I've yet to meet a woman who says, "Bobbi, make me look older."
Instead, those who've sat in my chair throughout my three decades as a makeup artist usually pipe up with the same requests: Brighter, more defined eyes without dark circles, a more even skin tone, and fuller lips?all hallmarks of youth, the kind I only see (naturally, anyway) on 16-year-old models during Fashion Week.
I happily oblige. By using the right products, tools, and techniques, I know how to erase years off of a woman's face, so she looks like herself, only more beautiful. I?ve made it my business to show women how they can do this for themselves at home.
But to be honest, I'm a little uncomfortable with this idea of chasing youth?and in our culture, that means beauty?in such a two-dimensional way. While lipstick and face cream are certainly good shortcuts to looking young and beautiful, there?s a lot more to anti-aging than what you put on your face. It's also about how you use your body and what you put inside it. Ultimately, it?s about how you live your life.
I've always believed that the better I take care of myself, the better I look. My chronological age is 51, but I feel at least 20 years younger because of healthy habits I?ve always practiced, as well as some I?ve picked up from the trainers, nutritionists, stylists, and other experts I?ve had the extreme privilege of working with over the years.
Exercise is non-negotiable. With a decent fitness routine, you can slim and tone your body, improve your stamina, and change the way you see yourself. If that's not enough to get you out of bed, I don?t know what is. But if it?s just that you?re feeling intimidated by the idea of fitness, rest assured: I?ve learned that you don?t have to be an athlete like Lance to reap the benefits of a good workout.
On the flipside of fitness is food. (Make that good food.) I make a point to pick foods that not only taste delicious, but also help my body and my appearance in the long run. Every day, I strive to drink eight glasses of water, squeeze in as many fruits and vegetables as possible, and pick lean protein. That's not to say I'm perfect?I make exceptions for a slice of great pizza (with roasted vegetables on top, naturally)?but most of the time, I'm eating clean. I admit it isn't always easy, but feeling sluggish and badly about the way you look is infinitely harder.
And while I love working the fashion shows, surprisingly, my own style edict is pretty simple: I'm always seeking out pieces that are modern, slimming, comfortable, and versatile. Surprisingly, they're hard to find.
If you're reading this feeling short of breath, hungry, or overwhelmed at the idea of improving yourself, don't. Here at LIVESTRONG.COM, I'll simply help you tweak your routine for an all-around better lifestyle that you can actually live with. I'll never tell you to fix the things that you can't change. (Do I wish I were taller? Yes!) But I will tell you that once you start putting your 100 percent toward what you can change, you?ll begin to start feeling and looking better.
While my friend Lance coined "LIVESTRONG" I say, ?Live young.? And by young, I mean healthy, vital, confident, beautiful.
For more information and to shop, visit Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
Member Comments