Bidding Adieu to Beauty Fads: Voices of Experience Over 50
Unveiling the Quirks of the Past
The journey through beauty and makeup trends unveils a tapestry of quirky practices that, in hindsight, warrant a chuckle or two. As we navigate the cyclical nature of trends, some artifacts from the past elicit collective sighs of relief. Ladies over 50 graciously share insights into the bygone trends they’re delighted to see fade away, or at least take a back seat.
1. The Roller Coaster of DIY Hair Styling
In an era preceding the convenience of blow dryers and round brushes, innovation took on amusing forms. Jennifer Ebelhar, a 69-year-old style coach, reminisces about the days of using frozen orange juice cans as makeshift hair rollers. The process, involving Dippity-Do and metal rollers, led to humorous sleeping positions and morning hair rituals that would be familiar to those who navigated this roller coaster of DIY hair styling.
2. The Sun-Seeking Strategy: Oil and Foil
The ’60s witnessed a peculiar approach to achieving a tan: the oil-and-foil method. Sonia Lovett, a 71-year-old fashion blogger, reflects on the practice of oiling up the skin and strategically placing foil to reflect the sun. A method she describes as “nuts,” this sun-seeking strategy was a testament to the unconventional lengths people went for a golden glow.
3. Baby Oil Baking and Tanning Competitions
Cynthia Gouw, a 60-year-old broadcast journalist and beauty influencer, sheds light on a daring trend from her college days. The ritual of slathering baby oil, engaging in tanning competitions, and forgoing sunscreen was a norm. Cynthia’s recollection of a tanning competition at UCLA, complete with a baseline sticker and a prize of damaged skin, reflects the audacious pursuit of sun-kissed radiance.
Embracing Change and Wisdom
As these ladies over 50 share tales of past beauty escapades, there’s a collective acknowledgment of the transformation in beauty norms. From quirky hair rituals to unconventional tanning strategies, the evolution in beauty trends becomes a testament to the enduring spirit of experimentation. Embracing change and wisdom, these women navigate the beauty landscape with humor and an appreciation for the ever-evolving definition of glamour.
Eyebrow Chronicles and Hair Adventures: Navigating Past Fashion Faux Pas
3. The Thin Arch Tragedy: A Cautionary Tale
Violet Trikilis, a seasoned model and style influencer, shares a heartfelt plea born from personal experience. The ’90s witnessed the rise of extremely thin and arched eyebrows, deemed fashionable at the time. Like countless others, including Violet herself, many succumbed to the allure of tweezing and waxing to achieve this trend. The aftermath? Regret and a considerable investment in eyebrow products and procedures. Violet’s wisdom echoes through time, urging the younger generation: “Leave them alone!” An ode to the perils of overplucking and a testament to the ever-changing standards of beauty.
4. Bangs, Bleach, and Madonna Dreams: A Haircut Misadventure
Michele Baratta-Detwiler, a 57-year-old fashion and DIY content creator, takes us back to the Madonna-inspired fashion frenzy of her high school days. Neon pink lace skirts, ripped sweatshirts, and asymmetrical hairstyles were all the rage. In a bid to emulate the iconic pop star, Michele and her friend embarked on a hair adventure involving scissors and bleach. The result? Orange bangs, a far cry from Madonna’s glamorous locks. Michele’s tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the impulsive decisions driven by fashion trends, offering a humorous glimpse into the hazards of trying to capture the essence of an era.
Navigating Fashion’s Time Warp
These personal narratives encapsulate the charm and folly of navigating through beauty and fashion trends of yesteryears. Violet and Michele, through their candid reflections, invite a collective chuckle and a sigh of recognition from those who’ve traversed similar paths. As fashion’s time warp unfolds, these tales become beacons of wisdom, urging the current generation to embrace trends with caution and a sense of humor, knowing that beauty’s evolution is as much about missteps as it is about iconic moments.
