It’s no surprise that I turned 70 earlier this month. My celebration lasted quite a while from a weekend in New York City that was gifted by my three children to a fantastic dinner last night at our favorite restaurant—Springmill Café in Conshy!
I’m still over-the-moon thinking of my NYC weekend!
And while I am absolutely blessed to have made it to 70, there have been changes that, I would be lying and completely dishonest if I said they didn’t bother me.
One of those changes is in my skin. Those changes occurred starting at around 50 years, with noticing more lines and wrinkles and slightly drier skin both on my face and body. I think the biggest changes, though, took place during the past few years.
My hands now look like “old lady” hands. Those age spots and crinkles are quite visible. However, I did manage to, after decades, grow out my natural nails and get regular manicures.
Hands are the biggest sign of age. I remember a time when my hands were as smooth as a baby’s behind. They still are but with the texture of a baby hippo!
It’s the changes in my face that I’ve noticed the most. My complexion has gotten ruddier. Spots on my face seemingly popped up overnight—and I am not talking about cute freckles either! The drier skin has made exceptions for actual dry patches. The eyelids have morphed into crepe paper, making it difficult to apply liner.
Don’t let anyone fool you. THIS is 70-year old skin without any makeup or enhancement. Decades of sun damage. Age spots. Wrinkles. Ruddiness and uneven skin texture–and disappearing brows. It ain’t pretty folks. But I know how to work it!
UPDATE: In February of 2024, I wrote a blog post regarding Il Makiage Foundation. In the course of a year, this foundation no longer works for me. I no longer order and have had a challenge trying to stop my subscription but I am pushing the dates back until my card expires. My skin has just changed and I’m annoyed that Il Makiage makes it difficult to cancel. Here’s my review in case you hadn’t read it. Il Makiage Review
Application of makeup has also changed. I’m more mindful of how I’m applying. And, as less-is more at this juncture, ALL foundation has been thrown into the trash and my new best friends are skin tints.
Not allota product can change the appearance so let’s go……….
Another thing of note. Since I’m purchasing less makeup—I’m spending more on individual items and brands—simply because I am worth it. Add to the fact, drug store prices have risen astronomically so for a few dollars more, I’m treating my skin!
So let us commence and I shall share the products that I’m using presently and I’ll let you know which are my favorites! Note. This is cosmetics only. I’ll get to skincare in another post but I do make sure skin is cleaned, and serum and moisturizer is applied!
And Embryolisse remains my GOAT of moisturizers before applying cosmetics.
The concealers and/or eye brighteners. Call them what you will. They are applied to the eyes to brighten, conceal blueness and discoloration. I use two and will tell you which I prefer.
First, DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector. Yes. I ordered two products from this brand. This Eye Corrector is one of the products. It is said to cover discoloration and acts as a “brightener” and also “vanishes” fine lines. The cost? 44 USD.
The applicator actually feels great and gives a cooling effect when applying. The issue is that when you “pump” the tube, way too much pruduct comes out. And when one is spending forty-four bucks, that can be very wasteful.
It definitely does the job with brightening–I’ll give them that. And the application is smooth. But my lines do not vanish. That is what drives me crazy. There is no need to to add it vanishes fine lines. Just go with the brightening and correcting and it’ll be fine.
Is it aging and mature-skin friendly. Yeah. “Vanishing” fine lines withstanding, it is friendly to older skin.
Do I like this? Yeah. But for the price, I would not repurchase. Overall the product is good but the amount of money for too much product to be pumped out unless you know to use a LIGHT HAND, I can’t justify the repurchase. Again–it’s a good product and if it were less than 25 USD, I would repurchase…
Overall, a good product but for $44, I cannot justify a repurchase.
Glossier Stretch Balm Concealer: I love this. And have been using it for years. In fact, I have two unopened boxes as backup. In my humble opinion, Glossier products, while advertised mostly to attract a younger demographic, are incredibly mature-skin friendly!
I’m going with a stock photo because you do not want to see what my little pot looks like. It’s almost all gone….
The texture LOOKS like it could be dry and cakey but it isn’t. Honestly, this is the greatest concealer. I don’t use it only on my eyes. I have a very red nose and it covers the redness. This is a great product!
Here’s the thing about this product. It is definitely a godsend for dry skin. I’ve read many reviews that state it is somewhat greasy. It isn’t. At least on drier, mature skin it isn’t greasy at all. I prefer this to the DRMTLGY correcter because it does correct and does a better job at covering discolorations while brightening at the same time. I apply with a tiny beauty sponge and it does a beautiful job. The wrinkles stay but this is quite hydrating. And at 22 USD, it is a very, very good deal. Glossier Stretch Balm Concealer is also great in that you do NOT need a lot of product. I’ve had my opened pot for over a year. This is a definite repurchase for me.
