Category Archives: Health

Let’s talk about your breasts … er, chest

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Summer is here in full force — at least in North America — and that means a lot of people are spending time either poolside or at the beach. They’re working on relaxing as well as their tans, and they’re sharing their fun-in-the-sun moments on social media.

Those bronze glows often look perfect from a distance, but if you’re a woman over the age of 40, try enlarging your photo. You might see something like this:

Sun damage on a woman’s chest. (Note: not my chest.) 


Full disclosure: That’s not my chest. It’s the chest of a woman whose skin is prematurely wrinkled due to sun damage. This isn’t even a worst-case scenario. I’ve seen Facebook and Instagram photos of women whose entire chest areas, from armpit to armpit, look wrinkled, dry and — frankly — old.

The truth is that a bronze glow can be gorgeous, but also (in the not-unlikely event of skin cancer) scarring or deadly. As tempting as it might be to bake your way to brown, it’s smarter to slather yourself in sunscreen from forehead to neck to chest. And the higher the SPF, the better. Not only will it protect this delicate area from the sun’s harmful rays, but it will also help keep wrinkles at bay. After all, a wrinkled neck and chest — as well as the sagging skin that’s also a sunshine side effect — are extremely aging. My personal choice when it comes to face, neck and chest protection is Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Cream, which has an SPF of 50. It hasn’t failed me yet!

My go-to sunscreen: Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Cream


I personally don’t mind having a peaches and cream (translation: very pale) complexion. But if you can’t face going to the beach or pool with a “ghost tan,” give self-tanners a try. The newest versions are l0ng-lasting, streak-free and minus the distinctive chemical odor that accompanied earlier concoctions. I usually reach for Vita Liberata, which elicits an olive cast instead of the dreaded orange tone.
So remember: Protect your face, neck and chest from premature aging with a powerful sunscreen. Your skin will thank you.

My first box from Influenster = Sleep success

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image.jpegI was so excited last week to receive my first box from Influenster containing a free product for review. I’m a noted insomniac, so it was only appropriate that I receive a sample of Zzzquil, the nighttime sleep aid.

I usually take prescription sleeping pills so I was a bit skeptical. The good news is that Zzzquil worked for me. I slept soundly for seven hours and wasn’t even groggy the next morning.

If you’re have trouble sleeping, why not give it a try? If you’re like me and get grumpy from tossing and turning, your family and friends will thank you for it.

Hello, it’s me: Answering your questions

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Let’s talk makeup, skin care and more

 

Hello, friends! I’m just back from a cruise vacation and am easing my way back into the real world. My April favorites blog will go up soon, but I thought I’d take a few moments on a rainy Sunday to answer the questions I’ve received here and on Instagram. Some are about makeup and others are more personal, so this will be a mix of both. Diving in …

Q. How did you get into makeup and skin care?

A. Not to be a downer, but a lot of it was driven by my battle with cancer. I’d really never paid that much attention to skin care until chemotherapy, which was hard on my skin.  At first, I was on a skin resurrection journey. I made a New Year’s resolution to never go to bed without cleansing and moisturizing. When I saw what a difference it made, I added other products into the mix. By the way, I’ve kept that resolution. I’m even a little superstitious about it, so I do my routine every night without fail.

Q. Are you really over 50? Why don’t you have wrinkles?

A. Yes, I’m really over 50. I’m 56, in fact. And I’m not wrinkle-free! I do have a few fine lines, but nothing horrifying. Part of it is good genes; the rest I credit to being committed to good skin care. Morning and night after cleansing, I use a toner, a serum, a moisturizer, a neck- and chin-firming cream, an eye cream and a lip balm.  At night, I add a sleeping oil (Sunday Riley’s Luna). I also use targeted beauty masks several nights per week and always use sunscreen. About twice per year, I get some additional help in the form of Botox at the corners of my eyes, as well as a very tiny bit of filler to make my bottom lip symmetrical.

Q. What is your advice for women with aging skin?

A. Adopt and stick to a skin-care regimen.  Exfoliate. Have facials. Wear sunscreen every day and stay out of the sun when possible. Too much sun is incredibly aging. The same for smoking, so stop. And drink in moderation, because too much alcohol speeds up the aging process by causing wrinkles, loss of collagen and elasticity, dehydration, redness and puffiness. Oh, and wear sunglasses to keep from squinting.

