Best Face Forward: Beauty Routine During A Pandemic
During this pandemic, I’ve made some quick adjustments to my Face Beauty Routine to “put my best face forward.” Like the area above my mask to highlight my eyes, a lip stain that stays on under a mask or for video calls, and hair products to help me out with fewer trips to the hairstylist.
Here are my tips that I use on my Over 50 face…way over–as in 64 years old–just had a birthday. In fact, I’m going to lunch today with Elizabeth, Kim, and Cindy for a belated celebration.
Best Face Forward Beauty Routine
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Moisturizer
Skincare is important. I wash my face each night with my Clarisonic (which is going out of business…even though I think it’s great). I’ve heard that FOREO LUNA 2 is a good replacement for when my Clarisonic brushes wear out.
I use Lancome night and day cream (with SPF 30, firming and dark spot correction) and also Eucerin Q10 Anti-wrinkle for a less expensive option.
In addition, I lower my mask in the car and take it off at home. Since people are getting mask acne…I think it’s better to let your pores breathe when you can.
Eyes
For every day, I use my favorite eyebrow pencil (which I REALLY need for my disappearing eyebrows), multi-use concealer I use it below and above my eyes and anyplace else that needs camouflaging and a good mascara. During Covid, I’ve added this inexpensive eyeliner (liquid eye pen) to make my eyes more pronounced. I save eye shadow for a special occasion like going out to eat. I’m just lazy that way.
Lips
I like Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment (it has a tip that you can use as a liner–doesn’t bleed–so just one step). I’m using the American Woman shade but am open to trying new colors.
Then, if I am staying home (so that it doesn’t get on my mask), I add Fresh Sugar Advance Therapy lip balm to soften my lips.
That’s enough close-ups for the next several months! My glasses are readers from Target.
Hair
I’ve mentioned before how my sister told me about Trader Joe’s Coconut hair mask. And recently before blow-drying my hair, I use a small dab of Kératase Nutritive smoothed over washed hair. It has helped my damaged hair with less frequent hair salon visits. Although thankfully salons are open again with precautions in San Francisco.
And that’s what’s working for me for my Face Beauty Routine during this crazy time! Have any suggestions for me?
Paying Sales Tax = Smile
I just finished paying quarterly sales tax to the state of California for items I have purchased for clients. Filling out the forms is complicated (all the different counties, rates, etc). One time I messed up by paying too early (I was going on vacation). They were going to issue a credit that never came and so I waited to pay the tax. Wrong. Big penalties. Yawn…sorry. Stay with me.
I called and emailed the state. The representative ironed it all out. And when I paid the following quarter’s taxes, I got a call from the representative. She said soberly “I just have to tell you something.” I thought…Oh, sh*t…what did I do now? She said, “Your return looks good. And…I just love your style and your blog. I’m a subscriber!” BIG SMILE. My blog link is on my email signature. Anyway, every time I pay the taxes, I smile now…who does that?
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Very nice, thanks
Happy Belated birthday Mary Ann. I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating with your friends. I appreciate your beauty tips and plan to try a couple. They certainly are working well for you…you look amazing!
I’ll email you soon. Our S&L sofa arrived (LOVE) and I hope to get the PB mirror hung in a few days. Nothing happens quickly these days!
you look fantastic but American Woman is not the color on that pic. I too use it for a long time and it is much lighter even I have the same skin tone like you
I have it on now, probably two coats. That may be why it looks darker, and a clear lip balm. I use Jergens Natural Glow so my base skin is darker right now too. I guess it’s like paint and looks different in every environment!
Happy Birthday! Enjoyed the gorgeous photos of your birthday lunch. You don’t look a day over 34 … I’m writing down everything you do! But, before I get to that … Clarisonic is going out of business?! What? This is the worst news I’ve heard in a long time. Well, maybe not the worst, but you know what I mean. I might have to buy a back up … and additional brushes. I love mine. I’m super bad about doing anything for my hair … since I color I know I should pay more attention. But there’s only so much time in the day. Good to know you have an in at the state tax office … should any of us run into trouble perhaps you could put in a good word. xo
I love the story about the state rep who straightened out paperwork/taxes and sign up for the blog posts!
