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

When Christina Aguilera went on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast last month, I listened to the audio but didn’t see the taped interview. When I finally got around to watching some of it, I couldn’t help but notice Aguilera’s nails…and the vaginas — or, more correctly, vulvas — painted on each. Host Alex Cooper asked the singer about the manicure. “‘I’m staring at your nails, what’s happening?” she said. “Is that a vagina?”

“Oh yes,” Aguilera said. “They’re so fun…It’s open to interpretation. It could be a vagina; it could be lips, but two in the same, both pleasure points, you know.” Cooper responded: “This couldn’t be more appropriate for a ‘Call Her Daddy’ episode,” Cooper said. “Casual Christina Aguilera is like ‘It could be lips, it could be my pussy lips,’ God bless you all, up for interpretation.” Aguilera goes on to have a really fun, open conversation about sex and sexuality while promoting the new lube line she co-founded, Playground.

YouTube/Call Her Daddy.

This whole conversation, and cute pink vulva nails from Xtina, could be why I’ve been seeing these manicures popping up on social media. The folks over at Popsugar noticed it, too. Instagram is full of vagina mani inspo if you’d like to try the trend out for yourself. It could be in a flirty, colorful way like Aguilera’s, a more “real-life” direction with unique drawings on each nail — it’s totally up to you. May is Masturbation Month, after all. I’ve seen some cool ideas on TikTok too but that app loves to block the word “vagina,” which is pretty nuts considering it’s a body part half the population has and not only sexual.

To wit, for International Women’s Day, one creator celebrated how every body is different.

Source: Instagram

I love the addition of pubic hair here.

Source: Instagram

This creator is using her nails to fight for reproductive justice and I love it.

Source: Instagram

Or you can take a more artistic approach.

Source: Instagram

Ah, the possibilities.

Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.

—Robert Browning

I’ve written on this theme many times, but I’ll repeat myself: There’s never a better time for living than now.

You might ask why? What’s so great about getting older?

Well, we have a choice: See our third portion of life as a privilege or view the road as abysmal.

Now, I’m not minimizing the risks of age-related illnesses, but things have improved exponentially. Only a few decades ago, older adults endured more suffering than our generation. Minor issues may have been severe at one time, but the blessings of 21st century innovations have changed that.

Technological advancements and healthy living have led to longer life spans for Baby Boomers, and future generations should see even more.

What else?

Two phenomena have become more common for us older adults, and one has recently emerged, almost unheard a few decades ago.

Marriage Beyond 60

70? 80? 90? Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Buzz Aldrin took the plunge, as did Robert Kraft. Do you recognize the names? Let’s start with Mr. Aldrin.

Buzz rocketed into space several decades ago, and recently, he became Rocket Man again when he married a fourth time on his 93rd birthday.

Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots owner, lost his wife, Myra, to ovarian cancer in 2011. In 2023, he tackled marriage a second time at age 81.

Famous people aren’t the only ones choosing marriage at a later life stage.

I’m acquainted with people – and you probably are too – who are looking for golden-years’ love and marriage. Many dating sites now attract this population, and as someone dealing with human behavior, I believe this trend will continue to increase.

Older Workers

I’ve written about this many times, and now it’s being highlighted in several publications. On April 6th, The Wall Street Journal published an article about the increasing demand of older workers.

The reason? Their employers prefer older people’s work ethic over the younger generation. The WSJ states:

“People fifty-five and older are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, according to federal data.”

The article discusses many variables, but the older adult’s desire for stability is viewed as an asset. The WSJ acknowledges that ageism remains for certain sectors of the graying population. However, between 2011 and 2021, discrimination complaints to the Equal Opportunity Commission decreased by 45 percent.

My mother, ahead of her time, loved working, and stayed employed until age 81. She kept her house, drove, and although not wealthy, she remained independent. When a couple of people questioned her desire to work in her older years, she informed them she used Betty White as her role model.

More people are taking a page from my mother and other inspiring women.

We’ve come a long way, baby.

