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

If you’re behind on trying the latest trendy skincare tools, the upcoming weeks are your opportunity to change that. Amazon has discounted countless products for its Black Friday sale, such as the top-selling Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager. Considering this is the lowest price we’ve seen it at all year (including Prime Day), we recommend snatching this one up while it’s a on sale for just $11.

The skin-tightening tool is sure to put thoughts of botox on the back burner; the product is built to make your face look younger and fresher without chemicals or irritation. It helps boost elasticity across sagging skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles and relieve any strain or pressure across the face. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager

According to one user, you’ll witness “huge changes” fairly quickly. “I’m 45, fine lines around my jaw, neck and forehead. There’s a deeper crease between my eyes and I’ve had a really bad break out of hormonal acne along my jawline. Well the fine lines are less noticeable, the deep crease is less for sure and my acne is almost 100% gone. In just 4 days. The redness and uneven skin tone is gone. My skin is much tighter and the puffiness under my eyes is gone along with the dark circles. Seriously in 4 days!!”

Even more fans of the product have not held back their praise: “It’s like my facial skin shrunk and pulled back—nothing short of amazing. The new wave of skin care is taking things into your own hands at home and if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of girl, definitely get this one.” 

If you already have your skincare routine down, this tool is the perfect addition to use alongside your go-to serums, oils and lotions. As another reviewer noted, “I have been using this roller along with my usual face cream EVERY DAY twice a day for a month. I have seen a huge difference on my face. My skin is always glowy and my face looks even more slender now. I really have a more [youthful] look.”

Beyond providing anti-aging benefits, reviewers have also commented on its multifaceted functions, including migraine relief, dark circle reduction, sinus drainage and of course just the pure unadulterated pleasure of a de-stressing face massage. 

On top of all of that, its gold exterior and 24k face bar is a pretty cute addition to your makeup bag. The T-shape is designed for 6000 vib/min which users have noted is not too strong to make it uncomfortable for the face. 

Oh and in case you needed any more convincing, Tracee Ellis Ross also swears by massaging tools for tense muscles and early mornings. So the real question is, who wouldn’t want to look like Tracee Ellis Ross? 

Snatch up the Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager with over 2,000 five-star ratings while it’s 20 percent off following Prime Day. Just make sure you’re signed up for a Prime Membership to take advantage of all these limited-time offers.

Now that I have become “their age” I find myself thinking a lot about my grandmother (Tania) and my mother (Helen). After all, they were my first aging female role models.

When they were the age I am now (in my 60s), I didn’t give their age a thought because, like all daughters, I was consumed with the drama of my own life – deeply embedded in childrearing and a bad marriage.

One thing I do remember, though, is
that I was always amazed at how I seemed to be getting older, whilst they
seemed to stay the same age: comfortably, nicely, calmly old. Or, ageless.

What I would give to be able to talk
to them now, to ask their advice about aging! The only thing I can do is remember
and form my own conclusions from what I saw and experienced.

Don’t Mention It

For starters, they never talked about
age. It wasn’t because they were shocked or ashamed of their age. Rather, it was
because they felt talking about age is… useless… and boring! There’s nothing
you can do about it. And there are so many more interesting things to talk
about!

We spend all our lives taking care of
ourselves so we can get to old age – it makes no sense to complain about it
when we get there. My mother and grandmother “just” lived and enjoyed. They
were both vital women until the very end when they were felled by terminal
illness and passed away.

The Power of Lipstick

My mother and grandmother understood
and believed in the power of good grooming. They didn’t do it for others, they
did it for themselves. Even on days when my mother didn’t particularly have any
plans for going out, she smoothed her complexion with powder and put on her red
lipstick.

Neither woman had the taut skin and
bloom of youth, but they were empowered by being soigné and perfumed. Whilst
they did their own manicures at home, they went to the salon for perms, cuts
and color.

I understand this insistence on
grooming because I do the same thing. Red lips, a fluff of powder and I feel
amazing and ready for anything.

Dashing Over to Bloomingdale’s

The power of fashion never ends; its
eternal promise to make you feel a certain way, or to reinvent yourself with a
new style. My mother and grandmother both were seriously interested in fashion
and keeping their wardrobes fresh.

They taught me that the great thing
about being retired is that you can wait for things to go on sale. There’s the
fun of stalking an item as it drops in price and the triumph of finding a great
bargain.

My grandmother lived in New York City
and favored slacks, a low stacked heel and nice blouses accented with costume
jewelry: large chains and large earrings. She never wore rings or bracelets as
she was a pianist. As an urban woman, she understood the power of a great coat.