Q. Are you married? Any children? Do they read your blog?

A. Yes, I’m married and we have two adult children. My husband is a newspaper editor. He’s much quieter and more private than I am. I never meet a stranger, which both horrifies and amuses him. Our daughter Elizabeth recently earned her PhD and decided to give back by working with Teach for America for two years. Our son James graduated from college several years ago and works for a pharmaceutical company. As for reading my blog: No way! Every once in awhile, my husband checks out the makeup looks on my Instagram page and tells me if he sees one he particularly likes or dislikes, but that’s about it. Elizabeth has perfect skin — even and poreless. Her makeup routine is limited to BB cream, blush and neutral eye looks. Every once in awhile she humors me by letting me do her makeup. James just thinks I’m his wacky mom.

Q. If you could only use one brand of makeup for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A. I started to say MAC because they have such a huge catalog of products, but I would have to go with Marc Jacobs. The quality is exceptional and I’d need my favorite Le Marc Lip Creme lipsticks at hand. Clara and Slow Burn are my current crushes.

Q. What product do you have the most of?

A. Definitely lipsticks. I have lots of them, ranging from the nudest nudes to fiery reds. I have very pigmented lips, so I didn’t start wearing lipstick regularly until I was in my 30s. Now, I see lipstick as a form of self-expression. Plus, I think my lips are one of my best features.

Q. What is your favorite lipstick?

A. That’s hard, because I have so many! I’ll cheat a little and give you one from each color family. Nude: Whisper by Nudestix. Light pink: Penelope Pink by Charlotte Tilbury. Bright pink: Clara by Marc Jacobs. Coral: MAC Vegas Volt. Purple: Dominique by Nars. Muted red: Lost Cherry by Charlotte Tilbury. Traditional red: MAC Red.

Q. If you could use just one makeup item, what would it be?

A. As much as I love lipstick, I’d have to choose mascara! It makes a huge difference.

Q. Your recent photos look different. Have you had work done?

A. No, and I’d tell you if I had. I’ve lost just over 20 pounds and it is evident in my chin and jaw line. I was worried that losing weight would leave me with sagging skin along my jaw and on my neck, but so far so good. I’ve been using Algenist’s Firming & Lifting Neck Cream.

Q. How have you lost the weight? Are you on a particular diet plan?

A. No plan, just healthy eating. I drink a fruit smoothie for breakfast; have a salad, soup or Lean Cuisine meal for lunch; and dinner is a small steak, chicken breast or fish with a vegetable. Ice cream — and particularly Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate — is my weakness, but I’ve replaced it with sherbet. I’m not on a diet. I’ve made a permanent lifestyle change.

Q. Where do you get the quotes you post on your Instagram page?

A. From friends, from random internet searches, from other people’s Instagram feeds. I love quotes and clearly others do too because they get a lot of likes and seem to inspire people. Sometimes they reflect the way I’m feeling and other times they don’t. I just choose quotes that appeal to me and that I think others will relate to.

Q. You review a lot of products. Are you paid for it, or do you get the products free?

A. No, not paid. And I wish! Nope, and I’ll tell you if I write a sponsored post.

Q. Do you have pets?

A. I do! Two cats live with me: rescue kitties named Otis and Bea. They are siblings but Mama Cat apparently slept around because I’m sure they have different dads. Otis is a black and white “moo” cat and Bea is a gray tabby. I love them to pieces! My husband works in another state and our old man is with him — Sparky is a 16-year-old orange cat.  I would love to have a dog, but I travel a lot and that would not be fair.

Q. Who is your favorite makeup artist?

A. I like Lisa Eldridge’s work and watch her YouTube videos for tips. Her looks are always clean and wearable. Also, Wayne Goss has great, practical advice and reviews.

Q. Do you have a YouTube channel?

A. Not yet. I plan to start one as soon as I learn to edit videos.

Q. Who are your beauty icons?

A. Marilyn Monroe, because she just had an incandescent glow. And Elizabeth Taylor was so beautiful. On a more contemporary note, Scarlett Johannson.

OK, that’s it for now. If you have any questions, send them to me here or on Instagram. I’m Makeup_Plus_50. -Ronda

The Liebster Award

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IMG_0418Thanks so much to the wonderful BeautyliciousStyle for nominating me for the Liebster Award. It’s for new bloggers and is a great way for us to get exposure, reach out to new subscribers and generally expand our horizons. Without further ado, let’s get to the questions she’s asked me to answer:

Q. What is your favorite season for makeup and why? 

A. I started to say spring, because I love the reemergence of corals and pinks and lavenders, but in actuality I prefer winter. I’m a pale-skinned lady, so I love contrasting that paleness with lipsticks and blushes in plum, burgundy and red. I also like the opportunity to use golds, silvers and other shimmery eye looks during the winter, although I use moderation because I’m 56. How did that happen, by the way?

