3.83

3

Jul 23, 2014

After the surprises I found awaiting me when I turned 40 (spoiler alert for the girls: your metabolism shuts down on your fortieth birthday) I decided that it would be a good idea to be prepared for what's lurking around the corner for me when I turn 50.

Robinson has some serious fashion/beauty industry street cred but I'm not sure she adds anything new to the equation here. Unless it happened in the chapter I didn't read. I skipped the chapter on plastic surgery because I just don't feel that After the surprises I found awaiting me when I turned 40 (spoiler alert for the girls: your metabolism shuts down on your fortieth birthday) I decided that it would be a good idea to be prepared for what's lurking around the corner for me when I turn 50.

Robinson has some serious fashion/beauty industry street cred but I'm not sure she adds anything new to the equation here. Unless it happened in the chapter I didn't read. I skipped the chapter on plastic surgery because I just don't feel that pull. I'm not aging gracefully, mind you. I'm hacking at aging like Hercules at the Hydra: I work out like a beast and don't eat nearly as much as I'd like to, my skincare regimen includes 9 steps and that's just the nighttime routine, I have more concealers in my handbag at this very second than most people amass in a lifetime. I'm fighting it. But I'm choosing my battles.

If you haven't read any other books about beauty and aging this is as good as anything out there. And this might be a revelation to you as a newbie. Otherwise, you can skip it. ...more

0

Jun 19, 2014

TL; DR? Here ya go -

According to Robinson, the first step in a makeup overhaul is to throw away everything you haven't used in the last 6 weeks. The bare necessities are one or two of each of the following:

Foundation and primer or tinted moisturizer
Cheek color (but not powder)
Lip liner (hmm... don't know about that one, but I'm not 50+ yet)
Lipstick in a creamy neutral color
Mascara
Eyeliner
Concealer (in the same color as, and applied over, your foundation) and highlighter (lighter than your TL; DR? Here ya go -

According to Robinson, the first step in a makeup overhaul is to throw away everything you haven't used in the last 6 weeks. The bare necessities are one or two of each of the following:

Foundation and primer or tinted moisturizer
Cheek color (but not powder)
Lip liner (hmm... don't know about that one, but I'm not 50+ yet)
Lipstick in a creamy neutral color
Mascara
Eyeliner
Concealer (in the same color as, and applied over, your foundation) and highlighter (lighter than your foundation by at least 2 shades)

But it's just impractical to follow her advice to store cosmetics in the fridge (and allow them to warm to room temperature before using).

I think most makeup-wearing women know that the major beauty corporations own or license several brands in a wide range of price points. Her recommendation is to buy the drugstore brand.

Besides sleep, sunscreen, moisturizer, and exercise Robinson recommends:

Antioxidant serums and creams
Retinoids to battle wrinkles, or
Alpha Hydroxy Acids to remove the top layers of skin
Cetaphil or Dove soap to remove makeup
But not "night creams" - just your usual moisturizer

Could have been condensed into a magazine article rather than a 200 pg book.


...more

5

I love make up and just turned 58, I look 45 this book gave me some very good ideas.Full Review

3

May 31, 2014

A quick read, most of which I already knew. The author does give suggestions for specific brands, which can be helpful.

1

Jan 19, 2015

There are some decent tips in here, but it's pretty much an article's worth of information sandwiched into a book full of fluff. Took me about an hour to get through it.

5

Jun 21, 2014

Great wisdom for women 50+. Threw out all my power blushes and lip gloss tubes and haven't looked back!

5

Mar 06, 2015

Excellent, very informative !

I really enjoyed this book, she gave a lot of good advice and specific products that work. I am reformed !

4

Oct 11, 2014

I enjoyed Toss the Gloss by Andrea Robinson......especially her tongue in cheek humor throughout the book. I also appreciated her honesty and openness. Her hints and suggestions were usable and helpful.

