Women in media

Have you ever noticed that the majority of women who are reporters or news anchors are usually under 35? Ageism is alive and well. Do we, as viewers, only want the young and beautiful delivering the news of the day? There are exceptions, but overall it is hard to believe that so many women flee the airwaves as they approach forty.

Today I worked with a women who is a news anchor for German television. She was in town reporting on Super Tuesday. She is over 40, fit and attractive and has no plans to retire. We discussed the fact that Europe has a different attitude about "aging women."

Instead of the frantic rush to hide all signs of aging the European women seem to age gracefully, staying fit as they embracing their wisdom, experience and even their smile lines.

Sounds like a plan. I 'm all for aging gracefully. I am also not opposed to getting a little help from science, but this trend to wipe out all signs of aging is just plain creepy.

That said, now I think I need to go slather on some anti-wrinkle cream.

Image and Credibility

News articles abound commenting on the image of each presidential candidate.
Their appearance gives us cues as to how they perceive themselves and how they want to be perceived by others.

For both men and women, the business suit is the accepted attire for the most powerful, credible and successful individuals. The jacket in particular symbolizes authority and gives the appearance of leadership and of being in command. A softer, more approachable look is chosen when the candidates want to be seen as a fellow citizen fighting to address the county’s problems.

The subliminal cues of gesture and body language coupled with overall appearance play a huge factor in the American public ‘s opinion about whom they can trust and who has the knowledge and temperament to lead our country for the next 4 years.

We are fond of telling our children that to care about appearances is superficial.
They might be better off knowing the truth from the start: fair or unfair, like it or not, we are all being judged by others all the time.

• Do you look tired and worn out, or energized and engaged?
• Do you look old-fashioned or current; giving those you meet the confidence that you are well informed?

This is powerful information. Once you are aware of the language of clothing you can make sure the messages you are sending through your appearance are ones of choice and not ignorance.

3 quick ways to become more memorable

• Sharpen up your body language. Slouching when you stand or walking with your head tilted down screams I LACK SELF ESTEEM. Not only is it better for your bones and joints to stand up straight, but you can command more authority just by changing the way you stand and how you move your body. Look people in the eye. This powerful tool tells people that you are interested in what they have to say. When you look people in the eye, you connect and it tells them you are listening and that you can be trusted. Smile! This universal gesture of acceptance is critical when meeting new acquaintances, courting new clients and it can even help with negotiations.

• Take an objective look at your image. Does your wardrobe need rethinking? Dated, stained or ill-fitting items which have served you well in the past now have to be retired. What do you need to change to really show the world how capable and professional you really are?

• Reassess your attitude? Your attitude about your yourself and your work are screaming out to the world. Do you move with a sense of urgency? Do you dress like you are running the show? Do you speak with a passion about your work? Your appearance and your actions tell the world how you really feel about yourself and your work.

Are your cosmetics safe?

How sad it is that the health of millions of women could be jeopardized because of the use of some cosmetics and body products. Check out this web site where you can find articles that raise that very important question: Are my cosmetics safe?
(http://www.safecosmetics.org)

Logic tells me that if trans-dermal absorption is a problem for humans when it comes to products we use to clean our home, then why shouldn't we be concerned about the unregulated cosmetics that we use every day? The ingredient list doesn't say "small amounts of lead or mercury" so if you are not a chemist, how would you know? I am grateful that some companies have made a financial commitment to creating formulas that work without causing potential harm. We all know that we will not die from using cosmetics, but the exposure over time has a cumulative affect that could be making you sick.

I am wondering why the billion dollar cosmetic industry has been allowed to create potentially harmful products in the first place. We should demand that testing by independent companies be done to ensure the safety of products. We need regulation if we want this to stop.

What can you do? Take action! If sales plummet, these companies will be forced to reformulate their products.

• Stop purchasing products from companies that use known irritants or carcinogens
• Write to these companies and tell them why you are no longer using their products
• Write to the women’s magazines and tell them to stop accepting advertising from these companies, cancel your subscription or stop buying the magazine
• Call and write your congressperson and ask them to mandate funding for the FDA to do testing of cosmetic and body products.

How to pick the right foundation for you

Several people have asked how to pick the right foundation. Keep the emails coming at kim@kimfoleystyle.com and I will continue to answer all your style and beauty questions.
First, decide if you want a powder foundation (great for oily or combo skin), or a liquid. Also consider trying mineral foundations they come in both powder and liquid.

Picking the right brand is a matter of personal preference when it comes to texture, coverage and harmful ingredients. Now that we know thatharmful chemicals can be absorbed, you should consider reading labels and being aware of the hazards of some commonly found ingredients in popular cosmetic brands. Some brands have less pigment and are more sheer, while other brands have more pigment and offer a more opaque coverage. Look at the packaging for key words such as "sheer coverage" or "maximum coverage" for clues to the amount of pigment. I use powder foundation in the summer and liquid in the winter.

The purpose of a foundation is to even your skin tone, not to make you look tan. The goal is to match the most prevalent color on your face. The easiest way to get a good match is to apple a small amount on your neck, close to the jawbone. Smooth and blend. If you see the makeup, then it is too dark. This is easy to do in a department store but impossible if you are buying at a drug or discount store. If this is the case, buy 2 or 3 choices in the shades you think are close. When you get home see which one matches and return the others. Check with the store first to be sure they will accept open returns for cosmetics. Most drug stores have a liberal return policy, just be sure you have the receipt.

I have been experimenting with foundations made from "natural" ingredients. The liquid mineral foundation by Shaklee is one of my favorites for several reasons:
.no harmful ingredients
.not tested on animals
.good coverage
.easy to apply
.beautiful shades
.spf 15

Kim

The $64,000.00 question?

I have been getting emails with the same question lately, "What is the one thing I can do to have a better appearance?"
Some people want a total revamp on their appearance while others just want to take incremental steps in that direction.
Unfortunately, the answer is different for each individual. Think about it, for one person it might be getting a more flattering or current hairstyle, and for others it may be a clothing or makeup issue. Getting a more current pair of glasses might be the answer, working on your posture or body language could al be possibilities. There are two questions you need to ask yourself:

1. "How do I want to be perceived?" Current, professional. artistic, approachable, smart...be specific.
2."What is driving my look?" ie, comfort, style, credibility...
When you honestly answer these questions you will begin to understand why and how you have created the image you now have. Does your image reflect who you are on the inside?
Remember: you are telling your story through your appearance. This is why intentional dressing is so important particularly in the workplace.

Happy New Year!

Now that it's 2008, it's a great time to think about TRANSFORMATION. At the beginning of each new year I feel as though I am turning a giant page in the story of my life.
Intentions and resolutions are circling my mind as I contemplate my dreams for the next twelve months. My New Years wish for you is that you LOVE WHO YOU SEE IN THE MIRROR.
My mission in life is to help you with that. If you need some new techniques on illusion dressing get the my DVD, "Look Ten Years Younger and Ten Pounds Thinner", or if you want to become more memorable and powerful don't miss my ebook, "The Credibility Factor". I created these resources for any woman who does not have access to a stylist. If you want to schedule a consult with me just email me and I will call you.
Also, I am available by Skype for those of you who do not live outside the DC area or overseas. Skype is a free way to video phone someone on your computer. You can see me and I can see you. This is a great way to get a 2nd opinion on that dress you just bought to wear to that wedding, reunion or special occasion.
Send your questions on image, makeup or fashion at kim@kimfoleystyle.com
Best wishes for the New Year!
Kim