I thought I wouldn’t mind turning 60 one little bit. After all, my 50s had been my best decade ever. Yes, my face was saggier, my memory iffier and my body didn’t bounce back from late nights or lengthy walks like it used to. However, I felt more confident and content than I’d ever felt in my 20s, 30s or 40s. I was finally happy with who I was and where all the pieces of my life had landed. I had more zest for life than ever! So turning 60 wouldn’t make any difference. It really was just a number.

I was wrong.

My 60th birthday landed with an unexpected thud. Almost overnight, I felt older and uglier, stiffer in my movements and foggier in my mind. It turned out I wasn’t even imagining it. According to an article I stumbled across online, new research showed that there really is a sudden “burst” of aging at age 60 — a fast-forwarding of the disintegration process. But that wasn’t what was bothering me the most.

What really bothered me was that now that I’d tipped over into my 60s, people were starting to respond to me differently. I had to work a lot harder at parties to get people younger than me to engage in conversation — or even notice me in the first place. And teens and 20-somethings often brushed against me in the street now as if I literally wasn’t there. I was becoming invisible.

My confidence started to shrivel. Before I knew it, I was caught in a negative feedback loop. The less readily people noticed or engaged with me, the less readily I did anything to make them notice or engage with me. I could feel myself turning into a meeker, milder, mediocre version of myself.

Was this the beginning of the end? Was I just meant to let myself shrink into my 60s? I wasn’t ready for that.

I needed an antidote.

An idea started to form. Let’s make 60 count, I thought. Let’s take that number and play with it. Turn it into something positive and meaningful, fun and fulfilling, something that would let me reclaim my confidence and connection with people — whoever they were, whatever their age.

So I hatched a plan.

I decided to invite 60 random people to sit down and have a cup of tea with me. Some would be total strangers. Some would be people I’d noticed and was curious about from a distance. Others would be people I knew a tiny bit and wanted to know more. And I’d also include friends and family I knew well — or thought I did!

Because I wasn’t just looking for small talk, there needed to be a bit more to it, though. I decided I’d ask each person the same set of tea-themed questions — yes, tea! — that I hoped would gently springboard us into meaningful conversation and connection. After all, I was an English person living in England, a country steeped in the tradition of “a nice cup of tea.” The drink is intertwined with our rituals, families, relationships and memories.

My own deep enjoyment of tea, I’m sure, has very little to do with the taste of it, and everything to do with the fact that the only consistent act of love my dad showed me as a child was to bring me a cup of it in bed — with milk, two sugars, and two biscuits — every single morning.

Still, my new, shyer, 60-year-old self wavered. Would people even say yes to my invites, or just think I was a batty old lady? Would I really dare to ask strangers? Would the questions actually work?

Before I could change my mind, Cup of Tea No.1 fell into my hands.

“I hear you’ve had a big birthday!” said a guy I bumped into in the street. He was a friend of a friend of a friend, and before I knew it, I was babbling out my 60-Cups-of-Tea idea, testing how it sounded when I said it out loud. He pounced immediately.

“I’ll be your guinea pig!” he said, and just a few days later, I was sitting in his garden in the sunshine, sharing a pot of fresh mint tea with homemade honey and semolina cake. We chatted for almost two whole hours.

“You know,” he confessed as I got up to leave, “Before you arrived, I told myself I’d hold my cards close to my chest… but I’ve told you everything — and really enjoyed it!”

At that moment, I knew I was on to a winning formula. I walked home feeling uplifted already.

From there, it just got better and better. I bounced from cup of tea to cup of tea, getting braver and braver about who I asked.

A Buddhist nun at a Buddhist temple.

The boss who fired me in my 20s.

A truck driver at a truck stop.

My hairdresser. We’ve only shared the tiniest of talk in the salon up until now.

Two street performers I encountered in the city center.

By Cup of Tea No. 6, I was getting invites. Word was out.

“Would you have a cup of tea with me on the beach in front of my house?” messaged a woman I barely knew. She lived on a tiny, isolated peninsula cut off by the tide for hours every day. Absolutely, I would! Part of the fun of this was mixing up where or how I had these cups of tea: I drank it up in a tree, wearing tutus, cruising on a houseboat up the canal, sitting in comfortable velvet armchairs on the edge of a cliff.

And suddenly I’m exploding with the possibilities of who I could ask.

I wonder who the artist of that painting I love on my living room wall is? Let’s track them down!

How about that man I see out my window every day in his thobe on his way to prayer at the local mosque?

Why not ask my 96-year-old father-in-law? I’ve never had a proper one-to-one chat with him — quite bizarre when you consider that he produced 50% of my husband and I produced 50% of his grandchildren.

Didn’t that man I was introduced to the other day say he worked at the mortuary at the hospital? Let’s stare death in the eye with him. After all, that’s almost certainly where I’m going to end up.

Cup of Tea No.15 was with an ex-boyfriend I hadn’t seen for over 30 years — and he told me that he was coming dressed as a woman. He and I were together for three years at university in the ’80s. His cross-dressing, which had been secret back then (I’d only discovered it when I came home unexpectedly early from a lecture and caught him in my clothes and make-up) was, without doubt, a catalyst in our break-up. I’m so pleased that he can now openly present as a woman when he wants to, but I find the thought of meeting him as a female mind-boggling and nerve-wracking nonetheless.

This person who sat down opposite me was unrecognizable. Then I caught that familiar, super-cheeky grin, and we relaxed into sharing memories — memories that belong only to us.

