Facing Up To It

Today's economy has Canadians facing up to keeping their budgets in control. If you're like I am, you want to make sure every cent is well spent. I have always enjoyed skin care as do most women, even those of my considerably advanced years. I find wearing makeup makes me feel cheerful and "still in the game". "The Game" is feeling part of the rest of the world and these days, appearance is essential. To save a bit, I have a few tricks or secrets that may match some of yours. Makeup has gone up in price along with everything else. I love moisturizers and one of my go-tos is adding a bit of water to the containers when they become half full if not before. Most of them are overly thick anyway, and adding a touch of water makes them easier to spread but takes nothing away from their power. Almost all of the little bottles of these products are made so that when they appear empty, they aren't. A lot of the substance remains in the bottom of the bottle. If you don't want to add water, you could, as I do, use a long wand to get what's left in the bottom or if you have the patience, to set it on its head for the same purpose. I cut my own hair, don't gasp, because it is straight to begin with, and I have learned how to cut it evenly in a blunt cut all by myself. I do my own bangs too, but keep them long which every elder lady ought to do. Short ones look all too doll-like. And no, frying your hair into a puff ball, screams "old lady". Then, there is doing your face. We need eyebrows and you can do your own. It takes practise and patience. When camping I have been known to use a 2B pencil for exactly that purpose. It works very well and when I can't get my lipliner to make the little upper lip points visible, I have been known to shape them lightly  with a touch of 2B again.  2B or not 2B! To hide those wrinkles, don't think shine works.  All shine does is make lines and wrinkles stand out like never before. The secret is, after your layer of toned moisturizer, try using a large soft brush to dust on lightly, a  face powder exactly your tone. The wrinkles disappear. Just try it. And when your once blonde hair becomes  gray, use a light blonde hair powder or root spray to make streaks of blonde that are just right. Darker haired ladies can do the same without expensive trips to a salon. A hint of gray is okay. You can save money. That also goes for fake nails that turn you into an every-three-weeks nail addict with claws. Who says they are better?  Have faith in your own nails by taking care of them yourself and using a nail polish that you love. The time that you spend has value.  We just need to face up to it.