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Makeup Update
April 25, 2024
Well since I talked about skincare I’ll talk about my makeup basics. I have products in most categories but very few products in each category. I pared down my products many years ago to simplify and keep me from buying a bunch of products I probably don’t need and won’t use. While I have gone off the rails in that regard from time to time, I always keep my stash minimal and cull it when I know a product isn’t going to work or something has been around and gone unused. On the other hand I rarely repurchase items because I just don’t use that much makeup anymore and I use so little that it lasts a long time.
Primer – I don’t usually use one. That said, the ONE primer I do like is the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer. It has titanium dioxide for sun protection and does a good job of keeping my face makeup looking good for the majority of the day. I’ve purchased three minis of this and some day I’ll probably be buying the big one.
Foundation– Because I just feel better with my skin tone evened out due to the redness. Lately though I’ve been trying to find one I can live with long term because the one I really like I can’t find in the color I need. So, still working on finding one or maybe two good formulations that will work until I stop wearing makeup. (Note – as of three days ago I tossed my last bottle of foundation because it wasn’t working. Currently going makeup free until I have time to get to Ulta.)
Blush – I don’t always wear blush but if I do I use cream blushers these days. They are easy to use, have good staying power, and work well with my dry skin. I tend to get colors in the pinky nude or very light bronze shades to offset the rosacea. And I don’t mind bouncing around in this category because it’s fun to play around with products.
Eyeshadow – I have been using cream shadows for the last year and really enjoy them – very light colors (I don’t need much at my age) and they just add a little enhancement to my eyes. I also have used Urban Decay’s Anti Aging (I hate that term!) Primer Potion for shadow for a long time as well but it also does make the other shadow products last longer and get better color payoff.
Mascara – When I want to. Lately I have been kind of not wearing it a lot because I just don’t know if it makes that much of a difference. That and it’s so hard to find brown shades. It may be the first beauty product I chuck for good.
Eyebrow – I have a few products from color to styling gel to keep my unruly brows in check. On minimal makeup days it’s usually foundation, lip balm, and some eyebrow something depending on how I feel about my brows that day. Really, it’s all I need.
Lips – I usually start with clear lip balm and top it with a color product if wearing one. I really prefer glosses to lipsticks as they are shearer and are more moisturizing. Tinted lip balms are good too but I also wear those over my base balm.
That’s it. As I’ve stated before I put on as much or as little as I want on any given day. With a minimal lineup it’s easier to find what I want and it doesn’t take much time in the morning either. And the older I get the simpler I want things. I’ve never gotten into lip or eye liners (except for that black eyeliner phase in the early 80’s) or concealer. I used to use powder religiously when I was younger, but with dryer, older skin I don’t need it anymore.
Stay tuned because I’ll probably start dropping names of products and colors at some point. But even then I don’t always stay with one thing forever. I’d kind of like to though just to simplify it all.
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My Skincare Formula
April 20, 2024
(PS – this is slightly edited from when I first posted.)
Again – emphasis on MY – so if you care to adjust what you do just remember your mileage will probably vary so use what works for you even if you have to go through a few products to find what works. If you need more products that’s okay too. Everyone’s skin is different and mine is quite finicky. For reference I am 61 with dry/dehydrated and sensitive/reactive skin.
I also will add that I have a little notebook to keep track of what I’m using and note reactions from products, how well they work, and how I like them. It helps me to see what I’ve used in the past and keep what works and toss what doesn’t and why they didn’t work. And sometimes I take pictures of current routines in case I haven’t written anything down (supposed to be for Instagram – heh). and it helps to see exactly what I’ve used at a certain point in time in case I want to repurchase something that has worked and can’t remember what it was.
I decided last summer to just go back to basics with these five products after jumping in with too many new products and messing my skin up. It’s really the formula I’ve used for a long time and for a good reason – it works. It also keeps my routine easy with only a few products so it’s easier to stay consistent. I still have the idea of a skincare wardrobe with different products to choose from within my formula categories depending on weather and skin needs. It’s something to work towards.
One thing to add – I only use fragrance free products since I have very sensitive skin and I’m not big on oils because even though I have dry skin, oils still do tend to clog. And HA kept to a minimum if at all – it just doesn’t work for me.