Q. What is your favorite makeup/fashion brand? Which do you have the most of or do you want to have the most of in your collection? 

A. I’m a big fan of Marc Jacobs Beauty and in particular of the Le Marc Lip Creme lipsticks. I have about 10 of them and they never fail me. The formula makes my lips look fuller and juicier, and I’m all for that! I also enjoy Natasha Denona’s eyeshadows — incredible depth and payoff — as well as Guerlain’s Kohl Kajal eyeliners. They smudge so effortlessly and perfectly!

Q. What are your future plans for your blog? How far in advance do you plan? 

A. I would love to build my readership among older women, primarily because so many give up or lose interest in cosmetics as they age. For that reason, I want to focus on both skin care and makeup, because even the most expertly applied and expensive cosmetics can “fail” if the canvas — the best skin possible — isn’t there. As for planning in advance, I’m terrible at that! I am a former newspaper reporter and editor, so I’m used to thinking and writing on the fly.

Q. What is/are your favorite springtime fashion and/or makeup items? 

A. I am completely into this year’s warm-weather fashions. Perhaps it’s the 70s in me, but I love the lace I’m seeing everywhere. I also love the bohemian looks that come into play during festival season. For example, I so enjoy checking out what the younger generation is wearing right now at Coachella. Of course, women my age can’t wear most of those items, so I adapt the looks to fit my lifestyle.

As for spring makeup, I very much enjoy the corals, roses, pinks and — this year — the greens and subtle blues. Oh — and peach! I love rose gold and peach tones. The new Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette is lovely, although I wish it had more variations on the peach tone. There are a lot of browns mixed in!

Q. What is the weather in springtime like in the country you live in? What fashion items are must-have items where you live? 

A. I live in the deep south of the United States, so our springtimes are short. The weather goes from mild and pleasant to humid and hot far too quickly. When the weather starts to turn warm, I reach for my summer “uniform” of maxi dresses and sandals. I have a lot of each! I never wear shorts — always sundresses. I don’t own even one pair of shorts.

Q. Other than blogging, what activities/hobbies do you enjoy most? This applies to all year round. 

A. I’m a writer, so I keep a journal. A lot of people will be surprised at what they read about themselves — and about me — when I’m gone. I kind of think I’ll enjoy watching their reactions from wherever I am!

I love birds and wildlife and I work from home (I’m a writer), so I fill my feeders and sit outside to watch them flit back and forth. Also, although I probably shouldn’t, I put food out at night for the raccoon that meanders over from down the street. The couple on the corner rehabilitate raccoons and lets them out at night. Last night, I had two raccoon visitors at once.

I’m also an avid reader. I stay up on current events, probably due to my background in news reporting, and I read a lot of fiction too. I love gathering quotes and mixing them in with photos on my Instagram page. I find people really respond to the ones that touch on their experiences or situations. Oh — and I love music. I listen to a lot of southern rock and am a huge Rolling Stones fan.

Q. If you could only use five makeup items for your entire face, what would they be? 

A. Lancome Teint Idole 24 Hour Foundation, Cover Girl TruBlend Blush in Medium Rose, Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze, Benefit They’re Real Mascara, and NudeStix Lip & Cheek Pencil in Whisper

Q. What do you always have with you in your makeup bag in your handbag? 

A. I always, always have my Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder Foundation in Porcelain Girl; it’s perfect for spot touch-ups. Also, Visine for eye redness or dryness, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, a Bobbi Brown Beach perfume rollerball, a NudeStix Cheek & Lip Pencil in Whisper, a mini Too Faced Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black, Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Bitch Perfect, and a mini version of Josie Maran’s Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise.

Q. What is your idea of the ultimate beauty blog? What should it feature, show/tell its readers and what brands are you most interested in? What is most important to you when reading a beauty blog? 

A. The perfect beauty blog should be inclusive of women of all ages and backgrounds, contain a combination of makeup and skin care tips, feature honest reviews of both new and classic products, include both high-end and drugstore brands, and just be fun to read. I like it when bloggers inject a bit of their own personalities with favorite quotes, music and movie recommendations. Personality is important to me! I’d like to eventually get the opportunity to review products from skin-care brands such as Zelens, Sunday Riley, Mai Lindstrom and other top-shelf brands. Unlike the “big time” bloggers, I’m still paying for my products from my own pocket!

