I have been a paid subscriber for a long time - since before you started moving some content behind a paywall. I very much enjoy your measured and grounding take on the mania that takes over many of us as we start aging. I need no discount or extension, I subscribe because I want to compensate you for your work!!! Congrats on 5 years and here’s to many more!!!
Dermaplaning is to shaving what aoli is to mayonnaise. Maybe we could rebrand testosterone as feminine in some artful way! I’ve always had more than is “typical” and it keeps my arms slim and prone to nice musculature. Take that, chin hairs! 💪🏻
I happily pay for your Substack, along with many others, because I believe people should be paid for their work. I will continue to renew, so have no fear and I thank you kindly for your more than generous comp 😍
As for dermaplaning, I get it done every 5 weeks since being on oral Minoxidil for hair growth on my scalp. Worth every penny.
Sharyn, thank you so much for your support (and your sound thoughts about paid work). Also, thanks for sharing your dermaplaning strategy, which makes lots of sense considering your oral minoxidil. x
So far at least, I have escaped unwanted hair growth on my face since menopause. The trade off is that I have very little WANTED hair growth on my head. Oh well.
One of my favorite things to do is go to my friend Kimber, who is an esthetician, and get my face waxed, including my nostrils. It gets rid of the hairs I can't see to pluck, saves me from putting anything sharp near my face, exfoliates, and makes me feel very well groomed. I pair it with an enzyme facial, and what a damn nice way to spend an hour and a half. Shoulder massage included. Am I hurting myself? I don't think Kimber would let me. She's great because she doesn't try to sell me stuff, and is honest with me about what may or may not work. My eternal question, with a nod to Chuck, is why do my nose hairs grow outside my nostrils? And why is there hair in my arse? What is the biological imperative?
Callie, oh, I know you! You're the most delightful reader with the hair in (not on) her arse! I'm wondering, because you find Kimber's attentions so relaxing, whether you might not find someone to deliver similar attention to your butt. I've had it done, once, and it was no picnic, but it does work. As for the biological imperative, I do wish Chuck were still around so we could ask him. x
Val, no need to comp us--I'd happily subscribe to you til they invent the absolutely perfect moisturizer--and even beyond then! :) Substack should be grateful to have you.
As for the Hair Wars, at one time not even Roundup could have gotten rid of my jungle of hair everywhere. I even underwent painful upper lip electrolysis. Ouch! Now, not much hair anywhere except my chinny chin chin.
Technology!!! You can count on my renewal. And I love my Dermaflash for peach fuzz removal (plus some extra exfoliation) - though the few pesky stiff hairs that come through every few weeks still need plucking. They regularly have promos! My derm recommended to skip actives like vitamin c and retinol/AHA on the day I use it, so I do.
MS -- your derm's totally right: Best to skip anything that encourages exfoliation like acids or retinoids on the Dermaflash day. And thank you so much for your support! x
So why a “dainty “razor instead of just a razor? I’ve shaved my face for years and years. I do have that very pale, blonde vellus hair, which bugged me in bright sunlight. I think makeup goes on more smoothly on a hair free face.
I hate that you ran afoul of the “no good deed goes unpunished” rule….
Meg -- my razor does happen to be dainty, bc it's all I need at the moment, with a small blade. But if I needed a regular razor I'd be using that. And calling it a razor, too. Makeup does go on more smoothly on a hair-free face. Also on a shaved face... x
Paid subscriber since the get-go. Love this newsletter and its honesty.... and now a question: do folks have a fave sunscreen/moisturizer combo? I am too lazy to do two steps, so I want a moisturizer with an SPF of 35 that won't leave white streaks on my (aging) skin. Have been using Tatcha, a brand I really like but it is maybe not enough moisturizer.... anyone have thoughts?
Deborah, you might try the CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50, or the Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer SPF30 or, if you prefer the better coverage of Asian brands, the Beauty of Josean sunscreen is really popular. None are especially pricey. x
I've been using the Saie moisturizer with sunscreen and really like it. It lasts longer than most tinted moisturizers and I found a good color match. Good luck!
Have been thinking about tinted moisturizer but I am not sure I'm brave enough - I'm mostly a no-makeup human (for VERY big events I put on mascara, whooo fawncy) but ... maybe it's time!
Deborah, wise, probably, if you're going to go for a tinted moisturizer, to try a small swipe on the side of your jaw before you buy it. If the swipe seems to disappear into your skin, that's the one. x
I agree with Heather. Also you cause me to think and remember stuff! When I was a young teen, maybe 14 or 15 my Dad who had an abusive Italian father but who loved me and was trying to make my life better, took me to two different Electrolysis practitioners to remove my dark hairs on my upper lip, still barely noticeable at the time. The practitioners were fakes, I'm sure, and only stung my lip and tweezed the hair. I hated it. It forever made me conscious of any facial hair that wasn't 'normal' 🙄. I tried not to do that to our daughter but she has embraced skin care of her own accord and taught me a few things. A woman said to me much later in life it was because my Dad loved me and wanted an easier life than he had, that he tried to 'fix' me. I could see it and loved him anyway. Thank you for your efforts Val, they are much appreciated ❤️
I have been a paid subscriber for a long time - since before you started moving some content behind a paywall. I very much enjoy your measured and grounding take on the mania that takes over many of us as we start aging. I need no discount or extension, I subscribe because I want to compensate you for your work!!! Congrats on 5 years and here’s to many more!!!
