AARP Hearing Center
Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor. Just when we peak in confidence, she sends us thinning hair, brown spots and extra pounds. Thanks MN, too, for unstable hormones, reduced estrogen and MIA collagen. But we can handle a few speed bumps. Start by thinking of menopause as an opportunity to find a new and better way to look rather than trying to hang on to the old plan. No matter where you are in the menopause cycle — peri, meno or post, here’s how to move forward and reset your looks.
1. Use a collagen-boosting night cream
Estrogen and its sidekick collagen used to be our BFFs. Unfortunately, as estrogen and collagen levels drop with menopause, so does the bouncy juicy look of our eyes, neck and face. Here’s why. Collagen along with elastin make up the “scaffolding” that support our skin. A reduction of production causes skin to collapse and sag. So now what? Choose a night cream (because evening is when our skin does its best repair work) with collagen-boosting ingredients like peptides, retinol and/or its plant alternative bakuchiol. Of course, support ingredients like AHAs, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants will be in the mix, too, for hydration, brightness and soothing, but it’s that simple. Try Womaness Overnight Magic Facial Treatment with Bakuchiol ($22, target.com) or Pause Well-Aging Collagen Boosting Moisturizer ($72, amazon.com) — both menopause-specific brands, or L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream with Retinol ($37, ulta.com), and give yourself three months of consistent use to see real results.
2. Make over your makeup
A little makeup tweak can improve sticky menopause-related beauty issues like sparse brows, gum recession and veiny hands in minutes. Try a tinted brow gel like Benefit Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel ($24, ulta.com) to fill in, plump and groom wiry multitone brows (this one comes in 10 shades) and lift your peepers. Try a deeper “neutral” lipstick like Essence This is Nude Lipstick in Real or any other of the 20 shades ($2, ulta.com). Going a shade or two richer than your gums and lips makes receding gums less noticeable (like estrogen, we lose gum tissue!). Last, trade your pale neutral polish for a brighter, trendier shade like Essie Limited Edition Fall 2021 Nail Polish Collection in High Voltage Vinyl ($11, target.com) to draw attention away from veiny, spotted hands.
3. Prepare for hot flashes
During a hot flash you can feel your body temperature rise like a rocket. This can happen day or night, and for some women continues for years after menopause. While spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine are said to be triggers that exacerbate things, who can resist a pepperoni pizza, pumpkin latte or margarita now and then? Keep a facial mist like St. Ives Hydrating Face Mist in Lavender ($6, target.com) or Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender ($12, ulta.com) chilling in the fridge, bedside and on your desk. Or if you are very “flashy” and doing a real makeup look, try a hydrating makeup setting spray like Neutrogena Radiant Makeup Setting Spray with Peptides ($16, target.com) along with waterproof mascara to prevent a meltdown.
More on entertainment
10 New Beauty Trends for Women Age 50+
Say yea — or nay — to products and styles that are all the rage
10 Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Age Spots
Banish brown spots on face or skin with in-office or at-home treatments10 Ways to Freshen Grownup Eyes
Give tired-looking eyes a boost with these easy tips
Recommended for You