Botox anyone?

[indysteel]

I don't know whether I would ever get Botox, but in the back of my mind, I'm open to the idea of other procedures if I really thought they would make me feel better and be worth (subjectively speaking) the money. I'm almost 43 now, so it's hard to predict how I might feel at say, 60. My husband is younger than me by more than a few years, and I'm admittedly anxious about how we might look together as I age. Of course, I'm anxious about how I might look to him, too.

I will say this: Many of the older woman I know who seem either older or younger than their years appear that way because of how active, vibrant and fit they are (or aren't, as the case may be). Those that are active and fit, wear their wrinkles, lines and age spots really well. Attitude goes a long way in camouflaging imperfections.

[shootingstar]

BarbJo..hopefully you didn't misunderstand my comments.

Back to botox: Though we are diverse group, I don't think we are as diverse in breadth of women from all lifestyles, demographics (age, race, nationality, literacy level). Go ahead, jump on me. But that is my narrow opinion..after participating here over the last few years.

I suspect in a different women's forum where the whole forum was focused on beauty/cosmetics discussion as the main forum subject thrust, there may be a different sentiment. ie. more widespread use of botox by women participating in such forums.

[BarbaraJo]

Wow! Not sure where to go with this... First off I didn't realize I had to introduce myself, if that is the protocol I apologize for rocking the boat(bike) and hope that this discussion was worth it!
Second, I have to say I appreciate all the comments both positive and negative. It's always so interesting to hear how women don't judge other women!
I am a wearer of makeup, I own several blow dryers, I take great pride in how I look, both on the bike and off.I work out everyday, I ride at least 4 times a week I lift weights take yoga and Pilates, lost 37 lbs a year ago and have kept it off. I am very lucky to have good health, and look forward to aging gracefully! I have worked hard my 33 years of married life and want to continue to do the best I can to look good, and after the delayed discussion on this topic with my DH I was ultimately flattered to hear him tell me "he doesn't see my wrinkles when he looks at me!" That being said we are our worst critics, and I didn't like the angry look I was developing since I lost weight. I am happy with the results but not sure I want to maintain it. Let's call it a therapy session! Oh and to clear things up I was not covering anything up but my deep lines between my eyes and around my mouth!
I posted this here because this is the only women's forum I haveever joined and was wondering what the "feeling" was out there on this subject. Unfortunately I live in an area where this is a pretty common practice, I realize it is not everywhere.
So once again I do appreciate the discussion and look forward to many more!

[ny biker]

I've never introduced myself on this forum.

I think the important thing with botox, plastic surgery etc. is remaining natural-looking. I see some women at the gym who don't look human anymore because they're had so much work done. The same with some actors and actresses -- sometimes their faces are so puffy they look like they've been punched, or their faces are completely frozen from too much botox. But some look great, essentially like they looked when they were younger with just a bit of aging.

[indysteel]

I've always envied wash 'n go women. I have fine, straight hair and the coloring of a corpse. For work, I need the assistance of some styling products, a hair dryer and some makeup. I try to keep it pretty natural, but I look kind of puny without it. Plus, I think makeup can be kind of fun. On weekends, I don't bother with it as much.

But I firmly believe we should go with what makes us feel good and fits in with our lifestyle.

[Crankin]

Ha, Indy, "coloring of a corpse" describes me, too. With freckles, none the less.
Irulan, wow, I'm glad you realized you didn't have to do things exactly as your mom said. Funny, how parents do that to us...
Badger, I kind of think the same as you do.
My mom wore make up, had her hair done (twice a week in the early sixties), and flew to NYC to buy her clothes. She also let me know I could do whatever I wanted to, told me never to depend on a man, and was into exercise before anyone else of her generation, at least where I grew up. We rode our Raleighs together. She wore bell bottom jeans when other women were wearing white gloves. I am pretty much just like her!
I was thinking about how this applies to the younger generation of women. I don't have daughters, so it's interesting to me. Both of my DILs wear make up and they are very different people. One is 25, athletic, gorgeous, and in college. She was in the Marines when she met my son. The other one is 32, a professional, who grew up in a "hippie" family, and actually lived in a commune for about 3 years when she was a little girl. Her mom is about as opposite of me as humanly possible, in every way. She's very pretty, but overweight. Yet, both of them know when to dress up and wear make up, in their own unique style. They both get manicures and wear lipstick.
Just interesting to see how this plays out over generations.

[Eden]

I can't wear makeup...... If I try I just feel like I've got a clown face painted on..... Even if I keep it super light and super conservative. I've always felt this way even as a little girl when, I guess, I should have liked that sort of thing. I see other people who do a good job of keeping it natural looking, but it just doesn't seem to work for me. Give me a good wind burn to rouge up my cheeks any day, but you can keep the blush.

[malkin]

This:

I can't wear makeup...... If I try I just feel like I've got a clown face painted on.....

And this:

... forget I had it on and smear it so I looked like the victim of a bar fight.

That's me: a clown after a bar fight!

[malkin]

Wow! Not sure where to go with this... First off I didn't realize I had to introduce myself, if that is the protocol I apologize for rocking the boat(bike) and hope that this discussion was worth it!
Second, I have to say I appreciate all the comments both positive and negative. It's always so interesting to hear how women don't judge other women!
...
So once again I do appreciate the discussion and look forward to many more!

I never introduce myself on forums either. I just start hanging around like a stray cat, and either I fit in or I wander away.

For hair and make-up and primping in general, I have never really seen much improvement in my appearance from before to after. So it's either 'at least I'm making an effort' or 'a complete waste of time' depending on my mood.

[Irulan]

Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbaraJo View Post
Wow! Not sure where to go with this... First off I didn't realize I had to introduce myself, if that is the protocol I apologize for rocking the boat(bike) and hope that this discussion was worth it!
Second, I have to say I appreciate all the comments both positive and negative. It's always so interesting to hear how women don't judge other women!
...
So once again I do appreciate the discussion and look forward to many more!

I never introduce myself on forums either. I just start hanging around like a stray cat, and either I fit in or I wander away.

For hair and make-up and primping in general, I have never really seen much improvement in my appearance from before to after. So it's either 'at least I'm making an effort' or 'a complete waste of time' depending on my mood.

I like Malkin's approach, I do similar for forums, not make up. . There is no protocol for this board, as much as a few people think there should be. I've been posting here for years and I have no idea if I ever "introduced myself" here . (omg, almost ten years??!!!)

It's funny. My mom was an Original Bra Burning Feminist and I was highly discouraged from using make up, shaving, or anything remotely perceived as The Establishment Forcing Women To Do These Things In Order To Be Socially Acceptable. I'm at a loss for a better description - but you get the idea. It was only as an adult that I realized I didn't have to do it her way. But I still don't ever wear make up. I wasn't allowed Barbies, either.