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Beauty products can make you look younger, if you know what to buy

It’s hard to argue that we aren’t looking better in our 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and even 70’s than our grandmothers did. But can you buy it in a bottle? I’m not sold that this phenomenon is the result of what the cosmetic and beauty industry would have us believe. I am sold, in what my friend, Tammy in marketing will say and that is, “marketing is everything.” So buyer beware!

The beauty industry does exploit women’s insecurities without question, yet on the other hand, they enable us to achieve what we want . . . to feel more beautiful. I’m not sure what I would do without the essential beauty products I’ve come to rely on . . .and I’ve come to rely on these more and more as years go by believe me. But, is it more products that I need, as the marketers would have me believe? It’s not more makeup or hair products that I need; actually it’s less with better choices being most important. I’m totally in agreement with those who note, “More is less” as we age. (You’ve seen that scary woman whose makeup or hairdo precedes her, haven’t you?)“You’ve have seen that scary woman whose makeup or hairdo precedes her, haven’t you?”

But with all the choices in skin and hair care products, how do you make the right choices?

As a stylist I’ve seen thousands of new-product launches over the years. Each one claiming a “revolutionary breakthrough” or somehow that it is 100% more effective than the others. The industry HAS developed better products over the years, improving on styling products that can improve the condition of your hair or skin care products that protect against sun damage and more. But, have you also noticed the price range you can pay for any number of similar products? By becoming informed on ingredients, you will be able to determine where the bargains are. Its common knowledge now that the moisturizer you can pay over $100.00 for at a fancy department store can contain the same ingredients as the one in the corner drug store that sells for $8.95. Marketing claims, packaging and fragrance unfortunately are key things consumers buy rather than ingredients. You just need to make some good, intelligent choices on what’s right for you.

If you walk into the cosmetics area of your biggest department store desperate for help but unarmed with good information of what you need, you’ll be quickly targeted for the kill.
How do you make good choices? Try these things that will educate you for making better decisions not only now but for a lifetime.

• READ UP, BECOME INFORMED

  • A couple of my favorites:

    • Paula Begoun, “Beauty the new basics”

    • Paula Begoun, “Don’t Go Shopping for Hair Care Products Without Me”

    • Rona Berg, “Beauty the new basics”

• HAVE A PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION

  • Make an appointment with a dermatologist or make an appointment for a facial at reputable spa. Ask lots of questions and get information on a good skin or hair care regime for your specific needs. If money is tight, look into training schools in your area for these services at a discounted price.

    • Ask for samples

      • Especially if you have sensitive skin

    • Intelligent choices

      • Like good grocery shopping; know what you want, buy only what you need, comparison shop and know what ingredients are important for your skin or hair type

      • Taking care to eat right, exercise and generally taking good care of yourself are keys to overall good health, which is the best beauty advice we can get. And when we feel better it just follows we look better too!

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