I’ve often thought how sad it is that we often never again get the chance to see someone from our past we loved intensely, someone we chose to share a precious chunk of our life with. I’m so happy we’ve had this opportunity to reminisce and reconnect. I think I’ve made a new girlfriend.

And the cups of tea just kept coming.

An old friend I haven’t seen for years who is now sober.

An anti-female genital mutilation activist.

My cousins.

They were such big characters in my childhood, yet as adults, we’d only really seen each other at funerals. We recaptured the sleepovers we had as kids by having our cup of tea in pajamas on the bed!

When I went on holiday to Thailand to reunite with my 18-year-old daughter, who had just finished three months of voluntary work there, I had a cup of tea with her at a tea plantation. Over the best green tea we’d ever tasted, she started to reflect on the experience she’d just had, but was soon opening up to me about her childhood, her romantic relationships and her dreams. I realized how rarely we’d have such an honest conversation, because so rarely do I listen without a part of me wanting to pounce in with parental advice or opinion. I realized how many times I must have stifled her with that you’ll-understand-when-you’re-older undertone.

“Ask me more questions!” she said at the end. A similar thing happened when I had a cup of tea with my 25-year-old son. The conversation cut through the mother-son dynamic we’d been stuck in since he left home at 18. And I realized how much I’d “fossilized” him — automatically assuming I knew and understood him just because he was my son. I’m so glad I had that chance to tune into how he’s changed and catch up with who he has become.

Without exception, every single cup of tea was wonderful — and the people I invited seemed to enjoy it as much as me.

“Thank you. That really made me have a good think about things,” said one person.

“That felt like therapy!” said someone else.

“Such small prompts to such big conversations!” another told me.

Indeed, the tea-themed questions unlocked more than I could have imagined. The stories poured out — sometimes heart-warming, sometimes heart-breaking.

Climbing into bed with their mum and dad on a Saturday morning and feeling special because they were allowed tiny sips of their tea.

Always dreaming of treating their mum to a posh afternoon tea in London when they grew up but never getting to. She died before they grew up.

Having to keep their Sunday afternoon cups of tea at a department store with their grandad secret because he always brought along his mistress.

Sitting up a tree with their friends drinking tea and watching the sun rise at the end of university, so full of joy and optimism for the future.

Marrying a woman because the morning after the first night they slept together, they discovered she was the only person to ever make them a cup of tea exactly as they liked it.

Feeling soothed and touched by the flask of tea that a hotel receptionist in China brought to their room when they were anxious and exhausted with their newly adopted baby.

Writing the words of their wife’s obituary after she died by suicide: “I will forever love you. Rest in peace and we’ll meet again. Have a cup of tea waiting for me.”

Tea, it seems, really is tangled up with our lives.

On a weekend trip to Zagreb, I was excited to sit down and share a cup of tea with the creator of the Museum of Broken Relationships, somewhere I’d wanted to go for a very long time. As we parted, she told me she’d been thinking about having a slogan printed on the takeaway cups in the museum cafe, something jokey like HOW ABOUT CAKE? However, after our chat, she wondered if an open invitation like WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE A CUP OF TEA WITH ME? might be better — something to nudge people to take the risk of reaching out to someone new.

“An unexpected encounter between two humans, sharing something intimate — that’s when magic happens,” she told me.

I couldn’t agree more.

My 57 cups of tea (only three to go!) have worked their spell on me for sure. I’m full to bursting with the warmth and joy of human-to-human connection, and my confidence has bounced right back. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to make new friends, reignite old ones and strengthen — or adjust — the relationships you already have. And I now know that even if I can’t stop my age from making me less visible, I don’t need to let that stop me from being brave, curious and playful.

I’m going into my 60s full blast after all.

Claire Potter is an author of parenting books and children’s picture books. Her online program, Tiny Bites, leads parents through a three-step process to turn their child from a picky to an unpicky eater. You can see all the cups of tea she’s done at Sixty Cups of Tea.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

Stop the presses: Laura Geller’s Spackle hydrating primer is 60% off right now on Amazon. Whether it’s the last step of your skincare or the first step of your makeup, applying a quality primer is not to be skipped — especially at this price. Whether you’re in the market for a new one or if you’re a devout fan of the brand, Spackle Hydrate is a true standout as a two-in-one moisturizer and primer. And while it usually runs close to $40, you can snag a tube for just $15 today. These days, that’s drugstore prices — so we recommend snatching one (or two!) fast.

This primer is “fabulous for mature skin” and loved for helping makeup go on smoothly and look “absolutely flawless.”

Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid and plumping glycerin, this fragrance-free primer is designed to transform your skin into a smooth, even base. The brand recommends adding one to two pumps to the back of your hand, applying a thin layer on clean skin, then letting it absorb for a minute before adding new products.

“Perfect to wear under makeup,” one wrote. “Keeps it looking smooth. Dries nice with no sticky feeling. Kind of feels like light weight moisturizer. About a dime size is all you need.”

Fans appreciate the “lightweight, almost serum-like texture” that glides over skin and absorbs fast. “It doesn’t feel greasy or overly matte,” one wrote. “Just that perfect middle ground where your skin feels hydrated but not slick.”

“As you get older your skin get dryer and more textured. This primer was a game changer for me,” one shopper writes. “It blurs and my makeup doesn’t settle in my skin at all. The days I don’t use it are massively more noticeable.”

