Yesterday, someone asked me what I thought about the new crop of Louis Vuitton bags from the brand’s Fall 2016 runway, and the first thing that sprang to mind was, “Well, there’s a lot going on.” I don’t mean that in a bad way (the collection is often excellent), but it also means I don’t know where to start.
Image Source: Giafrese
Last week, I struck up a conversation with my Uber driver. As the conversation continued around politics, he made an assumption that we were close in age, saying as someone in her late twenties/early thirties, surely I could relate. I pointed out that I'm actually in my mid-forties (I'll be 45 in June), at which the driver abruptly adjusted the rearview mirror with shock and said, "There is NO WAY you're that old! You don't look your age!"
This situation happens to me often. I know he meant it as a sincere compliment, but I'm troubled by the concept that somehow I'm winning at life because I don't have more visible, external signs of aging. It seems after a certain age, "You don't look your age!" is supposed to be the Mother of All Compliments, feathered in a soft nest of "I would never have guessed!" and "OMG, are you serious?" While I appreciate the flattery, I'm always left with a very uneasy feeling: what does that say about how we feel about women and aging?
What makes this well-meaning compliment so unsettling is it implies there's something wrong with looking middle-aged or older. We live in a youth-obsessed culture. It's almost as if we have invisible expiration dates on our skin, and any sign of wear and tear sets off an alarm. The catalyst makes us feel suddenly shamed and expendable.
Our societal thirst for youth is undeniable. Entire magazines dedicated to "The Age Issue." Intense media scrutiny on the appearance of every woman in the public eye, as parodied by Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and others in "Last F*ckable Day." And the beauty business wages a full-scale war on time, complete with antiaging weaponry meant to eradicate, decimate, and bury all evidence that a woman might be getting older, like "age-defying lasers" and "miracle worker" eye creams. Every day, I watch women battling time with everything they've got, attempting to stay in the same jeans from high school while pushing foreign matter into their faces in order to literally freeze everything right where it is today, forever and ever more.
The fear of being seen as anything less than sexually viable, the palpable threat of being traded in for a younger model, the intense messaging that we're going to die alone if we show a crack in the armor of our skin - all of it is crushing, pervasive, and punishing. We treat women like the newest release of the iPhone: just wait a minute, because we've got a hot newer model coming, and she's so much sexier than your old one that we've made the old model obsolete.
I find this incredibly disturbing. The lines running across my forehead mimic those of my father's. And I can't imagine doing something to get rid of them. Recently, I discovered the magical power of rainbow-colored hair, and I defy someone telling me I'm too old to have it. My jawline and breasts are slowly descending, and outside of exercise, good bras, and products, I'm letting them continue on their path. I truly find softness truly sexy. But I am worried about the women my age (or older) and for the young impressionable girls who are imprinted with an unnecessary fear of aging.
My age is awesome. I know so much more than I have ever known before. The light that shines within my skin is knowledge of how amazing life can be if you just hang in there. I laugh more easily, and I'm so much better in bed because I know my body. My soul, wit, intelligence - the very spark of life within me makes for my vibrancy. I feel like I've done a pretty damned good job taking care of myself. I come from a long line of extraordinary black women who take incredible pride in appearance, and we all have daily rituals that reinforce that sentiment.
"The less you do to your face, the less you will ever have to do to you face," is a mantra my mother once said. I swear by it. I don't wear a lot of makeup, I cleanse, I treat, I moisturize; repeat daily. Outside of that, I've never had anything "done" (re: cosmetic dermatology). The only needles near my face have involved piercing my ears and dental work, and the only surgery has been wisdom teeth removal. No fillers, no nothing. It's real, and it's all mine.
That said, I did start using products at the young age of 9 years old, when my Olay-obsessed Aunt Bert used to slather my face with the legendary cream. I would stand on the stool in her bathroom as she performed her nightly beauty ritual.
Image Source: Courtesy of Kristin Booker
At first, I used moisturizers as a teenager to offset the drying effects of cleansers and astringents. And that routine has now evolved into a twice-daily regimen of cleansing, serums, and moisturizers. My regiment has guest-starring appearances from other products weekly, because I test so many things. But the mainstays remain SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser ($34), Simple Cleansing Micellar Water ($7), Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($72), and, you guessed it, Olay Moisturizing Lotion For Sensitive Skin ($10).
I also admit to spending a ridiculous amount on night creams (my desert island products would be Erno Laszlo Luminous C10 Night Treatment ($135) and SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair ($102).
