As we age, we women often struggle with evolving styles. We’ve heard much about what is appropriate for women our age and what we shouldn’t wear anymore. We may also have difficulty pinpointing the things that no longer flatter us, such as our eyebrows.
Around my fiftieth birthday, I stopped coloring my hair and changed my clothing choices. I met Mr. Mickey when I was forty-nine, and my style was too outdoorsy, sporty, and casual for the lifestyle we began to enjoy. As I struggled to find my style voice in this new decade amidst significant life changes, I made many mistakes and wasted a lot of money.
We discovered some of those early photos while sorting through boxes from the attic. You might enjoy comparing the differences in hairstyle, makeup, and clothing choices.
All those years ago, I didn’t even know what a blogger was, and it never occurred to me that I could find help with my style challenges online. Instead, I studied what the ladies in our social circle wore and emulated them. The problem with that strategy is that it needs to factor in the most essential elements of style. I didn’t yet understand how to dress to flatter my shape, coloring, or personality.
I continue to learn new things every day. I only discovered how to make my brows look fuller and more natural last year (here). I’m still learning to dry my hair to look relaxed and healthy instead of overdone.
I stopped wearing anything on my lower lash line a few years ago. Liner or even mascara in that area can look harsh or messy. Instead, I use this black pencil in the upper lash line, stopping short of the corners and building upward on the outer corner. I blend the line and then set it with a soft black or Mink eyeshadow using a soft, blending brush here. Eyeshadow is blended well within the area above the outer corner, and mascara finishes the eyes. I’ve almost stopped wearing lip color. I prefer a more modern tinted lip balm (color #57) here.
Using very light upward strokes with Ash Brown Brow Wiz pencil here, I made my brows fuller and less arched by filling in below the brow. The Cool Gray pencil here is also a favorite. The brows frame the face and give expression. Soft and natural is always my goal when I fill in my brows.
I don’t use foundation, concealer, contour, or any other color on my face, but I always use skincare products morning and night. (I showed those products in the previous post.) Sunscreen, serums, and moisturizers are a priority all year round. For your best closeup, make sure the light source is coming from in front of you, never overhead.
I’m not an expert in anything, so I always welcome your questions and comments. We are on this learning journey together, and I’m happy to help you if I can. Think of me as a sister willing to share what she has learned.
Is your Lancôme lip balm #10? If not, could you please share the number? Thank you in advance. This was a fantastic post.
My lip balm is color #57.
This was a pleasant surprise! I do look forward to your blog. This is another good one with a lot of good content. I do like your more relaxed style yes it does make getting dressed much easier. Yes we are learning together and I do value your help. The comment about no wear foundation or anything else on your face does show the value of good skin care. I was concerned about the cost of the products you mentioned in the previous post but hopefully if I use it faithfully I won’t have to spend money on other cosmetics. That is what I like about what you recommend everything is very helpful but not wasteful.
Also really like the lunch outfit. The sweater looks like a nice one and can be used often.
Susan, is the Ultra Renewal Eye Cream the only product you use undereye? I have very dark circles and have to use a concealer. Is there anything you can recommend? Appreciate your posts as always.
I don’t use an eye cream, but I’ve read that a peach color concealer will cancel out the blue under-eye shadows.
Beautiful always! I have learned so much from you. Thank you
Thank you for sharing what you have learned. We are all learning to tweak our individual style.
I’ve become even more sporty since I retired. It’s who I am. I live in Southern California, but am Colorado born and raised. I am currently spending the summer at 10,000 ft in Colorado and hiking every day. I wear dark wash blue jeans, tanks and tees topped by a button-up shirt and a baseball cap or sun hat. At age 75 I am not without issues. I have arthritis in my hips and work out 2 hours a day to strengthen my core and other parts. I feel my strong posture and confident gait help to define who I am. I love your blog and I love watching who you are.
I want to be like you when I am 75!
May I ask why you don’t wear foundation? There are so many natural looking products available that are good for our skin. I don’t like all the highlights, concealers and contouring so many bloggers rave about but something to even out my skin tone works wonders. Your brows are perfection and the lip color is very becoming. You are a strikingly, gorgeous lady and represent the beauty of aging so well.