The Main Event: FACE TINTS Originally, this post was to be exclusively about the face tints that I use and like and or don’t care for. However, you know me and my penchant for jumping from one thing to another. But, these are the products I really wanted to focus on. All but one of these are great. Let’s move on, shall we?
Stay with me friends–I know this is gonna be long but all but one are worth repurchasing!
WAIT! I left one of my favorites out of the group! How could I do this?
Serum Face Tint by Typology. So nice, I purchased twice…
Well, I didn’t completely forget. I added it to a previous photo meant for this post!
Starting off with the Serum Face Tint by Typology I’m a fan. You need but a drop or two to apply the product to your face. NOTE: I apply all the face tints with my fingers and smooth with my palms. It’s the best way and the coverage is just enough to get rid of the ruddiness and even out the skin. Flaws such as age spots aren’t going to be completely hidden but remember these are NOT foundations. They are a different product alltogether.
The formula is more of a liquid but it is nice and light. What I’m NOT crazy about is the “dropper”. Although it is very sanitary, I have to squeeze the rubberized top a few times to get a drop or two. It isn’t a deal-breaker though because the product is very good. At 44.90 USD, Typology Serum Face Tint is a bit pricey but for use on the entire face with a minimum amount of product, it’s worth it.
Now, I’m gonna go there. The product is made in France. There are no stores in the States where you can purchase–the products can be purchased online only and the only “store” they are sold at is Printemps in Paris. I do not know if the pricing has been affected by the tariffs but since tariffs are now in effect, I’m not purchasing until further notice. I have enough products.
Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer. This is the one I am not crazy about–in fact, I am purging it.
Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer: This was purchased some time ago in the clearance area of TJ Maxx. It has since been repackaged and, I believe rebranded. The cost is, at Nordstrom, 48 USD. I don’t think it is worth it, but other might disagree. For me, it is too yellow. Years ago, when Oona was in high school, she was a fan. I purchased the foundation and it was just too yellow. Some things don’t change. I found this to have a nice texture but when the shade doesn’t work. It isn’t worth the effort to keep it. Luckily, I paid about six bucks for it.
VERY liquidy but does a decent job of evening out the skin tone!
I have NO idea why this is referred to as a fact and body FOUNDATION. My thought process is this USED to be called a skin tint but I do believe it was rebranded because perhaps as a skin tint it didn’t sell.
There is definitely a learning curve to this product because it IS very liquidy but once you get the gist, it’s smooth sailing. I use my fingers and hands and, at times, pat with a beauty sponge. I use this only on my face and not my body!
Anyway, (because we all know that AnywayS is not a word) this product is very good. I purchased the old skin tint by MAC and purchased this and they are both the same. Light coverage. Second skin. It’s fine and at 44 USD, it seems to be the average price of these tints!
THIS. Perfect for summer and any outdoor activities all year.
ELTA MD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen: Having had skin cancer thrice, when I’m outdoors–which is mostly in summer because in winter I hibernate like a momma bear, I purchased this at my dermatologist’s office. What a shock when I received a full-price refund because my medical insurance covered the cost! and at 42 USD that was a nice surprise.
The texture is akin to a mousse. The pump distributes the perfect amount of product. This comes out of the can looking darker but like a miracle just blends into your skin to enhance your natural skin tone. At first, it feels just a tad dry, then the dryness dissipates and it feels like nothing! This is a summer staple.
This sunscreen is EXCELLENT and, if you can be lucky to purchase from your derm, maybe your medical insurance will reimburse you!
You can see from the looks of the cap that I use this A LOT! And I do!
GLOSSIER Perfecting Skin Tint: *Sigh* Why doesn’t Glossier start marketing this to mature audiences? Again, like the MAC skin tint, there was a learning curve to this because it is very liquidy. However, once you get it, you can’t help but have this on hand at all times. This filthy-capped bottle is my fourth over the course of a few years. I used to switch between foundation and skin tint but now, it’s purely the tint. On days when I ponder whether to just go bare-faced or not, I reach for this. Again, I apply with fingers and palm and it just blends in beautifully. It doesn’t cover. It just leaves a nice finish to my skin and at this point–many days, that’s all I want. Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint comes in at 28 USD for a 1 oz bottle. I have to say, Glossier products are priced VERY fairly and are so worth the money. My only gripe with the brand is they don’t realize who mature-skin friendly their products are. It’s a shame! But then, maybe the pricing would rise so I’ll keep my mouth shut. For now.
I like this much better than the corrector. And it’s more cost-effective.
DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer How can this be 29 USD when the small corrector is 44? Explain this to me because I am confused. This is a GREAT value for the money. It is the best product I’ve ever purchased from Instagram advertising. Not a mousse, but not a runny liquid, it is somewhere in the middle. I like the pump as a ton of product doesn’t pour out. It looks darker than when applied, and, again, goes on like a second skin.