How great is that!
And just a heads up on turning 65- all the Social security people we dealt with on phone and in person were great- they knew what they were doing and were very polite. Like my mom said there’s a world of good people out there.
(Hope your mom is healing)
That is great to hear, Joy!!! I also like what your mom said…there’s a world of good people out there.
I always appreciate tips on makeup and face creams. What your using has clearly worked for you, you look great.
Does the Nars lip stain dry your lips? I find that the mat lipsticks and such always make my lips dry. I’d be curious if you could let me know. It may be that the brands I’ve tried are not as quality as Nars.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Karen
The Nars doesn’t dry my lips…its sort of matte on them but then my lips are not that dry here in SF where there is moisture.
MAryAnn I cannot believe that you are a day over 50! Happy belated birthday, I hope that you had a wonderful time with the ladies.
Your makeup routine is easy, just the way I like it. I typically use eye liner and moisturizer if I am home and not much more if I am leaving the house. I will be honest, I am lazy about makeup, I’ve never liked wearing a lot and I play up my best feature which is my eyes.
I will check out your suggestions.
Have a great night.
I don’t wear that much…but I really need undereye concealer and now eyebrow pencil.
Thanks for all of these great products recs. I’ve already clicked to buy several. I just had my big Medicare birthday and I am thrilled to finally be 65 and get some help with health care expenses. Being self employed for many years, I can’t imagine how much my husband and I have spent on health insurance. I also bought a bunch of the TJ’s hair masks for stocking stuffers – the Christmas shopping has begun. Thanks for doing what you do!
That is so true of my friends getting medicare now. I can’t wait to learn more.
Happy birthday Mary Ann you certainly don’t look 64 , my sweet friend Nancy
turned 92 today and everyone says she doesn’t look 92 .
This makes me laugh what does 64 or 92 suppose to look like TeeHee
Both you beautiful ladies radiate happiness ( even behind a mask ) and have a
twinkle in your eye .
I shared your beauty tips with Nancy , she can’t wait to try the eye brow pencil,
Now I think that’s the secret making the effort to put our best face or foot
forward no mater what our age !
good for Nancy!! Thanks so much for commenting, Alexis.
Thank you for your blog. I use a small found cloth called FACE HALO to clean off my makeup. It’s magic, works so well, and it’s not expensive!! I’m in NSW, Australia but I’m sure they post everywhere. We have done so well here with COVID so I haven’t had to wear a mask . I carry one with me but haven’t needed it. Good luck to you all in the USA as it doesn’t sound too good there
My friend was just telling me about Halo. I hope we can follow Australia’s lead. Our numbers are going down in SF so more businesses are opening up though.
Mary Ann – you are as beautiful and bright as ever!
My ophthalmologist recommended a couple of things that have really worked for my skin and eyes as they get drier with age… wash with pure olive oil soap, and be sure to use a nasal rinse often. I’m not a fan of neti pots, but found a squeezable bottle that allows you to keep head upright. I’ve found the nasal rinse also helps with the eye bags I’ve been getting from mask wearing!
The soap really softens my skin and is gentle. It’s also very inexpensive.
Good tips, Jayne, I will look for that soap. Interesting about the nasal rinse.
Mary Ann,
Yes, it is all about the eyes right now. You have inspired me to try some new products and keep my skin moisturized.
Your eyes sparkle beautifully and your captivating smile encourages.
Diney on Camano Island
Thanks for the sweet comment, Diney!
Have a happy, happy day. You look terrific. I turned 71 last week. Last year I was in France. This year, I seldom leave the house! What a difference a year makes, but you make it look beautiful.
