On the right in above picture, is how you know me: colourful, high heels, nice hair, smile on my face. Sometimes I even hear:
“You are so <fill in compliments about my looks.. he he>, I could never look like that“.
Social media are full of happy, lovely, perfect people. Images impossible to live up to. So…. for all of you out there….. you are going to see what I look like when I get out of bed !! And what I have to do to achieve this look. The make-over of a woman over 60.
To begin with, play this little video of my make-down (as I call it). Only 21 seconds.
Did you see it?
OK, now for the slow version, photo by photo, you don’t even have to enlarge them to have a closer look. My husband Ron, who loves me dearly, think they are like pictures in a haunted house ha ha. He advised me not to go through with this post. But, what the heck? What is the worst thing that can happen to me? That people say I am ugly? My reply will be: “But I have a nice character. I rather have that than the opposite which is clearly more like you.” Hah!
Below: this is how I get out of bed. No, that is actually a bit of a lie. My hair is already cut by a fabulous hairdresser (Inge) and it is dyed blond. There is also a bit of “crude clay” in it to give it more volume, and I blow-dried my hair to style it into a nice bob instead of letting it hang straight down. Plus, I am tanned.
Below: I have added conceiler under my eyes, some blush on my cheeks and I “painted” my eyebrows. As you can see, I did not photoshop the creases from my face haha.
Below: next step: I have added olive-green eye shadow above my eye. I also have a little bit of golden eye shadow above that. Hard to see when your eyelids are hanging down, but let’s say it is nice when you look down 😆 .
Below: added mascara. We are getting somewhere.
Below: drumroll…… Hair done nicely (just backcombed it and then straightened it again), colourful clothes which suit my complexion and lipstick which I so need.
Below: recap: this is how I started.
Below: and this is what I can make of it.
When I started the photo series, I deliberately wore a boring and unflattering T-shirt and very loose trousers with comfortable shoes. Not only the shoes but the whole outfit is really very comfortable. Only.. I don’t want to be seen dead in it. The colours of the T-shirt make my face look sick. The length of the shirt gives the outfit the wrong proportions: it cuts me in half. The trousers and shoes don’t do anything for me. They are rather boring. Especially in combination with the rest. It does show what a difference clothes can make. It is not only make-up and hair. Clothes and colour definitely count. That T-shirt for instance, would look very good with a red fitted jacket and tucked-in at the front of skinny trousers.
The “dolled-up look” is also very comfortable, believe it or not. The pink trousers don’t pinch anywhere. The green top moves with my body and isn’t tight at all. I will admit, the heels are something you have to master and the scarf and sleeves are not handy when doing the washing up. But there are clothes which are comfortable and still look better than my black trousers and grey/white shirt. On me and on you and your body type. It just takes time (research) to find out what suits you.
OK, here is the video again, now going from “out of bed” to “all dolled up”, the make-over.
I bet you have been grinning while reading this post.
Greetje
Linking up with Patti of Not Dead Yet Style, who is inviting women to show colour in Visible Monday.
Linking up with Catherine’s Not Dressed as Lamb, who is inviting women to show polka dots in I will wear what I like.
Tolle Frau! Tolle Photos! Thank you, I like your Blog !!!!
Thank you Marie. I like pretty pictures but I also want to pop the fake bubbles.
A good makeup and nice clothes can make we feel confident and that’s why they are important.
But I saw you in the morning and I can assure that you looked delightly nice also without makeup!!!
Haha, you are too kind. Nevertheless thank you dear. I will always wear make-up and nice clothes, like you. For the same reasons.
You are a very attractive Lady either way but what is so attractive to me that your Eyes, your Charisma is sparkling and Young in the most positive sense. Will follow your Blog now ? many greetings from Vienna, Austria! Gabi
That is a lot of compliments. Thank you very much. Such comments make it very worthwhile to create a post like this haha. I hope to keep you entertained with my posts in the future.
I always wore make-up when I was younger, but find I cannot wear mascara anymore, due to eye irritation. I’ve tried various ones but have not found one that is comfortable. I really need mascara to bring my eyes out. I find dyeing the eyelashes burns my eyes. Do you have any suggestions? I am very fair and wear glasses.
Have you tried Blinc Kiss Me mascara? The Japanese tubing mascara? You can get it on Amazon. My mother is allergic to everything on planet earth, and has all sorts of problems with her eyes, including blepharitis and rosacea ON HER EYEBALLS! She even has a special eyelid cleaner. Anyway, she uses this, and it doesn’t bother her eyes. I think if my mom can use it, almost anyone can! Good luck xx
I am afraid I don’t have a solution for you. You are obviously allergic to some ingredients. Best thing is to find out what it is you are allergic to (via a dermatologist) and start scanning all mascaras to find out which one does not use those ingredients. Perhaps the dermatologist knows brands? My stepdaughter is allergic to many ingredients and it took her a lot of research to find products she could use. But she did.
Greetje, you are always a treat. A surprise. An inspiration. AND most importantly, a giggle! I love how you don’t take yourself too seriously, but you still tackle a really serious issue. Even women in midlife have issues around self esteem and acceptance, and you just blow it apart and make it entertaining. Well done you; you can only be gorgeous because you are so lovely on the inside. I think you could wear mascara for blush and make it work. xxx
What a fun comment! And so flattering! Thank you very much. My husband and a close friend still think I am mad to publish this haha. It was very nice of you to give Vickie the mascara advice. Now I am off to try mascara as blush. See whether I can set a trend ?
Hello Greetje,
I have been following your blog for several months but I’m not sure if I’ve commented before this. Though I’m not a blogger myself I have discovered the pleasure of following over 40 ,fashion/lifestyle bloggers. I find that learning about women from all over the world in this context is really fun, interesting, and even exciting!
This post is very revealing. I admire your guts girl! I’ve found that as I grow older (I’m 65) I’ve truly become a more “high maintenance” gal. I’m actually wearing less makeup but it seems the process of getting ready for an “event” takes me longer. Here you are , bravely baring your face and your beautiful heart and soul with humor and grace! You rock Greetje!
I’ll be commenting more often. I also want you to know how much I enjoy reading about your life, your fashions and your fun meet ups with your girlfriends.
These are the sort of comments that make my heart sing. This is what bloggers live for haha. So thank you very much. Making a post is nice “work” to me, but I am always so curious to know what readers think of it. Your compliments are above and beyond my expectations. I will glow of pride the whole day now.
It is true that regardless of make up or clothing it is still fabulous you that shines through : )
Fun post. I need to try this : )
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you dear, that is a lovely thing to say. Even more lovier to read ?. The post was meant to show women who think it is hard to look good, that it really isn’t. But I will accept all the compliments that come with it. ?
I love this so much! how refreshing to see someone being real. I see that first look a lot in local shopping centres and it always make me feel a little sad for some reason. You make me happy every Monday!
Thank you Donna. Of course if a woman says: “I think this is all humbug, I am who I am” then I will not dispute them. It is a personal choice. But I agree, it doesn’t make me happy to look at either. On the other hand, all these different tastes make the world an interesting place.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I fear I look like the before post. This encourages me to make an effort. Thank you from my heart.
Oh this is so nice of you to say. That was the whole purpose of this post. To show that it isn’t that difficult. Although I agree it does take some time to find out what is good for you. And then the “maintenance time” haha.
