Behind The Blog – Conversations With Real Women From Beauty Chit Chat

Several years ago I begin watching YouTube videos on make-up and skin care. One blog which consistently drew me back to their site was run by Lisa Jauregui (Lisa J Makeup). I joined her Facebook group (Beauty Chit Chat or BCC) which now boasts almost 8K subscribers. I really came to enjoy this site for it’s unique and diverse participants. I also enjoyed it’s kind, community spirit, something rarely found in many other sites. There is never a shortage of discussion on the latest make-up trends, questions on what to use for what skin type etc., and just all around support for each other. As I made friends with many of the wonderful women on the site I also began my quest to interview beauty bloggers. Lisa was one of the first beauty bloggers I approached to interview for my blog. Not only did she immediately say ‘yes’ but she has been invaluable in her support of my blog.  The kindness and caring which Lisa and her ideology and lifestyle reflect flows into her Facebook group and business. You will not find any negativity, drama or gossipy discussions on this site.  Lisa is someone who says what she means and follows through on her commitments. She values the spirit of giving back to others and puts that into all her business endeavors. She has become a business friend and someone I heartily support in all her endeavors.

A community member, Amy Leigh, from the BCC group suggested that I interview some of the members from Lisa’s site and I thought that it would be both interesting and a lot of fun.  And here we are – interviews accomplished! The women in this article all come from different walks of life and are of different ages. They all have different viewpoints and are each quite interesting in their own right. Their career choices range from author to health care professional to homemaker. I hope you find value in the discussion and information they share and enjoy getting to know them a bit better.
Please use the comment section at the bottom of this article to let me know who from the beauty community (bloggers, community members, etc.) you would like included in future interviews!

• I was reading the comments I would get daily on my YouTube videos and I was so touched by the community of women there. I would read the kindest, sweetest comments directed towards me that made me feel so inspired to keep creating, and I was blown away by how my videos were building this community of women all over the world. But I wanted to create a space for THEM to engage with EACH OTHER. All these women were showering ME with the kindest words, and I thought if I created a group, they could shower each other with it. I wanted a space for women to lift each other up. I wanted them to receive the love and encouragement from each other that they were giving to me.

What is your aspiration for the women who participate in your group?

• I want the group to be a safe, positive place for women to share their interest or curiosity of all things beauty and to be supported by other women. I want it to be a place where they can share a photo of themselves and their makeup of the day, and be reminded of how beautiful they are.

What have been the most unexpected results from the formation and continuation of the group?

• It’s been really amazing to see true friendships develop in the group. Women sending each other gifts and supporting each other outside of the group. Even at nearly 8,000 women, it has remained a safe and positive place.

How has your group managed to stay so positive?

• Our number one rule is kindness and respect. And I have to thank the admins for monitoring the group so well and keeping that in check. Cindy, Brenda, Stephanie… I can’t thank them enough for the time they have all spent monitoring the group to remove posts, comments or members who violate that rule. It truly wouldn’t be what it is without their passion and commitment to the group.

Time to hear from the women of Beauty Chit Chat!

  Brenda

• I’m 55, and my skin is normal most of the time. I had oily skin prior to getting an effective skincare routine in place. I have no background in any type of skincare or anything beauty related. As a child, I never went to a doctor or dentist or dermatologist. Those things weren’t important in the family that I grew up in. Everything that I’ve learned, I’ve done on my own, in the past 3-4 years. The only bit of information that I learned as a child was in a home economics class that I took in school. I had a teacher that felt it was important to teach us a few things about skincare. I will never forget how she taught us to not pull on the skin underneath our eyes. She was a beautiful woman, and she was the first person to explain anything about skincare to me.
• The childhood that I had, I learned to retain every bit of information the first time that I heard it. There were no second chances in our house. No questions asked. No speaking unless spoken to. Remembering details is a trait that has served me well in life and it is how I’ve become extremely knowledgeable about beauty related products. I drink up every bit of knowledge related to beauty products like a sponge. It fascinates me and holds my interest.

  Stephanie: 

• I’m 37 with normal/dry skin, and I just recently got into beauty shortly after my son was born in 2013. I knew I needed some time to myself, and I wanted to learn how to apply makeup. I started watching beauty YouTube videos and taking notes. I’d follow along with tutorials to try to figure out which techniques work best for me. In 2018, I became a member of BCC after watching one of Lisa J’s videos, and the group has helped me gain confidence and skill while forming strong bonds with other women who love beauty.

  Cathy:

• I am 62 yrs old, have “mature” skin (which is a type all it’s own!). I have always been into Art (I don’t remember a time I wasn’t drawing) and there are many different art forms, one of which is all things “beauty”.
• I have always been fascinated with faces; we all have the “major components” (eyes, nose, ears, jaw) yet every face is different, and I find every face has its own “unique“ beauty. With the invention of the home blow dryer back in the early ‘70’s (I had a Conair), I started cutting & styling my own and my friend’s hair and doing makeup since I was 12 yrs old.
• I’ve also always been into science & chemistry. My father was a chemist, and he was amazing! Just as there are many forms of art, there are limitless forms of chemistry as well. That includes cosmetic chemistry, as it pertains to both hair chemicals and skin chemicals; not only product formulation but how ingredients react on an individual’s hair/skin. Our skin itself is chemistry! So it’s also the chemical reactions; how certain ingredients and components REACT on and within the skin which is fascinating.
• So, I guess from day one I was fated to get into hair, aesthetics & makeup artistry, the beauty business.

Sandra:

• I am an MD, ND. A little known fact is that I have a degree in Naturopathy and alternative medicine.
• I am a family medicine physician that loves all things beauty (skincare, makeup). I am 59 years young and my skin is combo dehydrated mature skin. I am passionate about aging gracefully and taking good care of my skin.