My mother had suburban style. She
looked jauntily sophisticated with freshly pressed jeans or black pants with a
chic Eileen Fisher sweater and a beautifully cut designer fleece vest. She
preferred small gold necklaces, diamond stud earrings and rings on her fingers.
Both of them loved really good shoes.

My mother and grandmother felt
shopping was a social activity and a good reason to get out of the house and
merge with humanity on days when they might have felt a little lonely or down.

Shopping didn’t have to mean buying,
it could mean mingling on the street, in stores and malls, people watching,
enjoying, having a cup of tea and returning home.

Why Not Work?

Both my grandmother and mother remained
involved in meaningful activity with part time work. My grandmother had been a
rehearsal pianist at the School of American Ballet, the academy for the New
York City Ballet. She worked part time in her later years as she loved having a
place to go and people to socialize with.

My mother was a part-time bookkeeper
for the local Nature Center in our town. She too relished the sociability it
provided, as well as the funding it offered for her fashion forays and travel.

Eat the Butter

In her later years, my mother read the
news reports when scientists and nutritionists declared that eating butter was
no worse than eating margarine. She was furious! She had spent her life eating
the horrible, salty, oily tasting margarine she hated because she had been told
it was healthier than butter.

The next day, there was butter in the
house. Peanut butter had been vilified as high calories, and we never had it in
the house. When it became “natural health food” a jar appeared in the cupboard.

“Everything in moderation” is the
lesson here. And that’s why there’s a small container of fresh half and half in
my fridge. When it comes to my morning coffee, I love the rich mellow taste of
creme. It’s my luxury and I deserve it.

They Loved Young People

My grandmother was surrounded by
young, slim ballerinas, and she kept up with their trials and triumphs. I think
they were also the reason she kept her figure her whole life.

She was the original nutritionist,
eating her generation’s version of healthy food – prunes, cottage cheese, very
little meat and a light dinner at night.

My mother enjoyed all the young people
at her job as well. She grocery-shopped daily, like a European, choosing that
night’s dinner with care and delight.

They Were Positive and Never Complained

I don’t remember my mother or
grandmother ever complaining about their aches and pains. I know they had them,
it’s inevitable given what I know now about the aches and pains that accompany
the aging body. They just got on with living, with enjoying what they could.

Zest and Dimes

Two final thoughts to share with you. Their
zest for life is what made them ageless. Staying interested, staying involved,
being curious, enjoying. Art, politics, people, society, culture, nature. Zest
for life gives you energy and pleasure.

And finally, they taught me that “life
can turn on a dime,” so “don’t postpone joy.” That’s hardly news. We know it’s
true our whole life, but never more so when you get older. So: Full pleasure
ahead and “don’t spare the horses!”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What did you learn from your grandmother
and mother about aging? The lessons can come both positively and negatively. Do
share with us below! It’s your chance to join the conversation! We want to
know!

It was George Bernard Shaw who said “Youth is wasted on the young.” I sometimes remind my young adult sons about this when they are getting uppity. This amusing quote, like all good quotes, has more than a grain of truth to it, especially when you reach your 50s and 60s.

But how about we look at this quote from another angle. How about “Let us not waste our hard earned wisdom in old age.” I like that idea. Then it struck me how much painting is helping me during this time of life.

The Journey to Mindfulness

Let me explain. When I was a much younger man painting was about skill and show. I had to get the skills to steal the show – or something like that. I had to stand out, sell paintings, and grow in reputation like any ambitious young person, I guess. This is fine to a point, but I missed the bigger picture since my focus was just on my career.

Painting and Awareness

Over the years I had to learn more about a balanced life. You may have had similar concerns in your career, too. Try as I might, I simply could not get into the meditation concept.

Practicing meditation is still very difficult for me. But it was through painting that I could disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. By doing this I became aware of thoughts that were causing me problems. When I painted, those ideas and thoughts disappeared – often not to return.

Why Being Aware Is So Important

The world has witnessed some of the most important events in a long time. If you look at the world pandemic, wars in different locations, and US elections… well, let’s just say, the past years have been tough. I have no political views to put forward. But I do see that people are very emotional.

The power of ideas can stir up unfortunate emotions where people say and do things that they regret later on. We all have our limits. I am no different. But it does help to see one’s behaviour and put the brakes on quickly. Awareness makes this possible.

Painting Makes the Difference

Without the pause that painting gives me, I would be another touchy and reactionary person of the 21^st Century. For many people starting retirement today, the world can seem like a scary place indeed. Sadly, most people start retirement without the skills needed to cope with this time of life. With too much time to think about problems there can be very little peace of mind. Drama takes over every day.

