Month: August 2025

Self-compassion practices are exercises that allow us to treat ourselves with the same warmth and understanding we would offer a dear friend. After decades of caring for others (children, partners, careers), learning to extend that kindness inward can become an act of self-love that significantly impacts our paradigm, as well as give a boost to our self-worth, which may need some extra TLC at this phase of life.

Why We Need Self-Care Practices as Women Over 60

We can easily fall into a trap of believing that by midlife we should have it all figured out; that the window for dreaming has closed, that carving out time for self-care is selfish or indulgent, and that everything we’ve lost (youth, energy, opportunity) defines us. These myths erode our confidence and keep us from approaching this chapter with genuine curiosity and acceptance.

Each of these beliefs steadily undermines our confidence and well-being. Every opportunity we forego, every adventure we abstain from, every hope we abandon reinforces this negativity, and soon we can find ourselves in a downward spiral.

Letting go of these falsehoods frees us to approach this chapter with a more positive mindset, open to possibilities of new joy and fulfillment ahead and paves the way for growth, resilience, and renewed purpose.

Five Daily Self-Compassion Practices to Grow Kindness from the Inside Out

As we embrace our 60s and beyond, cultivating self-compassion practices becomes a loving tribute to the wisdom we’ve gathered over the years. These five self-compassion exercises invite us to slow down, settle into our body, and offer ourselves the same kindness we’ve so freely given to others for such a long time.

Each practice is designed to help us nurture a deeper, more trusting relationship with ourselves.

Mindful Breathing with Gentle Mantras

Cultivating self-compassion starts with your breath. Pause two or three times a day for a focused inhale and exhale, letting each cycle anchor you in the present moment. During each exhale, softly repeat a mantra such as “I am here” or “I deserve kindness.” This gentle affirmation rewires your inner dialogue, replacing harsh self-criticism with steady warmth.

The Self-Hug Ritual

When stress or self-doubt surfaces, wrap your arms around yourself in a comforting embrace. Hold the hug for at least 20 seconds while inhaling deeply. Feel your hands resting on your shoulders or upper arms, sending signals of safety back to your brain. This simple gesture releases oxytocin (the body’s natural “cuddle hormone”) and reminds you that you’re worthy of your own care.

Compassion Breaks to Interrupt Negative Self-Talk

Set quiet reminders on your phone or calendar four times daily. When the alert chimes, stop whatever you’re doing for 30 seconds and ask: “What am I feeling right now?” Acknowledge your emotion, then offer yourself the phrase, “May I be kind to myself.” These pauses build muscle memory for kindness and defuse patterns of rumination.

Gratitude Mapping for Small Joys

Each evening, jot down three moments from the day that warmed your heart. They can be as simple as a bird singing, a text from a friend, or the taste of your favorite tea. Maintaining this gratitude log will train you to notice and celebrate everyday blessings, reinforcing a compassionate lens through which to view your life.

Loving-Kindness Meditation Tailored for Busy Schedule

Find two uninterrupted minutes. Close your eyes and silently repeat: “May I be safe and protected, may I be happy and at peace, may I live with ease.” Then extend each phrase to someone you love, and finally to a neutral or challenging person. This brief practice broadens your heart, nurturing compassion for yourself and others alike.

These five daily rituals can be your steppingstones toward lasting self-compassion. Try to incorporate one or more today; notice how your inner voice shifts from critique to care.

Self-Compassion Practices: Tools for Major Transitions

Managing Retirement Anxiety with Inner Dialogue Shifts

Retirement often brings a swirl of questions about identity, worth, and daily structure. Begin by noticing your inner voice whenever worry arises.

• Ask yourself, “What am I truly afraid of?” and name that fear without judgment.
• Replace “I’ll be bored” with “I have time to explore what energizes me.”
• Use a phrase like “I honor my years of contribution” whenever self-doubt surfaces.

