I have very pale & fragile skin, so have had to be very careful about reactions.  Happily, I learned very early that trying to tan is foolish for me, since ‘blistered & peeling’ is not my best look. My skin frizzled with some expensive brands, which led to not being able to use make up for months.  (With one brand of very expensive eye-shadow, I ended up not being able to use eye-shadow for years.  No exaggeration.)

I used Clinique sparingly since the reactions started, but now that money is so tight I buy Almay, and do just fine.   I still have to be careful about not using make up if my skin is even slightly annoyed by life.

I will say that my skin, when happy, is very pretty indeed, and that I’m not a big fan off too much make up- which is a good thing under the circumstances!

70 sunblock is my friend.  And, at 48, my wrinkles are laugh lines.

I use the minimum, lip stick and eye stuff.

Creams : all Avon

I recently had my purse stolen while visiting San Francisco. Among the items inside were some cosmetics. Because I had so many things to replace, and had lost a decent amount of cash, I picked up a few essential cosmetics from the drugstore.

The wind and drizzle made the inexpensive mascara run all over my face, so I looked like a racoon! The brown eyebrow brush left brown stains on my skin. And the concealer concealed nothing!

I quickly threw it all away and went back to department store brands. Lesson learned!

The one lucky aspect of this debacle: I sat next to Leslie Stahl ono the plane ride back. She is the epitome of class, grace, and accomplishment, and an inspiration for all women. 

Long term statistics show that cosmetic purchases are "inelastic".  That is, women change their prior habits slowly in response to economic conditions.  That certainly describes me, and it seems ok as well.  I just don’t subscribe to the theory that a bit of an interest in fashion and style makes one shallow!