  Jan:

• I began wearing makeup as a teen and throughout my career. When I reached 61 years old, I became gravely ill and quit wearing makeup for two years due to not feeling well and just trying to live. My illness was resolved in 2017 and I decided to start living again and began wearing makeup. I began wearing makeup in a different way along with products such as highlighters and contouring.

  Cindy:

• I am a very proud member of Generation X. We expressed ourselves with fashion and beauty, electric blue eyeshadow and bright lips were all the rage. Our music was dominated by bands with big hair and black eyeliner. Now at 51 years old with dry mature skin I still have a great fondness for colorful eyes and lips.

Each of you are a part of the Facebook beauty group, “Beauty Chit Chat”, created by Lisa in May of 2018. This group boasts over 7K members. To what do you attribute it’s success? Why do you believe this has become such a wonderfully positive place? What is the top benefit you derive from participating in this group?
Brenda:

• I believe that the success of our group is because of 2 reasons: 1) There are so many women who, as they age, look in the mirror one day and decide to try to stop the effects of aging. The majority of these women don’t know how to achieve the results that they are looking for. They join a group such as Beauty Chitchat for assistance in choosing the correct products. Real-life experiences are what the majority of mature women want. We are not as likely to buy something based on a commercial; we are more careful with our money as we mature. 2) We have a passion for beauty products. We want to be able to talk to someone about the products that we love. It’s seldom that we can hold these conversations with family and/or friends. Therefore, we seek out like-minded women to have these conversations with.
• I attribute the success of our group to all of the wonderful members who graciously give of their time to assist in helping other women. Whether that be in giving makeup advice, suggesting skincare products to use, or to lend an ear to any member who just needs a kind soul to listen to them. And Lisa is the best! Honestly, she is one of the kindest people that I know. I also love the feeling of belonging to something. To be included in such a diverse group of beautiful women from all over the world is the most amazing experience. I love helping women find products that make them feel their most beautiful. To assist in building confidence in women makes me happy!

Stephanie:

• The group is such a success because Lisa herself embodies its mission. She is one of the kindest people I know. She is a leader, a go getter, and she reaches her goals by lifting up others through charity, teaching, and positive encouragement. The top benefit I have found from BCC is the bonds I’ve made with so many women! We each uplift each other as we learn more about beauty.

Cathy:

• I think BCC is successful because we have a unique group of women who are not “competing” with each other; we LEARN from each other, we ENCOURAGE each other and we SUPPORT each other. We all GROW from our experiences with each other. And we – no matter how old we are – can learn & grow if we are open to it and brave enough to change. The biggest benefit I personally have experienced is in being able to help others with my knowledge. I became physically disabled about 9 yrs ago, though I forced myself to work for almost another year afterward (which was a HORRIBLY painful year). The hardest thing for me is NOT being able to work, because I was one of the very fortunate people who LOVED their work! (all aspects of it!). And it was devastating to me to have to give that up. I had even started a book, “Cycles of Women and Concerns of the Skin” based on a seminar I had written and performed for Aestheticians, Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons at one of the International Congress’ of Aesthetics and Dermatology (a 3 day symposium held in Los Angeles, CA); and I wasn’t even able to use the computer to write due to neurological problems.
• So, the biggest benefit for me on BCC is the ability to educate again! I remember saying to Brenda once that my body may be broken, but I still have my MIND, and this is a place where I’ve been able to educate and help women understand the effects the changes in our bodies have on our skin, and help gear them toward skin health. In essence, I feel like I’m contributing and helping others.

Sandra:

• I think the positive outlook and the love we all share for makeup and beauty related topics and that we’re from all walks of life is incredible.  And sharing what works and tips makes it very appealing. Of course Lisa’s impact is a game changer as well.

Jan:

• I think it’s because we have a lovely group of women that support each other and there is very little drama on our Facebook page.

Cindy:

• I  joined Beauty Chit Chat the day that Lisa created the group. BCC members share a bond formed by a mutual love for all things beauty related. Kindness, compassion and the belief that there is beauty inside of us all is what sets our group apart. I can be feeling low and go into the group and before too long I am reading posts, making comments, sharing opinions and telling a member (who has posted her make up of the day (MOTD) how beautiful that I think she is. I rarely close out of the group still feeling low or in a bad mood.

Beauty bloggers have changed over the last few years. What is the most positive change you have experienced? What do you feel would be the most beneficial change?
Brenda:

• I have to admit that I seldom read blogs so I can’t honestly answer this question. As a writer, I try to not read a lot of anything while I’m immersed in writing. I’m currently working on a new novel so I don’t want my writing style to be influenced indirectly by something that I’ve read. It’s what works best for me.

Stephanie:

• My personal change over the past couple years has been gaining confidence. Some BCC members may know that I struggle with alopecia areata. In 2018, when I joined the group, I lost a great deal of hair, about 40% on the top of my head. My self worth was at an all time low. But joining BCC gave me the confidence to see past that! It’s no longer a secret, and I’m at peace with the fact that at any moment, I could have a flare up again. It doesn’t define me anymore. I think a beneficial change bloggers can make is to celebrate people for their differences. Yvonne, I think you are doing that exact thing with this article! Thank you!

Cathy:

• The most positive change I find to be the education of women today; many of our makeup artist “tricks” are now common knowledge and allow women to be beautiful everyday! What we old makeup artists used to call “corrective makeup” – highlighting & contouring techniques and essentially making the face a “blank palette” from which you can build on and design. What would be the biggest change would be education and encouragement for more women from a VERY young age, to wear sun protection; not just on the face, but on all exposed areas of skin. I studied photobiology and have written several papers on sunscience (the chemical reactions of the different wavelengths of sunlight and UV rays within the skin & body) and the development of skin cancer, and have also written and presented seminars on sunscience & skin cancer all over the country and Internationally.
• Sun protection education IS better than it used to be, but it’s not stressed or accepted well enough by both the community and product companies. All skin products – everyday hand creams & body lotions as well as facial products SHOULD contain mineral / physical sun protection ingredients, like micronized titanium dioxide. And even though the FDA declared sun / tanning beds to be “dangerous” over 10 yrs ago, people, haven’t gotten the message. I did a sunscience / skin cancer seminar in Pittsburgh once and one of the attendees was a tanning bed salon owner. During Q & A, she proudly said, “You know I ALWAYS tell my customers to cover their face in the tanning bed!” And I said, “Oh, that’s good…then they’ll only get skin cancer on the REST of their body”, to which she looked confused. She truly thought she was “doing good” by her clientele. It’s always been a struggle here in the Northeast section of the country to get clientele to wear sun protection ALL YEAR ROUND.

