Month: May 2025

I love my life, and I’m grateful for everything I have. Friends, family, my dog, my health, and a gorgeous (but small) apartment overlooking the ocean. It’s heaven!

I can honestly say that I don’t miss the house I used to own. No more worrying about leaky roofs, lawn care, or surprise repair bills. I left all that behind six years ago after selling my house.

But even though I’m grateful and happy in my 973 square foot apartment, it’s been an adjustment. There’s no upstairs bedroom to escape in, no cozy den where I can tuck myself away when I need to.

The One Thing I Gave Up That I Wish I Still Had

That one thing I could use more of is space! I don’t need a lot of space, but it would be nice to escape the screeching drone of Formula 1 on TV occasionally.

Sometimes I just want silence, a quiet place to read a book, or a spot to spread out my art supplies. To be honest, I’m sure my husband feels the same way. He’d love to be able to watch hockey on the television without worrying about my rising tension.

Thankfully, as you’ll see in this post, we’ve been able to come up with some great workarounds.

Do YOU have enough space?

Does your home seem like it’s closing in around you? Even a two-story home can feel cramped if you haven’t carved out a slice of space for yourself.

Whether it’s physical clutter, constant togetherness, or a lack of alone time, the feeling of being “crowded” can sneak up on anyone. The next thing you know, you’re feeling anxious, angry, resentful or all of the above.

There Are Conflict-Free Solutions!

I am completely conflict averse. In fact, I’ll do just about anything to avoid a confrontation. I knew something had to change when I started feeling tense all the time.

Now, I’m not claiming to have it all figured out. What worked for me may not be your perfect fit, and that’s okay. The goal is simply to find a little more breathing room for yourself.

Sometimes, it’s about small shifts in habits, space, or mindset.

5 Easy Ways to Reclaim Personal Space in Tight Quarters

The following suggestions for reclaiming personal space are geared towards apartment or condo living, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find something useful!

Downsizing, no matter how you look at it, typically means less living space. If you’re feeling frustrated, anxious, or angry about your lack of personal space, use the tips below to make changes for the better.

Having room to breathe and clear our minds is vital to good health!

1. Set Up Noise Boundaries

I have an anxiety disorder and unnecessary noise makes it worse. Remember when I mentioned the screeching cars for Formula 1 earlier in this post? I wasn’t kidding. Our television is the focal point of the apartment (it feels that way to me) and it’s hard to escape.

That said, I don’t want my husband to forgo the things he loves; namely, car racing and hockey. The trick was finding a happy middle-ground that we could both live with.

The solution? Bluetooth enabled headphones. We use Apple Air Pods, but there are plenty of other options to save the day (and your nerves!). If your TV supports Bluetooth audio output, it can usually pair with any standard Bluetooth headphones or earbuds.

2. Use the Building’s Shared Amenities

If you live in an apartment or condo, check if your building has a social room, rooftop lounge, business center, or even a tucked-away nook in the lobby.

In my building, the social room is often booked by crafters and other hobbyists. It’s an easy and free way to carve out room to engage in the activities you love without feeling like you’re underfoot.

3. Take Advantage of Timing, Not Just Space

If you know your partner will be immersed in something (like watching the race all weekend), use that window to do your own thing.

For example, I use that time to run errands, visit friends, shop, soak in the tub, exercise in the building’s fitness room, or walk the dog. When the race, or the hockey game, or whatever noisy thing is happening on television is over, I rejoin my husband and we’re both in a better headspace.

He got to enjoy his thing uninterrupted, and I feel refreshed from having carved out time for myself.

4. Rethink the Balcony or Patio

I don’t know about you, but for me it really IS the simple things in life that give me the most pleasure. For me, that’s enjoying the balcony on a sunny day.

If you have access to a balcony or patio, use it to your advantage! Make it cozy and get out there as often as you can. I love to sit out there with my feet tucked under my body, my dog by my side, and a coffee within reach.

Don’t forget to jazz up your space with plants! Read: Are Succulents Perennials and Can They Grow Outside? And Are Encore Azaleas Perennials? 5 No-Fail Care Tips.

5. Create Your Own Spa Getaway

Okay, it’s really just the bathroom, but you can turn any space into a “spa getaway” with a little imagination. I love retreating to a bubble bath in the evenings. Sometimes I dim the lights, listen to music, stream an audiobook, or scroll through my socials while relaxing in the tub.

It’s amazing how recharged you’ll feel after a little self-care and pampering!

It’s Okay to Create Space for Yourself!