I love your attitude and I think you are gorgeous with or without your make-up, Greetje! Thank you for having the chutzpah to show yourself – Anna is right: I only see you without make-up, not the wrinkles. You’re gorgeous!
Ah Sheila, what a lovely surprise to see your comment. Thank you very much for the compliments. I would like to say to every woman who needs some boosting of her self-esteem: start blogging haha.
i L O V E this post!!
greetje – you´r gorgeous! gorgeous – and you have your heart at the right spot!
and btw. – fabulous outfit – the the colored one 🙂
xxxxxx
It is amazing what a bit of colour can do, isn’t it? Thank you for the compliments. I will keep on putting make-up on by the way. Much more “gorgeous” haha.
I really enjoyed this post and know you are beautiful inside and out. It does make a difference in the colors we wear in clothes. I think the colorful outfit enhanced your beauty.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Thank you dear Alice. I totally agree with your point of view about colourful clothes. At least for me that works.
This is a wonderful inspirational post. I really enjoyed it. It is real life for some of us! My eyebrows and lashes are so light that I also color the eyebrows and use mascara. Eye shadow, mostly neutrals, are something I apply regularly along with blush and lip color. It is amazing how color and shading can enhance our features as we age. As long as I can get out of bed in the morning I’ll keep trying!
Haha, funny Elaine. I am glad you liked this post. It got a lot of respons. Like you I will continue to adorn myself, just because it is fun and makes me feel good.
Oh Greetje, you don’t know how much this blog post helped!
You look good both with & without makeup – your face has such character.
I so enjoy all your posts – I know I will have a smile on my face when I have finished reading your latest offering. Also, your English is perfect – you put us non-linguists to shame.
Please continue to share all your wisdom & humour & fabulous sense of style with us.
As my daughter would say – ‘You’re a star’.
Thank you.
Su (64 & from England).
P.S. Thanks also for sharing pictures of your lovely country with us – I find them fascinating.
Honestly Su, comments like yours make it all worth while. Blogging is a dear hobby of mine as I get to do all the things I like: photographing (still learning so much), choosing which pictures, writing and socializing. But often I ask myself, as all bloggers do, WHY do I do this? Is there anybody out there really interested? And then I get a comment or a mail like yours. And I am sooo smitten, so touched. Thank you very much, for taking the time and for your kind words. As for my English, we Dutch are used to speaking other languages. Always have done. My English isn’t bad, but it certainly isn’t perfect. Which is something I regret as I can never be as eloquent in English as I can in Dutch. But it gets me a wider audience. I hope to keep you entertained for many more years.
Greetje, this is a wonderful post. Your direct, honest and real approach to blogging and to the entirety of life presents a role model for us all. Your beauty shines with makeup or without. How clever to come up with the makedown concept. I celebrate you!
Hah! I thought I might show some readers that I wasn’t born like this. Just to encourage them. It takes effort but not that much. Can be achieved by everybody. And I thought it would make an interesting blogpost. Well.. I was right about the second, never sure about the first, although some comments give the idea I succeeded. Very rewarding. Thank you very much for your compliments. It is so strange that we never met, yet we seem to know each other.
I do think that makeup and clothing can be quite trans formative. And it’s not really an ugly vs pretty thing. It’s more of a refinement….
Most days, I put on all the makeup, but for lazy days, I think the lipstick can be the wow factor (that and some good sunglasses!!)
Definitely the clothing can change your look—color and fit—-what you are showing is a perfect example!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I did my utmost to give clear examples. As an encouragement for women who think they cannot achieve this. If they want to do this of course. Not everybody’s cup of tea.
You’ve done a great job and made us all happy. You remind me it’s fun to take care of myself.
Thank you very much. It was my pleasure entirely.
I am coming back to this post to make comment #2! Yesterday was such a good example of how clothing (and grooming) affects your mood. I left to go shopping with a dear friend (who has great style) but took the easy way out (as usual for me). I wore a shapeless linen T-shirt in an unflattering color which cut my
length in half over wide cropped jeans and neat looking Cole Haan sneakers. I felt that there was a “frumpy” sign over my head all day. Not having a inborn style gene, I often go for the tried and true when a little more effort would do the trick. Just saying!!
There are a few basics you have to find out for yourself. Like which colours suit you (there are colour consultants); what style of clothes suits your body shape (there are styling consultants). You only have to go to a consultant once and then you know. Furthermore Sylvia of 40+Style has some great pages on every shape a woman can have. She also has great advice on T-shirts with something extra instead of the boring ones. Once you know some basics for yourself, you can eliminate all items from your wardrobe which make you look frumpy. Then you have the tried and true. Because it isn’t nice to feel frumpy all day.
OK Greetje, I’ve whizzed past all the other comments as I want to say what I think without copying or being influenced by the others. I’m 58 and am already fighting shy of having full on photos taken of my face. Polly and my camera would be far too revealing for me to cope with. You see, it’s not about cheating my readers, it’s about deluding myself. I’ve just recently starting wearing glasses at work and it’s been a real eye opener. How dreadful my lipstick is some days when I’ve just slapped it on in a hurry! I’m wrinkled and have terrible skin (I think) and yet I want to portray myself as glamorous.
But here’s the truth of the matter. By you showing the full reveal as you have, I don’t see the wrinkles or your age – I just see you without make up. Yes, you do improve the overall effect with all the makeover, hair do and those colourful clothes, but what comes across is the shine in your eyes and the honesty on your face. “See me, wrinkles and all” is what you say and I’m sure we all applaud you for that. (Yes, I’ll go back once this is published to read all the other responses). Good for you girl! Brave and bold and beautiful you, Greetje. Well done. Hurrah!
I agree with what you say because I have always said that: people don’t see just the mere exterior. They see the whole package. And your character, your personality shines through. By the sound of the comments, you’d think I am a saint haha. But I can put these things in perspective, don’t worry.
But see, this is what also happens with you. People see the glamorous women you are. Because that is your essence. Don’t worry about old age, it just gets easier. Especially once you have accepted it is what it is. I have only come into this stage recently and I love it. Hence the balls to do this makedown.
Age per se doesn’t worry me. I do in fact find it liberating as the older I get, the less I care what others think of me. I think it’s easier to explain this way – my mother-in-law (now dead, bless her soul) used to say what a rotten trick it is to permanently feel like a 20 year old, yet have to see this old woman’s face every time she looked in the mirror. This is the battle I too have. I know that others can see me age every day, every year and accept me. The problem is my youth hasn’t left my soul, just my face. (I’m still valiantly fighting the battle with my body!) Am I alone in feeling like this? Who knows. But writing a blog may be the wrong venture if you have these issues…
Anna
I felt exactly the same. Only I was 33 in my head haha. One day you don’t fight this battle anymore. It does get easier as the acceptance of what an old woman can do or wear is changing rapidly. So you can just go right ahead. Your youthful spirit will also be there in your old age and you can let it run free.
Very brave of you–but you’re still a nice looking woman without the makeup etc. I thought the striped top and trousers were your pyjamas! But, what a difference eye makeup makes–the difference started showing with just the shadow. When I was mid-30s, a friend made me swear I wouldn’t leave the house without mascara–I wish I had kept to my promise all these years. It’s the one thing I NEED. That and coffee. This was a good lesson; thank you.
