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ladyamity

Why is it so Hard to find make-up for elderly without sparkles?

16 years ago

The other day I found my mom (80s) in the kitchen with her magnifying mirror propped up on the window sill.

After a few minutes of talking with her I realized she was pretty down on herself about her wrinkles, getting older, disabilities, etc.

She retired twenty-three years ago and hasn't worn make-up since, other than lipstick, moisturizing night cream on her face and sunscreen on her face, neck and arms when she goes outside.

After chatting a bit, I told her we'd make a day of it....make-up and hair day this week....just the two of us....a girly day.

It's Jan. and time for me to dye my hair anyway and I've had a couple samples of different creams and foundations I've been wanting to try but putting it off because there just never seems to be enough time to 'play' make-up.

This is as good a time as any and I felt it would be fun for her, maybe lift her spirits a bit.

I asked about the make-up she used to use and then went on a search for it.

None of it is made anymore!

That's ok because I felt there wouldn't be a problem finding suitable replacements.

WRONG!

Wow....

Isn't there anything out there in a Soft, Matte, Cream without the words:

Luminous, Frosty, Pearlescent, Iridescent Pearl, Shimmer, Glimmer or Sparkle?

Powder won't be right for her because of loose skin, hooded eyelids and some pretty deep-set wrinkles so I went on the hunt for some nice cream foundation, cream/matte eyeshadow and cream/matte blush.

Mom would always wear creams anyway all those years I was growing up and I didn't want to introduce her to anything 'new' like Bare Minerals, etc

I've been hunting on and off for three days now and I'm at a loss!

I've even emailed several companies at their "Contact" site online to ask if a certain shadow had sparklies in it because although on the web the creams look matte, turns out each one I inquired about, all had some form of glitter or pearl.

I've checked everything on Ebay and I've had to email the Seller to ask if the cream was frosted/pearl, etc. because whether it's a big company online or an Ebay Seller, most or hardly ever stated the finish of the cream.

I found a nice, matte, ash blonde eyebrow cake at Sephora (I think it was there) and I found a couple foundations that state they won't cake up in wrinkles and the reviews were excellent.

But other than those, I can't find creamy/matte/NON Sparkly shadow or blush.

Anyone know a make-up brand or several brands that have a line of make-up specifically for the much older woman?

About my Mom: Getting my Mom to a Sephora or other beauty counter at a store/mall is not something that is going to happen anytime in this decade. *smile*

Thank you so much for reading my 'novel' and for any help you can provide....much appreciated!

Comments (12)

  • 16 years ago

    Bobbie Brown! Check out her powder matte shadows and powder matte blush or her Pot Rouge For Lips and Cheeks.

  • 16 years ago

    I know a lot of young people, my DD's included, like Mac. They have matte powders and lipsticks, and there prices aren't bad. The kids that work in the stores are very knowledgeable and helpful. Just tell them exactly what you're looking for, and you're all set.

    Don't let some of the weird make-up and hairdo's scare you! ;o)

  • 16 years ago

    I echo above! M.A.C and Bobbi Brown!

    MAC's site tells you what shadows are matte.

    Bb- These are matte
    http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/spp/index.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22752&PRODUCT_ID=PROD12796

    Here is a link that might be useful: M.A.C.

  • 16 years ago

    I recently found a new foundation (for me) purely by chance--I had a coupon for a free sample of Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation (in "my" shade, too, not just a pre-selected shade for the sample size). I have oily skin, and tend to prefer Matte or Mattifying foundations, but this one is terrific. I apply it using a brush (somehow acquired a small BB foundation brush, probably another give-away) and I apply it very sparingly. It is virtually undetectable. You can easily apply it more heavily if desired, using a brush, or the enclosed flat sponge. I finish with some powder foundation and or loose powder (with a powder brush or puff) to absorb any oils, or build up the coverage when I want to be more "made-up." So far, it wears really well although I haven't tried it during the heat and humidity yet.

    I tried the BB Oil-Free, Matte Compact Foundation and it didn't look nearly as nice. Could've been the color match wasn't as good, but I think it was the finish itself. Made my skin look "dead" in a sense. The Moisturizing foundation isn't shiny in the least, but just leaves a more natural look IMO.