Sandra:

• Evolving comes to mind as all things evolve in life. Learning to be better by tips or technique and adjust and adapt.

The word ‘beauty’ entails many things.  It includes not only the visible exterior but it also includes things which cannot always be seen but are experienced, such as kindness. What do you think most personifies beauty and why?
Brenda:

• To me, beauty is about how someone makes another human feel. A person who gives of themselves to fill the emotional needs of another is the most beautiful of all. That may sound like a cliché, but it’s certainly true.

Stephanie:

• I think beauty radiates from within. When people see you as kind, confident, and empathetic, you are beautiful no matter what you look like on the outside.

Cathy:

• I think ALL people display their own personal beauty, but I once knew a woman who, outwardly, was “pretty” but inwardly, she was very ugly. I don’t consider that to be a beautiful person. She may have used her looks to get what she wanted, but eventually her true personality came out. I don’t consider petty, nasty, gossipy people to be beautiful, even if they present an attractive appearance. A truly beautiful person is one who has a GOOD HEART, can be empathetic toward other people and express love for others. We are all on this earth together, and I believe if we have the CHOICE to help make each other’s lives just a little easier and a little more joyful; that’s true beauty.

Sandra:

• Beauty surrounds us in everyday things like flowers, plants, creatures. Being kind is only part of it. Showing gratitude and helping others is a beautiful and masterful skill. Knowing to love one another is a true example of beauty.

Jan:

• Confidence, kindness, love for others, and a smile.

Cindy:

• I have always heard that “beauty is only skin deep.” I strongly disagree! In my opinion, what makes a person beautiful is how they treat others that they come in contact with. Someone who is often unkind to other people (and animals) shows no signs of being beautiful regardless of how they look. Beauty starts in the heart.

My blog was created with the premise that people need to focus on their inner health and well-being, then move their focus to the external person. Once an individual’s mind and health are in tune with their exterior, they can begin to focus or feel more positive about life, careers, interpersonal relationships, family etc. How do you feel investing in beauty enables and better prepares oneself to become more successful and confident, whatever the undertaking?
Brenda:

• I feel that one cannot fill another one’s cup if their own cup is empty. Therefore, if someone feels most confident wearing a bold red Tom Ford lipstick, then wear the lipstick. One day, they’ll forget the lipstick and realize it wasn’t the product that made them any different inside, just them thinking that it was the lipstick. They’ll notice that they were beautiful all along, and they just didn’t realize it. If I can be that red lipstick in one person’s life for one moment in their life, then that’s what’s most important. Once they’ve gained this inner confidence, their smiles widen, and people react to a confident individual more so than someone who has no confidence. Thereby opening doors that were previously closed.

Stephanie:

• I think investing in beauty allows people to take time for themselves. In order to feel good, we must all take a few moments away from the chaos of life to just focus on our own well-being. We need to try to be our best selves for the people we love who rely on us every day.

Cathy:

• I think when we feel good about ourselves and our appearance, we naturally feel more confident and POSITIVE. That helps us to achieve and overcome whatever may cross our path. It also helps us to physically CREATE a “piece of art” on our face! That helps the left brain to become active, just as much as if we were painting a picture. In everything we do, we need both right & left brain contribution to be successful. I think it’s what makes us approach challenges differently (and more successfully!) than men, who DON’T experience that left brain “awakening” first thing in the morning.

Sandra:

• I truly believe we are all beautiful and created with a unique set of skills to be whatever we choose to be. The sky is the limit. Investing in beauty makes me more confident to tackle the day. Success is part of being confident and knowing I can handle anything

Jan:

• If I feel good about myself, I feel like I can shine. I have more confidence and push forward to let my voice be heard. I love to dress nicely and wear a full face of makeup.

In a prior interview with Elle, we were discussing the shift in role models with “mature skin” being placed in major cosmetics campaigns. Helen Mirren, Christie Brinkley, Karisma Kapoor, Thandie Newton, Sharon Stone, and Andie MacDowell to name a few. To what do you attribute this inclusiveness? How has it impacted your view of specific cosmetic companies and your view of their products?
Brenda:

• I love to see the beauty brands creating advertisements with skin types of all ages, and all colors. To me, it shows a company with an open mind and a company that is paying attention. It gives them the appearance of caring. Perhaps they’ve done their research and have learned that it is the more mature women who spend the most on beauty products. Specifically, after the children have grown and left the house. We have more time, and more money. We also tend to notice our own appearance and focus on improving our skin more so at this time in our lives. We’ve been so focused on raising children that a lot of us put our own needs on the back burner.
• I have noticed that there are certain companies that have a reputation of catering to the more mature woman. Estee Lauder, Clinique, and IT Cosmetics come to mind. I trust these companies because of their reputation. I commend them for staying true to their mission, even if it means losing a few sales to the younger crowd.

Stephanie:

• I think it’s wonderful! To show how products look on real women of all ages and appearances, shows just how genuine the brand is. Beauty is for everyone. Everyone is beautiful!