I need eyebrowes and lipstick. Changes so much. Then mascara, then eye shadow. I am so used to applying these things, I don’t even think about it anymore. Just a little sigh now and then haha.
Greetje, this is fabulous! The best post any of us has ever posted. Your message spoke volumes for a wonderful cause . . . That we have so much more to give than what you see on the (perfect) surface. When you really think about it, do why honestly want others just to think of us as some perfect dressed woman? How incredibly shallow would that character be? It would break my heart for others to not know what I was truly made of. Your character and attributes show through with each post showing your love of life, friendships, your strengths and your weaknesses (which you’re able to laugh about). I’ve loved you from the very first time you responded to my post and even more so when I finally met you in person. You are truly a remarkable and real woman!
Oh go on. I cannot handle such sweet talk. Makes me cry. ? Thank you nevertheless. ?? You are very kind.
I will say that character shows through features and really paints the picture.
Bravo Greetje! A great idea for a post, and excellent execution. I remember a co-worker once asked me years ago at a previous job if I was ill, and it was because I wasn’t wearing any lipstick (I’m usually quite pale). A guy on the bus said to me recently “it’s amazing what a little lipstick can do for a woman”. I look like a ghost in the morning without my brows and my lips. We present the face to the world that makes us feel good about ourselves whether that face has some cosmetic enhancement or not.
I so agree with everything you say. I have heard the same, when I go out without brows or lipstick. Which doesn’t happen very often. And I totally agree with your last sentence as well.
Wonderful, Greetje! I love watching your evolution, and you are perfectly lovely in the “before” as well! We all have a natural morning look, make-up free, and there’s nothing wrong with that. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Your “morning” post inspired me! thank you for your kind words. (Even though they are not true haha.)
Hi Greetje, Love your blog and this one was absolutely inspiring. It really is so honest of you to show yourself with no make up because all the usual magazine articles where ‘celebs’ are make up free are so obviously not true! You obviously look great for your age (or someone 20 years younger!) but at 65 I am so interested in how women similar to me look! I love clothes and make up and spend quite some time every morning applying my make up and tonging my hair and then look passable for the day but I certainly look very different to how I woke up! Anyway youre inspiring, love your clothes and attitude to life which I identify with! Also am soo in love with those pink flats from your last blog!
Thank you Linda. So pleased I can have such an impact with this post. Thanks ever so much for all the compliments. I am flattered. And the pink flats are so comfortable that I am tempted to buy them in black too. In spite of the price. I am waiting for the end of September to see whether they will be reduced.
I love your outfits and I really like how you shared all your photos! You and I are close in age, I was born in 1956! Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. 🙂
Thank you Linda. It is really nice to know there are women out there who appreciate my little blog.
Brava. You were brave and I think the world is a better place for it. For the record, I don’t think you look all that bad in the first photo. Less vibrant, perhaps, but still put together and like you care enough about yourself to make an effort. I actually think your natural lip color looks like you have a bit of lipstick on, just in a nude-to-you pink. Excellent topic and sensitively handled. Well done, you.
Oh how nice of you. Thank you. It was my intention to encourage women who think “I cannot do that”. To restore some confidence by showing that it is not that difficult to look better. Having said that.. “better” is something everybody has to decide for themselves. It is funny you say that about my lips as I am convinced that my lips are totally not there, unnoticable. I even have colleagues who yell: “put some lipstick on” to me. We are Dutch, we are rather direct. Or rude haha.
Thank you for sharing this!
It is my pleasure entirely Darlene. It is who I am.
This is probably only the third time I have commented on Greetje’s blog in all the years it has been out there,
So, For all of you who follow Greetje’s Blog:
Greetje and I became friends when we first worked together, back in day, in our twenties, ‘foot loose and fancy free’. Something clicked and we have been friends ever since. Despite living in different countries, having completely different lives, when we see each other we pick up where we left off and still make each other laugh.
I have never understood the fashion blogging thing, we have talked about it a lot, and I appreciate that it is a creative medium for her, and possibly all of you who do it, but have often said I find it a bit narcissistic. I don’t always look at the posts, and Greetje knows this. So often, to draw my attention to a particular post, she emails it to me!
As she did with this one.
Well done, my dear friend, not only is is well written, and fun to read, it is brave, honest and inspirational to all “oldies” out there!
Pat
I am touched. I am off to cry a little now. Thank you. Sorry for the mushiness.
Brilliant Post you are the bestGreetje Best wishes from Diane in Australia?
Well.. This is a short but very sweet comment. Thank you very much Diane!!
I loved this article, so open hearted and honest of you. I love how you look, but the complete outfit and hair bring you to life. I feel like me when I look nice, I was recently widowed and a neighbour came round to see me. I had been crying and she told me I looked better without make up and that I should dress in black for five years like the local widows here in Greece. So I told her that every day my husband was ill I dressed nicely and looked good, it meant a great deal to him to see me looking good. I intend to continue for the rest of my life, looking good for myself and anyone who cares to look. Blessings, Janet
That is such a terrific attitude Janet. It is very hard to do when you are in such pain. Because I bet you just want to curl up, cry and shut everybody and everything out. Which is of course not going to help, but that is what most of us feel like doing when in big grieve. It is a loving goal to continue dressing up. Just as your husband would like you to. Wishing you lots of strength.
Thank you so much for your reply, yes I have days when I want to see or talk to no one and dont want to leave the house, but they are few and far between. I had to be strong for both of us when he was so ill for eight months, and it sort of became a way of life for me.
Very good of you. Just do let go of your stength for a day or two and lean against someone’s shoulder. So you can relax and get rid of some tension. Oh well… what am I saying? You know what is best for you.
As Ron said it is like a house of horror. That is so not true, but then again we know Ron he is so funny. And he said too, you are the only woman I want to be married to. I know there is a difference between the 2 photo’s but I see it, and I don’t see it. Because you are just my Greetje the one I love for being the person that you are. So it is honest that you showed how we all look in the morning. Every single one of us. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So for me you are a Beauty Queen.
OK.. if my real life friends, who know me inside out, start saying these mushy things, I start crying. I am a big softy. Thank you dear.
What a fun post! I love that you showed the “makedown” first and then the “make-over” video at the end.
I think you are a bit too critical of yourself though! I agree that the grey outfit is not the most flattering, but as you point out, that could actually be fixed pretty easily! And, yes, the makeup is nice, but you look pretty darn amazing without makeup! I also love that the make up is quite subtle and really enhances your features and doesn’t detract from them.
I’m only in my mid-40s and (think that I) can still get away with not wearing any makeup (most days). I hope I’ll age as well as you have!
I always enjoy your posts and am looking forward to them on Sundays! 🙂
I have always worn eye make-up from when I was 13 (or perhaps that was my first try-out). I feel naked without it, especially because my eyebrowes are so blond. But thank you for all the compliments.
This is such an amazing post and I applaud your honesty and humor in demonstrating how a bit of tweaking can take us from looking fine to looking great. In the before photos, you look like I do many times when I fail to put much effort into my looks. When I spend just a little more time and make an effort, I look so much better and feel much more confident. (By the way, you are younger than I am so I really have to make an effort!!)
Haha Rebecca, I have always had to make an effort. From when I was young. But I did and it feels good.
