Beauty Over Sixty: Exploring Shapewear

Women have gone through great lengths and extreme discomfort to enhance their figures. But we’ve come a long way from suffocating corsets and cumbersome girdles. Today’s shapewear is more comfortable than ever and can take years off your appearance.

Kinds of shapewear to explore

Support push-up bras

Nothing makes you look more matronly than a drooping chest. Today’s bra’s are extraordinary and can give just enough lift and support without making you look too busty. They also can help correct upper-back posture and stooping shoulders.

Slimming camis

These camisole tops smooth back fat and tighten the waistline. They also prevent the dreaded “muffin tops” and will prevent you from slouching. These are great for active women because they’re less confining than traditional girdles and corsets.

For the derrière

Bum-shapers abound. Some lift, separate, or even add a little extra padding. Most also help flatten the tummy with lower abdomen panels.

Legs and more

Panty-hose can help cover and support your legs, buttocks, and lower belly. Just follow these guidelines about wearing pantyhose before choosing which kind to buy.

Corsets and waist trainers

Some people believe that wearing a corset or trainer will shrink the waist and melt the flab. Whether or not this is true, a corset or waist-trainer will give the appearance of a slim waistline. This type of shapewear is excellent for lower-back posture, especially for women who sit all day. Who knows? You might lose weight if you wear it during mealtimes because you won’t be able to overeat!

Full-body contour

Full body-shapers come in the form of a bodysuit. They might be legless, with short legs, or with a skirt. Full-body shapers combine all the aforementioned shapers in one for a smooth silhouette from head to toe.

Don’t be afraid to try some of these options out!

Have you tried shapewear? How did it make you feel?


And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

Sixty and Beyond: 5 women who prove your best years are yet to come!

Most people think that life is long over for sixty-year-old women, but nothing is farther than the truth. The older we get, the wiser and more dynamic we become. We waste less time on trivialities and we spend more time on the things that matter.

If you’re heading toward the sixties and beyond, don’t sell yourself short. The best years of your life are ahead of you. Just look at the accomplishments of these five women.

Svetlana Alexievich

Noble Prize Winner Literature 2015
(awarded at the age of 67)

 

Helen Mirren

Oscar Winner Best Actress 2007
(awarded at the age 61)

 

Linda Buck

Nobel Prize Physiology or Medicine 2004.
Also, awarded honorary doctorate by Harvard University
and elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society
(at the age of 68)

 

Angela Merkel

Chancellor of Germany
(at the age of 62)

 

Meryl Streep

3-time Oscar winner.
Also, reached the most Oscar nominations of a single person
(at the age of 67)

 

So don’t let the amount of candles on your birthday cake dictate how you will live the rest of your life. It’s your time to shine!

Do you know of any inspiring women over sixty? Please share below.

Photo credits

Svetlana Alexievich

Helen Mirren

Linda Buck

Angela Merkel

Meryl Streep


And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!

Brigitte

Beauty Over 60: Are Pantyhose Out of Style?

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

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

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