Showing my age

You sound like you are suffering from stress and that can wreak havoc with your looks. It may sound impossible but take care of yourself -sleep, eat nutritious/healthy food, use simple skincare products that keeps your skin nourished and moisturised. I’m not big on all the retinols and acids. They just flare up my rosacea, I just stick with the basics and my skin looks pretty good most of the time. Eating coconut and avocado as well as taking a zinc supplement can help with your hair and lashes. I also use a 50/50 home made lash oil made of caster and coconut oil that I put on my lashes with a Q tip after cleansing and moisturising each night. It doesn’t take a lot of money but a little self care and de-stressing each night works wonders. Good luck and hope you find work again soon <3

Sorry to hear you were made redundant!

In terms of makeup, I would recommend going to instore and having the makeup applied directly to your skin (Mecca/Sephora/Priceline/Myers/David Jones all do it).

Look for something tailored to mature skin, and buy a primer and a setting spray. If you aren’t using those it could be why it’s coming off.

I used to work in a very hot and humid environment – it was never a good look to have patches on your face where the makeup has come off. I also find waterproof mascara fkales on me – regardless of how good the reviews are or if I use setting spray. It doesn’t stay. I’ve switched to normal mascara – and now it stays all day.

Also remember to keep a track of how old your make up is! It might not be working because it’s too old (there is a little tub picture on every makeup produce that says how long it lasts for once open)

Good luck finding a new job! Like others have said, volunteering is good. It keeps your resume busy and sometimes volunteer work leads to paid work.

In addition sometimes we leave the decision to leave a job or career that wasnt right for us too late. It may be time for a whole new career or to prioritise health. I had to leave a job and that was the reason.

Stress can make you feel old before your time. I suggest looking after your physical and mental health first. Eat well and stay hydrated. Try to get enough sleep and exercise. You are in an adjustment period and may need to seek out some help. I wish you all the best.

I’m sorry to hear what you are going through.

Maybe get some advice from a hairdresser as to what would compliment you and frame your hair nicely.

In terms of makeup, Priceline stocks a great range that is affordable.

All the best with everything.

This is sad to hear at this time of year Africanaussie but also sad any time of the year. I too was made redundant while in my early 60’s as well as being medically retired a couple of decades ago and that in itself causes you to age overnight. Take time out for yourself to reflect and consider your options at this time of life. To lift your esteem I would do the following things without rushing:

Firstly, I would find a good hair colour product as close to your natural colour and give your hair a lift and shine. Have a good hair cut, nothing too dramatic at this stage, just enough to look neat and tidy (after the hair colouring). Work on your body and mind by pampering both. Reconsider your wardrobe items and choose those that look the best on you. Again, consider the things to do to improve your face such as exfoliate, moisturise and nourish with products that work best for you, use minimal make up but highlight eyes, blush and lips to give vitality. Eyebrows frame the eyes, mascara is a challenge if lashes are light or fair (I know) but a necessity. Eye shadow is also a challenge as we age as we don’t want to look creepy so experiment with what looks best. Take a selfie and analyse it for faults. When happy, use that profile for feeling good about yourself. Perhaps you can find temp work or diverse into another area like child care babysitting just to help esteem. Look forward to retirement and looking good!

I’m sorry this has happened to you and being made redundant will knock your confidence.
It’s a great time how ever to have a makeover to just to spoil yourself and help with self esteem.

I think it’s a great idea to drop by a make up counter and get advice and have a play with products. Priceline is also a great option and the makeup is often reduced and most of the girls are really helpful.

I was medically retired in July and I felt hopeless at the time and cant see that I will ever work again and its scary as I really cant afford to retire.
I do intend to do volunteer work in the future so I dont lose my skills and that may be an option for you, it opens up opportunities that can give you a new direction into employment.

I think you should do what makes you feel good about yourself and I wish you the very best of luck Xx

Hey, Africanaussie: I’m sorry you were made redundant – that sucks!

Depending on your hair colour & complexion, highlights can make you look like you’ve got more greys! If YOU want to change your hair or whatever, then do it. I wouldn’t go changing just to meet others’ expectations.

I’m 53 & some days I feel like I’ve aged 20 years overnight, but I suppose it’s been creeping up for 53 years, haha!

Sorry to hear you were made redundant, age discrimination is huge in the workforce and it can be hard to get a job again at the end of your career.

Im in my 30’s and dont wear a lot of make up, im not sure how much assistance I could be, but I wanted to reach out to you.

You could potentially try and research brands that are catered towards mature women and see if you can attend a beauty counter appointment, often application can make all the difference and the right primer can help keep your make up put.

On one hand, if you dont want to dye your hair and want to embrace the natural, why should you, but on the other, it may make you look younger and more put together. That one is really going to have to be a personal choice.

Good Luck