Many of us have done it: Started the year with the resolution to lose weight, sure we’d stick to high-pressure goal we’d dreamed up in a fit of self-hatred. To drop 20lbs, go to the gym every day, count calories or never look at a piece of bread ever again. The fact of the matter is, New Year’s resolutions about weight loss can be dangerous and damaging, especially if you let them warp your self-image and negatively impact your self-esteem.

I’ve been that person—the first one at the gym on January 1, so sore by day three that they take the rest of the month off. I’ve also been the person to go and stick to it, grinding day in and day out. Both versions of myself are valid. In transparency, I’ve never been the person to commit to a hardcore diet, but I’ve definitely been the person to try to eat less and end up binging, only to totally hate myself for it. In at least one of these examples (or potentially all of them) I’m sure you see yourself. That’s OK. This is a reminder that you don’t have to start your 2021 apologizing for or trying to “fix” your appearance.

For some reason, weight loss, gym dedication and getting in shape are some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions of all time. And for people who, for one reason or another, need to do all of the above, that’s perfectly okay. Setting goals and sticking to them is a good thing. A great thing. I’m not here to shame anyone for trying to become healthier. My concern is for anyone who allows an unhealthy self-hated to bloom from the desire to look a certain way.

My concern is for anyone who allows an unhealthy self-hated to bloom from the desire to look a certain way.

I’m sure I don’t have to give you the whole ~we live in a world of Face-Tuned Instagram models and Photoshopped magazine ads~ spiel, but in case I do, I’ll keep it brief: The perfect bodies you see online and in ads are often not real. You shouldn’t compare yourself to them. Healthy looks different on everyone.

Before you think I’m out here shaming anyone with the goal of hitting the gym, let me clarify yet again. Working towards a healthier lifestyle is an admirable goal! However, in this negative world, it is all too common that we use the season of New Year’s Resolutions to body-shame ourselves, picking our appearance apart in the mirror until we’ve resolved to change every little thing we hate. Does this behavior ultimately lend itself to a healthy lifestyle? No. Very often, it leaves us so distressed that we lose all motivation to do anything. We feel doomed. Defeated. Embarrassed. Trapped.

Out of all those words, “trapped” hurts me the most. My body is my home, the only home I’ll have forever. I hate the idea of someone feeling trapped inside theirs. My body is the reason I am able to get up and live my life every single day—how can I hate it (and hate myself!) for not looking exactly the way I want?

My body is my home, the only home I’ll have forever.

As you set your New Year’s resolutions, ring in 2021 and maybe even stock up on some new gym gear or healthy snacks, I urge you to be intentional with your goals. Don’t use your resolutions as opportunities to body-shame yourself. Instead, resolve to appreciate and love your body—in fact, this is a far better reason to vow to make healthy choices. Aim for health because your body deserves a long and beautiful life, not because you need to drop 10lbs in case low-rise jeans come back in style (and believe me, I’m doing all that I can to ensure they don’t). In 2021, I challenge you to a different kind of New Year’s Resolution: Resolve to be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

That’s Dame McGrath, to you. In the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours List, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Pat McGrath, D.B.E. Dame of the British Empire for services to the Fashion and Beauty Industry and Diversity. She’s the first makeup artist to ever achieve the recognition. How cool is that?

“I am truly delighted and humbled to be given this wonderful honor,” McGrath said in a statement. “My mother’s obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this amazing industry and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career.”

According to Vogue UK, McGrath has always credited her mother for her love of style. “She trained me, basically, to do the shows, right there… look at the pattern, check the fabrics, look for the make-up – and begin,” she told Vogue back in 2007. Earlier in 2003, she told Time magazine that her mom was “always mixing up colors because there wasn’t anything out there for black skin.”

In a new Instagram post, McGrath thanked everyone in her life who made this award possible—including her mother. “I want to thank all of the amazing people in my life – my mother Jean McGrath, my family, friends, colleagues and you, my fellow Beauty Lovers, who contributed to this award,” she wrote. 

Source: Instagram

“When I first launched my brand, PAT McGRATH LABS, it was designed to inspire self-expression and individuality,” she continued. “I dedicate this honour in tribute to Makeup Artists everywhere, I adore each and every one of you.”

Feeling inspired? Us too! Head over to Sephora to shop Pat McGrath Labs to celebrate.

If you are looking at hairstyles for older women, you have three basic choices – short, medium, or long. When I arranged an interview with professional hairdresser Denise McAdam about medium length hairstyles for women our age I was really excited.

For most of my life, I have had medium length hair. During this time, I have found myself swinging back and forth between wanting to grow it out or cut it all off.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like medium length hair is one of the harder lengths to deal with. What do you think?

What Makes Denise McAdam So Special?

Apart from the fact that Denise is a wonderful woman with fantastic energy, there are many reasons to think that she is exactly the right person to help us delve into this topic.

In the U.K., Denise is something of a celebrity. For the last 40 years, she has worked with some of the most glamorous women on this planet, including celebrities and royalty. These are women who could choose anyone to cut and style their hair. They work with Denise because she has the skills, personality, and experience to make them shine. Now, we can all benefit from her wisdom.

I hope that you enjoy my interview with Denise on the topic of medium length hairstyles for older women. 

Why Is Medium Length Hair Appealing to Many Women?

Here are more examples of medium length hairstyles for older women – because, let’s face it, we aren’t all movie stars.

Do you have naturally white hair? Medium length white hair can be quite attractive when cut and styled correctly.

Proud of your salt & pepper hair? You earned it! Don’t let anyone tell you that you should keep your hair short when it starts to turn grey/white.

Slicked back medium-length hair can look quite sophisticated. We love this look!

Get a cut for your medium length hair that can be styled easily and even air-dried if you wish. A no-fuss layered shoulder-length style is perfect for the wash-and-go days.

How about a slick shoulder-length bob? It’s perfect if you have thick hair.

Medium-length hair with the perfect blowout looks great on older women.

Do you like bangs? Go for it. They look great with a shoulder-length layered hairstyle.

Love your curls? You should! This style is perfect to let your curls loose and showcase your face beautifully.

Unlike short cuts, Denise explains that medium length hairstyles can require a little extra time and maintenance. The good news is that, once you pick a style, medium hair can give you plenty of versatility.

Medium length hair is also practical. You can grab it, pull it back in a ponytail, and head off to the gym. Personally, I prefer using a scrunchie to keep my hair under control during Pilates.

In addition, medium length hairstyles provide a number of opportunities to accessorize with beautiful earrings, hair accessories, barrettes, and other hair decorations.

Finally, hair of this length can give you a little extra height and volume. It’s a great option for women who want to pull their hair up into a chignon or bun.

How Can You Take Care of Your Medium Length Hairstyle?

Denise reminds us that, regardless of length, medium length hairstyles require a great cut. This hair length also tends to require more attention in terms of products.

For example, after washing, Denise recommends using a volume mouse, hair spray, or serum to give it a bit of ZOOOSHH. In terms of specific products, Denise suggests serums from John Frieda or Percy and Reid.

She reminds us that hair oils can cause our hair to dry out, so, be careful. That said, Percy and Reed Volumising No Oil for Fine Hair is still one of her favorite oils. Also, Denise suggests that “dressing creams” are coming back and recommends Osmo Thickening Cream.

What I love about Denise is that, even though she has been working in the hair business for 40 years, she still keeps up on the latest trends. She takes an innovative approach to helping women of any age look their best. I hope that you enjoyed our conversation!

Do you have medium length hair? How would you describe your hairstyle? Do you have any additional questions for Denise? Please join the conversation.