“I’m ashamed to admit that I’m 42 and had never heard of primer before,” another wrote. “The results were immediate and impressive — my skin looks so smooth and my makeup looks absolutely flawless over this spackle!”

“I had stopped wearing makeup because it always just settled into the wrinkles and made things look worse,” an 82-year-old reviewer wrote. “This primer is perfectly named. Spackle Primer did exactly what I had hoped. It smoothed out my skin and the makeup did went on perfectly.”

Another reviewer who reports struggling to find a smoothing primer that didn’t feel heavy calls this a “go-to,” for how well it preps the skin for foundation.

“It really does ‘spackle’ over texture and fine lines, giving a soft-focus effect,” they said. “Makeup applies more evenly and tends to last longer throughout the day. For those with dry or mature skin, this primer is especially friendly — it doesn’t cling to dry patches or settle into creases.”

Reviewers love this hydrating primer for keeping their skin soft and smooth. Read on for more 5-star reviews, and grab a bottle for a massive 60% off while you can.

“I am 82 yrs old and this is the perfect primer for my skin. After reading about it on. line, I wanted to try it. I had stopped wearing makeup because it always just settled into the wrinkles and made things look worse. This primer is perfectly named. Spackle Primer did exactly what I had hoped. It smoothed out my skin and the makeup did went on perfectly.” — QQMKXP938

“Absolutely love this product it’s lovely and smooth and unlike some it doesn’t sit on the surface of your skin or take a lot of rubbing in and you only need a small amount so lasts well too this is my second purchase I was so impressed and great for mature skin.” — jas

“I just started using Laura Gellar cosmetics and Spackle. I am definitely going to keep using these products. Love the Spackle – I do believe it helps firm up the wrinkles a bit and the makeup goes on so beautifully.” — Amazon customer

“This has to be the best primer ever for more mature skin. I am 61 and have not used makeup without primer for years. I ordered this along with the LG Baked Balance. Together they are heaven for an older face. I no longer have to worry about crease lines, dryness or fading. I’m quite picky when it comes to my primers, and this one beats them all.” — Jamie

“This primer went on easily and I could feel it ‘set’ and waited a few….…My foundation went on so nicely and when I looked at my face after I was finished with all my products I felt like my face looked great! Big Smile and I was ready to go out...just for reference I am a mature lady. Hope this is helpful.” — Leslie S.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Loved for making tired eyes look better rested, smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and giving your skin an instant refreshment during the hot summer months, Belif’s Aqua Bomb cooling eye gel is really doing the most — fast. After grabbing this “magic” pen for themselves, reviewers cite a “noticeable difference” in the puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around their eyes, in mere days. This rarely-on-sale beauty is currently 30% off, aka the lowest price it’s been since March, so we recommend snagging one quick. In the blink of an eye, it will be right back to full price.

The caffeine, niacinamide and Vitamin C work to even out dark spots, reduce puffiness and brighten around your eyes, making it like you’ve had “a full night’s rest” particularly on days “when I haven’t slept at all,” Monica wrote. Yet, the formula doesn’t just make eyes look better rested, as one reviewer notes, “it helps relieve eye fatigue during night shifts and provides moisture.”

The real moisture comes from the included hyaluronic acid and collagen, which help your skin retain hydration, keeping it plump and firm. “I have some fine lines, and a little bit of saggy skin under my eyes, and wanted something to smooth it out before applying makeup,” shopper Michelle wrote. “This has worked great so far! I feel like the lines are softened, and there is a slight tightening of the skin.”

“I’ve used it twice, and I already have visible results,” Bree writes. “It has a cooling sensation and it’s very hydrating and smooths fine lines and puffiness visibly after just two uses.” “I’ve tried other eye balms with little results but this one is different,” Kelli added. “It glides on and feels cool. About five minutes later, my eye wrinkles are smoothed.”

Others agree they’re seeing the results they want soon after using. “Used this only for about four days but I love the cooling feel and it really takes puffiness away and tired eye look away,” LA wrote.

Plus, it comes in “genius” packaging that lets you use “every last bit.”

Apart from the formula itself, users rave about the sleek, squeeze-to-apply component that’s easy to use and carry. “I can confidently say this is one of the most convenient designs I’ve used,” one wrote, calling it their “go-to eye gel for the summer.” “Unlike expensive eye creams that come in glass jars with tiny applicators that can’t reach the bottom (leaving a lot of product wasted), this design lets you use every last bit with ease.”

Others compliment how the ceramic tip “feels cool to the touch,” saying that it helps with puffiness and lets them almost “massage” around their eyes in a way that feels gentle and relaxing.

“The applicator makes it so easy to use around my under eyes and eyelids, and it feels instantly refreshing,” Tiffany said. “I’ve noticed my fine lines look tighter and smoother — such a game-changer in my routine!”

Reviewers love this cooling eye gel for keeping their eyes looking rested and relaxed. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one for yourself while it’s 30% off.

“Used this only for about four days but I love the cooling feel and it really takes puffiness away and tired eye look away.” — LA

“I absolutely love this eye gel! It really helps reduce puffiness around the eyes — especially on those days when I haven’t slept at all. The results are amazing: it makes my eyes look like I’ve had a full night’s rest. It’s refreshing, lightweight, and works fast. Definitely a must-have in my skincare routine!” — Monica

“This product is amazing and I’ve used it twice and I already have visible results. It has a cooling sensation and it’s very hydrating and smooths fine lines and puffiness visibly after just two uses. I recommend using this before bed and after waking up in the morning. It has a very light scent, I’m not sure what the scent is but it’s very nice and light. The packaging and the ceramic tip is also a very nice added benefit to the packaging but I’d say for this product it’s definitely worth every penny. 🔥☺️” — Bree L.

