Chic at 60ish!

When the sun rose on January 1^st, an overwhelming majority of women made the same New Year’s resolution: To take better care of themselves. This is a big step for lots of women—many of us spend so much of our lives taking care of others, at last we’ve admitted we need to pamper ourselves a bit.

TRITE, BUT TRUE: When you look good, you feel good—it just takes a little more effort at 60ish 😉

One by one, we discover the dazzling lift that comes from feeling great. From looking radiant. Did you promise yourself more workouts, more blowouts, more manicures & more massages? It’s February—how are you doing?

MAKE STANDING APPOINTMENTS, AND KEEP THEM: My Saturday schedule always includes a manicure at La Beaute Nails in Rosemont and a blow-dry at Salon Cachet in Haverford

Let me help. The easiest way to stick to a regimen is to book appointments. See a make-up artist. Call a gym, a hair stylist, an esthetician. Even better, make standing appointments. And keep them. Buy yourself gift certificates. (That really works. Some salons even offer discounts for buying several weeks of services at once.) Just do it!

There are loads of new products in an array of prices to help. To catch me up on the latest scoop, I visited Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, asking for suggestions from Djurda (pronounced “Georgia”) at the Sisley counter & Racenne at Lancome, two of Philadelphia’s finest make-up consultants and my make-up gurus for years.

RELY ON PROFESSIONALS YOU TRUST: Getting glam at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd

I have often write about the importance of having relationships with sales people when it comes to your wardrobe. The exact same thing holds true with make-up. It’s a matter of trust. There are so many items on the market at any moment; it becomes almost impossible to navigate your way. And though there are trends—particularly as we become 60ish—we just want to look beautiful. When Djurda shows me a new shadow and says, “You’re going to love this,” I usually do; when she says, “This new lipstick is the hottest thing but too bright for you,” she’s usually right too.

THE EYES HAVE IT: Let professional sales people advise on shadows & shades that work best for you; my favorites are from Nars at Blue Mercury stores or nars.com

A good professional keeps you from making mistakes, and frankly from overspending on products you’ll never use. How many lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows reside in your make-up bag? How many do you use? That’s why you need a professional. They’re behind every counter in every make-up department. Use them.

DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR LIPS ON: Trying an array of lipsticks and glosses at Saks Fifth Avenue; or try the huge variety at sephora.com

The quickest way to get a lift is from a new lipstick. My friend Alison is a senior exec at Sephora; of course she knows the inside scoop. “Gloss & shine are in!” Try new shades from Dior, YSL or Saie, for those who like clean ingredients. Gorgeous reds, peaches, and pinks with a luscious gloss on top. Like all make-up, lipstick is very personal—not only color, but texture—some prefer very light, some very opaque. Whatever your preference, don’t leave home without your lips on—the quickest way to look polished in an instant.

EVEN MY HUSBAND HAS NEVER SEEN ME WITHOUT IT! Monsieur Big mascara at lancome.com

That said, personally, I will not leave the house without mascara. It opens and defines your eye, makes you look younger, prettier, and more alert. Chanel to Maybelline and everything in between, for me, a must-have. Eyeliner enhances even further, use a Q-tip or eyebrow brush to blend.

FOR EXTRA GLAM: Ardell half-lashes (#301) give you extra pop without that fake lashes look, at amazon.com

Another of my favorite things? (Yes, I have lots of favorite things, but I try it all so you don’t have to!)  Ardell half lashes (#301) enhance your eyes in a way you won’t believe, without that “false eyelash look.” This adds just the right amount of drama–after some practice you’ll learn to apply them easily. I prefer Duo black eyelash glue, found in most drug stores or on Amazon. A fabulous, feminine look you’re going to adore.

YOU GLOW GIRL! Nars’ top-selling “orgasm” blush gives just the right amount of long-lasting color–start on the apple of your cheek & work upward toward your cheekbone, from nars.com

As for blush, you want “glow.” You want “creamy.” Nars’ bestseller “Orgasm” becomes a go-to for many, but you really must try on to find your best fit. My friend at Sephora suggests Charlotte Tilbury’s blush wand, Mario’s pop blush stick or Rare Beauty’s liquid blush–a young, cool line, even if you’re no longer young & cool!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: My favorite make-up bag, a gift from my wonderful friend Lyn Neff, who knows me well! At pamelabarsky.com

Of course, even the most exquisite make-up application will never look right without wonderful skin beneath. Fresh-faced looks are in for all ages–new technology provides great coverage without looking or feeling heavy. Day creams, night creams, eye creams, serums, masks, and moisturizers. Again, so personal. Let a professional put you on a regimen or even better, call an esthetician. For me, dermabrasion & peels by my beloved esthetician Michelle Collins, give me radiance & glow that are better than a vacation! mcol76@aol.com Give it a try—you will be amazed.

MY TWO SCENTS! Relax & unwind with Nest candles & Molton Brown bath products–my favorites are Nest “Moroccan Amber” & Molton Brown “Gingerlily,” at Homegrown in Haverford, bluemercury.com or saks.com

Last, it’s all about wellbeing and vitality. Workouts to yoga to creating a home spa. Indulge in luxurious bath products, leaving your skin smooth as silk. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a delicious scented candle. So perfect on a cold evening or a wonderful gift for your favorite hostess.

Pamper. Unwind. Relax. Rejuvenate. Stick to your resolutions. Steal an hour at least once a week. Have a makeover. Have a mani/pedi. Have your hair blown out. Have a massage. Just do it! What do women want? Now you know. Here’s to a Healthy & Gorgeous 2024—enjoy every beautiful moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. Do not miss “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” on FX & Hulu, starting Wednesday night, January 31st. The inside scoop on Truman Capote & his bevy of NYC “ladies who lunch” in the 60’s–the cast is amazing–I cannot wait for both the fabulous fashion & delicious socialite gossip. The ultimate “Ellyn” show–do not miss it!