I asked my 10-year-old daughter to help me with this review by letting me take a video of her opening my Minimo Glow Skin Brightening Turmeric Face Scrub. After unscrewing the cap and removing the protective covering, she immediately plunged her finger into it, then promptly licked said finger.

I was like, “Ew, no!” and expected her to run to the sink to wash her mouth out, assuming it would taste like soap. But she was like, “It’s sweet!” and went for another helping. Don’t worry I stopped her, but after that, I couldn’t not taste it myself and she’s right, it’s not bad.

This is not usually how I test my beauty products, and I’m not suggesting you eat your face scrub. But I had to assume that if it tastes good, it must be made of pretty good ingredients. Turns out, at least for this product, that is indeed the case!

Minimo Skin Essentials launched in 2016 and is a women-led, black-owned, made-in-USA brand that’s obsessed with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

The Turmeric Face Scrub is made with organic turmeric, an antioxidant that provides a natural glow, raw Manuka honey to soothe and hydrate, plus organic cinnamon to nourish dry skin and promote an even skin tone. It also includes chamomile and lemon extracts, as well as oils that won’t clog pores.

I have to say this is the most creative use of natural ingredients I’ve encountered in a while, and that goes for the entire line of Minimo products.

I know “natural” is a generic term, but in this case, I mean ingredients you immediately recognize, rather than unpronounceable rearrangements of mysterious molecules. The Minimo face scrub is made of things you probably have in your pantry, formulated in unique ways to clean, soften, and even out your skin tone.

It all adds up to a powerful but gentle (no bleach like some products) exfoliator that naturally buffs away uneven skin tone and dark spots caused by breakouts or scarring. Reviewers also say it has also lightened their under-eye circles, and some have even used it to lighten other parts of their bodies including elbows and feet.

Minimo Glow Skin Brightening Turmeric Face Scrub

$31.95 Shop Now At Amazon

The first time I used it I found out quickly that you need less than you think, so I recommend starting with a dime-sized amount. I gently scrubbed with the heart-shaped applicator and left it on for about three minutes (the instructions say you can leave it up to 10).

I have a teardrop-shaped discoloration on my left cheek that comes and goes. I didn’t expect a single use of the scrub to have any effect, but the discolored patch of skin visibly changed from a brownish shade to pinkish. It also had a rough texture which is now smoother. Needless to say, I’ll be continuing to use this product regularly and monitor my progress.

P.S. it also comes in Lemon Cake scent!

Minimo Skin Brightening Facial Scrub (Lemon Cake)

$28.59 Shop Now At Amazon

I’m also loving Minimo’s Velvet Cleansing Butter Balm with babassu butter and eucalyptus. I have broken up with face wipes, so I’m always looking for a gentle but effective way to remove my makeup at the end of the day.

It’s pretty thick and unyielding when you first dip into the pot, but after massaging the product between your hands, it gets more malleable. Because of the eucalyptus, it has a menthol scent and feel on your skin, which made me nervous to get it around my eyes. But I needed to get my mascara off, so I risked it. Luckily it was not a problem, and the mascara was eliminated.

Velvet Cleansing Butter Balm

$17.95 Shop Now At Amazon

After you massage it into your skin, get your hands wet and then massage some more. It will pleasantly foam up a bit and dissolve the makeup and anything else your face has collected during the day. After rinsing it off I made my husband touch my face to feel how soft it was.

I’m not the only one excited about Minimo—thousands of reviewers on Amazon as well as the brand’s website have given them five-star reviews. So if you’re looking for effective products with ingredients you can pronounce, this line might be for you.

Now that I’m over 50, my skin is so much more finicky than when I was younger. Back in the day, I would bake in the sun with impunity and ski in freezing weather with nothing more than rosy cheeks to show for it. 

Nowadays, although I never sun-tan and ski significantly less, I keep moisturizer in every room of the house to ensure I apply it after washing my hands, doing dishes, or just sitting at my desk. 

The more often I moisturize, the less likely I am to get dry, rough patches of skin. But they inevitably show up anyway, mostly on my hands, and they are annoyingly stubborn—so much so that I asked my doctor about it. She diagnosed me with eczema and prescribed a pretty strong topical steroid. The medication works, but I don’t like using a steroid multiple times a day and it often feels necessary. 

That’s why I’m thrilled to have discovered Balmonds Skin Salvation, which is now a permanent fixture on my desk. It’s a super-rich multipurpose balm made with oils and herbal tinctures to calm, moisturize, and protect sensitive skin. 

It’s very concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way. It’s packed with beeswax, chamomile, calendula, and hemp seed oil. Notably, it doesn’t contain synthetic ingredients or fragrance, which can exacerbate issues when your skin is sensitive.

It also doesn’t contain paraffin, parabens, phthalates, preservatives, soy, lanolin, nuts, or gluten—so no matter what your diet, allergies, or lifestyle choices are, this powerful ointment will likely fit the bill (sorry about the beeswax, vegans). 

Balmonds Skin Salvation

$19.99 Shop Now At CVS

Skin Salvation instantly eases itchiness and softens my skin. You’ll find me massaging it onto the troublesome areas of my hands anytime I’m on a call or doing online research. 

I love that it doesn’t have fragrance because while I actually love scents, it would certainly become overwhelming given how often I apply the product. The lack of fragrance also means it won’t interfere with any perfume or scented lotion you might want to wear.

I also love that it comes in a glass jar—the less plastic in my life, the better (and I hope Balmonds follows suit with the packaging of its other products!).

Speaking of the brand’s other products, you might also want to check out the two-in-one Natural Shampoo and Body Wash (with my long, coarse hair, I prefer this as a body wash, and it would be great for babies) and the divine Bath & Body Oil (which I love adding to my bath as well as slathering all over my body afterward), as well as their Daily Moisturizing Cream, which pairs perfectly with the Skin Salvation balm. 

While I mostly use Skin Salvation on my hands, it’s perfect for rough, cracked, or red skin anywhere—dry elbows will love it, as will chapped après-ski cheeks.

And you definitely don’t have to be over 50 to use it; it’s also great for diaper rash and dermatitis. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, so it could even be good for your teenager or young adult. It supports a healthy skin barrier no matter your age, and tattoo artists even recommend it for aftercare!

A few other highlights that make me feel good about using Balmond’s Skin Salvation: All Balmonds products are cruelty-free and made of ethical, sustainably-sourced, and 100% biodegradable ingredients. 

Don’t just take it from me—Skin Salvation has more than 2,000 five-star reviews from people who’ve used it for everything from psoriasis, dermatitis, and diaper rash to dry skin and eczema. Plus, Balmonds offers a money-back guarantee, so you really can’t go wrong.

Interior designer Lizzie McGraw’s style is relaxed, a little bit beachy, and a little bit modern. Her signature look is thoughtful and gives a feeling of perfection without looking like anyone broke a sweat to create it.

Someone, of course, probably did. Good design doesn’t come easy, which McGraw knows better than anyone. Her home was on Los Angeles’s popular Abbot Kinney Boulevard before it was one of the hottest design strips in California.

It’s now her design shop, Tumbleweed & Dandelion, and after two decades in the business, McGraw has published her first book. Creative Style: Livable, Loveable Spaces is filled with her favorite textiles, furniture, and accessories.

Creative Style: Liveable, Loveable Spaces

$36.99 Shop Now at Amazon

The book also provides tours of 12 of her most inspiring interior projects, including her own 1920s cottage in Southern California. When she moved in, the building was neglected and rundown, but McGraw used flea market finds, upcycled vintage pieces, and a whole lot of creativity to build an airy space that’s filled with character.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Sentimental Holiday Gifts Your Loved One Is Sure To Cherish

I connected with McGraw to learn more about how she makes her home and shop warm and welcoming, and for some tips on how we can borrow her relaxed approach in our own homes over the holidays.

What advice would you give readers to get your look in their own home? 

“I always tell clients to edit out anything in their home that’s not useful. I believe in beautiful things, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing.”

What are some easy, quick tips for those of us who might feel overwhelmed by getting the house ready for holiday guests? 

“When getting the house ready for guests, my mantra is ‘keep it simple.’ Serve food that’s delicious, but easy to prepare. During the holidays, most guests prefer light fare anyway!”

Along similar lines, what are one or two of the most impactful things you can do that will create a festive mood in your home? 

“I rely on fresh greens for their great holiday scent and easy ambiance. They always create a festive mood. Whether in a vase or hung by twine on a door, it always sets the tone. I also like to have a gentle but lovely candle burning. The Fraiser Fir candle we sell at Tumbleweed & Dandelion always sells out so fast at holiday time.”

How do you decorate for the holidays at your home?

“Our home is simple, organic, and functional. Fall is a big season in our world, so our at-home vibe is filled with aromatherapy and fresh greens. It’s the most calming and beautiful way to enjoy our home without stress.”

How do you decorate the shop?  

“We like to offer handmade goods and vintage ornaments during fall and at the same time, we don’t rush it. That said, we have baskets of ornaments surrounded by dough bowls with pumpkins. Our seasonal candle scents that we make sit out for easy picking, and our music always sets a tone!”

Is there a color palette you typically stick to or does it change year to year?

“We are always open to change, so yes. We have a consistent neutral vibe, but this fall we have fun napkins in fall pastels for Thanksgiving, and we are feeling a bit of pink instead of red!”

What are your favorite Christmas items that you sell in the shop?  

“Hands-down, our candles. We make them ourselves, so every year we add a few different scents. This year orange clove is taking the stage!”

What non-traditional Christmas decor items do you go back to year after year?

“We are more holiday/family rather than Christmas, so we like to fill baskets with pinecones that we gather on our trips! Sometimes we spray them, or just leave them in their beautiful natural state.”

Do you go for real or artificial greenery? Are you a one-tree family, or do you like to have multiple trees in the house?

“We are a ‘replant trees’ people. We always buy a few potted trees and replant them after the season.” 

Do you entertain a lot during the holidays? How do you set a holiday table to make a party festive?

“My husband is a chef, so cooking is fun here. He creates the meal and I set the table and create the ambiance. I love beautiful table settings, so we play with napkins tied with twine and rosemary.

“If I have the time, we will wrap a baguette for each guest, or send them off with some of Jonathan’s homemade toffee. We always make time to hang with our team and our friends.”

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• My Face Felt And Looked Lifted Thanks To This Advanced Multi-Technology Skincare Tool

There’s no dearth of skincare devices on the market, each with its specific technologies and functions—the options can be overwhelming.

So I’m very excited to share that I’ve found a single tool that has it all: the FOREO UFO 2. This supercharged facial treatment device includes the entire spectrum of LED, thermo and cryotherapy, T- sonic pulsations, plus masking (one of my favorite parts). 

All that, and the FOREO UFO 2 gets the job done in two minutes or less. 

FOREO UFO 2

Shop Now at FOREO

The most striking benefit I noticed after using the UFO 2 with FOREO’s Make My Day Power Activated Mask was the incredible hydration. My face also felt and looked lifted, and my skin was super soft. My makeup went on beautifully afterward.

Don’t just take it from me: Third-party clinical trials showed that the FOREO UFO 2 provided immediate and long-lasting hydration, increasing moisture levels by 126% following a two-minute treatment—and it lasted for up to 6 hours 

That lifted feeling I experienced comes from FOREO’s T-Sonic massage (more on that below). In third-party consumer testing, users reported visible results after just one use. 

Users in third-party consumer trials also reported the same softness I experienced—78% said they noticed softer skin and said their skin looked more supple and was perfectly primed for makeup. 

Four Technologies In One Device

As I mentioned before, the UFO 2 incorporates four technologies in one package (mine is black and gold—super chic). The therapies include thermo-therapy, cryotherapy, LED light therapy, and T-Sonic massage. Here’s the breakdown of how they each work to make your skin feel as smooth as glass. 

1. Thermo-Therapy

Now that the weather is getting chillier, I found the gentle heat delivered by the UFO 2 to be so comforting. Besides feeling really lovely, the gentle heat increases blood flow in the skin, which facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels. FOREO said this process helps regrow damaged tissue, stimulates fibroblasts, and encourages lymphatic drainage.

What that means for your face is more radiance, deeper absorption of mask ingredients, relaxation of the face and neck muscles, and it even loosens sebum on the skin’s surface.

2. Cryotherapy

Cold temperatures can also be healing and rejuvenating, and that’s where the cryotherapy function comes in. Cold causes the blood vessels to contract and tighten. When the blood vessels return to normal, circulation is improved. Cryofacials can stimulate collagen production, and the more collagen you have, the more elasticity you have.

After using the cool setting on the UFO 2, my skin felt less puffy, less red, a bit lifted, and more radiant overall.

3. LED Light Therapy

Using different light wavelengths was originally developed by NASA to grow plants on shuttle missions. It later showed utility in wound healing, and now aestheticians use it to regenerate skin, treat acne, and many other applications. The device produces every type of LED light, and each one has its own unique benefits.

For example, red light stimulates collagen production, blue light mitigates inflamed acne, and green light helps with dark circles. You get to choose your own adventure (or use one of the FOREO app treatment programs, see below).

4. T-Sonic Massage

This is FOREO’s signature massage technology, and it’s featured in every one of their skincare devices. The “T” stands for transdermal because the gentle pulsations travel through the outer layer of the skin. This improves blood flow and relaxes the face and neck muscles. It also temporarily dilates pores, so the active ingredients in your skincare can penetrate through the outer layer of the skin without clogging pores. 

Like FOREO’S BEAR device, you can sync your UFO 2 with the FOREO app to access a variety of treatment routines that match whatever masks you’re using.

You can also use the app with your own masks to fully customize your supercharged two-minute facial. So whether you’re puffy, red, or tired on any given day, there’s a mask and treatment routine combination just right for you.

(Note: The UFO 2’s Advanced Temperature Control allows you to use the device with some sheet masks and other products, but always verify how heat or cold might affect any non-FOREO mask.)

The UFO 2 Is Non-Negotiable In My Skincare Routine

The UFO 2 has become an essential part of my morning routine, and the beauty of it is that I can adjust the treatment to whatever unpredictable thing is happening with my skin that day. 

And on nights when I have the energy to do more than collapse into bed, I’ve been experimenting with the Call It a Night Power Activated Mask. It contains ginseng and olive oil to tone, rejuvenate, nourish, and soften—and what a luxurious way to get ready for bed!

All UFO Power Activated Masks are developed and sourced in Korea, the center of the beauty world. They’re made of ultra-soft microfiber and drenched with skincare goodies. You can choose a wide variety of masks packed with natural ingredients including manuka honey, green tea, Bulgarian rose, cannabis seed oil, and so many more.

For approximately the price of one visit to the aesthetician, you can bring the spa to your home, plus tailor your treatment to your needs. It turns what is typically a 20-minute mask routine into a 90-second treat, which can save you more than five days in a year.

All things considered, I’d say the UFO 2 pays for itself after the very first use—especially since FOREO is currently running a Black Friday presale! You can get in on the savings in November—don’t miss out!

FOREO UFO 2

Shop Now at FOREO

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Veronica Webb started her modeling career in the ’80s and has been featured on the covers of Vogue, Essence, Elle, and many others. She was the first Black supermodel to win an exclusive contract for a major cosmetics company as a spokesmodel for Revlon. She has appeared in critically-acclaimed films including Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, The Big Tease, and Malcolm X, and has also had recurring roles in TV shows including Becker and Clueless.

Despite being one of the most stunning women in the world with decades of success under her belt, Webb felt completely blindsided when she encountered something that nearly 1 billion women deal with every day: menopause.

RELATED: Rejected By The Entertainment Industry, Stacy London Is Giving Menopause A Makeover As A Business Leader

“My mother was an RN, my sister is a doctor, and no one really talked about menopause,” Webb told an audience at The Marvelous Mrs. Menopause event organized by Caire Beauty last month in New York City. “And when it happened to me, it caught me so unaware. I had every single symptom you can think of: heavy periods, brain fog, hot flashes, can’t sleep, depressed, everything.”

Webb was born when her mother was 46, a time when many women are solidly in perimenopause. On top of that, as is the case in many families, female relatives referred to menopause in euphemisms like “my own private summer” and “the flash.”

“It gave me this feeling that menopause was something that was never going to happen to me, or it would happen so late in my life that it wouldn’t even be an issue,” she told the crowd of mostly 50-something women on the 74th floor of One World Trade Center.

When, inevitably, symptoms of “the flash” came knocking on her door, menopause didn’t register as the cause.

RELATED: Half Of All Post-Menopausal Women Have Genitourinary Syndrome, So Why Have You Never Heard Of It?

“My husband was like, ‘What’s wrong with you? I want you back.’ I just thought, ‘I’m going crazy, it can’t be menopause,'” Webb said.

When she finally realized that’s exactly what it was, she decided she was not going to be quiet and ashamed about it. Instead, she would use her platform to spread the word that menopause and getting older is a normal part of life and anything but the end of vitality.

“It’s not a disease,” Webb said. “It’s something that we should all look forward to. It brings freedoms, and it brings responsibilities for taking care of your health. I’m happy to be here.”

Following the event, I sat down with Webb to learn a little more about her menopause journey, and how she tolerated some serious discomfort in the interest of taking menopause conversations out of taboo territory.

Q: How Did You Decide To Start Using Your Platform For This Particular Cause? 

A: “Because when I went through menopause, even though I come from a family that’s very well-educated and very fluent in the medical silo, it caught all of us by surprise, including my sister who’s an M.D.”

Q: I Think You Mentioned On The Panel That Your Sister Said That They Didn’t Really Learn About Menopause In Medical School. 

A: “No, not at all. Menopause wasn’t covered in medical school. My mother was an RN and really brilliant at what she did. And I was actually born when my mother was in perimenopause.

“Those conversations were just never had. And when women did talk about it when I was younger, this is like in the ‘70s and ‘80s, people just said, ‘Oh, I’m having my own private summer.’”

Q: In The World Of Modeling, Beauty Is So Important. Did It Feel Difficult To Come Out And Say, ‘Menopause Is A Thing That We All Go Through, Whether You’re A Model Or You’re A Housewife?’ 