5

Apr 27, 2015

Positive , Real , Achievable Tips

I got more information on makeup application in this book than in all my life. Real info that works on the over 50 face, hair and body. Well worth the 99 I paid for the book. Upbeat, funny and very entertaining ! Recommend HIGHLY! Positive , Real , Achievable Tips

I got more information on makeup application in this book than in all my life. Real info that works on the over 50 face, hair and body. Well worth the 99¢ I paid for the book. Upbeat, funny and very entertaining ! Recommend HIGHLY! ...more

5

Feb 06, 2015

Fantastic guide to beauty over 50, from skincare, to make up essentials and application secrets (with specific product recommendations), style tips and even the pros, cons, and costs of various cosmetic procedures.

5

Jan 22, 2015

Most of my friends are shocked that I actually read this book but it was one of the most useful. If you aren't ovr 50 it's hard to explain but the regimen here not only works (even my husband thinks so) but also provides discipline that prevents buying new cosmetics every time one makes a new promise.

5

Jan 23, 2017

Witty and True

Andrea is better than a girlfriend: she KNOWS stuff.

Even if you skim the book, like I did, you will find the parts that matter to you to be written to be compassionate, knowledgeable, and honest. I may just have to a start wearing lipstick again, and I absolutely will get my regular mani-pedi.

Read this and enjoy.

2

Nov 14, 2015

Waste of Money

While written with humor, and easy to read, this book includes nothing beyond surface information included in typical magazine articles. There is little to no helpful information on how to apply make up, and the few illustrations that are included are very small and hard to decipher. I do like that the author recommends products and that those recommendations include high and low priced items.

2

Apr 26, 2014

Mehh...I was hoping for a miracle trick. There is no such thing. I was surprised to find how much energy some women put into their beauty/make-up regimen and apparently the cutthroat careers built on marketing make-up. The author shares her experiences as an executive for corporations such as Estee Lauder and Ralph Lauren. She offers some sound advice on saving money at the cosmetic counter and really...the best advice is in the title, "Toss the Gloss," give it to your daughter.

3

Apr 11, 2014

Despite the name dropping and high-end attitude, this is a helpful guide for those of us with aging faces. (While I'm not technically 50 yet, it can't hurt to start a couple of years early!). Products are explained in a way I have not been privy to in the past, as well as what to realistically expect from them. Best, she offers truly objective recommendations for specific products, most of which include drugstore brands alongside luxury brands. Now it remains to be seen what they can actually do Despite the name dropping and high-end attitude, this is a helpful guide for those of us with aging faces. (While I'm not technically 50 yet, it can't hurt to start a couple of years early!). Products are explained in a way I have not been privy to in the past, as well as what to realistically expect from them. Best, she offers truly objective recommendations for specific products, most of which include drugstore brands alongside luxury brands. Now it remains to be seen what they can actually do for me! ...more

4

Jul 29, 2016

I enjoyed this book and passed it onto a friend who read it and then passed it on as well. If you're a makeup user and in your late 40s or older, you may find this book beneficial. What I liked about is that it's written by a credible author who knows what she's talking about. After reading, and you can skip around chapters--there's no need to read from start to finish--I threw out about $300 worth of makeup and made some significant changes to what I wear. I can't say that anyone has noticed or I enjoyed this book and passed it onto a friend who read it and then passed it on as well. If you're a makeup user and in your late 40s or older, you may find this book beneficial. What I liked about is that it's written by a credible author who knows what she's talking about. After reading, and you can skip around chapters--there's no need to read from start to finish--I threw out about $300 worth of makeup and made some significant changes to what I wear. I can't say that anyone has noticed or made comments about my makeup either way. I can say, however, that I'm much less likely to buy new products and like what I see in the mirror. ...more

3

Jun 06, 2015

I'm not 50 yet, but was interested in the author's take on beauty and aging. And I was really interested in what she had to share about makeup and hair, and how a woman's needs and beauty change from decade to decade. Clothing and makeup trends that might have looked fab in one's twenties and thirties can look silly in your forties and fifties, so what to do?

