KELLY WROTE: As god as my witness, in my Formerly Hot life my morning beauty routine consisted of mascara (a must) and red lip gloss (optional). Now the word for us Formerlies is that we should use LESS make-up for a ‘fresh and youthful’ look. HELLO…WTF??? I’m now at a point where it takes more, I have the resources for the good stuff and thirty years of application tips and practice I’m supposed to wear less? What? Is that possible for any of us Formerlies? Am I the only one out here that has to spend three times longer applying twice as much stuff to look half as I good way back when? Not Fair! I’m calling Shenanigans!
January 12, 2010 at 12:48 pm
@ age 42 I’m actually at a place where I care less about my appearance and only put on makeup when I “go out,” more because it’s perfunctory than because I feel it makes me look better – dressier, yes, better…really?! With two kids under the age of 10 and being a full-time professional, I no longer have the time, don’t need it for my self esteem, and am not looking to attract a partner. Hooked line and sinker I’d like to believe and thankfully happiest when I’m in a pony-tail and sweats. Hmmm, does he have a little sister fettish??? Lol.) Even if I were looking to hook-up, I’ve always wondered why women “improve” themselves so much when presenting themselves to a prospective mate. What’s going to be his/her reaction after the push-up bra, skinny jeans, high heels, hair products and make-up come off? Talk about your beer goggles then!!!
January 21, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Wow! I wasn’t referring to any ‘after-five’ experiences or hook-ups. I was thinking more in terms of the increased work required (in my case anyway) to achieve a polished and professional appearance on a day-to-day basis. Specifically, the increased number of skin care and makeup regiments that I (as a formerly) now employ compared to my younger days to yield the same net effect.
If my industry would abide a sweats and pony-tail dress code then perhaps I would feel the same way, unfortunately, mine is a fast paced and creative field where a healthy self esteem is not quite the same as giving up completely. But hey, that’s just me…maybe I’ll retire the push-up bra and high heels and just get some stretchy pants for the weekends…