A: “Well, for someone like me to feel out of control and uninformed about something that was happening in my body was intolerable.

“And of course, yes, when you are in a youth-obsessed business, the conversation about beauty, up until really the reckoning of the Me Too movement, the conversation about beauty was cut off even before pregnancy. It was a very difficult transition to make and it felt like jumping off a cliff when I first started to write about and talk about menopause seven or eight years ago on my blog and among my friends.

“But it turned out to be just a two-foot cliff, really. It became more comfortable sort of quickly. You realize that menopause is not a disease or a condition, it’s a phase of life that we all go through. And every woman who has been important in your life, if she lived long enough, she’s menopausal.” 

Q: If You’re Lucky Enough To Live Long Enough, You Go Through It. You Were Very Pioneering Talking On This Topic Nine Years Ago. That Must Have Felt Really Out Of Your Comfort Zone. 

A: “It was entirely outside of my comfort zone. But I had a lot of experience with stuff like this because when I first moved to New York in the ‘80s and I was in the fashion business, I lived through the AIDS crisis and lost so many people. 

“The most powerful saying I think in the AIDS crisis from Act Up was ‘Silence equals death.’ But in menopause, it’s silence equals shame. And we shouldn’t be ashamed of a natural process, any more than women should be ashamed of having a period or everything that happens after you have a baby that no one ever tells you about until the baby’s there.”

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Anne Fulenwider was Editor in Chief of Marie Claire magazine for eight years, and she thought she’d be in publishing for the rest of her life. But then the magazine published a series of stories about the state of women’s health research, and her future started to look different.

Fulenwider left publishing to become co-founder and co-CEO of Alloy, a company that helps women get prescription medications to treat menopause symptoms and provides reality-check information on midlife health.

At the recent Menopause CEO Conference in New York City, organized by Stacy London, CEO of State Of Menopause and held on World Menopause Day, Fulenwider joined 16 other menopause leaders on stage. It was the largest panel I’ve ever witnessed, and also the most interesting and provocative.

RELATED: Rejected By The Entertainment Industry, Stacy London Is Giving Menopause A Makeover As A Business Leader

After the meeting, she spoke with me about the excitement around this relatively new industry, her midlife transition from publishing to the business of menopause, and the exorbitant cost of clinical trials.

Q: How did you transition from publishing to what you’re doing now?

A: “I was born in magazines, thought I was going be in magazines for the rest of my life. We did a whole bunch of coverage of women’s health and it was just alarming to me what we were uncovering about how, for example, women’s bodies were not even included in clinical trials until 1993—it’s the year I graduated from college.

“So I had that bubbling in the background, and then my mother died out of the blue of a heart attack at 73, which is not so young, but too young. I had a long conversation with a doctor and we talked about the fact that she’d had heart issues her whole life and was taken off her hormones. And I just realized through her experience and through my daughter’s—my daughter’s fine now—but how little is known about women’s bodies.

“So basically three things happened: We started covering women at Marie Claire, I had my own personal family health issues going on with my mother and my daughter, and then Monica (Monica Molenaar, Alloy’s co-founder and co-CEO) approached me and was like, ‘Hey, do let’s do a content set about menopause.’ And being a journalist and editor, I did the digging around why is there a stigma around menopause. Why is there so much misinformation? 

“And I uncovered, as now everyone in the field knows, that study from 20 years ago, and how much damage it did. And that this was the root of all this fear around actual medical treatment of what is not a disease, but a medical phenomenon. 

“I was totally motivated and happy to leave publishing, to be honest, to do this more mission-driven, impactful work. I loved my whole journalism career, but I really, really love being on the front lines and actually trying to fix policy and health.” 

Q: I’m so glad your daughter is OK, what happened with her health?

A: “My daughter is 16 now but going through puberty she had really painful cysts, and we were in the emergency room with her because we thought it was appendicitis. And this lovely young doctor said to me, ‘Well, we’re just going to wait and do one more X-ray, and either we’re going to do surgery right now or send you home with Advil,’ because they didn’t know what was wrong yet.

“And I was like, ‘What?’ Those were my two options for my daughter. I was standing in the emergency room at the hospital and it brought me back to the lack of research on women’s bodies—how harmful it is to our own health and longevity.

“The other thing I’ll say is just that when you hit this age, I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I’m now 50, and with my mother dying, it was this pivotal moment of, wait, what am I going to do with the rest of my life? And it was a gift in many ways to have this moment of reflection of, okay, wait a minute, life is too short. I’ve done one thing for a long time and I really took advantage of that moment to stop and figure out what I wanted to do with my skills for the rest of my life.”

Q: Yes, I have felt the way too. One of the things during the panel that was remarkable to me was that distinction between menopause being a disease and being a stage in life, and ho that’s something you’ve come up against at Alloy as far as advertising on Facebook or anywhere else.

A: “So I really have a two-part answer to that, which is that menopause is definitely not a disease, but it is something that should be treated by the medical world. It is also a life stage, and there are lots of other things to do to improve the quality of your life.

“You have a moment at around 50 to set the course of your own longevity and your own aging. I mean, none of us can completely control our fate, but the choices you make around this time about changing your lifestyle and changing habits really set the stage for either a long, healthy life or even if it’s long, maybe not so healthy and active and enjoyable.

“Medical issue versus life stage—it’s just not the way I would phrase it. It’s both, and they’re not mutually exclusive. 

“That, however, is completely different from the Facebook issue, which yes, we have come across. You can’t say hormones, you can’t say vagina.” 

Q: You can’t say hormones?

A: “No. Because they think that you’re selling human growth hormones, which we’re not at all, of course, we’re selling FDA-approved treatments. There are so many things you can’t say. We have had many, many ads blocked.

“We spent a significant amount of our time dealing with Facebook and Google’s rejection of our ads. It’s insane. And it’s so unfair because of course, ED (erectile dysfunction) drugs are everywhere.”

Q: One last thing I’d like to ask you is regarding anecdotal, shared stories versus clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of treatments. In my mind, hard science is important, but at the same time, the bar is so high to start a clinical trial and it’s so expensive. What’s your take on how we can get treatments that are verifiably safe and work well but not spend $300 million? That’s kind of a giant question.

A: “It’s huge. Yeah, it’s huge. It’s funny, it’s what happens when you have a money-based health system, right? There are just so many things to unpack there. The fact that the clinical trials only apply to, I believe, new drugs that want to come into the market.

“So they’re sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. And by the way, I don’t know if you saw that article recently, the FDA is predominantly funded by pharmaceutical companies who are trying to get their drugs approved. 

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“Pharmaceutical companies have created life-saving, wonderful drugs including our vaccines, et cetera. I’m not against them, it’s just that they dominate the research field, which just seems really wrong. Those studies should be done, but other studies that are not based on incentives should really also be there. 

“I think anecdotes are not strong enough. I believe in thousands and thousands of years of herbal remedies that are working. But I do think there may be a middle path. Now that I’ve been doing research on menopause for almost three years, I know there are tons and tons of studies out there that are pretty accessible.

“Currently, the burden is on the patient and the woman to do the research, which is ridiculous. But I think it might be on us and certainly on those of us from the media world and from storytelling in health.

“There are plenty of studies that may not meet the standards of double-blind clinical trials, but that are extremely informative and well done. And if you aggregate them and distill them into their truths and get them out there in digestible ways, it would be easier for women to make choices.”

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The first thing you should know about Goop’s All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil is that it keeps selling out. I had to postpone writing my review by two months until they could restock—you’ve been warned!

After using the product for nearly three months now, it’s easy to see why it’s hard to keep in stock.

When it comes to skincare, I’m a minimalist. I don’t like spending time on lots of steps, and I definitely don’t like spending lots of money on products. But when I find something that feels as nourishing and luxurious as Goop’s All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil, I can’t help but add it to my regimen. Huge added bonus when the product is a major multitasker like this one. 

Botanical, Workhorse Ingredients

I have always considered face oils to be luxury products that smell lovely, make your skin feel silky smooth and nourished, and provide that dewy finish I’ve come to love. 

RELATED: This ‘Facial In A Jar’ Is The Next Best Thing To Professional Microderm For Brightening And Smoothing Skin

So I was surprised to discover that Goop’s All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil does way more than that. Goops claims its botanical ingredients are proven to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness, smooth skin texture, as well as soften, nourish, and moisturize. 

That’s so much more than I ever expected from a face oil, especially one that’s a completely clean formula with no harmful chemicals. But I can attest that after hitting my skin with the triple threat of Goop’s Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator (read my review here) followed by Goop’s 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow (read that review here) for nearly three months, my skin is looking better than it has since pre-pandemic times when I was regularly visiting an aesthetician.

Goop All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil

$98 Shop Now At Goop

Get 15% off with code SUGGEST15.

It’s not surprising when you check out the ingredients. Goop’s face oil is a collection of nine nutrient-dense oils, the most powerful being bakuchiol, an up-and-coming retinol alternative. 

Researchers compared bakuchiol to retinol in a 12-week clinical study published in The British Journal of Dermatology. Study participants treated with bakuchiol saw significant improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness. Even more exciting: they didn’t get the dry skin, irritation, and skin sensitivity that usually comes with retinols. 

The All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil also contains cacay, which is derived from a flowering plant. It has not been studied thoroughly, but it does contain bioactive compounds including retinol, which is promising. Another key ingredient is organic amla, a rich source of vitamin C that has been shown to be effective in preventing skin aging.

If you’re new to using oils, and like me have a history of oily, acne-prone skin, I encourage you not to be afraid, especially if you’re over 50 (also like me). 

Post-menopause, my skin is significantly dryer and rarely breaks out these days (although I still get the occasional breakout, presumably the universe wants me to experience wrinkles and acne simultaneously).

Backed By Research

In an eight-week, third-party study examining consumer perception and clinical results, 33 women ages 35 to 65 saw major changes in their skin using Goop’s face oil. 

After just one use, all of the women in the study saw instant, significant improvement in skin moisture. Ninety-one percent said the product had a silky texture that was readily absorbed by their skin.

After four weeks of use, 100% of women showed significant improvement in skin texture (softer and smoother). Ninety-seven percent noticed a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

After eight weeks of use, 100% said their fine lines and wrinkles were reduced. Ninety-four percent said their skin tone looked brighter and more even, and 82 percent saw an improvement in skin firmness.

They can add me to this group—after nearly two months of use, I see a clear improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. And it’s a pleasure to use—especially when I use it after the Vitamin C Serum, it absorbs nicely into my skin.

Goop recommends smoothing two to four drops over your face morning and night. With other face oils, I often found I needed to use more product than the bottle instructions indicated. But with this one, I was surprised to find that two drops were enough to cover my entire face. I use one or two more if I want to also cover my neck and décolletage. If money were no object I would slather it all over my body, but I reign in my urges and wipe any extra on the backs of my hands. 

If you’re looking for a face oil that imparts a beautiful glow and so much more, this hard-working botanical product is a great place to start. Try the Goop’s All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil yourself and get 15% off with the code SUGGEST15. That’s a better deal than Goop’s first-time customer discount. This stuff never goes on sale, plus, as I mentioned, Goop can hardly keep it in stock, so don’t miss out!

More From Suggest

• This ‘Facial In A Jar’ Is The Next Best Thing To Professional Microderm For Brightening And Smoothing Skin
• Gwyneth Paltrow Is Obsessed With These Affordable Beauty Products–And You Will Be, Too
• Gwyneth Paltrow Pens Beautiful Essay About Turning 50

Stacy London, who co-hosted the show What Not To Wear for a decade, is back at the job of wanting to make you look and feel your best.

But this time, instead of with clothing, she’s doing it as CEO of the company she took over in 2019, State of Menopause. After transitioning through an extraordinarily difficult midlife period when she faced back surgery, the death of her father, and severe perimenopause symptoms, she wanted to use her platform to help midlife women not just survive, but thrive.

And if she couldn’t do it with a TV show (which she repeatedly hit brick walls trying to create), she would do it in business.

State of Menopause offers products to help us manage, understand, and even enjoy the menopause transition. The brand sells everything from a cooling spray to a CBD vaginal moisturizer, and recently launched a line of hair products, specifically targeting all the changes our locks experience during midlife.

Gen Xers like London (and myself) were taught to compete, but we’re learning that collaboration delivers better results than competition. With that in mind, London convened the first Menopause CEO Summit in New York City this week on World Menopause Day. Although some of the companies attending are in direct competition with one another, she believes there’s room for everyone, and hopes the event will strengthen education and community around menopause issues.

Read on for my interview with London. We discussed, among other things, being a Gen X leader, her difficult menopause journey, and the ridiculous idea that anyone should be evaluated by their reproductive status.

RELATED: ‘I’ve Been A Monster:’ Women Share The Unexpected Emotional Impacts Of Menopause

How Has Being A Gen X Woman Influenced Your Leadership Style?

“We were taught to compete. We were taught that there was only one place to get that job or only one guy to date, or there was just one first place. And it was kill or die to get there.

“I think we are a fascinating generation. Gen X is the last generation that will probably experience generational shame around aging and menopause, as well as generational confusion and ignorance around aging and menopause. And we’ll be the first to break that stigma in a real way.”

Yes And Hopefully We’re Changing The Way Our Culture Views Women In Midlife.

“So menopause has traditionally been seen as this kind of expiration date. Simply because once you are no longer able to give birth to biological children or be fertile that somehow means that you are no longer the focus.

“When we had wooly mammoths and sabertooth tigers, you were no longer the focus when you were not furthering the race anymore. And there are a bunch of people who have theories about why women live past menopause or past child-birthing years I’m not sure I understand or agree with entirely.

“But this idea that you can reduce us to our reproductive health or our hormonal chaos is ludicrous.

“If you look at the contributions of women over the age of 40 for a long, long time in our history, they have nothing to do with giving birth to children.”

What Is The Meaning Behind Your ‘AND’ Necklace?

“Things can be true at the same time. For me, the ‘AND’ means I had a career in magazines and in television and now I’m in business.

“I can feel like I am at my most authentic self, I can be incredibly self-aware, and yet still be bummed that I don’t get looked up and down on the street anymore. These things can all be true at the same time. And aside from that, it stands for ‘a new dawn’ and ‘a new day.’”

I Love That.

“Over time, we become less culturally relevant. We start to feel invisible. But one, I don’t think Gen X is really into that. I think we like being the center of attention. I think we believe there’s room for all of us.

“But also we can actually look at the trope of a midlife crisis and recognize that that is really part cultural invalidation and part hormonal chaos. And what that winds up creating is a crisis of confidence and confusion in terms of identity, both of which I think are truly solvable within the menopause experience and within the midlife experience. And we’re just starting to get to the tip of the iceberg.

“That was part of the reason for wanting to be involved in [the State of Menopause].”

How Do You Think Gen X Is Learning From Younger Generations?

“I believe in a lot of ways younger generations have given Gen X permission to be more transparent and more honest about their own experiences. I mean, I remember growing up being taught you never show weakness, you don’t cry. Be a duck, like perfectly floating on the surface and you are like paddling like hell underneath. Or if you were exercising and somebody said that you looked great, you never admitted to how hard it was to get there. There was always this illusion that we were supposed to have done everything without effort.”

Totally. The Cool Girl Fallacy.

“Right, cool girls are all of the things. They just know how to play chess, they didn’t have to learn.

“But I think millennials and Gen Z feel very much cheated by the idea that we didn’t talk openly about the struggles and tribulations that we had. And by not sharing those things, by not being more transparent and honest about those experiences, it’s made them very forceful in the way that they talk about things that are quite personal, that we would’ve considered off limits in terms of conversation, like race and gender and sexuality.”

What Was Your Menopause Experience Like?

“I medically did not have a profile that allowed me to go on hormones. And what is so astounding to me is that I thought at certain points, my moods, all of the different issues that I had going on at the same time, when I say hormonal chaos, I mean, I’ve been quoted saying it was a tsunami of batsh*t, crazy. I truly felt like I was going to throw myself off a bridge.

“Some days I was just like, I don’t know how I’m going to do this. And to think about all of the millions of people who have gone through this, who never said a word in total silence, who never said to their doctor, ‘please help,’ or never got the kind of counseling or care practitioner that they needed—it breaks my heart to think about it.

“I just feel very fortunate that we are at that stage where Gen X is like, it’s bullsh*t that we’re being rated on the performance of our reproductive health. I mean, it’s ludicrous. You cannot reduce any of us or our worth to those systems.

“Instead we really just need to be looking at the science. We only started insisting that women be in health trials in 1993. We don’t know enough about female physiology to feel safe in our bodies. That’s insane to me.”

You Tried To Create A Show For Midlife Women, Can You Talk About What Happened?

“When I was around 47, I started to feel like I didn’t know what my next move was. I wanted to do this show about middle-age transformation, particularly for women, and do it about fashion, but also about finance, empty nest syndrome, elder care, all the things that we want to really be thinking about at this stage of life. And I pitched to every streamer and every channel to crickets.”

Wow.

“Everybody said nobody wants to watch middle-aged women on television. And I was like, okay, I don’t know who you think the Real Housewives are, but you’re basically telling me you don’t want to see anything that really tries to elucidate and illuminate what aging means and what midlife means.

“I took that very personally because I was like, I’m a middle-aged woman. This is what I wanna talk about. This is the woman I want to reach because I had an identity crisis. I didn’t look like myself. I didn’t feel like myself and I didn’t know what to do about it.

“I knew it couldn’t be just me who feels this way, and little did I know that a lot of things I was attributing to my midlife crisis, like having pretty significant spine surgery and my father dying—I thought physical or emotional grief was kind of taking over my body, having no idea what perimenopausal symptoms were, having no idea that that is what I was experiencing. And perhaps those two events really amplified that experience, but I felt like I was fading.”

‘I Didn’t Know How To Dress Myself Anymore’

“I was like, I don’t know where the Stacy London from What Not To Wear or the Stacy London who is a successful person is anymore. I was having trouble getting off the couch every day. So I recognized that something was happening to me, and I thought it was something worth exploring in the medium that I understand best, which is television.

