Expert Beauty Tips for Women 50-Plus

I was excited to review the new beauty book Toss the Gloss by Andrea Q. Robinson. Andrea's illustrious career spans more than 40 years, with chief roles at Estée Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty, Ralph Lauren Fragrances and editorial at Seventeen, Vogue and Mademoiselle.

Since I'm trying to age gracefully I was eager to read Andrea's "beauty tips, tricks and truths" for women 50-plus. The guide is overflowing with practical information for boomer girls.

I like Andrea's friendly attitude about beauty and her book's conversational tone. At times I felt like I was chatting with an old friend who happened to be a makeup maven. According to Andrea: "The right makeup, used the right way, is the most powerful weapon in your beauty arsenal. Good makeup reclaims you. Not youth."

Andrea says that "letting go of perfection and embracing your flaws makes you more beautiful, more noticeable, more accessible, more real." (I agree Andrea. I agree.)

Andrea laments that "fear of change is for old ladies." She says to "look in the mirror and decide if your makeup routine is still working." (I did this a year ago when I retired from my full time job. I totally slimmed down and most days use very little eye makeup.)

Andrea advises that "makeup routines for women 50-plus should be effortless—not more than 10 minutes." (That's about the time it takes me each morning to finish my face. Well, perhaps 15 minutes. How about you?)

Andrea says that "you don't need to spend a lot of money to look good. Maybe a few pricey pieces but the rest can be bought at the drugstore." (I do like my Bobbi Brown eye shadows, blush and lipstick, and prefer Lancôme Hypnose Drama mascara. As for moisturizers, I often purchase these skin care items at places like Ulta, Target or CVS.)

My Favorite Beauty Tips From Mrs. Robinson
Andrea has so many useful tips in her book. Here are a few pointers I plan to practice during my life after 50:

"Beauty comes from within a very small makeup bag." (I did exactly what Andrea said and last week I dumped every cosmetic product I've owned longer than a year into a garbage bag. I went into my cabinets and scooped up old lipsticks, eye pencils, lip liners, foundations and nail polishes. Sweep, sweep, sweep, out the door.)

"To get more longevity, keep your cosmetics in a plastic box with a tight lid and store products in a cool, dry place, removed from moisture and light." (Oh no, oh no, my cosmetics are in a plastic box with a tight lid right next to my bathroom sink. Note to self: Move makeup as soon as possible—quickly before it all gets damaged.)

"Sharpen lip and eyeliner pencils after each use to remove moisture-causing bacteria which contaminates pencils. Periodically wipe lipstick with alcohol wipes." (Check, check. Done.)

"Use sunscreen every day, at least SPF 30. Sun damage is the #1 cause of wrinkles." (I use Skinceuticals Fusion UV Defense Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 50 year-round. I've been trying to remember to put sunscreen on my hands too. Lately there are so many more brown spots on my hands.)

"Good skin care includes sleep and exercise." Andrea notes that "our skin cells regenerate when we sleep and that increased blood flow and circulation nourishes skin cells." (Well there goes that. My menopausal skin is already drier, thinner and less elastic due to lower estrogen levels. Menopausal moments that awaken me at night or prevent a good night's sleep don't help matters. Thankfully I'm getting lots of exercise these days—hope my yoga, bicycling and walking will help improve things. I use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic on my face to counteract all the free radicals that are in the environment—it's really good, very pricey. Andrea has CE on her list too, as does Martha Stewart and other mature celebrities.)

"Always wash your face before going to sleep." Andrea says retinoids are the only antiaging compound proven to reduce lines and wrinkles. She says to "only use retinoid products at night." (I never go to bed without first removing my makeup. I've tried ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, which is one of the products mentioned in the book. I find retinoid to be too drying for my skin.)

Andrea shares more tips about concealers, primers, highlighters, foundation and a whole lot more in Toss the Gloss. You'll have to buy the book to read them all.

No matter what makeup you choose to put on your face, remember that beauty is more than skin deep. It comes from inside you. During your life after 50, Andrea says, "Love your lines, you've earned them. Your lines are what make your face interesting."

This post originally appeared on aboomerslifeafter50.com.