Can I confess something? I felt a little guilty looking for ways to carve space for myself in this small apartment. But I knew I had to, and I’m glad I did. It’s improved my mental and physical health while giving my spouse the space he needs to be happy as well.

At the end of the day, it’s just about finding a balance between togetherness and alone-time that works for both of you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you downsized to a smaller home? What are your favorite ways to carve out space and time for yourself?

Do your hands feel dry? Is your regular moisturizer simply not cutting it? Dry skin is a fact that we have to live with as we age. Our skin loses elasticity and moisture as we get older and that sometimes means itchy and dry skin.

The skin on our hands is particularly vulnerable and is exposed to the sun and other harmful elements more than other parts of our body. Also, it’s a part of the body that we wash several times a day with soaps or anti-bacterial gels. Over time, our hands can get wrinkly or crepey and also develop dark spots.

Here are our top 5 hand creams:

1. CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream – BEST HAND CREAM WITH DIMETHICONE – This non-greasy, fragrance-free hand cream helps to protect the skin from environmental irritants, frequent handwashing, and common daily activities. It can help restore and temporarily protect your skin, alleviate dryness, and leave your hands feeling soft and healthy.
2. L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm –BEST SHEA BUTTER HAND CREAM – L’Occitane’s hand balm is formulated with 25% shea butter to provide intense nourishment. The ultra-rich texture melts into the hands and nails, creating a protective barrier for very dry or uncomfortable skin.
3. Avène Cold Cream Concentrated Hand Cream – BEST CONCENTRATED HAND CREAM – This nourishing hand lotion helps protect and restore dry, chapped hands without leaving a greasy residue. Its concentrated formula lasts through several hand washes, making it ideal for those with persistent dryness.
4. Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Treatment – BEST HAND CREAM WITH RETINOL – This hand cream contains retinol, biotech pseudo-collagen, and shea butter to help restore elasticity and brighten the skin. It’s recommended for overnight use to achieve super-soft hands that look younger by morning.
5. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – BEST FRAGRANCE-FREE HAND CREAM – Neutrogena’s highly concentrated formula offers relief for dry, chapped hands. It rapidly heals dryness and noticeably improves the skin’s texture with just one application.

Continue reading to discover many more hand creams for women over 50.

Hand creams are typically created with ingredients that are specifically helpful to deal with extra dry skin and dark spots.

Read DAY CREAMS, NIGHT CREAMS, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? (ESPECIALLY FOR MATURE SKIN!).

How to Choose a Hand Cream

Choosing the right hand cream involves considering your specific skincare needs, which can vary depending on factors like skin type, climate, and personal preferences. Here are some steps to help you select an effective hand cream:

Assess Skin Type

Determine whether you have dry, sensitive, mature, or combination skin on your hands. This will help you narrow down the type of hand cream that will work best.

Ingredients to Look For

• Hydrating Ingredients – Look for creams with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides. These ingredients help lock in moisture and combat dryness, which is often a concern as skin ages.
•  Antioxidants – Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C can help protect the skin from free radicals and signs of aging.
• Retinol or Retinoids – For mature skin, consider a hand cream with retinol or retinoids, which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• SPF – If the person spends a lot of time outdoors, consider a hand cream with SPF to protect against UV damage.

Avoid Harmful Ingredients

Stay away from hand creams that contain parabens, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, especially if it’s sensitive.

Texture and Absorption

Consider the texture of the cream. Some people prefer thicker, richer creams for overnight use, while others prefer lightweight, quick-absorbing options for daytime use. Choose according to your preference.

Fragrance

Consider whether you like scented or unscented hand creams. Fragrance-free options are often preferred for sensitive skin.

Specialized Hand Treatments

Some hand creams are designed for specific concerns, such as age spots, uneven skin tone, or nail strengthening. If any of these are concerns, look for a hand cream that addresses them.

Read Reviews

Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or beauty experts to get insights into the effectiveness of different hand creams.

Price Point

Hand creams come in various price ranges. Consider your budget when making your choice. More expensive options may contain higher concentrations of specialized ingredients.

Consult a Dermatologist

If you’re buying for a specific skin concern or condition, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on skin type and any existing issues.

Remember that hand cream should be applied regularly, especially after washing hands, to maintain hydration and skin health.

Best Hand Creams for Mature Women

The best hand creams are non-greasy, absorb and dry quickly, and provide long-lasting moisture. Many are also fragrance-free or lightly scented.

