Giorgio Armani’s beloved Luminous Silk Foundation is a huge favorite among makeup artists, beauty editors, models, and YouTubers because put simply, it delivers an Instagram-worthy filter-like finish offering medium-to-full coverage buildability, but miraculously manages to still look (and feel) like bare skin. It delivers a subtle radiance that catches the light beautifully (it looks amazing in photos) all without looking shimmery or overly dewy. Plus, it blends into the skin like a dream, hence why it’s endured as an industry staple spotted in so many MUA’s kits. Sadly, finding a Luminous Silk foundation dupe isn’t exactly easy — I should know since I’ve been trying to find an affordable alternative to this magical potion for years.

The first time a makeup artist applied it to my skin, it was love at first sight. My skin looked like it had been photo-shopped by a professional (except IRL, obviously) while still looking natural— not like a bad Facetune edit, and definitely not cakey or greasy. Unfortunately, while I was in love with Luminous Silk, the $64 price tag wasn’t exactly a love affair I could commit to long-term (or, on any terms, really).

While the iconic complexion-enhancing base may be one-of-a-kind, there are some similar formulas available that will give your skin a similar effect without having to shell out a whopping $64 for one fluid ounce. Look, if you’re going to invest in a luxury foundation, this one is totally worth it, but not all of us are able to drop that kind of cash on makeup.

If you’re really looking to save, but simply can’t fathom of the idea of having to downgrade to one of the dupes I’ve highlighted below, there is a smaller-sized bottle of Luminous Silk Foundation for $42 instead of $64. You’re only going to get 0.8 ounces, but it’s a great option for those who intend to only wear it on special occasions or if you haven’t tried it for yourself yet, and don’t want to invest the full amount until you’re absolutely certain that it’s worth it. Either way, I’ve searched long and hard trying to find drugstore equivalent to this wondrous foundation, and while I can’t quite say any of them are a 100 percent spot-on match, they’re pretty darn close and cost less than $25 a pop.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of Giorgio Armani.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

The iconic foundation is now available in two sizes, so you can save $22 bucks for the smaller size if you really don’t want to stray from the original.

Courtesy of Amazon.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation

When you search for Luminous Silk dupes online (whether on Google, Reddit or Pinterest), L’Oreal’s True Match Lumi Foundation is by far the most mentioned alternative to its high-end counterpart. This lightweight, silky foundation feels like skin and gives a satiny glow that falls perfectly in between the dewy vs. matte spectrum. It also scores serious bonus points for being infused with skin-enhancing ingredients, including Vitamin C and E.

Buy: L’Oreal Lumi Foundation $10.44

Courtesy of The Body Shop.

The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation

Okay, so I know this one isn’t technically a drugstore option, but $25 is significantly cheaper than $64, and this is a pretty close dupe to Luminous Silk if you’re looking to come as close as possible to the real deal. It’s a hydrating formula, but dries down to a semi-matte finish, making it feel comfortable and airless all day long. It delivers a solid medium-level coverage, but you can easily build it to full with another layer without it streaking or looking heavy. Just like Luminous Silk Nude Glow actually blends into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, giving you a natural veil of coverage.

Courtesy of Physician’s Formula.

Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation

This top-rated foundation is somewhat of a newcomer to the drugstore beauty sphere, but it’s already amassed a major following in the short time it’s been out. Just like the Armani, this weightless formula offers buildable coverage that looks like your skin but better (and maybe with a real-life filter on it), without looking like you’re wearing makeup at all. It also contains skincare ingredients to help brighten and improve texture and tone over time. What’s not to love?

Buy: Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation $12.95

Courtesy of Maybelline.

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Maybelline’s beloved Fit Me line is mostly known for their Matte + Poreless foundation, which yes, is amazing. But the lesser-known dewy version of this affordable foundation is not only equally as stellar, but it’s also a tragically underrated dupe for Luminous Silk. It also contains SPF 18 and is offered in an impressive range of shades, which gives it some major extra credit points.

