I don’t know if it’s a change of season or a cleaner bathroom mirror, but all of a 
sudden I’m tired of my usual makeup and have gone on an obsessive hunt for something different. I’ve used bareMinerals foundation for years and I originally loved the light non-makeup feel of it. But now, despite Leslie Blodgett’s assurances that it doesn’t, the powder is settling into and accentuating every wrinkle and line on my face. That may be because I’ve got more 
wrinkles and lines than I did a few years ago, but still. And since I haven’t looked at what’s new beyond the occasional mascara and lipstick lately, I’m delighted to find foundations aimed at the over-50 me that claim to do exactly what I’m looking for: Cover lines and wrinkles, brighten skin tone and add a little love along the way. And speaking of “cover,” we’ve got Ellen! Listen, if Ellen DeGeneres is recommending anti-aging makeup, I’ve gotta try it. And I’m glad I did, because I’m officially in love with Cover Girl Simply Ageless foundation. It’s light but creamy and really does cover wrinkles and smooth out lines but truly feels as if you’re not wearing makeup. I actually get compliments now — well, my older daughter said my makeup looked good when I asked her, but I’ll take it. And I adore the compact-style packaging — why give you an applicator without a way to carry the applicator around? Which brings me to L’Oreal Age Perfect Makeup, my runner-up. This is more mousse-like and creamier but does cover well, if a little too thick for me. It leaves more of a matte finish where Simple Ageless has a natural look to it. If I were redoing my makeup to go out at night, I’d go with the Age Perfect, although the cute little applicator brush of course immediately 1) gets lost, 2) gets dirty or 3) becomes a new cat toy. Or is that just what happens at my house? My third pick is L’Oreal Visible Lift Line-Minimizing Makeup. Some people love this and it does good things for your skin, but even though it looks OK on, it’s too heavy and old-school foundation for me. I can feel it in every pore when I put it on — makes me want to wash my face. Yuck.
For a mascara roundup, read the Smaurai Shopper in The New York Time’s spring women’s-fashion magazine at http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2009/02/22/style/t/index.html#pageName=22samurai. This is the first time I’ve seen someone agree with me in print that the makeup artists’ supposed darling Maybelline Great Lash is overrated and underwhelming. It flakes and glops and leaves me with short stubby lashes. Double yuck. And besides, I can do short stubby lashes on my own without any mascara help, thank you very much.
Coffee with Cathy 
We have a wonderful product line made here in Anchorage by Janet Shafsky … actually I use many of her products, Janet is a former model and outstanding makeup artist. Her Midnight Sun Moisturizer is to die for. And she ships everywhere…. check out her website if you would like http://www.impressionsbyjanet.com
Have a great weekend and Spring Forward!!!
I love the L’Oreal Lift. But then again, I’m the old-school “I love my foundation thick and then I put thick powder over it, too” kind of woman. The more the merrier – the thicker the eyeliner the better. I LOVE MAKEUP!!!
Am I the only person that thinks Tammy Faye would have been cute if she’d only blended a ‘little’?
Thanks for the tips as I am needing some new make-up and I am glad that your recommendations can be found at Target. My eyes glaze over when I read about make-up that costs as much as a nice dinner out for two. What about a night time cream to help minimize wrinkles? I am in need of a new one.
Ooh, thanks for that link to the mascara article. I’ve only just started trying to wear eye makeup on a semi-regular basis. I think all those makeup artists just like the pink and green tube on Maybelline? Which do you think is more important, eye liner or mascara?
I still like the Bare Minerals stuff, but I’m always willing to flirt with something else!
Thanks for the heads-up w/the information. I’m always willing to try something different. I’ve been using Bobbi Brown for quite a long time, and I think it’s not doing what it’s suppose to do anymore. Plus, it’s expensive. Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate all the input here. Kathy, I went through a Bobbi Brown period, too, but I wasn’t getting enough bang for my buck out of it — although I love the Bobbi Brown counters and Ms. Brown herself is a wonderful spokeswoman for classically elegant and natural-looking makeup.
And Ina, thanks for the link. Good for you for supporting a local makeup company.
Thank you! I am just now thinking about changing my foundation. I have worn a lighter one for eons…but lately I find myself looking tired and older. But when I had my makeup touched up at my hair salon the other day, she used a heavier foundation…and I looked good! Thanks for the tips on what to look for 🙂
CC — it’s always good to make a change. In makeup, at least!