Cathy:

• I think Beauty companies have finally recognized that a major concern of women is AGING and aging “gracefully”. Years ago, Catherine Denueve was the face of Lancome until she was (gasp!) 40 yrs old, then was replaced by Isabella Rosellini who held the position until she was “too old” at 40. There was quite a ruckus when Lancôme replaced Catherine Deneuve. Women could more readily identify with a woman who wasn’t 20 yrs old, and the French considered her not only the face of Lancôme, but the face of France! In 2013, Lancôme had an event in which they showcased then 70 yr old Catherine Denueve. Isabella Rosellini (23 yrs after Lancôme declared her “too old”) was invited to be the face of Lancôme once again at age 63.Anyone can be made to look good at 20 yrs old; I think companies are finally realizing older women can also be naturally beautiful; if you notice, most of (not all!) the older spokeswoman have not had any plastic surgery. We are not aging as our grandmothers did. And companies have realized the “Baby Boomers” are still where the money is, and younger women are looking to prevent aging.

Sandra:

• I feel for a long time we were ignored and the focus was on younger women. It is fascinating to realize we older gals can be powerful, successful, and independent with money to spend most companies want our business. I find it an exciting time in my life. Would have never guessed we are part of something special

Jan:

• Older women like myself want to look good no matter what our age. We have buying power and companies have come out with great products for the older woman’s skin concerns and colors that work well for us.

Cindy:

• I think it is a smart move for cosmetic companies to include women over 40 in their campaigns. Gen Xers like me want to be recognized in the beauty community, We want to be catered to because, even though we only make up 25% of the population we generally have more disposable income than those in their twenties and thirties.
• I want to feel like the brands that I use know the issues that I face and that they are interested in helping me to solve them. Will their cream plump and hydrate my skin? Will their primer give my skin a glow? Will their foundation cover the redness on my cheeks? Showing me a twenty-something applying their products is not going to get me to give them my money, however, showing me J Lo (or another beautiful model/celebrity around the same age) applying those products and I will beg you to sell me all the things that you make.
• I think it’s wonderful! To show how products look on real women of all ages and appearances, shows just how genuine the brand is. Beauty is for everyone. Everyone is beautiful!

What are you top 1-5 skin care tips? What are the products you use for each?
Brenda:

1. Never go to bed with makeup on. Always take all makeup off and cleanse your skin before retiring for the night. I always double cleanse, using a makeup remover first (Strivectin Moisture Matrix Melting Cleanser is my favorite.) I then use a final cleanser (ITCosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser is a must have for me.)
2. Use a product with Retinol or Retin-A. At least once a week. (Strivectin Retinol is my go-to right now.)
3. Always use an eye cream suited to your specific needs. (I use The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream every morning, and I use Cannuka Eye Balm every night.)
4. Drink water, often. Your skin will definitely look better when its hydrated. (any brand you like. I drink the filtered water from a well… haha)
5. Pay attention to your skin. It will tell you what it needs. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. (I rotate moisturizers according to what I have, or what is on sale. I am currently using Juice Beauty Green Apple moisturizer. I also love IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream, Elemis Marine Cream, and Tatcha Water Cream.)

Stephanie:

1. First, take it easy on your skin! Too much product can be damaging.
2. Second, moisturization and sunscreen are top priorities!
3. Third, sunscreen is essential!
4. Finally, what works for one person may not work for everyone. Check out ingredients, and don’t feel discouraged if a product doesn’t work out.

Cathy:
As I mentioned earlier, your skin IS Chemistry; as the largest organ, it covers 99% of your body. It’s also a very INTELLIGENT organ; just as our internal organs function better when they are properly nourished and “act up” when they aren’t; the same goes for our skin. So, if it isn’t properly cared for, it will “act up”. It also reacts to what is going on INSIDE our bodies. You can often tell what’s going on INSIDE the body by analyzing the skin.

1. USE A TONER. We got lazy years ago and decided we didn’t need a toner. But a toner performs a very important function in your skin’s chemistry. The pH of the skin runs between 4.5 and 6.0; with an average of 5.5. An Oilier skin will have a Lower pH than a Drier skin. We also naturally have what’s called an ACID MANTLE of your skin, which is a barrier against bacteria. To really cleanse your skin and remove all the dirt, a cleanser has to be a HIGHER pH than your skin; ideally between 6.5 – 7.0. Unfortunately, this also removes the Acid MANTLE, your natural protection from bacteria. A GOOD toner (not an over-drying toner) lowers the pH of the skin and immediately replaces the Acid Mantle. A TONER also helps prevent adverse reaction to treatment products. Most treatment products have to be a Lower pH than the skin to make a difference. If you cleanse and your cleanser leaves your skin at 7.0 pH, then you immediately put on a treatment product that’s a 4.0 pH, that’s a BIG drop in pH (which can result in adverse reactions). Because a TONER lowers the pH after cleansing, it makes for a smoother transition for your treatment product so you WILL get the benefit of that treatment without irritation (I use MURAD HYDRATING TONER).
2. My 2nd most important product is SUN PROTECTION. Sun Protection is actually your Number ONE Anti-aging Product! What we call “age spots” are hyperpigmentation from years of photo-biological damage from the sun. We have only so many pigment cells (melanocytes) in our skin. When we’re over-exposed to the sun, the pigment cells (which kind of have an “on – off” switch) switch ON and become active. They DARKEN the skin in order to try to PROTECT it from cellular damage; so a TAN is an Emergency response of the skin. After being switched “On” over and over when someone is a tanner, the switch BREAKS. This results in either the pigment cell REMAINING dark spots (Melasma)  and/or it can result in the pigment being “burned out”, resulting in areas of the skin WITHOUT Pigment, like Vitiligo. In addition to “breaking” the pigment cells, UV exposure causes cellular damage within the skin: the breakdown of the collagen-elastin layer of the Dermis of the skin, leading to wrinkles, “crepey” or loosened skin and sagging. (I use a Variety of Sun Protection products: Murad Invisiblur SPF 30 – which is a Primer & SPF combined; Murad City Skin SPF 50; sometimes I’ll wear a Mineral/Titanium Dioxide SPF 50 powder makeup. Neutrogena makes some great Sun products: Baby chemical free sunblock SPF 60; chemical free Facial block SPF 70 & 55; and I take Murad Pomphenol Sunguard Dietary Supplements)
3.  A GENTLE CLEANSER. Too high of a pH cleanser will dry your skin and raise it’s pH causing irritation itself or withother products. Always do a double cleanse when wearing makeup. (Again, I use several; Murad Resurgence Cleansing Cream; Murad Sensitive Skin Cleanser; Young Pharmaceuticals Melange Anti-Redness Cleanser, Dermalogica Precleanse & Special Cleansing Gel)
4. TREATMENT PRODUCTS. Once you get your skin in shape with 1, 2 & 3, proper treatment products will address your skin concerns. Wrinkles, Acne, Aging, Hyperpigmentation (You thought that was going to be a lot longer, didn’t you! Haha). (Again, I use several everyday & professional Texas products, Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel, Murad Revitalixer Recovery system, Murad Intensive wrinkle reducer, Inky Caffeine Eye Cream, Murad Lip, eye, Nose protector, Murad Retinol Youth serum, Murad Professional Ascorbic Acid TX’s, etc. – there’s probably more! Now these aren’t all used at the same time, mind you!)
5. HYDRATION – inside & out. Lots of clear fluids internally, and I always recommend clients do at LEAST a TWO-step Moisture, especially if they’re Acneic and on Prescriptions. I do a 3-step moisture; I have rosacea. Moisture REDUCES INFLAMMATION, so ANY inflammatory skin disorder needs extra hydration. (I use Murad Skin Soothing (Cellular) Serum, Hyaluronic Acid, Murad Hydro-dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer, Murad Perfecting Serum, Murad Invisiblur SPF 30)

