Beauty’s coming of age

By Bobbi Brown

Let’s revolutionise how beauty is perceived, says Bobbi Brown for MiNDFOOD.

There’s a certain amount of peace that comes with getting older. I realise this as I enter my 50s (yikes!). After so many years of aspiring to unattainable ideals, I’ve finally learned to let go and relax.

“Letting go” doesn’t mean I’ve stopped caring about my face, my hair or my body. I still care, but I’m more realistic about my expectations of myself. I’m finally comfortable in my skin – and it’s such a relief.

I don’t know why it’s not OK to age. I think that a face without lines is an expressionless one; it’s a face that lacks warmth and confidence.

That’s why I’m dismayed at the number of women today who are altering their faces in an attempt to look younger. Visits to the plastic surgeon have become as commonplace as visits to the hair salon.

Of course it’s very easy to feel bad. Open any magazine and you’re inundated with pictures of seemingly flawless girls who are barely 20 years old (and in some instances, as young as 14). Models older than 30 are a rarity.

My advice? Don’t compare yourself with these images of youthful perfection. It’s human nature to compare, but at least do it in a realistic way, with women close to your age.

Too many women of my generation feel bad about the fact that they’re no longer young. They have a long list of things they don’t like about themselves: wrinkles, baggy eyelids, a too-small upper lip…They’re so caught up in the negative that they don’t have any energy left to focus on the positive.

I want to get rid of the stigma that surrounds ageing. Getting older should be seen as a process through which a woman can gain more vitality, strength, wisdom and a new sense of her beauty. It really is an evolution.

Today, there are many ways for women to be their best at any age. With knowledge, a strategy and lifestyle changes, women can feel better at 40, 50 and 60 than they did 10 or even 20 years ago. No matter what your age, it’s never too late to make a commitment to yourself.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but what I can offer you are my own personally tested strategies and tips that have helped me look and feel my best over the years.

AUTUMN BEAUTY TIPS

Many women complain of dull, “blah-looking” skin in the colder months. Instead of throwing your arms up in defeat, counteract dull skin by exfoliating and adding colour back with make-up.

Here’s how:

  • Use a self-tanner or bronzer to neutralise a sallow, yellow-green skin tone.
  • Use tinted balm to even out your skin and give it an instant glow.
  • Warm moisturising balm in the palms of your hands then pat the balm over your blush.
  • After applying blush, dust a shimmering powder high on your cheekbones.
  • After putting on your make-up, gently apply face oil on top.
  • Wear cream blush instead of powder blush.

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