I hope you will be able to travel again before long!!
I have used the Clarisonic for years and am so sad that they aren’t selling the brushes anymore. I bought a Foreo over a year ago to try. I don’t like it at all. It certainly doesn’t leave me with a clean face. It was a waste of money. I am 72 and use Timeless vitamin C and Cureology Tretinoin with niacinimide and azaelic acid. I’ve used Tretinoin for many years. Everyone thinks I’m 10 years younger than I am.
Barb, Your eyes are so pretty. I guess wearing a mask I didn’t think about accentuating my eyes. Thanks for the tip!! Linda
Happy Belated Birthday Mary Ann! You definitely do not look 64…I’m right behind you by one year.
Your tax story made me laugh. This week I got an overdue notice on my husband’s truck registration. (Which we are about to get rid of since it’s just a 3rd vehicle we aren’t using) I was so mad at myself what a waste of $72! I couldn’t understand how it happened because I always pay it at the same time as our other car since they are due a week apart. But then as my husband and I were eating dinner that evening I remembered that he had to get a smog test on the truck this year. I pointed at him and said “it was YOU”! He apparently never gave me the renewal notice back. I felt a whole lot better that it wasn’t my fault after all haha!
Linda
Mary Ann, could you look more gorgeous? I think not. Thanks for all the beauty tips, I’m always looking for new products to try.
You look beautiful. I’m 67 so love your blogs. What kind of foundation do you use? Our coloring is much the same. I look forward to your emails every day.
Thanks!
I haven’t been using much foundation with masks but when I do, it’s just Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.
Mary Ann,
I so enjoy your posts and get many good ideas from them! Beauty Counter is a great brand. I have used their skin care and some of the make up. The tinted Moisturizer with SPF is a favorite.
Enjoy your birthday lunch with your friends. Birthdays at our age need to be celebrated!
Hi Mary Ann,
I completely agree with that CA tax representative! I love your style and your blog. I’m also 64 and a fan of the Clarisonic. I panicked when I realized that I hadn’t stocked up on brush heads when I learned they were going out of business. Luckily I found an assortment of brush heads to choose from on Amazon that fit perfectly. Just search for Clarisonic and you’ll see the various brush heads available. It’s worth a try before you buy into a whole new cleansing system. Happy belated birthday.
Thanks so much Audrey…I will definitely check out Amazon…today!
Happy Birthday, Mary Ann. You look pretty for any age! I like my Clarisonic as well, but only get around to using it about once a week. Something I swear by that you might want to consider using is a Vitamin C serum; I put on first thing in the morning after cleansing. I don’t even dry my face, just apply the serum, and that helps it spread better. Apply to face, neck, and backs of hands. When it dries, I then put on my day moisturizer. I like the Obagi 15% vitamin c serum, and since it’s pricey, I also get the one from Mad Hippie, which is also nice and costs less. I alternate them each day. Thanks for all of the tips. Enjoy your lunch!
Judith…I do love vitamin serum. I am out of Sunday Reily…love that thanks for the tips about Obagi and Mad Hippie!
Happy Birthday! I have enjoyed your Blog for a long time now, I always enjoy hearing what you have on the go, in my favourite city.
Thanks so much!!!
Try Beauty Counter make up line . So much Unhealthy chemicals in all of the lipsticks , make up etc. which is an endocrine disruptor. Harmful to your body. Many young gals are trying to get pregnant and they should not be using all that unhealthy stuff on their face. Who wants to kiss a beauty baby with mica , lead . Give it a try . They are trying hard to change legislature. All European countries have banned thousands of chemicals where is the US a has not done anything in years.
Thank you, Ingrid
Check out Melissa Nicolai , Beautycounter rep
Thanks for the tips; you look great! I also turned 64 earlier this month. Enjoy your birthday lunch with your friends! I look forward to each and every one of your posts.
You are beautiful, Barbi!