Sandra:

1. Drink tons of water to flush toxins. Your skin will thank you.
2. Get plenty of rest, I sleep for at least 7 hours a night. You will prevent illness and disease
3. Eat a healthy diet of plenty of veggies and berries as they are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals keeping you young and strong
4. Make sure you clean your face before you go to bed at night no matter how tired you are.
5. Use sunscreen every day. You only have one skin. Prevention is key. I currently use a good non chemical sunscreen spf 47 every day on my face even if I am indoors.

Jan:

1. Remove your makeup daily.
2. Wear sunscreen every day and when you plan to be out in the sun.
3. I believe in Vitamin C serum, moisturizers, Retin-A, and skin scrubs to keep our skin healthy.
4. Go to the dermatologist for examinations to rule out skin cancer regularly.
5. If you can only wear one makeup item, make it lipstick.

Cindy:

1. Neutrogena Daily Exfoliating Cleanser for cleansing and gentle exfoliation
2. Hyaluronic Acid for hydration
3. Moisturizer to moisturize
4. Sunflower Oil is one of the oils that has been suggested by Elle Leary to help with dry skin
5. Curology to aid in the prevention or at least slow down the process of too many wrinkles.

If you could only have 5 make up items (excluding skin care) what would they be and why?
Brenda:

1. Primer (IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Primer)
2. Foundation (Shiseido synchro skin or Natasha Denona X)
3. Blush (Jouer Rose Gold or Nars Angelica)
4. Mascara (Marc Jacobs)
5. Powder (Hourglass Mineral Veil)

Stephanie:

1. Tough question! I’d start out  with a concealer to use on my face. I like TF born this way.
2. I’d pick a versatile face palette for my eyes and face like the Hourglass Unlocked palette.
3. I’d use Benefit Precisely my brow for my eye brows.
4. Then I’d use a tinted lip balm like the nude balm from Kiehl’s.
5. Finally, I’d add mascara. Benefit Bad Gal Bang is my favorite. I’d select these products, because I think they can give me a pretty, natural look. They are versatile, easy to use, and just enhance someone’s natural beauty

Cathy:

1. Linda Seidel Cover Cream – I’ve been “experimenting” with tons of foundations, and this one is the one that has never let me down.
2. Becca Set & Refresh Powder – it a softening hydrating powder that leaves your skin so smooth.
3. NARS The Multiple in Maui (for cheeks & Lips) – because it’s versatile!
4. Moxie Lashes kit – Best Magnetic Lashes and liners you can buy (I may have cheated saying “the kit”, because you need the magnetic liner, too!)
5. Huda NUDES Eye Palette – because the colors are gorgeous all across the spectrum, so versatile as well.

Sandra:

1. Color Control (CC) cream everyday it has an spf too and really evens my skin tone.
2. Blush gives me such a pretty flush of color and lifts my cheeks. Lately cream blush is a daily for me.
3. Cream eyeshadow is quick and easy; I always look polished and pulled together. Forgiving on my aging eyes.
4. Lipstick because I cannot be without it; just as I need to brush my teeth I need my lipstick.
5. Perfume, it is a must for me. I can’t even tell you how many years I wear it daily.

Jan:

1. Mascara
2. Concealer
3. Lipstick
4. Moisturizer
5. Powder

Cindy:

1. Eyeshadow because it’s eyeshadow.
2. Mascara because my lashes are so light they can’t be seen without mascara.
3. Foundation to even out my skin tone.
4. Powder to set down the foundation and blur my pores.
5. Lipstick can multitask as lipstick and cream cheek color.

What advice would you give your younger self (21 year old) regarding skin care and why?
Brenda:

• Stop tanning. Wear sunscreen. Stop sleeping with makeup on. Start a good skincare regimen. Drink less alcohol and more water. Don’t start smoking!

Stephanie:

• Always take off your makeup before bedtime and moisturizer is your friend! I was not great with skincare when I was younger. I didn’t wear much makeup either. I also needed to use more sunscreen when I was younger! I would love to turn back the hands of time just to protect my skin more.