Thank you, Patty. I’ve never been a fan of foundation, so I’ve rarely worn it. I don’t like the way it feels or looks at the end of the day, but perhaps I just haven’t found the right one.
Thank you for sharing what you have learned. It is fun to see the before photos. I have embraced your recommendations in a number of ways including wearing a column of color, and adding Beauty in Stone pieces and one of your gorgeous scarves to my wardrobe. Speaking of which, I noticed that in more recent posts you haven’t been wearing scarves. Is that because it’s hot summer or are you generally choosing not to wear scarves as much?
I still enjoy wearing scarves in the cooler months.
Susan, a product I have tried and like this summer is Erborian CC cream. My color is called ‘ Clair’ I believe. It is basically sunscreen, SPF 25, goes on white but turns to a nice mattifying shade. I bought trial size to see if I liked it, and it was all I took on a trip recently for face makeup. I use my regular moisturizers under it. I really feel like I need no other face products, just a little eye makeup and lip color. I’m using less lipstick, more balms too.
Thanks for sharing that tip!
Thank you for inspiring and informing us, never too old to learn.
Susan, first, let me say that I thoroughly enjoy your blog and always look forward to a new post. You mentioned letting your hair color grow out and I am wondering what process you used to keep your hair from looking so bad. I have colored mine for over 25 years and am recently thinking about going gray but dread the process. Thank you.
When I decided to stop coloring, I got my hair cut very short and wore a hat a lot for a few months. I used a temporary color a couple of times, but then I just went with the skunk look for a while.
Stylists are so much better at helping you transition to your natural color now.
Hi Susan thank for sharing your before photos it is inspiring for sure. Since I retired four years ago after working for 46 years and always looking smart and appropriate for my work environment. I got into the rut of just putting anything on except when I go shopping. My hair is always neat blow dried every morning. I have now started wearing my jeans and a pretty top or tee. No make up perhaps a bit of mascara and lipstick when I go shopping. I suffer from depression and that has also been a major factor.
I just want to thank you for your posts they inspire me so much.
God bless
Elizabeth sa
I’m so glad I have helped you a little. Depression is in my family, so I know how debilitating it can be.
Thank you Susan.
You are absolutely beautiful!!!
You are kind. Thank you.
Hello Susan,
You always look lovely. You have beautiful eyes, and I like what you have done with your brows.
Sincerely,
Ellen
Susan- I only recently discovered your blog and I just love it! Your style is classic, unfussy but also contemporary. I love all of your selections and just ordered your cardigan in camel. Just what I was looking for as we move towards fall in upstate NY! I am 65 and have also discovered that, as I age, less is definitely more when it comes to makeup and hair. Thank you for all of your helpful advice. I look forward to all of your posts.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Kim.
Thank you and it was fun to see you & Mr. Mickey from days (years) past. You truly look so much more attractive NOW. What a difference! And I am wondering though what the heck happened to Beautycounter? No longer around I guess. Too bad it was quality stuff. You say you’re back to Lancome? Not Clinique? How come?
Again thanks for your sisterly sharing of knowledge.
I love reading ALL your posts. My closet is beginning to be my friend again thanks alot to your coaching, and willingness to share and help us through this aging process with style!!!
Beautycounter is scheduled to return to their website in October. I like the results I get from Lancôme products and I’ve never had a reaction to any of them.
You look so beautiful!
Hello ! I find a lot of peace and enjoyement reading your posts. Thank you for sharing your tips. I wanted to share that one of my best friends has eyes the almost same color as yours and she enjoys wearing color with a hint of orange on her eyelids : peach, terracotta browns and bronze. Orange is on the opposite side of blue in the color wheel and the contrast makes her blue eyes pop even using very natural eyeshadows. I thought i d share for blue eyes ladies 🙂 have a great day. Myriam
You are truly a beautiful woman and surely it is due to the dedicated care you take of your skin. Plus God’s has gifted you with lovely skin! I always say when complimented on looking good at my age, I”m thankful for good genes and God’s grace!
Susan – may I ask why you wear lip balm rather than lipstick? I like both however find that the lip balm doesn’t remain in place for long and must reapply often. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
I take my lip balm with me and reapply it often. Lipstick tends to travel into the lines around my mouth even if I use a liner first.
