The 'No Makeup' Trend

So listen up: Looking your best does not require the validation of others — IMHO, of course. Whether you wear makeup or not, may I suggest you keep that information to yourself? On a

need-to-know basis, no one needs to know this news! The emperor's new makeup? How much are you willing to forgo in your quest for authenticity? Celebs in their 20s, 30s and 40s love to

splatter barefaced pics across Instagram and Snapchat. But don't forget about all the beauty treatments that made them possible: dermatological facials, laser treatments, brow shapings,

waxings and threadings, and the odd filler or freeze to plump up those kissers or smooth out those frowns. As a fashion-photo director in recovery, I can assure you no model rolls out of

bed looking like that! Instead, "natural" often takes a village — of invisible groomers, stylists, nutritionists, manicurists (even when nails are left plain and buffed) and

cosmetic dentists. And I haven't even touched yet on the (often unseen) assist provided by Spanx, a support bra and designer duds. My take: Makeup is motivating. Call this non-PC if you

must, but I think makeup helps women feel good about themselves when times are tough. Rubinstein and Arden were dead-on in this respect: You can be just as authentic with makeup that looks

natural as you can by forswearing it altogether . All it takes is selecting the right shades and textures, then refining your application skills. Seriously, grown women of all ages get dark

circles under their eyes when they miss essential sleep. Their eyelids puff up after a night of salty food or cocktails, and hormonal zits are an occupational hazard of life. Now add to that

the generous bonus that Mother Nature confers on those of us who are 50+: saggy skin, brows in need of restoration, brown spots, broken capillaries … you get the picture. Why make focal

points of these deficits when what you say and do is so much more important? Bottom line: You don't need to ditch your makeup to make a political statement — and donning it can help you

face forward with confidence and attitude. _For more beauty and style tips for women 50+, check out _The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love after 50_ and

AARP's new Beauty & Style digital magazine, at aarp.org._