If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I can’t tell you how many times I skipped routine applications of eye cream and regretted it the next morning. The skin around my eyes is often prone to under-eye bags and puffiness (especially if I’ve had too much salt or wine before bed), therefore relying on the effects of a soothing formula is my trick to appearing well-rested. According to shoppers, there’s one fast-acting option that we should all have on hand—and it’s at one of the cheapest prices we’ve seen all year.

The Kleem Organics Firming Eye Cream is clearly a legend amongst Amazon reviewers; some say it works just as well as their expensive eye creams, while others praise it for making their eye bags “disappear” overnight. Even more have posted photo evidence of the “immediate results” they’ve witnessed, alongside remarks that it’s “the best they’ve ever tried.”

Amazon

An all-in-one eye cream, the product not only de-puffs and minimizes dark circles, but also addresses the key signs of aging. You’ll find caffeine, Matrixyl 3000 (a highly potent peptide blend), plant stem cells and collagen get to work on softening crow’s feet, firming sagging eyelids and lifting the under-eyes for a more awake and youthful appearance.

“I do not have the dark circles, but have the lines and crow’s feet and occasional puffiness. I have been using it for a few weeks and already can see a difference,” raved one five-star reviewer. “I have sensitive skin and this does not make me break out or cause redness….The cream is divine and absorbs without being greasy…Fine lines and wrinkles are easing already after just a few weeks!”

For a more intense cooling and de-puffing effect, the brand recommends storing the eye cream in the fridge. Gently pat a pea-sized amount across areas of concern before moving on to your makeup—it’s fast-absorbing and lightweight enough to be worn under your go-to concealer.

RELATED: This $9 Firming Collagen Moisturizer Is So Effective, Shoppers Have Stopped Getting Botox—Grab It Before It Sells Out Again

“Since using the eye cream, the fine lines around my eyes are almost gone,” said another reviewer. “The entire line of Kleem Organics products, eye cream, vitamin C serum and retinol cream, are high quality and well worth the money.”

Right now all of the above is on massive sale—snag Kleem Organic’s best-selling products, including the firming eye cream, for less on Amazon right now. Just make sure to click the on-page coupon for an additional 5 percent off, bringing the total savings up to 44 percent.

I have always tried to keep healthy, so it was a shock 18 months ago to discover I had osteopenia in my lower spine. I’d decided to have a routine DEXA imaging scan and discovered that my score for bone mineral density was in the range of osteopenia.

Living with osteopenia is like being in the waiting room for osteoporosis, a condition where bones are so weakened they can easily break. It was time to get to work on my bones.

I’ve always exercised, been careful of what I eat and have no problem sleeping. But, as I’m learning, that’s not enough to keep osteopenia at bay.

And I’m not alone. Over half of women will develop osteopenia post menopause.

Step 1: Topping Up My Calcium

Research estimates that we’re losing around two per cent of our bone mass each year after menopause. That’s a lot. By the time we finish menopause, we could have lost up to 20% of our bones!

So what’s to do?

First, my primary care doctor recommended I look at taking a calcium supplement. So I did my research – and the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 1,200 mg of calcium a day for women aged 50 and older.

I calculated I could get half my daily calcium needs through food; especially from dairy products like yogurt and cheese, and canned fish like sardines.

I put those on the menu and started on a good calcium supplement including vitamin D and K to make sure the calcium got out of my blood and into my bones.

I kept supplementing calcium for 18 months and went back for another DEXA scan. I expected the results to be positive. I’d done the work, so now my bones should have strengthened. Right?

Wrong. My scan results were much the same, maybe a little worse.

Step 2: Work on My Estrogen

OK. In my case, calcium on its own was not enough. So, now I’m adding a second step: boosting my estrogen.

Up until menopause, we produce three estrogen hormones naturally. They have a protective effect on our bones, by promoting the activity of cells that make new bones.

So, now I’m topping up my estrogen levels through a topical cream that includes estrogen with another female hormone, progesterone. Studies have shown that this method of delivering estrogen made a three to four per cent improvement in bone mineral density.

Let’s see how that goes. As I’m learning: prevention is personal. My doctor can guide and advise, but I need to be aware of my health data and suggest actions based on the results.

How Can I Get a DEXA Scan?

Thankfully, we now have modern tools like a DEXA scan that can give us a baseline reading as to where we are in terms of bone density.

If you’re in the US, your primary care can order a scan, and most insurers will cover a scan every two years. In the UK, NHS guidance is that DEXA scans are for people over 50 with a risk of developing osteoporosis. Given the data, I’d say that’s every woman. So: please talk to your doctor about getting one.

It’s a similar procedure in Australia: your GP can refer you for a scan. It’s painless and only takes 10-15 minutes. So please get scanning!

Why Doesn’t My Doctor Mention Bone Loss?

I’ve written on this topic before. As a society, we’re used to putting our health in our doctors’ hands. But doctors are trained to treat sickness. Wellness is up to us.

If you want to dig more into the subject of bone thinning and the options open to you, I found this helpful summary from The North American Menopause Society.