I hope you will do a tutorial in the near future telling us how you style your hair.
I get a good cut about every eight weeks. Use a vented brush on wet hair and bend from the waist, brushing it all forward, then stand up straight and use fingers to fluff it out into basically the shape I want it to be when it dries. Avoid moving around too much or touching it until it is mostly dry. Use the vented brush to lift the top sections at only the roots and blow dry a bit to give some lift. Work with the sections around the face if the waves are wonky-looking. Use some spray to hold the beachy waves, but remember to use your hands to soften everything after the spray is dry. This method means I spend much less time messing with my hair to try to make it do something other than it wants, and it looks way more relaxed.
Susan, you look beautiful, I love how you do your eyebrows. Why don’t you use eye cream? Was quite surprised to read that. I use La Roche-Posay Anthelious Mineral 50 SPF tinted (light finish) fluid as I can’t wear foundation anymore. I ‘ve been following your blog for years and I love your authenticity. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve tried to use eye creams, but they seem to make my eyes more puffy and I get little white bumps in my eye area. I love trying new things, but my skin is so sensitive, I get reactions to many products.
I’d love to learn more about your hair and beauty routine! How do you manage to have plenty of color in your skin, cheeks, etc without using foundation or blush? I know I’ll have to use concealer for the rest of my days and always have due to dark under eye circles. I’d love an easier look! Do you use eye shadow? Please do a video on how you style your hair too! You always look great!
I am very active and eat mostly vegetables. Walking for an hour or two a day and working in the yard and the house a lot keep my checks rosy and my skin clear. When I eat meat or french fries and I am not active my face breaks out and looks pasty the very next morning. Drinking lots of filtered water also helps.
I do wear eyeshadows from Merle Norman since most of the others make my eyelids itch like crazy and give me lizard skin for a while.
Gained good info from this post. Love your fashion sense and links to purchase. I am not a confident shopper on my own. We are similar ages and I am still trying to overcome the ‘set’ hair look.
I enjoyed the old pictures of you and Mr. Mickey, You look even more gorgeous now, while Mr. Mickey looks exactly the same! I have followed your blog for several years and have learned so much about fashion, skin care and healthy eating
from you. Also love when you share your trip information! Thank you for your blog.
This was such a helpful and lovely post. Your fashion, skincare, and makeup tips and recommendations are always so helpful!! I am 66 yo and always looking for advice on these areas as lifestyle and frequent changes in hair and skin are a challenge.
I am curious about your eyeliner recommendation. Do you prefer the Armani eye pencil to the Benefit BadGal eyeliner?
I am enjoying the Benefit pencil, but I have noticed that it doesn’t seem to last as long as others I have used.
Hope that you have a very pleasant weekend.
I like both the pencils, but the Armani one is softer and easier to apply as well as remove.
Susan, you knocked 10 years off your appearance by your changes. Always so elegant.
I’m freckled and I also have marionette and major laughter lines. I actually don’t care at the age of almost 73. I used to wear foundation and concealer but a major game-changer for me was L’Oreal’s BB cream which has a built in SPF. It’s changed my whole look.
I wear neutral eyemakeup and always do a careful eyebrow as it frames the face.
Lipstick for me is a must – I have two shades, both L’oreal. One is orange/red for ‘those days’ and the other a beautifully light berry that goes with everything.
Clothes are simple, no flowing tops, I love a statement belt, I purchased a pair of light blue jeans this morning, but have dark blue, mid blue, white, black, camel and eggplant as well. I always err on the side of tailored casual. Cardigans for me are always shorter – almost cropped as it makes my legs look longer. and I’m learning the value of a knotted shirt or cardigan. it’s all trialling in front of a full-length mirror. I also use Chanel’s maxim of removing one extraneous thing before going out the door. It makes for a parred-down look and means the rest of your clothing and accessories must hit the mark.
You hit the mark repeatedly and we all learn a lot from you. Keep showing us – it’s wonderful. Thank you.
You look amazing and so much younger now than any of those old pictures.