“And being able to talk about these things in a visual way, that there was always like an ‘aha’ moment that you had watching What Not To Wear in understanding that it was never about the clothes. It was about what the clothes could do. How could we make people see themselves differently, be compassionate with themselves?

RELATED: You’re Not Crazy, It’s Perimenopause Rage: Women Open Up About Their Experiences, And How To Spot It In Yourself

“How could they treat their bodies with respect? How could they walk into a room and feel wonderful? And feel like I had lost that. At 47, my body has changed. I didn’t know how to dress myself anymore. I knew I could not be the only one feeling this way. And after being turned down by all of these television channels, COVID happened.

“I had this come to Jesus moment with what is my kernel of truth? What is it that I want to do? I am in a fortunate enough position to be able to choose a new path instead of banging down a door that leads to a room with a crowd of people that don’t really want me there anymore.”

‘I Want To Be A Self-Esteemist.’

“I really wanted to be influential in the way people feel about themselves. And so I’ve always considered myself a stylist, but I think that even more, I want to be a ‘self-esteemist,’ that’s the only word that I’ve been able to come up with.

“And that was partly why I wanted to take over [the] State Of Menopause. I want the company to have products the same way on What Not To Wear I wanted you to wear clothing—because they’re instruments. They’re weapons in your arsenal of making sure that you feel and look the way you wanna feel.”

It’s Exciting That The Younger Generation Is Noticing Midlife Women Since We’ve For So Long Lacked Attention And Resources. Suggest’s CEO Is In Her 30s, And There’s A Community Called Revel Whose Founders Are Also In Their Thirties.

“That goes back to the generations coming together and I mean, not for nothing, a lot of this has to do with commercial viability, right? We may be a smaller population than boomers or millennials, and there was a smaller financial price tag attached to getting our attention. And now that we are reaching middle age and certainly after COVID, rethinking the way we want to live our lives and how we want to pivot, getting our attention is very profitable.

“And I think younger generations are actually recognizing that the lifetime value of any consumer can start very young and actually go the lifetime of that consumer. And that we’re going to stop segmenting everything by decade or even just by age and more by circumstance and the other issues that connect us.”

And How Did The Menopause CEO Summit Come About?

“I am very lucky to be able to do what I do. But the women and all of my colleagues who have been working in this field for a lot longer than me don’t have the same kind of following and don’t have the same kind of soapbox.

“And what is the point if I am the only one screaming from the rooftops? That’s a drop of rain in the ocean. What matters is being able to use that soapbox and convert it into a platform to raise everybody’s voices.

“That to me is not just part of my company, but of this stage of my life—wanting to share the spotlight, wanting other people’s success to help impact my own. And that is something that I’ve never done in my lifetime. I’ve never had the opportunity to do it this way.

“Menopause as a topic and a community that in 2025 is going to be 1 billion people—that’s 12% of the Earth’s population. That’s the population of China. There are only 13 or 14 companies right now. I want to get us all together. I want that to grow bigger so there is a group of people out there who aren’t just fighting for you to have information, or for you to have agency over your own wellbeing, but we’re like cheerleaders rooting for you.”

More From Suggest

• Study Shows More Women Are Using Cannabis To Treat Menopause Symptoms, But Is It Safe?
• ‘Frozen Shoulder’ Is An All Too Common Menopause Symptom For This Simple Reason
• Julia Child’s Heartbreaking Menopause Experience Is All Too Common Today

Just in case you’ve been in a remote locale with no connection to the rest of the world: Gwyneth Paltrow turned 50 last month. Every publication from Vogue to Prevention has commented on the occasion. 

To celebrate reaching the half-century milestone and looking gorgeous doing it, the Goop founder wrote an inspiring piece about aging and posed for a Goldfinger-esque nude photo shoot. 

And of course, she also celebrated the big day with a luxe party—a pajama party, actually, where she and her guests drank champagne and ate caviar at a private barn in Amagansett, naturally. Rachel Zoe, Savannah Guthrie, Tracy Anderson, and other glamorous friends attended, and much revelry was made.

After a night of indulgence, Paltrow was ready for the type of after-party that I can really embrace, which involved a quick skincare routine and hitting the hay shortly thereafter.

If you’d like to duplicate her bedtime routine, you can get 15% off with a special code from Suggest. Just enter suggest15 through December 31, 2022 on any Goop-owned product (excluding bundles) and you’ll be good to go.

GOOPGLOW Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser

$35 Shop Now at Goop

First up is GOOPGLOW Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser, which “takes the day off,” she said. It cleanses, smooths, and brightens your skin. It’s soft yet exfoliating and made with natural fruit enzymes, arctic cloudberry, and bitter orange peel.

GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk

$98 Shop Now at Goop

Next up is GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk, which is a silky (and stealthy) product with 10% multi-acid milk serum. It works overnight to exfoliate, resurface, and moisturize, leaving your skin glowy, smooth, and baby-soft by morning—OK results don’t literally appear overnight, it works over a period of about two to four weeks. But the soothing, moisturizing extracts of Kalahari melon, jojoba, and aloe, plus oat beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, and squalane delivered noticeable results in third-party clinical trials. 

GOOPGENES All-In-One Nourishing Skincare Kit

$85 Shop Now at Goop

• Includes a full-size All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream, a travel-size All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream, and a travel-size All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil.

GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream, which Gwyneth said she “can’t live without,” is also clinically tested, and the results showed that the cream firmed and smoothed the appearance of crow’s-feet, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. If you’re looking for a fresh, well-rested appearance, this eye cream delivers, and pairs nicely with Goop’s other All-in-One products (currently the eye cream is not available as a one-off purchase).

GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm

$20 Shop Now at Goop

Lips are next: GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm is the ultra-hydrating product that Paltrow’s makeup artist used when prepping her birthday suit photo shoot because every inch of her body needed to be thoroughly moisturized in preparation for gold powder application. I have the balm and while I’ve never tried to gild my lips, I can attest that it is luxuriously hydrating, and it comes in two tinted shades as well. 

GOOPGENES All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil

$98 Shop Now at Goop

Last but not least, she finishes off her nighttime routine with her All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil by rubbing a few drops of the clean formula in her palms and patting it all over her face, neck, and chest. Skincare labels can make a lot of hyperbolic claims, but in this case, “super-nutrient” is not an exaggeration. The face oil is a collection of nine nutrient-dense oils, the most powerful being bakuchiol, an up-and-coming retinol alternative. 

Researchers compared bakuchiol to retinol in a 12-week clinical study published in The British Journal of Dermatology. Study participants treated with bakuchiol saw significant improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness. Even more exciting, they didn’t get the dry skin, irritation, and skin sensitivity that usually comes with retinol. 

Up The Ante With Vitamin C Serum

If you want to add one more weapon to your nighttime arsenal, I recommend the GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum. I’ve been using it for about seven weeks morning and night and the results seem to be worth the wait. I have to say I’m impressed and surprised by the noticeable difference between the before and after. 

The texture and color of my skin is smoother and more even. And for lack of a better way to say it, I look glowier. (OK and yes my ice-dyed outfits from the pandemic are still in heavy rotation.)

For the before and after photos, I tried to duplicate my lighting and position—I used a ring light for both, wore no makeup, and applied no filter. I forgot to use portrait mode for the after but I don’t believe that skewed the results. 

This vitamin C product is different from any other I’ve used because it combines two skin-care powerhouses: L-ascorbic acid (proven in research to be the purest, best form of the antioxidant vitamin C), and moisturizing hyaluronic acid (a hydrator that’s naturally present in the body). 

You mix the two ingredients together once you receive the product at home so the product is fresh when you start to use it, and it won’t lose its potency for three months (potency is often an issue for vitamin C products because light and heat can easily compromise them). 

GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum

$125 Shop Now at Goop

Get 15% off with SUGGEST15

The hyaluronic acid incorporates three molecular sizes to penetrate different layers of the skin, plus the antioxidant superfruit Australian kakadu plum. The ingredients work together to brighten, improve firmness, tone, texture, and hydration, leaving your skin looking radiant, luminous, and healthy.

I don’t know about you but I’m ready for bed. And with this routine, maybe there’s a chance to look rested in the morning, even after an extravagant party the night before. Remember, our readers get an exclusive 15% off their order with promo code suggest15 (this is one of the best deals you can find, so don’t wait!).

More From Suggest

• This ‘Facial In A Jar’ Is The Next Best Thing To Professional Microderm For Brightening And Smoothing Skin
• Gwyneth Paltrow Is Obsessed With These Affordable Beauty Products–And You Will Be, Too
• Gwyneth Paltrow Pens Beautiful Essay About Turning 50

Many of us, myself included, are guilty of not keeping our purses as organized as they could be. Regardless of size, they always seem to become a black hole for keys, chapstick, and other essentials lost in the folds of the fabric liner.

Recently, after spending too much time decluttering months-old receipts and movie tickets from my handbag, a fellow editor shared a few Instagram posts that inspired me to undertake an extreme makeover, purse edition.

From a handbag-optimized water bottle to a motion-activated purse light, content creator Julianna Claire had an intriguing lineup of products that seriously impressed us.

In a follow-up post, Claire shared more useful Amazon finds all designed to make your purse even more functional.

Amazon finds can be pretty hit-or-miss, but these purse accessories stand out for their ability to keep your bag tidier and more functional—and to keep you safer. Product reviewers agree that these items are pretty darn handy. If you’ve always aspired to be the woman who comes prepared for any situation, look no further.

A6 Memobottle

$28 Shop Now at Amazon

Who doesn’t need all the help they can get to stay hydrated? This minimalist water bottle’s flat rectangular shape allows it to fit in your purse more efficiently than a standard water bottle. Available in four different sizes and with a stainless steel lid, reaching your daily water intake has never been so easy or looked so elegant.

SOI Handbag Light

$29 Shop Now at Amazon

No more hunting blindly through your purse! This nifty little light works automatically, so there are no buttons to press or switches to flip. It illuminates automatically when it senses a light tap or an approaching hand. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, it turns off by itself after 10 seconds. It’s also energy efficient, so battery replacements will be few and far between.

Bagnet

$27.99 Shop Now at Amazon

Bagnet’s founder, Kelley Daring, says her goal was “to offer a product that would make women’s lives easier and better.” This little but powerful purse magnet achieves that by attaching your bag to any magnetic surface. It holds up to eight pounds and won’t damage credit cards or tech devices, so it’s safe to use on the interior or exterior of your handbag. Use it to keep your purse off the floor of bathroom stalls and restaurants, or even keep your bag securely attached to grocery carts while you shop.

RELATED: Made ‘For Humans Living Life’, This Goldilocks Bag Brand Combines Functionality With Style

The Clean Ball

$11.99 Shop Now at Amazon

This helpful purse accessory consists of a round plastic outer shell with a smaller, sticky ball on the inside. It’s designed to roll around in your purse and clean up any stray crumbs, lint, or other small debris. The best part? It’s super easy to clean! Just pop open the outer ball and run the interior ball under water. Your purse will be spick and span in no time.

Clear Fanny Pack

$14.99 Shop Now at Amazon

Have you ever had to make the trek back to the car to stash your purse because you forgot to look up the stadium bag guidelines beforehand? That’s exactly the problem this little bag helps you avoid. It’s small and completely transparent, so it’s compliant with clear-bag rules at all major sporting events. In spite of that, it’s big enough to hold your necessities. Plus, fanny packs are totally back in fashion!

Alphahom Care Go Personal Safety Alarm

$49.99 Shop Now at Amazon

You can never be too safe, especially when on the go. This purse accessory is small and lightweight, so it’s easy to slip into any bag. It connects to iPhone and Android phones via Bluetooth with real-time GPS location and a tracking device for your belongings. Anytime you feel unsafe, just pull on the Care Go device and it will alert your friends and family members with your location. And because you only have to charge it once a year, you don’t have to worry about it dying on you at a critical moment.

Self Defense Keychain Alarm

$14.99 Shop Now at Amazon

Another personal security device, this rechargeable keychain alarm emits a loud siren and a bright flashing light in any emergency situation you may encounter. It charges in just an hour via a USB cable, and you can also use it as a flashlight.

More From Suggest:

• This Powerful Phone Charger Is Slim Enough To Fit In Your Wallet And Is A Traveling Must-Have
• This Handmade Entryway Organizer Solves Common Storage Woes, And It’s Available On Amazon
• This Best Selling Amazon Midi Skirt Is The Perfect Seasonal Transition Piece

Before I got my latest FOREO BEAR microcurrent device, I received my first FOREO product back in 2017 after a serendipitous meeting at the beach in my then-hometown, Pacifica, California.

I had just finished a photoshoot in the hills adjacent to Linda Mar beach (home of the prettiest Taco Bell on earth, if you’re not familiar) when I spied a vintage Winnebego in the parking lot. A classic, sunset-behind-mountains design festooned its exterior, and we couldn’t resist snapping some photos. 

Little did we know, the owners were inside. We backed away sheepishly as they came outside, wondering what we were up to. Luckily, they were flattered that we were so taken by their camper. They had a cute dog and we had a cute dog and we mingled for a few laughs and shot a few more photos. 

Long story short, it turned out the camper’s owner worked with FOREO (pronounced FOR-RAY-OH), a Swedish brand I’d never heard of. When I told her I was a lifestyle editor, she took my contact information and promised to send me one of their devices.

Lo and behold she followed through, and within a couple of weeks I received a mini version of FOREO’S LUNA face-cleansing device. My face never felt so clean after using that little thing, and I’ve been a fan ever since. 

Although I’ve unfortunately lost this lovely woman’s card and cannot for the life of me remember her name (If you’re out there, apologies for my terrible memory! You’re awesome!), it was one of those serendipitous experiences you never forget. Plus, I have photographic reminders of the day!

So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test some of FOREO’S latest products: the BEAR, the UFO, and the LUNA 3. 

In this review I’m sharing my experience with the BEAR microcurrent device—check back for reviews of the other two products in the coming months!

FOREO BEAR Technology And Design

FOREO has come a long way since my encounter five years ago. Founded in 2013, the brand’s products are available in more than 10,000 stores worldwide including Sephora, SpaceNK, Cult Beauty, and many more.

In just the past three years, FOREO products have won more than 120 design and beauty awards. It’s the world’s fastest-growing beauty device brand, based on search term numbers. In addition to skincare devices, FOREO also makes toothbrushes, acne treatments, and more. 

The FOREO BEAR is deceptively small and cute but delivers a fierce microcurrent. Its T-Sonic pulsations promise to tighten and firm your skin for a more youthful, contoured complexion.

It’s also the only at-home microcurrent device that features FOREO’S Anti-Shock System. FOREO reps told us that’s what makes the BEAR the safest microcurrent device in the world. And despite its diminutive size, it offers more microcurrent intensities than any other at-home device.

FOREO BEAR

Shop Now at FOREO

The BEAR scans and measures your skin’s resistance to electricity, automatically adjusting the microcurrent intensity in just .002 seconds (literally before you can blink) to maintain a steady quality of treatment with maximum safety and comfort.

In the past, I used another brand of microcurrent device that I found to be effective, but it was made of hard plastic and after dropping it on the floor one too many times, it stopped working. So I love that the BEAR is coated with soft, bacteria-resistant, 100% waterproof silicone for cushioning and grip. It also comes in fuchsia or mint—I have the mint, which is a welcome pop of color in my bathroom.

Also, my previous device quickly lost its charge, so I had to keep it stored in its charging stand on top of my bathroom counter. The BEAR holds a charge for up to 90 uses (kind of amazing), plus it’s so small that you can tuck it into a drawer when it’s not in use (although it’s so cute you won’t mind leaving it out). 

First Impressions Of The FOREO BEAR

All FOREO devices can be connected with the brand’s mobile app. Being an impatient person I was inclined to skip this step, but I forced myself to follow instructions and found that the app was super easy to download and use, and it seamlessly activated my devices.

When I connected my BEAR, I was delighted to find a two-minute guided facial fitness routine to follow along with, complete with a video. Note: you can use the BEAR without the app. 

As I mentioned, the BEAR is quite small, and I wondered if it could really be powerful enough to deliver a strong enough microcurrent to have an effect. It quickly proved me wrong.

But first: SERUM. Actually, SERUM SÉRUM SERUM (that’s what FOREO’S is called). Never use the BEAR or any microcurrent device without a conductive serum, gel, or cream or you may be in for a shocking surprise (see what I did there).

FOREO SERUM SÉRUM SERUM

$59 Shop Now at FOREO

FOREO’S SERUM SÉRUM SERUM is unscented and glides on pleasantly without being gooey or sticky. As instructed, I made sure it was fully absorbed before using the device. 

The BEAR is so light and holds a charge for so long that I can totally imagine throwing it in the included travel pouch and taking it on a trip, which I really hope happens sometime very soon. 

Instant Results Using The FOREO BEAR

I tried my best to take before and after photos using the same pose, angle, and lighting. I’m not sure I 100 percent succeeded, but I do believe that I see a slight lift, mainly in the upper half of my face. 

The most remarkable difference I noticed is above my eyebrows. I’m not sure if it’s a latent Botox complication (which I haven’t had for three years) or just an asymmetrical symptom of aging, but in the past few years, my left eyebrow has been alarmingly higher than my right.

We’re all asymmetrical, of course, but this has made me do a double take in the mirror more times than I’d like to admit. So when I used the BEAR on my forehead, I strategically did one swipe above my left eyebrow, and about four above my right. And by George, I swear my brows look more even. 

Tips For Using The FOREO BEAR

• In typical Gen X, fashion, I figured I could put the device on the highest setting and I’d grit my teeth through any discomfort. And then I remembered that no pain no gain is a useless mantra, and at level 10, I felt more of the microcurrent than was comfortable. On the app, I noticed the device was preset to level 4, and that turned out to be perfect for me. 

• You’ll want your face to be completely clean and free of any products besides the SERUM, and the perfect way to achieve that is by first using the FOREO’S LUNA to cleanse. 

• Lastly, in addition to the immediate results you’re likely to see, the device is designed to have a cumulative effect as well, so stay tuned for my 15- and 30-day reviews, including more before and after photos.  

