Go Faux –you’ve heard me talk about the dangers of tanning (probably endlessly) and the residual damage I have because of it. It’s not too late to stop additional sun damage–just wear sunscreen every day. I like to use a moisturizer with sunscreen built in–at least an SPF ... Read More »]]>

Don’t Be a Bone Head–take your calcium! You need at least 1,500 milligrams of calcium every day to keep bones strong, especially after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Taking a calcium supplement daily can help but small doses two to three times a day will help your body absorb the calcium more easily.

Go Faux –you’ve heard me talk about the dangers of tanning (probably endlessly) and the residual damage I have because of it. It’s not too late to stop additional sun damage–just wear sunscreen every day. I like to use a moisturizer with sunscreen built in–at least an SPF of 30. If you like the look of bronzed skin, there are several good self tanners or tinted bronzers.

Take Care of the Ticker–heart disease is the single biggest killer of women–even more so than all types of cancer combined. High blood pressure, high LDL (bad) cholesterol, smoking, carrying extra weight are all contributing factors to heart disease. Medication can help of course, but doctors are now advising “medicate with movement”. A brisk 30-minute walk every day can cut your risk of heart disease in half.

Get Your Beauty Sleep- I know–easier said than done. But consider the benefits of getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night; your skin regenerates faster while asleep, sleep regulates hormones that control appetite–people who get less sleep are more likely to be overweight. Do something relaxing before bed–a cup of sleepy time tea, a hot bath with lavender, read a book.

Keep the Spark–a healthy sex life isn’t just good for you, it may even help you live longer by relieving stress and helping you sleep better, not to mention the added exercise!

Keep Your Mind Active–not only does your body need exercise, your mind does too. It’s important to practice “mental aerobics” to keep your memory sharp–doing Sudoku puzzles, learn to cook a recipe in an unfamiliar cuisine, going to a museum. Or try a “neurobic” exercise, an aerobic exercise for your brain. For example, try dressing with your eyes closed, brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand–by breaking your routine, it forces you to use brain pathways you weren’t using before.

Eat for You–it’s no joke that after menopause, women gain weight especially around the mid-section. I for one, cannot stick to a diet, however I’ve had the most success designing my own. I’m addicted to sweets but if I ration them, to say five chocolate kisses a day I can handle it–I’m not depriving myself. Maybe you want to mix and match aspects of different diet plans customizing it for your needs. I also HATE to exercise but I fool myself into it by taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Just recently I started watching Thintervention with Jackie Warner and doing the exercises with her group–when they’re not climbing mountains or hiking. I just jog in place or do a few jumping jacks. It makes me feel much better than doing what I used to do—watching other people exercise while I ate ice cream on the couch.

Following these tips will help you feel stronger, more energized and healthier. Believe me I know it’s not easy, but as women if we don’t put ourselves first, no one else will. Good luck!

Cindy Ingalls is the editor of Prime Beauty, a beauty blog for women over 40 & in the prime of their lives! Women over 40 have unique issues and Prime Beauty addresses those issues with information and products geared specifically for them. Prime Beauty is packed articles on skincare, makeup, product reviews, new product launches, makeup tips and tricks, and giveaways! Features include Frugal Friday—inexpensive drugstore beauty finds and Prime Buzz, the latest in beauty news. In addition to looking good on the outside, I hope to encourage, inspire and celebrate women over 40!

2. Consider a tinted moisturizer. Foundations can go on too thick for some people. Tinted moisturizers provide a lighter coverage. My absolute all-time favorite is Laura Mercier and the new Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation.

3. Pick the proper color and formula for your skin type. Choose a color that’s as close to your natural skin tone as possible. ... Read More »]]>

1. Avoid full foundation coverage. Few people need to apply foundation all over the face. Simply apply where you have uneven skin tone (usually along your nose and on the skin). In wintertime, if your cheeks tend to get ruddy, apply there as well.

2. Consider a tinted moisturizer. Foundations can go on too thick for some people. Tinted moisturizers provide a lighter coverage. My absolute all-time favorite is Laura Mercier and the new Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation.

3. Pick the proper color and formula for your skin type. Choose a color that’s as close to your natural skin tone as possible. Never try to deepen your complexion with foundation, it will look fake and obvious. Do consider two shades of foundation: One for summer when skin is naturally darker, and one for winter when skin is lighter. Also, selecting the right formula for your skin type is key. For oily skin, go for a matte foundation. Dry skin? Try a hydrating formula. The best place to test foundation colors is along your jawline. And don’t forget to look in different lighting; make sure you look at your face in daylight not just the store lighting.

4. Apply concealer BEFORE foundation. Once you apply concealer, you won’t need as much foundation, according to makeup artist Bobbi Brown. Use concealer under eyes, along the nose and on the chin.

5. Use a foundation brush or your fingers. There’s really no right or wrong way to apply foundation. Some makeup artists swear by foundation brushes to apply foundation. A brush allows you to get into all the nooks, crannies and pores on your face. To do this, put a bit of foundation or tinted moisturizer on the back of your hand and dab in a synthetic brush, then apply to face kind of stippling it on. Other makeup artists believe using your fingers warms up the foundation, which helps it melt into your skin better. It’s just personal preference.

6. Don’t throw out wrong-toned foundations and concealers. Finding the right color foundation and concealer can be daunting, which is why I suggest you consult the sales associate at your local beauty counter. Most brands are willing to give you samples to take home to sample before you buy. If however, you end up with a few foundations and concealers that are just a bit off, do like the makeup artists do and blend a couple of mismatched colors for the perfect one.

Do you have a favorite foundation or formula? Do share!

Cindy Ingalls is the editor of Prime Beauty, a beauty blog for women over 40 & in the prime of their lives! Women over 40 have unique issues and Prime Beauty addresses those issues with information and products geared specifically for them. Prime Beauty is packed articles on skincare, makeup, product reviews, new product launches, makeup tips and tricks, and giveaways! Features include Frugal Friday—inexpensive drugstore beauty finds and Prime Buzz, the latest in beauty news. In addition to looking good on the outside, I hope to encourage, inspire and celebrate women over 40!