Makeup Over 40

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably wondering about me and why I created this site.

First off, my name is Gail Nettles, and I live in (mostly) sunny Florida.  I’m happily married (hi David!) and have two furry, four-legged “children”, Rusty and Blue (cats).

I’ve loved makeup all my life, but have gone through times when I put a lot of it on even when I plan to stay home all day, to times where I barely bothered to apply it even when going out.

As I write this, I’m 48 years old, so my days of not wearing makeup when going out and about in public are past.  That was brought home to me abruptly when a casual photo taken at home (sans makeup) revealed the awful truth.  *sigh*  So now, when I step out of the house, even just to the grocery store — it’s makeup time (even if it’s just a “natural” look)!

My Skin

Thanks probably to my oil-slick skin, I don’t have many wrinkles, but I am starting to notice fine lines.  I  have roseacea, large pores and my skin is sometimes sensitive.  Occasional adult acne breakouts also show up on occasion.

In high humidity (Florida, most of the year), my skin really, really oily, all over.  In dry climates (like Florida in the depths of winter), I get combination skin — lightly oily on the T-zone and dry on my cheeks.

For most of my makeup-wearing life I have used traditional cosmetics — Mary Kay, Avon, Revlon, etc.  Sometimes liquid foundations, sometimes cream.  All of them looked good when I put them on, but usually after about 2, maybe 3 hours, it would disappear.  By lunchtime, my foundation had slid off, my face was an oil slick and my eyeshadow was only in my creases.

And since I have oily skin, I’ve largely ignored moisturizers.  I know, I know — I should have been using it at least around my eyes.  And sunscreen…ummm…I haven’t been the best and so yes, I have some sun damage.

In other words, if there’s been a makeup or skincare mistake to be made, I’ve probably done it.

Why This Site?

When I saw that photo (me without makeup), I knew I had to do something.  So I went looking for information, and found there isn’t a whole lot of it out there.  Plenty of makeup tips for the under 40 crowd, but not much for us.

And while there’s a fair amount of information for the under-40 women that will also apply to us, we also have special needs.  Fine lines and wrinkles, sure, but there are also dark circles and bags under the eyes, uneven skin tone, rosacea, loose skin on the eyes to name a few.

So along with makeup, I also have info on skincare.  How to find the products that will help you the most, depending on your own personal needs.

So this site is dedicated to us who want usable tips and products that lets us look our best and maybe even turn back the clock.  It doesn’t matter if you prefer a natural look or more sophisticated makeup, you’re sure to find something here for you.