Oh, men! My dad would do the reverse, when my mother put on make-up to go somewhere special with him he would say, “Are we goin’ oot hauntin’?” You look fabulous, the greens and pinks are definitely your colours. It’s so sad that women get to be 50+ or 60+ and suddenly want to wear pastels and vanish into every background they find. You are a beacon of hope to future generations! 🙂
Thank you for your funny comment and the compliments. I have another point of hope for all of you getting older: I have never been as happy as I am right now at 62. While I did have a very happy life. I just have so little to worry about anymore: great.
Hi Greetje,
After you leaving your comment I needed to search for you “Made-under”.
Hat’s off to you and your bare face.
I love to see real photos, without airbrushing.
(I am sick of all of the overlit images of older women that remove all traces of a personality and life from their faces)
What struck me is how even toned and unpigmented your skin is!
And, no dark shadows or circles to speak of.
Yes, you have lines…but who cares?!
You look great.
I know people who are young (in age) but seem old and “haggard” because they have a negative personality and a miserable face.
Having a cheeky smile (and a twinkle in your eye) is the best beauty treatment in the world.
This is a great post.
Thank you.
XXX
Samantha
P.S. I am going to do another post about red (and pink) lipstick because I LOVE it!!
I think you are a very beautiful woman, no matter what! But I would like to make a few comments: First, I like the shape the black outfit gives you; it balances out your top and bottom and is a very flattering cut for your shape. You can, if you like, find colorful clothing with this same shape (especially the trousers) and compare them to your usual cut and see what makes you feel prettiest. Second, makeup or not, you are gorgeous. But what a dramatic change when you add the lipstick! Your whole face lights up! Either way, I wish I looked as good as you do!
I think you are very sweet to give me so many compliments. Thank you very much. But I totally disagree with you on the outfit with the black trousers. It is horribly wrong on me and I would never wear it, it cuts me in half.
I agree with you on the lipstick, it really changes my face.
I think I may not have been specific enough in my comment. The SHAPE of the trouser legs gives your shape a better balance. I love your love of color!
Ah yes, I get your point. But it could even be better. I have flared jeans which go out at the bottom. They are better than the straight legged black ones.
I agree. I almost always wear bootcut trousers, because I am overweight, and this cut helps balance my top and bottom and keeps me from looking like an ice cream cone. 😉
Ik heb erg gelachen. En ik bewonder je moed om dit op deze manier te tonen. En:..het is een perfecte demonstratie hoe je niet alleen innerlijk, maar ook uiterlijk kan stralen met een beetje lef en de goede technieken.
Dank je wel. Dat is een heel lief compliment. Ik zat nog te aarzelen of ik je nou in het Engels moest antwoorden omdat alles in het Engels is, maar voor deze keer maar niet gedaan ??.
I had no idea eye shadow could do such a good job of highlighting eyes after –
ahem – a certain age. Thanks so much for the brave and honest demonstration.
It was my pleasure entirely. And you are so right: a little eye shadow does a lot. Thank you for your compliment.
I love your style, Greetje. You do everything with such aplomb even your little video. Well, I always look past the make up and see the person, especially as I’m someone who rarely wears make up.
I’ve had years of looking a people in a different way to most people as I look at how people move, stand, what their body says rather than the layers and layers to put on – I have to get past those with my work!
Whether you have make up on or not, fancy clothes or not, you exude openness, friendliness and a joy for life! And that is so infectious.
Bravo for sharing this – I know so many women who would never, ever in a million years do this.
https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you dear. You made me smile. I don’t know what your work entails. I presume something with phychology? Anyway, I feel very flattered by your compliments. Makes me a little shy haha.
I’m a Pilates teacher, Greetje, so I’m fascinated by how people move and use their bodies and I try to get them to use their bodies more efficiently!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh great! And your body profits from it as well. After a whole week of teaching there is no need to go to a fitness class anymore.
LOVED IT!!!!!!
WHAT A BEAUTY!!!!!!
XX
Hahaha, nothing of the sort, but you are sweet. Thank you.
You’re a star Greetje. I especially liked that honky tonk music with your videos! Oh and of course you’re gorgeous before AND after…
Thanks Sylvia… Big grin on my face.
Such a brave post, LOL! Seriously, you always look wonderful and I so enjoy seeing what you’re doing and wearing. I feel it’s so worth it to take a little time to “put my face on” — just as much for me as for the rest of the world who have to look at me!
I totally agree and will rarely leave the house without, but I respect anyone who is content with how they look without it.
Hahaha, Greetje. Well, we all have our morning faces and I find the naked face the most relaxing one for lazing around the house (I mean, cleaning, cooking, working!). But seriously, completely seriously, it’s your character I see when I see you. Of course the done-up you has a crisper edge, which I love, but I’ll take you however I can get you! With lots of laughs of course. I find the we have many, many faces and I love how blogging allows us to bring them all out. Great post.
What a well stated comment Mel. Couldn’t agree more!
Thank you darling. You put it well. Great praise coming from you. I agree (without wanting to boost myself haha) that character shows through features.
OK, so I will probably be the odd woman out, but I prefer the no-makeup look. Your hair is gorgeous in all the photos.
That is why I said it isn’t really how I could get out of bed. My hairdresser has a lot to do with it. I like more volume in my hair (I loved Peggy’s hair in Married with children haha). Which is why I always get in a state when the wind blows fiercely while taking pictures. Those “perfect” pictures, grin.
‘What is the worst thing that can happen to me? That people say I am ugly? My reply will be: “But I have a nice character. I rather have that than the opposite which is clearly more like you.”‘ This is golden Greetje!
I really enjoyed this post. I enjoy wearing makeup almost daily…sometimes if I’m at home for the day I don’t bother, but for the most part I wear. I wear mineral makeup and it also protects my skin from sunburn and other damage.
It’s key that you’ve found your style…garments and accessories that you feel good in and look good in. Do you wear the other clothing as at home wear at all? I know I do that…as comfy as my ‘out’ clothes are, I still gravitate to yoga pants or something equally comfy if I’m doing housework, sewing, etc.!
I am trying to put something on which is equally comfortable but a bit more flattering. After all, most of the times my husband will be there part of the day. And if there is one person I should make myself beautiful for, it is him. If nobody is at home… I don’t bother at all. Sweat pants.
You are beautiful on the inside and the outside Greetje :-))))
Another truly authentic post. Thank you.
Nancy
You are most welcome. I hope I can show women that the world isn’t as perfect as magazines, TV and internet are showing. Just to give them some more confidence.
Such an awesome post especially for me! At 61 there are days I think why bother with the makeup and the outfits but then reality sets in and I realize that’s what makes me me….I have always taken care of myself and loved fashion-now I don’t care what others think of my style…I would never be seen in public without my “face”on but in truth Greete it is your Joie de vivre and lovely smile that makes you so beautiful!
Ahh.. what a sweet thing to say. I should have done this post years earlier haha. I get so many sweet responses. All lies of course haha. Just kidding.
Greetje,
I had to stop by to get the full story. The bottom line is that you look much younger in the makeover photos. Most of us don’t look that great when we don’t enhance our look. This post just goes to show us that it doesn’t take much to look and feel great. Those lucite heels, OMG!!
It might have something to do with the light when taking that first photograph. I didn’t do anything to it in post production, but I have to depend on daylight (no light screens used or anything). But of course, if the “make-up” is not in my creases, my face might look younger. The heels are by Max Mara. Picked them up last year in the outlet in Turin, when I was there with fellow blogger Daniela of The Pretty Cute.