Buy: Maybelline Dewy + Smooth Foundation $5.28

Courtesy of L’Oreal.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Honestly, L’Oreal knows how to do affordable foundation right. I can’t think of a foundation that I’ve tried from their range that I haven’t been impressed with (and I’ve tried pretty much every single one they have to offer). The Pro-Glow foundation from their long-wearing Infallible collection is an excellent alternative to Luminous Silk because it gives you a natural radiance that looks like skin, but doesn’t leave you looking like an oil slick or foundation-free after just two hours of wear time.

Buy: L’Oreal Pro Glow Foundation $10.99

Both our hair texture and color change as we age. We can’t turn back the clock, and the best thing to do is not to fight it tooth and nail but preferably work with what we’ve got.

That doesn’t mean foregoing hair dye options altogether but simply adapting the way we style and color our hair as it changes with the years. Your beautiful, thick, shiny long locks that you had a few decades ago may not be so thick and shiny anymore.

In addition, as we get a little older, things tend to shift down a bit. This means that, depending on your skin and other factors, long, straight hair may not look as good on you now as it did when you were a teenager.

Get an Expert’s Opinion

Discuss with your hairstylist/colorist that you would like to make some changes. This is definitely something that your hairdresser can help you with. Just be sure to ask specifically what kinds of style would go well with your face shape.

Also, make sure to keep in mind the level of styling that you want to do daily and the amount of upkeep your new hairstyle will require. Furthermore, remember that the length is important if you like to tie your hair back or wear updos occasionally.

A good idea is to take a look at older women celebrities and how they are changing their hair over the years. This can inspire you to copy a look from one of your favorite stars.

Have you been wearing your hair the same way for decades? Is it time for a change? In this article you will find 60-plus hairstyles and haircuts for older women that can spark some inspiration for you. Read on to find some excellent short, medium, and long hairstyles for mature women. We’ve even added a section for the best hairstyles for thinning hair.

Short Haircuts for Women Over 60

Many of us turn to shorter hair as we get older. Sometimes for the ease of styling and also because it suits our faces better than long hair.

#1 Textured Short Bob for Thick Hair

If you are used to having textured hair, you can keep that look even when going short. For a softer look and added volume, add some layers at the back of a short bob hairstyle.

#2 Longer Bob with Bangs

Keep some length and add bangs to a no-layer bob to soften the features.

#3 Layered Short Bob

Add layers to the style if you want more bounce and texture. Side-swept bangs add soft movement to the hairstyle.

#4 Short Bob Hairstyle with Oomph

If you have time in the morning to spend on your hair, this style could be great for you! It’s definitely not a wash-and-go style as it needs a blow-out and some teasing, but it looks fabulous!

#5 Big Soft Curls

Favored by celebrities such as Meg Ryan, this chin-length hairstyle with flirty curls can soften and flatter your features.

#6 Flicked Highlights

Timeless, elegant, and graceful, Jane Fonda rocks this hairstyle. The added highlights in her bangs and around her face create softness and perfect texture.

#7 Loose Waves

Large loose waves and a longer version of this hairstyle look amazing in any color.

#8 Big Curls

Another style that looks great in any shade. Create a side-part longer curls for a flirty look.

#9 Curls with Oomph

Add some volume to this popular style by blow drying the curls.

#10 Swept Back Natural Curls

If you are blessed with natural curls and want to go short, a lovely professional look can be achieved by sweeping the curls back.

#11 Short Natural Curls

Work with your curls if you have them. Natural salt & pepper hair looks great with a short haircut and volumizing curls.

#12 The Classic Bob

The classic bob with bangs looks amazing when you have natural white hair.

#13 Frizz-Free Curls

Let your curls loose! Use curl enhancing products to create beautiful natural curls without frizz.

#14 The Blonde Bombshell

Blonde bombshell! Release the Marilyn Monroe hidden inside you with a flirty and curly blonde hairstyle.

For more short haircuts and advice take a look at this article.

Pixie Haircuts for Women Over 60

You may want to go super short and opt for a pixie hairstyle. The pixie cut is a classic and looks great in any color.

#15 Front Swept Pixie

The short front swept pixie is a go-to for many women as they age. Suits many face shapes and is easy to style.

#16 Pixie with Curls

Add some curls to your short pixie hairstyle. Use a small barrel curling iron to add flattering curls.

#17 Feathered Pixie Hairstyle with Highlights

A popular pixie cut that can be textured with different tones of highlights and lowlights. If you want to flatter the facial features gently move the hair to one side.

#18 Spiky Pixie with Colored Ends

Embrace your adventurous side and add a bold color. Spike up the ends to seal the look.

#19 Smooth Asymmetrical Natural Pixie

Requires little time to style and care for. Use a little texturizing product to keep the pixie cut slicked forward with asymmetrical bangs.

#20 Bowl Cut Pixie

A modern take on the classic pixie. Longer bangs with a shorter back creates a flattering frame for the face.

#21 Natural Curls Pixie

Stop trying to fight the curls and embrace them in this beautiful style. Convenient and girlish, this is a great wash-and-go pixie cut.

#22 Brushed Forward Brown Feathered Pixie

If thinning hair is a worry, this style is perfect. Furthermore, set in a dark tone, it will make your hair look thicker and more voluminous.

#23 Voluminous Pixie

Unsure about whether a pixie cut is for you? Pick a chunky layered pixie that provides volume but is easy to grow out should you want to go back to longer locks.

#24 Ultra-Cool Slicked Back Pixie

Sexy, slicked back, and chic. This pixie has just the right amount of volume.

#25 Blast of Color Pixie

Brighten up yours and everyone else’s life with a striking bright color pixie cut. You are never too old to color your hair in vivid shades!

#26 Super Short Natural Pixie

This style is easy to care for and is popular amongst older women. With super short sides and neck, this pixie adds just a little volume on the top. It flatters the features with a gradual reduction of length from top to bottom

For more pixie haircuts and advice take a look at this article.

Long Hairstyles for Women Over 60

You can still wear your hair long if you are one of the lucky women who still have volume and texture.

#27 Layers and Curls

Adding layers helps give this style some volume. It is also a brilliant way to shape your facial features nicely.

#28 Side Part with Volume

Part the hair on the side and add volume with a blow dryer. This gives extra volume exactly where it’s needed.

#29 Long Layers Blow Out

The less layers you have, the more volume you need to create. This is easily done with a large round brush while blow-drying your hair.

#30 Straight with Volume

Embrace the classic look of a middle-parted style. Straight hair can require some extra care to not look flat.

#31 Large Curls and Long Fringe

Get a long, side-swept fringe to your longer locks to add movement to your hair and define your features.

#32 Natural Curls

Lucky enough to be blessed with natural curls? They can easily be worn long to create a soft and natural style.

#33 Defined Coils

A good curl defining gel and viscous oil will keep this style bouncy and natural.

#34 Long Balayage

For a young and modern look, add some gradient highlights to your long hair.

#35 Soft Layers and Roll Curls

A popular hairstyle for women of all ages, it also looks great on all colors. The layers around the face fall softly and all that is required is a large barrel curling iron.

#36 Straight Salt and  Pepper Side Part

Embrace the salt and pepper in your hair by wearing a side part that is flattering for the features and shows off your natural colors.

For more long haircuts and advice take a look at this article.

Hairstyles for Women Over 60 With Fine Hair

If you have thinning hair, it’s natural to feel like you have to do something about it. Here are some volumizing styles for fine hair.

#37 Strawberry Blonde with Volume

A naturally beautiful color, styling products can help add volume to this hairstyle. Blow-dry with a round brush to add volume on the crown and on the sides.

#38 Messy Super Light Pixie

Just because your hair is thinning, it doesn’t mean you can’t embrace your adventurous and daring side. This bleached blonde messy pixie will make you stand out from the crowd.       

#39 Highlights with Fringe

Keep the hair a little longer with this bob-type go-to hairstyle for thin hair. A fringe and some varying highlights will add texture and dimension.

#40 Short Behind-the-Ears Bob with Fringe

Keep your hair looking thicker and more structured by styling a short bob behind your ears.

# 41 Super Short Pixie

An easy to care for hairstyle for women with thinning hair.

#42 Dark Layered Messy Pixie

Darker hair can help add a look of volume and diminish the look of thin hair.

#43 Front Swept Pixie

Another classic pixie look that can help the look of thinning hair and is easy to care for.

#44 Soft Side Swept Pixie

Soft side-swept bangs can easily hide a receding hairline that often comes with thinning hair.

For more haircuts and advice about fine hair, take a look at this article.

Medium Length Hairstyles for Women Over 60

Medium length hair offers you options like tying it back and creating updos for special occasions, and at the same time it isn’t too long to bother you.

#45 All Natural White

Who says white hair is boring? A medium length cut can make white hair look stylish and youthful when styled correctly.

#46 Salt and Pepper with Some Volume

Embrace your salt & pepper hair and keep it medium. Others may tell you to cut it short, but a medium length can make you look younger.

#47 Stylishly Slicked Back Bob

Easy to achieve with a touch of product, we love this slicked back look. Proof that medium-length hair can look sophisticated.

#48 Au Naturel

This no-fuss layered shoulder-length style is perfect for the wash-and-go days. It’s easily styled and doesn’t even require a blow dry if you are short of time!

#49 Thick Shoulder-length Bob

Blessed with thick hair but don’t want to go too short? The slick shoulder-length bob could be the perfect style for you!

#50 Add Some Bounce

A good blowout on medium length hair looks great on older women.

#51 Care for Some Bangs

Bangs are a great addition to shoulder length hair. Add in some layers to make the cut stand out even more.

#52 Show Those Curls

Embrace those natural curls. Shoulder length hair is the perfect length to let your curls loose and showcase your face.

#53 The Asymmetrical Cut

Short on one side, longer on the other. This is a playful cut that suits a wide range of face shapes!

#54 Side-Parted Classic

This classic side-parted shoulder length cut never goes out of style!

#55 Curly Shoulder Length Cut

Naturally curly hair looks great worn softly resting on the shoulders. Specialized products can help stop the frizz, but it’s easy to style and long enough to be tied up.

#56 Curly Shoulder Length Cut

Add some volume to your shoulder length hair by blow drying with a round brush.

For more medium haircuts and advice take a look at this article.

Bold Hairstyles for Women Over 60

Are you one of the more creative and bold women in our group? We say, let your creativity and personality shine through!

#57 Pop of Trendy Color

Who says you can’t go bold? Love pink and wear it well? Why not go for the pop of trendy color and stand out from the crowd.

#58 Stylish Updo

Don’t listen to those who say bold is only for the young. A stylish updo will fit perfectly with your own unique personality and style.

#59 Go Red

Increasingly popular, reds are a great option for older women. Wear red with confidence – from a subtle tint to a bright bold red.

#60 Go Wild

Are you on the wild side and like to experiment with color? Bright colors are no longer only for clothes. Ask your colorist for trending hair colors and have some fun.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Have you recently adopted a new hairstyle? Did you go short? Let us know in the comments below.

What do Ariana Grande, Lizzo and Tess Holliday all have in common? They’re fans of Glow Recipe’s best-selling Watermelon Glow family, with the serum, moisturizer and PHA+BHA toner. The best-selling line just added what’s sure to be a hit: the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream. It comes at the perfect time when we’re all at home boosting our self-care time and craving smooth, hydrated skin.

The lightweight cream is great for all skin types wanting supple skin throughout the winter months. It contains watermelon seed butter to moisturize, hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration and hibiscus AHA to smooth the texture of skin. It’s a light exfoliation to get rid of all those bumps and dry spots. And of course it has that now-iconic watermelon scent fans love from the line.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Pink Dream Body Cream feels hydrating even to my dry, itchy skin but try not to use it right after shaving your legs or it might burn a little. I made that mistake. This body lotion contains skincare-like actives that are best used on your shaving off days. It also has added fragrance so keep that in mind.

Instead of using it before bed (I save this time for my heavier, fragrance-free options), I like to apply Pink Dream to my body in the morning so it’s like a subtle perfume throughout the day in a formula that keeps my skin feeling soft. Shop it now at Sephora, along with the rest of the Watermelon fam.

Although their names sound similar, Medicare and Medicaid are two different types of healthcare programs offered by the United States government. While both cover healthcare costs, the eligibility requirements for each program are different.

From the government’s perspective, the collective goal is to provide healthcare coverage to American citizens and residents age 65 and older, to those who have a disability (regardless of age), or to low-income individuals and families.

If you fall into any of these categories, depending on which category you fall under, you will want to either enroll in Medicare, Medicaid, or both. Bear in mind, Medicare and Medicaid do not offer automatic enrollment, and each program has different costs, benefits, and coverage.

The following guide provides an overview of Medicare and Medicaid and lists their key differences, in addition to answering a few common questions. Since both programs tend to be a bit confusing, I encourage you to leave comments and ask questions!

Medicare Coverage

Medicare is a federal program that primarily focuses on providing healthcare coverage for adults over 65. However, Medicare also provides healthcare coverage to disabled people and to those with permanent kidney failure (End Stage Renal Disease).

Medicare is available through a four-part program. The healthcare coverage you receive depends on which plan you select. Here’s a quick breakdown of Medicare’s four-part program:

• Part A: Helps cover hospitalization, including inpatient services and care received from a skilled nursing facility.
• Part B: Helps cover outpatient services such as: doctor visits, services from physicians, and some preventative care services. (Please note: Parts A & B, a.k.a. “Original Medicare,” are provided through the Federal Government.)
• Part C: Referred to as “Medicare Advantage Plans,” these combine Medicare Parts A, B and D, as well as other services, into one plan. These plans are offered through private insurance companies.
• Part D: Helps pay for prescription drug coverage.

Understanding specifically what Medicare covers and the costs involved is a deeper topic which I will address in future articles.

Medicaid Coverage

The Medicaid program primarily concentrates on the healthcare needs of low-income families and individuals as well as those with disabilities. Medicaid is jointly funded by the U.S. states and the federal government. Therefore, Medicaid coverage differs by state.

Medicaid benefits generally include the following:

• Care and services from a hospital or skilled nursing facility
• Home health care services
• Care from a federally qualified health center
• Long-term care
• Doctor and nursing services
• Lab services and X-rays

Medicaid is, in fact, the largest single source of long-term care funding in the country. 

To learn more about Medicaid in your state, do a simple Google search. Just type, “[your state] Medicaid.” For example, if you live in Florida, you’d type, “Florida Medicaid.”

What Are the Main Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid

The key difference between Medicare and Medicaid is who is eligible for each program. There are different rules for eligibility, and there may be circumstances where you qualify for Medicaid but do not qualify for Medicare, and vice versa.

Another difference is that Medicaid covers long-term care services and support, while Medicare will often limit this form of coverage.

Can You Be Enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the Same Time

With Medicare, you must be age 65 or older to qualify for coverage. However, with Medicaid, anyone is eligible regardless of age, as long as you meet the low-income requirements. Therefore, it’s possible to meet the requirements for both programs.

If you are eligible for both programs, then you are deemed, “dual-eligible.” When you’re dual-eligible, Medicaid pays for your Medicare costs under the Medicare Savings Programs. The amount that Medicaid covers depends on your income level.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of Medicare and Medicaid, the first question you may have is what if I already have health insurance through an employer? This is a great question. The short answer is that if you’re happy with your employer’s healthcare coverage, and it extends into your retirement, then you don’t need to enroll.

For everyone else who needs healthcare insurance into retirement, put together a list of your healthcare needs. What types of doctors do you visit? How often? What types of prescription drugs do you use? Are you in need of any special medical equipment?

If you need Medicare coverage, you have to sign up during certain enrollment periods which amount to a seven-month window:

• Three months before you turn 65;
• The month you turn 65;
• Three months after you turn 65.

If you miss this window, you must wait for the next enrollment period.

With Medicaid, there aren’t specific dates or deadlines. You can apply any time of the year. However, you still must apply. Even if you think you don’t qualify, you should apply anyway. You may quality for your state’s program at the very least.