“I’d say it works. After a few days used, i saw my under eye area looks clean, hydrated and removed some hairline wrinkles. Eye bag area gets more flat. I don’t usually use eyecream due to it makes me feel very itchy and my eye color gets radder. However, this product doesn’t give me any itchy feels. very mild and effective. Highly recommended! Love it and will buy again!” — Eileen

HuffPost readers know a good eye cream when they see one. If you’re looking for more products for your peepers. Check out these three reader favs, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

If you feel tired or weak and no good night’s sleep can cure it, that bone-deep weariness might be from a vitamin B-12 nutrient deficiency.

New breakthrough studies suggest that vitamin B-12 is not only important for supporting a healthy brain, but can be critical for supporting and maintaining healthy muscles, especially as people age.

In a 2026 study published in the journal of Nutrition, researchers at Cornell University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that low vitamin B-12 levels could stop mitochondria from functioning properly for skeletal muscle cells.

Mitochondria are cellular structures that turn what you eat and the oxygen you breathe into energy that can get you out of a chair and lift heavy packages.

And in this study, researchers created a mild B-12 deficiency measured by the functional biomarkers in mice; this deficiency led to notably impaired skeletal muscular function and energy production.

The mice “had physically smaller muscles,” Martha Field, an author of the study and an associate professor in the division of nutritional sciences at Cornell University, told HuffPost. “We see impacts on muscle mitochondrial function with what I think is a mild deficiency.”

“It needs a human trial, it’s preclinical, but it sets the stage for an impact of B-12 status on muscle function,” Field said.

Losing muscular strength and mass, or sarcopenia, is a common frustration with aging ― but perhaps vitamin B-12 can help slow this down. Field’s collaborator, Anna Thalacker-Mercer of University of Alabama at Birmingham, did a similar study on aging mice that received a vitamin B-12 supplementation for 12 weeks, and found that B-12 supplementation improved mitochondrial biology.

“We think that the B-12 supplementation was helping to maintain muscle mass in the older mice,” Thalacker-Mercer told HuffPost.

In this way, B-12 supplementation can improve mitochondrial health and help combat weakened muscular function.

“It’s not the holy grail for muscle aging or sarcopenia, but it could really help at least some people to attenuate the loss,” Thalacker-Mercer suggested.

Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient your body cannot make on its own. It is found primarily in animals, so vegans and vegetarians are prone to being deficient in B-12. But just eating more eggs and steaks won’t automatically cure a B-12 deficiency.

Exact numbers vary, but one estimate found that 1 in 8 adults over 50 reported low B-12 status.

“Even if our diet stays the same throughout our entire life, our ability to absorb these things through the intestines and the [gastrointestinal tract], it changes” as we age, Thalacker-Mercer said.

A sedentary lifestyle and being less physically active already impact how muscles age, but perhaps B-12 deficiency is another important driver people should not ignore, these studies suggest. Field said B-12 deficiencies are not mimicking the signs of aging, but could be “exacerbating” impaired muscle function.

For an older adult, a vitamin B-12 deficiency might appear as no longer being able to walk through the entire grocery store without feeling fatigue, Thalacker-Mercer said as an example. If your energy levels keep dropping, “that could be due to mitochondrial dysfunction and B-12,” Thalacker-Mercer said.

Field and Thalacker-Mercer’s studies were done on mice, not humans, but there have been other observational studies done on humans that show a link between improving B-12 levels and strengthening muscle mass and function. One small 2024 study done on vitamin B-12 deficient elderly people found that their muscle strength improved after three-month regimen of oral B-12 supplements.

If you suspect you are low on B-12, it’s best to seek professional medical help, so your physician can assess if you are deficient in this nutrient and determine the best supplemental dosage. You don’t want to take too much B-12 without medical guidance –– one 2020 study in JAMA Network Open suggests that very high concentrations of vitamin B-12 were linked to early deaths.

“I always tell people the best thing you can do is know your status,” Field said. “Talk to your doctor, have your [B-12] status measured, and then make an informed decision whether a supplement would be appropriate.”

“At the very least, have your doctor check your B-12 levels, because a lot of doctors don’t, and it’s an easy test to run,” Thalacker-Mercer said.

What’s better than a long-lasting eyeshadow stick that glides over lines and wrinkles without creasing? How about a long-lasting eyeshadow stick on sale? This slender stick from Julep delivers an easy-to-apply, cream-to-powder, waterproof eyeshadow LOVED by reviewers with mature skin for its seamless application, smoothness and staying power. Right now, you can snag it in dozens of shades, including mattes, shimmers, neutrals and neons, for 20% off, or just $16. This is the lowest price it’s been in weeks, so we recommend snatching one (or a few) fast!

The silky, buildable formula has a silicone base infused with Vitamin C and Vitamin E for extra nourishment around your eyes. It goes on creamy, gliding over lines and wrinkles “nicely without tugging,” then dries into a “powder finish that stays in place,” with superior color payoff. “It goes on easily, doesn’t get in creases and stays all day,” one reviewer writes.

