Skins Care

Oh! how our skin changes as we get older.

Skins care is so important, how we care for it and how we live our lives can affect us . (scroll for more) Menopause can have a massive impact on our day to life, our skin and mental health. I wanted to cover this a little within my beauty chat with my lovely model Vicky as it something we all have to deal with in our 50’s 60s and beyond.

Skin is my main focus as a natural make up artist and I wanted to do an image of beautiful skin on a women over 50 and show how easy it is with simple clever make up to give that youthful glow never achieved when make up is applied too heavily. Vicky is 53 and already has a good skin, I used a very light coverage foundation and lots of Hollywood Glow that gives a wonderful youthful sheen. I also had a bit of fun and added a few freckles, which is very on trend at the moment. I also carefully placed some gold leaf to the corner of Vicky’s eyes the combination enhances the feeling of sunshine and brings out the blue of her eyes. I chose to go without mascara for this image to give the ultimate clean feel. A touch of natural lip gloss finishes this look. Swop the Gold leaf for a touch of gold eyeshadow, sweep a coat of mascara to your lashes and you have a very wearable no make up make up look.

Make up Used

Skin: LFF https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/face-makeup-for-older-women/light-look-beauty-balm

High light https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/face-makeup-for-older-women/instant-bright-highlight

Glow https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hollywood-flawless-filter-shade-3-fair

Freckles I used LFF bring back brow which worked brilliantly applying with a small eyeliner brush https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/eye-makeup-for-older-women/bring-back-brow-shape

Flush Violet Jordan https://violetjordan.co.uk/collections/shop/products/glow-and-go-berry

Lips: Revolution- Pout Bomb https://www.revolutionbeauty.com/uk/en/makeup/lips/lip-gloss/revolution-shimmer-bomb-glimmer-nude/1434768.html

Beauty Chat

Conversation with Vicky 53

Now you are in the Post Menopause (having not had a period for 12 months) phase of your life are you or have yoiu been on HRT ?

Yes, I was prescribed for a trial period

What has your experience been on HRT?

My experience on HRT – On becoming “post-menopausal” , I was prescribed HRT on a trial basis. “Trial basis” because I suffer migraines and have fibroids. Becoming menopausal was a goal I was looking forward to reaching because it meant my oestrogen level would reduce and as a result so would the fibroids. I noticed that the HRT helped in that hot flushes were reduced – I no longer woke in the night drenched and having to change my nightwear. But I didn’t notice much change with other symptoms. Regular reviews with my GP and after 2/3 years I stopped the HRT completely. I continued researching, listening to podcasts, etc but came up against clashes with my low blood pressure or regular prescription meds that stopped me going the alternative/natural root. I become concerned about how not taking the HRT might affect my health in the future (heart disease (oestrogen cleans our blood vessels), osteoporosis, etc) and my GP said that people were labelling HRT as a “cure all” but HRT doesn’t suit everyone and eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining body weight, etc would all contribute to not getting osteoporosis, suffering heart attack, stroke, heart disease, etc. So, this is where I am at right now. I’m on a rollercoaster tbh, suffering often with brain fog, hot flushes, anxiety, and much of the list of 20+ side effects. It is good to share these stories and I am very happy to talk with others if it will help.

How has Menopause affected Your skin?

Oh Lordy! My skin is very very dry, and my complexion is often bumpy – and SPOTS!

Have you changed your beauty routine or products ?

I only clean my face now with a cream cleanser, mostly a balm though. Never soap or face wash. I have introduced serums and facial oils as my base before applying a good face cream for dry, 50+ skin.

I love recreating the prof. photoshoot experience, How did you enjoy it and how would you explain the experience to a friend?

My experience of the professional photoshoot experience Karen offers – In its own, the make up application, painted nails, hair styling, etc is an experience that I enjoyed very much. But it’s Karen in the mix that makes it such a brilliant experience. Her knowledge, experience and skill of course, but also her vision and creativity, her ability to put her model instantly at ease, and talking about the how and where to apply, the do’s and the don’ts, and her experience of the products, including those aimed at the mature women market, and discussing our experiences of ageing.

Thanks Vicky for your candid answers and kind words x

I always say it is more about what you do, than what you use when caring for your skin. This is even more the case as our skin ages. There are some key points that have a serious effect on our skin and general health as we age.

Hormones or lack can play havoc with our skin once we have reached and passed our menopause. Of course it is actually possible to get through it all with a positive mind set and healthy body, but rare to be completely sympton free. HRT can really benefit some, but not all. The regulation of hormones help many things and can help the skin.

Sleep or lack of it causes the skin to be dehydrated and sluggish and can affect our mood and how we deal with life.

Dehydration is a major issue in older years. It so important to keep the body hydrated to keep your metabolism working to its peak and helps to keep your skin performing its magic. Illness and medication, alcohol, travel and tierdness can cause dehydration. So it is a good idea to be extra kind to your skin when dealing with any of these events. drink more water moisturise well and eat healthily.

Sun Damage is a key factor in premature skin ageing. Sad but true. Always protect your skin from the suns rays.

Environment the circumstances of birth, living and work can have an impact on how you age, include lifes stresses. This may determine why one person appears to age quicker than another. Taking up something that can help with stress such as Yoga can help.

Your Genes sometimes it is just in the genes you were dealt. If you look like your Mum, Dad or your Gran or Grandad this can often indicate how you may age and the skin type you have, but will still need to take into account all the above.

Diet and exercise I know this is something everyone harps on about, but a balanced diet and good movement will keep your mind and body in good shape what ever your age and can do wonders for your skin too.

Workshops

Graceful Disgraceful Make Up Experience

Next available workshop at Pythouse Tennis clubhouse Wiltshire (for women50+)

New September dates just added.

Private groups 4-6 and private hosting can still be arranged during the summer months

or one to one lessons all in Wiltshire UK

Graceful Disgraceful – Karen Lockyer Make Up Artist

One to Ones

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/ (all ages)

Photographs: Taken by me using a phone no retouching just light

Make up: by me