Heather, thank you so much for your support! I'm so glad you've continued to enjoy HNTFUYF! x
Dermaplaning is to shaving what aoli is to mayonnaise. Maybe we could rebrand testosterone as feminine in some artful way! I’ve always had more than is “typical” and it keeps my arms slim and prone to nice musculature. Take that, chin hairs! 💪🏻
Isabel -- there you go! I'll take toned arms over a few chin hairs any day. x
I happily pay for your Substack, along with many others, because I believe people should be paid for their work. I will continue to renew, so have no fear and I thank you kindly for your more than generous comp 😍
As for dermaplaning, I get it done every 5 weeks since being on oral Minoxidil for hair growth on my scalp. Worth every penny.
Sharyn, thank you so much for your support (and your sound thoughts about paid work). Also, thanks for sharing your dermaplaning strategy, which makes lots of sense considering your oral minoxidil. x
So far at least, I have escaped unwanted hair growth on my face since menopause. The trade off is that I have very little WANTED hair growth on my head. Oh well.
Jan, sometimes I guess it's about trade-offs... x
One of my favorite things to do is go to my friend Kimber, who is an esthetician, and get my face waxed, including my nostrils. It gets rid of the hairs I can't see to pluck, saves me from putting anything sharp near my face, exfoliates, and makes me feel very well groomed. I pair it with an enzyme facial, and what a damn nice way to spend an hour and a half. Shoulder massage included. Am I hurting myself? I don't think Kimber would let me. She's great because she doesn't try to sell me stuff, and is honest with me about what may or may not work. My eternal question, with a nod to Chuck, is why do my nose hairs grow outside my nostrils? And why is there hair in my arse? What is the biological imperative?
Callie, oh, I know you! You're the most delightful reader with the hair in (not on) her arse! I'm wondering, because you find Kimber's attentions so relaxing, whether you might not find someone to deliver similar attention to your butt. I've had it done, once, and it was no picnic, but it does work. As for the biological imperative, I do wish Chuck were still around so we could ask him. x
I would consider that, and Kimber would absolutely do it, but I've decided to live with it.lol
DITTO just a howling DITTO
Right???!!! x
Val, no need to comp us--I'd happily subscribe to you til they invent the absolutely perfect moisturizer--and even beyond then! :) Substack should be grateful to have you.
As for the Hair Wars, at one time not even Roundup could have gotten rid of my jungle of hair everywhere. I even underwent painful upper lip electrolysis. Ouch! Now, not much hair anywhere except my chinny chin chin.
LG, thank you so much for your support, of all kinds. As for your hair situation, I guess that's something to be grateful for as we age... x
Technology!!! You can count on my renewal. And I love my Dermaflash for peach fuzz removal (plus some extra exfoliation) - though the few pesky stiff hairs that come through every few weeks still need plucking. They regularly have promos! My derm recommended to skip actives like vitamin c and retinol/AHA on the day I use it, so I do.
MS -- your derm's totally right: Best to skip anything that encourages exfoliation like acids or retinoids on the Dermaflash day. And thank you so much for your support! x
No need for any freebies! Happy to pay for your wisdom, extensive knowledge and the ability to turn a phrase like no one else. Cheers!🥂
Kathy, you very often weekly make my day. Thank you so much for your continued support! x
So why a “dainty “razor instead of just a razor? I’ve shaved my face for years and years. I do have that very pale, blonde vellus hair, which bugged me in bright sunlight. I think makeup goes on more smoothly on a hair free face.
I hate that you ran afoul of the “no good deed goes unpunished” rule….
Meg -- my razor does happen to be dainty, bc it's all I need at the moment, with a small blade. But if I needed a regular razor I'd be using that. And calling it a razor, too. Makeup does go on more smoothly on a hair-free face. Also on a shaved face... x
Congrats on five years!!! I eagerly await each weekly edition.
Thank you, Janelle! I hope your eagerness continues! x
I love how fast you said "fuck" when reading the name of your pub, like, that didn't really happen. Lol :) Congratulations on the anniversary. Woot!
Thanks, dear Whitney. I was aware of that, too, when I was recording. x
Paid subscriber since the get-go. Love this newsletter and its honesty.... and now a question: do folks have a fave sunscreen/moisturizer combo? I am too lazy to do two steps, so I want a moisturizer with an SPF of 35 that won't leave white streaks on my (aging) skin. Have been using Tatcha, a brand I really like but it is maybe not enough moisturizer.... anyone have thoughts?
Deborah, you might try the CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50, or the Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer SPF30 or, if you prefer the better coverage of Asian brands, the Beauty of Josean sunscreen is really popular. None are especially pricey. x
And this response right here is why we love us some Valerie Monroe. Thank you for the suggestions!
Deborah, atsa my job! x
I've been using the Saie moisturizer with sunscreen and really like it. It lasts longer than most tinted moisturizers and I found a good color match. Good luck!
Have been thinking about tinted moisturizer but I am not sure I'm brave enough - I'm mostly a no-makeup human (for VERY big events I put on mascara, whooo fawncy) but ... maybe it's time!
Deborah, wise, probably, if you're going to go for a tinted moisturizer, to try a small swipe on the side of your jaw before you buy it. If the swipe seems to disappear into your skin, that's the one. x
I agree with Heather. Also you cause me to think and remember stuff! When I was a young teen, maybe 14 or 15 my Dad who had an abusive Italian father but who loved me and was trying to make my life better, took me to two different Electrolysis practitioners to remove my dark hairs on my upper lip, still barely noticeable at the time. The practitioners were fakes, I'm sure, and only stung my lip and tweezed the hair. I hated it. It forever made me conscious of any facial hair that wasn't 'normal' 🙄. I tried not to do that to our daughter but she has embraced skin care of her own accord and taught me a few things. A woman said to me much later in life it was because my Dad loved me and wanted an easier life than he had, that he tried to 'fix' me. I could see it and loved him anyway. Thank you for your efforts Val, they are much appreciated ❤️
I’ve sprouted a couple of weeds! 🤣 I can relate to that. :)