I wanted to ask you about your fingernails! Do you wear color or just natural nails! I’m much more minimalist in my makeup routine now in my 60’s. You’re so right, it’s a constant journey and learning experience to be true to our beautiful self!
I buff my fingers and leave the natural nail color, but usually wear red on my toes.
You are just lovely. Thank you for sharing what you have discovered.
You look great!
Your natural gray hair color is so much more flattering to you than when you colored it. As an “autumn”… I have light brown, amber’ish’ eyes, warm maybe even yellowish skin and medium brown hair. I tend toward ivory, olive and the browns in clothing. Wish I didn’t have to color my hair but gray is not a friend to me in clothing and I assume would fight with my other coloring.
I am soon to be 66…. I wear my hair short, almost pixie ish and get it cut and colored every 5 weeks, and goldfish highlights every other time.
Does it look foolish to continue coloring in the ‘golden of our years’. ? Kind of like you’re not fooling anyone lady ? … and if I quit coloring, my clothing. ???
Your thoughts ?
…. And other ladies who are “warmly colored “…
How do you deal with this issue ? … or do you deal with it ?
Your natural gray may be much more golden than my ash gray. Try it to see how you like it. You can always go back to coloring.
I very much like your style classic and casual when appropriate and classic when going out for more special occasions.
I think your longer hair does make you appear older, I think a shorter Bob would look better on you. . I also like your makeup style. Sometimes less is better.
You do a great job!
Great post. You are aging with grace. Improving on your style and looks, even as you age. Inspiring to all of us. Thanks for your honesty.
Again, a wonderful blog! Really enjoy your work. May I ask about the sweater? What size did you purchase and did you find it to be too cropped (obviously not)? I’m interested in purchasing; there are scant reviews on-line to help with sizing. I wear size 4, sometimes 6, am 5’4″ and 125 lbs (trying to drop a few . . . !). Thank you very much.
I am 5’5″ and weigh 138 lbs. I bought a size medium and I’m happy with the length and the fit.
Great comments and ideas! I have always had good eyebrows and still do. However as I age I find the eyebrow hairs are more wiry and stand out. They also are turning white/grey. So, trimming and using a bit of eyeshadow color helps alot. I use concealer on my nose (sadly, it’s a different skincolor that my face!) and a bit of concealer under my eyes.
I’ve gone very natural on my eye makeup and like you I focus on the upper lid. But my one ‘must have’ is blush – this is something I cannot do without. I go for a natural blush color and sometimes change with the seasons but I am so pale without blush that everytime I go without someone always asks ‘are you OK?’
Love your comments about fashion. I totally agree – neutral, solid colored items. Ageless!
Hi Susan,
You are beautiful inside (the most important to me) and outside too. Our looks and makeup routine changes over time. It’s so important to embrace change, because it’s a constant isn’t it?
I always look forward to what you have to share. I so appreciate everything. I love your comment, “think of me as a sister willing to share what she has learned.” I will take that comment to heart. I would like to have a sister like you with a kind, and giving heart to help people be the best they can be.
YOU are a gem. I hope you are feeling well on your medicine.
Sending you warm hugs.
You are so sweet, Katherine. Thank you for your kind words.
Prue Batten, would you share the complete name of the L’Oréal BB Cream and also the names of the two lipsticks? Thank you!
Susan, after reading your past post, you mentioned two serums. Do you use them both at the same time or do you alternate? Which one do you prefer? Thank you!
Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Anti-Aging Face Serum is great for daytime. Advanced Génifique Face Serum is the one I use at night.
Thanks, Sis!
I really do appreciate your sharing of yourself for those of us who need the help.
Mary Jane
Thank you for the eyebrow information. I have done something similar but just purchased the brand you use since it looks more natural.
Thoroughly enjoyed this post. Very helpful and encouraging.
Dear Susan, Your advice on fashion & make-up is always spot on. Your hairstyle looks absolutely fab on you. Thank you for focusing on more natural looks and on clothing that anyone can wear and probably has in her closet.
I really enjoyed your travel series. It’s been a few decades since I holidayed in this neck of the woods. While you holidayed in this hot climate, I visited a much cooler Alaska where I wore a light parka, warm hat & sunglasses every day. By sticking with a black & white wardrobe, packing & dressing for my adventure was simplified.
