Glam-Ma

Angela aka Nanny 68 years of age.

I am at the age where I have many friends who are now Grandmothers and Grandfathers - Glam-Dads. Just because our children have had children does not mean that we should stop caring about ourselves and be/do old. What is that anyway? Why do we always categorize ourselves into boxes and ways of thinking? Recently I had the pleasure of doing makeup for a woman who was a great grandmother. She was having photos done for the book she was launching, a memoir. When I finished her makeup she said, “I look different, I look like a movie star!” Who knows, her book may be the next bestseller. We should always strive to be what we want at any age!

My Grandmother aka Nanny, was an OG Glam-Ma before that was ever a thing. She wore leopard dresses with slits up the side and said that retirement communities were too old for her. She also claimed she wasn’t liked by the ladies in any of those communities or groups as their husbands all had eyes for her. She would feign innocence but I always wondered if she flirted with those husbands as a cat does with a mouse, all in good fun of course. She had an impish side for sure and her eyes would twinkle when speaking of this.

My friend whom I will call Nicolette and her adorable husband, I'll call Antonio. Glam-Ma and Glam-Dad.

I love this photo it looks like an advertisement for a beach escape.

Nicolette, a long-time client, and friend has inspired me in the creation of many of my colors. When she became a Grandmother I created a couple of lippies for her to embrace her new status. I didn’t originate the term Glam-Ma but I used it for a lipstick that I created for her. I also custom-named another lippie for her, S.I.A.J. I’ll probably offend someone by spelling out the name - Stiffy in a Jiffy - but hey we are not dead and her husband agrees with me about her super hotness. In the years of the need for viagra, we should embrace the idea that we still got it and should flaunt it.

Nicolette is supermodel status for sure, remember hotness comes in all ages, shapes, and sizes so KNOW you are worthy of the description of Glam-Ma and embrace it! I don't care if you are 50 or 100!

One thing is for sure to be glamorous one must embrace their natural beauty through color. Knowing your colors is the key. Then with confidence, you shine!

When it comes to color and the skin (makeup) I find that many times as we age it is important to go a little bolder with your color as our coloring changes and needs enhancement. Blusher and lip color are some of those things that are immediate pick-me-ups. Here is a photo of Glam Ma and S.I.A.J. both were created for someone that looks good in cooler reds, and the blusher Consort (softer) or Wise Cracker (richer) below that coordinates with them.

When you want a softer lip you can opt for a gloss with the same type of brightness as glosses are typically more sheer so they look lighter (notice that the gloss is the same type of intensity). This way you still get contrast, just less opacity. Play with this idea. It may give you a fright at first, so apply, look in the mirror then quickly look away. Then look into the mirror once more. The immediate shock of difference will wear off and then you can analyze your look. Don't be discouraged if your friends and family are not on board with your new look immediately, they are used to seeing you one way and may need a moment to get used to the change, just like you did when you looked in the mirror.

For some change can be challenging. Even if you love change you should analyze the look by pretending you are your best friend (which you should be anyway) and give critique in a loving and kind manner. If you don’t think the new look is good, really look at the color. That is usually the issue. Take a moment and examine further is the color the wrong undertone? What would make it work? Does it need to be a little deeper, a snippet softer? Does it just need some highlight as in a gloss with a shimmer? If the color is competing (all you see is the color and not you) and not enhancing it could just be in the wrong undertone. If this is the case and you need some help check out this cool color game here or if you are nearby my studio come visit me/us at elea blake. We can totally help you get in touch with your Glam-Ma self and start giving S.I.A.J’s lol!

Be you, do you, have fun, dress each day, be cute, be fun, try something new, learn something new each day, strive to be better. We only have one life.