Month: April 2025

It’s wedding season! Weddings can bring out your inner fairy; leap brightly around finding the perfect dress, makeup, and shoes in preparation for a fun-filled, entertaining day, or turn you into an ostrich that sticks its head in the ground to avoid the extra effort. If it’s your own wedding, then you are probably elated and want to look your best. My goal in this video and article is to help you embrace the event with confidence and knowledge of what works best whether you are an ostrich or a fairy.

As an aside, I have worked on hundreds (yes, hundreds) of weddings from all different cultures and styles, and I can honestly say that behind the scenes it’s a bizarre mixture of madness and glee. What we want to avoid is that overdone wedding makeup look where everyone walks out as if they are wearing a mask. This horror is avoidable with simple wedding makeup tricks that everyone should know.

How Should Older Women Wear Wedding Makeup?

One of the biggest fallacies is that special event makeup should be more or heavier than regular makeup. With the advent of 4K cameras, what you see with the naked eye is what the camera sees, so the focus should be on your use of color in order to stand out against the various backgrounds. But first, let’s go through preparing your skin so the makeup stays on your face all day and looks fresh.

What’s the Best Way to Prep Your Skin?

I worked for Gaia TV for over 10 years running the makeup department, and one of the biggest challenges I faced was when on-camera talent came in with dry skin. Makeup looks BAD on dry skin, and on very dry skin, you can’t just apply some serum and moisturizer and expect everything to look nice.

Dry skin needs to be treated on a daily basis internally with Omega 3-6-9 oils, and externally with a nourishing moisturizer. Be sure your face cream has active ingredients like an oil soluble vitamin C (THDA), niacinamide, vitamin A, or hyaluronic acid. If there aren’t any active ingredients, then the product doesn’t add moisture, it just temporarily makes your skin feel better.

With that in mind, use a vitamin C serum or moisturizer, and then either give yourself a face massage or use a Gua Sha to move any inflammation from your under eye area. This works wonderfully well and will refresh your skin and make it ready for foundation.

As an aside, face oil has become a popular form of topical skin care, yet it is not hydrating (the molecules are too large to affect cells) and can cause the foundation to separate and look funky. Therefore, I would avoid topical oils in favor of nourishing ingredients.

Should Older Women Wear Foundation?

Foundation on mature skin can be tricky. You want to stick with a light to medium coverage product that is either a liquid or a cream, and that doesn’t set in fine lines. Look for products made with hydrating properties or specifically for older skin. On Maureen, my model, I used my current favorite foundation, PrimePrometics CC Cream in medium. It’s a cream to powder, lasts all day, and doesn’t set in fine lines.

If your face and neck are different colors, try to match your neck as best as you can. Another trick if your neck is darker than your face, is to use one color around your eyes, and a second slightly darker shade under your cheekbones and jawline in order to better match your neck. Just be sure to blend like an OG (original gangster). Nothing looks worse than a brown demarcation line on your neck!

Eye Makeup for Mature Ladies

Wedding makeup is typically pretty, soft, and elevated to match the tone of the event. If you are attending a mosh-pit rager, then this look is probably not for you. On Maureen, I applied an all over cream eye shadow called Afterglow, and also swiped it under her eyes for a soft hue. Then I used a brown waterproof eyeliner pencil called Mocha Shimmer on the top and bottom area between her lashes. This can look overdone if you’re not careful, so be sure to blend very well, keeping the liner to the outer eye edges as much as possible.

To make her eyes a little more dramatic and sophisticated, I used a rich chestnut brown eye shadow in the outer crease, and blended it into the liner for added depth. To top it all off, I applied false lashes, a wedding staple. Maureen was initially not a fan of the feel of the lashes, but after a short while, she completely forgot they were on. If you buy natural looking false lashes, you won’t look weird and crazy but rather pretty and glamorous!

Also read, BLINK, BLINK! The Eye-Opening Facts on Lashes: Thickeners, Lengtheners, False Lashes, and Extensions.

Glowing Cheeks and Glam Lips

I love blush on mature skin, and in the video, I made the most of Maureen’s features. First, I used a bronzer under her cheekbones, jawline, and the high parts of her forehead. Then I applied a cream blush called Nude on the top part of her cheekbones and a little over her brow bone. It’s soft but has enough color to look gorgeous in pictures.

Lastly, I reached for a pretty pink lipstick that went well with the Nude blush. Maureen’s outfit is a polka dot navy blue mid-length dress that screams summer wedding, so the pink lipstick needed to have some “pow” to it to stand against the darker dress top. Always consider your outfit, as the more saturated the outfit, the stronger the lip color needs to be. Then I added a neutral lip liner to frame her lips and keep the lipstick in place. A little clear lipgloss and voila!

