The older I get, the more I realize that beauty is not something I owe the world. I don’t put on makeup, choose a fragrance, wear jewelry, or take care of my skin because I need to prove that I am still attractive or somehow resist getting older. I do these things because they are small ways of saying, I am still here, and I am worth my own attention. There is something powerful about continuing to show up for yourself. I can appreciate the lines on my face and still reach for my favorite lipstick. I can accept that my body has changed and still want clothes that make me feel wonderful. Acceptance and effort aren’t opposites. In fact, I think they can be beautiful partners.
Maybe that is the biggest change in what I think about beauty now: I am no longer trying to become someone else's idea of a beautiful woman. I am becoming more interested in looking like myself—only more fully expressed. Some days that means makeup and perfume and a great pair of earrings; other days it might mean garden dirt under my fingernails, hair pulled back, and the satisfaction of having spent the afternoon creating something. Beauty at this age feels less like being admired and more like being engaged with my own life. I want to remain curious, interested, expressive, and willing to delight in beautiful things—including the woman looking back at me in the mirror.
If you need a little extra under-eye hydration, and want to reduce the appearance of
puffiness, fine lines and dark circles, then Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum is a perfect pick. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends this gem.
Terri at Our Good Life says that beauty isn’t about chasing youth or perfection—it’s about caring for ourselves, expressing who we are, and finding pleasure in the little rituals that make us feel beautiful. As I grow older, I’m learning to appreciate the woman I am today while staying curious about the woman I’m still becoming.
Wearing black may be slimming, but it’s not flattering to most complexions and can be boring without plenty of texture. That’s why the proverbial pop of color is so popular. Angie from Your True Self Blog has a simple style tip on how to spice up a black outfit that really makes a difference!
Terri, your line that beauty is not something we owe the world stopped me in my tracks. As a fashion editor working with women over 40, I love how this roundup celebrates showing up for ourselves — from Nancy's heartfelt birthday reflections to the reminder that black outfits need thoughtful styling to truly flatter. I also appreciated the nod to the Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum; under-eye hydration is one of the most common concerns I hear from my readers.
ReplyDeleteTerri, your line that beauty is not something we owe the world stopped me in my tracks — at 40+, I'm learning that showing up for myself matters more than chasing youth, and your words about appreciating the lines on your face said it perfectly. I also loved this week's roundup, especially Barbie's tips on mastering gray coverage. Thank you for writing about beauty with such warmth and honesty.
ReplyDelete