Morning Routine
- Cleanser – A good basic foamy cleanser. Gels tend to be dryer so I prefer cushier cleansers and they clean better than super gentle formulas which really don’t work for me. Sometimes I use a good micellar product if I’m feeling lazy or time is of the essence.
- Toner – Right now I have three in rotation – one gentle (no alcohol, fragrance free) for a basic prep step. I have another that is an essence/toner but more moisturizer when I feel I need that. The other is an exfoliating type when I feel I need to clear the deck so to speak. A lot of people say toner isn’t necessary but I love this step and my skin just does better with it.
- Moisturizer – A good all purpose moisturizer to keep skin hydrated all day. It can vary during colder weather or more humid weather, but generally something basic.
- Sunscreen – I use mineral sunscreens only with an SPF of 30 max usually. And I only use a pea size amount. Yes that is sufficient for my skin to keep it protected. Last summer I was using way too much and it dried the crap out of my skin because apparently zinc oxide can be drying. So, this is all I need for ME. There are two sunscreens I’ve used with higher SPF but they are lighter and thinner in formulation without sacrificing the protection.
Evening Routine
- Cleanser – A good cleanser that takes all the makeup off in one swoop and rinses clean. I’ve tried double cleansing and it does more harm than good to my skin. I’ve tried cleansing balms and oils and don’t generally like the feel of them, and balms have to be wiped off which my skin just doesn’t take to that well. I can also use my micellar cleanser and moisturizer after if I’m too damn tired for a full routine. If I’m not wearing makeup my morning cleanser can do the job.
- Toner – Same as in the morning.
- Moisturizer – Same one I use in the morning. Again, like I said above, this can change from lighter moisture to a heavier cream depending on how my skin feels during weather transitions.
So as you can see it’s only four products – cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen and five if I use a different cleanser for makeup removal at night. This base formula does not change. I can also see if a new step or new product works or doesn’t since I use the same products on the daily. Currently though I’m using up some of my stash but staying within the formula. I need to find my holy grail products so that I use only those for the long term and can add other things in should I desire. So, still some kinks to work out but on the whole keeping it simple.
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Small Update – Mid April 2024
April 18, 2024
So yeah, it’s been awhile since I posted but…eh…no excuses. I just haven’t done it. No reason – just haven’t done it. Let’s change that right now with a short update on my life since March 2.
No major issues going on and things are going fairly well (knock on wood). My skincare routine got upended so I’m going to order two new things tonight and get back on track. At least I know the four products I need to use daily to have a base to work from.
I haven’t lost any weight, but I dusted off my Food Mover (Richard Simmons) and plan to start tracking again. Of course I need to not just plan but actually do it but planning is a step in the right direction. I’m even watching old videos of his for motivation and get me moving again.
The weather has been gorgeous – even almost summer like lately – but today we’re going back to fall for a few days and I have to say it’s a refreshing change. It reminds me of springs in London (England) when I lived there in my much younger days with my family.
My grandson is almost a year old and will be visiting me at the end of next month – now that is something I’m really looking forward to! Even though he’s not a baby anymore and not as easy to cuddle, I plan to read to him. I’m hoping he’ll be open to letting me do that.
I’m reading the Gospels for my spiritual reading and reading books on the third part of the Catholic Catechism – Life in Christ – to go with. Easter season is a good time for that. As far as regular reading – not much lately. Just reading bits and pieces here and there as I choose.
I’m watching the Waltons for the first time in a really long time. I’ve forgotten how good they are and it makes me feel a little closer to my mom – we would watch the show every week together. It was one thing we had in common.
I found two great cd’s (used) and have added them to my collection. One was rock classics and the other soft rock classics. Loving them both and so are my kiddos.
Well the oven timer went off so it’s time to eat but I just wanted to take a few minutes to say I’m still here and hopefully I’ll write a little every day. Maybe even just a paragraph on nothing in particular. At least it’s something. Peace to all.
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Happy New Year!
March 2, 2024
Oh wait a minute – it’s MARCH? Aready?? Oh, right, yeah I see it now. Apparently I’m late on this new year business but, no matter, I’ll just jump in here. I probably should catch you up on things at some point, but for now here’s the Cliff Notes version.
November 2023 – Crazy busy with a side of depression.