Cathy:

• I’ve never been a big tanner (because I’m ghost-white and burn to a crisp!), but I would say be more wary of the sun (back in the day you didn’t have much in the way of sunblock, unfortunately) and get education on the science of skincare…and go from there to take care of my skin We really fumbled in the dark back then…the only Professional Skincare Product was Christine Valmay!
• Never go to sleep with my makeup on!

Sandra:

• It is so important to take care of your skin; prevent cancer, aging and you only have one face and body. If you take care of it your skin will thank you. Prevention is key!!

Jan:

• Begin using Retin-A sooner.

Cindy:

• Wash your face every night, stop sleeping in your makeup, use moisturizer and stop burning your face and body laying out in the sun!

Besides Lisa, who are your favorite beauty bloggers and why?
Stephanie:

• I love Jen Phelps. She has an every day perspective about makeup and gives amazing reviews. I love how she is starting to incorporate her audience in her content. She seems incredibly kind and knowledgeable.

Cathy:

• Realizing Beauty – Christa is versatile; her blog runs the gamut between beauty, nurturing yourself inside and out, being creative and being confident. Great articles. What it really comes down to is I’m an old hippie and so is she! (Haha)
• Hot ‘N Flashy – I think half of our group follows Angie on Hot ‘N Flashy! Great reviews of anything from the cheapest drugstore makeup to high-end makeup & skin care.
• Glam and Uncensored – Erica on Glam & Uncensored is inventive, cares about animals & the environment, reviews products, gives tips & tricks, and generally has a lot of creative ideas.

Sandra:

• I like to watch Mel Thompson. Due to time constraints, I only have time to watch her YouTube videos, but if I get some extra time, I will watch Zairean.

Jan:

• Tati because I think she is sincere and knowledgeable about makeup.

Cindy:

• My favorite Beauty Influencers, other than Lisa of course, are mostly over their mid 40’s and under 100,000 subscribers. I rarely miss a video from Melissa at MrsMelissaM, Shelley from Geek out of Water, Mary from Glitzy Fritzy, Jeannie from Get This Glowing,  and Kimberly from Pretty Over 50. There are a few other channels that I watch in addition to these ladies but those are my favorites.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced specific to skin care?
Brenda:

• Finding what works for my skin. It took me awhile to learn what skin type I have. Until then, I tried products that advertised what results you would get from using them. I learned very early on that those ads don’t always tell the truth. And, what works for one person may not work at all for the next. I’m always learning new things about skincare and I love trying new things. All of the above have been challenges, but the biggest challenge has been learning to accept the things that I cannot change. I have a lack of melanin in my skin, so I have had to accept that. I also have vitiligo which is spreading up my neck and onto my chin now. That’s been the hardest to accept. I also suffer from overly sensitive skin from my neck down. Extreme dermatitis and eczema  are a constant battle for me. There are no products or procedures that I haven’t tried so acceptance has come hard for me. Instead of self-absorbed pity, I choose to embrace my differences and shower everyone around me with compliments. There’s no challenge in that.

Stephanie:

• My biggest challenge is not to go overboard with products. My skin can get sensitive if I use too much.

Cathy:

• As an Aesthetician in the Northeast section of the country, my biggest challenge was always to get clients and patients to wear sun protection ALL YEAR ROUND. Here in the Northeast, most people still are of the mindset that if it’s not warm out, the sun won’t hurt you. And to get them to put it on their children regularly is another problem.

Sandra:

• Learning to adjust to age gracefully. And to adjust when my skin is having a less than perfect day. I have discovered it is all about balance, adjusting your routine and keeping a routine will make a difference

Jan:

• Hiding my dark circles.

Cindy:

• The biggest skincare challenge that I have faced is having extremely dry skin. I feel that it’s important to include Tretinoin in my skincare for anti-aging but it is well known for causing dryness so I have to moisturize very well. I try to drink 60-80 ounces of water a day and I take a Biotin supplement.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with beauty (makeup, skin care, hair etc.)?  What is your biggest challenge in this area?
Brenda:

• I love seeing the transformation in my mirror that makeup provides me. I love knowing how different products work, what they are supposed to do, and how to make them fulfill their claims if possible. I love learning about and testing new products. I love suggesting products for others to use to help them achieve what they’d like to achieve. I honestly don’t have any other challenges with makeup, as I’m persistent in making things work. I’m not the best at application, but I love learning and practice my skills almost every single day.
• My favorite thing is to learn eyeshadow formulas and foundation formulas. What products to use in conjunction with another to get the optimal outcome. The challenges I face are in my skin as stated above.

Stephanie:

• I enjoy makeup the most, especially blush. Makeup is so transformative. My biggest challenge is hair since my hair can be temperamental. I have many uneven strands from alopecia patches that grow back unevenly. My hair is half wavy and straight. The hair that grows back is always wavy!

Cathy:

• I LOVED my work! Whether it was driving / flying all over to do educational seminars for 300 or more other professionals, doing spa events or educating an individual client / patient in the medi-spa and helping them to improve their skin, I loved it ALL!
• My biggest challenge: Accepting that that part of my life is over since becoming disabled. I’ve done a little individual consulting, but I was very physically active when I was able to work. So, I miss my work AND I miss traveling!

Sandra:

• My challenge is my aging eyes as they are mature. Wearing cream shadows and creating simple looks are working well for me. Also using less makeup, aiming for a more simplified look is also working well for me. Using multipurpose products such as multi-stick works great. Skincare is more regimented as I have reactive skin, so once I have a routine that works for me, it is unlikely I’d try anything else as my skin likes what it likes. Mostly high end skincare.

Jan:

• I love how makeup makes me look and feel.

Cindy:

• I love the creativity of mixing and blending different colors on my eyelids. I love putting color on my cheeks and on my lips. I find peace and a sense of calm every time I sit down in my chair at my vanity. My biggest challenge is the fear of missing out (FOMO). Realistically there is no way that I can afford everything that makeup companies release but that doesn’t stop me from wanting it all and feeling sad when I don’t get it. FOMO is a real thing.