Go for Puffy Hair

Maureen has a long, layered haircut that curls nicely. I used a wide barreled curling iron and then let the curls cool while pinned in place. After a good spritz of hairspray, I took down the curls and then pulled back the sides to open up her face. This gave her hair volume but kept it away from her face for photos and dancing. This style is very easy to manage and looks beautiful!

If you’re interested in trying out the products I used for this makeup look, use the code THEBEAUTYSHAMAN at PrimePrometics checkout for 10% off.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your plans for upcoming weddings? Does it overwhelm you to think about dressing for the event, or are you one of those who loves the process? Please let me know below if you have any questions or maybe what you have found that works best for you. Have a wonderful fun filled wedding season!

Hello readers. Welcome to my third installment investigating my ongoing battle with Valulosis (patent pending), the affliction that makes us cling to things because they might be valuable someday.

First, there was my dad, who refused to part with his “spicy” La-Z-Boy, a relic infused with years of pizza spices and stubbornness. (Click here for Valulosis #1.) Then, I discovered that my old Beanie Babies were worth a small fortune, triggering a temporary bout of Valulosis that had me eyeing everything I owned as a potential goldmine. (Click here for Valulosis #2.)

Now, I’ve turned my focus to a different kind of Valulosis – the stretching of a dollar until it begs for mercy so I can stay retired without selling my plasma. Retiring on your own terms isn’t magic. It’s about smart choices, a little creativity, and the willingness to say, “No thanks, my 20-year-old couch still holds up just fine.”

Here are nine of my weird and not-so-weird ways to make sure your money lasts as long as you do.

George Clooney, Meet My Husband and His Flowbee

There are rumors that George Clooney uses a Flowbee to cut his hair. Well, my husband has been using one for decades, and he is just as sexy as George. (If you squint. And the lighting is dim.) A Flowbee is a vacuum-powered haircutting system that has saved us thousands on barbershop visits.

Sure, sometimes he looks like a hedge trimmed by a toddler, but that’s a small price to pay for financial freedom. Plus, I won’t ever give up MY hair stylist. My hair is proof that some things in life are worth the splurge because it looks like it belongs on someone who has their life together.

Brew Your Own Coffee

I used to think my homemade coffee tasted like burnt regret, but then I realized I was just addicted to the illusion of luxury. I did some overly complicated math and found that brewing at home came to 18 cents a cup versus paying $3 a pop for the plain stuff from a coffee shop. That’s not even factoring in frou-frou “coffee” for $6.00.

You will not only save some money, but you might get healthier too. That Iced Triple-Whip Cloudburst Crème Brulé Espresso (patent pending?) has 400 calories, 19 grams of fat, and the same amount of sugar as a King-sized Snickers bar.

Labels of Regret

Once, I splurged on a designer dress I couldn’t afford. It was from a resale boutique, but still way more than I usually spend on clothes. I convinced myself it was practically a steal – a financially savvy move, right? And honestly? That dress was worth every penny.

On the flip side, cheap, trendy clothes are no bargain if they dissolve into lint after two washes and end up in a landfill. So, buy fewer, better-made pieces instead of stuffing your closet with clearance-rack regret. Need a special splurge? Hit up an outlet mall or ThredUp. Or better yet, let go of the designer-label delusion and just wear what makes you happy.

Beauty Bupkis

Facials? Botox? No, thanks. Lots of Grandmas swore by castor oil, and if it was good enough for them, it’s good enough for me. Plus, it’s multipurpose. Wrinkle-fighter? Check. DIY furniture polish? Check. Potentially a secret ingredient in the family’s holiday fruitcake? Highly suspicious but also… Check.

And don’t get me started on overpriced manis and pedis. A salon manicure now costs more than I used to pay for a full tank of gas. Basic nail care is easy, and let’s be honest, it’s the only reason I still do daily yoga. If I’m going to be able to keep touching my toes, they might as well look decent.

Subscription Overload

Do you really need Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, and that one random streaming service you signed up for during a free trial and forgot to cancel? Probably not. Unless you’re conducting a highly scientific study on which platform has the best Downton Abbey reruns, pick one, or rotate them like a responsible adult.

And speaking of paying for things you don’t use, let’s talk about that gym membership. If the last time you went was when they handed you that free water bottle at sign-up, it’s time to cut your losses. Walking outside is free, and bonus… it doesn’t come with a side of guilt. My county even has a senior center with fitness options for anyone over 50, and by age 62, the price drops to my favorite number: zero. Now that’s a deal worth signing up for.

Eating Out Is the Fast Track to Being Broke

Eating out is a treat, and sometimes totally worth it, like when the dish involves 17 ingredients and a blowtorch. But making it a daily habit? That’s just financial sabotage disguised as convenience. I can whip up a better grilled cheese at home for a fraction of the cost, without paying extra for delivery fees, mystery upcharges, or a waiter calling me “Ma’am” like I’m a Civil War widow.