December 2023 – Crazy busy with a touch of colds going around the fam two weeks before Christmas.
January 2024 – Started off all right but ended with a nasty round of cold, ice, snow, and frozen pipes.
February 2024 – Winter took a back seat, temperatures soared and I felt like Wall-E after powering up in the sun.
I’ll be back tomorrow trying to get back into writing. I’ve got posts written and ready to be released into the wild so I’m going to do that. In the meantime I have a day of shopping planned with my youngest daughter. Cheerio!
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Resolutions – Bah Humbug
December 29, 2023
It’s the end of the year and we all know what that means for stores – selling the “new you”. Get organized, lose weight, get your house in order, and on and on. The lose weight and get organized seem to be the top ones and it’s all in the name of the almighty dollar and not on actually helping anyone. Just buy our stuff and your problems will be over. As if.
I used to make resolutions and make promises to myself to do this, that, and the other. Then something would come along and shake it up and I’d give up. I still haven’t found the resolve to actually make changes because I feel it’s useless if I’m just going to start something and have upheaval that sends it all crashing down. Yeah – that’s me being honest right there.
However, I also know that if I don’t do anything that NOTHING will happen. That’s also the truth of the matter and I shouldn’t complain about gaining weight when I haven’t done a damn thing to do anything about it. Things like making small changes can work but sometimes we (as in me) gets stuck on those small baby steps and they never get any bigger.
One thing did work once and that was getting out of debt – I debt snowballed four credit cards and within 18 months was out. I had absolute resolve because I NEVER wanted to go through any of that crap again. I was tired of living in scarcity and uncertainty and my family was too so I did the really hard thing and got out of debt. Did I ever want to give up? Yes! I was six months away from the last bill being paid off and I almost caved but I knew if I did I’d never get where I wanted to be. THIS is the resolve I need to find to lose weight, to get organized, and so on. I just need to find where the stumbling block is and remove it and find that strength I had in 2011 to get going.
So while that new healthy eating planner I bought will help me see where I need to make changes to my diet and eating habits (although I actually do know what ones I need to make), I have to tell myself I am worth making those changes and that it will make a difference in the long run. And then I have to actually make those changes and (here’s the clincher) stick with them.
So, Happy New Year to all and to ALL a (finally) good year. Please God.
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Year’s End Thoughts
December 27, 2023
It’s Christmastime and the end of another year. I always feel reflective at this time of the year and I have tried to look ahead to the new year in the past, but in 2017 that really kind of stopped. On January 4 of 2017 I felt like things might actually get better and then, on that day, my husband had a bike accident and broke his collarbone. Then he lost his job of 36 years in August of that same year. And let’s not forget year after year of idiot house problems. And then a pandemic and worse. It’s getting harder to even want to make plans to do anything in the new year except survive. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. However, we can’t sit still or “be idle with despair” as Jewel puts it in her beautiful song “Hands”. We still need to do our jobs, take care of our families, and take care of our communities. When you think about it those really are the basics aren’t they?
For me, negativity, frustration, and anger are at an all time high. Is it a product of the depression or just too many things on my plate? Or just year after year of crap piled up? I don’t know, but I do know it needs to change. I can’t keep that up because it’s bad for me mentally and physically. I could say “I’ll be more positive” but I don’t believe that’s really the answer. And it’s too vague. What I need to do is reframe my negative words and actions and just plain act better. Besides, I kind of believe that all of our negative words and actions are going out into the world/the universe and perhaps causing all the mayhem we see. It surely can’t be good. Maybe if even just a few of us try to stem that tide of ugliness we can make a difference in our corners of the world. Let someone go ahead of you in the grocery store if they only have 2 items and you have 20. Put your spare change in the Salvation Army kettle or round up your total for charity at the store. Instead of cursing those who cut you off while you are driving, say a prayer for them (and maybe one for yourself too). You get the idea. Little things really do mean a lot and often lead to bigger acts of kindness and charity.
So, as 2023 winds up, let’s at least try to look forward to 2024 and make plans to help rather than hinder, love rather than hate, try to understand rather than persecute those who are different from us. We are all human beings, we live on the same planet, and we must get along. Let’s begin in 2024 to change our bad habits and do good instead.