Editor’s Note: To become a better advocate for your health, you may also want to look at the Echolight technology which scans for bone density without the use of radiation.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is the state of your bone health? Have you done a DEXA scan in the past two years? What are you doing to better your bone health? Do you take any vitamin supplements and/or hormones?

Back in my 20s, I was one of the first generation plus-size models in the UK. I loved it. It felt liberating as a curvier woman to wear beautiful clothes and try on different styles. I modelled for fashion magazines, clothing companies and had fun sashaying down the catwalks at fashion shows.

This was a time when plus-size clothes were only just starting to get the recognition they deserved, and it felt fabulous to be a part of this positive change.

These days, I still love clothes and adore creating a style that is uniquely mine and that I feel good in. For me, I love to wear an eclectic range of boho inspired clothing. I would describe my style as bohemian queen, mixed with a little romance and a touch of gypsy.

Boho inspired clothing conjures up images of being a free spirit, flowing fabrics, brightly coloured florals, paisley prints, mixing patterns, floaty skirts, flared jeans, tassels, eclectic jewellery, layers, fringes and so much more. There is no right or wrong way to create your own unique boho inspired look – only your way.

Ditch the “Rules” of the Past!

For me, the clothes that I wear strongly reflect the way I think and the things that I love. My style goes against much of what I was told how I should dress as an older woman. It was unthinkable that I should have long hair and even worse that I have allowed it to go grey.

My mother visited the hairdresser weekly to have a shampoo and set and always kept her hair dyed a rich brown colour. There were many rules about clothes and how I should dress appropriately for my age, none of which I follow as a 63-year-old woman. As a body confidence expert and age empowerment coach, this has been liberating for me personally.

Creating your own sense of style whether it’s a boho inspired look or something else, means that you follow what is right for you. It’s about ditching the old “rules” or opinions about how you should look and showing up as your authentic self. Clothes can help us change the way we feel and think about ourselves.

For example, I had never worn a leopard print before as someone once told me it was an old-style look. However, once I experimented with a few leopard print jackets, I fell in love with one that I love, and it makes me feel really “rocky!”

How to Create Your Own Authentic Boho Style

Remember that style is about a feeling. It’s about creating a look that represents who you are, what you love and what makes you feel how you desire to feel. It takes time and some delicious experimentation to discover what really works for you. However, that is half the fun!

Your sense of style is created from what is meaningful for you. Style has nothing to do with fashion, although you may want to borrow ideas from the fashion world if they align with you. The following questions help to create a picture of how you can incorporate your beliefs, loves, passions and dreams into developing a signature look that you always feel “at home” in. Put some time aside to reflect on these questions.

Enjoy Answering These Questions:

• What are your five most favourite colours?
• What are your top five values in life?
• Is there a decade that you resonate with? Perhaps it’s the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or maybe it’s now? It may be a combination of decades. Write down or get pictures of the styles and clothes that you love of this time.
• Name your three top feelings of how you desire to feel every day of your life.
• What textures do you love? For example, cotton, silk, velvet, chiffon, organza, etc.
• How do you want your clothes to make you feel?
• Are there causes or ethical considerations that you need to include when creating your sense of authentic style? For example, are you vegan or vegetarian? Are you interested in sustainable and ethically produced clothing?

At the end of this exercise, you should have the beginnings of your own style template. For example, in my own signature style, my favourite colours are pink, lilac, gold and turquoise. I want my clothes to make me feel free, elegant, flowing and loved. I adore the boho look of the 60s and 70s and love fabrics such as taffeta, silk, cotton and chiffon.

The next step is to put all of your ideas into a vision book. Cut out photos from magazines of the styles you love. Search on the internet for ideas of how to put your boho look together.

I have created some examples of my own clothes to give you some other ideas.

Evolve Your Style Organically

Let your own style evolve and grow organically. You may simply want to start with a lovely scarf or piece of jewellery that makes you feel gorgeous. Remember, this is about honouring who you are and what you love.

Sometimes, this can take time. I know that it did with me. From someone who always used to wear black, just incorporating more bright colours into my wardrobe felt uncomfortable at first. However, I now enjoy how vibrant these colours make me feel, and whilst I may still wear black, it’s not the only option I have.

Style That Lasts

A wonderful thing about creating your own boho style is that it is timeless. I still have clothes that I wore over 20 years ago, and they always make me feel happy and free. When I do buy new clothes, some of my favourite shops are Love forever (an online boho style shop), local vintage charity shops, Free people, Lotus-traders and boohoo.com. However, the key is really to just keep your eyes open for anything that inspires you – or make your own.

Have fun creating your own boho chic inspired look. Sometimes it can feel as if we have become invisible to the outside world as we grow older. However, it’s really about being visible to ourselves first that is the key. 

Take up your space, wear clothes that make you feel fabulous, open your arms wide to endless possibilities, shine your light and keep becoming MORE of who you authentically are!