These intentional dialogue shifts reframe retirement from an ending into a new opportunity for self-compassion and discovery.

Navigating Grief Around Health or Loss of Loved Ones

Grief can surface unexpectedly, whether prompted by health scares or the passing of someone close to you. Infuse compassion into your sorrow by acknowledging each emotion: sadness, anger, relief, or guilt.

• Write a letter to the part of you that aches, offering kindness and understanding.
• Create a simple ritual like lighting a candle or playing a meaningful song to honor memories.
• Reach out to a trusted friend, asking only to be heard, not fixed.

By leaning gently into the pain, you give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.

Embracing the “Second Act” of Love, Friendship, and Purpose

Midlife can spark surprising new beginnings in relationships and passions. Tap into your curiosity by asking, “What small step could bring joy today?”

• Commit to a weekly coffee date with an old friend or a neighbor.
• Enroll in a local class like painting, dance, or a book club to meet kindred spirits.
• Volunteer for causes that align with your values, infusing each act with compassion.

This “second act” isn’t a rehash of the past but a creative journey, fueled by the inner kindness you now enjoy.

Self-Compassion Practices: Guided Journal Prompts

Guided Journal Prompts to Uncover Hidden Self-Criticism

1. Reflect on today’s toughest moment. What phrase did my inner voice repeat?
2. Describe my inner critic as if it were a person. What name and traits would it have?
3. Imagine a compassionate friend overhearing that critic. What would they say in response?
4. List three concrete facts that contradict today’s self-criticism.
5. If I could rephrase each harsh thought into a kinder one, how would it read?

Use these prompts to shine a light on self-judgments and begin rewriting them.

Space to Celebrate Overlooked Strengths

• Dedicate one page for each of your own personal strengths. Resilience, creativity, empathy, curiosity, humor, whatever traits come to mind that you are proud of in yourself.
• For each, jot quick notes on how it’s shown up recently (in a conversation, a project, a moment of self-care).
• Leave room for new strengths to surface; your workbook and notes will expand as you grow!

This intentional celebration cultivates a compassionate lens toward your own achievements and qualities. By including these prompts in your routine, you’ll deepen self-awareness, interrupt harsh inner dialogue, and nourish a kinder relationship with yourself.

Self-Compassion Practices: Building a Compassionate Community

How to Start a “Kindness Circle” with Friends or Local Meetups

Gather a small group of women who share a desire to uplift one another. Choose a comfortable, distraction-free location (someone’s living room, a community center, or a quiet café).

• Set a simple agenda: a brief check-in, one compassion-focused prompt (e.g., “What’s a struggle you’re facing this week?”), and a closing gratitude round.
• Rotate facilitation so each member has a chance to guide the group and practice compassionate listening.
• Agree on confidentiality to create a safe container for honest sharing.

This regular circle becomes fertile ground for empathy, mutual encouragement, and fresh perspectives on challenges big and small.

Virtual Gatherings and Online Support Groups

When distance or schedules make in-person meetings tricky, turn to digital platforms.

• Create a private Facebook group, a WhatsApp broadcast list, or a Slack channel dedicated to daily kindness check-ins.
• Schedule brief, weekly video calls (20-30 minutes) using Zoom or Google Meet; focus on guided compassion breaks or meditations.
• Share resources: a podcast episode on self-compassion, an inspiring article, or your own journal reflections.
• Use reaction stickers or emojis to celebrate milestones, honors efforts, and keep the tone warm and encouraging.

Virtual connections ensure you never have to face a tough moment alone, and they stretch your circle of support beyond geographic limits.

Partnering for Peer Coaching and Accountability

Pair up with a “compassion buddy” who checks in on your self-kindness goals and vice versa.

• Define a realistic check-in rhythm: daily texts, bi-weekly calls, or monthly coffee dates.
• Set intentions together (“I’ll do five compassion breaks this week; you’ll try the self-hug ritual three times”).
• Celebrate each other’s wins and troubleshoot hurdles without judgment.
• Keep a shared log like an online doc or notebook where you track progress, record insights, and adjust practices as needed.