Sure, I’ll happily go out for a birthday dinner or a dish that requires a culinary degree, but cooking at home saves money and is usually healthier. 60 & Me recently shared an article about how older women maintain a healthy weight, and surprise! One of their secrets is eating at home. (Click here to read Healthier to eat at home, or just trust me and dust off your air fryer.)

The Android Phone that Outlasts the Apocalypse

Apple releases a new phone every year, but I refuse to get on the upgrade hamster wheel. My Android has been with me for three years, and while it may not have 17 rear-facing camera lenses or blue bubble texts, it does one critical thing: it works great! And it cost less than $100.

When I needed to upgrade my laptop, I found a beauty for $3000 new, so I got a used, refurbished one for $600. That laptop came to live with me, and I love her. I named her Phoebe.

Needless to say, I don’t believe in overpriced phone plans. Do you really need unlimited everything? When will the G’s end? I’m still on 4G, and I don’t even know what that means. If your phone still works, stop financing the latest gadget and go buy yourself something fun instead.

Embrace the Power of ‘No, Thanks’

No, thanks, I don’t need a third set of decorative pillows for my bed. No, thanks, I don’t need a brand-new car when mine still runs fine. No, thanks, I don’t need this gadget that slices bananas into perfect coins.

Am I still tempted? Absolutely. But this year I have broken up with some major chain stores and online companies. I think they’re seeing lots of other people, and they haven’t even noticed I’m gone. But I’ve noticed! And I’m happier.

I’ve learned to question every purchase, and with every new item that enters the house, something else has to leave. This rule keeps impulse shopping in check. If I want new shoes, an old pair has to go. If my husband wants a new gadget, well… can I interest anyone in a slightly used Flowbee?

Saying ‘No’ is free. And it’s freeing.

It’s Not Magic, Just Simple Math

Retirement isn’t about luck or finding a job that paid millions. I was a public-school teacher for more than 30 years, and I became financially strategic by making choices. Small, mindful decisions add up over time.

Sure, I may not be vacationing in beautiful Tuscany for a wine tour, but I AM headed to lovely Tucson, Arizona for tamales this month to see if I can make friends with a cactus. But I also won’t be working until I’m 97 just to afford occasional Bistro avocado toast or some new turquoise nail polish.

So go ahead. Call me cheap. I prefer thrifty or better yet, ‘financially strategic.’ And if you need a haircut, my husband’s Flowbee is always available. I’ll vacuum your head for $10.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your best “how to be financially strategic” tip? What is your favorite splurge? Do you love finding ways to make money in retirement? What are you doing? Are you happy to keep on working because retirement is not something you want for a while?

 I love a man with baggage.

Scoop up Mickey Mouse Align leggings and belt bags while they’re still in stock.

Of all the things I have decided to change thanks to climate change, here’s one I never previously considered: Booking my flights differently.

Why? Because I can no longer trust the weather to cooperate. Even today. It’s early spring in Chicago, and I’m sitting at O’Hare International Airport writing this blog rather than winging my way to Paris. While March weather in Chicago is rarely predictable – it could be snowing – I did not expect it to be 76F (24.4C) degrees with thunderstorms strong enough to shut down one of the world’s busiest airports for nearly 30 minutes.

As a result, my flight is now delayed by 90 minutes, which means my connection in Detroit will be very, very tight.

At least I still have a shot at making it.

(Check out these airport mistakes so many rookie flyers make.)

The Way I Fly Now

Which brings me to the way my flight bookings have changed, thanks to climate change. I no longer book connections of less than two hours. And I prefer connections of three hours.

This is a HUGE shift for me. I am one of those flyers who likes to get to the airport at the last minute, so I don’t have to spend hours cooling my heels at the gate.

Voluntarily adding hours to my travel time is one of those things I never thought I would do.

Yet, here I am.

Booking Connections

Since I fly out of O’Hare, I am lucky enough to have the options of a direct to just about anywhere in the world, including Paris.

But I booked this flight with a connection through Detroit because I’m flying economy. No luxurious lie-flat seat for this overnight flight. Instead, I’ll be in the back of an only-three-quarters-full airplane. That’s how us cheapos get lie-flat seats: book a seat in a four-across row where you get the whole row to yourself. Instant lie-flat seats!

At least it seemed like a super idea when I booked it. But if I miss the connection because of the weather delay, I’ll end up stuck in Detroit, waiting for the next Delta flight to Paris, likely the next day. And I’ll be crammed into the plane along with anyone else who misses this connection because of the uncooperative weather.

There’s one thing in my favor, though. The strong storms are heading east across Michigan and are predicted to hit Detroit around the time my DTW-CDG flight is scheduled to leave. Fingers crossed it will mean a ground stop in Detroit that will last long enough for me to sprint through the airport in time to make my Paris-bound flight!

Related read, 8 Tips to Help You Clear Airport Security Fast with Carry-On Only (Consider #4).

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How much time do you allow for airport connections? Have you always done it that way? What changes in your personal life are you making thanks to climate change?