If you haven’t heard, Ellen DeGeneres teamed up with Victoria Jackson, an expert and beauty authority with more than 30 years in the business, to develop an easy-to-use skincare system that works for all skin types. 

“It’s not about ‘anti-aging’ because I think aging is a good thing,” DeGeneres says. And since she is also passionate about protecting animals, so is the brand. The products are never tested on our furry friends (nor non-furry ones for that matter).

She calls the brand’s approach “age positive,” and I’m here for that so I was pretty excited to give the system a try. I tested the full line of Kind Science products—it’s the first time I’ve used a one-brand system from start to finish so I was excited about the complete experience.

First Impressions

I was surprised by how light my box was when it arrived, and also how light the individual bottles were. I couldn’t wait to dig in and give the 7-step routine a try.

Not only is the packaging light, but so are the formulas. The kind folks at Kind Science say they strategically combine technology, powerful plants, and patented peptides to achieve light yet effective formulations. The products contain no parabens, toxins, harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.

On a purely superficial level, I love the look of the packaging. The blue hue matches my Foreo Bear, and the faux-wood lids lend an earthy vibe.

Kind Science Gentle Cleanser

$28 Shop Now At Kind Science

The Gentle Cleanser is light but creamy with little to no detectable scent. My 10-year-old daughter said I looked like Santa after I massaged it into my face. I had been wearing a full face of makeup, and I was admittedly surprised that the cleanser easily removed all of it, including mascara. And it rinsed off easily.

Kind Science Micro Exfoliant+

$34 Shop Now At Kind Science

The instructions recommend gently massaging in this product for 15-20 seconds, and leaving it on for up to three minutes for an “extra punch of exfoliation,” so I went ahead and did that. As I’ve mentioned, I love a good exfoliant, so I enjoyed this step quite a bit. The grains were less scratchy than others I’ve tried, but rough enough that it still felt like it was doing the job.

Kind Science Firming Serum

$68 Shop Now At Kind Science

This product comes in a sturdy glass bottle. After drying my face completely, I applied two pumps to my fingertips, which was plenty to cover my entire face and neck. It was slightly creamy but also very light. It has almost a matte finish, which I found to be quite lovely.

Kind Science Hydration Cream

$54 Shop Now At Kind Science

This was the creamiest product of the bunch so far, and like the others, I could not detect a scent. It comes in a pot, so I dabbed two of my fingertips and got enough product to cover my face. It had a silky finish, and it didn’t feel heavy on my face. I was starting to feel pretty pampered.

Kind Science Eye Cream

$49 Shop Now At Kind Science

I have been an eye cream fanatic since long before I had any signs of crow’s feet, which if you do the math means I’ve been using eye cream for a good 30 years! I like a dense eye cream, and this one fit the bill. Again, no scent, and although it was the thickest product of the bunch, it did not feel heavy once applied to my skin.

Kind Science Neck Treatment

$49 Shop Now At Kind Science

Ah, the neck. It’s hard not to feel bad about your neck after the age of 50, as Nora Ephron so eloquently (and hilariously) chronicled. So although I remain skeptical that a product can specifically address the skin on your neck, it feels good to have a lotion dedicated to this area. This one felt similar to the hydration cream: The formulation is rich but feels light on the skin, and has a silky finish.

Kind Science Radiance Oil

$49 Shop Now At Kind Science

At this point, I was feeling positively glowing and could not imagine applying yet another product to my face. My skin didn’t feel at all greasy or slick, but still. I had just applied six products—what would happen when I placed an oil of all things on top of it all?

But somehow it felt like the perfect finish to this lavish process. The oil is not heavy, and three drops rubbed between my palms and then pressed into my skin absorbed fully in about 10 seconds. I felt like a princess as I laid my head on my pillow (until I woke up at 2 am with menopause-induced insomnia, but that’s another story).

Results

My immediate results were clean, glowing, fresh-feeling skin. In a 12-week clinical study using Firming Serum and Hydration Cream, 94% of subjects saw visibly fewer wrinkles, 91% showed a noticeable increase in elasticity, 97% experienced improved smoothness and suppleness, and 100% noticed an improvement in hydration.

Tips

• If you are considering adopting a daily skincare routine that approaches skin fitness from all angles, I would recommend trying one of Kind Science’s kits, either the Deluxe Full-Size Kit or the Starter Full-Size Kit.
• And if you’re not into the products, Kind Science offers a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee on your first Join + Save subscription order, and a 30-day money-back guarantee (not including shipping and handling) on all other orders. 
• Also a quick note on recycling: The packing information includes detailed instructions on how to recycle each bottle. But the materials might not be recyclable in your area, so you may want to check your local recycling facilities to verify that.

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The one place I never thought I’d be thinking about wrinkles? My forearms. As enlightened as I try to be about getting older and embracing this phase of life, I find myself looking down at my appendages and thinking, “Et tu, forearms?”

When I was a kid, an activity my mother and I enjoyed doing together was “laying out in the sun.” It’s a phrase that will likely fade out of the English lexicon since most sane people no longer participate in the practice. But man did we love to lie in our rural Pennsylvania backyard and see how brown our skin could get as we dipped our feet in an inflatable pool. 

And now I’m paying for it with forearms that are “crepey.” At least that’s what the many ads I’m bombarded with as I navigate my workday want to call it. 

So I was admittedly intrigued when I had the opportunity to try Crepe Erase products, especially since it’s backed by the stunning Kate Walsh (AKA Dr. Addison Montgomery from Grey’s Anatomy) and Jane Seymour. My admiration for Ms. Seymour goes back to my college days when, at the (seemingly, at the time) advanced age of around 40, stole the heart of my 20-year-old boyfriend. She was his “pass,” and I was jealous and in awe. To this day, when she speaks, I pay attention.  

Easy Application, Potent Ingredients

I tried the two-step Crepe Erase Ultra 5-Piece Body & Face System for body, face, and neck. The procedure is to first scrub in the exfoliating product, which contains alpha hydroxy acid to encourage cell turnover. I use it in the shower at night, then pat myself dry, leaving my skin a bit damp. 

Crepe Erase Ultra 5-piece Body & Face System

$60 Shop Now At Crepe Erase

The second step is applying the body, face, and neck treatments. I was surprised by how little I needed to cover each area—as my mom used to say, “A little dab’ll do ya.” 

The body treatment contains the “TruFirm+, Patented Dual Peptides with 12 Super Hydrators.” It’s dense but also manages to absorb quickly. The brand says the formula helps support your skin’s natural collagen and elastin production and locks in hydration for 72 hours. 

Indeed, I saw an immediate difference in my skin. Check out the photo of my forearms—the bottom one immediately after using the body lotion and the other free of any product. It’s pretty easy to see the difference!

Used daily, Crepe Erase products have been shown to reveal smoother, firmer skin on arms, knees, legs, and chest. A clinical study showed a 24% increase in hydration when using the body pre-treatment followed by the body lotion. 

The Advanced Restorative Face Treatment contains retinol, which research shows can smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve texture, and even out skin tone.  

Crepe Erase Restorative Face Treatment

$44 Shop Now At Crepe Erase

Handy Dispensers

Advance Body Repair Treatment Ultra

$70 Shop Now At Crepe Erase

As part of the 5-piece collection, the Advanced Body Repair Treatment Ultra comes in a tub that you can touch lightly with your fingertips to get plenty of product. The Ultra Smooth Neck Repair comes in a smaller tub with a handy pumping mechanism that serves up just the right amount. The smaller Advanced Restorative Facial Treatment is packaged in a 0.5 fl. oz bottle with a traditional pump that also gives you just the right amount to cover your face. 

Ultra Smooth Neck Repair

$63 Shop Now At Crepe Erase

The containers are sleek and unassuming—my husband hasn’t complained yet about once again having less real estate on the bathroom counter. 

The Scent 

My least favorite part of the Body Repair Treatment was the scent. The version I tried was technically fragrance-free, which many people might prefer. But it made me realize I like a prettier, more herbaceous, or floral scent in my products. By the time I get up in the morning, I can’t detect any scent at all. The good news is the products also come in a citrus scent, which I will be sure to try next time!

The fragrance-free face and neck products have an even more neutral scent, I could hardly detect one right out of the dispensers. 

Advanced Restorative Facial Treatment

$44 Shop Now At Crepe Erase

Final Verdict

These products are easy and pleasant to use. They delivered immediate results that seem worth the price of the 5-product package, especially since just two of the products would cost more than the bundle. Also considering the long-term results seen in the clinical trial, the 5-piece system is an even better value. 

Note that when using these products you should be extra careful to apply and re-apply sunscreen. Both retinol and alpha hydroxy acid can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. 

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I am a lifelong exfoliation addict, for better or worse. When I was in my teens and acne-prone, I couldn’t get enough of those crushed apricot seeds and whatever other gritty substances they put in cleansers in the ‘80s. 

The harder I scrubbed, the better my skin would look—or so I thought.

We now know that’s not true—one can certainly over-scour and cause tiny tears in the skin. There is a balance between aggressive exfoliation and effective cleansing.

As I’ve gotten older (I’m 54), I’m still a devoted exfoliator. Even if I’m no longer struggling with acne, my pores still become clogged, and blackheads can be an issue. 

Plus, when blemishes say goodbye, wrinkles say hello. Sometimes they decide to hang out together! Luckily, some skincare ingredients, like glycolic acid, address both issues. 

At-Home Microdermabrasion

A good, though expensive (the average cost is $167) solution to all of the above can be professional microdermabrasion facials, during which an aesthetician employs a machine with a tube attached to an abrasive rotating ball (usually made of diamond or crystal) which together sand and suck away the outer layer of your skin, clearing pores, and stimulating cell turnover. 

But I haven’t been to an aesthetician since before the pandemic, and I miss the way my face felt baby’s-butt-smooth after a professional microderm facial.

So I was excited to test out the GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator, Gwyneth calls it her “facial in a jar” so how could I not want to give it a try? (If you’d also like to try it, use the discount suggest15 for 15% off, exclusive to Suggest readers and better than goop’s first-time customer discount!)

The Power Of Crystals

It’s a clean formula that I found provides the perfect balance between that pore-cleansing feeling and being kind to your skin.

Like the microderm machine, goop’s exfoliating product contains crystals including quartz and garnet, plus alumina and silica to polish and buff. 

It also contains glycolic acid, which is the gold standard in chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin and encourage cell turnover. It’s great whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dull skin, or lines. 

Australian Kakadu plum is another key ingredient. It has 100 times more vitamin C than an orange and has amazing brightening powers.

After massaging the fluffy yet grainy product into my damp skin, I had no doubt it was cleansing my pores. Leaving it on for three minutes allows the glycolic acid to get to work. (I’ve gotten into the habit of making coffee during this waiting period.) 

After thoroughly rinsing, my skin really did feel as smooth as a baby’s you-know-what. I was surprised to find a difference in the appearance of my skin after just one use. My skin looked glowy and had more color and life to it. 

Clean, Proven Ingredients

You don’t have to just take it from me: goop has data to back up its claims. In a third-party study of 28 women ages 27 to 50, after one use, 94% said their skin looked and felt smoother, 92% said their skin texture improved and that their skin looked and felt polished, 91% said their skin looked and felt softer, and 91% said their complexion was fresher and clearer.

And if you’re worried those fine crystals might somehow hurt your skin, goop has numbers on that as well. A third-party study found that after just one use, 92% of women showed improvement in skin barrier function—which means the product does not cause micro-tears on the surface of the skin but, in fact, helps strengthen the skin’s barrier. 

After a week of use, a patch of hyperpigmentation on my upper left cheek is less noticeable and smoother. The blackheads on my nose are diminished, and I can even jump on an early video call without foundation. But when I do apply makeup, it goes on smoother than ever.

I also like to get my lips in on the act, giving them a little scrub along with the rest of my face. Applying GOOPGENES clean nourishing lip balm afterward feels and looks divine. 

You should also know what the GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator does not contain: sulfates (both SLS and SLES), parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. It also contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, so yay for all of that. 

Overall, I’m calling this an essential new addition to my skincare routine. My husband will just have to get used to my morning marshmallow-face appearances in the kitchen. Hey, at least I’m making coffee. 

GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator

$125 Shop Now at goop

Get 15% off with SUGGEST15.

Give it a try yourself, and get an exclusive (and rare!) 15% discount with the code suggest15—valid through December 31, 2022, on any goop-owned product (excluding bundles). 

Mikelann Valterra is a financial psychologist and author who helps women transform their relationship with money to create a life they love.

My biggest takeaway from this conversation was that the more you know about your spending, the less you will have to think about money. If you get clear on exactly where your money is going, and then decide what is most important to you, you can create a life where you get everything you need. At the same time, you won’t waste money on things you don’t care about, and you’ll think about money less.

What a blessing that would be, right?

She combines emotional intelligence with practical money strategies help her clients feel in control of the money, while escaping financial stress and anxiety.

We talk about how to get control of your money, the importance of having a passion that brings you joy (hers is Argentine tango), why opposite money personalities tend to partner up, and so much more.

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When it comes to baby diapers, the choices are vast. Want something eco-friendly? Plenty of brands have you covered. Is your baby’s skin sensitive to a particular type of diaper? You can choose from about 100 others. Want a cute design? Whether you’re into muted tones or an explosion of color, your options runneth over. 

Babies are lucky. 

But if you’re an adult struggling with incontinence, it’s quite a different story. The options are so limited that many women resort to using (ineffective) menstruation products or nature pees, just like a toddler who can’t make it to a bathroom in time. 

For toddlers, that’s usually fine. But for grown women, it’s less than dignified.

Common But Not Discussed

Nearly half of women over 50 say they sometimes leak urine, according to a 2018 national poll. Yet, two-thirds of those women hadn’t spoken to a healthcare provider about the issue. That means way too many women are feeling alone and ashamed about an incredibly common problem. 

For these reasons and more, Attn: Grace has developed a line of wellness products focused on addressing incontinence and related issues. The products are soft, breathable, and absorbent, and feature sustainable, bio-based materials from carbon-neutral factories. 

In fact, the brand recently received its B. Corp certification, meaning that Attn: Grace meets high standards regarding employee benefits, charitable giving, supply chain practices, and more. (The certification process is no joke, learn more about how it works here).

Good In All The Ways

It’s great to know a company is committed to being a good global citizen. But ultimately, the product has to deliver. We can all agree that the incontinence offerings we typically see on drugstore shelves leave much to be desired in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and performance. 

The Attn: Grace founders, a wife-and-wife team launched in 2020, wanted to do better. And according to 95% of women surveyed, they have done just that. Women overwhelmingly find the products more absorbent, more comfortable, and cause less irritation than leading brands. 

So whether you’re dealing with an overactive bladder, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or just a really long car ride, Attn: Grace has a product to help.

It Could Happen To You

Contrary to popular belief, incontinence is not just for elderly women. Stress incontinence, for example, is leakage that happens when you cough, sneeze, jog, or lift heavy objects. (If you know, you know.) Pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, menopause, injuries, some medications, and weight gain are all causal factors.

Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder or OAB, can occur in younger women. Several factors can cause OAB, including nerve damage to the bladder, nervous system, and muscles. Additionally, diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or diabetes can cause OAB.

Whatever type of incontinence you’re dealing with, Attn: Grace has a product to help. From ultra-thin panty liners to briefs, these soft, comfy products are sturdy enough for all types of leaks. Attn: Grace also offers a hybrid period-slash-light leakage pad, which, frankly, is brilliant and totally necessary. 

Incontinence Panty Liners

$14 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Incontinence Briefs

$16.50 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Light Hybrid Pads For Incontinence And Period Flow

$13 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Attn: Grace backs all its products with the Attn: Grace’s Skin-Safe Promise™ and a patented design. These ensure that harsh chemicals never come into contact with your skin. Their products neutralize odor while wicking away moisture and protecting your skin’s delicate pH with plant-based, breathable materials.

All Attn: Grace products incorporate the cleanest, most sustainable materials possible without ever compromising on performance. Attn: Grace is fully transparent about its ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing. So, you can be sure they’re choosing plant-based, renewable ingredients that are, in their words, Naturally Better™.

Beyond Incontinence

Attn: Grace is just getting started when it comes to women’s wellness. The founders are building the brand around their deep belief that women should be seen and celebrated as they age, rather than, as is so often the case, shaming and ignoring them.

With that in mind, Attn: Grace is continuing to develop products specifically for older women, including a nourishing barrier cream that soothes, protects, and restores skin irritated by harsh cleansers, dry climates, or prolonged wetness from urine or sweat. Bikers and runners have also found that it can prevent and treat the dreaded “chub rub” that happens when thighs rub together or against a bike seat. 

All Natural Barrier Cream

$15 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Attn:Grace has also developed organic, flushable wipes made with dermatologist-tested organic botanicals and no harsh ingredients. 

Organic Flushable Wipes

$7 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Also, look for their all-natural deodorant for dealing with those new odor challenges that often come with shifting hormones and getting older. It’s available in unscented or lavender.

All Natural Deodorant

$12 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Their newest product is a luxurious body oil featuring a powerful blend of omega-rich, antioxidant-filled botanical oils that absorb deep into your skin to restore it from the inside out. Plus, hazelnut, blue tansy flower, coconut, and jojoba oils make it smell divine. 

Daily Renew Body Oil

$25 Shop Now at Attn: Grace

Solving Incontinence At The Source

Attn: Grace knows that products alone cannot fully address women’s intimate wellness. So to help guide you through these sometimes stressful and anxiety-inducing experiences, the brand has launched and continues to expand a resource library, including a specialist directory. There, you can find urologists, urogynecologists, pelvic floor therapists, and acupuncturists—all of whom can help women mitigate bladder leaks. 

Whether you’ve yet to try Attn: Grace products or are already a devoted customer, the good news is that the company is here for the long haul. It was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Wellness Brands in 2022 for, among other things, growing monthly net sales almost sixfold while increasing monthly new customers by 71% between January and September 2021.

Thanks to Attn:Grace, women’s wellness needs are starting to receive as much attention as babies’. And we can imagine a future where it’s no longer taboo to discuss incontinence and other natural issues women deal with as we age.

