The Beatles – That '70s Girl 2

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends. Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends. Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends. With a little help from my friends…

— With a Little Help From My Friends, The Beatles

I initially intended that this blog wouldn’t be all about me. I wanted to share my friends’ advice and tips because I have a wonderful network of beautiful friends. So, this week we’re talking SKINCARE, and I’ve asked some of my dearest friends about their skincare regimen. I’ll also share mine.

I’m that 70s girl who grew up worshipping the sun. This was way before SPF 50, and I lived on “Bain de Soleil for the St. Tropez tan” in the back yard with the water sprinkler for relief. (We were poor and didn’t have a swimming pool.) In college, I scheduled all my spring semester classes either early in the day or at night so that I could lay out and tan in the afternoon. I went to college in Phoenix – one of the best places in the universe for a sun worshipper.

But, now it’s 2018, and I’m paying the price for those days in the sun.

With a little help from my friends and a little help from our friends, here is the skincare products we’re using at this stage of our lives.

Amy McGhee Ochs: the one who still doesn’t take that great care of her skin

I’m still not that great at taking care of my skin, but I’ve found that SK-II is making a difference. The story on this product goes that a “monk in Japan observed that elderly workers at a sake brewery had smooth, clear and young-looking hands from years of submerging them in the fermented yeast, and the rejuvenating ingredient pitera was eventually isolated for cosmetic use.” I actually heard this story when I was at a communications conference from a guy at Proctor & Gamble, the company who owns SK-II.

I can tell that the deep crevices in my forehead have smoothed down a bit – much better than Botox or fillers that I’ve tried once or twice in the past. I also use Beauty Flash by Clarins for my face and eyes. I was watching this YouTube video with a fashion blogger, her mother, and her grandmother, and truly these women looked fabulous. The grandmother recommended Clarins Beauty Flash, and I went out and bought it immediately.

If I was more diligent, I would have a better night time routine. I hate to admit it, but most of my attention to my skin is in the morning. I don’t use much make-up, only eyes by Laura Mercier and a new brand I’ve found By Terry is getting in the lineup. They have some great brightening serum.

Nancy Mays Archibald: the friend who helped me discover David Yurman

I’m a Lancôme user. Renergie Lift day and night creams are my daily moisturizers. I do use Fresh, cream Ancienne, occasionally, like in cold winter, or after too much sun exposure, but it’s really heavy and very expensive. Now that my neck is sagging, I put my moisturizer all the way down to my collar bone or décolleté area.

Getting a facial has become an important ritual for me. At this age, I have more time and money, so I try to get one every month. I’d love one every week! My esthetician does the work, and I relax. It really does make my makeup go on smoother.

Helen Ward Baker: the friend who is my favorite realtor, interior designer, clothes & shoes critic

Well here is my facial routine:

Have used this product for over two years. If I try something new I always come back to it.
Cleanser morning and night followed by serum
Morning use Hydrating Intense Moisturizer
Evening use the cream
Oh and a little Botox helps!
Image Skincare has products for all skin types
In the winter, I switch back and forth between The Vital C product and the Ageless product.
They also have an awesome Hyaluronic Filler

Sheree Wesson Deardoff: the friend who was my college roommate

I’ve used Rodan & Fields sensitive skin products for about the last 4 years or so (I don’t really remember when I started). My daughter-in-law began selling the products, and I wanted to support her, so that’s how I got started with them. First I tried the “redefine,” which was supposed to help older skin and somewhat repair lined skin. Apparently, though, it was too much for my skin or I was allergic to something, and I got a pretty bad rash. Once I switched to the sensitive skin, my skin did so much better. I also love the serums (skin and eye) which both seem to help brighten the skin. The eye serum has helped a lot with diminishing dark circles under my eyes. My very favorite product, though, is the Lash Boost. I’ve never had great lashes, but they have improved and increased with the product.

So, as I’ve aged, my skin seems to have become more sensitive to products than in my youth. I have also used Origins products, but only select ones don’t irritate my skin. My favorite from Origins is a face oil. I was skeptical at first, but it really does seem to add moisture to my skin. I’ve also used a coconut oil blend (3 ingredients). Both of these I primarily use at night. The R&F I use each morning.

I’m not sure I really have any advise or tricks except to drink lots of water, protect from the sun using sunscreen and hats, get plenty of sleep, and moisturize using something that works for your own skin. I wish I had done all of these things as a teen and 20-year old.

Darlene Singleton: the friend from work who recently retired and is living her best life with grandkids and travel

Never did and probably never will —
Don’t use moisturizer except what is in my tinted moisture makeup
I heard Sally Fields say years ago to wash your face every night – no matter what time you get home – so I do that

Vickie West Shine: the friend who is always ready to go, anywhere, any time, any place (even if we get stuck in elevators)

Cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen
Night time routine really love the Emu oil mixed with moisturizer
Morning makeup, love the Savvy Minerals from Young Living, they have lasted over 1 year!

The eyes have it! I don’t leave home without it!
Mornings, noon, and night I use the brow growth serum and Lattise at least once a day!
The lips! Darker liner on outer line, light in the middle for a pouty lip, the YSL plumper and gloss!