A couple of years ago, I read an article about actresses in their late 20s having cosmetic procedures to preserve their youth. I truly believe that the choice to cosmetically enhance is very personal, and I hold no judgement; but in that moment, I made the decision that I would allow myself to age gracefully.
A few years later, I learned that was easier said than done. For the most part, I’m that generic brand cosmetics, and traditional moisturizer type of woman. One of my best friends jokes that my luckiest assets are that I have good genes, and all of my own teeth. It’s her hilarious way of saying I’m really no fuss.
So, imagine my surprise when my new reading glasses revealed a tiny line, and I, the one that was aging gracefully, ended up in the beauty aisle in my local Target, looking for eye cream, and dark circle treatment.
This moment was made more concrete when a gentleman, a few decades older than I am, decided to follow me around a shopping center complimenting my new gray streaks, and hoping I’d join him for a date in the future. (Okay, I admit I might have colored my hair that night.
It happened, little Miss “aging gracefully” had a moment. The joke was really on me. I learned that my version of aging gracefully includes, regular dye treatments, midnight workouts, cleansing face masks, wrinkle reduction cream, and don’t forget to exfoliate.
So, I embraced what I suspect was a momentary freak out, turned nightly routine. I apply my under eye wrinkle cream, and I’ve learned the power of concealer. A little body butter on my elbows, heels, and ankles, make summer sandals divine. The cosmetic aisle is now a wonderful land of exploration, and I’m ready for my new adventure. No shame for this girl, because in 2017, this is aging gracefully.
I totally get it. Since I hit 40, I feel like I’ve become vainer. I’ve bought into (literally) every beauty treatment I can put my hands on to find the magic combo that works. I get so mad at myself since I’m playing into what society is expecting me to be. It’s hard, too, when you’re in the public eye. As a writer with headshots and booksignings, I want to look my best. But I need to realize that looking my best doesn’t mean that I need to look like I’m twenty again. LOL!