Shall we agree? The woman who is, Bien Dans Sa Peau is the woman we would like to be?
What simple steps can we take to enhance our beauty, to be happier and more self-confident?
Dress The Part.
Feeling comfortable and well dressed is about knowing ourselves and what works for us.
We, women, are at an age and stage to dress in what suits rather than what is in fashion. Dressing ‘appropriately’ for one’s age takes a backseat when a woman knows who she is and has mastered her signature look. A woman of 60 can be equally as beautiful in a simple white shirt and black trousers as can a young girl of 20; personalising the outfit is what will make them look individual.
Introduce colour by way of accessory. Personality comes in with the right handbag, scarf or fabulous of the moment shoes. Jewellery serves the same purpose as does eyewear, Update sun shades and reading glasses; no “old lady” glasses whatever our prescription.
I remember walking behind a woman in Paris and noticing how she had put together her outfit. I don’t remember her age but what I do remember is what she was wearing. An all black coat buttoned up, black suede three-quarter boots and a purple handbag hanging over her shoulder. It was the flash of purple quilting that caught my eye and her black lace tights peeping out over the top of her boots. There was nothing avant-garde about her black coat but the unpredictability of the purple and the sexiness of the tights gave her that edge. The other thing that I noticed was her gorgeous hair.
Work The Hair
Great hair means well cut and well groomed. The length and colour are secondary when it comes to cutting. Hair and how it is styled is about the individual woman not about her age.
Care and maintenance of hair should be routine; not a cure to be taken once or twice a year. If our hair is winning, then so are we.
Manage The Makeup
What about makeup and beauty treatments?
Looking natural starts with good skin. Clarity, texture and glow are what we want; wrinkles are way down on the list. Skin care should be the most important and vital part of our beauty routine. Skincare works only if it applied regularly and we need to be disciplined with professional appointments and the at home follow up.
Beautiful skin takes time and effort and the effects are cumulative; neglected skin is a hard act to reverse.
Makeup is for enhancing our natural beauty not changing it. I want to look like I am not wearing any but benefit from the products out there to accomplish this. Give nature a helping hand is how I see it. I follow a few guidelines; more eye make-up with a light coloured lipstick and the reverse when wearing red or dark lipstick. Red lips are by far the easiest and quickest beauty tip to pack the most punch. As for the shots? If inclined, all in moderation would be my answer. Maintaining our looks and not reinventing them is the goal. A quest for youth is a dangerous pursuit which leads only to disappointment and disillusionment; looking after what nature gave us and safeguarding it for the future is a more sensible and achievable way of facing our maturity.
Respect The Body
We have to and as we become “better, not younger” it is non-negotiable. Movement, flexibility and strength are the saviours. Without these three ageing becomes a much tougher journey. Good health, like beauty, is a combination of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual factors; we need to nourish ourselves. Nobody else can if we don’t take the lead. A fit, well-aligned body is one of the best anti ageing secrets of all.
Do I follow all these simple steps of mine?
The answer is I try my best and some things are easier than others. Dressing well requires knowledge, time and effort as does skincare, hair and makeup but the effort is proportionate to how it makes me feel. Small steps on the outside make for much bigger changes on the inside. A healthy diet and regular exercise is a part of life I don’t wish to live without.
And sleep. Nothing rejuvenates like a good eight hours. xv
Bien Dans Sa Peau
image caroline de maigret