Always the best to you & Mr Mickey.
I love your posts precisely because you have found the fashion style that works for you. You look wonderful in every single thing! I think that must be a talent, because I can’t seem to find my style, no matter how hard I try. I’m sure you’ve done posts about this before, but where do you start? I have a packed closet, but never know what to wear.
The video about the eyebrows was so enlightening! Wow! I have never tried to do my eyebrows like that.
A curiosity question; why do you not wear foundation? I would think one to even out the skin tone would look beautiful on you! Your skin, with the care you give it is radiant, and I would think that would show through a sheer foundation.
I’m willing to try again, but foundation has never been a product I enjoy. I don’t like the way it gathers in lines nor the way it looks at the end of the day.
As for finding your style, take a look at the things you wear all the time and you may see your style in those pieces. It all comes down to which outfits make you feel like the best version of yourself. Here is a helpful video that might help you pinpoint your style.
Love today’s post. Very informative. Was wondering what brand of mascara are you using?
I am using the mascara here.
Susan, I am confused, Did you mean The Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Anti-Aging Serum at night as I am not aware of two different Génifique serums. Thank you!
This one is the newest one and it has three formulas in one container. It makes my skin look best. This one is the one I’ve used on and off since it came out years ago. I still use it at night. They are both great products and I’m sure just one would be enough, but I received a free sample of the Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum and loved the results.
Excellent post Susan. Very informative and interesting to see your earlier photos. Thanks so much!
Thank for always sharing useful information !you truly have a gift for dressing well for each occasion
Have you found anything that actually works for
1-brown sun/age spots
2-wrinkly skin on upper arms
I am sick of spending on treatments that don’t work
I don’t know of products that solve your problems, but perhaps someone else does and will be kind enough to share.
Yvonne, Susan kindly contacted me about the question you asked.
The L’Oreal BB cream is Magic BB and is a 5 in 1 cream. I have freckles, a touch of red across nose and cheeks from rosacea and a few age spots obviously as I will soon be 73 and have lived a very outdoors life. This cream evens out my complexion amazingly. It does not magic lines away but I’m okay with that because the lines tell my story.
If I was going somewhere special, I would smooth it on and leave it for 5-10 minutes to set and then put a very light foundation over the top but the way it makes my skin look on its own is amazing and I’m happy to just use it and nothing else for daily use.
The two lipsticks are L’Oreal 176 – the faded berry – that I wear almost every day and am afraid they will discontinue it, so whenever I’m in a store that sells L’Oreal, I grab one and stash it. The reason I do this is because the other lipstick, L’Oreal 293, my favourite orangey-red, has been discontinued and so I searched the net and purchased a stash.
Hope this helps. Best wishes and thank you again to Susan.
Stunning as always & always love the tips you give. Thank you for all you do. I enjoy seeing where you travel to.
Do you know where you purchased your cream color belt? I always admire the belts you wear. Thank you!
I bought that belt here. I’ve also found good belts here. Don’t forget the men’s department too!
For brown age spots, I’ve found that Vitamin C serum as a first layer under moisturizer in the morning helps fade them, though not always entirely. I’m using the CeraVe one. Of course sunscreen is needed last to avoid even more spots.
Thank you Jane!
I seldom comment but always appreciate your emails so much! I like that you are sharing sound advice, using items you have had for a while and not pushing people to buy “the latest thing.” I had an older sister who was extremely stylish who I looked to for fashion advice and while no one could take her place since her passing, I am thankful to have found a few trusted sources online for style suggestions and you are definitely tops in that area – thank you for all you do and for taking the time to reach out. I very much enjoyed learning about Edenton this past week and even watched all the YouTube videos about the historic site you visited, so you have enriched my life.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary Jean. I’m honored that you find the things I share interesting and helpful.
Your skin looks amazing!
Would you, by chance, be able to identify how you would change your sweater and jeans outfit to accommodate a pear shaped figure? I would so much appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thank you!
Thank you for that question, Carolyn. Always wear slim-fitting dark-colored pants, jeans, and skits. The pants are most flattering when flared at the bottom and slim at the hips. (Dark colors recede, and light colors advance.)