The book answers some questions, but seems more geared to the posh than the everyday gal. She had some pretty good insider info from I'm not 50 yet, but was interested in the author's take on beauty and aging. And I was really interested in what she had to share about makeup and hair, and how a woman's needs and beauty change from decade to decade. Clothing and makeup trends that might have looked fab in one's twenties and thirties can look silly in your forties and fifties, so what to do?

The book answers some questions, but seems more geared to the posh than the everyday gal. She had some pretty good insider info from working in the fashion industry for so long, but didn't have much to offer in the makeup and hair tips department. Though it didn't address much of what I was looking for, it's a a fun skim of a book. ...more

3

Mar 24, 2015

This book read like a very long beauty magazine article. Long on the breezy claims but short on reference to any supporting evidence that her recommendations work or that her best bets were truly that.

The title of the book - Toss the Gloss - was the best advice I gleaned from the book. I'd already started to purge my skin care and make-up for things that were out of date and was I surprised by how much I had hidden in drawers and plastic storage cases.

The other good advice was to start a good This book read like a very long beauty magazine article. Long on the breezy claims but short on reference to any supporting evidence that her recommendations work or that her best bets were truly that.

The title of the book - Toss the Gloss - was the best advice I gleaned from the book. I'd already started to purge my skin care and make-up for things that were out of date and was I surprised by how much I had hidden in drawers and plastic storage cases.

The other good advice was to start a good skincare routine and stick to it. But many of her best bet recommendations had problematic, irritating ingredients and were super expensive.

I wouldn't spend the money to buy the book - check out your local library - that where I found this. ...more

3

Aug 16, 2014

For me this is more of a 3.5 stars. I liked her approach of telling it like it is with the beauty industry. I hope most of us that are 50+ already knew it. She has tons of experience in the beauty and fashion world and I liked her lay-out of the book. Although I am no longer in the working world, I do like to be feminine, wear a bit of makeup and get my hair done. She recommends many brands available at Target, etc. and tells when a specific product comes from the same manufacturer regardless of For me this is more of a 3.5 stars. I liked her approach of telling it like it is with the beauty industry. I hope most of us that are 50+ already knew it. She has tons of experience in the beauty and fashion world and I liked her lay-out of the book. Although I am no longer in the working world, I do like to be feminine, wear a bit of makeup and get my hair done. She recommends many brands available at Target, etc. and tells when a specific product comes from the same manufacturer regardless of brand. This was fun to read and I did get some tips...

accept your laugh lines...

Lipstick. It's time to get rid of those sticky, tacky, high-shine, lacquered tubes. Simply put: toss the gloss

The tubes from Target will probably work just as well as the bottles from Barneys.

...You can't rely on women's magazines for unbiased advice...

Your cheeks, unlike your ass, should always be plump! Plump, fresh and gorgeous! ...more

3

Aug 22, 2014

Andrea Robinson has had a storied career in the beauty industry, both as a magazine editor and cosmetics executive. She created The Nakeds product line for Ultima II in the late 80s/early 90s, predating both Bobbi Brown and the UD Naked palettes, which has numerous knock-offs: see http://www.pinterest.com/thestylepage.... More recently, she was the brains behind Tom Ford Beauty, but was later fired.

First, the negative aspects:

* I find it implausible that Robinson, who is 73, looks that young. Andrea Robinson has had a storied career in the beauty industry, both as a magazine editor and cosmetics executive. She created The Nakeds product line for Ultima II in the late 80s/early 90s, predating both Bobbi Brown and the UD Naked palettes, which has numerous knock-offs: see http://www.pinterest.com/thestylepage.... More recently, she was the brains behind Tom Ford Beauty, but was later fired.

First, the negative aspects:

* I find it implausible that Robinson, who is 73, looks that young. This negatively impacts the credibility of the book.

* This book will become dated fast, as cosmetics companies will discontinue products listed as "best bets."

* The make-up techniques are poorly described and illustrated, no matter how "charming" the illustrations are.