Do join me on Instagram for more inspired chat, ideas and feeling fabulous! I would love your company. Or visit my website at www.astridlonghurst.com

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s your style? What clothes always make you feel radiant, beautiful and comfortable in your skin?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering so many mascaras, it’s that TikTok is one of the best places to discover new formulas. You’ll never run out of videos to watch, let alone try-ons that actually show you how it looks on and whether it stays put throughout the day. Lately, my eyes have been glued on one TikToker, in particular: @katiehub.org. She’s known for her extensive mascara collection and recommendations (or warnings), and her lashes are truly to die for. 

One of her TikToks I stumbled upon recently had me Googling the mascara as soon as I was done watching the video. @katiehub.org shared with viewers that Maybelline made a mascara that’s like “instant lash extensions,” per the brand. It’s called the Illegal Length Mascara, which just sold out on Amazon again (!!). Lucky for you, it’s available to shop right this second at Ulta.

@katiehub.org

wow. i’m speechless. yay!! #fyp #mascara #viral

♬ Awkward Silence – The Elevator Music Jazz Trio

After one coat of mascara, @katiehub.org’s eyelashes are everything you want them to be: long, curled, lifted and defined. And it’s not just because she already has stunning natural lashes. The product has earned a 4.3-star overall rating on Amazon, with numerous reviewers saying the exact same thing as the content creator. 

“After [having] lash extensions in for months, I decided my lashes needed [a] break. Then I was on the quest for a comparable mascara to what looked like extensions. After trying a dozen high-rated ones, this is the holy grail,” explained one shopper. “It does not clump; my lashes are so long with this!” 

Keep reading for what makes this affordable mascara so coveted by TikTokers and shoppers alike.

RELATED: This Mascara Is So Volumizing, Reviewers Warn: ‘Don’t Get Lash Extensions Before You Try This’—Snag It For $9 While You Can

Photo: Maybelline New York.

You probably don’t already have a mascara like the Illegal Length one, and that’s because it has 4 millimeters of lash extension fibers and a Fiber-Fix brush that seamlessly coats each lash with the fibers. These stand-out features make it hard to resist, especially when they cost just $10.

Not to mention, the formula doesn’t clump or flake either, so you don’t have to worry about getting raccoon eyes shortly after you apply the mascara. 

To get the most dramatic lashes, brush the product through your lash hairs from root to tip. You don’t need to pack it on too much; a few swipes should do the trick. Make sure you apply the coats one after the other, rather than letting them dry, so that you get the most voluminous, lengthened look possible. 

“This is the best mascara I have ever used. People ask me if I am wearing false lashes when I wear this mascara. It is easy to use and does not flake off,” raved another reviewer.

“This mascara is wonderful! It really lengthens lashes and is a good substitute for false lashes!” wrote another shopper.

Available in both washable and waterproof formulas, Maybelline’s Illegal Length Mascara is one you don’t want to miss out on. 

While you’re at it, here are three other mascaras that went viral on TikTok and should also be on your radar.

Photo: essence.

Photo: essence.

Photo: Milani.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Ever since I entered my 20s, I’ve struggled with moderate to severe acne breakouts. I’ve tried a number of remedies to balance out my skin, from facials to different skincare acids to chlorophyll supplements, and while all brought various signs of improvement, my skin would almost always flare-up again. So when I saw a certain topical treatment going viral on TikTok for its ability to cure acne like no other, I decided to give it a go.

I’ve been consistently using Tretinoin, an extremely concentrated form of retinol, for three months now, and to say it has been a rollercoaster of a journey is putting it lightly. I’ve gone through several purging stages, and while the crystal clear skin others have claimed to get has yet to happen for me, I’m still continuing to apply the cream nightly with high hopes.

It’s not without hesitation, though; my skin has broken out worse, experienced painful irritation and showed signs of redness like never before. Tretinoin purging periods do vary for different individuals, but personally speaking, mine have been no joke. I’ve leaned on a lot of hydrating formulas to make the process easier, especially one in particular.

Avene’s Tolerance Control Cream has been one of the only formulas that’s actually managed to calm my skin during these painful skin periods. It immediately reduces redness, soothes painful areas and helps skin flaking clear up fast. It’s quite honestly the one product I reach for the most, and I just might cry when I reach the end of this bottle.

Avene

Avene Tolerance Control Cream

It’s an award-winner for a reason: The daily cream is exceptional at restoring a damaged skin barrier, and mainly targets redness, tightness and overheating on the skin, all of which I’ve experienced during these past few months. It contains postbiotics to ease discomfort across the face, alongside Avene’s signature Thermal Spring Water, which is killer at healing various skin concerns fast. 

Even if you’re not currently using Tretinoin, the cream is worth adding into your regimen if you experience irritation from other forms of retinol, or simply have sensitive skin. Reviewers agree it’s a stellar option for those with “finicky skin,” and doesn’t set off hormonal acne or rosacea further. Those with ultra-dry skin also swear by it, and appreciate it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind, which I whole-heartedly agree with.

Pick up a bottle of your own (I promise you won’t regret it) during Avene’s Friends & Family sale, where you can save 20 percent on orders $65+ with the code FRIENDS20.