Editor’s Note: This post is sponsored by Attn:Grace. The compensation received in exchange for placement on Suggest we use to research, write/edit the article, and support the larger team behind Suggest. While compensation is received in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always our own. Sponsored posts like these allow us to continue to develop dynamic unsponsored content. Thank you for supporting our partners!

I was surprised by this interview so many times: Dry farming with no electricity—what?Founding said farm at 16, and sticking with it for 23 years? Colon cancer diagnosis at 37, and beating the odds with a full recovery, thank heavens. Oh, and gray hair at 18!

Jennifer Lee Segale is a professional botanist and founder of Wildflower Farms, an organic landscape design and consulting company specializing in coastal plantings, edible gardens, habitat restoration and unique plant sourcing. She has a rich background in farming and plant propagation, and her design and consulting services focus on plant and soil care.

The farm’s no-till, dry-farmed medicinal herbs also supply Segale’s skincare and wellness brand Garden Apothecary, with two storefronts in Half Moon Bay, CA.

“Garden Apothecary is really set apart from other brands by our growing of ingredients and making everything in-house,” she says. “We really try to come from the plant’s perspective, with gentle growing techniques and minimal harvesting—thus being able to offer unique and sustainable products, with a lot of integrity behind them.”

Jenn lives by the beach with her husband, two step-children, piles of books and her two sweet dogs, Sorrel and Oolong.

Click through to the podcast to hear her story!

Links:

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American Cancer Society—Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer—CDC

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UCSF Mission Bay

Garden Apothecary herb teas

Half Moon Honey

Garden Apothecary Higher Ground facial serum

For the past few years, I’ve been trying new products in my ongoing quest to discover clean makeup that works with my over-50 combination skin. As a formerly acne-prone person, I’m still getting used to not being afraid of moisturizers and surprising myself with my newfound love of a dewy finish.

Until my mid-40s, I banished anything remotely shiny from my arsenal. My younger self would have called it greasy. But these days, I shock myself by adoring serums that leave a glowy finish.

Any makeup I use also needs to be easy with a capital “E.” Midlifers, myself at the top of the list, do not have time for complicated routines. (That’s why I was so excited about our super easy smokey eye tutorial for over-50-somethings. Still, I’m not interested in rocking even a simple smokey eye for a daily daytime look.)

For everyday wear for work, running errands, and the occasional brunch date, I’m interested in a minimal, natural look that, most importantly, takes less than ten minutes. And finally, I’ve cracked it! I even timed it: 8 minutes and 42 seconds.

Here are the products I currently use on the daily, plus the step-by-step, simple process for when I want to look awake and (slightly more) put together.

1. Foundation(ish)

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint has become an all-time favorite of mine. It’s not cheap, but I’m willing to splurge because it’s like a million products in one. It not only provides the perfect amount of coverage (I’m not a fan of heavy foundation, so if you’re looking for that, this might not be for you). But it’s also a sunscreen that shields skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and pollution.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

$48 Shop Now at Amazon

Additionally, it contains hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide. It improves your skin, which means you’ll likely need the product less the more you wear it. The skin tint also seals in hydration, plumps the skin, and boosts antioxidant efficacy by 200 percent. Plus, it’s silicone-, fragrance-, chemical screen-, and oil-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin.

I’ve seen people on social media use just a few drops. But I find that to even out my skin tone and ensure that sun protection, I need six to eight drops. I put it everywhere, even on my neck and eyelids. Maybe I’m overdoing it, but honestly, I love how it looks, and I’m okay with that.

RELATED: Your Makeup Application Technique Could Be Making Your Skin Look Worse (And Wasting Product)

2. Getting Lippy

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Liner

$30 Shop Now at Amazon

I’m super late to the game on this one—Pillow Talk was a social media phenomenon a few years back. But tardiness aside, this product is absolutely amazing. This particular shade is seriously plumifying for my skin tone. It comes in 16 other shades, so you’re sure to find one that works for you as well. The application is also silky smooth. It doesn’t bleed into the lines around my lips, and it lasts a long time. I just love it, period.

3. Lips, Cheeks, And Eyes (Oh, My)

Where do I begin with Ilia’s Color Haze pigment? To put it simply, I have fallen in love with this multi-use wonder. The instructions indicate that it’s for lips and cheeks, but I also use it on my eyes. (Full disclosure, I didn’t do that for the featured image for this article. So, add 15 seconds for that step.)

ILIA Color Haze Multi-Matte Pigment

$32 Shop Now at Amazon

This product stays pretty dewy on the cheeks, and I find that it blends quite well with the Super Serum. It tends to dry more matte on the lips. And for lips specifically, I love the “Before Today” shade, pictured above. (It comes in four others, so there’s something for everyone.)

4. Best Brows

I’ve tried a lot (and I mean a LOT) of brow pencils, and the NYX Micro Brow Pencil is the current reigning champ. I’m into the color, the super slim pencil, and the handy attached brush. It goes on easily, and it stays on until I take it off.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil

$9.87 Shop Now at Amazon

Surprisingly, this find was a drugstore purchase that I bought on a whim while traveling when I’d forgotten my brow pencil. I was in a rush and not focusing on clean ingredients as much as I normally would, but I was pleased to discover later that NYX is a cruelty-free brand that is continually working to increase its vegan offerings.

RELATED: Struggling With Thinning Brows And Eyelashes? This Clinically Proven Growth Serum Provides Results In Just 4 Weeks

5. Conceal And Reveal

Kosas’ Revealer Concealer is another favorite product of mine that’s not just makeup; it’s also a skin treatment. It contains caffeine and pink algae to brighten, arnica and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe, and peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump.

Kosas Revealer Concealer

$28 Shop Now at Amazon

I use it under my eyes and around my nose and mouth to camouflage dark and red patches. What I love most about it is it doesn’t settle into creases and blends perfectly with my Ilia Super Serum. My only complaint is I love using it so much that it tends to run out before I’m comfortable throwing down another $28.

6. Totally Tubular

I discovered caliray and its Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Mascara while researching another story about tubing mascaras. I loved the beachy branding (I’m a sucker for cool labels). But I was really sold when I discovered that caliray was founded by Urban Decay’s founding partner Wende Zomnir and is committed to clean ingredients and eco-conscious practices.

caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Mascara

$24 Shop Now at Sephora

The vial is made of 100% recycled ocean plastic, and that pretty branding is painted on with low-impact inks. The box is 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Now that I’ve been using it for a few months, I can report that the tubing technology makes this mascara more waterproof than anything I’ve used. Plus, removing it never creates raccoon eyes. It comes off in tiny pieces that are easy to wipe away. I’m a total convert and will never, ever go back to regular mascara.

So, there you have it: an easy, under-ten-minute natural makeup routine. Do you think you can beat my time?

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Dr. Louann Brizendine completed her degree in neurobiology at UC Berkeley, graduated from Yale School of Medicine, and did her internship and residency at Harvard Medical School.

In this episode, we talk about her new book The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond.

She also wrote the New York Times bestseller The Female Brain and its follow-up (which was made into a fictionalized movie in 2018), The Male Brain, which continues to be read around the world.

This episode is filled with so much great information, enjoy and please review the podcast on Apple Podcasts! Also, please consider supporting the show.

Erin Hupp has been creating beautiful ceramics for more than 20 years. But it wasn’t until she was knee-deep in a successful career in law that she made ceramics her main gig.

Erin and I bonded at an event to celebrate her work at San Francisco restaurant Hilda and Jesse. As a lawyer, she worked with foster children, and having been a foster parent myself, we had a lot to talk about both at the restaurant and while we recorded the podcast!

After earning her law degree, the San Francisco-based artist practiced land-use and child-welfare law. But the call of her art was always making lots of noise at the back of her mind, and after giving birth to her third child, she decided to make an enormous change: she would pursue her art, but not just as a hobby—as a full time business.

Her focused approach—she marks every ceramics-related task on the family calendar—has paid off.

Erin is now a professional artist known for her texturally-rich tableware. She partners with restaurants and interior designers to create site-specific pieces, all by hand on her potter’s wheel. You’ll find her work at restaurants including Hilda and Jesse, Californios, Nightbird, Sorrel and Pasta Bar.

Listen to our conversation to find out how she made the seemingly unlikely transition from lawyer to potter a very successful one.

Links: 

Erin Hupp Ceramics

Erin on Instagram

Advokids

Californios

Hilda and Jesse

Windy Chien

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Noz Nozawa

Erin Hupp + Hilda and Jesse article at Forbes

The Upgrade by Louann Brizendine

The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine

Video and audio editing by Sofija Jovanov.

This post contains affiliate links, which means Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through. 

Veja x Mansur Gavriel

No one really has time for uncomfortable shoes. But once you’ve reached midlife, you really don’t have time for that kind of BS. Life is too short for sore feet. And if you think about it, if your shoes cause pain to the part of the body they’re supposed to serve, the product is defective.

Honestly I wish I’d realized that a decade ago but I’m grateful I’ve lived long enough to finally come to my senses.

The timing is convenient for this epiphany because sneakers have become a style statement In the past several years, whether they’re paired with dresses, suits or denim. Pairing sneakers—especially colorful ones with a chunky sole—with dresses in particular has become an instant classic look in recent years, thank goodness.

Making sneakers even more of an awesome choice is the fact that several new, sustainable brands have emerged, most notably Veja. Its founders, two French guys, began their journey in 2003 when they were performing a shoe industry audit and discovered more than 30 factory workers sharing one room as well as a single hole for both a toilet and a shower. It was a long road to Veja but their tenacity paid off. They are royals-approved and have recently launched collaborations with Marni, Mansur Gavriel, and Vibram, a veteran of the rubber sole industry and why you often see those yellow hexagons on the bottom of your shoes.

Meanwhile, other brands have added sustainability efforts to their production, or have had it from the start. I’ve collected my favorites for you below in the best, brightest colors. But if you’re not into having rainbow hued feet, most of them come in subtler tones as well!

Allbirds Women’s Trail Runners SWT, $140

Eileen Fisher Haste Suede Sneaker, $175

Hoka Bondi 7 Max Cushioned Road Shoe, $160

Veja Condor 2 Sneaker, $130

Ecoalf Prinalf Sneakers,$145

Sorel Kinetic RNEGD float, $110

Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost, $230

Cariuma Oca Low Pantone Greenbriar Canvas Contrast Thread Sneaker, $89

A smokey eye makeup look is the epitome of cool, and being a Gen Xer, I guess it makes sense that I feel that way. Many of my heroes rocked a smokey eye in the ’80s and ’90s: Kim Gordon, Carine Roitfeld, Joan Jett, Shirley Manson, Siouxie Sioux; the list is long and grungy.

Sadly, in all of my 53 years, I have never figured out how to create a smokey eye myself. Not that I tried—it seemed so intimidating, requiring multiple colors, brushes, and mysterious techniques. (Little did I know that Ms. Roitfeld’s secret to the perfect eye makeup is to sleep in it.)

So, I was giddy to learn Brigitte Caille’s easy, five-minute (or less!) method. I sat down with Caille to discuss the tutorial over the phone, which you can listen to here if you’re an aural learner. We also chat about makeup, gray hair, and what it means to get older in 2022.

Or, if you just want to learn her smokey eye technique, keep reading for the step-by-step process.

Smokey Eye Supplies

The first step in creating this simple smokey eye is to arm yourself with the right supplies. This tutorial requires an eye crayon, blending brushes, an eyelash curler, and mascara. Feel free to use your favorite brands (read: whatever’s in your makeup bag right now). Or, check out our recommendations below.

8-Piece Eye Makeup Brush Set

$9.99 Shop Now at Amazon

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

$4.50 Shop Now at Amazon

Eyelash Curler by Revlon

$4.89 Shop Now at Amazon

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

$7.49 Shop Now at Amazon

Step-By-Step Smokey Eye

1. Apply eye crayon color to the eyelid in a half-moon shape, starting at your lash line and stopping before the crease.
2. Using a fluffy brush, blend the arc of the half-moon into your crease until there are no definite lines visible.
3. Apply the eye crayon to your lower lash line, joining the color at the outer corner of your eyes.
4. Using a smaller, firmer brush (a good ol’ Q-tip also works), blend the color along the bottom of the lash line so that the color looks even and soft.
5. Curl your eyelashes.
6. Apply mascara.
7. Smolder into the mirror for a few minutes (okay, this part’s optional).

Extra Tips For Creating The Perfect Smokey Look

• Make sure the color goes all the way to your upper lash line. If you notice any white space between your lashes and the lid, try gently nuzzling the crayon right into your lashes so that the color covers all of your visible lid.
• If your eyes are hooded, you may need to blend the color up higher above your crease. Keep blending until you can see the makeup while looking straight ahead in the mirror.
• For a more intense look, line the upper and lower water line.
• If you don’t already have a crayon you like, Brigitte suggests testing before you buy to find one that’s compatible with your skin type. If you have oilier skin, you’ll do better with a crayon that goes on drier, so the color doesn’t easily melt off. If your skin is dry, you might want a creamier crayon that contains more moisturizing ingredients. Otherwise, the color might set too quickly, and you’ll have trouble blending.
• Don’t worry about it looking perfect. It shouldn’t! It should be a casual, stress-free, five-minute (or less!) application.

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If you’re navigating midlife and think it’s time to give up rocking (or trying to rock) a smokey eye look, allow this conversation I had with professional MUA Brigitte Caille to disabuse you of that notion—also, see Carine Roitfeld.

I met Brigitte through the #silversisters network on Instagram and quickly asked if I could pick her brain for valuable tips on easy makeup when you’re 50-ish. I’m so glad I did because I finally know how to create a smokey-eye look in under five minutes.

To be honest, I’ve never really had the confidence to try a smokey eye before. In fact, I’m so intimidated by eye makeup in general that I had resigned myself to using only mascara. I just didn’t feel I had the time or energy to experiment, especially when I was sure it would end in me washing my face and going back to the mascara-only look.

If you feel the same way, I promise you’ll change your mind after checking out Brigitte’s tips. And if you’d rather read the steps than watch them, we’ve got you covered.

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I love my memories of that annual ritual of welcoming the new season with my mom. And even though I don’t go to church anymore, I still like to buy a new dress each spring. It’s a fun way to experiment with new trends and it just feels good to have something new at the ready for any event that might pop up.

I know it’s so groundbreaking, but I am loving florals for spring! But I’m also loving black and bright colors. The one thread in common with many of the spring dresses I’ve chosen below is puff sleeves. Can’t get enough.

And as the headline mentions, all of the dresses are under $250, except the one above and here’s why: it’s next to impossible to find images that work for the stories I post at Mean, because almost no one uses middle-aged models. After way too much time spent searching, I finally chose this one even though this dress costs $569. The price is not right for this particular post, but at least the model is in our approximate target age range, and wearing a spring dress!

Whether you’re lucky enough to have a pool, want to upgrade your outdoor foliage, or the outside of your house just needs a deep cleaning and sprucing up, here are some ideas to get you started.

Photo by Deeana Creates from Pexels

Plant based

Get started by cleaning up and sweeping leaves and pulling weeds. With a clean slate, it will be easier to decide what you want to add to your landscaping. Then, if you’re not already an expert on what grows best where you live, hit Google. Based on your location and climate, figure out which plants and flowers should be planted when. Whether it’s a few extra potted trees or a new flower bed, a little planning goes a long way. We don’t need to tell you that plants take time to grow.

CB2 has beautiful planter pots to take your outdoor look to the next level.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Pool prep

If you are lucky enough to own a pool, the sooner you start getting it in shape the better. Pools need to be prepped in phases, so it’s best to get started long before summer weather arrives. Following these steps to prepare your pool for spring will allow you to get it cleaned and filled quickly and correctly. While the chemicals work to neutralize the water, you can work on other outdoor projects. And if you’re saltwater pool curious, here’s a quick comparison of the two.

Photo by Greg Rivers on Unsplash

Pressure on

Dirt and buildup left on surfaces can cause erosion of the exterior of your house, decks, patios, outdoor furniture and any accessory dwellings you might have on your property. A pressure washer can clean up wood and other surfaces that were exposed to the elements during winter. Besides looking fresh and clean, you’ll maintain the longevity of your property. (Note: after removing the buildup you may discover your deck needs to be refinished, which is also an important, if time consuming, pre-summer project.)

Get lit

Lighting can provide both a romantic mood to your home’s exterior as well as functionality and safety. Pathway lights prevent tripping and look festive. Hanging string lights always look romantic and they can be the perfect lighting for a special gathering. CB2’s Edison string lights add the perfect touch.

Photo by Vishnu Patel on Unsplash

Snazzify

You might not notice little things that have become outdated or worn because you’ve grown so accustomed to them over the years. But scan the outside of your home with an objective eye and you might spot some easy update potential. Or ask an honest, trusted friend to help.

For example, change out your address numbers for something more modern, bold, or easier to see. Switch out your old, mismatched planter pots for vessels with a more uniform look. Or purchase a colorful outdoor mat to brighten up a gathering space.

With some basic prep, you can sit back and relax with friends and family once summer arrives! And maybe you can even do it mask-free.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through. Rest assured we recommend only products that we love. Thank you for supporting us!

Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash

If you are over 50 and/or have gray hair, you’ve probably had just about enough of hair washing, conditioning, styling and everything else that goes into hair care.

That’s why, after several years of using nothing but New Wash to clean my hair, I’m tell-all-your-friends excited about it. I’ve replaced shampoo, copious amounts of conditioner, and weekly deep conditioning with just one product.

New Wash is both a hair cleanser and conditioner made by Hairstory, a company founded by Bumble & Bumble founder Michael Gordon. Even if you don’t have a ton of hair, doesn’t using just one product, instead of two or four, sound pretty good?

You’ve maybe heard the term nopoo, but if you haven’t, I promise it’s a thing. Co-wash is another term that basically means using conditioner to wash your hair. A product called Wen popularized this trend.