* You can find more extensive coverage of "non-invasive" techniques such as Botox and fillers and cosmetic surgery in Paula Begoun's The Original Beauty Bible and Allure magazine.

On the plus side, Robinson offers many affordable options as best bets. She also blows the lid off the beauty industry, which is a surprise, as she is a long-time beauty insider. Or could she have been bitter after her firing from Tom Ford Beauty?

As for me, I'm acting on Robinson's advice to cull my make-up collection, but I can't bring it down to the size of a cosmetic bag. ...more

5

Aug 24, 2014

Wabi-Sabi - celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Example: an old piece of pottery that is beautiful now with the patina. The aesthetic of imperfect beauty. Your flaws make you beautiful, noticeable, accessible, real.

* No harsh lines, blend, blend, blend.
* Throw out old 4 month of stuff.
* Write date on bottle so as not to use old stuff.
* Antioxidants are good - with anti aging serum.
* Retinoids are good
* Alpha hydroxy acids are good
* Cleanser - cheap but cleans well. Cetaphil gentle skin Wabi-Sabi - celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Example: an old piece of pottery that is beautiful now with the patina. The aesthetic of imperfect beauty. Your flaws make you beautiful, noticeable, accessible, real.

* No harsh lines, blend, blend, blend.
* Throw out old 4 month of stuff.
* Write date on bottle so as not to use old stuff.
* Antioxidants are good - with anti aging serum.
* Retinoids are good
* Alpha hydroxy acids are good
* Cleanser - cheap but cleans well. Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser
* Need a good moisturizing lotion. Cera Ve Facial Moisturing lotion or LoOreal age perfect day cream for mature skin spf 15.
* No night creams, toners, eye creams, neck creams, firming creams, lifting creams, or decollete creams.
* Try spanx panties.
* She likes primers.
* For foundation get one with a gold undertone to help with redness, one shade darker than your skin.
* Avoid foundations that are: anti-acne, balancing, clarifying, long wearing, matte, oil free, powder, self adjusting or smart.
* She likes tinted moisturizer and she likes BB and CC creams.
* Be sure to exfoliate.
* No powder blush.
* pg 111 112 How to put on eye make up. SEE BELOW
* No liquid eye liner - cover girl perfect blend eyeliner neutral colors.
* Gray to black eye duos for light eyes.
* lipstick - taupe, carmel, neutrals for pale skin - soft pinks - Revlon Super lustrous lipstick in Demure or Rimmel moisture renew lip color in Dreamy.
* Creamy lipstick no matte or frost.

EYE MAKE UP:
1) Primer - gently pat with ring finger.
2) Apply a natural shade from the upper lid to the crease
3) with an angled brush, dipped into a dark single shadow, and apply a thin line along the upper lash line.
4) When at the end of the corner of the eye "wing" it out with a barely there visible stroke. (This gives the illusion of "lifting" the eye up, but not a true cat eye effect.
5) Next dip the thin brush into the dark single eye shadow and lightly line the lower lashes from the outer edges to three-quarters of the way to the inner corner of the eye, making the soft line thinner as it moves toward the inner corner.
6) Curl lashes before applying mascara. Hold the wand close to the lash line and move it back and forth several times before pulling it through the lashes and follow up by holding the wand vertically and moving it back and forth like a windshield wiper. This will get rid of excess mascara and ensure the tips are coated.
7) Apply a dot of concealer on the outer edges of your eyes, just under the uplifted shadow to emphasize the upward direction of your eyes.
8) Add a dot of concealer on the inner corner next to the nose and blend well. This will remove any darkness there. It makes the eyes stand out.
9) Last brow gel. To sculpt the brows upward and outward.




...more

4

Sep 11, 2017

Bare necessities: foundation or tinted moisturizer, cheek color, lip liner (sharpen after each use), lipstick, mascara, eyeliner (sharpen after each use).

Skincare: sunscreen, antioxidants, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (exfoliant, e.g. glycolic acid), moisturizers (hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient, e.g. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion (SPF30)), cleanser. She gives names of specific products to try.