    HTH

  • 16 years ago

    I'm 50, wrinkled and own the following foundations, no sparkles: Maybelline matte mousse, Isadora velvet touch, L'Oreal Ideal Balance, MaxFactor Rain. I own Revlon age defying concealer. ALL available at Walgreens drug store. I apply cocoabutter cream first.....it's not like I'm gonna break out in zits! lol

  • 16 years ago

    "I've even emailed several companies at their "Contact" site online to ask if a certain shadow had sparklies in it because although on the web the creams look matte, turns out each one I inquired about, all had some form of glitter or pearl."


    Don't eliminate all products with "sparklies" outright. Even "matte" make-up needs some radiance to it, or it will look like flat paint by not reflecting light.

    When you contact these places they may assume you have an irritation to the mica sparkles and cannot have them at all.

    Or, that you are so very focused on the concept of "matte" that you do not want to see any in the products. Even matte products will have a small amount, a small amount that you don't even see but it is there.

    I have found that Bobbie Brown has the best "non-disco' make-up suitable for all ages.

  • 16 years ago

    Clinique has a good selection of non-sparkly makeup. I don't mind shimmer, but I really dislike sparkly, glittery, or super shiny.

  • 16 years ago

    One more vote for Bobbi Brown, particularly her Long-Wear Cream Shadow. There are a few colors that are matte, some with a bit of sheen and others that are all-out glitz. The remarkable thing to me about this product is how it stays put, a great blessing for those with wrinkles. No gunking onto the creases so long as you avoid eye creams before applying the shadow.

    I will suggest going to a store for a test drive of the colors. Looking at the swatches online just doesn't convey the actual colors. I don't have a BB counter near me but had to go into Boston yesterday for another reason and made sure to visit Nordstrom for a new gel eyeliner color! (Another fabu product!)

  • 16 years ago

    I don't know anything about make up, but love the story about doing that with your Mom. Very sweet.

  • 16 years ago

    Oh, amity, how I relate to this! I'm not a big makeup wearer anyway, and have become so tired of scouring through rows and counters of glitter this 'n sparkle that. (When did this take over the industry and when will it go away, lol.) It doesn't do much but attract attention to fine lines, at least mine anyway!

    Agree with the MAC suggestion. There was a thread here recently about them. I've used their creme blush and lipstick for ages (my favorite) but never eye shadow. I checked it out and it's good stuff! Stays all day, you can add a second layer and you don't get a pile on of loose powder, you get more 'oomph' in the color. Know you said no powder shadow, but there's is very velvety creamy feeling. I'll have to check out BBrown, too.

    You're a good daughter. ;)

  • 16 years ago

    I haven't worn a foundation in at least five years & don't miss it. As I've aged ('m 70) I seem to want less 'heaviness' or 'weight' on my skin. (I also don't miss having to put it on.)

    However, I have discovered a product this past year that I'm really pleased with: Olay Definity Color Recapture. It's a lightly tinted sheer moisturizer, light in texture & not sparkley. It makes my skin looks lighter & almost dewy. I find it at Target, Rite-Aid, CVS, etc. You could check products at these stores; they carry Maybelline, Olay, Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Max Factor & other lines that don't necessarily cater to the under-50 crowd.

    I use a powder blush & want to share a hint I read years ago. Instead of using a separate eye shadow (which may no longer look good at upper ages), stroke on powder blush under the brow above the eyelid. Also use it on the tip of the chin to add definition to the face.

    I'm echoing moonshadow - you are a good daughter. When we get so old, we age in ways we don't expect & it's pretty discouraging & depressing. We think & feel the same inside as we did years ago, but there's this ugly person on the outside.

  • 16 years ago

    I'll second the recommendation for using a tinted moisturizer on older skin instead of opaque foundation. It adds some sheer color to counter the natural loss of pigment in older skin. Every time I find a brand I like it seems they discontinue it so right not I do not have one brand to recommend.

    Also check into the sheer color gels for all over the face. Avon used to make a good one but they discontinued that too.