New Wash is sort of in this category, but I like the ingredients better, and it doesn’t make my hair feel heavy and coated with stuff. I use the original New Wash, but there’s also a rich formula for dryer hair, and a deep formula if you’re hair is oilier or has buildup.

Use this link for 10% off!

I wrote about New Wash for Forbes and the article has nearly 2.5 million views. So it seems like it’s something people are passionate about. But there are skeptics out there, so I wanted to share a few insider tips about New Wash, because it has for real changed my life. I also use it exclusively on my 9-year-old daughter’s long, fine, wavy hair. To get the most out of the product, here are a few suggestions.

Get your hair really wet.

This is generally true for most hair cleansing products, but even more so for New Wash (possibly due to the consistency). Soaking your hair all the way from your scalp to the ends will help make sure the product cleanses thoroughly.

Use plenty of product.

I have a lot of hair, so it makes sense that I need to use a lot of product. But even if you have short or thinner hair, you’ll still likely need to use more New Wash than you would regular shampoo. I have no scientific studies to back this up, but my guess is that because it doesn’t foam up, it doesn’t travel around your hair and scalp as readily. This may be a minus in your book since the product is comparatively expensive. But keep in mind you’re replacing two or three products with just one. In my opinion it all comes out in the wash (#seewhatididthere).

Hairstory has also released a handy brush that both helps with product distribution and provides a lovely massage.

Yes, you’re washing your hair.

I promise you are washing your hair even though you’re not making suds. A friend who tried New Wash told she likes using it sometimes, but sometimes she also likes to “actually wash her hair.” It may be a new sensation to wash your hair without suds, but the dirt and unwanted oils are most certainly being eliminated. Otherwise, my sweaty, post-dance-class hair would be unbearable.

New Wash has introduced a new iteration, New Wash (Deep), which might be for you if you desire a bit more aggressive cleaning. On the other hand if you need more conditioning, you might try New Wash (Rich).

Rinse really well.

My 9-year-old daughter also uses New Wash, but she wasn’t always the best rinse. As a result her hair sometimes looked a bit weighted down and greasy because there was lots of product still hanging out. Recently something clicked, and she’s been rinsing her hair thoroughly. It looks beautiful. Her natural waves are bouncy and healthy.

You may need a period of adjustment.

Humans are creatures of habit, and New Wash might make your hair feel different than it did when you used your previous go-to products. This might be a good thing, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first because humans don’t like change. I know this from every web redesign I’ve lived though.

New Wash may not be for you.

Obviously I’m a fan, but I realize New Wash isn’t for everyone. For example, my beloved San Francisco tried it for a month and decided it’s not for her. Everyone’s hair is different. Also, an 8-ounce bottle costs $40, so it is an investment.

If you try it, I’d love it if you’d share your experience in the comments!

The fact that spellcheck still doesn’t know how to spell perimenopause kind of says it all.

I sat down with Wile Women founders Gwendolyn Floyd (CEO) and Julie Kucinski (CMO) and founding partners Judy Greer (yes, from Arrested Development!) and Corey Scholibo to discuss the wide-ranging lack of knowledge and utter confusion around perimenopause, menopause, and women’s health. Not even gynecologists seem to have a firm grasp on this transitional time of a woman’s life.

Wile Women makes products to support women’s health after 40ish. Using plant medicine supported by clinical studies, the brand demystifies and embraces hormonal health. Products support and regulate the big three: estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, with tinctures, supplements, and drinks.

Instead of using single ingredients to tackle symptoms, the brand “looks at women and formulations holistically because that’s how our bodies and nature really work.” That’s why, for example, their Drinking Your Feelings, Un-Anger, and Tranq Drank products contain a blend of ingredients that work together to combat unwanted symptoms.

In this interview, we discuss the flawed Women’s Health Initiative study of 2002, which, incredibly, 20 years later, is still scaring us away from hormone treatments. We also discuss naturopathy, medical gaslighting, and so much more. I learned so much from this conversation, and I hope you will too!

Audio editing by Sofija Jovanov.

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This post contains affiliate links, which means Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through. 

Photo via R13

A roomy shirtdress, I submit, is the perfect transitional piece to take you from hibernation to dipping your toe into the pool of the outside world.

This spring, the masks are coming off and gatherings are actually happening. It’s all a bit overwhelming, but having one of these trusty garments in you wardrobe arsenal can make everything a bit more manageable.

If you’ve put on Covid weight, it’s a piece that will still look great whether the weight comes off or if you gain a little more—just go a size up and/or add a belt when necessary.

It’s a worthy investment because it can be worn SO MANY ways. A shirtdress also will suit pretty much every style from bohemian to preppy. It can be flowy and loose or a bit structured. Either way it’s always buttoned up (see what I did there)!

Keep scrolling for all the ways you can wear a shirtdress this spring, no matter what your style or budget!

Long and loose

So easy: throw it on, put on some shoes (maybe some jewelry if you’re feeling fancy?) and you are done. Keep everything loose for a super comfy but put-together vibe. Remember: you don’t have to wear the belt.

Short and sweet

This can be such a fun menswear-inspired look. Or, choose a ruffly version for a super girly look. If you love a short length and feel like showing off those gams, go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not age-appropriate (and, again, remember you don’t have to wear the belt).

Belted

Whether you go for a sort or long shirtdress, a belt adds a little structure and shows off your waist, if you’re up for that. The beauty is, even if your dress doesn’t come with its own belt, you can add one that’s already in your closet. Mix and match fabrics, or try a leather one to ground the look. Try a large fabric one made of stiff material like taffeta or heavy cotton to create a large bow for a festive look.

As a swim coverup

A shirtdress does not have to be designated a coverup specifically to be used as one. A piece that’s sheer works great, but so does really any shirtdress—leave the buttons open for a beachy look, and button up (or not) when it’s time for cocktails.

As a jacket

I often use my denim shirtdress as a light jacket. Choose one that’s made of a slightly heavier fabric like tk, denim or even a heavier silk, and make sure to size up so it will fit over your clothing. A longer version gives a cool duster vibe.

Over pants

Choose pretty much any of the short shirtdresses above and layer it over jeans, leather pants, bell bottoms, skinny jeans—whatever your pleasure, and you’ve got a cool outfit that will also keep you protected and warm. That comes in especially handy when the weather is windy!

This post was sponsored by eyebobs, and may contain affiliate links, which means Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through.

Not to brag, but I have a long history of sporting bold glasses. It all began, for better or worse, with enormous eyewear in the 80s (arguably worse, though a fun historical reference), and it continues now with my stylish reading glasses (definitely better).

Eyebobs is my go-to for both reading and prescription glasses that make a statement. After 40, most of us begin to inch our phones further and further away: Whether we like to admit it or not, that pesky age-related vision change called presbyopia happens to everyone who is lucky enough to live long enough.

I’m extra lucky: I have both presbyopia and a really complicated prescription thanks to radial keratotomy surgery (a now-obsolete precursor to LASIK) performed in the 90s.

Eyebobs has me covered on both accounts. I have their readers for when I’m wearing my contact lenses but still can’t read my iPhone, and progressives that I use mostly for reading before I go to sleep because I still want to look cute in bed!

They even have a section dedicated to bold glasses, so if blending in is not your thing, you’ll probably find a pair you love in that collection.

It’s the last week of Women’s History Month. So while we’re here—and so lucky to have been here for 4+ decades—let’s celebrate some of the most important women who changed the world while rocking bold eyewear.

Oh, and speaking of lucky, use the code MEANMAG10 for a 10% discount at checkout (expires end of May)! I hope your Women’s History Month has been bold, beautiful, and bountiful!

Rosa Parks

Photo via Achievement.org

Rosa Parks made history in 1955 when she violated United States segregation laws and refused to sit at the back of the bus. The United States Congress has honored her as “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement”.

We’re adding eyewear muse to her list of accolades: her beautiful gold glasses are elegant with a touch of unexpected bold style.

Copy Rosa’s style with this similar pair from eyebobs.

Embed from Getty Images

Coco Chanel

Matching Chanel tweed sets may be considered old-school today, but when Coco Chanel designed her first suits, they were revolutionary. They borrowed heavily from menswear and were much more comfortable than the corseted clothing women were previously expected to wear. She also popularized the little black dress, transforming a color previously associated with mourning into something chic.

So it’s no surprise she also wore statement-making glasses. Her bold, black, cat eye glasses are timeless and statement-making.

Get Coco’s look!

Photo via Savannah Tribune

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt served as first lady of the United States during the two biggest crises of the 20th century: the Great Depression and the Second World War. She was a force of unprecedented political influence, boldly pushing for change towards a more egalitarian nation and redefining the role of first lady in the process. She also wrote 27 books!

And she wore a pair of glasses like a boss.

Get Eleanor’s style from eyebobs!

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball broke boundaries in comedy and television in so many ways, including being the first person to refer to pregnancy on television (CBS insisted they use the term “expecting.”) In 1962, she became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions. She was an overall force to be reckoned with as an actor, comedian, and producer.

And she looks absolutely fabulous in these Buddy Holly-style black glasses.

Find similar glasses here!

Photo by Ted Conference via Flickr

Billie Jean King

This tennis phenom was the first female athlete in any sport to earn more than $100,000 in a single season. She was also the first woman to have a major sporting venue named after her: New York’s USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. She also shut down skeptics who thought a woman couldn’t beat a man at tennis when she humiliated Bobby Riggs on the court in 1973.

Needless to say, we adore her adventurous eyewear!

Check out similar glasses here!

I feel so good when I eat a big salad full of greens and maybe some seeds and nuts and all the usual suspects including celery, carrots, and tomatoes. Toss it with some olive oil and lemon, season with salt and pepper and I’m feeling pretty good about my meal.

Getting there, though, is sometimes a chore. The idea of chopping makes me want to reach my hand into a bag of something awful for immediate satisfaction rather than laboring with a knife.

But when I have a fun salad recipe in mind, somehow I find the will to get on with the chopping. I will chop for fattoush!

Fattoush, if you’re not familiar, is a Lebanese salad that is as beautiful as it is delicious. It takes salad to the next level with glorious toasted pita plus mint, pomegranate molasses, and sumac for some very interesting and delicious seasoning. You can also add feta, beets and whatever else might get you exciting about eating a salad.

And then it’s always fun make your meal the inspiration for an outfit. Why not, on International Women’s Day?

The Dries Van Noten dress is stunning and perfect for our purposes—but is also, sadly, almost sold out. So I have collected several similar dresses below for your shopping pleasure.

The Valentino Red shoes look so comfy and bread-like, don’t they? Or maybe feta-like.

I tried to replicate the very dark red color of dried sumac with the burgundy Chloe bag. The ruby ring is intended to evoke a cherry tomato, and the earrings bring to mind the golden-brown pita after its been toasted and tossed in delicious extra-virgin olive oil.

It’s worth investing in dried sumac and pomegranate molasses so you can make this salad on the regular! Check out Bon Appetit’s recipe and let me know if you try it (or the outfit).

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about being “proper,”, especially within the context of fashion. I hate the idea, yet I’m unconsciously drawn to it. I want people to like my style, aesthetic, and in general, me.

Moreover, I want my daughter to feel proud of me when I pick her up at school. Like, “yeah, that’s my mom!” How could that happen if I showed up wearing a floral top and plaid pants? Would my daughter even approach the car?

I want her to be proud of me for not giving a shit about the status quo. But I don’t want to make her too uncomfortable, but I do want to push her comfort level. At the same time, I don’t want to repulse her completely. So, you see my dilemma.

To Match Or Not Match?

Some say there are rules about mixing prints. For example, choose a smaller print to mix with a larger one. Alternatively, choose ones with similar colors. Or, maybe we just say “F all that” and mismatch to our heart’s content.

To match or not match? I’ve collected some of my favorite social media influencers who make a compelling argument for the latter.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beth/FASHION YOUTUBE CHANNEL (@bjonesstyle)

Who would have thought mustard yellow gingham and black and white polka dots could ever look so good together? Fashion guru, Beth Jones, is a master of mixing prints, combining shapes and patterns to create unique, distinctive looks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jennah Bell (@jennahbell)

Artist Jennah Bell experiments with the color red beautifully in this mismatched ensemble. The combination of plaid and graphic prints immediately catches the eye, offering an avant-garde twist to an otherwise classic silhouette. Seeing these two pieces together on a hanger might look noisy, but on Bell, it looks nothing short of vogue.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roz Kaur/ senior stylist @anthropologie (@roz_creativestylist)

Senior stylist at Anthropologie Roz Kaur embodies classic Coco Chanel with these mismatched, preppy stripes. By inverting the pattern on the top and bottom, she can celebrate the same print throughout the entire ensemble without going overboard. I also love the brown shoe she paired with her black and white ensemble—a snub to yet another outdated, uncreative fashion rule.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abby | Fashion Internet Person (@abbyontheinternet)

Finally, Bay area fashionista and blogger Abby on the Internet takes this earth-toned color palette to the next level with multiple plaid prints (and a snake print purse, because why not). Abby’s managed to cross generations with this look, invoking imagery of sepia-toned ’70s to the runways of today.

So, here’s to breaking the rules and pushing against the status quo in any way we can, including through our wardrobe. Maybe showing up to my daughter’s school pick-up in plaid and floral won’t be so bad after all.

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• This Denim Trend Makes It Look Like You’re Wearing Two Pairs Of Jeans At Once, And We Need To Talk About It
• Modern Shoulder Pads Are The Fashion Hack For A More Balanced Silhouette And Better Looking Posture

This post may contain affiliate links, and Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through.

The best thing about kaftans is they are so damn comfortable, and if you’re a GenXer, comfort is non-negotiable. The second is they’re versatile. Throw one on with some silk slippers and you’re ready for a Valentine’s evening at home with Netflix. Add a belt, jewelry, and sandals, and take your look out on the town. Or pair them with Beklina clogs like I did!

If you’re thinking kaftans are only for those who lean towards bohemian style, think again. A corset belt

adds shape and structure, or pair one with pants if you’re feeling extra glamorous.

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A post shared by Sai Sankoh (@shopsaisankoh)

Kaftans are also timeless: look at Kelly Ripa’s mom wearing one in 1975!

 

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A post shared by Kelly Ripa (@kellyripa)

Rihanna looked amazing wearing one with platforms—the photos were taken in 2016, but her outfit would look perfectly current today.

Whether you choose to stay in or go out, the drama of a kaftan will make your Valentine’s Day feel special, even if you’re staying home or hitting your neighborhood wine bar for the millionth time. Get your own below!

This post may contain affiliate links, and Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through.

My mother desperately wanted me to wear white to senior prom in 1986. There was no way in hell that was happening. I had spied a black dress with pink ruffles in Teen magazine and it was THE DRESS. I had no hopes of actually finding it in rural Pennsylvania, but it was my inspiration.

After shopping for an hour, well beyond my mother’s patience limit, at the largest, fanciest dress shop in the next, slightly bigger town over, I didn’t like anything. As my mom and I disagreed yet again about wearing white, I described to the shopkeeper the pink and black dress I had seen. I was giving up on finding it or anything similar.

Hmm, a box came in earlier and I haven’t unpacked it yet, the shopkeeper said.

She lugged an enormous square box downstairs, and half threw, half dropped it from halfway up the stairs. She ripped off the tape and grabbed at mounds of crinoline. The dresses had been shoved in unceremoniously without hangers—no care whatsoever seemed to have been taken.

And then, and I still can’t believe this, she pulled out THE DRESS. The exact one. It was black satin with pink piping accenting a dropped waist, and pink ruffles along the hem and neckline which extended into an off-shoulder situation. It was crushed and wrinkled but it was best thing I had ever seen. Even my mom couldn’t help being a little bit happy for me.

And it fit! Like a glove. No alterations. It was one thing (The only thing? That and maybe my hair, I had some good 80s hair) in my teenage years that was just right. I was the happy ending of an 80’s teen movie.

The black and pink color combo have been meaningful to me ever since. I can’t say I wear it often, but Valentine’s Day is a pretty good excuse to revisit it’s high-contrast, punk-rock appeal.

Of course I’m not and never was a true punk—I didn’t have the ovaries for mohawks or green hair. I did have Flock of Seagulls-style haircut (see above) but that was pretty basic at the time.

Also, Black and Pink is a prison abolitionist organization, so that’s cool.

Anyway! I hope you enjoy this pink and black inspired outfit and the shopping suggestions below. The dress and boots are both Cos, and the jewelry is Alexis Bittar, who has been doing some really cool stuff lately—stay tuned for more on that! Also, the Alexander Wang Rocco bag has been a longtime obsession of mine, and just in case you’re in the same boat, I provided a bunch of more affordable reseller listings below. Happy shopping!

This post may contain affiliate links, and Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you click through.

This much is clear: sweatshirts are no longer solely the realm of dressing down. Pairing them with fancy skirts has been happening for many

years, and after two years of pandemic dressing, they are a wardrobe hero to be paired with anything and everything in your closet whether it be pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses.

The latest styles feature puffy sleeves and interesting hemlines that elevate sweatshirts and make them interesting and statement making rather than simply basics.

And since our love for sweatshirts runs so deep, why not invest in some super chic designer styles? There’s something about a designer sweatshirt that is ultra cool and fun. For example, I want every color of the Isabel Marant one; same goes for the Ganni one with the split hem. The YSL Snoopy one is ridiculously expensive but I want it, and who can resist a Gucci sweatshirt?

I’ve collected many choices at various price points in evert color of the rainbow for you to enjoy and shop below.

When I saw Schellea Fowler from Fabulous50s drawing what looked like a monster tooth on her eyelid, I didn’t think it was going to turn out well. But to my surprise, it is actually the secret to a successful cat eye if you are over 50-ish.

That’s because most other techniques don’t take into consideration all the nooks and crannies we have earned by the time we reach midlife. Also, gravity. You can draw what looks like an upturned line on your eyelid while holding your skin taut, but when you let it go, that line likely will head south.

And this is why, apparently, drawing a teepee shape in the outer corner of your eyelid will look like a lovely cat eye when your mature eyelid is at rest. But don’t take it from me, watch Schellea in action below.

