In my career this Pro has worked with all types of beauty. I see beauty in areas that others would not and I believe that every person has the ability to be beautiful regardless of the “gifts” bestowed on them by genetics!
Iconic beauty is, to me, a woman that personifies time. Usually these women are exceptionally gorgeous like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, etc. This blog post will concentrate on the iconic personas of today because these women are still out “there” on our televisions, on our movie screens and in our magazines.
The women highlighted today are Pro favorites! Ask me why and I will answer…"because they keep it real!" They don’t pretend to be something they are not. These ladies are just that…ladies, but with, and pardon the expression, a set of “balls” on them that make this Pro envy their determination.
They are magnetic, passionate, powerful, successful, talented and yes…gorgeous! These women are also all over the age of 60 and there is no slowing them down. Whether they are performing, fundraising or fighting for a cause politically, these women are iconic beauties with a style that we should celebrate.
Since this is first and foremost a beauty blog, I thought it would be appropriate to write a beauty breakdown on how to “get their look.” As you read this post you will notice a pattern. All of these breakdowns will contain age appropriate makeup recommendations. These mega stars don’t allow or want their makeup artists to overly make them up, unless the magazine spread or movie character calls for it.
Please don’t be fooled, just because this post is focusing on more mature women doesn’t mean that you can’t use the products listed regardless of your age. Everyone can wear a matte eye shadow or those with a slight shimmer and a nude lip does not have an age requirement!
Let’s begin with a lady that I had the pleasure to work with long ago…Sigourney Weaver. Ms. Weaver is 61 years young and is best known for her role as Ellen Ripley in the Ailen film series. Other notable roles include Ghostbusters, Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl and the most recent Avatar.
I am currently working with an actress that reminds me very much of Ms. Weaver. Her name is Reamy Hall and I always think of how Ms. Weaver’s natural bone structure, which Reamy has too, is perfect and that the need for a ton of makeup is totally unnecessary.
To get a natural, daytime appropriate look like the photo above, try the following products:
Skincare/Prep: Every good makeup starts with great skincare and prep. Don’t make the mistake of investing in cosmetics without making certain that your skin is ready. This means purchasing products that are right for your skin type. If you are not sure what you need then visit a professional or even a cosmetic counter and test products before you buy.
Foundation: depending on your skin’s texture and tone you may want to invest in a more expensive foundation and purchase one that contains SPF protection. I recommend the following from Chanel: Lift Lumiere, which visibly diminishes the look of wrinkles and fine lines and it controls shine without chalkiness. Vitalumiere if your skin suffers from fatigue and dehydration. If you are oily then try Mat Lumiere or if you have normal skin try Pro Lumiere. These foundations are best because of their blend-ability, wear-ability, coverage and they will not settle into lines or wrinkles.
Concealer: you will want to use a concealer that is also a treatment because you do not want that product settling into any fine lines around your eyes! This Pro recommends purchasing a concealer that is also an “eye brightener,” which will help disguise the appearance of wrinkles and deep creases. Try Jan Iredale’s Active Light Under Eye Concealer, which contains ingredients that will calm tired eyes and reduce puffiness while lightening up any dark areas.
Face Powder: set your makeup with a light dusting of face powder, but be careful not to over do it! Powder tends to settle into creases and can have a very flat effect on the face. Try Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish Powder, this product contains real diamonds, which have a subtle reflective quality, but is free of shimmer. A very light dusting is recommended and gently buff into the skin using a soft buffer brush.
Contour: bronzer is used to sculpt cheekbones and to contour the jaw line. Using Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, which is a light cream-gel bronzer with a small, tapered blush brush, lightly apply toward the back of the cheekbone near the ear and blend down toward the nose, but stop before the nasal labial folds. Tip: you are trying to “lift” the face, not drag it down and the closer your bronzer or blush gets to your nose, can cause the appearance of “droopiness.” Blend and buff the bronzer into the skin diminishing any demarcation lines. You can also blend up onto the temples and into the hairline.
Cheeks: blush should be a light, peachy/pink tone either matte or with a slight shimmer. Eve Pearl’s Blush Trio in Sweet Cheeks is a perfect palette. Sweep a fan brush over all three colors and apply lightly on the cheekbone avoiding the apples of the cheeks. Remember the tip listed above, you do not want to bring your blush down near your nose. Keep the blush higher to create the appearance of a “lift.”
Highlighter: this product can be your BFF because Highlighters create a natural glow and bring a sheer, reflective light to the skin. Eve Pearl’s Bronzing Highlighter Trio (Classic) can be lightly swept along the orbital bone, down the nose and across the chin.
Eyes: Jane Iredale’s Perfectly Nude Eye Shadow Kit contains 5 shades of beautiful, age appropriate color for the lid, crease and brow bone area. The darker colors in this range can also be used as a soft bottom liner. Use Cream as an all over wash from lid to brow, blend Cappuccino into the crease and create a slight “V” shape in the outer corner and blend to erase any harsh lines. Use Antique Gold or Cream at the brow bone. Tip: line the lower inside waterline with a matte white or flesh-tone eye pencil. This is a great trick for opening the eyes and help to whiten the eyes when they are tired.