Since there's no beauty cream or cosmetic procedure that can cure our obsession with youth, I'd like to propose a different solution: awareness. Instead of telling a woman she doesn't look her age, just tell her she looks good. Really good. "Wow, you're beautiful," is something every single person on the planet recognizes as sincere currency, and we can live off that bank of positive energy for days.
Also, accomplishments, goals, dreams, and intelligence are incredibly beautiful. Women living unapologetically, like Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Lauren Hutton, Meryl Streep, and Rita Moreno, are vibrant, exquisite beings. Smart brands are starting to recognize the sensuality that comes from a life of experience. Marc Jacobs embracing Jessica Lange, Joan Didion in a Céline campaign, NARS featuring Charlotte Rampling, and most recently Lancome signing on Isabella Rossellini are all steps in the right direction.
The childish fear of the inevitable end of our lives is forcing us to take extraordinary measures that don't celebrate women. Ladies, if you're with people who don't see the sum of your beauty, ditch them and find your tribe of women who are as juicy and amazing as you. Same goes for the men in your life. Someone out there will love you right as you are . . . no further assembly required.
It's time for a new standard of beauty. Let's all look amazing, regardless of our age. The ultimate compliment is to recognize all of what's in front of you, inside and out. Every single woman has something to bring to the party, and it's time we celebrate that in all its glory.
You could be using the best foundation in the world, but without the right tools to put it on, it could still end up looking too cakey too streaky, or just plain meh. That's where makeup sponges come in. What originated in triangle form back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth (or sometime just after that), have now taken on rounded curvy new shapes and colors. But what the heck is the difference between all of them? We asked makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci to break down it down. Here's your shorthand guide for which sponges to use when and how.
1. Avon Triangle Makeup Sponge
The triangle sponge was part of the first generation of makeup sponges from way back when. They're disposable, so they're great for the lazy girl on the go (or the lazy girl not going anywhere but who just doesn't want to be bothered cleaning her makeup sponges). They get the job done, but the rigid lines and points can make it hard to distribute product evenly, as compared to curvier options. While these are the least expensive of the bunch, they can definitely add up when purchased over and over again. "Make sure to wet it for a more controlled application," adds Ciucci.
2. Earth Therapeutics Precisso Cosmetic Blending Sponge
This curvy over-achiever is made with bamboo charcoal which helps to draw pollutants out of the skin while you dab and blend away. It also has a small divot which can aid in more precise application. "Holding from the round bottom provides a softer application, whereas gripping from the ridge of the sponge, the application will be more intense," Ciucci says.
3. Jane Iredale Flocked Makeup Sponge
Here's one that's great for powder products, especially mineral makeup. "The kabuki-like brushes often used for this type of application can create a heavy finish. This flocked sponge is great for buffing down a powdery finish or dabbing on loose powder in a high-shine situation," says Ciucci.
4. Beautyblender Micro Mini
Aside from being adorable (it's about the size of an almond!), this little guy is actually quite functional. It's like a detailer for the small areas around the eyes and nose. "I tend to use this when going for a full coverage because you're able to build a flawless finish without any rough edges in these small areas," says Ciucci. "It's also really nice to tap on cream highlighter atop the cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose." As the rule also goes for the OG Beautyblender, make sure to wet the sponge first then stipple (beauty-speak for "dot") the product on. "If you don't wet the sponge before you use it, the product sinks into it like a black hole," warns Ciucci.
5. Beautyblender
You've likely seen the iconic original pink egg-shaped sponge, well, everywhere by now. It's a favorite among makeup artists, beauty editors, and the general makeup-loving population—and with good reason. The soft latex-free foam ball applies a seamless coat of liquid, gel, and cream formulas leaving skin flawless instead of clumpy and coated. But the rainbow of colored Beautyblenders—now available in nude, black, white, red, and purple— are purely for aesthetic purposes. "Flesh tone products are less visible with a nude sponge, as are darker foundations, bronzers, and cream blush, which tend to stain the lighter sponges," says Ciucci. Once wet, it doubles in size and the level of wetness can help you control the level of coverage. "If just slightly damp, you're able to build up medium to full coverage and if very wet, you can get a dewy, sheer finish."
6. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
It looks like someone took a slice out of the side of this latex-free sponge and that's precisely what makes it such a multi-use tool. "The broad rounded side of the sponge is great for basic application of foundation and bronzer. The tapered end is for detailing and the flat side is great for contouring with creamy products," says Ciucci. If you're someone who spends extra time polishing your complexion, this is a great all-in-one tool that helps you do just that.
Now that you've got your sponge game down, are you using the right complexion products? Check out our guide to foundation, powders, BB creams, CC creams, and more right here.
