Monday Musings on Muppet Brows and Midlife Adjustments
I’m currently sporting a bright red nose…not from festive cheer or too much wine, but thanks to a new combo treatment my dermatologist prescribed for a few actinic keratoses on my nose and cheek. It’s a mix of Calcipotriol and 5-Fluorouracil, which sounds like something you’d need goggles to handle, but apparently, it’s quite effective.
The idea is to stir up a bit of controlled chaos, irritate the area just enough to get rid of the precancerous cells. She told me to expect a visible reaction around days seven to ten. Well, it’s day six and so far… nothing much . Not a flake, not a flare, not even a respectable blotch.
Anyway, I’m trying to be patient, drink water, and not Google things I’ll regret. If this does eventually turn into a full facial fireworks show, I’ll be the one wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a polite smile at the grocery store, hoping no one asks if I’ve taken up boxing.
Bowen Therapy
At Pilates last week, a woman on the Reformer next to me mentioned she was doing Bowen therapy to help with stiffness and alignment. I hadn’t heard of it, but apparently it involves light, rolling movements across the fascia. The idea is that these tiny nudges tell your nervous system to settle down and realign things. No pressure or twisting and no dramatic stretches. The practitioner even leaves the room for a few minutes between moves to let your body “process.”
It’s all very subtle, and the therapist told me not to expect to feel any change for four days. Well, it’s day seven and there’s nothing to report.
To be fair, it wasn’t unpleasant. I lay still in a quiet room for 45 minutes while someone gently touched my back. My Oura ring actually thought I took a nap. I have another session today, so I’ll give it one more try before I decide if it’s therapy or just an oddly soothing pause in my week. Have any of you tried Bowen therapy?
Bone Density
Last week, I had my bone density test and my husband had his Reclast infusion, which felt like a very adult double-header. I’ve known for a while that I need to add more weight-bearing exercise into my routine, but knowing and doing are not the same thing.
I walk, I stretch, I go to Pilates, but I also spend a lot of time sitting…writing, reading, knitting, and thinking about exercising. So I’ve finally decided to hire a personal trainer. Not for anything dramatic. I just want someone to show me what to do, make sure I’m doing it correctly, and help keep me accountable. Left to my own devices, I’ll find a dozen “important” things to do before lifting a dumbbell. Laundry suddenly feels urgent when weights are calling.
This feels like a realistic next step and just one more way to take care of the body I’ve got and keep it strong enough to do the things I care about.
Giving Up The Dream
Sometimes giving up brings an unexpected win.
About ten years ago, I saw a woman wearing the most beautiful sunglasses. I asked her the brand, found them online, and ordered them right away. At the time, I was determined to make contact lenses work—mostly so I could wear stylish sunglasses like these without having to squint through prescription lenses.
But my dry eyes had other plans. The contacts became painful and eventually impossible to wear. When I finally gave up on them, I tucked the sunglasses into a drawer and forgot all about them.
A few months ago, I rediscovered them while searching for something else. I had my prescription put in, and now I wear them all the time. Letting go of contacts felt like a loss at first, but finding those sunglasses again made it feel like something had quietly come full circle.
Style Shift
Lately, I’ve noticed my style shifting again. Not in a dramatic, throw-everything-out kind of way…just a quiet pull toward shapes that feel more modern and sculptural. Clean lines, unusual proportions, and the kind of details that make you stop and take a second look.
I’ve worn classic pieces for years. They’re reliable, and I still reach for them. But lately I’ve been craving a little more personality. Perhaps something that feels creative or artistic, yet still wearable.
Some of my old standbys are starting to feel a little too predictable. A few newer finds have me thinking, “Well, that’s interesting… do I dare?” And usually, I do. Because honestly, if not now, when?
I’m not turning eccentric, but I’m open to flirting with it. Just enough to keep things interesting. You will see it here first :).
Brow Woes
And while we’re on the subject of things that used to work…my eyebrows have entered a whole new, depressing chapter.