Eyebrows: make sure to fill in your brows! Choosing a color close to your hair color is best or have your brows tinted. Tattooing is a harsh look for more mature women and is not endorsed by this Pro! Try Laura Mercier’s Brow Definer, which is an innovative wax/gel formula that coats the hair lightly and because this product is a gel formula, it has a longer wear-ability factor. Apply with an angle brush.
Eyeliner: as we age our natural, dark lash line begins to fade leaving the appearance of sparse, light lashes that can instantly age our eyes. You will want to use a powder, pencil or gel liner and smudge into the upper lash line.
Mascara: plenty of black mascara, waterproof or not, will also help to bring out your eyes. Some women are embracing false lashes or even opting for eyelash extensions. All of which can be a benefit.
Lips: choose a lipstick that is hydrating with a little bit of plumper. This Pro loves Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Ginger. Tip: coordinate your lip and cheek color. If you are using a peachy/pinky blush tone then either a pinky or peachy color for the lips will work. Rose color seems to be a favorite for mature women, but certainly not necessary and if you are going for a coral, choose a deeper color and unfrosted! Lip pencil is optional, but use if your lipstick tends to bleed.
Here are a few more photos from the past that depict Ms. Weaver’s ageless beauty:
Moving on, here is a woman who has the “Midas touch!” Everything she does turns to gold or platinum! Barbara Streisand was born in 1942, which makes her 69 years young. She has won 2 Academy Awards, 8 Grammy Awards, 4 Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award and she has sold over 140 million albums worldwide!
This Pros all-time favorite Streisand movie is Funny Girl! I could watch it a thousand times and “Hello Gorgeous” are words that every woman should say to herself (out loud) when they look in the mirror!
To get Ms. Streisand’s simple yet sophisticated look from the photo above, I suggest the following products:
The recommendations listed above for skincare/prep, foundation, concealer and powder are the same.
Eyes: Dior’s 5-Color Eyeshadow-030 Incognito - these colors are incredibly soft and glide onto the eyes without tugging or smudging. You can build the intensity for day to night looks and you can line under the eyes creating a natural looking definition. Sweep Matte Beige from lid to brow and under the bottom lash line. Use Taupe Shimmer lightly in the crease. Warm Brown Shimmer should be blended into the upper lash line as liner.
Brows and Mascara recommendations are the same as above.
Cheeks: sometimes highlight and bronzer is all you need. Try Smashbox’s Step-By-Step Contour Kit - it will help you cheat genetics and it comes with an easy-to-follow guide that will ensure you place your bronzer (contour) and highlighter properly, just like a Pro!
Lips: M.A.C.’s Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim is a light beige, perfectly nude lip gloss that isn’t sticky or goopy!
Here are a few more photos from the past that highlight Ms. Streisand’s timelessness:
Last, but certainly not least, is an actress, political activist and fitness guru…the incredible Jane Fonda. Ms. Fonda is 73 years young and rose to fame in the 1960’s with films such as Barbarella. She tirelessly protested the Vietnam War and she describes herself as a liberal and feminist. As controversial as Ms. Fonda was back in the day, there is no denying that she is a powerfully strong woman and an incredible beauty.
To achieve Ms. Fonda’s flawless look from the photo above, use the following products:
Again, following the skincare/prep, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, contour/highlighter, brow and mascara products mentioned above with one addition:
During skincare/prep add Embryolisse’s Anti-Aging Re-Densifying Eye and Lip Contour Cream to your regime. This product is specifically designed to erase fine lines and deep wrinkles. Eyes will appear brighter, lips redefined and the face will overall appear younger.
Cheeks: Guerlain’s Blush G Serie Norie for a pop of color (notice the placement in the inspiration photo above).
Eyes: using two palettes from Elizabeth Arden – Color Intrigue Quad in Neutral Cashmeres and Color Intrigue Duo in Autumn Leaves to get the look. Begin with the lightest shade from the quad palette as an all over wash of color from lid to brow. Switch to the duo palette and use the peachy tone on the lid blending up into the crease. Switching back to the quad palette and use a combination of the taupe shade and the medium brown tone to create a crease and blend being sure to erase any harsh lines. Keep the darker shading only in the crease and away from the lid and brow bone. Back to the lightest shade from the quad palette as a brow bone highlight. The darkest shade in the quad palette can be smudge along the top lash line and the bottom lash line for eyeliner. If you find that this shade is too dark then switch back to the duo palette and use the deep brown shade instead.
Lips: line the lips using a natural toned lip pencil. Eve Pearl’s Lip Pencil in Cosmo is a perfect shade. Apply Smashbox’s Photo Finish Lipstick in Beautiful. Complete the look with Youngblood’s Lip Gloss in Demure.
