By guest writer Ruth King (Lila's grandma)
Many years ago, I stopped coloring my hair and after a few months of looking like a zebra, I had gray hair, which has now turned white. At first, I opted for lowlights to brighten the look, but eventually ceded to the “back to nature” campaign and even gave up on makeup. The result was drab.
I am eighty-seven years old, with pretty good bones and skin, but wrinkles and discolorations do their relentless aging process. I longed for the reflection in the mirror that displayed health and wellness, rather than the look where my white hair matched my white teeth on a washed out face.
I am a widow for fifteen years and although I had a very happy marriage, I have never wanted an encore. Instead, I reinvented my life with the renewal of old friendships and acquiring new ones. I go to the ballet, to the theater, and am a regular at Billy Joel concerts. I have a devoted and always fun and interesting family. And, need I add, I am not, never was, and don’t want to be a “cougar” chasing younger men. Maybe a tigress, but I digress. Never mind zoology, Let’s talk about cosmetology.
Glances in the mirror made me wonder how gravity won in spite of retinol cream and poultices which promise renewed skin and shine.
Makeup to the rescue! As my dear granddaughter entered the beauty and skincare workforce, she taught me the importance of using makeup to help to reinvent myself. I started to paint my face every morning to give myself a newfound confidence during my luncheons and trips to get perogies at Veselka. Beauty doesn't come to a dramatic halt once you get wrinkles. I splurged on Chanel Rosy Beige Foundation to hide the splotches; Milk Cosmetics delivered bright pink blush for cheeks and lips and a waterproof crayon for brows; I used an Estee Lauder black stick to line my eyes and a golden glitter on the upper eyelids. Most importantly, I used a great non-smudge mascara.
Voila! I now look like I am 86 instead of 87. But I jest. I look healthier and feel happier and more confident when I meet friends and strangers. They still call me every iteration of “mommy” at Costco, but I do get that occasional “You look great!”
My next beauty venture is a visit to the dermatologist where I get my "skin checked" ... which really means I'm getting a hydrofacial. It’s a secret and if my family asks, I can always pretend I am going to the dentist.
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