Month: May 2017

Beauty Over 60: Are Pantyhose Out of Style?

Published on by Brigitte Nioche15 Comments

Nylons, stockings, hosiery – whatever we called them, pantyhose were essentials of a woman’s wardrobe. However, you might have noticed that with each passing year, the essential pantyhose that we wore with skirts and dresses (even shorts) has dwindled. Bare legs are popular now and pantyhose sales have dropped by more than half in the past decades. Tights, the thicker cousin of pantyhose, are still popular in the colder months, but summertime nylons are seen less and less. Our dependable friend to cover blemishes, bruises, and veins is being phased out.

What about those of us whose gams need a little coverage and support? Are pantyhose a total fashion taboo? Can we still wear them without dating ourselves?

How to wear pantyhose

The best way to wear pantyhose is to not draw attention to them. Here are a few guidelines to go by.

  1. Don’t wear pantyhose with open-toed shoes, or worse, flip-flops. Even sheer-toe pantyhose have the tell-tale seam at the tip of the toes.
  2. Don’t wear “suntan” or very shimmery shades. For example, it’s very obvious if you’re a fair-skinned person and your bronzed legs don’t match your arms.
  3. Glossy, shimmering pantyhose are also attention-grabbing in an undesirable way. Choose a matte color that is closest to your skin tone.
  4. Avoid wearing pantyhose with casual shorts.

Do you still wear pantyhose? What’s your favorite outfit to wear them with? Leave your comments below.

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

 

Beauty Over 60: How to Wear a Fragrance

Published on by Brigitte Nioche2 Comments

Fragrances and come and go, but the dreaded term “old lady perfume” still lingers. It can be a challenge to find the right fragrance the older we become. Sweet scents, like vanilla or fruit, may not be sophisticated enough for an older woman. Stronger colognes and perfumes can be too overpowering. So how do we buy and wear a perfume that enhances rather than distracts?

Perfume shopping tips

Buy perfumes that match your own personal style – For example, if you like to wear dark-colored clothing and heavy textures, a light citrusy scent will not fit. If you live in a hot, humid climate, it’s probably best to avoid the heavier fragrances.

Don’t buy the cheap stuff – Cheap perfumes can be harsh and smell strongly of alcohol. They become stale-smelling very quickly. Splurge a little bit on yourself and buy a nice perfume from a well-known brand.

Perfume wearing tips

Beware of personal care products – medicated creams, powders, and lotions will lend to that “old lady scent” and can clash with your perfume. Try to find fragrance-free products, or ones with a non-offensive smell.

Throw away old bottles of perfume – it’s tempting to hold onto a perfume and only use it for special occasions, especially if it was a gift, but scents go bad quickly. As recommended by this article in In Style, fragrances may last for 3-5 years, but it’s best to buy a new bottle after a year.

Don’t be discouraged from more sophisticated scents

Some people associate bolder fragrances with older women. However, as Elizabeth Musmanno, president of The Fragrance Foundation, stated in this article on The Fashion Spot, “Classic fragrances with a strong point of view continue to hold strong for 2017.” The most important thing to remember is to go out and buy whatever makes you feel good.

What is your favorite perfume?
Please leave your tips and questions in the comment section below.

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty Over 60: 5 Ways to Look Radiant

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Self-care is more important as we grow older. Our bodies require more maintenance than they did when we were young. To feel confident and happy, we must not only pay attention to our health, but our looks. Here are 5 ways to improve both.

  1. Whiten Up

Yellowing and staining of teeth is tremendously aging. Luckily, there are many affordable choices for tooth whitening. Whitening strips are a quick, affordable, and super-effective way to brighten teeth without damaging your enamel. Whitening pastes or professional treatments at your dentist are also great options. Afterward, you’ll be inclined to smile more, which gives you a natural radiance.

  1. Acid Peel

A glycolic or lactic peel will take dead layers of your face, lessening the appearance of wrinkles, removing dull skin, and allowing your skin to attract more water. You can go to an aesthetician for professional peels, or buy formulas online for at-home use.

  1. Juicing

Radiance begins on the inside. Take care of your body on a cellular level by drinking a fresh juiced vegetables every morning. Carrots, red peppers, other carotene-rich foods will add a healthy color to your complexion. Cucumbers are wonderful for hydrating and detoxification. Tomatoes, beets, and greens are also nutritious additions.

  1. Workout

A light workout will get your circulation going and help melt away stiffness. Exercise boosts your mood and energy levels. Walking outside works wonders. Being out in nature encourages a general sense of well-being. A few minutes of sunlight tones and tans skin and produces vitamin D, which is crucial to healthy bones and fights depression. A positive attitude fights age and a smile gives a natural facelift.

  1. Deep Sleep

It’s more difficult for many people to get enough sleep as they grow older. If you’re having trouble staying asleep, you can try natural remedies like melatonin, valerian, magnesium, linden tea, and chamomile. Lavender essential oils and candles are a relaxing addition to your pre-sleep ritual. Electronics like the TV or smartphone disrupt sleep patterns. Turn them off or remove them from your bedroom altogether.

What are you favorite ways to stay radiant after 60? Please leave your tips and questions in the comment section below.

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

 

In Case you Missed It – News from AARP

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Do you have grandchildren? If you do you are not alone. You are part of 70 million Americans whose grandchildren light up their life.

For me – putting my arms around my grandchildren takes me back to the best moments of my life – bringing up my son

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only in France!

Published on by Brigitte Nioche4 Comments

Image result for picture of french flag

The world is changing – and for the better when you are a 64 years old woman (Or older)!

Watching the new President of France, Emmanuel Macron give his victory speech last night his words resonated and so did his boyish young face, but then he is only 39 years old, making him the youngest man ever to be elected president in France.

At the end of the speech he was joined by his wife, a pretty, elegant woman, who at one moment gently kissed his hand. Her name is Brigitte Trogneux and she is 64 years old – no, this is not a typo or faked news, she really is 64 old.Image result for photos brigitte trogneux macron

Can you imagine this happening in our country? I don’t think so. Our puritan ancestors who are still hanging around could not handle it. But then the French are different, especially  when it comes to personal relationships –  they take life in stride instead of fighting it.

As a woman of a certain age myself I have high hopes for the First Lady of France to change the dynamics about older woman; of letting the world see that there is no cut off age of what a woman can do including having a much younger man love her.Image result for photos brigitte trogneux macron

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I don’t only share her age but also her name – Brigitte – but that is where the similarities stop. Unfortunately for me I am not as lucky as she is to have a handsome and much younger husband. But as we say in German – was nicht ist kann noch werden– You don’t speak German?  Well this is what it means  – What is not can still be……..

VIVE LA FRANCE!

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And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

 

Another Birthday? – Treat Yourself!

Published on by Brigitte Nioche6 Comments

Birthdays come and go but we are still here – yes, it’s my birthday today and no, I don’t really need another one – but I can’t stop them from happening – so the only thing to do is to look on the bright side of things and celebrate yet another year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead.

For as long as I can remember I have bought myself a new dress for my birthday. After all it is a special occasion and I wanted to mark the moment. I know people who take the day off work, but I rather went to work wearing my new dress that day. But this year I did something different –  I bought a pair shoes – not any shoes – Red Shoes – and the effect is amazing. They make me feel very feminine, very sexy and daring – and that is the attitude I need for another year to come.

 

Maybe red shoes are not your thing, but I am sharing this with you to remind you to treat yourself with whatever makes you feel good and special. Another birthday needs to be celebrated with a gift you give yourself!

                                                     Happy Birthday to everybody who is also born on May 6!

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte