As a pretty regular Zara shopper, there’s not much the retailer sells that I don’t know about. But when I saw the Zara perfume that’s a dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540 on TikTok, I was shocked. I knew the brand had some affordable fragrances but I didn’t realize just how large the selection is. And how good. Most of it is available online (you know how crazy Zara stores are!) and is actually in stock now.

If you’re not familiar with the fancy option, allow me to explain. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum is a cult-fave French woody fragrance, with notes of jasmine, saffron, cedarwood ambergris. It’s a sexy scent but one that’s not heavy or overpowering. Plus, the bottle is stunning. It’s not cheap but folks swear it’s worth every penny.

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.

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN.

Now, if you’re not in the market to spend more than $300, I feel you. How about $25? TikTokers swear Zara’s Red Temptation Floral Eau De Parfum is similar — especially for the price. TikToker @jesssscca says Red Temptation smells “honestly pretty much the same, I can tell the difference but not by much!” @makeupsessions says it’s a dupe, too, and because Zara’s is more affordable, she can use more of it.

Zara.

It seems there are actually a few Zara scents folks swear smell just like designer options. @makeupsessions swears Zara Gardenia ($19.90 at Zara) is a dupe for Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum ($106 at Ulta) and Zara Applejuice ($17.90 at Zara) is a dupe for Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau De Parfum ($138 at Ulta). The moral of the story? Hurry and grab Red Temptation and do not sleep on Zara fragrances.

Since starting Sixty and Me, I have come to expect the unexpected and embrace the diversity and eclectic style of women over 60. Sometimes when I look at a woman my age, I forget that behind that conservative dress and sensible shoes lurks the heart and soul of a bohemian.

We are individuals who grew up in the 1960s where individualism and self-expression were a passion and way of life. At every age and stage of life, our generation has been known for not being afraid to express ourselves.

For goodness’ sake, some time ago we saw Helen Mirren twerk!

This “Beatnik” eccentricity of so many women our age was highlighted for me some time ago when I organized a “meet-up” in my town for women over 50. As we shared our stories, two women revealed that they had just recently gotten tattoos.

I was a little surprised – because when Baby Boomers were growing up, having a tattoo was not nearly as widespread or widely accepted as it is today. In fact, many people our age might have had parents who explicitly warned us NOT to get tattoos.

But a recent Pew study confirms that, today, roughly 15 percent of American Baby Boomers have tattoos and body art.

What could be driving this sudden interest in tattoos for older women, and why is this tattoo trend noteworthy for the Sixty and Me community?

Tattoos for Older Women Are Gaining Popularity

One topic that we discuss a lot in the community is our desire to define self-expression for ourselves and reject stereotypes about aging. Who’s to say that women our age are “too old” to have a tattoo?

The last thing you expect to see on your grandmother’s arm is a tattoo of a Celtic cross or Buddhist lotus. But, for many women, getting a tattoo is a way to declare, if only to themselves, what they stand for and who they really are.

Even if you are not such an extrovert who likes to share your tattoos with the entire world, a small butterfly or flower tattoo is something that can be hidden under a sweater, but you know it’s there.

Why Are More of Us Getting Tattoos?

A tattoo can be your secret, representing your secret persona. Or a tattoo can make a personal statement to the world about your values, your independence and beliefs. Getting a tattoo gives you freedom to express yourself as a unique free spirit. Body art expresses the rebel in us and is part of how we show that we are interesting and passionate women!

Tattoos have moved past many of their negative associations and are widely accepted today. But it seems to me that, even though tattoos are more “mainstream” than they used to be, the act of getting tattoos and body art is still about connecting with a cultural “tribe” or expressing a sense of intention or purpose.

Your tattoo might make a connection to a special person, a spiritual tradition or archetype. Or it may reflect your personal life philosophy. Your tattoo might remind you of a loved one who has died, or a place you have visited, or a culture you revere.

At the end of the day, perhaps expressing a sense of purpose and feeling a connection to a tribe is what getting a tattoo is all about. Perhaps this is why they are so popular with Boomer women!

Today, Boomers wear their tattoos proudly. And I think that for older women in particular, getting a tattoo is just another expression of their newfound independence and self-awareness. Women over 60 have been around long enough not to worry about what other people think about them, and now we have the freedom to more fully express our creativity and passions in life.

So from now on, be aware that the seemingly “conservative-looking” grey haired lady next to you in the café might just have a butterfly tattoo on her shoulder – or somewhere else! There is nothing wrong with tattoos on older women; they can be another way to show our sense of adventure, curiosity, creativity and our desire to make an impression on the world.

A Beautiful Body of Work

Guinness World Record holders for most tattooed seniors, Charlotte Guttenberg, 72, and her partner, Charles Helmke, 80, are showing their fellow Boomers that tattoos are an art form for people of all ages.

While it’s true that tattooing on older skin requires a lighter touch to avoid “blowouts” (when the ink is pushed into the deeper layers of the skin, causing a smudged look), the idea that tattoos will appear deformed or unattractive on wrinkled on older skin is more of a personal opinion than a fact.

And it’s an opinion that Helmke doesn’t agree with, “That BS is just unbelievable,” Helmke says of being too old for a tattoo. “You can’t see the wrinkles with all the tattoos.”

Creative self-expression and a solution for wrinkles – genius!

While Helmke has been getting tattooed since he was a young man, Guttenberg only just got her first tattoo less than 20 years ago, after her first husband died.

And surprisingly, what led her to embark on the journey of tattooing her entire body actually began with Guttenberg’s disappointment in that first tattoo she received – a small butterfly.

The tattoo was done poorly by an inexperienced tattoo artist, leading Guttenberg to seek out a more qualified artist to cover it up.

Inspired by a painting of a full tattoo bodysuit on the wall at her new tattoo artist’s shop, Guttenberg slowly started adding to the beautiful swallowtail artwork she had done to cover-up her once unexceptional butterfly.

Eventually, all those small additions began to add up until her entire body, outside of her face, was filled with colorful and carefully inked artwork.

Making Tattoo History Together

However, before reaching full bodysuit status, Guttenberg was lucky enough to cross paths with someone that she would end up enjoying this record-breaking experience with.

While she was getting a particularly painful tattoo in 2006, Helmke happened to be visiting the tattoo shop and was asked to distract Guttenberg from the painful tattoo that she was receiving – to which he happily and successfully did.

Soon after, the two began dating and sharing every future tattoo experience together – painful or not!

“We were taking turns getting tattooed, and pretty soon we [each] had a bodysuit,” says Helmke.

While some might assume the pair embarked on this body art journey for the sole purpose of setting a world record, they both maintain that their physical transformations have been purely for their own enjoyment.

“[It’s] a perfect analogy because this is our artwork, and we choose to wear it. I have this artwork because I enjoy it,” explains Guttenberg.

And while the public reaction to the colorfully decorated pair has been mostly positive, they do receive the occasional ogling stranger or disapproving comment – but they don’t seem too bothered by it.

In fact, Guttenberg’s response is the perfect reminder that with age comes a strong and freeing sense of self-confidence, “I really am of the opinion that it’s none of my business what other people think, and it is not my responsibility to change your way of thinking.”

Helmke adds, “It’s a personal decision someone makes. You may not have any tattoos. Well, that’s okay, too.”

I think we can all agree, whatever your thoughts on tattoos or body art on older individuals may be, that Guttenberg and Helmke are an inspiring pair of beautiful, free-spirits – inside and out.

What do you think about tattoos for older women? Do you have a tattoo? If so, what is the design? What does it mean to you? Have you ever thought of getting a tattoo or body art? Please join the conversation.

I love the month of October and all its fall festivals, including Halloween. As a child, I collected more candy than I should have in a lifetime when I paraded through the neighborhood as my favorite superheroes.

Halloween was originally known as “Hallowed Eve” because it honored heroes that died bravely for their beliefs. It’s no wonder that superhero costumes are consistently the most popular costumes each year.

Being a Superhero Isn’t “Make-Believe”

I confess, I’m a bit of a superhero. In fact, we are all called to be superheroes, and I don’t mean in a game of “make-believe.” This is an important mandate for all our lives.

At our age, it’s tempting to let others take over this role – sometimes it feels like the wind has gone out of our capes. But truly, superheroes never retire. They (we) are wiser and more valuable than ever.

Your Superhero Within

At some level, I think we all suspect there’s a “superhero” deep within. When we are young, we dressed up as characters like Superman and Wonder Woman. Throughout life we read their stories and watch their movies, imagining a life of bravery for ourselves.

We wear t-shirts and drink from coffee cups that project onto us extraordinary identities, willing us to courageously go above and beyond.

The origin of the word super actually comes from the German word uper meaning above and beyond. And the word hero comes from a 14^th century French word meaning courage and protection.

Sometimes we feel weary of taking care of everyone! Well, here’s why you have been, and still are, a superhero.

Our Traumas Have Shaped Us to Be Superheroes

Without exception, everyone encounters painful experiences. Are you using them to induce growth and resolve to help others?

Batman’s resolve to fight crime was set in motion when his parents were randomly killed. Whatever our hardships and heartaches, they’re not meant to diminish our strength but fortify us to help and protect each other.

Destiny Call Us

Inside us all is a force that compels us to become a heroic person that assumes the great responsibility we’ve been uniquely created for. Don’t ignore this force.

Our destiny may not be as noticeable as that of Mother Teresa’s, but it is equally compelling. One of our greatest (and heroic) purposes is to love our neighbor as our self. These days this can summon all of our courage!

Random Acts Help Us “Take Stock”

Throughout life we encounter random acts that are both kind and hostile. They can remind us to take stock of our lives. Spiderman was bitten by a spider. The Hulk had a terrible laboratory accident. Charlie got the golden ticket to the chocolate factory.

And you? Well, I don’t know what you’ve gone through, but now is the time to pay attention to the big and little moments of your life that you take for granted. Taking stock creates awareness that, maybe, the random acts in your life aren’t so random after all, but meant to develop your superpowers.

Here are three specific ways to be “super.”

Reveal Your True Identity

Superman dramatically tears open his shirt to reveal his Superman identity. Wonder Woman whirls around and clicks her wrists to transform into her super-self. How do you transform?

There are scientific studies proving that when we stand in a superhero pose for just five minutes we not only feel more “super” we actually perform measurably better.

The red tights and cape are optional, but take the posture of your imagined superhero. Raise your arms, tilt your head up, and throw back your shoulders to pose as a superhero. Do you feel it?

Don’t Forget Who You Are

I found a picture of me as a 6-year-old child. Imagine what I saw: Hands on my hips, chin tilted up and out, back arched and shoulders back. My little white dress is flowing to my ankles. Clearly, I believed I was some kind of a superhero!

Somewhere along the years, I stopped believing. My head fell, my shoulders slumped, my feet stood still. Now I keep this photo on my bathroom mirror to remind myself to BE a hero.

I’ve reclaimed my true identity. So can you. This isn’t about arrogance, or self-importance. Discovering this photo in an old family photo album reminded me that we are ALL born into greatness. Don’t forget.

Your Superpowers Are Changing the World

What makes your powers “super” is that they go above and beyond to help others. There is no overestimating the way these powers stir the heart and soul and quicken the world’s resolve to hope for better tomorrows.

Choose the courage of optimism over the crush of cynicism. Superpowers aren’t necessarily supernatural (although I think those exist too). Your superpower might be kindness, humor, listening, or giving.

Superpowers are anything that makes the world a better place. They never “time-out.” They empower you at any age.

Bring on your superhero pose and claim your power. You are not ordinary. You are extraordinary. Be the hero that never gives up, never surrenders, and changes the world.

When was the last time you thought of yourself as a superhero? What made you stop? When you think about it now, what are your superpowers? Which superhero most closely resembles your superpowers? Please share with the community!

If you know Jennifer Aniston for taking on main character roles in ‘Friends’ and ‘The Morning Show’, then you also know that she is a beauty icon. And, honestly, icon is kind of an understatement. We can’t figure out how she has managed to somehow not age one bit. How, Jen, how?? 

Thankfully, eagle-eye fans were quick to spot some of the hero products Jen uses to prep before her tv gigs. Among the most promising? A Tatcha mask that soothes parched lips and leaves them glistening like a freshly cleaned diamond. 

If the name rings a bell, it’s probably because Tatcha is one of Megan Markle’s favorite beauty brands. This mask in particular is seriously beloved by the likes of Jen and beyond. In December 2019, it had a 4,000-person waitlist of devoted stans.

RELEVANT: This $20 Moisturizer Is Almost an Exact Dupe for Tatcha’s Beloved Dewy Skin Cream 

Right now, the hero product has a near-perfect 4.6-star rating on Amazon. Many shoppers praise the mask for healing their dry, chapped lips. And with the weather starting to change, you might want to hop on the bandwagon, pronto. 

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.

You might be wondering why the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask has gotten so much hype and if it’s even worth it. We’re here to tell you that it is, and here’s why: It blends together squalane, Japanese peach extract, and Japanese camellia oil. These three ingredients join forces to repair, nourish, and moisturize your lips. Best of all, the jelly formula plumps your pout and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Now we understand how Jen achieves a supple pout that never seems to leave the spotlight.

Courtesy of Tatcha.

One Amazon shopper wrote, “My aging lips seem to get a plumping and smoothing with this beautifully packaged product.” Another shopper who struggled with severely dry lips in the winter said, “I almost cried because for the first time in what seems like ages my lips are softer, and I can smile without feeling pain.” That’s a pretty tall claim, and STYLECASTER’s resident beauty expert, Liz Denton, swears by this lip mask.

If you’re still not convinced of this product’s superpowers, you simply need to try it for yourself. 

If you’ve been on just about any social media platform lately, you’ve probably heard the world’s newest favorite phrase floating around, “parasocial relationship”. Whether you’ve heard the term in context with John Mulaney and Olivia Munn’s divisive relationship or TikTok’s infamous “couch guy”, it’s become everyone’s favorite term to lean on (and criticize) in recent weeks. Although much of the world has made a joke of the term, naming it as an excuse for our inexplicable fascination with the relationships of those we don’t even know—the phenomenon is very much real, and it’s been around for decades. 

So why the sudden focus on parasocial relationships, today? While the term isn’t exactly new, coined in 1956 by social scientists Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl, our current way of living and communicating with each other via social platforms has given way to its popularity—and inherent severity. The access that we have to others around the world, from celebrities to your ex’s new girlfriend, provides real-time insight into the lives of those we don’t actually know (and likely won’t ever meet), encouraging unhealthy attachments and even reliance on relationships that are solely one-sided. 

While Google can offer a brief definition for parasocial relationships, the term is far better dissected and explained by Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Bethany Cook, PsyD, MT-BC. STYLECASTER sat down to chat about the intricacies and complications that come with our immediate—and, oftentimes, unfiltered—access to millions of others via social media. And although the initial idea can be frightening, we’re happy to inform you that it’s not all bad news when it comes to parasocial relationships. 

What Is A Parasocial Relationship?

Dr. Cook defines a parasocial relationship as “a one-sided psychological relationship experienced by somebody who begins to feel an emotional, intimate connection to someone they’ve never met.” While we’ve heard the term referenced most frequently when it comes to celebrities, these connections can flourish between an individual and anyone they don’t have physical and reciprocated emotional access to. 

Dr. Cook continues, a parasocial relationship “includes intimacy and friendships, you feel support from this person—it’s everything you have from a two-sided relationship but there’s nothing actively coming back from the other person.” This idea is what makes platforms like TikTok so conducive to developing parasocial connections. The creators on the app, who thrive off of sharing their unfiltered personalities, create an unrivaled feeling of tangibility between users. 

How Has Social Media Impacted These Relationships?

With that, TikTok isn’t the only social platform that’s led to an increase in these types of relationships. The access into others’ lives that’s been happening since the dawn of Facebook has given way to a new era of parasocial interaction. Dr. Cook says, “Social media allows the untouchable to become touchable. You can go to concerts, speaking events, you can see them all of the time.” 

Celebrities are no longer just seen on television screens (Note: Which is the reason the term was coined in the first place) or on posters tacked to your wall, they’re at your fingertips every second of every day. And while everyone has the option to set their own limits, there’s no arguing that the more accessible a celebrity is willing to be—the better their career does in most cases, *cough* Lizzo. It’s human nature to feed into a more personal connection, from both sides of the screen. 

They often will form parasocial relationships because it’s safer. There’s not a fear of rejection.

Why Do We Form Parasocial Relationships?

Aside from how we form parasocial relationships and why they’ve become so much more prevalent over the past decade, there’s a reason behind our inherent nature to develop these connections. Dr. Cook goes on, “They often will form parasocial relationships because it’s safer. There’s not a fear of rejection.” Describing the ease and comfort that comes with having a one-sided relationship, one that can only be severed on your own accord. Especially for adolescents and young teens who are searching for their identity, the ability to evade the possibility of bullying and criticism is appealing.

However, parasocial relationships aren’t unique to those with developing minds, they provide a crutch for anyone who’s looking to “fill a void”, Dr. Cook says. Like with anything, the reliance on these types of connections comes from something we’re searching for in our own day-to-day life, such as emotional support and satisfaction that our real-life interactions can’t fulfill.

Are Parasocial Relationships All Bad?

While you can tune into shows like Netflix’s “Clickbait” or MTV’s “Catfish”, and watch the dramatization of parasocial relationships with real-life consequences, Dr. Cook reminds us that they aren’t all bad. She tells us to ask ourselves, “What is this person bringing to your life?”. As long as these perceived bonds are still set in reality, without taking a toll on your IRL relationships, there’s a lot of good that can come from them, too. The access that we have to others on the internet and around the world allows many of us to tap into connections we would never find in our own small towns—and in a world that is so large and filled with so many personalities, there’s a lot of good that can come from feeling seen.