Grettje,
Hello again! I hope your travel plans include coming back to New York City. I was sorry I didn’t get to Meetup with you and Sykvia last summer.
I didn’t join Sylvia in NY last year but in Vancouver. We have been talking about NY 2017, so who knows.
I think you are a very beautiful woman, no matter what! But I would like to make a few comments: First, I like the shape the black outfit gives you; it balances out your top and bottom and is a very flattering cut for your shape. You can, if you like, find colorful clothing with this same shape (especially the trousers) and compare them to your usual cut and see what makes you feel prettiest. Second, makeup or not, you are gorgeous. But what a dramatic change when you add the lipstick! Your whole face lights up! Either way, I wish I looked as good as you do!
I think you are very sweet to give me so many compliments. Thank you very much. But I totally disagree with you on the outfit with the black trousers. It is horribly wrong on me and I would never wear it, it cuts me in half.
I agree with you on the lipstick, it really changes my face.
I think I may not have been specific enough in my comment. The SHAPE of the trouser legs gives your shape a better balance. I love your love of color!
Ah yes, I get your point. But it could even be better. I have flared jeans which go out at the bottom. They are better than the straight legged black ones.
I agree. I almost always wear bootcut trousers, because I am overweight, and this cut helps balance my top and bottom and keeps me from looking like an ice cream cone. 😉
Hi Greetje,
After you leaving your comment I needed to search for you “Made-under”.
Hat’s off to you and your bare face.
I love to see real photos, without airbrushing.
(I am sick of all of the overlit images of older women that remove all traces of a personality and life from their faces)
What struck me is how even toned and unpigmented your skin is!
And, no dark shadows or circles to speak of.
Yes, you have lines…but who cares?!
You look great.
I know people who are young (in age) but seem old and “haggard” because they have a negative personality and a miserable face.
Having a cheeky smile (and a twinkle in your eye) is the best beauty treatment in the world.
This is a great post.
Thank you.
XXX
Samantha
P.S. I am going to do another post about red (and pink) lipstick because I LOVE it!!
Oh, men! My dad would do the reverse, when my mother put on make-up to go somewhere special with him he would say, “Are we goin’ oot hauntin’?” You look fabulous, the greens and pinks are definitely your colours. It’s so sad that women get to be 50+ or 60+ and suddenly want to wear pastels and vanish into every background they find. You are a beacon of hope to future generations! 🙂
Thank you for your funny comment and the compliments. I have another point of hope for all of you getting older: I have never been as happy as I am right now at 62. While I did have a very happy life. I just have so little to worry about anymore: great.
Ik heb erg gelachen. En ik bewonder je moed om dit op deze manier te tonen. En:..het is een perfecte demonstratie hoe je niet alleen innerlijk, maar ook uiterlijk kan stralen met een beetje lef en de goede technieken.
Dank je wel. Dat is een heel lief compliment. Ik zat nog te aarzelen of ik je nou in het Engels moest antwoorden omdat alles in het Engels is, maar voor deze keer maar niet gedaan ??.
I love your style, Greetje. You do everything with such aplomb even your little video. Well, I always look past the make up and see the person, especially as I’m someone who rarely wears make up.
I’ve had years of looking a people in a different way to most people as I look at how people move, stand, what their body says rather than the layers and layers to put on – I have to get past those with my work!
Whether you have make up on or not, fancy clothes or not, you exude openness, friendliness and a joy for life! And that is so infectious.
Bravo for sharing this – I know so many women who would never, ever in a million years do this.
https://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you dear. You made me smile. I don’t know what your work entails. I presume something with phychology? Anyway, I feel very flattered by your compliments. Makes me a little shy haha.
I’m a Pilates teacher, Greetje, so I’m fascinated by how people move and use their bodies and I try to get them to use their bodies more efficiently!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh great! And your body profits from it as well. After a whole week of teaching there is no need to go to a fitness class anymore.
I had no idea eye shadow could do such a good job of highlighting eyes after –
ahem – a certain age. Thanks so much for the brave and honest demonstration.
It was my pleasure entirely. And you are so right: a little eye shadow does a lot. Thank you for your compliment.
LOVED IT!!!!!!
WHAT A BEAUTY!!!!!!
XX
Hahaha, nothing of the sort, but you are sweet. Thank you.
Greetje, you are always a treat. A surprise. An inspiration. AND most importantly, a giggle! I love how you don’t take yourself too seriously, but you still tackle a really serious issue. Even women in midlife have issues around self esteem and acceptance, and you just blow it apart and make it entertaining. Well done you; you can only be gorgeous because you are so lovely on the inside. I think you could wear mascara for blush and make it work. xxx
What a fun comment! And so flattering! Thank you very much. My husband and a close friend still think I am mad to publish this haha. It was very nice of you to give Vickie the mascara advice. Now I am off to try mascara as blush. See whether I can set a trend ?
I always wore make-up when I was younger, but find I cannot wear mascara anymore, due to eye irritation. I’ve tried various ones but have not found one that is comfortable. I really need mascara to bring my eyes out. I find dyeing the eyelashes burns my eyes. Do you have any suggestions? I am very fair and wear glasses.
I am afraid I don’t have a solution for you. You are obviously allergic to some ingredients. Best thing is to find out what it is you are allergic to (via a dermatologist) and start scanning all mascaras to find out which one does not use those ingredients. Perhaps the dermatologist knows brands? My stepdaughter is allergic to many ingredients and it took her a lot of research to find products she could use. But she did.
Have you tried Blinc Kiss Me mascara? The Japanese tubing mascara? You can get it on Amazon. My mother is allergic to everything on planet earth, and has all sorts of problems with her eyes, including blepharitis and rosacea ON HER EYEBALLS! She even has a special eyelid cleaner. Anyway, she uses this, and it doesn’t bother her eyes. I think if my mom can use it, almost anyone can! Good luck xx
You’ve done a great job and made us all happy. You remind me it’s fun to take care of myself.
Thank you very much. It was my pleasure entirely.
You are a very attractive Lady either way but what is so attractive to me that your Eyes, your Charisma is sparkling and Young in the most positive sense. Will follow your Blog now ? many greetings from Vienna, Austria! Gabi
That is a lot of compliments. Thank you very much. Such comments make it very worthwhile to create a post like this haha. I hope to keep you entertained with my posts in the future.
A good makeup and nice clothes can make we feel confident and that’s why they are important.
But I saw you in the morning and I can assure that you looked delightly nice also without makeup!!!
Haha, you are too kind. Nevertheless thank you dear. I will always wear make-up and nice clothes, like you. For the same reasons.
Oh Greetje, you don’t know how much this blog post helped!
You look good both with & without makeup – your face has such character.
I so enjoy all your posts – I know I will have a smile on my face when I have finished reading your latest offering. Also, your English is perfect – you put us non-linguists to shame.
Please continue to share all your wisdom & humour & fabulous sense of style with us.
As my daughter would say – ‘You’re a star’.
Thank you.
Su (64 & from England).
P.S. Thanks also for sharing pictures of your lovely country with us – I find them fascinating.