Are you enrolled into Medicare or Medicaid, or do you have an employer based health care insurance? Have you considered applying for one of the government health care programs? Which ones do you think you are eligible for? Please share your comments and questions below.

Cookbooks have been a collector item for me since I was gifted with one for my wedding. When I travel, my favorite souvenir is usually a local cookbook found along the way.

Tell Me a Story through Food

Every good cookbook tells some sort of story. It may be a story of the community that created it, a story of those who know the local cuisine, stories of the land and people where the food is grown and raised. It is sometimes the story of the cookbook’s author who, with time and love, compiled recipes to share with those of us who read and cook.

The most recent addition to my cookbook shelf tells many stories and tells them beautifully. The Rise, subtitled Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food, is authored by storyteller and highly-acclaimed chef, philanthropist, and restauranteur Marcus Samuelson. His name may be familiar from several television cooking shows such as Chopped.

You may have enjoyed or prepared what is generally referred to as soul food. Samuelson delves into the history and continuing journey of black foodways. He refers to this book as an invitation to a conversation to the historic foods and people who created this widely defined cuisine.

The stories are told through interview vignettes composed by Samuelson’s co-author, James Beard Award winning food writer Osayi Endolyn. Included are some of the stalwarts of the cuisine as well as up and comers related to it.

Cuisine Development Over Time

Among the mouth-watering recipes beautifully photographed by Angie Mosier, writer, photographer, and food stylist, there is background on the origin of what we may know as soul food. Many foods included in the book’s recipes were grown in slave gardens for sustenance of their families. In some cases, enslaved people brought a knowledge of growing specific beneficial foods with them.

Samuelson was joined by recipe developers Yewande Komolafe and Tamie Cook. Through the recipes, homage is paid to the food writers and chefs who understood the importance of documenting black foodways and have kept the history of a cuisine initiated and developed by black Americans. In many cases, dishes have changed as people migrated to and from other areas.

Foods and recipes also migrate. The authors of The Rise discuss how dishes and use of specific ingredients go through a process of change as people migrate from one region to another. Additionally, dishes have adapted based on influences from other groups or countries.

Let’s Cook

Since this is a cookbook, let’s talk about a few of the recipes that caught my eye. Throughout the book, Samuelson has honored noted chefs, sommeliers, restauranteurs, and food writers by selecting recipes to highlight them.

I spotted a couple of recipes that I plan to try, the first being a staple comfort food, Pork and Beans with piri piri (a sauce with Portuguese-African origins). I think it’s a safe bet it will be a step up from the can of pork and beans in my pantry. The recipe was included to honor Therese Nelson, chef and writer of black culinary history.

Snapper is one of my favorites as are chickpeas, and I’m looking at the Banana Leaf Snapper with Chickpeas and Coconut Rice. I understand banana leaves can be purchased frozen or online, which is a good thing because the climate where I live is not conducive to the banana plant. This recipe honors an anonymous chef.

And finally, a dessert I look forward to preparing this summer, Ginger and Hibiscus Flower Granita. I love ginger, and this one has few ingredients and a short preparation time. The recipe was selected to honor West African chef Michael Adé Elégbèdé

Spices and Ingredients New to You (and Me)

Never heard of a certain ingredient? It’s not a problem. Samuelson includes a resource list of online and brick and mortar businesses that carry many of the ingredients included in the recipes. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find some ingredients in my local grocery stores. They had been there all along, I just hadn’t shopped for them.

There is also a separate section (Chapter 5) where you can find ingredients and techniques for sauces, rubs, and blends to add to your pantry.

Even if you don’t read a word of this book, or try any of the incredible recipes included, paging through it is a pleasure to the eye. Each page is a work of art, deep colors interwoven in each page layout, photographic portraits of the men and women who make these great foods and those who write about the food and the people, from the restauranteurs to the farmers who raise our food.

Do you include foods of the African diaspora in your cooking? When you dine out, do you choose food new to you (ok, maybe no one is dining out right now, but thinking forward)? Do you look for a story in your cookbooks? What is the last cookbook you purchased?