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Living Up to this Blog’s Name – Unperfect
December 22, 2023
Well and the Oh Crap part too because…
Oh Crap – It’s almost Christmas and I’ve been depressed for at least a month if not more.
Oh Crap – We’ve all been down with colds here for about 10 days so some stuff hasn’t gotten done which means that…
Oh Crap – …my west coast kids won’t get their gifts until after Christmas (le sigh)
Oh Crap – I forgot to add milk to my grocery pick up today which means going to another store right after the pick up.
On the other hand, all the other gifts are in and they just need wrapping. We have one more goodie to make and that’s getting done today by one of my elves (i.e. kids). We didn’t bake a lot but I do have plenty of bought to fill it all out with.
After today I shouldn’t need to set foot in any stores until after Christmas. All the food for our Christmas Eve and Day celebrations has been bought. Phew.
So it’s not all bad and I just need to slow down and breathe and get done what I can and say “Oh well” to what doesn’t because in the end it’s all going to shake out fine. Even in the years we barely had two nickels to rub together the kids were happy with whatever we had. And there were a couple of years that the older kids chipped in to make the season bright for their family.
So if you are the homemaker or the main person who does it all in your family don’t forget to take care of yourself because YOU are a part of the family you take care of. And it says in the Secret Mommy Handbook – you cannot get sick (I loved that commercial and laughed every damn time). And if you don’t take care of yourself you will get sick. Ask me how I know. :P
Okay, have to run, but seriously, take your time today, take time for you, and don’t get caught up in the hustle and bustle – know that whatever you have done will be fine and that the over marketing and mass consumerism are missing the whole point of this holiday. And offer up your frustrations for broken families who are having worse problems than not getting their gifts out on time – it’s not joy to the world for everyone.
Oh and welcome Winter Solstice as of yesterday. The only good thing about that is the days will be getting longer again. :D
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Depression…Again….Naturally :(
December 17, 2023
So, yeah, around Thanksgiving I realized that I was having a depression episode. How did I figure that out? Part of it was my last post about making small lists to get things done each day. The other part was having a breakdown the day before Thanksgiving and realizing that something was not right with me. After the whirlwind that is Thanksgiving and two birthdays, me and the couch decided to get really close. Too close. That’s when I knew it was worse than it’s been in awhile.
Then one day I was starting to get stuff done and I realized how much I’d let go because I’d been on the couch or in bed too much. And that’s when recovery began because I knew stuff had to get done and my depression would get worse if I wasn’t taking care of things. And i started to feel better.
And here it is the week before Christmas and I’m starting to slide again, but getting ready to do battle in the kitchen. Luckily dinner is a chop all the stuff and throw it in the oven for an hour or so. Tomorrow things will get busy again and I’m going to need to get all the help I can. My kids are good at that though and it will be okay.
The one thing I hate about depression is how it’s there but you don’t know it’s there until you figure it out (or maybe someone else points it out), Anxiety and worry are easier because something usually brings it on right away, but not depression. He’s a sneaky bastard. The sooner you can recognize his presence though, the sooner you can start back on the road to recovery. Am I doing all the things? No. Am I doing enough to keep things going? Yes. That’s all I need right now…today. Getting back to basics so I can live life.
Hope you are doing all right but if you aren’t, give yourself grace and take it slow and easy. There will be better days with more energy and less sadness. Peace be with you.
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A New Trick
November 24, 2023
In an effort to keep my housekeeping on track I started doing something new. As I’m winding up for the day and I know how much I have to do and it all just feels so overwhelming, I make a small list in my mind of three or four things to start with. Take this morning for example – the day after Thanksgiving clean up – I thought to myself, “Self, what do I need to do first?” I was already dressed and ready for the day so I just needed to know what to start with the housecleaning. Here’s the first list of the day:
- Laundry – Kitchen towels
- Unload and reload dishwasher
- Wash just the cups and utensils to start,
And I got those things done so my next list looks like this:
- Put towels in dryer (done)
- Soak and wash pots and pans (this will take awhile as I do one at a time)
- Wipe counters in kitchen (done)
- Refill hand soap and dish liquid (done)
While all this stuff is going on I have 4 lists on paper started:
- Take care of me
- Housework
- Other to-do’s
- Shopping list
- Target list (we don’t have one in town so I’m planning to go week after next
- Menu Plan for the next week plus a main shopping list
So, the kitchen is reset – even took out garbage and swept the floor except for the pots and pans but I’m on that. Towels are in the dryer and I did the soap refills. As I notice things we need from the store I’m putting those on the written list and am crossing off the stuff I’m getting done on those lists,
If it sounds complicated, it’s not. Just think, what do I need to get done in the next 30 minutes or 1 hour or even just the next 10 minutes if that’s all you can manage at the moment. Depression is haunting me again so some days this week getting things done was a real bear. Today the house isn’t as crowded, I can think, and stuff is getting done. Each day is different but you find ways to cope. I’m slowly learning what works for me.
