forever young naturally beauty

All-out fashion “looks” worn head-to-toe, rock-chick chic, and sleeveless vests might not be appropriate to those of us who haven’t maintained the training regime of Madonna as we enter our late 40s. Here are some other items that should now be donated to daughters or nieces:

leather pants

miniskirts

hot pants

puffball skirts

baseball caps

the punk look

military chic

day-glo colors

midriff-exposing tops

slogan T-shirts

animal prints

Get together with a bunch of girlfriends to dump and swap clothes that no longer fit or suit you. Everyone empties bags of cast-offs into the center of a room, then scrabbles to find a new outfit that does suit. If more than one person hankers after the same piece, you all try it on and ask for honest (but kind) opinions about what really suits you at this stage of life.

Japanese studies suggest that the body works harder to keep breasts perky against gravity when we go braless. However, a well-fitting bra can offer a psychological lift. Get measured by a professional.

When you despair of the bright young things adorning TV and magazines, look out for the models hitting 50 and beyond who are becoming the new faces of cosmetic conglomerates and fashion houses: Twiggy, Christie Brinkley, Sharon Stone, and Catherine Deneuve.

Launder or dry clean, then store away the previous season’s clothes (moths like sweat). Add cedar balls as a deterrent. If moths make inroads, place clothes in a freezer (in bags) for three weeks or zap in the microwave to kill live moths and eggs.

On average, women apply some 200 chemicals to their skin each day. Yet 99 percent of mass-market skincare products contain preservatives shown to have genderbending effects on mammals; while other chemicals used are known carcinogens or can have neurological effects. Items branded as antiaging are not usually the most natural choice. Green up your makeup bag and beauty routines to avoid suspect items.

Choose beauty products from the European Union, which bans the use of ingredients proven to be carcinogenic or which adversely affect the reproductive system. German products adhere to particularly stringent guidelines. The US Department of Agriculture, on the other hand, no longer certifies finished cosmetic products as organic, which may lead to increased numbers of unsubstantiated claims to organic status.

It’s not enough to choose products branded “natural” to be sure they are free from potentially harmful ingredients. Without the stamp of a reputable organic accreditation body, an “organic” product might contain as little as one percent organic matter. The cosmetic industry’s trade journal points out that plants not grown organically may be contaminated with pesticides, fertilizers, or bacteria. Reassuring logos include:C569

The Soil Association (UK)

BDIH (Germany)

Demeter (international biodynamic accreditation)

Ecocert (France)

NASSA (Australia)

CAQ (Quebec)

mass market Danish research suggests that 99 percent of “leave-on” and 77 percent of “rinse-off ” mass market beauty products contain hormonedisrupting parabens, shown to be capable of penetrating the body and reaching breast tissue. A Swedish study found reproductive-toxicant phthalates in 80 percent of beauty products. The only way to avoid them is to shop for beauty products in whole food stores, online, and in high-end boutiques that specialize in organic, or “clean,” brands.

Some of the most reputable and effective organic skincare products are the result of biodynamic farming: growing and harvesting by the cycles of the moon and with respect for nature, ethical morals, community values, and workers’ well-being. This is as good as holistic agriculture gets: it aims to strengthen the soil and spiritual understanding for future generations, and preaches the preservation of local cultures and traditional ways. Look for the Weleda, Dr. Hauschka, WALA, and Primavera brands.