Here is a list of the best hand creams on the market today according to top ratings and reviews from women like us.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream

La Roche-Posey has a hand cream for dry to very dry hands that leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. It contains shea butter and helps replenish lost moisture. It is non-greasy and provides up to 48 hours of hydration.

Pros:

• Provides up to 48 hours of hydration
• Non-greasy formula
• Contains nourishing shea butter

Cons:

• Some users may prefer a scented option

StriVectin Crepe Control Brightening & Firming Hand Cream

This fast-absorbing, non-greasy hand cream provides long-lasting moisture to dry, rough hands. It helps smooth wrinkles, plump the skin, and even out skin tone.

Pros:

• Targets crepey skin and wrinkles
• Improves skin tone and brightness
• Absorbs quickly without greasiness

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Results may vary among users

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

This non-greasy, fragrance-free hand cream helps to protect the skin from exposure to environmental irritants, frequent handwashing, and common daily activities. It can help restore and temporarily protect your skin, alleviate dryness, and leave your hands feeling soft and healthy.

Pros:

• Contains dimethicone for effective protection
• Fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive skin
• Affordable and widely available

Cons:

• May require frequent reapplication for very dry skin

L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm

L’Occitane hand balm is formulated with 25% shea butter to provide intense nourishing care. The cream forms a protective film for skin that is very dry or uncomfortable. With its ultra-rich texture, this balm melts into the hands and nails from the moment it is applied and massaged in.

Pros:

• High concentration of shea butter
• Creates a protective barrier
• Ideal for very dry hands

Cons:

• Thick texture may feel heavy
• Higher price point

Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream

Eucerin is renowned for its reparative creams. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and unscented hand cream repairs rough dry skin instantly. It leaves the hands noticeably smoother after just one use.

Pros:

• Immediate improvement in skin texture
• Dermatologist-recommended
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Not as deeply hydrating as some alternatives

Avène Cold Cream Concentrated Hand Cream

This nourishing hand lotion helps protect and restore dry, chapped hands without a greasy residue. The concentrated formula can last through several hand washes.

Pros:

• Long-lasting hydration
• Non-greasy finish
• Durable through multiple washes

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point
• Scent may not appeal to all users

Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream

This hand cream from Caudalie is an antioxidant-rich and moisturizing cream for the hands and nails. It provides a silky finish and lasting comfort. The cream is delicately scented and absorbs into the skin quickly with no greasy feel.

Pros:

• Contains grape seed polyphenols for antioxidant benefits
• Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
• Helps strengthen nails

Cons:

• Scent may not appeal to all users
• Light hydration, may not be enough for extremely dry hand

Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Treatment

This hand cream may be a splurge, but it is a highly effective cream to help restore elasticity and brighten the skin. It is formulated with retinol, biotech pseudo-collagen, and shea butter.

Use it overnight and wake up with super soft hands that look younger.

Pros:

• Contains retinol for anti-aging benefits
• Enhances skin brightness and elasticity
• Rich formulation ideal for overnight use

Cons:

• Retinol may cause sensitivity
• Not ideal for daytime use without SPF

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Neutrogena hand cream offers effective relief for dry, chapped hands. It’s formulated with a light fragrance. This clinically proven, highly concentrated lotion rapidly heals dry hands. It noticeably improves the look and feel of your skin. Your hands feel soft and smooth after just one application.

Pros:

• Provides immediate relief
• Affordable and widely available
• Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Thick texture may feel greasy
• Light fragrance may not suit all users

A Few More Note-Worthy Hand Creams

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

The Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is an intensive, healing hand cream designed to provide maximum hydration and relief for dry, chapped hands. Infused with rich emollients and natural oils, it repairs and protects the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving hands soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. Ideal for combating harsh environmental conditions.

Pros:

• Deep hydration for dry hands
• Forms a protective barrier
• Absorbs well despite thick texture

Cons:

• Thick consistency may not suit everyone

Elizabeth Arden EIGHT HOUR® CREAM INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING HAND TREATMENT

Elizabeth Arden’s EIGHT HOUR® CREAM INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING HAND TREATMENT is a luxurious hand cream that offers deep hydration and lasting moisture. Enriched with the renowned Eight Hour® formula, it soothes, nourishes, and heals dry, rough hands. This treatment leaves skin feeling silky and protected, making it an essential addition to any skincare routine.

Pros:

• Long-lasting hydration
• Helps repair rough, cracked skin
• Lightweight texture

Cons:

• Some users find it slightly sticky

Supergoop! Handscreen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop! Handscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 is a high-performance hand sunscreen. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula offers broad-spectrum sun protection, guarding against harmful UV rays, while nourishing and hydrating the skin. Designed to safeguard hands from premature aging and sun damage, it’s an essential daily defense for maintaining youthful and healthy-looking hands.

