Beauty Kuel Category Expert: Elise Marquam-Jahns
Whether it’s a great new series you’ve binge-watched, a Ted Talk that’s been a real eye-opener or a book that’s left you hauntingly immersed (and sleep deprived!) . . . we often can’t wait to share amazing “finds” with our BFF.
As a professional makeup artist who specializes in working with women 50+, one of my special pleasures is discovering a great product (that really works) and spreading the word to clients and friends.
So I couldn’t wait to share with you below (and in no particular order) a fun array of both drugstore and high end beauty and skin care products that I’ve recently discovered and just keep loving. And by the way, these are not necessarily “new” products, but ones that are new to me.
#1: Mini Lila Eyeshadow Natasha Denona Palette
I’ve heard nothing but raves for several years about Natasha Denona’s eye shadow formulation, but due to the pricey nature of her products, her eye shadows have remained on my “wish list” rather than in my makeup collection. That is. . . until December. I was astounded to see one of her five pan mini eyeshadow palettes (which normally cost $25.00) on sale for $12.50 at Sephora and on her website. It took me about a nano second to pull the trigger on this one! The colors just about took my breath away and the color “Flint” is probably the most beautiful mid-tone transition color I’ve ever worn. These shadows glide on so effortlessly. As I write this article in mid April, this palette is still on sale. So if the gorgeous colors of this palette speak to you, I say “go for it.” Hands down it’s the most gorgeous makeup product—and the greatest high end makeup bargain–I’ve ever purchased. Can you tell I’m smitten? I just keep reaching for these colors!
#2: Maybelline Brow Tatoo Brow Pomade
Brow pomades are long-lasting, waterproof and buildable, and glide on beautifully. This Maybelline product is a great dupe for a much more expensive high end pomade. It comes with a dual ended applicator (brush and spoolie) and with a shade range of eight colors (including a light blonde, blonde and 4 shades of brown), so you’re pretty much assured of finding a color that will work for your brows. The cost?: $12.99
#3: No 7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
If you’re looking for a beautiful skin-like, long-lasting, and truly lovely drugstore foundation, this is one you may want to check out. This is a UK brand which is carried by Target. I have to admit that buying drugstore foundations is not my idea of an easy, or fun, process (since finding a color match is usually quite a challenge). But despite the fact that I had to return two different shades before finding the one that worked for my skin tone, I do feel it was worth the effort—especially in light of the $15.99 price tag.
” it doesn’t disturb your makeup.”
#4: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
This beautifully luminous, dewy mist from Tatcha is pricey, but so lovely. I especially appreciate the versatility of it. Since it hydrates the skin, you can spray it on before applying your makeup and/or after. . . or, you can use it for touch ups since it doesn’t disturb your makeup. If you’re not one who likes to spray a product on your face, simply spray it on a dampened makeup sponge and apply it in a “pouncing” motion. It’s designated as a “clean” product—meaning it’s formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients that may be cause for concern. The smaller travel size (available only on Tatcha’s website) is a great way to try out this product since the price point for the smaller size is $20.00.
#5: Micellar Water
Now on to skin care. So what exactly is Micellar water? It contains tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules which are suspended in the water. These tiny molecules are attracted to dirt and oil, so they’re able to draw out impurities without drying out the skin. It can be used as a facial wash, makeup remover and moisturizer all in one. Our eye area is very delicate and the skin around the eye becomes thinner as we get older. Using a makeup remover product like micellar water that is gentle—yet still gets the job done—is especially attractive. Try putting some on a cotton pad and letting the micellar-soaked pad rest on the eye area for a period of time to help dissolve the makeup before wiping it away. Of course, it can be used all over the face, but I especially love using it in my eye area. (Though be aware that it won’t remove waterproof mascara). There are many different brands that make a micellar water product.
“It provides wonderful hydration and helps blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles.”
#6: Tatcha Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream
I don’t know about you, but I’ve tried many different eye creams over the years without experiencing much in the way of results. Obviously, different products work differently for each of us, but I must say that I could see some visible difference in how my eye area looked after using this product for several weeks. It provides wonderful hydration and helps blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The good news is that you only need a very small amount for both eyes . . . which is especially good news since this product weighs in at $60.00. (Though as of this writing, you can find it for a lower price on QVC).
#7: Colorscience Total 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy
I don’t often offer effusive praise for a product, but this is definitely an exception. Don’t just take my word for it . . . check out the reviews on this product. This Colorscience product not only helps reduce under eye puffiness, but also helps reduce the look of dark circles and fine lines. It restores hydration and contains a chemical free mineral SPF of 35. It now comes in three new colors, in addition to the “Original”, which I’d describe as a medium peach tone. The peach tone of this color and a new “Fair” color (lighter peach color) helps color correct the under eye area for those of us with fair to light skin tones. And the good news is that there’s also a “tan” and a “deep.” $69 (Though as of this writing there’s a 25% off anniversary sale going on.)
#8: Essentiel By Adele Moisture Lotion
The travel size of this lotion has a permanent spot in the glove compartment of my car while the full size bottle maintains a permanent spot on my bathroom counter top. It’s for face, hands, and body; and is a multipurpose antioxidant-rich botanical blend of essential oils and extracts. It’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Coffee Berry, Raspberry Leaf and other ingredients that help soothe and calm the skin. It’s a non-greasy formulation which absorbs into the skin beautifully. Living in a dry climate with skin that’s getting drier each year, I’ve tried a dizzying array of moisturizers. This is a definite keeper. $39.00 and $13.00 for the travel size.
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About The Author:
Elise Marquam-Jahns is a professional, working makeup-artist who is passionate about helping women 45+ get their glow back. In addition to her work as a makeup artist for a major cosmetics line, she founded Boomer and Beyond Beauty and recently launched “Boomer and Beyond Beauty with Elise” –a makeup and beauty YouTube channel specifically for women 45+. Subscribe to Elise’s YouTube makeup and beauty channel specifically for you: “Boomer and Beyond Beauty with Elise.” Elise is also an author and speaker and hosts Normandale Community College’s monthly Learning Well Edge Talk Radio show where she interviews experts in the field of health and wellness