Honestly Su, comments like yours make it all worth while. Blogging is a dear hobby of mine as I get to do all the things I like: photographing (still learning so much), choosing which pictures, writing and socializing. But often I ask myself, as all bloggers do, WHY do I do this? Is there anybody out there really interested? And then I get a comment or a mail like yours. And I am sooo smitten, so touched. Thank you very much, for taking the time and for your kind words. As for my English, we Dutch are used to speaking other languages. Always have done. My English isn’t bad, but it certainly isn’t perfect. Which is something I regret as I can never be as eloquent in English as I can in Dutch. But it gets me a wider audience. I hope to keep you entertained for many more years.
Greetje, this is a wonderful post. Your direct, honest and real approach to blogging and to the entirety of life presents a role model for us all. Your beauty shines with makeup or without. How clever to come up with the makedown concept. I celebrate you!
Hah! I thought I might show some readers that I wasn’t born like this. Just to encourage them. It takes effort but not that much. Can be achieved by everybody. And I thought it would make an interesting blogpost. Well.. I was right about the second, never sure about the first, although some comments give the idea I succeeded. Very rewarding. Thank you very much for your compliments. It is so strange that we never met, yet we seem to know each other.
i L O V E this post!!
greetje – you´r gorgeous! gorgeous – and you have your heart at the right spot!
and btw. – fabulous outfit – the the colored one 🙂
xxxxxx
It is amazing what a bit of colour can do, isn’t it? Thank you for the compliments. I will keep on putting make-up on by the way. Much more “gorgeous” haha.
You are so creative and real. That’s what I enjoy about your, Greetje. Either way…you’re a beauty.
Well, I got some people in shock. Mostly at work. Dutch people are very direct, sometimes even rude. (We Dutch are used to that. The rest of the world isn’t though.) But even at work they didn’t say anything nasty. Nevertheless I could feel they preferred me with make-up haha. And so do I.
This is a wonderful inspirational post. I really enjoyed it. It is real life for some of us! My eyebrows and lashes are so light that I also color the eyebrows and use mascara. Eye shadow, mostly neutrals, are something I apply regularly along with blush and lip color. It is amazing how color and shading can enhance our features as we age. As long as I can get out of bed in the morning I’ll keep trying!
Haha, funny Elaine. I am glad you liked this post. It got a lot of respons. Like you I will continue to adorn myself, just because it is fun and makes me feel good.
You are so creative and real. That’s what I enjoy about your, Greetje. Either way…you’re a beauty.
Well, I got some people in shock. Mostly at work. Dutch people are very direct, sometimes even rude. (We Dutch are used to that. The rest of the world isn’t though.) But even at work they didn’t say anything nasty. Nevertheless I could feel they preferred me with make-up haha. And so do I.
I really enjoyed this post and know you are beautiful inside and out. It does make a difference in the colors we wear in clothes. I think the colorful outfit enhanced your beauty.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Thank you dear Alice. I totally agree with your point of view about colourful clothes. At least for me that works.
I love your attitude and I think you are gorgeous with or without your make-up, Greetje! Thank you for having the chutzpah to show yourself – Anna is right: I only see you without make-up, not the wrinkles. You’re gorgeous!
Ah Sheila, what a lovely surprise to see your comment. Thank you very much for the compliments. I would like to say to every woman who needs some boosting of her self-esteem: start blogging haha.
OK Greetje, I’ve whizzed past all the other comments as I want to say what I think without copying or being influenced by the others. I’m 58 and am already fighting shy of having full on photos taken of my face. Polly and my camera would be far too revealing for me to cope with. You see, it’s not about cheating my readers, it’s about deluding myself. I’ve just recently starting wearing glasses at work and it’s been a real eye opener. How dreadful my lipstick is some days when I’ve just slapped it on in a hurry! I’m wrinkled and have terrible skin (I think) and yet I want to portray myself as glamorous.
But here’s the truth of the matter. By you showing the full reveal as you have, I don’t see the wrinkles or your age – I just see you without make up. Yes, you do improve the overall effect with all the makeover, hair do and those colourful clothes, but what comes across is the shine in your eyes and the honesty on your face. “See me, wrinkles and all” is what you say and I’m sure we all applaud you for that. (Yes, I’ll go back once this is published to read all the other responses). Good for you girl! Brave and bold and beautiful you, Greetje. Well done. Hurrah!
I agree with what you say because I have always said that: people don’t see just the mere exterior. They see the whole package. And your character, your personality shines through. By the sound of the comments, you’d think I am a saint haha. But I can put these things in perspective, don’t worry.
But see, this is what also happens with you. People see the glamorous women you are. Because that is your essence. Don’t worry about old age, it just gets easier. Especially once you have accepted it is what it is. I have only come into this stage recently and I love it. Hence the balls to do this makedown.
Age per se doesn’t worry me. I do in fact find it liberating as the older I get, the less I care what others think of me. I think it’s easier to explain this way – my mother-in-law (now dead, bless her soul) used to say what a rotten trick it is to permanently feel like a 20 year old, yet have to see this old woman’s face every time she looked in the mirror. This is the battle I too have. I know that others can see me age every day, every year and accept me. The problem is my youth hasn’t left my soul, just my face. (I’m still valiantly fighting the battle with my body!) Am I alone in feeling like this? Who knows. But writing a blog may be the wrong venture if you have these issues…
Anna
I felt exactly the same. Only I was 33 in my head haha. One day you don’t fight this battle anymore. It does get easier as the acceptance of what an old woman can do or wear is changing rapidly. So you can just go right ahead. Your youthful spirit will also be there in your old age and you can let it run free.
Very brave of you–but you’re still a nice looking woman without the makeup etc. I thought the striped top and trousers were your pyjamas! But, what a difference eye makeup makes–the difference started showing with just the shadow. When I was mid-30s, a friend made me swear I wouldn’t leave the house without mascara–I wish I had kept to my promise all these years. It’s the one thing I NEED. That and coffee. This was a good lesson; thank you.
I need eyebrowes and lipstick. Changes so much. Then mascara, then eye shadow. I am so used to applying these things, I don’t even think about it anymore. Just a little sigh now and then haha.
I do think that makeup and clothing can be quite trans formative. And it’s not really an ugly vs pretty thing. It’s more of a refinement….
Most days, I put on all the makeup, but for lazy days, I think the lipstick can be the wow factor (that and some good sunglasses!!)
Definitely the clothing can change your look—color and fit—-what you are showing is a perfect example!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I did my utmost to give clear examples. As an encouragement for women who think they cannot achieve this. If they want to do this of course. Not everybody’s cup of tea.
I am coming back to this post to make comment #2! Yesterday was such a good example of how clothing (and grooming) affects your mood. I left to go shopping with a dear friend (who has great style) but took the easy way out (as usual for me). I wore a shapeless linen T-shirt in an unflattering color which cut my
length in half over wide cropped jeans and neat looking Cole Haan sneakers. I felt that there was a “frumpy” sign over my head all day. Not having a inborn style gene, I often go for the tried and true when a little more effort would do the trick. Just saying!!
There are a few basics you have to find out for yourself. Like which colours suit you (there are colour consultants); what style of clothes suits your body shape (there are styling consultants). You only have to go to a consultant once and then you know. Furthermore Sylvia of 40+Style has some great pages on every shape a woman can have. She also has great advice on T-shirts with something extra instead of the boring ones. Once you know some basics for yourself, you can eliminate all items from your wardrobe which make you look frumpy. Then you have the tried and true. Because it isn’t nice to feel frumpy all day.