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection
• Hydrating and lightweight
• Non-greasy finish

Cons:

• More expensive than standard hand creams

Read 7 BEST ANTI-AGING NIGHT CREAMS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Also, 6 BEST SKIN FIRMING CREAMS.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use hand creams? Which is your favorite go-to brand of hand cream? Which one on our list have you tried? Tell us about it in the comments below.

& we like them more than the Birkenstock slides.

Concealers are great for covering up pigmented spots and unsightly under-eye dark circles. I’ve personally dealt with genetic dark circles, and I’ve noticed the same issue in other family members. As a result, I’ve gained a good amount of knowledge about concealers over the years since I started buying them as a teenager.

As I get older I am leaning towards more natural products and I feel like many women do the same as they mature. I now look for all-natural concealers for aging skin. We want to stay healthy as long as we can and that means eating well, staying fit, and caring for our skin.

Best all-natural concealers for aging skin:

1. Fitglow CONCEAL + – A full-coverage natural concealer that is made with nourishing and powerful ingredients. It combines green tea, vitamin K, licorice, caffeine, plant elastins, and nourishing plant oils that all work together to lighten dark spots.
2. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Long Last Concealer with Super Fruits – The 100% Pure concealer effectively hides redness, dark circles, and discoloration with its creamy texture. It provides nourishment and antioxidant benefits through ingredients like vitamins C and E, carrot root, rosehip seed oil, coffee beans, and chamomile. This all-natural concealer has long-lasting wear against water, sweat, and oiliness.
3. Alima Pure Mineral Powder Concealer – Alima Pure’s weightless mineral powder concealer offers extra coverage for discoloration and under-eye areas. It’s packed with soothing minerals and gentle pigments that effectively hide blemishes and suit sensitive skin. It’s ideal for oily skin types.
4. Au Naturale Completely Covered Creme Concealer – Au Naturale’s concealer is enriched with nourishing ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, coconut MCT, and lavender. It offers long-lasting color stay and a soft-focus effect. Its range of 10 buildable shades ensures the ideal coverage for your complexion.
5. DR HAUSCHKA Cover Stick – This all-natural concealer is made with natural and organic ingredients. The cover stick offers a creamy texture that blends easily into the skin, delivering a smooth and flawless finish.

Read on to discover the full list of all-natural concealers for mature skin.

More and more cosmetic companies and brands are offering natural beauty products that are free of harmful chemicals, don’t test on animals, and that take the environment into consideration when designing their packaging.

I’m always on the hunt for the best concealers out there. Let’s take a look at some of the top-rated natural concealers for aging skin.

What Should You Look for When Purchasing Natural Concealers?

These are some of the words to look for to know that your concealer is natural:

• Natural
• Organic
• Vegan
• No preservatives
• Gluten-free
• No artificial colors
• Talc and paraben-free
• Hypoallergenic
• No silicones
• Minimal plastic packaging
• Nickel Tested

How to Choose a Concealer

Shade

It’s essential to choose a shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Opting for a shade that is too dark can accentuate the problem areas instead of concealing them.

Formulation

Concealers come in liquid, cream, stick, and powder forms. Liquid and cream concealers are typically more hydrating and offer better coverage for dark circles. Stick concealers are often thicker and provide full coverage for blemishes. Powder concealers work well for oily skin and are useful for setting liquid or cream concealer.

Coverage

The coverage level you require depends on the intensity of your dark circles. If you have severe dark circles, a full-coverage concealer might be more effective, while light-coverage concealers work well for mild discoloration.

Ingredients

Look for concealers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or peptides, as they can help hydrate and nourish the delicate under-eye area.

It’s also important to prep your under-eye area before applying concealer. Moisturize the area with an eye cream or gel to ensure it’s well-hydrated. 

Experiment with different application techniques, such as patting the concealer with your ring finger or using a damp makeup sponge, to achieve a natural and seamless finish. 

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect concealer for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples or recommendations from beauty experts or try out different brands until you find what works best for you.

Best Coverage All-Natural Concealer

Rituel de Fille The Ethereal Veil Concealer

Rituel de Fille’s The Ethereal Veil Concealer is a cruelty-free product formulated with Vitamin E and natural waxes to provide hydration and seamless coverage. 