This one-on-one support amplifies your commitment, helping you stay grounded in compassion even when life gets hectic.

Through kindness circles, virtual meetups, and peer coaching, you can reinforce the self-compassion practices described and at the same time, cultivate a network of women who lift each other up. Choose one community-building step today and watch how your own kindness blossoms, both inward and outward!

Thank you as always for reading.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

Which of the self-compassion practices do you hope to try first? Share your intentions with us in the comments! Have you tried any of the self-compassion practices described? What lessons or tips do you have to share with us? Do you have other thoughts about self-compassion that you are willing to share or a story about how self-compassion has played a role in your life? What do you think is our greatest challenge in treating ourselves with self-compassion? What are some strategies you think could be helpful in overcoming them?

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Originally posted at: Emily Simpson’s Black Crewneck

Curling Iron Also Used by Tamra Judge in 2″

Originally posted at: Gina Kirschenheiter’s Hot Rollers and Curling Iron

Have you struggled to find a blush that not only works the best on your mature skin but also looks the best? Well, if you have, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Part 2 of my quest to help women with mature skin find the very best options of blushes.

In Part 1 I tried 8 different blushes, and we’ll try another 8 today. In case you missed Part 1 of this blush testing exploration, here’s a link to that article and video.

Why Blush Is So Important for Us

In Part 1 of this series I mentioned that blush is an especially important makeup product for us since our skin loses pigment and vibrancy as we get older and blush helps restore a healthy looking flush. And if we just use foundation without blush, our face can look flat. By applying blush, we add shape and definition to our cheekbones. Blush also counteracts skin dullness by making our skin look more awake and refreshed, and it creates a lifting effect which makes our skin look sculpted and healthy.

We also focused on the importance of the blush formula, color and blendability – all things you should definitely consider.

Blush #1: Cream Stick Blush

The first blush I’ll apply today is a multitasking cream stick blush from the clean beauty brand Jane Iredale which can also be used on the lips. It comes in 10 shades and is a very natural looking blush that has a slightly radiant finish. It has a very creamy formula which blends into the skin easily and can be built up for greater color payoff.

Blush #2: Liquid Blush

Next up on the left side I’ll apply Huda Beauty’s Blush Filter which is a liquid blush. This blush is described as a high-impact 2-in-1 hybrid liquid blush with buildable pigments that melt into the skin for an instant soft-focus, filter finish. It’s infused with finely milled micro-pearls to create an ‘airblushed’ luminescent glow and it’s long lasting.

Blush #3: Glowy Balm

Now I’m ready to apply my Haus Labs Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm. This blush is billed as a long-lasting lip and cheek balm that glides on glassy color that’s buildable in an easy-to-use stick. There are 12 glassy shades which are described as boasting 70% skincare actives, as being non-sticky and which immediately boosts skin hydration by 62%.

Blush #4: Cream and Powder Duo

The next blush was really innovative when it was first launched because it contained both a crème and a powder blush. And the makeup artist behind this blush launch – Patrick Ta – also used a unique application method of applying the powder first and the cream blush over the powder.

The creamy emollient shade provides a lovely dewy finish and helps lock in color for extended wear time. This blush combo really creates a lovely skin-like finish and a lit-from-within glow. And Patrick Ta has now extended the range to 18 shades.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Blush #5: Cream Blush

This next cream blush is from the clean beauty brand Tower 28. This blush is their Beach Please blush which is known for melting into the skin with no cakiness and no harsh lines, and it’s also quite pigmented. It’s touted as being both a cheek color and a lip color and can be tapped onto the cheeks with the fingertips for a soft flush effect or applied with a brush for a more diffused effect.

