| | | | Menopause is often talked about in terms of hot flashes, mood swings or low libido—but rarely in terms of what might be the most important issue of all: the heart.
Here’s what too many women still don’t know—cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, and the risk increases significantly during and after menopause.
That’s because the hormonal shifts we experience in midlife don’t just affect our cycles—they also impact blood pressure, cholesterol, weight distribution and even how our arteries function. The decline in estrogen can accelerate the development of heart disease in ways that are often silent until it's too late.
And while most of us are busy navigating careers, caregiving and everything in between, heart health often takes a back seat—until something goes wrong.
That’s why the American Heart Association’s Red Dress Collection Concert last week was more than just a red carpet moment—it was a wake-up call. Flow Space was there as award-winning artists, advocates and survivors gathered to share their stories, amplify awareness and remind us that more than four in 10 women already have some form of heart disease or stroke. Many just don’t know it yet.
This Friday’s National Wear Red Day is your invitation to change that. Wear red. Start the conversation. Know your risk factors—especially if you're in menopause or postmenopause. Because, as the AHA puts it, losing even one woman to cardiovascular disease is too many.
From where we’re standing, midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a turning point. And this February, we’re choosing to turn toward our hearts. |
| Meet the Makeup Maven Redefining Beauty After 40 Long before “pro-aging” became a buzzy marketing phrase, Laura Geller was already doing the work.
A Broadway makeup artist-turned-beauty mogul, Geller made her first QVC appearance in 1997—and quickly became a fan favorite. Nearly three decades later, her baked foundations and cult-classic primers still fly off the shelves, but it’s her steadfast dedication to real women that has made her brand a movement.
While other beauty companies clung to airbrushed youth, Geller went all in on inclusivity—featuring models exclusively over 40 and creating products specifically for the evolving needs of mature skin. Her message? Makeup should be joyful, not judgmental. And women deserve to feel beautiful at every stage of life.
Flow Space recently caught up with Geller to talk about confidence, reinvention and why the right lipstick (or eyebrow shape!) might just be the best accessory you own. |
You’ve been a pioneer in celebrating beauty at every age, especially for women over 40. What initially inspired you to center midlife women in your brand’s mission—and why do you think the industry has been so slow to catch up? One of the things that I personally, as a woman in her 60s, noticed a couple of years ago was that they were not depicting women who were over 40, 50, 60, 70 and beyond. Everybody was looking at models and women who were in their 20s and 30s, and I just thought: You know what, I'm getting older, and I want to see women who look like me and I want to learn from them. So as a brand, we leaned in, and we decided to really focus on showing real women of all ages.
So, we say 40 and beyond, but truth be told, we're three generations now, and there's something for everybody. And it's aspirational to see people that you look at that might be in your age range. I think brands didn't do it because, I think they were afraid that if it wasn't a young model who had perfect skin, perfect bodies, that nobody would really buy from somebody who was older. Well, guess what? That is not the case anymore!
Makeup can be such a powerful tool—not just for aesthetics but also for confidence. What’s one product or tip you swear by for women navigating changes in their skin during perimenopause or menopause? I always say you have to meet your skin with the needs of where you're at at that time. It could be seasonal. It could be that you're going through a moment in time—whether it's perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause—where your skin may not work with the foundation that you used before. For example, you might have used oil-free makeup because your skin was oily, or you had large pores, or breakouts. Well, guess what? As we start getting older, our skin ages, and we are dry, we are parched. It's OK to say, "You know what? This foundation is not working for me anymore. I might need something that's creamier, that's more hydrating." So change up and be open to changing up your makeup based on where your skin needs are at that time. It's not like you're gonna stick with one thing for the rest of your life, so change it up.
In the beauty world, trends are always cycling in and out. But your brand has always prioritized ease and timelessness. Is there any particular trend or change in beauty standards, especially for mature women, that you're really excited about or that you hope sticks around? As a brand, we have never leaned into trends. That's not something that I've ever believed in. I believe that enhancing one's own beauty is what matters. And it doesn't matter what age you are. You just need to feel comfortable in your own skin. So the only thing I would say is... and if you want to call it a trend, call it a trend: Step out of the box. I’ve noticed that with women, if you change their lipstick color, if you change their eyebrow shape, those two things make women feel like, "oh my gosh, I can't do that" because they've done it a certain way for so long.
So my advice is—and it's not necessarily trend advice—think about lipstick as an accessory to your wardrobe. What are you wearing? If you're wearing a fuchsia jacket. Maybe put on a hot pink lipstick. I think that's where a trend could come into play. But step out of the box, because you'd be surprised.
How do you find flow—that moment, or ability, to be fully immersed and present in the moment—in your life? I actually sit down and do a full face of makeup—without looking like I've done a full face, obviously (that's always the aim!)—it's when I feel the most confident and empowered. And I know it, because when I go out, I get responses. At my dentist's office yesterday, someone said, “Oh, you look terrific.” I had come from doing a photo shoot and I had a full face of makeup on.
Although I like to cut corners, because my everyday life is not about a photo shoot. I know the difference is when I'm fully put together, and even with my wardrobe, I feel more confident. And so I would tell you, it's OK to be lazy sometimes… we all are. But if you can just give yourself a few extra minutes and maybe think about doing the whole thing, you're going to feel really good in your skin! |
What Winter Weather Really Does to Women’s Bodies When temperatures drop, it’s not just the air that changes—our bodies feel it, too, sometimes in ways that are as invisible as they are impactful. For those with chronic pain conditions , cold weather can trigger an uptick in symptoms, thanks to the way lower temperatures stimulate overactive nerves and stiffen joints. Even something as subtle as a chilly draft in the grocery store can spark discomfort. And with colder months often comes decreased activity, which only compounds pain and stiffness. The fix isn't one-size-fits-all—but warmth, movement, and small shifts in care routines can offer real relief.
Cold weather also carries hidden risks for the heart , particularly when paired with exertion. Snow shoveling, for example, can be deceptively dangerous. The act itself is intensely physical, and when done in freezing temps, it places sudden, significant stress on the cardiovascular system. For midlife women—especially those in or post-menopause—the drop in estrogen can mean a loss of heart-protective benefits, making vigilance even more essential. Recognizing the signs of overexertion, dressing in layers, and taking frequent breaks can be lifesaving.
And then there’s the scalp and hair—two areas that often bear the brunt of winter’s extremes . Dry air and indoor heating strip moisture from both, leading to brittle strands, flaky scalps and frizz-inducing static. At the same time, hats and scarves trap oil, causing greasy roots and potential irritation. Dermatologists and trichologists agree: a winter-friendly hair routine should be built around hydration, barrier support and consistency. Think: gentler cleansing, nourishing serums and a humidifier running in the background. |
BAKING the viral Ina Garten brownie pudding—but with one rich, mocha-y twist. Over at SheKnows, Kenzie’s Kitchen swapped in espresso powder for Chambord, and the result is a deeper, darker, fudgier version of the iconic dessert.
READING The Bedroom Gap: Rewrite the Rules and Roles of Sex in Midlife by Dr. Maria Sophocles, a bold and essential guide to reclaiming intimacy, navigating hormonal changes, and challenging outdated narratives around sex after 40.
SIPPING cozy comfort with The Fullest Warm Feelings Saffron Latte Sachets—a caffeine‑free saffron latte blend that’s become our go‑to as the winter chill sets in. This warm drink not only feels like a floral hug in a mug, it's crafted to support mood, focus and calm with each serving.
CELEBRATING California’s proposal to expand access to menopause care with new coverage, screenings and provider training—a historic investment in women's health, led by Governor Gavin Newsom. |
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