I recently (last summer) stopped dying my hair. For about twenty years I'd been using my own squirrely method of using a box dye and leaving the grays visible in front so that it looked "natural". Not in a Cruella de Ville way, but such that it looked like I was only gray in front when in reality I had a lot more gray than I was admitting to. I, too, was convinced that I was "washed out" and needed that brown in my hair to not look *horrible*. I also have a fairly craggy face (lots of lines & sags & eye puffs) so I feared that if I went gray I would look 100 years old. Well... maybe I do? 😅 I'm not sure. But I have found that a lot of it was simply what I was used to seeing in the mirror... ie, I've gotten used to the gray. And it's not all bad. I notice that the colour of my eyes is more prominent now. And the texture of my hair is nicer. And though I'd prefer not to look 100 (or whatever it is I look), I definitely feel better about looking *the way I'm supposed to look*. Take it or leave it, people! And last but not least, *no-one* is looking at me with the critical eye that I was. NO-ONE.
Dear Val, a Healthy, Happy New Year to you and the wonderful HNTFUYF community. Your excellent post is a great way to kick off 2023 with inspiration to keep all of us glowing.
I’ve long considered the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer to be the gold standard, but had no idea that there are now so many shades to choose from.
For me, a little in-store shade testing and consultation would be in order. And more fun than ordering online—for this reader, the personal attention and perhaps starting a new relationship (with the consultant) always enhances the beauty experience. Again, thanks for a terrific, thoughtful post!
Jan 3, 2023·edited Jan 3, 2023Liked by Valerie Monroe
-Hey Val,
I wish a brilliantly beautiful New Year to you, someone I was happy to get to share some words of wisdom with! I am truly into your writing, and above all, your dedicated, good nature.
Hope to come here more often in 2023, and, be engaged in the task of bring new people to you, as well. Gray hair or not!
Jan 5, 2023·edited Jan 5, 2023Liked by Valerie Monroe
I agree that going grey calls for a new look at makeup--colors and coverages. I find that a few drops of Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi mixed with my moisturizer/SPF (I'm pretty certain I don't use enough to dilute SPF effectiveness) works wonders. Then I'll add a dab of concealer here and there, as needed. It creates a lovely glow that I don't even get from a full face of tinted moisturizer. I'm not brand-loyal to DE but I, honestly, haven't found another product like D-Bronzi. Another big upside is no DHA smell. Good luck!
Ha! I have experienced the same thing. I feel my fellow reader's pain as it is frustrating as heck. Perhaps a teensy bit of jojoba oil on their baby hair just surrounding the face would do the trick as jojoba is so similar to our own body's natural sebum? It might form the barrier needed to protect again staining?
And as always, your column (ok, your substack, I am old school :) is a delight every single time!
I'm so excited to get a recommendation for a tinted moisturizer. And with it, a new question (I'm afraid I know the answer). On the Sephora site there are over a dozen shades available and a nifty tool that allows you to compare your skin to similarly-tinted models to find the right shade. Have you had luck with this? Or is it better to just schlep to the store for that initial purchase? Asking because my house feels littered with stuff after the holidays and the thought of one more package to return is giving me angst. Thanks, Val!!
My hair has a lot of white/silver. If I use any hair product that is any color except white (or clear) it shows. I think even when the product has no color, using a heated tool has some ill effect. I've always looked a bit washed out with light/ sparse brows and lashes, so the use of cosmetics is still my practice. I had a hairstyle where my hair touched my face on one side and the hair looked brassy to me. I wondered if it was my make up causing it. Got a new hairstyle.
I recently (last summer) stopped dying my hair. For about twenty years I'd been using my own squirrely method of using a box dye and leaving the grays visible in front so that it looked "natural". Not in a Cruella de Ville way, but such that it looked like I was only gray in front when in reality I had a lot more gray than I was admitting to. I, too, was convinced that I was "washed out" and needed that brown in my hair to not look *horrible*. I also have a fairly craggy face (lots of lines & sags & eye puffs) so I feared that if I went gray I would look 100 years old. Well... maybe I do? 😅 I'm not sure. But I have found that a lot of it was simply what I was used to seeing in the mirror... ie, I've gotten used to the gray. And it's not all bad. I notice that the colour of my eyes is more prominent now. And the texture of my hair is nicer. And though I'd prefer not to look 100 (or whatever it is I look), I definitely feel better about looking *the way I'm supposed to look*. Take it or leave it, people! And last but not least, *no-one* is looking at me with the critical eye that I was. NO-ONE.
Dear Val, a Healthy, Happy New Year to you and the wonderful HNTFUYF community. Your excellent post is a great way to kick off 2023 with inspiration to keep all of us glowing.
I’ve long considered the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer to be the gold standard, but had no idea that there are now so many shades to choose from.
For me, a little in-store shade testing and consultation would be in order. And more fun than ordering online—for this reader, the personal attention and perhaps starting a new relationship (with the consultant) always enhances the beauty experience. Again, thanks for a terrific, thoughtful post!
-Hey Val,
I wish a brilliantly beautiful New Year to you, someone I was happy to get to share some words of wisdom with! I am truly into your writing, and above all, your dedicated, good nature.
Hope to come here more often in 2023, and, be engaged in the task of bring new people to you, as well. Gray hair or not!
Love,
-Lara.
I agree that going grey calls for a new look at makeup--colors and coverages. I find that a few drops of Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi mixed with my moisturizer/SPF (I'm pretty certain I don't use enough to dilute SPF effectiveness) works wonders. Then I'll add a dab of concealer here and there, as needed. It creates a lovely glow that I don't even get from a full face of tinted moisturizer. I'm not brand-loyal to DE but I, honestly, haven't found another product like D-Bronzi. Another big upside is no DHA smell. Good luck!
Ha! I have experienced the same thing. I feel my fellow reader's pain as it is frustrating as heck. Perhaps a teensy bit of jojoba oil on their baby hair just surrounding the face would do the trick as jojoba is so similar to our own body's natural sebum? It might form the barrier needed to protect again staining?
And as always, your column (ok, your substack, I am old school :) is a delight every single time!
I'm so excited to get a recommendation for a tinted moisturizer. And with it, a new question (I'm afraid I know the answer). On the Sephora site there are over a dozen shades available and a nifty tool that allows you to compare your skin to similarly-tinted models to find the right shade. Have you had luck with this? Or is it better to just schlep to the store for that initial purchase? Asking because my house feels littered with stuff after the holidays and the thought of one more package to return is giving me angst. Thanks, Val!!
Happy new year, dear Val. Wishing you a healthy year ahead filled w joy.
My hair has a lot of white/silver. If I use any hair product that is any color except white (or clear) it shows. I think even when the product has no color, using a heated tool has some ill effect. I've always looked a bit washed out with light/ sparse brows and lashes, so the use of cosmetics is still my practice. I had a hairstyle where my hair touched my face on one side and the hair looked brassy to me. I wondered if it was my make up causing it. Got a new hairstyle.