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Yoliswa Dube

I WAS at the airport to see my brother off the other day. Just as I was saying my final goodbyes, two ladies, probably in their 50s, stood at the entrance of the international departures section.

I couldn’t help overhearing one of them saying working for the National Handling Service for 31 years was no joke so my assumption that they could be in their 50s is not far-fetched.

Of course, I was listening to what my brother was saying and also still trying to get him to leave me a few Benjamins but I couldn’t help staring at these women.

One of them had on bright red lipstick, blush, shimmer, eye liner, eye shadow and her face was set quite nicely with foundation.

I was way out of my wits. I couldn’t believe it. Even I don’t wear that much make-up and I’m not even 30 yet! So the lady stood there, talking to her colleague who also had her face done to the nines. The eyebrows were on fleek and I’m pretty sure they also had some mascara on. These women were looking fresher than fresh. But why wouldn’t they? I mean, there’re no rules about older women not being allowed to wear make-up.

I was reminded of my mother’s aunt, who’s my grandmother. She’s probably in her late 70s but still rocks red lipstick like a boss lady. Aunty Susan, as we all call her, still has her swag in check although she has several grandchildren now.

She never leaves the house without her red lipstick and eyeliner, even if it’s to attend a funeral in the rural areas. She’ll even show up in pantyhose and heels — you can never be ready!

So I looked at those women working at the airport and thought this should be me one day. Aging is unavoidable but I may as well age gracefully. We sometimes put up unnecessary restrictions for ourselves. Tell ourselves because we’ve reached a certain age we can’t wear or do certain things.

Of course you can’t go wild and be a granny walking around the house in bum shorts but surely a little make-up and a few hip clothes wouldn’t hurt anybody. Everyone deserves to look and feel good.

The secret is in ensuring you remain age appropriate. The airport ladies wore their elaborate make-up with skirts below the knees, shirts and branded cardigans and I’m pretty sure they still dress decently even when they’re outside work. That’s really all that matters.

If you’re going to hold on to your make-up for a few more years to come, make sure you maintain good personal hygiene practices and take good care of your skin. Don’t use the same towel on your face as the rest of your body.

In fact, don’t use a towel at all on your face. It’s bizarre, I know. It took me a while to adjust but I’m enjoying the benefits now.

The reason why your body towel shouldn’t go onto your face is pretty simple. Towels retain some bacteria after washes so you don’t want to take the bacteria on the rest of the body to your face. Secondly, the soap you use on your body is probably harsher than what you use on your face.

Again, because towels don’t wash as clean as we think they do, the two products mix on the towel and clash, which may cause an allergic reaction to your skin. It may seem unnecessary to mention but always wash your face first before the rest of the body, when the water is still clean and untainted by other products, unless if you’re using a shower.

Find a good scrub that will help clean your skin further. It’ll take away the extra oils and unclog your pores. Clogged pores cause pimples and black heads.

At least twice a week, make sure you scrub your skin gently. Because my skin is on the sensitive side, I prefer using a mixture of mealie-meal and water as a scrub, it works just fine! NEVER go to bed with make-up on because make-up is dirt. If left on, it clogs your pores and may cause you skin problems.

Feedback from “#BAAzw Red Carpert…Sandra Ndebele got the memo”

Impressed by @Yoliswa’s grasp of things fashion. — @MgciniNyoni

I loved your review on the Bulawayo Arts Awards red carpet, it was on point. Keep up the good work. — Crissy

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to catch up with me on Twitter handle @Yolisswa, visit my blog, www.stayera247.blogspot.com or like my Facebook page Pattern & Style.