Whether you use it as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, under-eye concealer or even a highlighter or contour stick — simply swipe it over your face, no brushes needed. (Though you do get a built-in smudging tip on the bottom, for easy blending on the go.)

Don’t be fooled by how light it feels — this stuff is waterproof, smudge-resistant and crease-proof after it dries down. “I work 10 hour days and sweat a lot…this eyeshadow stick will not budge,” shopper Catherine wrote. “Not even from the waterline.” “It is soft enough not to drag during application but once it’s on my lid it doesn’t smear,” another said. Yet, reviewers agree that when it’s time to take it off, the product comes off easily with a wipe or remover.

Reviewers call it “an imperfection eraser” for wrinkles and veins, offering even, full coverage that’s still “subtle enough for my 80-year-old eyelids!”

While these sticks are adored by users of all ages, they’ve become a fan favorite among users with mature skin. The cream-to-powder formula has been deemed “fabulous for aging eyelids” for how it slides and glides “without skipping on crepey eyelids” or bleeding into lines.

“As a mature woman, I appreciate that the product does not settle in wrinkles but glides over making a smooth looking lid,” one shopper said. “This shadow goes on smoothly and doesn’t crinkle into the wrinkles,” a 73-year-old reviewer added.

Others celebrate how full coverage the formula is, without overwhelming you with pigment. “I have a lot of purple discoloration and veins on my upper lids. I use the color putty and it actually completely covers them,” Jane wrote, calling it “a winner” product that’s worth the buy.

“Brightens and adds color and interest to my eyes without being garish or overbearing,” another said, calling it a “lovely subtle color.” It “accentuates eyes even though I wear glasses.”

Reviewers love this dreamy and creamy eyeshadow stick from Julep for gliding over their lids with ease. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one for yourself for 20% off.

“I am impressed with the Julep Eyeshadow Cream to Powder Waterproof Shadow sticks. I have tried other brands and they do not glide on as smoothly or have the rich color of the Julep brand. As a mature woman, I appreciate that the product does not settle in wrinkles but glides over making a smooth looking lid. I also find them so easy to travel with and they don’t take up much space in my make up bag, no brush or applicator needed! There are so many great colors to choose from and they are easy to remove at the end of the day with a makeup cleansing wipe.” — MD Ochoa

“This is a great product, particularly for more mature women who may worry about creasing. I used to use a very expensive cream mineral shadow but the company does not make it anymore. This is just as good at a fraction of the cost. It has full coverage and good pigment. Highly recommend.” — Karena

“If I could meet with the creator of sliced bread and the creator of Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks, I would have to break the news that the Eyeshadow Sticks by Julep are my favorite invention of all time! I’ve always preferred creme eyeshadow to powder, but it tended to crease and fade after a few hours. Then I tried Julep, and it goes on as a creme but dries as a powder and stays fresh looking all day long. I was skeptical that it wouldn’t work for me because my skin and I are at a more ‘mature’ age, but it has never creased, faded or disappeared and the products are true to the colors that are advertised. Not sure I will ever go over to the ‘shimmer’ sticks since I am a matte gal, but I can say for certain that this product is made for all ages and all skin types, and it will take another awesome invention to get me to leave Julep…” — KMW

“I have numerous colors of Julep Cream-to-Powder shadow. I’m 73 years old so my eyelids have some wrinkles. This shadow goes on smoothly and doesn’t crinkle into the wrinkles. It’s stays on most of the day. For the price this is a super product.” — Amazon customer

“This goes on so smoothly and stays where I want it. The color is pretty and flattering. I am almost 70 and have hooded eyelids and this camouflages the eyelids and gives me confidence to be seen.” — Garrison

Or maybe you want eyeliners for mature skin, for under $10? Oh yeah, we got a list for that too. Check out these favs loved by reviewers with mature skin, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Three years ago, I stood beside my husband Al’s bed and prepared to say goodbye.

After 25 years of marriage, cancer was taking him where I could not follow. Before he died, he looked at me and said something that shocked me at the time.

“Diane, you’ll need another man.”

I immediately dismissed the idea. I was 80 years old. I had already experienced a full life. What on earth would I need another man for? I certainly wasn’t looking for one.

Then life did what life often does. It ignored my plans.

Just a few months after Al died, friends introduced me to a man named Bob. I welcomed it because I was experiencing what I later discovered, after many late-night Google searches, was called “widow’s fire,” a fierce longing for intimacy and closeness after losing a spouse that, despite being surprisingly common, few people talk about.

Some people, including some of my children, thought it was too soon for me to begin dating. But grief doesn’t follow a timeline.

I wasn’t looking to replace Al. No one could. But for 25 years of marriage, I had been part of a pair. Suddenly, I was standing alone. The silence and loneliness were overwhelming.

What I realized was that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life alone. I wanted companionship, laughter, conversation and, yes, physical attraction. And to my surprise, I found that in Bob, a kind, funny and handsome man who understood that loving him didn’t mean I loved Al any less.

Bob and I have been together for more than two years. We are deeply committed to one another, but marriage isn’t part of our equation. At our age, we’ve learned that relationships don’t need to look a certain way to be meaningful. What works for us is love, honesty and a healthy dose of practicality.

That practicality was put to the test recently when Bob and I embarked on a 22-day adventure through Norway, France and Spain. With me at 82 and Bob at 83, traveling halfway around the world requires a little more planning than it did a few decades ago.

Before we left, I sent an email introducing my daughter and son-in-law to Bob’s brother and sister. Not because we were planning a family reunion. Because we were 82 and 83 years old and about to cross an ocean together.