It blends effortlessly into the skin and is free from harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones, or sulfates, making it an excellent natural concealer option

PROS:

• Hydrating and nourishing ingredients
• Free from synthetic additives
• Buildable coverage

CONS:

• Can be pricey

INIKA Organic Full Coverage Concealer

This concealer offers intense color combined with an all-natural blend of skin-caring plant extracts, effectively camouflaging imperfections and revitalizing the complexion with a flawless finish. 

It’s enriched with hydrating and smoothing botanicals loaded with Vitamin E, including antioxidant-rich Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Shea Butter, which help retain moisture for long-lasting hydration. The product is housed in sustainable aluminum and glass packaging.

PROS:

• Hydrating and lightweight formula
• Certified organic and cruelty-free
• Sustainable packaging

CONS:

• Limited shade options
• Higher price point

Fitglow CONCEAL +

Fitglow concealer is a full-coverage natural concealer that is made with nourishing and powerful ingredients to cover and treat skin blemishes. It combines green tea, vitamin K, licorice, caffeine, plant elastins, and nourishing plant oils that all work together to lighten dark spots.

Pros

• Nourishing and repairing
• Full coverage

Cons

• Very thick
• Quite expensive compared to other similar products

Best Priced All-Natural Concealer

Glossier Stretch Concealer

Glossier’s Stretch Concealer is an emollient-rich, highly blendable formula made with Avocado and Jojoba Oils to provide a natural, dewy finish. 

It adapts to skin movement without settling into fine lines, making it ideal for mature skin needing a lightweight but effective concealer.

PROS:

• Hydrating and dewy finish
• Easy to blend
• Does not cake or settle into fine lines

CONS:

• Not full coverage
• Not as long-wearing as some other options

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Long Last Concealer with Super Fruits

This concealer from 100% Pure conceals redness, dark circles, and discoloration. The creamy texture allows for easy and even application, withstanding water, sweat and oiliness.

The concealer is rich in antioxidants and nourishes skin with ingredients like vitamin C and E, carrot root, rosehip seed oil, coffee beans, and chamomile.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Great coverage

Cons

• Limited shade options

Bo-ho Concealer

This compact concealer stick from bo-ho provides excellent coverage for concealing wrinkles, redness and other skin imperfections. It can be used for contouring and adding light accents.

It’s made from exclusive organic agriculture ingredients.

Pros

• Many shades to choose from
• Affordable

Cons

• May feel thick and difficult to blend

Other Great All-Natural Concealers

Alima Pure Mineral Powder Concealer

This weightless, velvety loose mineral powder concealer from Alima Pure is perfect for providing extra coverage to areas of discoloration and under the eyes. The soothing minerals and gentle pigments hide blemishes and discoloration on even the most sensitive of skin.

Mineral powder concealer is perfect if you have oily skin.

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Doesn’t crease

Cons

• May be difficult to apply for some
• Limited shades

Au Naturale Completely Covered Creme Concealer

This concealer from Au Naturale is made with meadowfoam seed oil, coconut mct, castor seed oil, vegan candelilla wax, jojoba, lavender, and vitamin E. It has all-day color stay power and provides a soft-focus effect that instantly mattifies and smooths your complexion.

Available in 10 diverse buildable shades that give you the perfect amount of coverage you need.

Pros

• Wide variety of shades available
• Certified organic

Cons

• On the expensive side compared to other similar products

INIKA Organic Sheer Coverage Concealer

INIKA Organic Sheer Coverage Concealer is designed to provide light coverage while effectively concealing imperfections and blemishes. Formulated with natural ingredients, it offers a sheer finish that blends seamlessly into the skin, giving a radiant and flawless complexion. This concealer is ideal for those who prefer a lightweight and breathable makeup option with skincare benefits.

Pros

• Sheer Coverage
• Seamless Blendability

Cons

• Only 3 shades to choose from

DR HAUSCHKA Cover Stick 

The Dr. Hauschka Cover Stick is designed to provide effective coverage for blemishes, redness, and other imperfections on the skin.

Made with natural and organic ingredients, this cover stick offers a creamy texture that blends easily into the skin, delivering a smooth and flawless finish.

Pros

• Versatile Application
• Long-lasting Coverage

Cons

• Limited Shade Range

Read more: Say Goodbye to Dark Circles and Creasing with These Pro Makeup Artist Tips + Top Correctors & Concealers for Mature Skin.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use concealer every day? Are you thinking of switching to a natural concealer? Which natural concealer for aging skin on our list is your favorite? Do you have any suggestions of your own? Let us know in the comments below.

Like lip balm, but for downstairs.