Wonderful, Greetje! I love watching your evolution, and you are perfectly lovely in the “before” as well! We all have a natural morning look, make-up free, and there’s nothing wrong with that. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Your “morning” post inspired me! thank you for your kind words. (Even though they are not true haha.)
Greetje, this is fabulous! The best post any of us has ever posted. Your message spoke volumes for a wonderful cause . . . That we have so much more to give than what you see on the (perfect) surface. When you really think about it, do why honestly want others just to think of us as some perfect dressed woman? How incredibly shallow would that character be? It would break my heart for others to not know what I was truly made of. Your character and attributes show through with each post showing your love of life, friendships, your strengths and your weaknesses (which you’re able to laugh about). I’ve loved you from the very first time you responded to my post and even more so when I finally met you in person. You are truly a remarkable and real woman!
Oh go on. I cannot handle such sweet talk. Makes me cry. ? Thank you nevertheless. ?? You are very kind.
I will say that character shows through features and really paints the picture.
Bravo Greetje! A great idea for a post, and excellent execution. I remember a co-worker once asked me years ago at a previous job if I was ill, and it was because I wasn’t wearing any lipstick (I’m usually quite pale). A guy on the bus said to me recently “it’s amazing what a little lipstick can do for a woman”. I look like a ghost in the morning without my brows and my lips. We present the face to the world that makes us feel good about ourselves whether that face has some cosmetic enhancement or not.
I so agree with everything you say. I have heard the same, when I go out without brows or lipstick. Which doesn’t happen very often. And I totally agree with your last sentence as well.
Brava. You were brave and I think the world is a better place for it. For the record, I don’t think you look all that bad in the first photo. Less vibrant, perhaps, but still put together and like you care enough about yourself to make an effort. I actually think your natural lip color looks like you have a bit of lipstick on, just in a nude-to-you pink. Excellent topic and sensitively handled. Well done, you.
Oh how nice of you. Thank you. It was my intention to encourage women who think “I cannot do that”. To restore some confidence by showing that it is not that difficult to look better. Having said that.. “better” is something everybody has to decide for themselves. It is funny you say that about my lips as I am convinced that my lips are totally not there, unnoticable. I even have colleagues who yell: “put some lipstick on” to me. We are Dutch, we are rather direct. Or rude haha.
As Ron said it is like a house of horror. That is so not true, but then again we know Ron he is so funny. And he said too, you are the only woman I want to be married to. I know there is a difference between the 2 photo’s but I see it, and I don’t see it. Because you are just my Greetje the one I love for being the person that you are. So it is honest that you showed how we all look in the morning. Every single one of us. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So for me you are a Beauty Queen.
OK.. if my real life friends, who know me inside out, start saying these mushy things, I start crying. I am a big softy. Thank you dear.
Hi Greetje, Love your blog and this one was absolutely inspiring. It really is so honest of you to show yourself with no make up because all the usual magazine articles where ‘celebs’ are make up free are so obviously not true! You obviously look great for your age (or someone 20 years younger!) but at 65 I am so interested in how women similar to me look! I love clothes and make up and spend quite some time every morning applying my make up and tonging my hair and then look passable for the day but I certainly look very different to how I woke up! Anyway youre inspiring, love your clothes and attitude to life which I identify with! Also am soo in love with those pink flats from your last blog!
Thank you Linda. So pleased I can have such an impact with this post. Thanks ever so much for all the compliments. I am flattered. And the pink flats are so comfortable that I am tempted to buy them in black too. In spite of the price. I am waiting for the end of September to see whether they will be reduced.
Great post! I also love make up and taking the time for that in the morning, but I also believe that we are all beautiful without it! Showing yourself without makeup is a brave thing to do and I think you realy made a statement here! Good job Greetje!
I am very pleased I did. So many reactions to this post. Thank you very much for your comment.
This is probably only the third time I have commented on Greetje’s blog in all the years it has been out there,
So, For all of you who follow Greetje’s Blog:
Greetje and I became friends when we first worked together, back in day, in our twenties, ‘foot loose and fancy free’. Something clicked and we have been friends ever since. Despite living in different countries, having completely different lives, when we see each other we pick up where we left off and still make each other laugh.
I have never understood the fashion blogging thing, we have talked about it a lot, and I appreciate that it is a creative medium for her, and possibly all of you who do it, but have often said I find it a bit narcissistic. I don’t always look at the posts, and Greetje knows this. So often, to draw my attention to a particular post, she emails it to me!
As she did with this one.
Well done, my dear friend, not only is is well written, and fun to read, it is brave, honest and inspirational to all “oldies” out there!
Pat
I am touched. I am off to cry a little now. Thank you. Sorry for the mushiness.
Brilliant Post you are the bestGreetje Best wishes from Diane in Australia?
Well.. This is a short but very sweet comment. Thank you very much Diane!!
I loved this article, so open hearted and honest of you. I love how you look, but the complete outfit and hair bring you to life. I feel like me when I look nice, I was recently widowed and a neighbour came round to see me. I had been crying and she told me I looked better without make up and that I should dress in black for five years like the local widows here in Greece. So I told her that every day my husband was ill I dressed nicely and looked good, it meant a great deal to him to see me looking good. I intend to continue for the rest of my life, looking good for myself and anyone who cares to look. Blessings, Janet
That is such a terrific attitude Janet. It is very hard to do when you are in such pain. Because I bet you just want to curl up, cry and shut everybody and everything out. Which is of course not going to help, but that is what most of us feel like doing when in big grieve. It is a loving goal to continue dressing up. Just as your husband would like you to. Wishing you lots of strength.
Thank you so much for your reply, yes I have days when I want to see or talk to no one and dont want to leave the house, but they are few and far between. I had to be strong for both of us when he was so ill for eight months, and it sort of became a way of life for me.
Very good of you. Just do let go of your stength for a day or two and lean against someone’s shoulder. So you can relax and get rid of some tension. Oh well… what am I saying? You know what is best for you.
I love your outfits and I really like how you shared all your photos! You and I are close in age, I was born in 1956! Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. 🙂
Thank you Linda. It is really nice to know there are women out there who appreciate my little blog.
Great post! I also love make up and taking the time for that in the morning, but I also believe that we are all beautiful without it! Showing yourself without makeup is a brave thing to do and I think you realy made a statement here! Good job Greetje!
I am very pleased I did. So many reactions to this post. Thank you very much for your comment.
Thank you for sharing this!
It is my pleasure entirely Darlene. It is who I am.
Hello Greetje,
I have been following your blog for several months but I’m not sure if I’ve commented before this. Though I’m not a blogger myself I have discovered the pleasure of following over 40 ,fashion/lifestyle bloggers. I find that learning about women from all over the world in this context is really fun, interesting, and even exciting!
This post is very revealing. I admire your guts girl! I’ve found that as I grow older (I’m 65) I’ve truly become a more “high maintenance” gal. I’m actually wearing less makeup but it seems the process of getting ready for an “event” takes me longer. Here you are , bravely baring your face and your beautiful heart and soul with humor and grace! You rock Greetje!
I’ll be commenting more often. I also want you to know how much I enjoy reading about your life, your fashions and your fun meet ups with your girlfriends.