If you have thought about giving painting a go, or you are a lapsed painter, I do encourage you to dive right in without a second thought. There is more to painting than putting paint on a canvas. It is a deeply intellectual pursuit without an end. You do not complete the game and look for something new. It is a journey of self-discovery that will help you see the world and your own life more clearly.

Mindfulness means being aware of your thoughts, understanding them better and being able to let them go. Very often our worries are simply imaginary. If we see them for what they are they lose power over us and we can be free of them.

Use Painting to Find Peace of Mind

Painting is one of many ways to develop mindfulness. It just happens to be the one method that has worked for me. Many artists that I have met over time say the same thing. So I hope you will forgive my esoteric essay, but if it does encourage you to pick up a paint brush and ease your worries then I am happy.

Ready to learn more? I have a special offer exclusively for Sixty and Me readers for my course, Learn to Paint With Impact. Plus, a bonus personal painting assessment and written critique when you join. Find out more.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What has been your experience with painting and mindfulness? Does it help you cope with your retirement? What other strategies do you use to develop mindfulness? Please share with the community.

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

How’s your wallet looking? Mine’s still quite full because of all of the savings I’m getting. I’m clearly a beauty lover, so I’ve been spending most of my dough on makeup, skincare, and haircare products.

It can be quite an expense for us to have and buying luxury can be pricey—so I’m here to send over some top choice Black Friday and Cyber Monday picks that will keep your bank account in check.

One of my favorite (and many others’ as well) makeup brands is having an incredible sitewide sale of 30% off. Yes, the Benefit Cosmetics is offering 30 percent off all of their products with the code “FRIYAY”. Their bestseller, the Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara is down to only $19 right now while savings last.

Check it out below.

Courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara

This O.G. favorite mascara has been around for a long, long time. It’s the go-to makeup product to lengthen, curl, volumize, and lift lashes to heights you’ve never seen before.

It’s a long-wearing formula with a custom domed-tip brush that’s got almost 931 positive reviews on Benefit’s website, a favorite that is bound to sell out quickly, maybe before the sale ends.

Reviewers agree, saying “Of all the different mascaras I’ve bought and tried in the past I always go back to this one. I promise it’s the best! I recommend this to everyone! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, you know!”

Shop this and many other favorites on Benefit’s website today, Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

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

If you’re behind on trying the latest trendy skincare tools, the upcoming weeks are your opportunity to change that. Amazon has discounted countless products for its Black Friday sale, such as the top-selling Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager. Considering this is the lowest price we’ve seen it at all year (including Prime Day), we recommend snatching this one up while it’s a on sale for just $11.

The skin-tightening tool is sure to put thoughts of botox on the back burner; the product is built to make your face look younger and fresher without chemicals or irritation. It helps boost elasticity across sagging skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles and relieve any strain or pressure across the face. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager

According to one user, you’ll witness “huge changes” fairly quickly. “I’m 45, fine lines around my jaw, neck and forehead. There’s a deeper crease between my eyes and I’ve had a really bad break out of hormonal acne along my jawline. Well the fine lines are less noticeable, the deep crease is less for sure and my acne is almost 100% gone. In just 4 days. The redness and uneven skin tone is gone. My skin is much tighter and the puffiness under my eyes is gone along with the dark circles. Seriously in 4 days!!”

Even more fans of the product have not held back their praise: “It’s like my facial skin shrunk and pulled back—nothing short of amazing. The new wave of skin care is taking things into your own hands at home and if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of girl, definitely get this one.” 

If you already have your skincare routine down, this tool is the perfect addition to use alongside your go-to serums, oils and lotions. As another reviewer noted, “I have been using this roller along with my usual face cream EVERY DAY twice a day for a month. I have seen a huge difference on my face. My skin is always glowy and my face looks even more slender now. I really have a more [youthful] look.”

Beyond providing anti-aging benefits, reviewers have also commented on its multifaceted functions, including migraine relief, dark circle reduction, sinus drainage and of course just the pure unadulterated pleasure of a de-stressing face massage. 

On top of all of that, its gold exterior and 24k face bar is a pretty cute addition to your makeup bag. The T-shape is designed for 6000 vib/min which users have noted is not too strong to make it uncomfortable for the face. 

Oh and in case you needed any more convincing, Tracee Ellis Ross also swears by massaging tools for tense muscles and early mornings. So the real question is, who wouldn’t want to look like Tracee Ellis Ross? 

Snatch up the Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager with over 2,000 five-star ratings while it’s 20 percent off following Prime Day. Just make sure you’re signed up for a Prime Membership to take advantage of all these limited-time offers.