You can subscribe to this product and will save a few dollars as the subscription price is 23.20 USD but I would be hesitant to subscribe and here’s why: I subscribed to I’l Makiage. The product is impossible to cancel and my only recourse is, as explained earlier in this post, to wait till my credit card expires or pushing back the date of the next order. I am not a fan of subscriptions but you can use your judgement on that. I think the 29 dollar price point is very fair.
OVERALL Thoughts on Skin Tints: I’m a fan. Trust me, aging wreaks havoc on your skin–especially if you’ve been a beach lover or sun lover all your life. Sun damage can be controlled but it cannot be reversed. Neither can the process of wrinkles or ruddiness or age spots and yada yada. However, we can enhance what we have with products and these skin tints are wonderful for aged skin. The key is chosing what works for you.
Since I have various brands, I rotate them. Nothing special to my method with the exception of the Glossier. I really do use it on days when I have to ponder going bare faced–usually to work.
WAIT! THERE’s MORE! You really didn’t think I would stop at the skin tints–dis you? Before I go on, however, you know how much I despise shilling? And I never want my blog to turn into a sea of advertisement. That’s why if I recommend a product where I receive a commission, I am transparent about it. Below is that product. And it is effing great…..
The greatest gel eyeliner for mature eyes……… Drumroll please…
Revant Cosmetics Gel Pencil Eyeliner: First off, this is advertised for Mature eyes and, I have to say, it is true. I stopped wearing eyeliner a while ago. It was just becoming an annoyance to me. The liquid liner was getting stuck in creases and just became one big mess. Pencils were skipping on the crepe paper texture of my lids and when I tightlined, the liners were settling on my lower lids. I’m not even going where the liners turned into “gunk” and collected in my tear ducts. That drove my husband cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs and he was constantly running after me with a tissue to wipe the gunk off.
It’s unfortunate because wearing glasses–without liner my eyes have a tendancy to disappear. The other unfortunate thing is my lazy-crossed eye. Eye liner allowed me to use the liner so that my eye could appear a bit more normal.
Then something happened. Revant reached out to me to see if I wanted to try their liners. I said yes but my expectations were low.
Oh yes. My low expectations were low for a VERY short time!
I was sent a box of the various colors of pencils. Black. Charcoal. Brown. Green. and Purple. All the colors are wonderfully intense with, for me, the exception of the purple. The purple doesn’t make my eyes pop and I look a bit as though I was crying. Which, is no big deal because not every color works for everyone. And because my daughter’s coloring lends itself better to brown brow products and mascara and liner, I gave her the liner–and she loves it!
A boxfull of liner! But did they do the job?
Surprisingly, I was blown away with the green. Green shadow has never worked for me at all–but this green gel liner pencil works beautifully. It’s crazy! The green is intense and just really looks nice with my hazel eyes. I use the black, the charcoal and the green on rotation.
But–is the gel eyeliner worth the 20 USD for one pencil? Is it worth buying multiples as the price is lowered per each when you buy two or three at a time?
Yes. It is. My crossed-eyes are extremely happy. THIS LINER STAYS PUT! It’s astounding. The liner doesn’t collect on the bottom waterline when applied to the top for tightlining. The liner glides on and doesn’t skip or snag in those crepe-paper spots on the lids. My husband is thrilled because he is no longer wasting tissues and running after me because there is no gunk collecting in my tear ducts!
The sharpener really works to keep the pencil pointy!
And, having sensitive eyes, application is a cinch. There is also an added sharpener at the end of the pencil. This is greatly appreciated because lord knows how many sharpeners I own that don’t work on every pencil. I love a sharp point and this works without wasting a ton of product.
Honestly, if you are a fan of eyeliner, as I am, then this is an epic liner. The folks at Revant have also given me a code: ATYPICAL allowing you to save ten percent on your order. That is in addition to any other sales the brand has. I’m going to use my own code to order more!
Other Bits: I flip flop between eyeshadow sticks and powder. My preference is powder and always neutrals as the sticks can dry out and surprisingly, can be difficult to work with.
Powder: I ALWAYS powder under my eyes. Why? One word: Mascara. Powdering lightly keeps the mascara from turning me into a racoon-eyed monster. The powder that I use is Chanel. It is so finely milled it is like air. It does not cake up. It is beautiful.
Contour and blush. I’m not big on contour because I’m lazy AF. If there is a special occasion, I’ll add and I do prefer the Fenty stick in Amber. I’ve had it forever and I’m sure it’s expired but it still does the job. Same with blush. I have liked the Tarte Cheek Stain for over a decade. Mine is so old that the packaging has changed but I checked on the website and it’s on sale for 15 USD so if you are interested. Again, I’m sure this is expired but I don’t care. No welts have appeared on my face yet.
So that’s it. I do want to thank the folks at Revant for sending me the eyeliners and if I am raving, then you know those shadows are excellent. Give ’em a try. You won’t be disappointed!
See? From this to that! It doesn’t take much. Just some face tint and a great liner and some gloss on the lips and a great head of fake hair and you’re good to go!