“Should we get lost along the way and need your assistance,” I wrote, “you now can connect with one another and try to retrieve, grieve or rejoice from our far distant travels.”

I also informed everyone that I had travel insurance in case my body needed to be shipped home and that Bob had thoughtfully prepared his own end-of-life arrangements. My children thought it was hilarious. Bob’s family may have thought I was crazy. They’re not entirely wrong.

But if you’re going to travel the world in your 80s, you learn to laugh about the realities that come with it. Like money. People don’t like talking about finances in matters of romance, but they should.

In our case, I happen to have a larger wallet than Bob. Before we left, we talked openly about expectations. I agreed to pay for the trip itself, including the airline tickets. Bob was perfectly willing to fly economy. I was perfectly unwilling to sit in first class without him. The good Lord knows I’m spoiled, and I wasn’t going to be up front sipping champagne while the man I loved was squeezed into seat 34B. Besides, I like him next to me.

We agreed that he would cover many of the extras along the way, including meals, excursions and spontaneous treats. There were no complicated contracts. Just two adults having an honest conversation.

Widowhood taught me many things. Like I wish more people understood that discussing money isn’t unromantic. Avoiding it is.

The trip itself became a lesson in something even bigger. Standing in Norway, surrounded by glaciers that looked as though they belonged on another planet, I found myself thinking about Al. He loved to travel.

The glacier train rides were breathtaking. The scenery was so beautiful it almost didn’t seem real. It was colder than a witch’s teat but magnificent. Al and I had never made it to Norway together, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how much he would have loved it.

Unexpectedly, I didn’t feel guilty. For a long time, widows are made to feel that happiness somehow betrays grief. It doesn’t. Missing Al and loving Bob can occupy the same space. Both things are true.

Bob understood that. He never tried to compete with my memories. He simply stood beside me while I carried them. That’s one of the many reasons I love him.

Norway also introduced me to two things I never expected: iced cider and brown cheese.

The cider was delicious.

The cheese was downright addictive.

I liked it so much that I packed half a pound of it in my suitcase and hauled it through France, Spain and all the way back home to Florida.

At 82 years old, apparently, I travel internationally with contraband cheese.

Then there was Bergen.

The minute we arrived, I announced to Bob, “I could live here.”

It had everything I love: beauty, charm, walkability and friendly people. We spent our days wandering old streets, taking in spectacular views and pretending, just for a moment, that we belonged there.

Next came France.

Of all the places we visited, Normandy affected me the most.

Standing among the endless rows of white crosses at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, I felt humbled in a way that is difficult to describe.

The older I get, the more familiar loss becomes. Friends die. My spouse died. Parents die. Even pieces of ourselves disappear. The woman I was at 40 no longer exists. Neither does the woman I was before widowhood.

Yet there I was, halfway around the world, still creating memories. Still laughing. Still planning. Still living.

Spain brought its own lessons.

I use wheelchair assistance because of a painful foot. Bob uses a cane. Airport assistance services managed to leave us at the wrong gate on two separate occasions, causing us to miss our flights.

After missing our second flight, I told Bob I could have learned to become a professional tango dancer in less time than it took airport personnel to move my behind through that airport. For two days we were shuffled from gate to gate while trying not to lose our sense of humor. Thankfully, we succeeded.

By the time we reached Mallorca after nearly three weeks abroad, we realized something. We may have been tourists, but we didn’t particularly want to be around tourists anymore.

Maybe we were tired. Maybe we missed our own beds. Or maybe we had officially become old people. Either way, home was sounding awfully good.

Traveling at 82 also comes with one unexpected advantage: I no longer care about impressing anyone.

When I was younger, I packed as though every day required a completely different outfit, matching shoes, jewelry and accessories. These days, I pack for comfort, practicality and the occasional nice dinner. For 22 days abroad, Bob and I shared one checked suitcase, and we each carried a small bag. It wasn’t because we were trying to prove anything. It’s simply that we’ve learned what matters and what doesn’t.

I’ve discovered that one scarf, one pair of comfortable shoes and a little confidence can carry you remarkably far. That’s one of the gifts of aging. You spend less time worrying about how you look and more time enjoying where you are.

At this age, I’ve learned that nobody really cares what you’re wearing, whether your hair is perfect or if you’ve packed the right shoes. What people remember is whether you laughed, loved, showed up and enjoyed the journey.

And that’s true whether you’re standing on a glacier in Norway, wandering the streets of Barcelona or simply sitting beside a koi pond at home with someone you love.

The greatest surprise of the trip wasn’t Norway’s glaciers, Normandy’s history or Barcelona’s architecture. It was realizing how comfortable I have become with this unexpected chapter of my life.

If you had told me three years ago, while I was sitting beside Al’s hospital bed, that I’d be crossing Europe with another man, I would have told you that you were out of your mind.

If widowhood has taught me anything, it’s that we don’t honor those we’ve lost by stopping our lives. We honor them by continuing to live them.

When Al died, I thought my story was winding down. Instead, it simply changed genres.

These days, I’m perfectly content sitting beside that pond with Bob discussing books, sports, grandchildren, politics or whatever we’re streaming on Netflix. Twenty years ago, I would have called that boring. Now I call it happiness.

One of the most damaging myths about aging is that life becomes smaller. I’ve found the opposite. Life becomes more precious. At some point, every one of us realizes our time is finite. The horizon becomes visible. Oddly enough, that’s what makes each day matter more.

