Now looking older doesn't necessarily mean this particular woman didn't have the time, money or inclination to take care of herself. For many women, that is the case however. So here are some tips to counter those fabulous excuses women like to throw around when really, they've just dropped the ball.
Try beauty kits. Every cosmetic counter, Sephora, Ulta and drugstore carries kits and palettes from almost every product line available. From skin care in travel sizes to full eye shadow palettes, you can get the biggest bang for your buck by trying several products from the line to see what works for you and what doesn't at a much lower price point. Holidays are a great time to try different lip colors in the same line or branching out and testing the best/favorites from a new line you're not familiar with.
I got this kit for $25. Most are travel sizes however the largest lip product is a full size and (farthest right) retails for $24 on its own. So there you go. You get 6 products for the price of one full size and you will never use all of them down to the last drop anyway so what's the diff if they are smaller sizes? You get more exposure, more fun, great brands for a small investment.
This is a kit from Tarte Cosmetics. 16 shadows, 4 cheek products and 3 lip products allows you to experience many of the line's colors and textures in one big bang. I purchased something similar for myself when I wanted to learn more about Tarte and experience the shadows for the first time. You can't beat a good kit.
Sample size perfumes. Unless you have one signature scent (Please tell me you have at least one.), you will probably have a few in rotation and never quite finish any of them. If that's the case, why invest in at minimum $45 a bottle (times have changed, most are quite more than that!) to have your money sit on a dresser while you decide if you like the scent? Get a good whiff of a magazine sample. Test the fragrance on your wrist and walk around the mall. If you don't have a headache, if you like the scent after it's lingered a bit, then go home and buy a sample from Ebay. Yes, go home and order. I'm old school. You don't need to shop Ebay from the mall bench or your car. Ebay will have legit samples in the card envelope and for less than $8. You can try the fragrance, throw it in your purse, take it with you for travel and if you're tired of it by the time that little sample is finished, you've saved yourself quite a few bucks, haven't you?
Buy what makes you happy. Within reason. If you see something that makes you feel good, makes you feel pretty, brightens your eyes or brings you compliments, buy it. Don't break the bank or anything but don't drive yourself crazy talking yourself out of it. You'll go home thinking about it, asking opinions, tossing it over in your mind and in the end, you'll have wished you had it. Life is short. Joy is rare these days. Embrace it.
Discount stores will surprise you. Places like TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Kohls are really improving their game these days. They may not always have the same items on a regular basis but when they do, you can stock up at a much lower price. High-end, hard to find brands you can only find online, etc are great surprises when you see them in the store. Skin care can be hit or miss, keep your receipt just in case. I've found some major scores on products I would have never tried if I had to pay department store prices. Body care, hair care and gift sets are also great so stock up.
Find someone who knows and keep them in your pocket. Yes, someone like me. ;-) But the reason I do what I do is because I have the passion and knowledge...and I'm a handy person to know. Most women don't take the time to read reviews, swatch products or research comparable dupes. All you know is that you need a concealer to do x,y and z and you're on your way to Walmart. Who are you going to call? Ghostbusters? lol Sorry, kids just watched it, it's stuck in my brain. It helps to have someone to ask for ideas, honest opinions after you've tried the product and actually knows a thing or two about what you may need/want. A knowledgeable girlfriend or product rep will be great assets too, just take their opinions with a grain of salt. Your thoughts and feelings outrank everyone else.
And finally, there are no excuses, only a difference in priorities. You can't complain that you don't feel or look your best if you don't put in the effort. The effort doesn't have to cost a mortgage payment. You don't need a full makeover in one day. There is a skin care regimen for every woman, for every budget. Maybe eye shadow isn't your thing but you like experimenting with lip and cheek products. Believe me, there are some gorgeous kits out there with your name on it. You don't want to be the "older" sister when you are the youngest. You don't want to look like you haven't slept in a week when you just took a 4 hour nap. Small steps and small investments will get you to where you need to be to feel confident and happy. Remember, no excuses. ;-)