Modeling

Isabella Rossellini became one of the highest paid models as the face of Lancôme until age 40. At that time, Lancôme ended their contract with Ms. Rossellini, deeming her “too old.” But because views about age and beauty have been changing in recent years, Ms. Rossellini had been invited back to Lancôme.

In January, The Wall Street Journal highlighted the rise in beauty ads with greying adults. Grey Model Agency in London began in 2015 because of the demand for older models. One of their models, Frances Dunscombe, became employed by the agency at age 82. They continue to find jobs for her at age 90.

Martha Stewart broke a record for Sports Illustrated’s oldest model. Maye Musk, age 74, graced their cover in 2022, and, at age 81, Ms. Stewart will do so in 2023. And her reason?

On May 15th, Yahoo! Life reported:

“‘Usually, I’m motivated by pay. But this time I was motivated by showing people that a woman my age could still look good, feel good, be good,’” Stewart said in conversation with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.”

Ms. Stewart sums it up for all of us whether you choose marriage at a later stage, work, or something once deemed for the nubile generation.

Guarantees never exist, but opportunities abound more than any other time in history.

Ah, the possibilities, indeed.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your thoughts about marriage after 60? What about the work environment for older adults – is it more open to us than ever? Have you always wanted to be a model? Why not try it now? The opportunities are endless!

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

Usually, it’s the buzzy, brand-new products that go viral on TikTok. But this time, the lipstick on everyone’s lips literally launched decades ago. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey gained popularity in 1971 when the brand released the no-makeup-makeup color in a pot. Literally 30 years later, folks on TikTok started talking about the tinted balmy color, which caused it to completely sell out. That’s why everyone is searching for Clinique Black Honey lipstick dupes now. And there are some great ones.

The especially cool thing is that Black Honey is back in stock, so you can grab the original and/or some of these killer dupes. But first, let’s get to why Clinique’s lipstick is so popular. Black Honey looks like a dark burgundy in the tube, but when applied to the lips, it’s the perfect hint of a natural-looking, hydrating color. It truly looks great on all skin tones. The brand really nailed that “your lips but better” vibe way before it became popular.

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. CVS is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Clinique.

Although $20 isn’t crazy expensive for lipstick, not everyone can or wants to spend that much money. That’s why we’re so excited to see similar shades for less than $9.

Shop some of our faves below, before TikTok sells those out, too.

Burts Bees.

Burts Bees 100% Natural Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia

This cult-favorite lip balm has the perfect hint of sheer, red color. And at this price, you can have one in every bag.

E.L.F.

E.L.F. Hydrating Core Lip Shine Makeup in Ecstatic

Another pretty option from E.L.F. has a vitamin E-infused center for glossy moisture.

Ulta.

Ulta Beauty Collection Gloss Stick in Buggin

Ulta’s in-house line has a shiny berry lipstick that looks a lot like Black Honey when applied.

Undone Beauty.

Undone Beauty Light On Lip

This tinted lip balm has a soft, exfoliating applicator to gently remove dry skin.

Ariana Madix’s Gold Sequin Dress

Vanderpump Rules Season 10 Finale Fashion

Ariana Madix was as good as gold in her sequin dress on last night’s Season 10 Vanderpump Rules finale. And though she has gone through so much recently, she really does look like a huge weight has been lifted off of her shoulders. So cheers to her as she lives her best life and continues to go for gold.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Ramy Brook Leith Dress

Click Here for Additional Stock

Click Here for Even More Stock

Photo: @RamyBrook

Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Gold Sequin Dress

I was looking for a volunteer opportunity in retirement, but I wanted to avoid the deep-brain work I was used to – writing, editing, teaching, and communications and social media strategy, etc. – you know, all the stuff I retired from. I needed a break from that.

I happened upon a story on Sixty and Me advising women over 60 to reignite their passion by looking back at what gave them joy when they were young. I used to like roller skating, hula hoop and the trampoline, but those were out. I didn’t draw or play an instrument as a kid, and I wasn’t looking to start, at least not right away.