At 82, the future looks different than I imagined. It includes a new love. A few more aches and pains. Occasionally a wheelchair. And gratitude for every single day I still get to wake up and see what comes next.

Al knew all this before I did. He knew I would need companionship. He knew I would need laughter. He knew I would need someone to sit beside me on airplanes and hold my hand during life’s inevitable turbulence. Most of all, he knew I would need a future.

As it turns out, he knew me better than I knew myself.

Diane Heiler is the author of “A Widow’s Fire: An Intimate Memoir of Heartbreak, Survival and Moving On.” Widowed in 2023 after caring for her husband through his battle with cancer, she writes about grief, resilience and finding joy again after profound loss.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

Last week, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On waterproof eyeliner pencil was a Prime Day smash with HuffPost readers. Made with Vitamin E and jojoba oil, it applies “smooth as butter,” even over mature and textured skin, before drying into a smudge-proof liner that will last all day. Reviewers in their 60s and 70s love the stick for being “very soft on old eyelids,” gliding over wrinkles without “overemphasizing” or bleeding into fine lines. While it’s typically a luxury product, it’s still on sale with its Prime Day 40% off discount, at Amazon and Ulta, making it closer to a drugstore buy than the luxury eyeliner it truly is.

Don’t be fooled by its straightforward packaging; this eyeliner pencil is versatile. You can find it in dozens of colors, from neutrals to neons, and apply it as a traditional eyeliner, a cream liner or even an eyeshadow. The huge color selection is ideal for creative looks and everyday glam alike, offering hues for all sorts of tones and tastes.

“I use the smoke gray because the black is too dark for my 65+ years,” shopper Sharon wrote. “Bourbon is a stunning deep brown with subtle warm undertones,” another said. “Softer and more versatile than black but still bold enough to define your eyes.” Many love the shade Rockstar, a dark matte purple, for adding “depth without looking harsh.”

The formula is designed to go on smoothly, giving you time to blend and adjust as needed. But, “once it sets, it stays put,” Cris writes, not fading or transferring through the day. “It truly glides on…no tugging, no skipping, no fighting with a dry pencil that gives up halfway through your lash line,” they added. “The texture feels more like a beautiful gel in pencil form, and the color payoff is rich and deep from the first swipe…If you’re tired of eyeliners that dry out, drag, or crumble, this one is such a relief to use.”

“Gorgeousss, slides perfectly and doesn’t smudge easily,” Maya wrote. “I have so many black eyeliners, and I’m really picky, this one is one of my favs.”

Another selling point for this 40% off stick — it’s a dream to use over wrinkles or texture. A 60-year-old reviewer calls it “the Goldilocks of eye pencils,” for how easily it applies to so many skin types.

“I’ve tried so many different eyeliners suggested for mature eyes & this one so far has been the best,” shopper Vickie said. “It goes on fairly smooth considering I’m 75 & the skin on my eyelids isn’t smooth.”

Others agree the product “goes smoothly over my wrinkle lines,” “lasts well without smearing,” and “was easy to put on under glasses.” “Pushing 60 and this works great on old tired skin,” Donna wrote. “This liner is so soft and smooth on my eyelids,” another 68-year-old reviewer said. “I wish that I had found this years ago! I love the color!!”

Reviewers love this hydrating eyeliner pencil for gliding on with ease and staying on all day. Read more 5-star Amazon reviews and grab one for its Prime Day price of 40% off.

“Best and most pigmented eyeliner ever! I absolutely L❤️VE the variety of colors and it goes on as smooth as butter. I’ve been a customer for years and I will continue to be a customer.” — MRJax1968

“I’ve used [the shade] Rockstar for years and turned other green eyed people on to it. It stays on, isn’t too harsh on my 60 year old eyelids or anyone else’s and is the Goldilocks of eye pencils. I know the color recommend chart doesn’t point green eyes people to it, but I promise it’s perfect ! Not weird, classy and easy to work with.” — Joni K.

“I’m a 68 year old woman. This liner is so soft and smooth on my eyelids! I wish that I had found this years ago! I love the color!!” — LuAnn Principe

“An Eyeliner That Acts Like a Gel, Not Chalk. This eyeliner is exactly what I’ve been missing. It truly glides on…no tugging, no skipping, no fighting with a dry pencil that gives up halfway through your lash line. The texture feels more like a beautiful gel in pencil form, and the color payoff is rich and deep from the first swipe. The shade Rockstar is a gorgeous dark purple that adds depth without looking harsh, and it applies smoothly and evenly every time. If you’re tired of eyeliners that dry out, drag, or crumble, this one is such a relief to use. Once it sets, it stays put. You have just enough time to smudge if you want a softer look, but after that it locks in and lasts all day without transferring or fading. It’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel dry on the lash line, which I really appreciate. It’s creamy, intensely pigmented, and easy to apply — a perfect option if you want long-wearing color without the chalky struggle.” — Cris Hidalgo

“I’ve tried so many different eyeliners suggested for mature eyes & this one so far has been the best. It goes on fairly smooth considering I’m 75 & the skin on my eyelids isn’t smooth. Overall I like it very much.