Supplies You’ll Need:

1. Primer

Most makeup artists recommend using a primer on your eyelids, especially when you’re doing a bold look. It also helps lock looks in place if you have oily eyelids. I have this one by Ilia, and I love it.

ILIA – Brightening Eye Primer

$24 Shop Now at Amazon

2. Eyeliner Pen

If you want that dark, black, bold look, this pick from Laura Geller is a good choice. Plus, it’s easy(ish) to control, just like a regular pen, though it might take some getting used to for makeup newbies. But practice makes perfect! I love the mature beauty focus of Laura Geller, too.

Laura Geller New York Calligraphy Liquid Eyeliner

$30 Shop Now at Amazon

3. Black Eye Shadow

This can be a good choice for mature eyes because it creates a softer look. It’s also more forgiving since you’re not creating a hard line. This palette from Lime Crime has a collection of fun colors, including classic black, for a good price. Keep it simple with an all-black cat-eye, or experiment with multiple colors (on a budget).

Lime Crime Prelude Eyeshadow Palette, Exposed

$32.99 Shop Now at Amazon

4. Gel Eyeliner

Gel eyeliner is a combination product somewhere between powder and liquid eyeliner. It provides that intense staying power of liquid eyeliner without the too-harsh look. If you’re looking for a multi-tasker (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this Kat Von D pomade does triple-duty as an eyeliner, shadow, and brow filler. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and waterproof.

KAT VON D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade

$27.99 Shop Now at Amazon

5. Angled Brush

Of course, the right applicators are crucial, too. This affordable 3-pack of angled brushes features various sizes so that you can find the perfect applicator for your look. Keep it subtle with the smallest brush, or go for bold and dramatic wings with a large one. And at under $10, this pack helps stretch your dollar even further.

Banidy Angled Eyeliner Brush Sets 3-pack

$9.99 Shop Now at Amazon

6. Setting Spray

Finally, setting spray locks your look in place, ensuring it looks as good at 8 am as it does at 8 pm. You can dip your brush into this setting spray before using powder eye shadow as a liner to get more control and give it more staying power. Or, you can spritz it over your final look to set it in place.

Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray

$49 Shop Now at Amazon

As our bodies and faces change with age, so should our make-up techniques. While I was a pretty harsh skeptic when I first saw Fowler’s unique technique, I’m now convinced of its efficacy. So long, droopy wings—hello, perky monster teeth.

More From Suggest

• I’m A 50+ Beauty Editor, And Ellen DeGeneres’ Skin Care Line Left My Skin Immediately Glowing
• 4 Surprising Hacks This Over-50 Makeup Artist Wished She Knew Earlier 
• If You Have Irritated Skin, This Underrated Product Should Be In Your Skincare Arsenal

The Dior

haute couture spring 2022 fashion show took place yesterday beneath a grand tent in the garden of the Musée Rodin in Paris. The walls were covered floor to ceiling with bold works of art, which appeared to be murals.

It turns out they are actually oversized, hand-embroidered reproductions of artwork by legendary Indian artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh. Each of the 21 embroidered panels was created by 380 female students at the Chanakya School of Craft, a non-profit organization founded in 2017.  Each panel took between 500 and 2,800 hours to create. In all, it took 280,000 hours to embroider the 340-square-meter installation.

The project is the result of a years-long conversation between Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior women’s creative director, and Karishma Swali, co-founder and creative director of the Chanakya school.

The Chanakya school’s goal is to empower women in local communities and preserve global crafts such as hand embroidery. Students at the school learn 700 craft techniques of crafts, which are required to become a master artisan—a position typically held by men in India.

“Their work differs from a formal point of view but is incredibly akin because of their common cultural roots and figurative tradition,” Chiuri said on her Instagram page. “The set is entirely created by the Indian @chanakya.school of embroidery, alternating Madhvi’s embroidered works with those of Manu, adapted to an environmental dimension, creating a narrative suspended between myth and realism that unfolds along the set walls like a film.”

The collaboration was also inspired by Judy Chicago’s iconic feminist work The Dinner Party.

A post shared by Maria Grazia Chiuri (@mariagraziachiuri)

“Maria Grazia has always been a true champion for craft excellence, fostering and preserving indigenous master techniques from around the world, and we are so grateful for her collaboration and mentorship,” Swali said in a statement.

My mind is officially blown by this stunning and meaningful display. Hats off to Chiuri and the women of the collective for connecting so many humans in a powerful way to create something so breathtaking.

Video and audio editing by Sofija Jovanov.

Today’s episode features Nina Lorez Collins, chief creative officer for Revel, an events and community platform for women over 40. She’s also the founder of The Woolfer, which Revel acquired earlier this year.

In 2015 she started a closed Facebook group called What Would Virginia Woolf Do?, which eventually became The Woolfer. That led to a book with the same name, plus the subtitle: As I Attempt to Age Without Apology.

As we discuss in the podcast, the idea of aging without apology resonates for me because as I  get older, I feel like I should be sorry for getting old—like I’m letting people down somehow.

But things are changing: Revel was founded (with VC funding)  by two women in their thirties who saw the value in women in our 40s and 50s.

Nina is a graduate of Barnard college and has a master’s degree from Columbia narrative medicine. She has a long professional background in book publishing both as a literary scout and an agent. She serves as a trustee of the Brooklyn Public Library, and board member of the publishing house Spiegel and Grau.

Nina also manages the literary estate of her late mother, the filmmaker and writer Kathleen Collins.

Links:

Kathleen Collins

Nina Lorez Collins

Nina Lorez Collins on Instagram

Revel

Revel on Instagram

The Woolfer on Facebook

What Would Virginia Woolf Do? And Other Questions I Ask Myself As I Try To Age Without Apology

Womaness

Kindra

No. 6
Beklina

Weight Watchers

The Fuck It Diet

Tabu

Photo of Samsung’s Frame TV via Taylor Herring on Flickr

The concept of a TV above the fireplace is controversial in many ways: aesthetically, technologically, ergonomically, just to name a few.

If you are buying a house, remodeling one, or simply rearranging your living room, it’s a question that can cause marital strife, which I discovered myself recently when we faced this surprisingly important decision after buying our home in June 2021. We love the open floorpan and the massive, statement-making fireplace, which acts as the only barrier between the living and dining rooms.

When the previous owners remodeled, they redid the fireplace in floor to ceiling cement and fixed both the television arm and the mantel right into it. There is no moving either one without a professional (or at least 100 YouTube-watching hours).

[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/living-room-eclectic-living-room-new-york-phvw-vp~67265820]

So the fireplace isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, nor is the TV arm. We could camouflage it with creatively-placed art, but then that leaves the question of where to put the TV. There was only one other choice, on a console against the adjacent wall. We tried it, but it meant the sofa had to be awkwardly placed with its back to the entrance of the room. Plus, a wall of windows opposite the TV created major reflections and glare if we watched during the day.

For the record, I was adamantly opposed to the TV above the fireplace because I did not like the look. I felt, and still feel, that it makes the television too much of a focal point in the room. The husband and I argued about it.

But then I discovered that interior design maven Emilly Henderson did it, so it must be OK? But it turns out that even she has regrets. She wishes she would have placed the fireplace to the side with the television in the middle. But moving the fireplace is not an option for us so I’m resigned to the dang TV above the fireplace.

If you are faced with this dilemma, here are some of the biggest considerations to suss out before making your decision.

Aesthetics

As I mentioned, I don’t like the television being the focus point of the living room. I like to imagine my family and friends gathering around the hearth to play games or share stories, not to zone out and watch TV.

The truth is, both scenarios are taking place in my living room, and the latter is probably happening more often. So if above the fireplace is the only place available for the TV, or the spot that makes the most sense, your savior lies in Samsung’s amazing Frame television. It’s designed to look like art, and it truly is difficult to tell that it’s actually a TV when it’s in art mode. I’m counting the days until we can save up and buy one!

[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/summer-house-in-blue-custom-home-living-space-beach-style-family-room-boston-phvw-vp~65941187]

Another alternative is a clever camouflage, like the map or cabinetry as shown below.

[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-houzz-colorful-hand-painting-bedecks-a-creative-home-eclectic-living-room-dallas-phvw-vp~1631351]

[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/mark-dutka-contemporary-family-room-san-francisco-phvw-vp~30803]

Technology

Surprisingly, CNET called the look “stylish,” naming style as one of the only pros of the above-fireplace placement—clearly it’s an objective matter. The article lists many cons, however. Heat and soot can be very bad for TVs, shortening their lives significantly. You’re in luck if your fireplace is faux or it doesn’t get very hot.

There is also the wiring to consider, which can get complicated, and you definitely don’t want to look at wires falling down below the TV. Ours is somehow magically contained within the walls and out of sight, thank goodness.

[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/tv-above-the-bioethanol-fireplace-contemporary-new-york-phvw-vp~108699643]

Ergonomics

Most mantels are so high that a television placed above it will require viewers to crane their necks. And it’s not just about discomfort while watching, but it can cause longterm strain and pain. If possible you’ll want to make sure your mantel is low enough to facilitate a TV within your natural line of sight. You can also find moveable arms that can allow the TV position to be adjusted for more comfortable viewing.

Mascara that flakes and falls is never good, but it’s arguably a whole other level of not good after 50. Stray black flecks of mascara disturb the peace I thought I had made with my crow’s feet.

So, I was thrilled to discover a new technology in mascara, which those in the know call “tubing.” It’s an apt moniker because this mascara literally creates tiny tubes around each of your lashes, making them longer and thicker with each swipe of the wand.

The Ins And Outs Of Tubing

Tubing mascara is made with polymers rather than the wax and pigment used in traditional formulas. This makes it water-resistant but gentle. Those with delicate lashes say it won’t cause damage or breaks. Plus, it will stay put even if you have oily eyelids.

When it’s time to remove the mascara, those little tubes stay intact as they disengage from your lashes. So, you don’t get raccoon eyes and smears, just minute cylinders to wipe away, which you can easily do with a warm washcloth. I use a gentle cleanser as well, but experts say water alone will do the trick.

One characteristic to note about tubing mascara is that they are more about length than thickness. If you want fluffy, dense lashes, this might not be the formula for you. More than one coat can lead to clumping, so trying to achieve a thicker lash with more product will likely backfire. But if mile-long lashes are your jam, look no further.

Finding The Right Tubing Formula

I discovered tubing technology when Wander Beauty was doing a big Instagram push, and I bit. I’ve been using the Wander Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara for about a year now, and I’m hooked. (Although, as I mentioned, and despite the name, I would recommend it more for length than volume.)

Wander Beauty Mile High Club Length and Define Black Mascara

$26 Shop Now at Amazon

Don’t just take it from me: it won the Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Award for Best Mascara, the Allure Best of Beauty Award, and the PureWow x Blink Beauty Indie Beauty Award Winner for Best Mascara all in 2019.

However, if you want to stick with the O.G. of tubing mascaras, then Blinc is your best bet. Blinc claims to be the first brand to utilize a tubing formula and is cruelty-free, clean, and vegan.

blinc Mascara Amplified

$26 Shop Now at Amazon

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• Your Go-To Hairstyle May Be Damaging Your Hair, Even If It’s Heatless
• No, You’re Not Extra: Why Having A Cosmetics Fridge Will Make Your Skin Look Better (And Save You Money)

Mean Magazine could receive a commission if you buy something through a link in this post. We recommend only products we love. Thank you for supporting us!

“Cool reading glasses” used to be an oxymoron—but that idea has been turned on its head by the brands highlighted below. Readers have become a fashion statement, which is great because after 50, they’re essential for most of us. Seeing stuff and expressing your personal style now go hand in hand.

Many of these frames also have a blue-light-blocking option to protect your eyes from hours in front of screens, and most brands also make reader sunglasses. So whether you’re a +4 who spends six hours a day in front of the computer or you want new sunnies for that winter getaway I hope you’re planning, you can get in on the latest eyewear trends to start 2022 off right.

Root Cause Analysis by Caddis, $95

Caddis has created a self-described cult out of the concept of owning your age. The company’s goal is “to call out the whole fountain of youth illusion, industries that profit from the fear of getting older and the concept of ‘aging gracefully.'” I am so here for that. Root Cause Analysis is a statement-making, chunky aviator and comes in three colors: matte gopher (shown), gloss black, and seawater.

Art in Revolution by Eyebobs,$95

These hexagonal frames now come in two new colors: purple and green. Both are rad and available as readers, blue light readers, all-day readers, and prescription. Eyebobs has been around for more than 20 years, so they know their stuff. And I love them for using models who actually need reading glasses.

Kaine by Look Optic, $78

If you’re looking for a chunky frame you can wear every day, Look Optic’s Kaine readers are it. Plus, you can feel good about buying them because they’re made from 100% recycled materials. The brand says its glasses are 50% lighter than its competitors and offers a 90-day risk-free trial (and they pay for return shipping). This forest green color is very cool, and the Kaine style also come in four other colors: black, champagne, purple gradient, and taupe. (Also check out the brand’s stunning blue aviators.)

The Rand Reader by Prive Revaux, $30

This style is selling fast, and while quantities are limited, they’re worth a shout-out for their oversized yet delicate frame and amazing price. Plus, JLo is a fan of the brand so you know you’re in good hands.

 Sawyer by Peepers, $27

From Peepers’ Spring 2022 collection, the Sawyer frame has a trend-forward ’70s/early ’80s vibe that I love. It’s a departure from the super chunky and heavy frames that have been so popular lately, but still make a statement with large lenses paired with a more delicate frame. The Sawyer comes in three fun colors: black marble, blue quartz, and Tokyo tortoise. The best part: they’re only $27. Also, Oprah loves them! And if you want to stock up, Peepers offers free 2-day shipping on orders $125 or more.

This post contains affiliate links, which means Mean Magazine may receive a commission.  

Menopause and the holidays don’t mix terribly well. Hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain—it can all make one feel like decking the halls not at all.

So surprise the special midlife woman in your life with a thoughtful, useful, and/or delightful gift, and she may feel more like getting her fa la la on.

We’ve gathered some gift ideas that will show your menopausal loved one that you get what she’s going through. These presents will help make her transition through midlife chic, interesting, and/or fun. Whether she loves cooking, fashion, reading, sleeping, or if she just hates sweating profusely without warning, we’ve got the perfect gift for her.

Pubumésu Macan Tiger Print Fan, $140

It’s the chicest way to keep cool when a hot flash strikes, tiger. Fits nicely into a handbag. No batteries necessary.

Wardrobe.Nyc cotton poplin shirt dress, $595

This is the wardrobe best friend of any woman who wants her clothing to touch her skin as little as possible. The description says it’s for warm weather, but don’t forget high temps are striking at unexpectedly—menopause doesn’t care if it’s December. Plus, you can’t go wrong with all black. Let her mix up the accessories as her mood dictates because it may change frequently.

The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, $26

If anyone can talk me into being hopeful during these trying times for humans and the planet, it’s Jane Goodall. In conversations with Douglas Abrams that took place over a year during the pandemic, she explains her optimism for our future. And we could all use a little of that right now.

Fiat Lux FU Necklace, $94-$528

She’s gonna be flipping the bird. So help her do it with luxury and style.

Wol Hide Easy Box Mockneck, $99

Sometimes we feel bad about our necks. We try not to, but it’s hard. A turtleneck can make it better! Especially one made of the softest sustainable cotton like this one. Bonus points if you make it a set!

Automatic pan stirrer with timer, $25

That brain fog thing menopausal women talk about? It’s real. Help a sister not burn her eggs.

Nisolo Sunset earrings, $35

These shiny brass earrings will brighten anyone’s day, even if she’s experiencing one of the approximately 3, 241 symptoms of perimenopause.

Pause Hot Flash Cooling Mist, $33

The hot and flashy woman in your life will welcome a minty-cool shot of this magical mist. Feels lovely on the neck, belly, cleavage, or anywhere the temp gets firey.

Desmond & Dempsey black jag animal print organic cotton pajama set, $185

Cozy flannel might seem like a good choice for holiday pajamas, but night sweats are a thing better combined with organic cotton. Keep in mind she might use more than one set per night. Check out the full list of our favorite PJs!

Wilde House paper night journal, $26

We need a place to write all those things we can’t say out loud, especially in the middle of the night when sleep is elusive.

Mi Cocina classic denim apron, $99

Mi Cocina was created by denim guru Ulrich Simpson. His signature aprons are made of the most durable, American-made, sustainable denim, and will stand up to years of use—in fact, they become even more beautiful over time. With adjustable straps, the classic apron comes in sizes XS to XXL, and four shades of denim: light vintage, medium vintage, raw denim, and black.

West Elm V-Fan mini classic air circulator, $49

Trust us, even if it’s the dead of winter, she needs this on her desk or at her bedside. And having a cute fan might make dealing with hot flashes a little less of a bummer. Also comes in white.

Paulina Porizkova is all about aging out loud on her Instagram feed, and I’m grateful for it. The more midlife female faces on social media, the better. And unlike some other celebs (ahem, Jennifer Lopez), her face actually shows normal signs of age. Still, she has a jaw-dropping supermodel body, as seen here in this ad for Laura Geller Beauty.

Seriously, it’s incredible—not exactly run-of-the-mill. So, how do we process this as mortal midlifers? My own reaction to the ad was telling. It was a peek into my subconscious and how my exposure to the media’s portrayal of women’s bodies in my five-plus decades of life constantly influenced my thinking, like it or not.

(I’m especially looking at you, ’80s media, with your aerobics mania and anorexia trend. Oh, and you, too, ’90s, with your heroin chic. And oh my god, you, early 2000’s, with those extreme low-rise jeans. I mean, come on.)

Reacting to the Laura Geller ad, I posted a question on my social media: “How does watching Porizkova in this ad make you feel?” I posed two answers: 1. Empowered? 2. Like a slacker?

“Instead, I Lamented”

In response to the quiz, Linda Fahey, founder of Yonder Shop and subject of an excellent episode of my podcast, The Mean Show, replied, “What do you mean, slacker?” And indeed, what did I mean by slacker? Linda’s question made me recognize that my tendency to self-flagellate had reared its ugly head.

