Up next in the Lifestyle Fifty “From Drab to Fab” series is bubbly Janet from Middle Aged Mama, who’s sharing her down-to-earth, everyday beauty tips along with her exercise and style routines.
Janet always looks gorgeous, and she knows what suits her, so I was delighted when she agreed to let us know her secrets to looking so good.
I don’t know about you but how I look when I’m in the garden or at home doing housework generally isn’t how I like to look when I’m trotting to engagements outside of the house. No Siree, far too vain for that (unless I’m with best friends or family).
Like me, I know that Janet works from home, and I suspect that, also like me, her gardening gear sometimes doubles up as her work at the computer gear. And why not. The computer doesn’t have eyes – yet! Thank goodness for that.
So this is how you might find Janet in the garden …
And this is how you might find Janet when she’s glammed up for a glitzy event 🙂
Here’s how she keeps the style fires burning so that she can trip the light fantastic when she wants to.
Everyday beauty tips, exercise and style
1 – Exercise: Like many of us, I am battling the old middle aged spread so I am trying to make more of an effort with health and fitness. As soon as the hubster leaves for work I pull on some clothes and a hat, and go for a walk. I was enjoying aqua aerobics but have had recurrent ear infections all through winter so have had to take a break.
2 – Hair: I wash my hair every morning as I still suffer from an oily scalp even now that I’m middle aged. I’ve tried to break the habit but I just can’t bear the way my limp, greasy locks bring down my whole look (and my mood).
Fortunately, I have very fine hair so it takes no time to blow dry! I flip my head upside down to get maximum volume, then stand upright and use a large round brush to curl the ends under.
If I am going out anywhere, I use Give Me Texture spray from V05, which not only plumps my hair up, it also helps any bobby pins or hair elastics to stay put!
I love the way blonde foils lighten my whole look, and have regular trims although I’ve been growing out my fringe.
3 – Skincare: I’ve been using Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash on my face, and Dove soap for my body.
Now my skin is (ahem) more mature, I’ve become a convert to the benefits of moisturizing. I use Johnson’s Clean and Clear light moisturizer on my face. As I suffer from the dreaded middle aged itch, I also slather moisturizer all over my body – currently using Milk by Lindy Klim.
4 – Makeup: Most days all I wear is just a dab of lipstick or lip gloss.
When I’m going out and about my makeup routine usually consists of:
- A dusting of Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base Mineral Foundation;
- Enhancing my brows with eyebrow pencil;
- A sweep of MAC powder blush in “Margin;
- Lining my lips with pencil; and
- Lipstick – my favourites at the moment are “Rose Bloom” by Ulta3, or if I want a glossy look, I use Jane Iredale’s Lip Fixation.
A beauty therapist friend put me on to Jane Iredale, it’s called the “skin care makeup” as it really does look after your skin.
It’s not cheap so I am gradually buying more products in the range, as I can honestly say my skin DOES look better after I’ve been wearing it. There’s not too many makeup brands that you can say that about!
Sometimes I add mascara to emphasise my lashes, but to be honest I hate the mess it makes when I remove it.
For special occasions, I use Garnier BB Cream as a foundation. And, I might use concealer for any blemishes, and/or a highlighter stick just above my cupid’s bow.
5 – Style: On the weekends it is not unusual to see me sporting a t-shirt and leggings/shorts, crocs, and with my hair tied back, ready to do housework or potter in the garden.
Even on weekdays, I work from home, so there is no point donning smart business wear when there is only the cat to appreciate it!
That said, I do *try* to make a bit of an effort – for my own self-esteem and motivation, and so I’ve got photos of my Middle Aged Mama style (#mamstyle) to share on social media.
When it comes to fashion, I look for clothes that fit well, that flatter my figure and in colours that suit me, rather than being a slave to the latest trends. And my favourite accessory is either a scarf, or a necklace.
Janet Camilleri blogs as the Middle Aged Mama, about her quest to fashion a new life now that her kids are grown. You can follow along on Facebook or Instagram, or check out her business website, Front Page Web Writing.
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What goes with slim fit jeans?
Janet you are looking fabulous – so you obviously follow your own advise. The middle age spread slowly creeping in is my biggest problem, so I am “trying” to get out and go for a walk every day…though I don’t always make it…. I agree “lovin life” and getting out and about, engaging, and being involved is one of the best health tips. Enjoy the rest of your week and thank you for the great tips.
Oh I know them feels Jill. I’m back in to walking most mornings but it’s just keeping the dreaded weight creep at bay, don’t know if I’m actually losing anything …
I got confused! I thought Janet had stolen your bloggy theme. But no, just a good ol’ fashioned collab. Yep, she’s a keeper that Janet. She sparkles.
#teamlovinlife
Lol Leanne! A mistaken case of bloggie identity – almost.
Heh heh heh tricked ya!
I love you in your gold dress Janet. I’m glad I don’t need to wash my hair every day, but I understand why you do. If my hair looks good, I feel good!
Thanks Jan! Our hair is something we “wear” everyday, so why not make sure we like it!
Love your style Janet. Great post, Jo – & the perfect *real* woman…one who knows her style & loves life. #TeamLovinLife
Totally agree Jo – love that Janet is *real* about life, love, fashion … everything 🙂
Mwah! Thanks Jo you are a sweetie x
Thanks for this Jo and Janet. I love Janet’s positivity about life in general and her realness – if that makes sense.
And her tips are all very practical. I sometimes look at what I’m wearing around the house and compare it to what someone else is wearing ‘working from home’ or whatever and feel completely out of my depth, so I love the idea of keeping it real.
Great make-up tips too Janet. I don’t really wear makeup but want to start making more of an effort if / when I can.
Thanks Deborah 🙂 I know what you mean about work-from-home-gear and wondering what other women are wearing!
Haha don’t worry Deb there are plenty of days when I *don’t* share my everyday style because it’s really not worth sharing!!!
I love to see ‘real’ fashion (that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and the rest) on a ‘real’ woman (not a starving young model) and I adore Janet in that gold sparkly dress! Great tips! Thanks Janet & Jo! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
Yay, to no starving models Min!
Yeah it’s hard to be inspired when the models are a completely different age, size, and from another planet 😉
Now there is a woman who knows how to pose for a fashion photo! It is certainly a fine art – maybe there should be classes for those of us who are still feeling awkward taking selfies or knowing how to position ourselves to look great in a full length photo? You girls should start putting up tips!
Lol! Thanks Leanne 🙂 Janet certainly knows the angles – she’s really good at it.
Honestly? Years of practice and a lot of photos to pick just one! Thank heavens for digital photography so we don’t have to spend a fortune on a heap of dud pics.
What a fabulous post!! It’s so nice to meet other women who take pride in their appearance and enjoy life!!
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks Jodie 🙂
I’m so thrilled that you invited me to come share on your blog Jo, thank you x
Thank you to you too Janet for sharing your great tips. It’s always so interesting to know what other women do 🙂
I know, I’m nosy like that too!
Absolutely gorgeous Janet, in both your gardening gear and glitzy glamourous gown!
Thank you so much Jo! I guess my biggest beauty secret is that I’m loving life, and that shows 🙂
Lovin’ Life is the best beauty tip, hey Janet!
Isn’t she just, Jo?