For the next Liebster Awards, I nominate:

Rougepout Beauty

Elegant Ageless Beauty

The Lavender Barn

 

 

 

4 reasons you should never sleep with makeup on 

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Don’t be tempted to sleep in makeup.

I’m always shocked by the number of people who tell me they don’t wash their faces before going to bed. I confess to having committed this grievous sin in my college days but, then again, I did a lot of foolish things in college. But that’s a story for another day …

Listen up, ladies and gents, you should never, ever, ever go to bed without (at a minimum) cleansing and moisturizing your face. Here’s why:

  • During the day, bacteria builds up on your face. Think about it: Your skin attracts general pollutants, dirt and grime. And then there are the oils it produces, not to mention the germs it amasses when you touch your hands to your face or use your phone.
  • Pillow smush. Most people move around in bed while sleeping, and at night that includes burying our faces into our pillows. If you’re wearing makeup, all of that smushing just grinds makeup, germs and dirt deeper into your pores. Pillows are breeding grounds for bacteria anyway, so don’t magnify the problem. In addition to cleansing your face, wash your pillowcase at least one per week in very hot water to eliminate germs from skin oils, hairspray and other products that make it less than clean.
  • Clogged pores. Makeup, oil and sebum love to burrow into your pores. This can cause not only breakouts but enlarged pores. I don’t know about you, but I want to avoid sink holes on my chin and nose areas. Your skin needs to breathe and repair itself at night. Makeup, dirt and grime prevent it from doing so.
  • Broken eyelashes. If eyes are the window to the soul, who wants their soul to have tattered curtains? Sleeping in mascara makes lashes stiff, brittle and prone to breakage. Let your lashes breathe — and go a step further by using an eyelash conditioner to keep them soft and nourished.

My heroes! Four skin care must haves

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It’s a given that I love the creativity that comes from playing with makeup. But I wouldn’t have as much fun ‘painting’ without a smooth canvas. That canvas is good skin, and good skin doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, trial and error.

With that in mind, I wanted to share four of my skin-care heroes. One I’ve just discovered and the other three are products I simply can’t live without. Here are the details on each:

– You’ve heard me rave about this before: Sunday Riley’s Luna Night Sleeping Oil. This is one of the rare products that actually makes an overnight difference. It brightens, smooths, clears up any red spots or acne — yes, at 56 I still get the odd ‘spot’ now and then — and is just my all-around ‘holy grail’ of skin care. Here’s how Sunday Riley describes it:

“Luna Sleeping Night Oil contains high-potency, purified-grade lactic acid to instantly correct dullness, plump the look of lines, and exfoliate the skin. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation, imperfections, and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthy-looking complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, it helps to clarify and correct the appearance of imperfections for immediate, smooth radiance.” Whatever. It works.

– Living in the deep south requires special skin-care strategies, especially in the summer months. Whoever described my beloved city of Columbia, S.C., as “the screen door to Hell” was onto something. From June into October, it’s humid and scorching — two of makeup’s deadliest foes. Makeup setting sprays such as those from Skindinavia and Urban Decay are terrific, but I recently found a spray that one-ups them. It’s Liftra by Dr. Jart and in addition to setting makeup in place, it also has skin-firming properties. Here are the details:

“Liftra™ Contour Fixer is a setting mist that forms a thin film over the face to visibly lift and improve elasticity. It shrinks over time and provides a tightening effect—immediately lifting the appearance of skin and creating a smoother, firmer-looking complexion. The light water ampoule formula gently clings to skin, is quickly absorbed, and provides a finish without stickiness. Great for use throughout the day to refresh sagging skin or as a setting mist after makeup, it replenishes volume by supporting natural collagen synthesis, while a hyaluronic acid complex instantly replenishes moisture and maintains elasticity.”

– Biologique Rechercher’s Lotion P50 Original 197o is a game-changer for me. It’s not really a lotion at all; it’s a liquid toner that not only exfoliates my skin but has helped me get rid of stubborn milia beneath my eyes and other small under-the-skin bumps that were impossible to express. A word of caution: This stuff is strong. So strong that it seriously stings. I worked my way up to “Original 1970” by starting with the less intense “Lotion P50 W 1970,” the gentlest version in the line. This product can be difficult to find. I order it from Shop Rescue Spa.

– Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital is a little gem that does wonders for my eye area. I combine it with Clinique’s new Pep Start eye cream and get great firming/moisturizing results. I’ve never had eye bags, but like every woman of my age I have a few fine lines. When I added Blue Plasma Orbital to my routine, they almost immediately diminished. Warning: It has a fishy smell. It doesn’t bother me and goes away quickly, but it does trouble some users.

A word to the wise

No skin-care product is a miracle worker. The right products can delay the effects of aging if you start using them early. Once wrinkles have set in, they can improve but not eradicate the problems. No matter where you are in the aging process, it’s important to start a skin-care routine immediately and stick to it religiously. That means every morning and night, day in and day out. There are no shortcuts and no second chances!

Let’s talk about what’s sexy (and what’s not)

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What’s sexy? A scented, warm bath is sexy.

Like many makeup-loving women, I post photos of my daily beauty looks on my Instagram account. (It’s Makeup_Plus_50, if you would like to follow me.) Instagram is a fascinating site, really, and I’ve come to like it much more than I like Facebook. Since Instagram is all about photos, I guess you could say the “picture is worth a thousand words” adage rings true, at least for me.

Anyway, I recently posted a photo in which I was wearing a top I’ve owned for awhile but never worn. I’ve lost almost 20 pounds since February and it’s more flattering now that it was then. It’s a nice, kind of sexy black top — lower cut than I wear on a daily basis but nothing crazy (see photo). The picture had been up for five or 10 minutes when it arrived: what’s known in social media parlance as a “dick pic.” For anyone unfamiliar with the term, it’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s when a guy sends a private message containing a photo of his, as they say in romance novels, engorged manhood.

I’m going out on a limb here, but I’d guess not many women are aroused by the unsolicited arrival of an up-close view of a stranger’s private parts. So, if you’re a man and you’re reading this, take it as an advisory. Do not send women you don’t know pictures of your penis. Now, if you want to send a penis pic to a woman you’re married to or seriously dating, that’s another matter entirely. If you’re both aroused by it, share away — just be aware that your sexy shots might be seen by others in the event of a breakup.

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The little black top …

Anyway, today’s special delivery got me thinking about sex and sensuality. I’m going to be candid here and say that I feel sexier now than I’ve felt in a long time. Feeling sexy is something that comes and goes in a woman’s life. There were times when I felt decidedly unsexy: when I had young children to raise and for a long time after I had cancer, for example. But today? Maybe it’s self-confidence … maybe it’s that I’m comfortable about who I am and what I want .. maybe it’s the weight I’ve lost … maybe it’s that I’ve come to terms with my age .. but I feel good and desirable and, yes, pretty darn sexy.

So, if a picture of a stranger’s private parts isn’t sexy, what is? For me, and for many women, it’s little things, such as:

  • A candlelit bath in steamy, scented water.
  • A hot stone massage.
  • The sensual slide of a balm cleanser as I wash my face.
  • An unexpected flower delivery.
  • A hot shower with my favorite scent.
  • Catching and holding my man’s eye across a crowded room — and knowing, without a word, that’s he’s thinking sexy thoughts.
  • A hand on my thigh under the table at a crowded restaurant.
  • A man who remembers my birthday without being reminded.
  • Leisurely putting on my makeup as I prepare for an evening out.
  • Jungle Gardenia perfume.
  • Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male cologne.
  • A kiss on the shoulder — or the neck.
  • Catching my guy looking at my lips.
  • Red lipstick and black winged liner.

That’s about all I can share here. Remember, a little mystery is terribly sexy. Remember, too, that sexiness isn’t the exclusive purview of women in their 20s or 30s. It’s so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives — our jobs, our errands, our children, our household tasks — that we lose sight of our sensuality as well as our sexuality.

Here’s a final tip: Your inner thoughts are manifested in the way you present yourself to the world. In other words, thinking sexy thoughts makes you sexier. – Ronda

Shake your ‘Bum-Bum’ 

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I’m off to the Bahamas in less than a week, so I’m doing all the things one must do to prepare for fun in the sun. Tomorrow is set aside for a manicure, pedicure and waxing (Brazilian –ouch!). Then comes self-tanning: I’m super pale, so I don’t want to blind anyone on the beach.

One of my beach must-haves is a heavy duty moisturizer. I’m prone to dry skin, so moisturizer is one of my best friends. My cabinet is stocked with them, each smelling better than the last. This brings me to my point: While it’s not strictly a moisturizer, I’m completely addicted to a new moisturizing product — Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro.

