There’s no excuse. Well not for me anyway. I need my daily routine.
A little bit of make up, brushed hair, and maybe a pretty dress turn me from feeling ‘a bit bleuh-di-blah’ to, ‘Yes – I can do this! Let’s get this day underway!’
My Daily Routine is a no brainer
So the other day I decided to bite the bullet and take a couple of before and after photos.
I’m blotchy and bleuh without make-up and in my gym clothes, but the right clothes, some foundation, blusher, lipstick, a smudge of eyeshadow and some mascara can make all the difference – in just 20 minutes.
But it’s not just about looking better. I feel better when I’ve made an effort.
It’s not narcissistic wanting or trying to look your best, and then again maybe you don’t always want to look your best, because well, just because. That’s okay. We are of course beautiful as we are.
But for me, I can make a significant difference to the way I look in just 20 minutes – if you want to know how, scroll on down to the end of this post for my quick fixes.
Are we really invisible after 50?
In a recent post about women over 50 being invisible, someone said they could go to the shops with their clothes inside out and nobody would notice. That might be the case, and I too am guilty of going to Coles or Woollies in my trackies, socks and trainers without having even washed my face (sorry, but there it is – if you ever meet me at the supermarket don’t scrutinise me too hard!).
Dave jokingly said the other day – “You’ll frighten people going out like that!”
And I said – “No I won’t, because nobody will notice me. After all, in case you’d forgotten – I’m well over 50.”
And that was indeed the case on that rainy winter’s day. I reckon I could have gone around the supermarket with my bra on my head and nobody would have batted an eyelid.
But then, I came home, showered, got out of my training gear, and put on a dress.
Then I went out to meet a friend.
As I walked around the shopping centre I could feel eyes upon me. I wasn’t wearing the figure hugging black dress (Marion) above, but I had made an effort. The dress I was wearing was suitable for the outing, my hair and make-up was tidy, and basically I was well groomed.
I’d made the effort to look my best, pulled my chin up and my tummy in (no restraining pants though) and I knew I was not invisible (at least not to the very old men – just joking!)
Would I rather be invisible or ever-so-slightly-stared at? Well, I think there is occasion for both.
Sometimes anonymous and scruffy are just fine, but sometimes I prefer to put on the Ritz and just prove to myself that I don’t have to be invisible after the age of 50.
And because most of you reading are probably, like me, neither famous nor outstandingly beautiful, isn’t that a wonderful state of affairs.
Oh how I pity movie stars and celebrities.
I’d much rather be able to look daggy or dandy, depending on the mood I’m in at the time.
Like these dresses? I’m wearing “Marion” (gifted) and “Avery” – check out the fabulous prices, and great bargains, right now at the Leona Edmiston online warehouse sale.
My 5 Tips for getting out the door looking your best in 20 minutes.
- Get off to a good start. Shower, moisturise your skin, and brush your teeth. (Time 5 minutes).
- ‘Joosh’ your hair up with a bit of mousse and a quick blow dry, or curl the front with tongs, or straighteners (whichever you use). (Time 5 minutes).
- When we’re over 50 I really think a little help to even out skin tone works wonders. Do put on foundation. (Time 5 minutes)
- Choose comfortable, clean clothes which you feel great in (don’t save the ‘best’ only for well, the best, if you know what I mean!) (Time 5 minutes)
- Put on your shoes or boots but make sure they are comfy – I love FRANKiE4 (tan boots above gifted) and Homyped for everyday wear. There’s nothing more ugly than a woman of a certain age wearing uncomfortable shoes – I reckon it shows in her facial expressions!
And Voila! You’re set to go. Rock those hips Baby, you look AMAZING! I know you do 🙂
What tips do you have for getting out of the door looking your best in no time at all?
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I love Leona dresses, you look amazing! I’ve been able to put something similar together to get “prettied up” in a limited time. The last step I do is apply my lipstick, I’m excited for all the fall colors I get to wear with the season quickly approaching. Thanks for the tips, I’ll be adding them to my routine!
Thanks CiCi.
You certainly pull it together well Jo – it’s amazing what 5 mins with a blow dryer and 5 mins with a bit of makeup can do to make us look a lot ‘fresher’. And those dresses are gorgeous 🙂
Thanks Leanne – yes, just a spruce up can make all the difference sometimes can’t it 🙂 I think I need one right now as I type! Glad you like those dresses – you can’t really go wrong with a Leona Edmiston.
Hi Jo. Thanks for the heads up about the Leona warehouse sale. Her dresses are my absolute favourite too. You look absolutely stunning in both of the dresses above. Thanks also for your tips on the Millers ponti pants, I rushed out and bought me some of them lol! I didn’t actually buy from the warehouse sale but managed to locate the Leona dress I wanted at Myer. I actually even found the same fabric in a Little Leona dress which I bought for my great niece. I really enjoy your blog and look forward to your emails popping into my inbox. Thanks!
Hello Dawn, Oh I’m so glad that you found the Leona dress that you wanted at Myer. I too purchased two dresses in a sale there last week while the ones in the post are from the online store. Thank you for reading my blog, and it makes me super happy to think that you enjoy my newsletter emails popping into your inbox – Haha, now the pressure is totally on!
Love that black dress with the sweetheart neckline – va va voom! Like you I don’t think we have to be invisible (but sometimes it is nice to go under the radar). Great tips and I agree it makes a huge difference to my day if I get myself tidied up with a pop of lippie.
Thanks Jan – yes going under the radar is convenient at times – and just a little energising too 🙂
I certainly don’t have any tips. I have been known to run out the door without bothering to do much other than brush my hair…..which I must say needs a make over. Another great post Jo. I’m off to see what bargains I can nab. cheers.
Hi again Jo, can you tell me how Leona Edmiston are for sizing? ie do they seem to be true sizing in your opinion? thanks.
Hi Jill, yes Leona Edmiston dresses are pretty true to sizing. I generally go by the bust size as per their sizing (which means a slightly smaller waist size to what I am) but this seems to work – especially on the wrap style dresses or shift style dresses. However, with the Marion which is more fitted, I went up a dress size and it’s perfect for this fitted style dress. Once I had to return a dress as I didn’t get the sizing right, and they were very swift and professional with the whole process.
Thanks Jill – you always look great! I hope you can nab a bargain 🙂
That was my quote! Love it! I have worn my clothes inside out and no-one noticed.
You are famous Jan! I’m sorry, I would have mentioned you, but in my silly old seniority I couldn’t remember who said it – only that it was so apt! Thank you!
Wow! What a transformation Cinderella! I’m impressed that you can get out the door in just 20 minutes. It normally takes me a little longer to shower, blowdry my hair and apply makeup. I also find I need to apply body moisturiser these days because my skin is so dry after going through menopause. This all takes so much time. Plus I normally have to file a broken fingernail or try to find a piece of clothing or the right accessories to compliment my outfit. I guess it depends on where I’m going as to how much effort I put into getting myself “dandy”.
Thanks Kathy 🙂 Oh, and I think there’s Dandy and there’s Dandy with a broken fingernail Kathy! If I had to fix my nails and find the right accessories that would take a bit longer.