Silver Lining - Karen Lockyer Make Up Artist

Always look for the silver lining.

My aim as a make up artist and positive age warrior is to produce fun, untouched, non- stereotypical beauty images of faces, all different ages 50+ showing great make up and style. It is not about looking younger, just fabulous and hope to capture a little of the character of my models who are all local women.

Mel 53 is my age warrior this week with her fabulous silver hair , amazing eyebrows and beautiful features that lends perfectly for a slick of silver metallic eyeliner. This gives a softer alternative to the usual black and by using silver or gold can dress you up for a special occasion, perfect with that LBD.

The post this week is all about the image and make up and wonderful chat with lovely Mel finding our silver lining- well perhaps in way of a silver eye-lining.

Beauty Chat

How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?

I’m 53 and will be 54 in September.

Do you think your own life personal stresses has an impact on how you are visibly ageing ?

Probably, yes. I certainly look tired as my job is quite active and full on. But I also think it keeps me young on the inside!

How do you feel within yourself as you get older including health?

Physically I am probably the fittest that I have ever been. I’m a keen road cyclist and happily cycle up to 100 miles a week. More when I’m not at work. My body is strong and I’m constantly proud of what it allows me to do. There are a few more creaks, but I’m determined to stay active as long as I can. I am also a keen (but not particularly accomplished!) skier. Use it or lose it!

Mentally I feel more myself than I ever have. I don’t feel I need to be anymore than I am. I don’t feel that I have to pretend to be wittier, brighter, more knowledgeable than I am as I feel secure in myself. I care less what other people think, which is a huge relief and bonus of the ageing process! Take it, or leave it. I’m just me!

How do you feel about the physical signs of ageing when look in the mirror?

Surprised! Like most people, I don’t feel my age and when I see the white hair, wrinkles and sagging skin in the mirror it is a bit of a shock!! I kind of like it though. I’ve earned every laughter and worry line and this face and body has been through everything with me.

Have you or would you consider any intrusive anti-ageing treatments?

I haven’t considered them, but I have nothing against them and who knows what the future holds? I know that I am quite lucky with my skin. My Mum had beautiful skin up to her dying day in her late 80s. If I take after her I don’t think I will need any treatments. Genes and the way you look are just luck of birth and if someone feels they need help with it, then I would always advise them to go for it!

Do you think our societies attitude to ageing has any impact on how you feel about yourself?

Not me personally, but I can see it could impact on some. When I decided to ditch the dye, some frowned on it. A friend actually asked my husband how he felt about dating his Mum!! There is an eternal pressure-on women mainly and, sadly, sometimes by women- to look young. Going to my natural hair colour was a way of me metaphorically flicking my fingers at that attitude! Yes I would look younger with brown hair, but I’m 53 and why shouldn’t I celebrate that?! I love that there is now more representation of our age group in the media, but still feel there could be more. I’ve adopted more of a ‘don’t give a damn’ strut in life recently and feel I have earned my place on earth so I try to ignore the opinion of others.

Do you think seeing untouched fun and positive imagery of older women can make a difference to societies attitude on age?

Absolutely. We’re here, we’re still leading interesting and productive lives. We still have fun! We have experience and wisdom on our side and we should be out there without the need for filtering out our signs of age.

Do you think seeing untouched fun and positive imagery of older women when you were younger would of made a difference to how you feel about yourself?

It would have made ageing easier. Until fairly recently older women were not represented and it was as if they just disappeared and became invisible and unimportant in society. There was a feeling that there was a ‘best before’ date stamped on us. But nobody ever spoke about it…

What would your 25 year old self think about you now?

She would be surprised to see me being so physically active, with a teenage daughter and younger husband!! I think she would feel relieved that everything was going to be alright and happy that I am loved just as I am. I think she may be surprised and amused that I am still in the same career!

What is your can’t live without make up product and brand?

I can and do live without make up quite a lot. Only just starting to learn about it recently (not counting the heady days in the 80s when I wore loads and loved it!) However I do like a bit of mascara to give my eyes definition. I’m still trying different brands to find my preferences.

What is your favourite skincare product?

Definitely could not be without moisturiser. I’m a traditionalist and use Olay, just like my Mum who used Ulay. I really should branch out! I’m also keen on Vaseline and never go to sleep without it on my lips.

Make up Used

Skin: Charlotte Tibury Wonderful Glow primerWonderglow – Face Makeup Primer | Charlotte Tilbury

Foundation: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful skin 4 neutralBeautiful Skin: Hydrating Foundation: 4 Neutral | Charlotte Tilbury | Charlotte Tilbury

Eyes: Mac Art Library Nudes L.E.S Artiste, Pleasing to eye Art Library: Nude Model | MAC Cosmetics – Official Site

Eye liner: Nars silver Powerchrome Loose Eye Pigment | NARS Cosmetics

Mascara: Studio 10 6-in-1 Perfect Lash Mascara by Studio10 Beauty Makeup Products – Studio10 Makeup

Lips: Chralotte Tibury Kim K Kim K.w. – Hot Lips – Light Nude Lipstick | Charlotte Tilbury

Lip gloss: Studio 10 Lip Perfecting Plumping Gloss by Studio10: Lip Makeup for Women over 40 – Studio10 Makeup (studio10beauty.com)

What Mel said after:

I really enjoyed the make-up and photo experience, chatting with Karen and all the attention she gave me, it was so much fun.
I love the make up I feel fierce!
My husband loved the make up too.
Looking forward to doing another session and trying a different look.

Workshops

Graceful Disgraceful Make Up Experience

his is a face to face step by step make up and full face experience for women 50+ based in Wiltshire UK

Sunday 12th June 2022 2.30pm-5.00pm

Graceful Disgraceful – Karen Lockyer Make Up Artist

Next dates for workshops will be from September 22 and will be open for booking soon.

I will be taking bookings for private or hosted workshops and one to ones through the summer.

One 2 One Make up Lesson

Please contact me if you would like a one to one make up or make up lesson (Wiltshire UK based) https://www.karenlockyer.net/one-to-ones-make-up-lessons/