It’s great for those of us with sensitive skin thanks to the hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, oil-free, and artificial fragrance-free ingredients. The shade range of 10 colors is full of pops of pink, purple, and orange for those who like a bolder look, but the creamy formula makes for easy blendability so even the brightest tints won’t look clownish.

Blush #6: Serum Blush

The blush I’m going to apply on my left side next is a polar opposite to the Tower 28 blush in terms of formula and applicator, and it’s been around since 2019. It’s Em Cosmetics’ Color Drops. This is a serum blush with a dewy finish which has ingredients that include Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil and Ceramides for more hydration and radiance.

Blush #7: Lightweight Liquid

These next two blushes are also polar opposites in term of formula and finish. British makeup artist Daniel Sandler created his Watercolour Liquid Cheek colours 20 years ago along with Watercolour illuminators and bronzers.

This award-winning formula is lightweight and can be built up for a stronger blush look. It goes on just like water and lets the skin shine through for a natural look. The silicone formula makes it water-resistant and rub-proof, which means the color will stay put and last all day. These blushes are also super blendable and only a tiny amount is needed to give a wash of color to the cheeks.

Blush #8: Sheer Cream Blush

Finally, we’re going with one of Merit Beauty’s 16 blush balm shades. The small, circular packaging makes it easy to grip and apply this blush. The formula is very sheer and buildable with a satin matte finish. It’s a great blush for a minimal makeup look.

It’s also a moisturizing formula that performs especially well on dry skin. If you like a stronger looking blush, this product is probably not your cup of tea because the color does fade over the course of a day.

Good Layering Choices

I also want to quickly mention a few other blushes that are great to layer over cream or liquid blushes for greater longevity or to create some glow. And the powder options are also great for oily skin.

First is the RMS Re-Dimension Hydra Powder Blush which provides a subtle glowy finish which few other powder blushes can provide. I like to layer this over my cream or liquid blushes to make them last longer.

Another product that can be used to layer over other blushes to create a gorgeous glow is Saie Beauty’s Glow Sculpt Blush. It’s creamy, tinted, moisturizing and brightening and creates a gorgeous radiant finish.

A powder blush that I love to layer over creams or liquid blushes to increase their staying power is Makeup by Mario’s Soft Pop Powder Blush. It has a luxurious silky formula that just glides over the skin.

And this last powder blush is one I’ll never be without and which I sweep over my cream and liquid blushes most often to increase their staying power and create a never duplicated soft focus glow. It’s the Hourglass Ambient Light Blush.  It’s a ground-breaking hybrid which combines the customized lighting effects of their amazing Ambient Light Finishing Powders with an array of lovely blush hues in 7 shades.

So, Who’s the Winner?

I hope you’ll let me know in the comment section below which of the 8 blushes I tested today looks the best and which blush might be your top choice.

My top favorite out of all 16 of the blushes I tried was Daniel Sandler’s Watercolour Liquid Blush. It looked beautifully natural and blended in like a dream. It was truly foolproof to apply. My other favorites (in no particular order) included the Huda Beauty liquid blush paired with the Haus Labs stick blush for a long-lasting lovely glow, the Patrick Ta and Morphe blushes for their variety of formula options, Rhodes’ Pocket stick blush for the number of shades and long-lasting cream formula, Tower Beauty’s easy to apply and blend cream blush formula and Revant Cosmetics’ beautiful soft focus glow stick. And for any purchase on the Revant website, be sure to use this link and code to get 10% off: ELISE10.

If you’re interested in a particular makeup topic such as the easiest way to apply eyeliner now or the eyebrow products that can help us the most now, be sure to go to my YouTube channel Boomer and Beyond Beauty with Elise and click on the word playlists which you’ll find in the horizontal bar across the top. You’ll find videos on various makeup topics like eyeliner, foundation, eyebrows, hooded eyes, etc.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried any of these blushes? If so, what was your experience with them? Do you currently have a favorite blush? Are you interested in trying any of the blushes mentioned in this article/video?

He’s expecting what?