We all have ‘bloopers’ in our lives. Can you describe the most hysterical one you have experienced since you started using beauty products?
Brenda:

• Well, I have a lot of bloopers!! I try so many new products! And sometimes my brain just doesn’t cooperate. The most recent one that I can think of is that I received a BareMinerals squeeze tube of something in it I didn’t recognize. In the past, I’ve had their tinted moisturizer and I assumed that’s what it was. The packaging is the same. But it didn’t work like that. I couldn’t figure it out to be sure! I was talking to a friend of mine one day and mentioned it to her. Asked her what it was and she told me it was the BareMinerals SPF! I had that bottle for a few months before I asked because I just didn’t know what to do with it. I’ll leave that right there. ?
• Another blooper is one that when I first started really getting into makeup one of the first YouTube’s I watched was Angie HotnFlashy. She raved about a foundation called Chanel. She had two different shades. I assumed that I’d need the same shades, I mean we’re both caucasian. So I spent the $100 for those two bottles of foundation. Let’s just say, it’s a good thing that foundation has sheer coverage because as I learned as I watched more videos, there’s more to consider than what race someone is to matching foundation.  ?

Stephanie:

• Every time I put on mascara, I try not to flinch or sneeze. It’s a mess when I do!

Cathy:

• Well, this isn’t MY Blooper, but we had a Murad Patient that complained that ever since she started using one of our glycolic body lotions, she was getting VAGINAL infections! She was using it properly  (not inserting it!), so we couldn’t figure it out. One day she sheepishly came back and told us her husband thought it was “regular” lotion (because it was white) and he was….USING it. THERE. Then jumping into bed with his wife!! Mystery solved!

Sandra:

• I always research what I buy so I avoid any accidents. However, I once used a pencil as a eyeliner (think it was a lip pencil). No one noticed except me and I was mortified.

Jan:

• I used a concealer between my eyebrows that was a lighter shade than my foundation and I wore it all day while working at school not noticing it wasn’t blended out as it should be.

Cindy:

• The funniest thing that has ever happened to me happened on a very sad day. A little FYI about me is that I am always running late and the day of my grandpa’s funeral was no exception. Another FYI about me is if I find a pair of dress shoes that are comfortable I buy that same shoe in several different colors. Well I was in a hurry and already late so I just grabbed two shoes out of my closet and slid them on. I almost made it through the whole day without looking down but as we were all standing around the graveside saying our last goodbyes a mini member of the extended family happened to look down and notice that my shoes were different colors (one black, one brown) well of course he had to ask his Mom why “that lady” was wearing shoes that didn’t match. ?‍♀️

Being positive, supportive and kind are incredible commodities to maintain today. If you could give advice on how to maintain these qualities, no matter the occasion, what would your advice be?
Brenda:

• Surround yourself with positive people, quotes, books, or music. Whatever you allow inside your brain, is what is going to come out of your mouth. It takes practice to turn a negative thought into a positive thought. Once you’ve started being self-aware of your negative thoughts, words, or actions, then you can stop yourself. After a while, it will come naturally.
• I wasn’t always a positive person. I moved to east Texas many years ago and everyone was so nice. I took that as they were nosey. Why would someone ask me how I was doing when I didn’t even know them? It really did take me years to learn that in this part of the country, people really do care how you are doing and they really are nice people. It’s like seeing someone so happy, when you’re so miserable. Instead of wishing them to be miserable, or being jealous of their happiness, think about how you can be happy like them. What is it that makes them happy? If you dig deep enough, you realize its not about money, status, or material things. Its simply finding things that you can surround yourself with that actually make you happy. For me, its being in the country with my chickens and dogs. If I can be outside, it truly changes my mood. Find what changes your mood.

Stephanie:

• To maintain positivity, kindness, and support, you have to first try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Trying to understand others is the first step towards maintaining kindness and support for others. To maintain positivity, it’s important that we focus on what is great about our lives. It is so easy to be pulled down by one negative event or aspect of your life. It’s like one drop of dark ink in a lake of crystal clear water. Developing gratitude for who is in our lives and what our lives are is key to staying positive.

Cathy:

• I am kind of a naturally positive person, I think it’s because I think analytically and take action when something isn’t working (I can’t tell you how many times my kid’s would be, like, “Oh, God…she’s moving the furniture again!” ). I’m not afraid of Change; Life is change!
• Anyway, I’ve been through a LOT in my life, but I do have the ability to see the humor in even the worst times; sometimes life is just absurd! And I think you just have to remember that nothing is forever. Whether it’s good or bad, nothing lasts forever. So when something comes up, you might “white knuckle” it for awhile, but you’ll always get through it.
• Being supportive and kind comes easy to me; I LOVE people, even “difficult” people. Sometimes it’s the difficult people who need MORE kindness and support. I always say you need to walk in another person’s shoes for a while (cliché, I know!) to understand what a person truly needs. Kindness is just being sympathetic and opening your heart to others. It takes nothing to share what you have, whether it be something as simple as a SMILE, if someone else needs it more than you at the time.

Sandra:

• Don’t sweat the small stuff as no crisis last more than 24 hours; in the scheme of the world it is small. This too shall pass.

Jan:

• Gratitude. Practice gratitude every day all-day.

Cindy:

• The first person we should always be kind to is ourselves. There are going to be bad days but investing time in doing things that bring you joy will help you to keep a positive attitude. Set out every day with a positive mindset, if you happen to be in a bad mood deliberately go out of your way to be nice to people and you will see in no time at all your bad mood will dissipate.