Update: After using it for this month, yes, I’m loving it still. Had a problem figuring out how to sharpen it but found the NYX sharpener works great. Much less expensive than the one from Urban Decay, which, by the way, isn’t available on Amazon. Wonder why not?” — Vickie

Or maybe you want eyeliners for mature skin for under $10? Yup, we have a list for that too. Check out these favs loved by reviewers with mature skin, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Serious skin care doesn’t have to cost serious prices. Case in point: Rosen Apothecary’s anti-aging retinol body lotion designed to smooth and brighten skin — for under $20. This “Holy Grail of lotion” is currently 28% off, making it under $18, the lowest price it’s been since May. Reviewers love how soft and light the cream is, saying it glides on “like water,” absorbs quickly and offers a light mango scent that’s perfect for summer. Though, it’s mainly loved for how effective it is, with reviewers reporting softer, smoother, brighter skin just days after using it.

Made in the U.S.A. with retinol and caffeine, this nourishing cream will have you saying “Goodbye crepey skin” and, “Hello youthful softness!

Designed for use on your body, this powerful cream works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while keeping your skin supple and soft. The brand says the retinol boosts collagen production to keep your skin plump and smooth (a process dermatologists have confirmed in previous HuffPost reporting), while the caffeine brightens and tightens (another expert-confirmed process you can read previous HuffPost reporting about).

“This is the most amazing body lotion I’ve ever used,” shopper S. Melissa Reaves writes. “I lotion in the morning and before bed and I can see such a difference in my skin. I am 59 years old, but I feel like my skin looks 40. That’s a big deal. HIGHLY recommend.”

Reviewers say the cream has helped smooth crepey skin on their arms, “they look so much better using this,” one wrote, with others calling it the “perfect body lotion.” “I’ve been using this for 6 weeks,” one shopper said. “I’ve noticed less crepe in my legs, neck, arms and face.” Others say the cream has worked wonders on fine lines and wrinkles, even tone and texture and generally “makes my skin look younger and healthy.” “I have only used it three days and I have noticed a difference in my skin,” Ann-Marie wrote. “It made my skin soft already!”

“I live in South Georgia and it gets HOT! I needed a lotion that would not be greasy, be lightweight, absorb FAST and help with the look of aging,” shopper Jessica wrote. ”..It checks ALL the boxes! After putting this one I can put on bug spray and sunscreen without worrying that it’s all going to get gross.” (Editor’s note: experts have told us that retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sun, so using an SPF with this is a must.)

Shoppers appreciate how creamy and silky the lotion is, without feeling heavy or greasy, but still keeping their skin nourished. “I find that my arms look nicer when I use this product,” one wrote, “I like how my arms look hydrated instead of dry.”

Shopper Tara says the cream has a “velvety-smoothness” similar to hair conditioner, that’s not sticky on the skin. “This actually gets absorbed but also continues to work for so long,” they said, noting the cream “keeps my skin hydrated & [smelling] great all day.” “I love it. Great price for the size of the bottle. The smell is very light & “summer-ish”🙂🖤.”

Reviewers are swooning over this smoothing retinol body lotion. Read more 5-star reviews and grab some for under $20.

“Goodbye Crepey Skin―Hello Youthful Softness! This is the most amazing body lotion I’ve ever used. I even bought two more bottles to just have because I KNOW I will use them. I lotion in the morning and before bed and I can see such a difference in my skin. I am 59 years old, but I feel like my skin looks 40. That’s a big deal. HIGHLY recommend” — S. Melissa Reaves

“Holy grail of lotion. I live in South Georgia and it gets HOT! I needed a lotion that would not be greasy, be lightweight, absorb FAST and help with the look of aging. I don’t do a ton of reviews, usually just when something really catches my attention…I should probably change that lol but this lotion…it checks ALL the boxes! After putting this one I can put on bug spray and sunscreen without worrying that it’s all going to get gross. I am 35 years old and a woman at the store today thought I was 25! I know I don’t look old but this stuff took away what little lines I was getting and it’s only been a month. Just ordered my second bottle….oh and I use it on my face too and I have super sensitive skin. Everything makes me break out but this doesn’t!” — Jessica

“This lotion feels and smells ammazing. I use it on my hands and decolletage and it left my hands feeling so smooth and moisturized. I have used on my decolletage area as well and the texture feels better but no visible changes yet. I foresee this stuff only getting better for me. Highly recommend…did I mention how great it smells? 😀” — Terrell

“I’ve been using this for 6 weeks. I love that it is an all over body cream. I’ve noticed less crepe in my legs, neck, arms and face.” — Amazon customer

“This stuff works and fast. I noticed a difference in Just 2 days. I’ll keep using it. My skin is softer and I’ve seen dark patches of skin getting less noticeable. I’ll keep working on wrinkles, but it’s helped and I’ve used it for just a week.” — K M

As a dermatologist previously told HuffPost, “if you’re not using sunscreen, don’t spend your money on retinol.” To ensure your skin stays protected, check out these three <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/” target=”_blank” class=” js-entry-link cet-internal-link” data-vars-item-name=”dermatologist-recommended sunscreens” data-vars-item-type=”text” data-vars-unit-name=”6a43d7e0e4b0f259890fcd1f” data-vars-unit-type=”buzz_body” data-vars-target-content-id=”/%3Casset-code%20id=%226a43fdfce4b0f2598910096c%22%20type=%22collection%22%3E%3C/asset-code%3E” data-vars-target-content-type=”feed” data-vars-type=”web_internal_link” data-vars-subunit-name=”article_body” data-vars-subunit-type=”component” data-vars-position-in-subunit=”31″>dermatologist-recommended sunscreens, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)