Just see if this thread works if it doesn't it can be deleted. It may have already been discussed but I was reading today in the April edition of the Australian Women's Weekly - NZ. An article that often appears in women's magazines. Spotlightly women of different ages asking them all important beauty questions.

We all fit into these categories according to our beauty routines. I think it is fascinating personally. I love to read about what other women use - thats probably why I frequent threads in skincare and body (checking out to see what forum member has used today) :glee:

1. Top end beauty - this women is a lawyer, has children, has no issue spending the $$$ to make her self look gorgeous. She uses high brands and even visits a beauty counter on a weekly basis to have her make-up done professionally if she's going out for a function. She professes shes a perfume tart too! (She uses Dermalogica, Kerastase, La Prairie and Chanel - just to name a few). This woman wouldn't dare not wear make-up she says if she let herself go it would be a disaster! Ultimately this lady believes putting such a high emphasis on beauty makes her stronger & more confident?

2. Medium level maintenance - a busy mum, concerned about appearence especially issues including ageing and sensitivity. Uses and consistant with a routine for skin and body. Like high quality make-up but also time conscious. She uses brands like Olay, L'Occitane, Lancome and Marc Jacobs. This woman needs multi purpose products that are quick and easy to use such as bronzer. Because her time is spent with her children things like hairdressers and manicures - aren't a regular thing etc are often done at home so she doesn't mind spending a little for a professional in home version to do herself like a good hair mask.

3. No-fuss Philosophy - a professional woman, ageing gracefully + emphasis on simplicity. Low maintenance routine, minimal - or no make-up. Takes beauty as part of a holistic lifestyle (all part of health and wellbeing). Will have her favourites (like a special fragrance or one indulgence like regular hair cuts or colours) - good quality, may have one or two brands in the bathroom. Not concerned if forgot to moisture or wash their hair. This woman is all about being sensible, practical and appreciates the odd wrinkle - laughing! and saying its natural rather than attempting to find a cure in a tube or injection.


We might be a mixture, or one particular person. I know thought this was interesting because although this article just really looked at 3 women it is part of a big research project that reveals that millions of dollars are spent each year on beauty. Overall many women felt that their is significant pressure in society "to keep up appearances" and lastly that most women believe in their own way that beauty is worth some time and money - according to their own ideals.


Please ladies what do you think? or not think .... (is this already a topic we've explored???) :redcheeks:

None of these 3 really apply to me at all - they all seem focused at a more 'mature' lady.

I am the same as Loola.

Was thinking the same thing about myself Loola. Maybe we are outside their demographic??

I think they should of done it not by age, but by products or the level of maintenance you are!

Suddenly feeling insignificant! :chuckle:

Yea beacuse im not a mum, or a working mum i dont fit, us working girls with no children have more free cash....hello :chuckle: :chuckle:

Exactly PS... Just the way I like it :champagne:

It also seems aimed at woman who aren't in their 20's, which we are.

I'm not a lawyer, I don't have kids and I don't have a "professional" job :chuckle:
Yeah, they didn't really relate to me either.

And we're not really at the "aging gracefully" point yet ..!

I think they should of done it not by age, but by products or the level of maintenance you are!

WOuld have helped a lot! I love fragrance, and I am fairly low maintenance, but I like th egood stuff (not top end).

Yes, I am in my twenties, not a professional, no kids but with a 'disposable income' (thats what its called right?) While I used to use low quality/price products, since joining Adore, while my collection of beauty products is small, it's half bargains half good stuff.

What got me the most is that thesewomen higlighted some of the main points discovered by the researchers - and this was regardless of age, marriage, children etc ....

as the high end lady thought - believes putting such a high emphasis on beauty makes her stronger & more confident? I wonder is this true????

Medium level maintenance - seems to be quite conscious of the affects of time, lifestyle, etc and what it means to maintain a regular sometimes complex routine - the research seemed to suggest that with all the hype out there for all women of all ages is that is an expectation to use a variety of products....


No-fuss Philosophy "ageing gracefully + emphasis on simplicity" I think this relates more to the fact that there is a group of women throughout the age of 20 to 50/60+ plus that aren't worried about having fine lines etc - I know Im not, I think if I am half as lucky as my mum when Im her age I should be proud - she totally doesn't go out of her way to make sure she has the right product to prevent wrinkles she loves them, they add character to her appearance.

Although I don't have children, I am part of an age group that does enjoy spending money to get some great products but personally I think I go against the grain (I thrive on the challenge of searching for the best low cost, organic product, rather than be seen any where near a beauty counter) as do many of my friends we are all in our mid 20's and early 30's - some like a great lipstick and killer eye lashes (I know I love beautiful lashes!) I think I am well suited to the no fuss philosophy.

If you take away the personal info from these women you can relate - I only added that to give the question alittle more body from the article, some culture to the mix....