Watch How to Get a Soft Pink Lip That'll Brighten Your Complexion:
My foray into the beauty world started with flavored lip balms. I hoarded every Lip Smacker I could get my tiny grade school hands on. So naturally, when Lancome launched its now-iconic Juicy Tubes ($19) in 2000, I begged my globetrotting uncle to pick up a limited-edition set of them from duty-free. Once they were in my clutches, I prized these glosses. So much so, I never even used them, but kept them pristine in their packaging.
Those sophisticated (but still fun!) version of childhood lip balms are still popular, but now that I'm 27, I find myself leaning toward matte, long-wear formulas. For me, applying lipstick has become more routine and less about experimentation - a sad fact that I attributed to getting older and busier.
Taking nostalgia and current beauty trends into account, Lancome is set to launch the next generation of flavored lip color this April with Juicy Shaker. The vibrant oil treatments are inspired by those classic Juicy Tubes and one of the brand's products from 1946, The Shaker. The Shaker was a lipstick that featured a martini-shaker-shaped silhouette, as this was the time period when cocktails were very in vogue. You'll see that same shape in this new item's packaging.
For a lip junkie like myself, there are many attributes that make Juicy Shaker special. When you open the box, you'll find that the color has settled to the bottom of the bottle, letting the nourishing blend of apricot, cranberry, peach, almond, and rose de muscat oils rise to the top. Take the package and shake it - you'll hear the familiar sound of a martini shaker as you mix your cosmetic cocktail.
Once you uncork the cap, you'll find an innovative cushion applicator. Dabbing it onto your lips feels like kissing a supersoft teddy bear and leaves your pout infused with a sheer wash of color.
But perhaps the best parts about Juicy Shaker are the shades . . . and the flavors! There are 20 different tints and each corresponds to its own unique, delicious scent. While most are vibrant with fruity aromas, including Berry in Love and Mangoes Wild, there are a few unexpected options. There's a bright blue formula called Mint to Be, which Lancome declared a lip beautifier, as the cool tone enhances your complexion while making teeth look whiter. My personal favorite is Piece of Cake, a dusty rose that smells like almond financiers.
With this launch, Lancome intended to make applying and reapplying lip color feel new and exciting. I can honestly say that Juicy Shaker makes me feel like a kid again (in a good way). Instead of worrying about whether or not my lipstick will last throughout my various meetings, I'm thinking about the cushy applicator hugging my lips, imbuing them with a natural, pretty flush - and smelling cinnamon, citrus, or candy. It's a welcome, playful change to my beauty routine. Once you try it, I'm sure the formula will shake up your lip ritual, too. Read on to see every shade!
Juicy Shaker ($21) will be available April 21 at lancome-usa.com.
We've all done some crazy things when it comes to covering up acne in a bind, but sometimes that desperate feeling to hide a breakout can take us a bit too far. Unfortunately, even celebrities can fall victim to these kinds of ill-advised beauty mistakes, with the latest being none other than Lea Michele.
During an interview with Byrdie, Michele confessed to applying eyeliner on pimples in an effort to disguise them as moles. Thinking this tactic was successful, she continued to draw on these camouflage-like spots until a friend finally asked what "all those black dots" were on her face. Needless to say, Lea reported being mortified and immediately stopped the habit.
Although the idea seems a bit outlandish, we can see where she may have gotten it from. Makeup artists in the beauty industry have been known to use eyeliner to create things like fake freckles on models during photoshoots. But regardless of trends, putting eyeliner on acne is a bad idea. Here's why.
Other than looking unnatural, applying eyeliner to an inflamed pimple isn't a good idea in terms of skin health. When applied to the face, eyeliner formulas can clog pores, leading to more acne-causing congestion. "The best way to cover up acne is with a really good concealer," says NYC-based dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi. "Sulfur based concealers are helpful because they cover up breakouts and heal them at the same time." One we love: Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment ($26).
So instead of drawing on your face with eyeliner, invest in a good cover up and follow these concealer hacks to never let another breakout lead you to questionable decisions like this one. If you don't, you could end up with a pimple worse than what you began with.
Here's how to re-create Lea Michele's sexy smoky eye:
We've always known Blue Ivy Carter is beautiful, but now we know she's a beauty girl, too. Beyoncé recently brought this to the public eye when she shared a photo of her daughter getting dolled up via her website. In the image, Blue is showing off face gems, heavy eyeliner, and lip gloss. The 4-year-old is making us wonder if vlogging is in her future. Now, how do we get an invite to play dress-up with Blue and Bey?
