the good work!
Anne
Anne. Thank you so very much for your words. I need that encouragement now and I am proud and honored to be an influencer for you and all my friends who come here!!!! YOU are inspiring me. And those gold and black pants remain a favorite!! XXOXOXOXO
That’s too bad, but I’m not surprised. Any of the few time I’ve been inside a Sephora store I was basically ignored by the sales peeps. It’s unfortunate they ignore older women, as we often have more money to spend than the debt-laden millennials.
Hey Homey! Yeah. I’m always ignored at Ulta–and and Sephora I’m talked down to as though I’m a friggin’ idiot who never saw as much as a mascara wand in my life! That’s why I have taken it upon myself to research many beauty items online!!! And yes. Those millennials ARE debt-ridden and companies still take their over maxed credit cards and ignore the cash from our demographic! XOXOXOXO
I am not surprised that Sephora again missed an opportunity to have representation of their over-60 customers. I just fired off an email describing my displeasure. You certainly deserved the chance to bring your experience and wisdom to the table. I told them I will be shopping elsewhere for my beauty products. They are not the only fish in the sea. Keep up the good work Catherine.
Thank you Ann!!!!!!!!!!!! I would be quite interested to see if they respond to your email–either from a person or a blanket response! Thank you so much and I will keep up the good work!!! XOXOXOXO
In a way Catherine, it’s a blessing in disguise not becoming a Sephora “Influencer”. Would you have been truly comfortable, constrained by their “terms of engagement”?
It was my pleasure to write a recommendation for you. You are only one of two Bloggers (I read) who sincerely speak from the heart & offer unique, personal perspectives. You let your spunky, qwerky, joyful, honest voice ring out above the drone & din.
Only YOU would have pulled together a “Chocolate BonBon” ensemble inspired by an eye colour pallet! Love it. Love It! LOVE IT. Now I want to make chocolate raspberry parfait for dessert in your honour.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Beverly!!! Chocolate-Raspberry parfait dessert sounds wonderful!!!! And in my honor–I’m shook!!! Thank you so much for your support!!! LOL. I had a blast with that pink eyeshadow!!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Sorry you missed out. You would have been great. Love all your posts. Sephora squad finalists seem to be one age group, I guess they are only interested in millennials. I have learned so much about beauty and skin care from older, wiser women over the years, now as a 60+ woman it is much easier to relate to and honor the wisdom of women who have learned through life experience. Your blog is fun and very relatable to women of many ages. Sephora ignoring customers over 54 is a bad business move, so many of us love trying and buying new makeup and skin care. We can always take our business to other companies. (I know this will not be printed, I have never make the cut to comment on your blog )
Well I think it is high time we (40 + women) have a make up store that does cater to us and our needs. We have Chico’s and other clothing stores that meet our needs, why not a cosmetics place? We have different needs and when I pop into Sephora or Ulta I am completely ignored unless I ask for help. And the person helping me is young and has no experience with my needs. Why doesn’t someone open a place for us – with all kinds of fantastic skin care, make up, hair needs (including hair pieces and wigs). I wish I had the money I’d open it myself!
It’s annoying that Sephora ignores us and I’m sorry you were not chosen but I think there is something much better around the corner for you!
xo,
Kellyann
They just don’t know what they’re missin’ Cathe… personality plus, Plus PLUS!!!! And then a bit more after that! 🙂
Thanks Mike!!! I really appreciate that!!! XOXOXOXO