TAKE IT FROM THE TOP!

Clairol Root Touch-Up Kit I have been an apostle since these were first introduced! Easy and quick to use, this little color kit can keep you going for a month or two between expensive salon touch-ups. I figure Clairol’s saved me at least $2,000 in the last few years! (Though I DO get behind in my People magazines….)

Bangs Yes, they do make you look younger. Will I go crazy growing them out? TBD!

FACE IT!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Have you found that as you’ve gotten older, you rely more on foundation to even out your complexion? You don’t want a cake-y look or anything that “collects” in your fine wrinkles. So start with a Primer. Yes, I thought it was just another product to sell aging Boomer women, hungry for anything that helps. But this really works to smooth out the texture of your skin so your foundation goes on smoother. Plus it keeps your make-up looking fresh longer into the day. Try it at Sephora or other cosmetic counters before you buy.

Lauren Hutton Good Stuff A friend turned me on to this cosmetics line created specifically for “women with more of life’s experience” and it’s pretty cool. She’s packaged all you need in unique “face discs” so you can shlep all your cosmetics in one flat pack instead of a batch of bottles, etc. Her make-up is light, less color saturated and truly designed to flatter our faces. And it’s not at all expensive.

UNDERNEATH IT ALL

Flexees Maidenform’s version of Spanx offer camis and tanks that help restore your long-lost waist and flat tummy! Best part is they’re long enough (like to the bottom of your fanny) that they don’t creep up and suddenly add inches to your waist! Surprisingly cool for summer, I wear them under all my fitted t’s.

“Age Defying Lift” Yes! You’ll find it on many new bras including Vanity Fair and Soma (the intimates arm of Chico’s). Basically they’re padded cups. I certainly didn’t expect to see the day when I’d be shopping for padded cups, but they look great and bring the “girls” back up in the range where they’re supposed to be ( midway between your shoulders and your elbows).

Spanx Today’s girdle! But at least we don’t need to worry about garters holding up stockings any more. Whatever you want to hold in, push up or push in, Sara Blakely has a Spanx solution. And they’re so much more comfortable than the olden days!

GREAT FEET

Flex-Tastic Gel Toe Relaxers These are the goofy things you’ve seen in catalogs that you put between your toes to spread them out. Sort of like what they use for pedicures but much more drastic! And the darn things are pretty cool. They’re inspired by yoga and the benefits of stretching. They bring back flexibility and stability in your feet and help straighten out problem toes. I got mine at Target for about $7. Worth it!

Finn Comfort Expensive but truly the most comfortable shoes ever. And some of them aren’t too ugly. www.finncomfort.com

Naturalizer I’m a long time fan, but was delighted when the Chicago Tribune rated their heels more comfortable than many others. Try them. We’re too young to give up the occasional stylish heel.

Merrell Great affordable outdoor and casual shoes that began in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Orthotics Go to a runners’ shoe store and get your feet measured. Or a shoe store that specializes in great fit. (In Chicago it’s Waxberg’s Walk Shoppe in Niles.)

Special Needs for Special Women – Wigs, post-surgery bras & prostheses

Second Act.  One of the toughest parts of aging is how cancer hurts our sisters and ourselves. Here is a very welcoming resource for help. Second Act is the only accredited post-cancer surgery boutique in downtown Chicago that provides bras, wigs and advice to women living with cancer. Talk to Pattie Sheehan at her shop in Flourish Studios or go online.