Truth be told, deep down, I believe that being a slacker is the reason why I don’t look like a supermodel. Ha! As if my DNA is not dictating my 5’4″ frame and substantial thighs. As if I hadn’t lived in a body with non-supermodel-like qualities my entire adult life—even when I was running in multiple marathons.

After so many years of trying and (I thought) learning not to beat myself up so much, my brain still thinks I look the way I do because I’m lazy. The middle-aged brain doesn’t explain the reasons why it thinks these things. It just thinks the things. That’s why intelligent, outspoken friends, and in my case, readers and therapists are essential.

After all, here I am, publishing an online publication that purports to be feminist and pro-aging. Embrace it all, F the haters, and most of all, be comfortable in your skin. Yet, my brain fired none of those empowered-midlifer neurons. Instead, I lamented how much weight I’ve gained in the past few years and how I’m such a slacker for not doing enough to look like Paulina Porizkova.

I mean, it’s silly. But here we are.

Power To The Pretty Okay

So, let’s take a good look at the Laura Geller “Let’s Get Old Together” campaign that created the seed of these midlife musings. The brand devotes an entire page of its website to images and videos of an unretouched Porizkova discussing realistic aging. She has wrinkles, puffy eyes, and a creepy neck, and it’s so uncommon that it’s jarring.

For me, and I’m guessing many of you, jarring in a good way. Power to Paulina for allowing her face to age naturally. But maybe we should demand that she get an old, creaky, bumpy body? Just kidding.

Power to all the midlifers out there whose “power surges” don’t exactly provide a recharge. (If you haven’t heard, some people call hot flashes power surges.) The real power comes from pushing past our insecurities, recognizing where they come from, and supporting each other, despite it all.

So, thanks to Linda, Paulina, and all the Suggest readers and friends who help me stay sane while navigating midlife. I’m glad we had this chat.

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Life coach Karen Randall helps women at midlife explore the questions that not many on social media are talking about. As we look at our changing faces in the mirror, many of us ask: What’s next for me? What path do I take when it feels like my best years are behind me? I have so many ideas, how do I pick the right one when time feels so short?

Video and audio editing by Sofija Jovanov.

While it’s wonderful that we’re seeing more midlife women on social media, and that we’re all encouraging each other to embrace our age with empowering mantras, (Own it! Do you! Don’t give an F what anyone thinks!), for many of us, it’s so much easier said than done.

In this episode, Karen discusses how you can explore those questions to actually get to that chill-AF-about-aging state of mind. It was really fun digging into all of this with Karen, I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Find out more about Karen’s work at her website!

This is a super-long one, but I just could not bring myself to make it shorter because I loved every minute of this conversation.

To make it easier to navigate, I have broken it down for you below. Listen to it beginning to end (which, you know, I totally recommend because it’s good), or pick and choose the topics that interest you most.

I highly recommend not missing the Vivienne Westwood section, as well as the yoga and trends parts, oh, and the part about what Andrea loves about this phase of our lives.

And if you’d like to watch to the video, please click here (or above).

Please let me know what you think!

Video and audio editing by Sofija Jovanov.

Jump to Key Topics

3:22: Girl in Transition + Timbuk2 9:30 A designer’s business sense and entrepreneurship

16:44 Chicago origins (she wasn’t always a fashion girl)

26:10 First fashion gig with the legendary Vivienne Westwood (and how she got it with a the craziest resume)

32:57 Being open and spontaneous and also a responsible adult

35:42 AGING and being an overgrown teenager and planning to live until 139 and dating younger men

46:45 Mentee and mentorship over the years

51:46 YOGA

1:00:33 TRENDS! Loved and hated

1:09:09 “Genderless fashion is the NOW of fashion”

1:16:28 What she loves about this phase of our lives (don’t miss this one!)

Key quotes

“I’ve never moved for a job.”

“Genderless fashion is the now of fashion.”

“Sometimes I look like a grown up woman, sometimes I look like a teenager, sometimes I look like a hight school skater boy.”

“The time has gone by when only certain people are allowed to have certain experiences.”

Links

As Timbuk2 turns 30, its female executives are building a lifestyle powerhouse

Anti-aging ads are out

Podcast with Wini Linguvic my yoga instructor

The Spring/Summer 1993 Vivienne Westwood show with the last-minute dyed dress as the finale

Pharrell on the cover of Vanity Fair, November 2019

Until recently, I assumed my days of bronzer and highlighter were over. Actually, I’ve never worn highlighter (it wasn’t a thing when we were younger, was it?), and I never expected to embrace it. But after seeing living proof of the miracles of these products on over 50 cheekbones via Tamara’s Timeless Beauty, I’m officially a convert.

I’ve collected her tips, in order of application, for how to breathe life into your cheeks with color- and light-enhancing makeup.

1. Bronzer

Tamara’s favorite bronzer is Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder, which is very kind to the wallet at just $10. The vegan, cruelty-free formula has skin-smoothing ingredients for an all-day matte finish.

Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder

$12.50 Shop Now at Amazon

But if you’re like me, you’re not hot on powders. So, perhaps you’ll join me in being excited to try Bobbi Brown’s new Jones Road Miracle Balms, which are super clean and come in shades that work as a highlighter, blush, and bronzer.

Jones Road Miracle Balm (Magic Hour)

$54.52 Shop Now at Amazon

Tamara says to place the bronzer at your cheekbones, not below. Placing it a little higher than is typical helps lift and liven up your face rather than dragging it down.

2. Highlighter

Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter is Tamara’s favorite, and it certainly looks amazing on her. It comes in tons of colors and acts like a real-life Instagram filter (even on mature skin). It illuminates without sparkle or shimmer.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

$57 Shop Now at Amazon

According to Tamara, you should place your highlighter high on the cheekbone as well as the apple of the cheek. (When you were younger, you might’ve typically applied blush in this location.) The highlighter helps reflect light and lift the face.

3. Blush

Tamara uses Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, which is a nice, bright pink. I will reiterate what I said above, however: if you’re not into powder, then you might try the Jones Road Miracle Balm in a pink or peach shade, like its Au Naturel hue.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

$45 Shop Now at Amazon

For blush, forget the “smile and apply to the apple of your cheek” method! It works when you’re 20, but not so much when you’re 50. When you stop smiling, everything looks droopy. While I’m all for embracing your age, looking drooper than necessary is definitely not my jam.

Instead, Tamara demonstrates how to apply the blush high on the cheekbone and a little further back from the apple of the cheek. The end result brightens, lifts, and celebrates the over-50 face instead of emphasizing its not-so-lifted areas.

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We admire many women for their hard work and accomplishments, but some deserve special credit for transforming their entire industries. This is only a small (but mighty) roundup of changemakers throughout history who refused to accept things as they were and, through hard work and perseverance, transformed the way everyone does business for the better.

The job isn’t yet done regarding equality for women in the workplace. But these women made enormous strides in fields from hair to wine to science, paving the way for progress.

1. Madame Clicquot: Wine

Madame Clicquot, also known as Veuve Clicquot, shaped the history of wine forever in the late 18th century. She owned the first champagne house, introduced pink champagne to the world, and opened space for other women to make their mark in the wine industry.

2. Patsy Mink: Politics

Before Kamala Harris made her mark as the first female and person of color to become Vice President of the United States, there was Patsy Mink. A third-generation Japanese American, Mink was the first woman of an ethnic minority group to be elected to Congress. She was a major pioneer for women in politics, especially women of color.

3. Madam C.J. Walker: Hair

If you’ve watched Self-Made on Netflix, you’ve already met Madam C.J. Walker. Octavia Spencer plays the starring role, and it’s all about how Walker became the first Black woman millionaire in America. She played a massive role in the hair business industry. Her work and success were stepping stones for many other women of color to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

4. Ada Lovelace: Computer Programming

About 200 years ago, Ada Lovelace created programming. Lovelace built on Charles Babbage’s work in developing a massive calculating machine—one of the first renditions of a computer. She took his research and showed how his machine could complete any computation.

5. Aretha Franklin: Music

The “Queen of Soul” is one of the most honored artists in Grammy history. She was the first female performer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone considers her the greatest singer of all time. The Gospel Music Association described her as “the voice of the civil rights movement, the voice of black America” when inducting Franklin into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

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Photo by Budka Damdinsuren on Unsplash

As we get older, many of us care less about judgement from others and feel more ready to try new, bold looks. What once seemed over the top is now fun and irreverent. Or maybe it is over the top but who cares?

If that sounds like you but you’re wondering where to start, nail designs are one of the easiest ways to get creative with your personal style. Whether you’re doing it yourself, heading to the manicurist, or buying stick-ons (which I highly recommend!), here are some of the hottest nail trends for summer 2021.

 

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Reverse French

French tip manicures are classic, but if you’re looking to change things up, try painting (or asking your manicurist to paint) the tips a bold color. Or, you can paint the bed of your nail near the cuticle instead of the tips for another fun take on the look. The color combinations you can experiment with are endless.

 

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Ombre

Like ombre hair, ombre nails have been trending for several years, but the style is still going strong. It can suit anyone whether you prefer something subtle or want nails that resemble a dramatic sunset.

If you’re overwhelmed by color choices, don’t be afraid to ask your nail tech for help. A great nail tech’s skills go beyond filing and shaping—they should also know what colors go well together and what’s happening in the fashion scene.

 

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Marble

Whether you’re marbling all your nails or a few accent nails, this designs is fun and can be adapted to anyone’s personal style. The example below is super bold, but you could also choose muted shades (and shorter nails) for a subtler look.

 

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Negative Space

Negative space designs are currently all the rage. The design is thoughtfully placed and the result is super chic. The nailbed remains natural, so the nail art can shine. Hang Nguyen is a master of the style (see below). But if you don’t have the time or money to paint teensy works of art on your nails, try stick-on gels. Unlike traditional stiff, plastic stick-ons, these are malleable and can be cut to fit your nail. ManiMe is my favorite, and Hang has her own collection!

 

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A post shared by ❤ Hang Nguyen aka Moon ❤ (@thehangedit)

Animal Print

Animal print might seem over the top, but you can actually treat it like a neutral. Typically the colors are brown, black, and white, and while the patterns might be bold, they can really compliment anything you wear. Also try just painting the tips in, say, a cheetah-print design, or paint a few accent nails in a zebra pattern. Or you can always take it to the next level with non-traditional rainbow colors in animal-print patterns!

 

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The irony for women as we get older is that society at large pays less attention to us, but in many ways we have more power than ever. For one, we have more money. We also often have decision-making power over our household’s income. Plus, we’ve developed good taste—we’re willing to spend more for fewer, better things.

One of the consequences of all that is that we’re not waiting around for someone else to buy us what we desire—we are taking care of that on our own. And as conscientious consumers, we’re educating ourselves about what we’re buying, whether it’s a dress or a piece of jewelry.

Speaking of jewelry, I’ve had sapphires on my mind lately. My dear friends own the San Francisco jewelry store Fiat Lux, and recently opened a second location. The interior is painted a gorgeous blue, and ever since the (small, masked) opening party I’ve had blue hues on my mind.

Also, coincidentally, my engagement ring is a sapphire. I knew what I wanted all those (20+) years ago: a lighter colored sapphire, almost a sky-blue. I felt that the darker ones almost looked black and the beautiful blue didn’t always come through (and yes I got what I wanted).

However, I wasn’t as keen on educating myself about gems back then, so it wasn’t until later I found out that more saturated blues are actually more valuable than lighter ones—but I still love mine and wouldn’t trade it.

So for anyone else who’s curious about sapphires, I wanted to put together a simple guide to the different types.

What is a sapphire?

A sapphire a precious gemstone and variety of the mineral corundum. It is typically blue, but natural sapphires can also be yellow, purple, orange, or green colors. Parti sapphires can be two or more colors. Corundum stones can also be red, but those are rubies. Pink ones might be called rubies or sapphires depending where you are and who’s doing the naming. For this article we’re going with pink sapphire.

Pink Sapphire

The pink sapphire gets its hue from chromium. Some appear a deep magenta color, while others are a lighter pink. Its value increases with the intensity of its color saturation, which is determined by how much chromium is present. Due to their beautiful shades, pink sapphires have become a popular choice for engagement rings.

Blue Sapphire

Blue is the color most often associated with sapphires. Ranging from the soothing pale hues to the rare Ceylon sapphires, blue sapphires are considered the most desirable ones, and therefore the most expensive. A general rule with blue sapphires, as with all sapphires, is the purer and more brilliant its color, the pricier it will be.

Yellow Sapphire

Yellow sapphires can be purchased in variations ranging from orange-yellow to greenish-yellow. Its color is created from trace elements of iron, and the gem’s attractive composition excites jewelry enthusiasts around the world. The lively canary yellow is the most desired yellow sapphire option.

Purple Sapphire

Purple sapphires run the spectrum between reddish purple, medium-dark, and violet purple. Their luxurious hue is the product of vanadium in the chemical composition. Purple sapphires are thought to promote calmness, tranquility, and spiritual awakening.

Teal Montana Sapphire

The teal Montana sapphire earned its name from the state of its origin. Varying from medium blue to green, this highly sought-after gem is one of the most magnificent of the various types of sapphires. Jewelers laud it for its durability and astonishing pigments. If you want assurance that your gem was mined in the United States, the teal Montana sapphire can give you that promise.

Many women embraced their whites during the pandemic as a matter of convenience both because salons were closed and no one was going anywhere anyway. But for illustrator Ann Marie Sekeres‘, the choice to go white was all about achieving a glamorous aesthetic.

Sekeres always had a plan for when her hair started to go gray. She would take the opportunity to lean into her love of dramatic style and bleach her brown hair completely platinum. She did just that five years ago after struggling to cover the white hair that relentlessly came in at her temples. Maintaining the look requires frequent visits to the salon, but to her it’s worth it.

The 50-year-old New Jersey-based artist creates work that references a midcentury sensibility with a hint of sophisticated French flair—you could easily imagine one of her pieces on a New Yorker cover (and I have a feeling one day that will happen). 

Scroll on for my interview with Sekeres to see her work and learn more about her going-white experience!

When did you first notice gray hair?

“It started in earnest about 10 years ago. My temples went white.”

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]For me, it was high fashion and all the things I loved. All my mentors and style icons have had white hair.[/perfectpullquote]

What was your process of going white? Does it require maintenance? 

“When I was young and worked downtown, I used to see a young models with long, thick hair bleached white and I loved it. There was no way I could have afforded to have that hair then. But I always knew when I got too gray I would bleach out everything. I loved the look. 

So when my temples went white I couldn’t keep up dyeing them. I used to keep a hair coloring bowl on my vanity and found myself touching them up weekly. That couldn’t last. So I made an appointment with a very trusted local stylist (hello, Donna of Salon Gossip) who carefully put in TONS of foils first to lighten all my hair. It took about three sessions.

I still get my roots done every three weeks. It’s a commitment but I love it. And honestly, my roots are much less noticeable over the years.”

 

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Was it difficult at first to see yourself with white hair?

“I was super pleased with the results. For me, it was high fashion and all the things I loved. All my mentors and style icons have had white hair.”

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]It’s a commitment but I love it.[/perfectpullquote]

Do friends/family/strangers have opinions about your hair?

“Yes—it has gotten me local modeling gigs with Sofistafunk, Arlinda McIntosh’s fabulous no-waste fashion brand.

Have you ever received unwelcome comments about your hair and if so how did you respond?

“Maybe? I can’t remember. But you can’t hide with this hair  You get recognized everywhere.”

How has your white hair changed the way you feel about yourself?

“I’ve always loved it. I think it’s glamorous.”

 What advice would you give someone who’s considering going white or silver?

“If you’re going to go the bleach route, Olaplex and hair masks are your friend. I always describe it as ‘almost hair.’ You can’t just jump in the shower and wash it with whatever every day. I use a variety of masks and an occasional violet toning shampoo to keep it bright.”

What’s been the most surprising thing about having white hair?

“I needed to change my whole color palette—makeup and clothes. I’ve never been afraid of color, but I found I needed more of it. For my complexion, which tends to be more sallow and yellower, I needed very strong color. My punk rock teenage self would have never gone near fluorescent pinks—but here we are.”

Photo via Instagram

Who sees commercials anymore? My mother-in-law does. So when we’re visiting her in Orange County, we do too. 

Last night while we were waiting for America’s Got Talent to come back on, Jennifer Garner’s face showed up, real close, real smooth (she’s 49) and started talking about getting rid of wrinkles. Something about erasing them, banishing them. The message was that if you have them, you need to fix that. 

My 9-year-old daughter was absorbed, I thought, in building her new Raya Lego set, but she chimed in. 

“Why don’t you like your wrinkles? Don’t you like your face? What the heck lady?”

I almost cried. I felt like, wow, I might actually be sending my child not-damaging messages about beauty and the ridiculous expectations placed on women when it comes to their faces and the rest of their bodies. Maybe she’ll grow up to be comfortable in her own skin in a way I never was and will probably never be. 

I can’t remember which Jennifer Garner commercial it was. Maybe this one?  

It doesn’t really matter, there are plenty of similar commercial spots to be found on television as well as YouTube, Facebook, and wherever else you consume video. (And that’s why I chose to illustrate this essay with a photo of Justine Bateman instead of Garner.)

As depressing as these ads are, thankfully they seem to be falling out of favor. Trailblazers like Bateman are sending the message that there’s nothing wrong with your face. Every person on the face of the earth gets old if they’re lucky enough.

My daughter’s comments made me hopeful she’ll suffer less than my Gen X peers and I did. It may be too late for me. I can flip the switch temporarily, especially after reading or listening to Bateman. For some period of time I’ll walk around rocking my silver strands and saggy neck, feeling powerful in my life experience and grateful to be alive.

Then a photograph (always that angle from below) highlighting my neck and jowls will appear and something clicks back on and then I’m scrolling through gory skin-tightening procedures. 

But I will take comfort in my daughter’s reaction to Ms. Garner’s commercial. And I’ll keep listening to Bateman and remembering it’s not about my face but about the fear—what am I afraid of when I look at my jowly neck (more on that to come)? And maybe if we stick together I can eventually not only talk the talk but also walk the walk.