Who is 60 and still visible?

“Dress cute wherever you go, life is too short to blend in.” – Paris Hilton

“Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Have you heard those words recently? It is terribly deflating to realise that you have become invisible and are now just background for the younger set.

Is it time for a high-vis makeover?

HAIR – The obvious place to start.

Talk to your hairdresser about a bold new colour. Bold is the operative word here.

Turn grey into ash blonde.

Pepper-and-salt can become chestnut.

Mouse-brown can transform to deep auburn.

N.B. Avoid black because it may not suit a mature complexion.

Add some lighter coloured foils to take away the harshness of one deep, all-over colour. VOILA! The door opens on a whole palette of new and vibrant colours that may never have suited you before; yellow, orange, purple, emerald green, fire-engine red, turquoise and pretty pastels too.

Your hairdresser can help you choose a style to flatter and be on-trend.

The short bob – no longer than the earlobes.

The curly bob, undercut at the back.

A new upswept style. Braided? Coiled plaits? Chignon?

An elfin style a la Audrey Hepburn – in fashion now.

Try an extra-short fringe to show off an oval face.

The sky’s the limit, but do include a little of the extreme to draw attention.

MAKE-UP – Essential for visibility past 60. Make time. Experiment. Boost your ego and enjoy the compliments.

N.B. Time to toss out the liquid foundation – tends to collect in wrinkles and folds. Sometimes skin on the face can be a bit flaky, and liquid foundation looks awful.

Apply a little serum and when dry, follow-up with a touch of moisturiser.
A moment later, a few dabs of primer spread over. (I use Avon’s Magix Face Perfector).

A concealer on any blemishes.

A sweep of mineral powder all over then a light sweep of mineral powder blush on the cheeks. You may prefer to use pressed powder and compact blush.

Eye make-up needs to be subtle to avoid looking ridiculous. Concentrate on eliminating dark shadows by using pressed powder as an eyeshadow. Keep the brows reasonably prominent; mascara is a must and eyeliner optional.

Wear a noticeable lipstick colour and reapply when necessary.

Keep the shine off with pressed powder from time-to-time during the day.

Bare legs are nice with skirts, dresses or shorts. If your legs are less than perfect, use a wash-off leg tan.

Style tips for high visibility

The jeans cut flatters best.

A denim jacket worn over anything and everything.

Try on a jumpsuit and see how you like it.

Add texture – velvet, fur, wool, alpaca, mohair, suede, leather.

Half-tuck a blouse.

Use a rope belt with jeans.

JEWELLERY – It’s easy to bling-up and attract the eye, so always remember to wear jewellery – I imagine you will have quite the collection, so let’s see it!

The cuff bangle is a winner.

Animal shapes are fun – leopard, snake, elephant.

Brooches are “in” at the moment and can be a conversation piece. Cameo, diamante, geometric.

A single, sculptural earring will surprise.

Deliver on the eye with the full suite – necklace, earrings, bracelet, ring/rings and brooch depending.

ACCESSORIES – Here is your chance to push the boundaries, add some fantasy and maybe come over slightly eccentric.

Handbags can be the knockout number one accessory. My floral handbag has been much admired.

If you wear glasses, go all out with colour. Add drama with black frames, white frames, tortoiseshell, red, what else? Put together a wardrobe of coloured specs. The shape is your choice – cat’s eyes are the go at present; round and rectangular look good. Cocoa coloured lenses in sunnies are classy.

Rely on a scarf in “your colour” to lift your look.

SHOES – Footwear can make or break a smart outfit.

Summer dress/filmy pants with no-lace sandshoes. Add the denim jacket.

A pair of low boots with a skirt or dress.

Jeans tucked into long boots is timeless.

Although we love our stilettos, nowadays might feel more stable in this season’s chunky heels. Look for a metallic heel – so 2017.

Nude coloured shoes for a long-legged look.

Pastel flats – ballet style.

Add loafers, platform sneakers to the collection.

COLOUR – Ditch the donkey brown, khaki, grey and beige. These colours guarantee invisibility. Also avoid blush pink and mushroom – too close to your skin colour – talk about washed-out!

Concentrate on the colours that suit you.

Yellow and orange tones for brunettes and brown eyes.

Pastels for blondes and blue eyes.

Jewel colours for dark complexions.

Makeover your appearance with the emphasis on creating an arresting new you. Add a manicure and a big smile, and you will take friend’s and family’s breath away – they won’t recognise you; you will knock their socks off and will have become very, very visible to the whole world.

What do you think of Margaret’s makeover tips?  What would you add?

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