I had to admit that an area of interest that had always been part of me was beauty and style, especially makeup. It harkened back to my grandmother painting my fingernails bright red when I was five or six and watching in awe as my mother dragged a tiny, wetted brush through a black pallet to turn her long, dark eyelashes into a glamorous fringe. (The version of mascara before the self-contained wand.)

I bought my first blush as a young teen when such powders were just starting to take the place of traditional rouge, and my best friend and I saved our allowances so we could buy Max Factor pancake base at a fancy department store makeup counter.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the model Twiggy and her dramatic eyes inspired a generation of young girls looking to adopt the Mod style, and, yes, when I got older, I painted actual bottom lashes with eyeliner – and not half badly, I might add.

Making Up Is Fun to Do

Makeup has always been part of my routine, and I found experimenting fun, but that was not something I advertised as a woman in the working world with an advanced degree. I wondered if I had the nerve later in life to commit myself to becoming more intentional about makeup, and the answer was yes, if I could find a way to help the world at the same time.

That meant professional training and certification, and there are lots of ways to go. Cosmetologists and estheticians train for months and even years to be able to earn a living making models, stars and brides more beautiful. But I had more modest goals.

I chose Alison courses, which are mostly free, but provide a wide range of self-paced training, including in makeup application. (Obtaining a printed certificate at the end of a course does require payment.) Certificate programs are a popular method these days of furthering education, and there are a lot of options. Check reviews and recommendations closely if you decide to go that route.

After a seven-hour plus training over a couple of weeks, including watching and re-watching videos by professional makeup artists on contouring, highlighting and flawless, feathery brows, I passed enough quizzes to feel confident enough to offer up my skills. Even pros, I learned, sometimes struggled with the perfect cat eye. Oh, and the lashes! They take patience and determination, but they deliver!

When I say confident, though, I’m stretching it because when I showed up for my first gig, I was nervous and insecure.

Inspired by Youth

I had responded via LinkedIn’s volunteer jobs site to a request for help from Veronica Eyenga, executive director of My Girlfriend’s House, a non-profit community of women and young girls “empowering each other to be better, smarter, stronger,” in Capitol Heights, MD, about a half hour’s drive from my suburban Washington, D.C., home.

Veronica needed volunteers to be part of her “glam squad” for a teen fashion show celebrating the different looks of women of color, from native African makeup to the Harlem Renaissance, the 1970s (think Diana Ross and Donna Summer), Wakanda-esque makeup, and back to today.

I emailed Veronica that I was a novice, but she encouraged me and sent photos of the looks she was after. I would be one of three makeup artists assigned three to four girls each for a full work up with tweaks between changes for the cat walk and stage at the BWI Hilton Hotel.

There’s No Business Like Show Business

I was all nerves as I wheeled in my professional makeup kit, a roller bag I filled to the brim at my local beauty supply store with the help of a young employee who knew her lip liners and especially the dozens of styles of lashes – all at discount prices.

I admit that my tentative approach at first got a few shared glances of concern among the girls, but their supple skin and youthful exuberance made my job easy, and my Twiggy skills returned for the perfect eyeliner wings they desired. By the time I got to the oh-so-important lashes, they were smiling, posing for pictures and comparing lip glosses to see who had the most shine.

After a six-hour day of beauty labor – the first big push, then quick touch-ups and endless applications of blush and lip color, powder and reassurance – I gifted each girl a fresh tube of mascara and thanked them for their patience and generous spirit.

I rolled my bag to my car, exhausted and fulfilled in my effort to celebrate not only my past, but my effort at learning new skills and taking a chance at my age. Most of all, though, I felt thankful for the girls and their commitment to honor those who came before them, the icons and everyday women who brought style to us all.

Since my professional debut, I have practiced my skills on friends and relatives, and my makeup kit is packed and ready for my next “job.” Now that things are opening up again, I’m seeing even more opportunities to mix my youthful passion with my later-in-life yearning to help in some small way.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you rekindled a passion from your youth? Do you feel an urge to help the world in a volunteer capacity? Have you combined the two? How have you overcome a fear of trying something new or sharpening a skill to help others?