Thanks for your comments. ;)

I meant the whole thing moreso, it's written in an older sense.

Hmmm. I don't even know where to start with this. I don't fit into any category either.

I buy lots of products but I also don't use half of them. I am digging a hole here. I don't know how to answer this so can I just say:

Pass :chuckle:

I found it interesting how the profiles seem to make a bit of a value judgment on the women. The profile of the "high maintenance" woman uses words like wouldn't dare and disaster, while the "low maintenance" woman is described using words like graceful, practical, sensible. (were these your words Alice or were they in the article?)

It read to me like something I'd read in a magazine a good 40 years ago.

Yeah I don't feel like I assimilate with any of the groups either, and I agree with Kate on the value judgements.

On the whole, though, I think I would fit into a mid-high level of useage and ownership :chuckle:

We shouls create our own profiles! Mine would be:

30 year old aging disgracefully and not really giving a fat rats. Huge product consumer from all market areas. Will leave the house without makeup, won't leave the house without cleansing, toning, moisturising and sunscreen.

Moisturiser by La Mer
Cleanser By Coles
Lipstick by Chanel
Lip Balm by K-mart!

I found it interesting how the profiles seem to make a bit of a value judgment on the women. The profile of the "high maintenance" woman uses words like wouldn't dare and disaster, while the "low maintenance" woman is described using words like graceful, practical, sensible. (were these your words Alice or were they in the article?)


these words were used throughout the article. :typing:

Overall I just felt that there are parts to it that are and are not relevant. But increasingly how siginificant beauty is to all kinds of women. These 3 merely highlighted (yes from slighter older age group) what it beauty means in their lives, and what value it represents. The high maintenance lawyer loves beauty products and says having the opportunity to spend her income as she wishes is something she likes to do! I believe that every woman should have the choice. As I also value the last woman described she seems more in touch with my kind of reality. ;)

:hugs: to everyone I really think that the world of beauty is amazing, I love stuff like this especially hearing what different women use, another thing is that sometimes its a great way to find out what different products are being used.... some of which that were listed I hadn't heard of before like:

Marc Jacobs, Matrix, essenture, La Prairie...... :redcheeks: :chuckle:



I liked the part in the article where each woman mentioned what their indulgences were like hair colouring or visiting a make up counter to get a professional application or the fact that GHD straightener is a must! :clapping: its so cool to hear what each woman thinks is their special treat.

I love going to the hair dresser, although It doesnt happen as often as it use to, its such a lovely treat! :whipcrack: a glass of wine + while Im getting my hair coloured :chuckle:

We shouls create our own profiles! Mine would be:

30 year old aging disgracefully and not really giving a fat rats. Huge product consumer from all market areas. Will leave the house without makeup, won't leave the house without cleansing, toning, moisturising and sunscreen.

Moisturiser by La Mer
Cleanser By Coles
Lipstick by Chanel
Lip Balm by K-mart!


how cool PCC! and your not ageing disgracefully your beautiful! ;)

I want hair extensions.

I want hair extensions.

Oh Loola your hair looks great! I am getting hair extensions for the wedding.

how long? do they use real hair? curious.

Not sure Alice, I always have been a it scared of them as have never seen anyone in person with nice ones!

I miss my long hair. I need to stop looking at pictures of Lauren Conrad with her new extensions.

how long? do they use real hair? curious.

Yes I am having real human hair. I am not getting the extensions any longer than my natural hair length is. I am just getting them for thickness and volume.

how cool! I should get more details from my Mum (she's a hairdresser) I've maybe consider them too oneday especially since I have fine hair! it would be lovely to have bouncy/volume hair :) rather than slick and smooth/flat.

Hmmmmmmm, I'm not sure on the profiles. I'd prefer to see the actual research as opposed to descriptions. Statistics speak louder than words, IMO.

Yeah, I thought the article had a bit of a judgemental tone to it and was pretty limited in scope.
I AM at that "aging gracefully" stage, I guess. More like kicking and screaming my way into senilty, but --- whatever. I work full time at a receptionist position and am expected to look "casual professional" and set an example for our clients (I work in a Job Network Service agency, with long term Centrelink clients). My children are grown and independent and I have plenty of disposable income. I don't make a ton of money, at this point (not all of my credentials are recognized here in Aus, so I am back to Uni part time in a few weeks, doing some bridging course, THEN I will make the big bucks, yeah right, as a social worker, lol) but my husband earns a good living, we own a house, etc.
I spend more money on skin care, hair care, fitness, etc, but I do spend on makeup, etc ALSO. My priorities don't seem to match any of those in the article. I take care of myself because I find it relaxing. When my skin is better, I don't wear as much makeup and what I do wear is mostly for some color (I am goth pale!! even though I have black hair, trying NOT to look like Elvira). Anyway, I thought the article was kind of dumb.