Photo illustration: Cut.Photo: Getty
This column first appeared in Valerie Monroe’s newsletter How Not to F*ck Up Your Face, which you can subscribe to on Substack.
Valerie Monroe served as beauty director Oh Oprah Magazine, There she wrote the monthly “Ask Val” column for almost 16 years.now she writes a weekly newsletter How not to mess up your faceHer goal is to shift our way of thinking in the beauty field from self-criticism to self-compassion, learning how to be a loving witness to ourselves and each other as we age.
I recently shared a hamburger with B, a very smart woman and non-practising MD who demonstrates her business skills in the beauty field. We read about her difficulty treading the fine line between promoting the idea of rejuvenation, known in the beauty market as “anti-aging,” and acknowledging the dangers of that concept. The problem is that simply refusing “anti-aging” isn’t enough. I have yet to find a substitute with the same strength and stickiness as “anti-aging”.
That left us with the question: what are we aiming for? InsteadMy friends and I immediately thought about health and wellness, which is already becoming a huge market, especially among, or mercifully through, our generation going through menopause.
But wellness is not as urgent as anti-aging. Of course you want to be healthy, but you can stay healthy until you die. . Wouldn’t you rather buy it?
Of course you will. But we are animals, we are organic, and let’s face it, we … rot. Happy New Year!
What that teeth It is a gift of acceptance. It means adapting to the status quo (be organic, degrading) but learning how to slow it down by avoiding things that accelerate it (e.g. sun exposure and smoking). increase. Slow down, or at least look like (nutrition, exercise, and certain aesthetic treatments). Have you heard about the Slow Food Movement? How about the slow beauty movement?
With two glasses of Malbec, B and I started trying to figure out what makes a woman feel beautiful. There are many things to consider, but there are some factors that cut across all variables: presence (or involvement), self-awareness, generosity, and openness. Then I wondered if all these manifested themselves physiologically. For example, I thought it might manifest itself in a similar way to arousal (although I couldn’t find any research to substantiate it). As I was walking home after dinner, I thought about when I felt most beautiful. I noticed (probably the first time!) I never have When you show off your charm to the fullest at an event or party. It’s a time to feel connected, awe, and an appreciation for the ocean of mystery we all set foot in.
A friend tells the story of a boy who grew up in the suburbs. Looking out the New York City window for the first time from the backseat of his family’s car, he said:what the hell?” That’s how I often feel about everything. cloud: what the hellThe book and how it came about, from the author’s idea to the object in my hand and the voice in my ear: what the hell? Animal: what the hell? you get the idea. A lot of the time it all feels like magic. Gratitude The most magical of it all. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than a completely age-neutral engagement.
many years ago Oh Oprah Magazine, I write: True beauty is seeing life squarely and seeing yourself reflected in all its splendor. ” Let’s party.
Oops, there it is, crouching in the corner. Does the party strike put fear in your heart or do you love party season and everyone has his COVID, flu or RSV so the air is deflating like last year’s balloon You may feel that Are you the office freak who laments the lost opportunity to tie up with his once-a-year boss due to budget cuts? Collect suggestions to lift your mood (and might empty your wallet). By the end of the evening, you might even praise the hostess for your lovely company and send an elegant bouquet of flowers as a thank you.
Welcome! I was thrilled to be able to make it! I am very happy to meet you!
Oh, are you still in the bathtub? no problem. Indulge in the closest thing to Japanese forest bathing with this cedar-scented gift set.
Ready to wear silky (not silky) pajamas.I love fancy slippers (and fancy slippers comfortable slipper). But it’s just us, so these stuffed animals keep our toes dry.
You have a comfortable sofa or chair, right? Don’t party in bed if you can avoid it. When party time is over, you’ll want to go somewhere else. (And with these affordable, plush-feeling percale sheets, you can make your bed super inviting.) This sofa looks super comfy! I’ll probably put it on my holiday list for next year. Until then, wrap yourself in a plush mohair blanket and stuff your back with a pillow or two.
Elevate the mood of your solo party with this smoky, leathery candle or this light, summery candle. These two are transported equally.
Don’t forget the salt before breaking the popcorn! —and pop champagne (or this delicious prosecco) and you’ll want to tend to the physical pleasures your hostess has in store. For a whipped body butter that soothes thirsty skin, slap on this deliciousness (my all-time favorite). Does a subtle scent tickle your fancy? Wet your shoulders with a lightly scented lotion. Doesn’t it smell divine?
face mask? No thank you. But if the hostess insists, I will do this in a flash. The last time I tried it, it left my skin rosy and soft. Before slipping on these festive socks, pamper your feet with a luscious Honey Heel Glaze.
It’s movie time where the old lady saves the day! Julia, and Julia, and always applause for Agatha. In the mood for a documentary? Jane does tricks and so does Jane.
Watch the time! It’s starting to fade. Before I leave, don’t forget the party favors. Thanks for everything. I am very happy to be here. xo
first published December 13, 2022.