OK – gotta work on the dishes and also tidy the living room. WIll I crash and burn this afternoon? Probably, but I know I got a lot done this morning so I can relax and do something I enjoy. It’s a give and take and no one needs to be spending all flipping day cleaning – it’s just not workable and mentally it drains you.
So, enjoy the day and do what you can to reset your house or your self care. One thing is for sure – I’m staying out of the stores today! Online shopping it is. :D
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October 2023 in Review
November 8, 2023
Wow this year is just breezing by! It’s November already and that means the holiday race is on. For me it also means two birthdays – my twins will be 20 the weekend after Thanksgiving. Lucky for me I’m a paper person so that means lists – lots of lists. Today I’ll be copying off all the recipes I’ll be using for Thanksgiving and then make my shopping list from that. I already have about 1/2 the items, but need to finish getting everything by next week. I remember one Easter a few years ago when I had forgotten the crushed pineapple for Pink Stuff. I went to Walmart where a guy was in the canned fruit aisle staring into the abyss where the crushed pineapple had been. I joined him – my mouth falling to the ground in disbelief. So getting things ahead of time really does help, but even with all that stuff still fails. It’s life.
Beauty Update – I’ll start here because, actually, things are going quite well. Mostly I’m sticking with the same products that I had in September and all of that is working well. Some products are running out so I need to either pull from my stash or add to my stash which is now really low due to tossing out stuff that did not work for me. At least my skin is getting to a place more normal. I’ve figured out that it is skincare products that makes my rosacea flare so I know to back off of stuff when that happens. As far as makeup I need to find a new foundation so I need to get some samples and try to find something that works long term. Not a hardship at all. :D
Reading – Hoo boy is my TBR (To Be Read) pile getting large! On the other hand it’s all great stuff so will be getting to it all soon. Right now I’m reading Patrick Stewart’s memoir “Making It So” and it is fantastic! What a great life! While not all sunshine and rainbows he had a great attitude and good people come into his life to guide and it all worked out so well even when he couldn’t see it then as he does now. HIghly recommend either the book or the audio book because yeah, what a great voice. Also reading “Unf*ck Your Habitat” by Rachel Hoffman and it is also great – it’s cleaning and organizing help for EVERYONE – single, married, young, old, depressed, mobility issues – so it’s gentle and kind but very helpful. I also got her book “Cleaning Sucks” which distills UFYH into a journal of sorts with checklists. A few weeks ago my left foot went belly up and I remembered her main philosophy of doing 20 minutes of work followed by 10 minutes of rest. However, you can make those numbers whatever you need them to be and I did. It was a lot of 10 minutes of work followed by 20 minutes of putting my feet up. Thankfully my foot is better and stuff is getting done again but most importantly my mindset is better and you really need to get a grip on that because cleaning the house doesn’t end.
House – The usual merry go round of crap and people not following up to do the work. I need to outline what I need done NOW and start getting people lined up again. I did have to get a plumber out here and the kids that showed up were fantastic – my kitchen sink feels brand new. They were kind and caring to boot and that’s exactly what we all should be whether we serve or are served. Sometimes I really get down about everything that needs to be done, but then other days it’s like I know I’m not the only one even though some service people make you feel that way. It’s enough to help me carry on.
And that’s really about it for October. I had thought of a couple of things to add yesterday but that is gone now (thank you 60 year old brain) so I’ll end here. Sending love, prayers, and hope to you all. Lord make me an instrument of your peace (especially when I want to yell at other drivers).