Here are a few more photos spotlighting Ms. Fonda’s iconic beauty:
Pro Tip and Tricks:
If you feel that you need more concealer on your cheeks, chin and around your mouth and nose because of age spots, sun spots or rosacea, then try Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer and Treatment. This product will erase and hide any discolorations. Blot on with a damp sponge and blend or stipple on using a pointed brush. Also, if you find that you need to touch up your face during the day, but don’t like using a pressed powder, switch to blot papers. These genius cloths will remove shine without adding makeup and they are sold in every drugstore!
– not only are the Pro’s having issues with their skin, but our clients are too, so we decided to change things up a bit and add Jan Marini’s newest cleanser to our professional kits. We not only use this cleanser for removing eye makeup, but all over the face and neck to prep the skin prior to applying cosmetics. It is extremely mild and non-foaming, which makes it extremely effective for all skin types.
– this exfoliator will immediately create a perfectly smooth canvas for makeup and because it is a resurfacer, your skin’s texture and follicle size is refined. Non-abrasive and gentle enough to use daily (we use it twice a week), this product will get rid of flaky, dry skin and will boost the penetration of other skincare products in your regime. This product is a Limited Holiday Edition.
– add this little extra bit of “oomph" to your nighttime skin regime. We recommend applying under the SAMPAR 
before bed. The combination of the extra moisture and mask will lock in hydration and help to heel itchy, dry patches.
– this product works miracles on extremely dry, cracked and irritated skin. It also creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture. If your skin is raw, chapped, chafed or if you have undergone radiation treatments, facial resurfacing or if you suffer from other sensitive skin issues, you may want to try this product. The IMPO Pro’s rely on this ointment to heal our hands, elbows, heels of our feet and knees during the winter months. This is also great for the lips and around the mouth to heal chapping.
– this is a waterless antibacterial cleanser that is infused with lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium and sage oil. It is the only sanitizer the Pro’s use in our makeup room or trailer. Other products wipe out good bacteria along with bad bacteria, this product’s main ingredient is Ethyl Alcohol, which is proven effective to guard against harmful germs, but doesn’t kill off the body’s natural defenses. Plus, it doesn’t have that offensive alcohol smell and it won’t dry out your hands. Keep a small bottle in your handbag, car and backpack.
(intense hydrating mask) – do not forget about your hair this winter! The Pro’s received this mask as gratis for our professional hair kit, but wanted to try it personally because we had heard about the amazing results consumers were having when using this product. This is an intense hydrating mask that regenerates hair and adds suppleness. If you are prone to frizz, excessive shedding or if your hair is dry, brittle, dull or lifeless then this product can help. Bonus – it only takes 2-5 minutes so you can add it to your morning routine!
– do you have little kids or teenagers? Do they always have chapped, cracked, dehydrated lips in the winter? If you are answering yes to these questions, then you have to try out EOS. Kids and teens don’t like products that look industrial or smell medicinal. They like cool, hip packaging and they must have flavor! This product is a mom’s secret weapon to solving “ouchy” cracked lips plus it is Gluten-free, Paraben-free, Petrolatum-free and Phthalate-free, which means that this product is 95% organic, 100% natural and it is packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E.
– this product does triple duty by leaving the skin hydrated, concealed and protected. The Pro’s switch up foundation in the winter and we decided to revisit a summer favorite because this product provides our skin with free-radical fighting antioxidants, calming botanicals and nourishing minerals. It does not sink into fine lines, wrinkles and it helps combat those dry, flaky patches around our nasal labial folds and chin.
– is a good drug-store alternative to the Clarins' product listed above because it is a brighten powder that will help to blend away redness. It tops the list of Elle Magazine World’s Best Beauty Products and is great on all skin tones. Bonus – this product is a mineral correcting powder that is talc-free.
– this product will double your lashes and will boost any mascara. Want full, fluttering, long lashes? Then this mascara base is the answer. Try it with your current mascara for instant results.
– this is a waterproof formula that provides volume and curl. This mascara can be worn in the most extreme winter conditions and it won’t budge. Again, if you tend to have watery eyes in the winter due to extreme wind or dryness then this mascara will work wonders for you!
– in returning to our fall/winter collection of lip colors, the Pro’s came across an icon product that consumers purchase every year. In fact, there is an Almost Lipstick in Black Honey sold every two minutes, 852 sold daily, which means that over 300,000 are sold every year! You can’t argue with stats like that! This product is a great color for the season and because it is not quite a lipstick and not quite a gloss, it is the best of both worlds! It is a sheer color that is moisturizing, blends well and won’t bleed. Tip: use a little on your cheeks for a pop of sheer color and to coordinate your lip and cheek area!
with a pot concealer like Laura Mercier, MAC or Bobby Brown and apply/dab on with your fingers under the eyes. 