These are the sort of comments that make my heart sing. This is what bloggers live for haha. So thank you very much. Making a post is nice “work” to me, but I am always so curious to know what readers think of it. Your compliments are above and beyond my expectations. I will glow of pride the whole day now.
I love this so much! how refreshing to see someone being real. I see that first look a lot in local shopping centres and it always make me feel a little sad for some reason. You make me happy every Monday!
Thank you Donna. Of course if a woman says: “I think this is all humbug, I am who I am” then I will not dispute them. It is a personal choice. But I agree, it doesn’t make me happy to look at either. On the other hand, all these different tastes make the world an interesting place.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I fear I look like the before post. This encourages me to make an effort. Thank you from my heart.
Oh this is so nice of you to say. That was the whole purpose of this post. To show that it isn’t that difficult. Although I agree it does take some time to find out what is good for you. And then the “maintenance time” haha.
I love the new clothes look. My thoughts on the make-up are wear the eyeliner with a softer shade of lipstick or, wear bright red lipstick with very soft eyes. The combination in the final photo is a little too harsh for my taste – very unnatural. Hair style is gorgeous.
I agree it is a little harsh and less natural, but it is also the photo. These close-up photos in the unforgiving morning light are absolutely not flattering. In real life it is less harsh. But I get what you are saying. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It is true that regardless of make up or clothing it is still fabulous you that shines through : )
Fun post. I need to try this : )
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you dear, that is a lovely thing to say. Even more lovier to read ?. The post was meant to show women who think it is hard to look good, that it really isn’t. But I will accept all the compliments that come with it. ?
You’re a star Greetje. I especially liked that honky tonk music with your videos! Oh and of course you’re gorgeous before AND after…
Thanks Sylvia… Big grin on my face.
What a great post, inspirational in fact. I love reading your posts on a Sunday night. It is important isn’t it, how we look and it isn’t easy to get it right as you do. Well done and thank you x
It sends a message about you to the world. It is communicating without words. Thanks for your compliments.
Such a brave post, LOL! Seriously, you always look wonderful and I so enjoy seeing what you’re doing and wearing. I feel it’s so worth it to take a little time to “put my face on” — just as much for me as for the rest of the world who have to look at me!
I totally agree and will rarely leave the house without, but I respect anyone who is content with how they look without it.
Greetje,
I had to stop by to get the full story. The bottom line is that you look much younger in the makeover photos. Most of us don’t look that great when we don’t enhance our look. This post just goes to show us that it doesn’t take much to look and feel great. Those lucite heels, OMG!!
It might have something to do with the light when taking that first photograph. I didn’t do anything to it in post production, but I have to depend on daylight (no light screens used or anything). But of course, if the “make-up” is not in my creases, my face might look younger. The heels are by Max Mara. Picked them up last year in the outlet in Turin, when I was there with fellow blogger Daniela of The Pretty Cute.
Grettje,
Hello again! I hope your travel plans include coming back to New York City. I was sorry I didn’t get to Meetup with you and Sykvia last summer.
I didn’t join Sylvia in NY last year but in Vancouver. We have been talking about NY 2017, so who knows.
‘What is the worst thing that can happen to me? That people say I am ugly? My reply will be: “But I have a nice character. I rather have that than the opposite which is clearly more like you.”’ This is golden Greetje!
I really enjoyed this post. I enjoy wearing makeup almost daily…sometimes if I’m at home for the day I don’t bother, but for the most part I wear. I wear mineral makeup and it also protects my skin from sunburn and other damage.
It’s key that you’ve found your style…garments and accessories that you feel good in and look good in. Do you wear the other clothing as at home wear at all? I know I do that…as comfy as my ‘out’ clothes are, I still gravitate to yoga pants or something equally comfy if I’m doing housework, sewing, etc.!
I am trying to put something on which is equally comfortable but a bit more flattering. After all, most of the times my husband will be there part of the day. And if there is one person I should make myself beautiful for, it is him. If nobody is at home… I don’t bother at all. Sweat pants.
Such an awesome post especially for me! At 61 there are days I think why bother with the makeup and the outfits but then reality sets in and I realize that’s what makes me me….I have always taken care of myself and loved fashion-now I don’t care what others think of my style…I would never be seen in public without my “face”on but in truth Greete it is your Joie de vivre and lovely smile that makes you so beautiful!
Ahh.. what a sweet thing to say. I should have done this post years earlier haha. I get so many sweet responses. All lies of course haha. Just kidding.
Hahaha, Greetje. Well, we all have our morning faces and I find the naked face the most relaxing one for lazing around the house (I mean, cleaning, cooking, working!). But seriously, completely seriously, it’s your character I see when I see you. Of course the done-up you has a crisper edge, which I love, but I’ll take you however I can get you! With lots of laughs of course. I find the we have many, many faces and I love how blogging allows us to bring them all out. Great post.
Thank you darling. You put it well. Great praise coming from you. I agree (without wanting to boost myself haha) that character shows through features.
What a well stated comment Mel. Couldn’t agree more!
I love the new clothes look. My thoughts on the make-up are wear the eyeliner with a softer shade of lipstick or, wear bright red lipstick with very soft eyes. The combination in the final photo is a little too harsh for my taste – very unnatural. Hair style is gorgeous.
I agree it is a little harsh and less natural, but it is also the photo. These close-up photos in the unforgiving morning light are absolutely not flattering. In real life it is less harsh. But I get what you are saying. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
You are beautiful on the inside and the outside Greetje :-))))
Another truly authentic post. Thank you.
Nancy
You are most welcome. I hope I can show women that the world isn’t as perfect as magazines, TV and internet are showing. Just to give them some more confidence.
OK, so I will probably be the odd woman out, but I prefer the no-makeup look. Your hair is gorgeous in all the photos.
That is why I said it isn’t really how I could get out of bed. My hairdresser has a lot to do with it. I like more volume in my hair (I loved Peggy’s hair in Married with children haha). Which is why I always get in a state when the wind blows fiercely while taking pictures. Those “perfect” pictures, grin.
This is such an amazing post and I applaud your honesty and humor in demonstrating how a bit of tweaking can take us from looking fine to looking great. In the before photos, you look like I do many times when I fail to put much effort into my looks. When I spend just a little more time and make an effort, I look so much better and feel much more confident. (By the way, you are younger than I am so I really have to make an effort!!)
Haha Rebecca, I have always had to make an effort. From when I was young. But I did and it feels good.
What a fun post! I love that you showed the “makedown” first and then the “make-over” video at the end.
I think you are a bit too critical of yourself though! I agree that the grey outfit is not the most flattering, but as you point out, that could actually be fixed pretty easily! And, yes, the makeup is nice, but you look pretty darn amazing without makeup! I also love that the make up is quite subtle and really enhances your features and doesn’t detract from them.
I’m only in my mid-40s and (think that I) can still get away with not wearing any makeup (most days). I hope I’ll age as well as you have!
I always enjoy your posts and am looking forward to them on Sundays! 🙂
I have always worn eye make-up from when I was 13 (or perhaps that was my first try-out). I feel naked without it, especially because my eyebrowes are so blond. But thank you for all the compliments.
What a great post, inspirational in fact. I love reading your posts on a Sunday night. It is important isn’t it, how we look and it isn’t easy to get it right as you do. Well done and thank you x
It sends a message about you to the world. It is communicating without words. Thanks for your compliments.