Concealer for under-eye circles: 1) apply foundation all over face, 2) apply heavier Bare necessities: foundation or tinted moisturizer, cheek color, lip liner (sharpen after each use), lipstick, mascara, eyeliner (sharpen after each use).

Skincare: sunscreen, antioxidants, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (exfoliant, e.g. glycolic acid), moisturizers (hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient, e.g. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion (SPF30)), cleanser. She gives names of specific products to try.

Concealer for under-eye circles: 1) apply foundation all over face, 2) apply heavier dose of foundation over dark circles; use small, stiff brush and build up carefully. 3) If this doesn't work, use concealer (one that's creamy and moisturizing) of same color, patting it in place with same small brush (or ring finger/high-quality silk sponge).

For redness, acne, spider veins around nose...use concealer that's more solid, dryish, usually found in a pot. Other spots to apply concealer: inner dark corners of eyes, outer corner of eyes for upward illusion, either side of mouth for upward illusion. Apply concealer and let dry. If still visible, apply again and let dry. Reapply a thin layer of foundation to those areas.

Primer: she recommends this for older women. Try different types. Needs to work well with foundation. Fills in wrinkles, lines, and pores and covers most dark circles, and makes foundation last longer.

Highlighter: golden or natural skin tone cream with low level of shimmer (should be lighter than foundation by at least 2 shades; she explains where to apply it)

Foundation: to counteract gray pallor at menopause, use foundations with golden (yellow) undertones, not pink, that's 1-2 shades darker than complexion. Try samples from stores like Target to find right shade. Test on jaw line and examine it in nature light. Tinted moisturizer is good for older women.

Blush: Use creams/sticks/tints, not powder. For fair skin: dusty pink/woody rose tones. Find "sweet spot"; she explains.

Tanning/bronzers/self-tanners:
Eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara. She explains how/what to apply in 9 steps.
Brushes: natural brushes are better for dry products and synthetic for cream/liquid because they soak up less formula than natural hair. Wash one or more times a week. She suggests brands of brushes and eyelash curlers to get.

Eyebrows: Have a professional shape your eyebrows (tweezing, waxing, or threading). Brows should never be lighter than your hair color, but if you're using a pencil to fill in some mising hair, choose a shade lighter than your eyebrow hair color. She lists brands to try.

Lipstick: Use lipstick, not gloss. Start with a neutral matte pencil and choose a shade that's close to natural lip color. Sharpen and draw a line just above outside edge of natural lip line. She explains in more detail. Now apply lipstick. For fair/pale skin: neutrals with soft pinks, pale peaches, and apricot undertones. Look for creamy/shine in texture. She gives tips for applying. Instead of lip gloss, use lip balm. She gives names of brands to consider. It's good to exfoliate lips too. She lists brands to consider.

Hair: She lists volumizing shampoos and sprays.
Necks: moisturize, exfoliate, protect. She gives tips for camouflaging jowly chin line...
Hands: Keep lotion everywhere, moisturize hands every night (Kiehl's Hand cream and Jurlique rose Hand cream are good). Take them to a manicurist once a week, and pamper toes and feet. ...more

4

Oct 16, 2018

A lot of bragging and name dropping. Interesting to learn some of the business end of the beauty industry & their shady marketing/rebranding/repackaging tactics. Good to know my preference for neutral makeup has always been the most flattering & age appropriate :)

3

Feb 22, 2018

I felt like there were a lot of good suggestions to try and I like that she tells you which brand and color products to try. She says that your makeup routine should not take longer than 10 minutes. With all the primers and pencils she suggest, I am a bit doubtful if I could achieve that time limit. I have to say that it would take me at least 20 minutes to makeup my eyes the way she suggests.

5

Apr 03, 2019

This is an encouraging and helpful book for those of us who are 50+ and never work make-up. Her "tips, tricks and truths" are based upon years of top-drawer experience in the beauty business. Her overarching goal is to help women shine in their glory years rather than look like magazine models.