Every pencil and powder I’ve used for years is suddenly too dark, too warm, or way too harsh. What used to give me soft, natural definition now leaves me looking like a cross between Groucho Marx and a Muppet with something to say.
The problem isn’t the makeup. It’s the brows themselves. They’re fading to white, not gray, and thinning out faster than I can adjust. The same products that once blended in quietly now look like I used a black Sharpie to draw them on.
Since GrandeBrow used to work like a charm, I’m starting to wonder if my thyroid is the issue, because if that’s off, no serum is going to help. I’ve decided to switch to RevitaBrow anyway, just in case there are still a few willing follicles left to encourage.
That’s the theme this week: subtle changes in skin, brows, fascia, and style. Nothing dramatic, just a quiet reminder that what used to work doesn’t always keep working. It’s not a crisis. It’s just midlife doing its thing.
Are you noticing any shifts lately, too?
I do functional weight training 2x’s a week and have been ever since I recovered from shoulder repair as the result of a fall ice skating 5 yrs. ago. I find I’m stronger and less afraid of falling even though I tripped over bricks bordering a walkway and ended up having 7 stitches in my forehead. Growing old can be a challenge!
My eyebrows were blond in my youth and now what ones I have are mostly white. I use a Bobby Brown pencil that is grey/brown and wish I could get them to look more like natural lashes. Grateful to wake up each day, put my feet on the floor and move. Keep sharing what you know and what you do, Jennifer. So thankful for your blog!
I’m grateful you’re here Mary. Thanks for sharing.
My brows started falling out quite some time ago, not completely gone, but too far gone. I like the Anastasia pencil in ash brown . It’s a gray brown that goes with my graying hair. Sephora carries it.
Loved this post. I’m 76 and so much empathy.
I am 75 and just saying the number makes me feel quite old. I also have a problem with my brows. Most of my life my brows were just fine. They are a mixture of gray and brown and white. I have fair skin and most products look too harsh. I have been using nulastin for my eye brows and they are coming back. I also have been nuslastin for my lashes ( that is another story ) I keep looking for something that will restore my brows and lashes. I guess I want what I use to have and that is not coming back.
Jennifer , I hope this treatment works for you. I have the same issue with my nose ! I finally had a biopsy ( not too bad) and it is basil cell precancer. So, next monday it will have to be surgically removed. Stitches included.
I’m sorry Karen. Good luck! Keep us posted how it goes.
I use to have the biggest and bushiest of eye brows. Can you say unibrow! It was a monthly appointment to keep them under control Now I have bald spots. Yoicks. This morning I noticed that I have fewer eye lashes. The hair in other spots on my face is the other big change. I try to laugh it off but somedays it is really hard to accept.
I am also noticing that colours that were my go to aren’t working for me as I go naturally grey. I am doing some reassessment there. I wish I had the resources, time and money to build an entirely new wardrobe.
Thanks for keeping it real.
I have had very light eyebrows my entire life. Started wearing eyebrow pencil in 10th grade. What works for me now is using Gimme Brow by Benefit to see where I actually have a few brows. Then I fill in with Anastasia pencil and brow powder, using the spoolie to soften the look.
I’ve struggling with my brows also. The product that worked for me is no longer being sold so I’m trying all kinds of things. The struggle is real!! I had a small basal cell cancer removed by my ear. They used the Mohs method and it worked the first try. So I’m grateful for that and really grateful that my hair covers the small scar. Love your sunglasses.
Thank you for reminding us to be ok with changes as we age. You are truly very inspiring.
I am new to your posts, and I’m enjoying all of them! Thank you for all the work you do to share good things with me. I am 60 something and love your input and outlook on fashion. Wading through trends is tricky. I am drawn to feminine classic styles like Quince and Talbots, but strangely attracted to boho dresses with boots!
Re: eyebrows Try Mary Kay volumizing brow tint. It is like mascara for brows.