My goodness, people, this stuff is seriously good. It leaves my skin feeling as smooth and supple as silk. I can’t stop touching it! And the scent is to die for. It’s a strong, summery, beachy scent with staying power. If they bottled it as a perfume, I’d stand in line to buy it. (If you’re averse to scents, steer clear.)

As I mentioned, Brazilian Bum-Bum cream works as a quickly absorbed, luxurious moisturizer that leaves skin silky with a slight sheen. But it serves another purpose: It’s a skin tightener for — yes — the Bum-Bum. And, of course, other body areas that could use firming.

Here’s what the makers have to say:

What it is:

A fast-absorbing body cream that helps tighten and smooth the look of skin.

What it is formulated to do:
Many Brazilian creams have a secret ingredient: guaraná, a native Amazonian plant whose fruit contains one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet. Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is also powered by a Brazilian blend of extraordinarily nourishing cupuaçu butter, antioxidant powerhouse açaí, and super-conditioning coconut oil for irresistible, touch-me skin. The fast-absorbing texture contains just enough mica to add a perfect Brazilian glow, as the formula helps your body look and feel its smoothest and tightest.

My summation: Whether you’re headed off for a beach vacation or just dreaming of one, Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream is a must-have for all of your body parts in need of pampering.

Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro, $45 for 8.1 ounces, Sephora.

Shake, rattle and Hum — and hyaluronic acid 

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I’m fascinated by makeup and always have been. As a little girl, I was entranced by my mother’s cosmetics — especially the miniature Avon lipstick samples that lived in her makeup drawer. And my Aunt Emily was a wonder. I’d watch as she drew winged liner as sharp as a knife’s blade with her old-fashioned cake liner. She’d add a bit of water to the powder and a few minutes later she was the epitome of 60s glamor.

In the years since, I’ve learned that while makeup works miracles, it’s the skin beneath that’s most important. Skin is the palette and makeup is the paint — and it’s critical to keep the palette as smooth, supple and line-free as possible. After all, paint applied to a rough surface often just illuminates its flaws.

My skin isn’t perfect, but it’s in pretty darn good shape for my age. Why? Because I pamper it. I have a thorough skin-care routine and I stick to it every day without fail.  Right now, my skin is looking particularly peachy and I credit the skin-care supplements I recently added to my routine.

Every day, I consume two tablets of Youtheory hyaluronic acid and four capsules of Hum Arctic Repair. Hyaluronic acid is an anti-inflammatory that benefits joints, tendons, ligaments and skin. Arctic Repair contains oil from wild organic lingonberry seeds and promotes itself as “clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin.” All I can say is that after two months of regular use my skin is clear, smooth and even. I look better without makeup than I have in years.

I’m particularly impressed with the Hum brand. In addition to Arctic Repair, I’ve been successfully using the company’s Flatter Me, which supports healthy digestion. I’m about to try two new Hum products — Red Carpet Ready, which promotes glowing skin and healthy hair, and Skinny Bird, which purports to help with weight loss. I’ll share my thoughts on those after a month of use.

Youtheory Hyaluronic Acid Advanced Nutritional Supplement, 120 count, $19.50 at Amazon.com.

Hum products are available at Sephora.com.

False alarm and feeling sunny

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 Phew! Some of y’all know I’ve been down in the dumps and fighting insomnia. I never sleep well when things are bothering me. My poor pillow knows. He’s been punched, pummeled, pounded and cried upon.

Anyway, the past month has been an ick-fest: My son was in a serious car wreck, I felt abandoned by a good friend who happens to be the best boss ever, and I found a lump under my right armpit — the same side on which I had breast cancer.

Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? I, like my grandmother before me, was one of those eight. I found the lump at age 40 during an at-home breast check. I had a mastectomy with reconstruction followed by six months of chemotherapy. For 16 years, I was cancer-free. When I found a new lump, I immediately assumed the worst due to my medical history. And though it was probably a mistake, I kept the news to myself because I didn’t want anyone to worry. I confided only in my poor, afore-mentioned pillow.

The good news? I learned today that the lump was merely a small, harmless cyst. The other good news? If it had been cancer, I would have caught it early because I do regular self-exams. So, please do me — and the people who love you — a big favor and start doing breast checks today.

Oh, and the other good news? My son is going to be just fine. And I’ve decided that as much as I hate losing the best boss ever, Robie and I can be better friends without the boss part getting in the way.

Summation? All is great in my world. I hope things are great in your world too. But seriously, do your breast self-check. Like right now.