Having good role models is very important today. What do you feel we can offer each other to ensure that we are a good role models to each other? What figure has influenced you the most in your life and why?
Brenda:

• Just be nice to every person that you come into contact with. Whether it be in person, by phone, email, text, or any online situation. A smile can be felt, even if its not seen.
• Never leave anyone without a compliment in some form. For example, at the post office. Tell the clerk “Thank you for helping me today and I hope that you have a great day.” Leave everyone with a smile.
• Re: Role models. This took some hard concentration for me. Every person in my life while growing up was the opposite of what I wanted to be. I guess you could consider them role models as I knew that I wanted to be the opposite of them. I did view my grandma as a role model at one point while growing up. That changed as I matured and learned that she was not what I wanted to be like either. At one point my uncle was my role model. He had escaped the bad lifestyle the rest of my family had adopted. But, he is only human himself and I learned that he was not a role model for me either. As a young adult, I looked up to Andie McDowell. She was the most beautiful person I thought. We have the same hair! 🙂 The character she played in St. Elmo’s Fire is what I aspired to be. As an older or more mature adult, my role model now is our President, Donald Trump.

Stephanie:

• To be good role models to each other, we must practice kindness in all we do. We also have to understand that no one person is perfect. We all have our flaws, and it’s how we overcome our flaws and struggles that make us admirable. My son has influenced me the most in my life. He has made me more patient and understanding. He allows me to appreciate all the beauty and excitement in life.

Cathy:

• Being courteous, kind and understanding. But also being strong and standing our ground when we need to; I think are good traits to offer each other. You can be beautiful, empathetic, kind AND be strong women at the same time.
• It’s hard to say just one person, but I think Dr. Howard Murad, my friend in San Diego, Jody, my youngest daughter, Caitie Jo, and my father have probably been the biggest influences in my life.
• I learned so much about love, life, living in the moment, making the best of a situation, and how to “go with the flow” from both my friend Jody and Dr. Murad. Dr. Murad also influenced me greatly in MANY ways; what I learned from him still comes in handy every day and the “adventures” we had together will be with me the rest of my life.
• My youngest daughter, well, I’ve always said I’ve learned as much from her as she has learned from me! When she was very young; we’d be driving and she’d suddenly say, “Hey! We’re on a BRIDGE!!” (she’d get joy out of the SIMPLEST things in life. When she was older teaching me to love those people who WANT to be in your life, and not cry about those who DON’T want to be in your life.
• My father was a WONDER; very intelligent, very creative. He held several patents, designed boilers for Con Edison Power Company in NYC and designed the newer coolant systems for nuclear reactors (after the Three Mile Island incident) that they still use today! He formulated and mixed his own chemicals for several things; even around the house. He was into photography and developed his own film, and printed all his own pictures. He taught me about the properties of light (he had prisms) and reflection and refraction of rays. Our basement was like laboratory! I wish our lives had been such that I could’ve “picked his brain” more. Unfortunately, my mother had a rare disorder (she was the first recorded case of acute intermittent porphyria in Pennsylvania) which manifested as violence and “madness” in her; it made our lives pretty horrible.

Sandra:

• Be supportive, be fierce, show grace and kindness. You never know what happens in people’s lives. My mother is my fierce supporter and role model. She taught me the value of being strong and to be a fighter. I am what I am today because of her.

Jan:

• My mother influenced me the most with her ability to be positive and her work ethic.

Cindy:

• My mother has been the biggest influence in my life. She had me at 17 years old and she could have given me up but she didn’t. I guess you can say we grew up together. Things were not always easy but she always worked hard to provide for me the kind of life that she never had.
• She loved all things beauty related and she never had a hair out of place. Her favorite brands were Clinique, Lancôme and Estée Lauder and the ladies at the Belk makeup counters knew her on a first name basis. She was the strongest woman. No, she was the strongest person that I have ever known but I didn’t realize just how strong and special that she truly was until two days before she passed away. I asked her why she didn’t cry or show any emotion and she said “because I have to be strong for you.” In my eyes my mom was the true meaning of beauty, strength and love.

What are the top 1-5 things that you are looking forward to in 2020? (besides getting over the Coronavirus?) 
Brenda:

1. Spending time with my family.
2. Getting my mother’s new house built and moving her near me.
3. Completing my latest book.
4. Trying new makeup and beauty products!
5. Making new friends.

Stephanie:

1. I am definitely looking forward to the summer! Winters are long where I am from, and there’s nothing better than being outside with family and friends. I love to spend time near water with the ones I love.

Cathy:

1. I look forward to helping my daughter find her way and get on with her life. Two months after she graduated with 2 Majors and High Honors from Johns Hopkins University, she suffered a very rare, autoimmune form of encephalitis; Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis, swelling of the brain. She spent over 2 months in the Hospital, “died” 7 times, had a large tumor removed. She was left with short term memory loss and crippling, heightened anxiety.
2. I look forward to ENJOYING getting out more (my doctor increased one of my infusion medicines, and I’ve been more mobile in the past 6 months than I’ve been in the past 9 years! But I still have to watch not to overdo it)
3. I look forward to getting my friend with dementia into a nursing home in OUR county and visiting her regularly! (she’s currently an hour away, which was supposed to be temporary but then the virus halted everything).
4. I look forward to my 10th anniversary with my boyfriend in November!
5. I look forward to my 50th anniversary with my friend Kim in September (the one with dementia)!

Sandra:

1. Take more time to read. Love to read; no time.
2. Travel more to visit my grandkids and kids.
3. Spend more time on a new hobby. Really would love to paddle board.
4. Go on vacation to relax and recharge
5. Just spend time cooking and learning some new cooking tips

Jan:

1. Take my kids to the movies again.
2. Go on vacation
3. No masks
4. Take my Dad to church
5. Have family get-togethers without worrying about wearing masks.

Cindy:

1. My 51st birthday is in June ? I have a trip to see family planned for early July, a trip to the beach planned for mid September, I have a grand-baby due in October and another grand-baby due in November. I am going to very happy and very busy!