Thanks again! Jean
Welcome Jean. Trends are tricky and I’m not sure they’re a great idea. In fact I’m leaning away from them.
Jennifer. Promix was on Consumer Reports 2023 lead in protein powder. It carries California prop 65 warning. (As do many products in CA. 🙄) Perhaps they have addressed that. Otherwise clean ingredients, wish they didn’t add sugar.
Oh wow, I’ll check into this, thanks for the heads up. California puts that label a most things I find.
This article really spoke to me especially about the eyebrow situation. I just turned 69 a couple of weeks ago and it’s getting more and more difficult to make them look decent. Thank you for all the helpful tips
and advice and the laughs here and there!
I just love your blog! Today’s left me laughing because it’s so relatable. I often wonder who this person is that wandered into my closet & is not quite the right size or shape for things hanging there. And she’s looking so much older than she did just a few weeks before. I’ve got the same problem with an AK on my nose & thinning brows, except for the long black or white ones that grow in some bizarre direction. Keep the blogs coming. I have purchased many of your recommendations. Now, I need to design a life that will give me opportunities to wear them. Right now, bocce & walking the dog don’t call for high (or even low) fashion.
Wait! Bocce and dog walking do require clothes, so wear what you’ve purchased and enjoy them. Everyday is an occasion!
At 75 years old my style mantra is “don’t give up;” in other words, don’t go gray, keep in shape, and definitely keep whatever hair style works for you. I had a personal trainer for 13 years until we moved to Santa Fe two years ago. It was worth every penny. The key is to find one you end up being friends with. That happens over time so I think picking a female trainer is the first step.
Wonderful idea! Santa Fe is so beautiful. Lucky you
I also saw my eyebrows disappear and it did look like I had used a Sharpie to draw them in…it didn’t matter what shade or product I used.
I decided to try micro blading and found a wonderful salon that made my eyebrows look very natural. I was hesitant as I have seen some brows done that appear bluish.
Now I just fill in a little with a powder and am so pleased. I recommend that one finds a reputable and professional salon and consult with them beforehand. The procedure was painless and healed quickly. What a game changer!
I’ve seen some bluish ones too. Maybe that’s what has scared me off
Yes, thinning hair on the top, along the part and crown. Did you mention you use minoxidil?
I’ve moved on from topical to oral monoxide and it’s been a game changer for me. Ask your Dr!
Today you made me smile. Thank you. I need also need to engage a trainer to hold me accountable as I am currently doing nothing. My hiking group loves steep climbs that I cannot do currently. But maybe with a trainer to encourage and strengthen me who knows?
A steep climb would be a bad idea for me currently too
Always happy to see your posts in my inbox Jennifer.
You have the warmest smile and beautiful teeth.
Any recommended products or routines?
Thank you! I floss every chance I get, even keep it in my purse, sleep in a night guard, (tooth grinder here) swear by electric toothbrush’s and most important…had crowns fixed/replaced and lots of restorative work done when I knocked my front tooth out a few years ago. I take really really careful care of my teeth now.
The shifts I have noticed are my eyebrows look like they belong to a 90 year old man. I trim back all the weirdness – stiff black hairs, curly white hairs, normal eyebrow hair – that jut out and then use an eyebrow pencil to fill in. It’s not ideal but I don’t know what else to do. I’ve also suddenly decided that I want to figure out how to wear pieces from a very large collection of big flashy, shiny vintage brooches and necklaces that I acquired from my uncle last year. I’m not a person who wears jewelry so I find it both exciting and scary to try to incorporate these items into a style that doesn’t look matronly or weird.
Eye brows are a real challenge. I’ve got several cat whiskers in mine that I need to trim. Wear a simple, non patterned top and just pin on your favorite from her collection. Right below your shoulder. Wait for the compliments which inspire you to wear more.
I have used Bowen work for over 15 years. Once my body realigned, I went monthly unless I hurt and then went weekly for a while. Give it longer! It’s fabulous for aging!
Thank you!! I need all the help I can get