Avoid long tops that create a horizontal line across your hips. Your best tops will be light-colored with embellishments that bring the eyes up to your face. Emphasize your waistline to help balance your vertical proportions.
Susan,
I love your hairstyle. I also have gray curly hair and am beginning to believe my very short hair is too severe for my face. I am thinking about letting my hair grow longer ans wondered how you managed to grow your hair out while looking stylish and elegant. Also, how long the process took?
Thank you,
Susan,
I love your hairstyle. I have very short curly hair and an beginning to think my hairstyle is too severe for my face. I am interested in growing my hair out and wondered if you have any tips or guidance?
Thank you,
I kept getting trims but less off each time. Tell your stylist about your goal for a longer softer look.
Thanks for the lipgloss idea. I agree that lipstick in hot weather look over done on me.
While no one product works for everyone, I have found the Tom Ford matte lipstick to not run into mouth lines. It is worth every penny. And a light touch of the Lancome Teint Idole ultra wear works perfectly for me to even out skin tones. My technician found the perfect shade and it is truly undetectable. I have given up a lot of serums, etc., and just use a moisturizer with sun block. I am most pleased with the simplicity.
I’m going to try your suggestions, Cheryl T. Thanks!
Hi. about the Banana Republic cardigan. It looks to be a good length for me , on you. However it appears much shorter on the model. Just wondering how tall you are?.I know the models are typically taller than average. I like the length it appears on you but not the model.
I am 5’5″. The model must be six feet tall!
Emulating your social circle assumed the gals know what they are doing. They are no smarter than you. Wisely you realized you needed to be yourself and be comfortable. Your hair has looked great for some time. It looks so natural and unpretentious. Bottom line: You look great. .
I always think of you like my sister!
That’s an honor, Lukia.
Susan, although I rarely comment, I have been following your blog for maybe 10 years now. I read all of your posts and learn so much from them. I really appreciate your honesty and down to earth approach from which I have benefitted greatly! I am 66 and have a somewhat similar build and coloring, so your posts continue to be a tremendous resource that help me to build a more effective wardrobe . . . oh and I love your style!
I have also been inspired by the beautiful and interesting places you travel to. Since I live in Georgia and travel to TN and VA often, your posts give me great ideas for getaways for my husband and me! thanks for all you do!
Much love and blessings to you!
Thank you for the lovely comments, Jen. I always enjoy my visits to Georgia and look forward to the next one.
In reply to Katherine Godoy, Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion does a good job on the arms. It has a nice texture and helps moisturize and smooth skin. I don’t believe any topical will permanently address this issue but used daily, it provides good results. I’ve tried creams and lotions at all price points and this one has served me well.
Hi, love this post! To answer one of KATHERINE GODOY‘s questions, I have found that BBL Laser treatments will eliminate the brown spots. It also has other benefits.
I am trying one of the serums for wrinkles you suggested. My question: You look amazing without make up (as you stated) and have very few wrinkles, especially across the forehead. Do you use Botox or some other procedure to minimize wrinkles or are you naturally wrinkle free with just the products you mentioned? I made the mistake of purchasing a special “wrinkle remover” device from a cosmetic store and found that it was a waste of many dollars. It was a foolish purchase.
Do you consider Botox and other procedures safe?
I have not used any Botox; instead, I’ve tried to work on my resting face. While not thinking about it, we sometimes furrow our brows or frown. Those repeated actions cause expression lines that result from habits. I’ve always tried to maintain a good posture and a pleasant look. Mother was right! “If you make that face often enough, you will look like that all the time.”
Susan, You are absolutely beautiful & I appreciate that you share your life with us. Your beauty, fashion & health tips are timeless.
I was so glad to read that you enjoyed your trip to Eastern NC.! I live in Nags Head & have become a little too casual but you have show that you can be casual & elegant.
Thank you for your response!!
I love reading your posts!! They are so inspiring.
I loved your hairstyle when it was short. It always looked so neat and attractive. But I know some of us women want a change.
Do you wear unhemmed jeans? I’m almost 70 slim and I kinda like them. Though I admit I trim the ragged string. Just wondering what you think.
Raw edges don’t fit with my style personality, but I do like the light wash denim for summer.