Wimples are a woman's best friend

This piece underscores the shallowness of our youth-driven culture, as this woman discovered in the pages of the magazines geared for the over-40 crowd:

While one page extols the freedoms available to the over-50 woman, the other lists all the tried and true beauty products that are absolutely necessary for aging skin. All that new free time seems to be absorbed in applying various creams to our faces and necks.

Is the problem fine lines and wrinkles or is it puffiness? Do you need firming or lifting? Collagen or peptides? Anti-oxidants or retinol? Not to mention the magical new creams that can finally eliminate cellulite. Or frown lines (avoiding those time-consuming and expensive trips to the dermatologist for Botox!).

When I close the magazine, instead of feeling empowered, I feel diminished.

It's hard to insist that we're marvelous at any age, when the popular culture begs us to peel away the years and adopt a younger look and attitude. One thing I'm learning about Wicca and the attraction it holds for women is the rejection of the popular obsession with youth and consumerism, rather showing reverence for age, wisdom, and setting oneself apart -- ALL things that Catholic women should corner the market on. 

Comments

[Sunnyday]

What a great piece =) I think this sums up what most women around the age of 40 and above feel about beauty and self-image. I also notice that I tend to feel depressed and somewhat "inadequate" after leafing through women's and fashion magazines for too long, unless I'm consciously in "real woman" mode.

However, I do think that taking care of oneself -- including physical appearance -- is part of being fully human. I don't go for the "all-natural" philosophy which would lead a woman to neglect her looks. What I believe is not right is the obsession that preserving one's youth can turn into, fueled largely by images in the media.

[Holly Buchanan]

Baby boomer women are one of the most misunderstood demographics out there.

I specialize in marketing to women and I cannot tell you how many women echo the same sentiments - feeling more depressed than empowered by the marketing aimed at them.

the good news is - there are some companies who get it. Dove's Real Beauty campaign is one example. Yes, they're still hawking beauty products,but at least they are using models with more realistic body types. They've also started a Self-Esteem Fund aimed at young girls to help them feel better about themselves.

Holly