By Holy Cow Publications
If you are reading this, you might want ideas on how to look younger without spending a lot of money, a lot of time at salons, fitness centers, or makeup counters. Maybe you “love the skin you’re in” but appreciate guidance because you care about what you look like and that recent photo “made you look old.”
There are things you can do to look young (and healthy) regardless of age. Most of these helpful hints can fit into your everyday schedule and won’t break the bank. Let’s start from the top.
1. Hair Color
Let’s face it, dull, dry hair is a dead giveaway and the most visible indication of age. Pick a color that is (preferably) close to your natural color. If you choose to embrace the gray - you can still improve the color. You have choices - buy a box of color or highlight and do it yourself or go to a salon. There are plenty of beauty schools who would love the experience. With any color, use a shine spray or conditioner that adds shine.
2. Hair Condition and Style
Take care of your hair. Start by working on the texture of your hair. As we age, our hair naturally starts to thin and become dry and dull - a triple whammy. The objective here is to add the appearance of volume, silkiness and shine. All these things can be done with products. Read labels or talk with a hairstylist that you trust for advice on products.
In terms of style, length doesn’t really matter in terms of a youthful look. Choose a style that will allow you to style (fix) your hair easily within your time allowance. Keep your styling tools and products handy so that it's not a big production to “do” your hair. Maintain the style and reshape the look when necessary.
3. Facial Skin Care
After hair, our face is the next big factor in appearance. Just as our hair dulls, so can our skin. Discoloration takes away from otherwise great features you may have. Use a sensitive skin CC or BB Cream on those general areas. Use a medium to full coverage foundation with hydration for the best possible even skin tone.
Once you’ve evened your skin tone, use a translucent powder or bronzer (based on your skin color) for a healthy glow. Brighten the upper cheek area with an illuminator or highlighter. Dab blush on the cheek “apple” not below it.
4. Lip Care
A small part of our body, but oh so telling. Dry, sunken lips show age. Be sure to exfoliate dead lip skin regularly. Use a plumping lip balm everyday in a sheer color if you like.
5. Care For Your Eyes
We can work around our wrinkles and even hooded eyelids with a few simple techniques. Heavy lower liner tends to bring eyes downward as does dark eye shadows directly above the eye (middle eyelid). Use darker shadows in the outer corners brushing up toward the tip of the brow line. Always use mascara, as a lengthened lash looks youthful. Dot the middle of your eyelids with a light shimmer shadow.
If you don’t have much hair on your brows - fill them in. Always line the very top of your brows for a lifted look, the fill in lightly not going too far down.
6. Whiten Your Teeth
White teeth look healthy, a.k.a. young. There are plenty of do-it-yourself products on the market.
7. Skin on Your Body Care
After years of exposure to elements, exposed body parts like hands, neck, decollete, and feet show signs of age. Heavy creams with ingredients like Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin (just to name a few) can help make them less noticeable and more youthful.
8. Body Care and Fitness
People who are fit seem to maintain a youthful overall appearance. Being underweight or overweight can age us in many ways including appearance but also in overall lack of activity or onset of health risks. Recent research has shown the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet and daily exercise. Seek information or advice from friends, family, or medical or fitness professionals.
9. Revamp Your Closet - Fit and Style
Clothes that don’t fit properly can highlight old age. Clothes that are too tight, too short, too long, rolled up, ect. may exacerbate the problem. Clothes that are worn out and stretched out may not be flattering. Wear clothes that are the right length for your height and the right size for your shape.
Pay attention to what looks good on you. Re-evaluate combinations of your clothes that would work together for a new subtle stylish look. You don't have to be into today's fashion - just embrace your own style and be happy with what you wear.
Have 4 or 5 neutral pieces that always look good on you and can be paired with other pieces easily - black pants, solid color tees, small-print tops, jeans, joggers and jackets. A few trendy or in-fashion statement shirts and pants can be thrown in quite inexpensively for an age appropriate look.
Wear shoes that are comfortable but clean and classic or fun and funky depending on your mood. Sneaks, sandals, and casual flats can be brightened up every few years (with replacements). In colder months, choose ankle boots, or a fashionable boot/shoe. Always feel confident with what you decide to wear.
10. Don’t Over-Do the Jewelry and Accessories
A dead ringer for “old” is the one wearing all her best jewelry all at once, all the time. Many of us have accumulated lots of jewelry over the years. Know what to wear and when and choose good combinations of accessories. Meaningful pieces always seem to brighten my day!
Remember to always maintain your integrity and self-love. In the big scheme of things, if what you see in the mirror makes you feel good, that’s all that matters. Finally, SMILE and enjoy life. A smile NEVER gets old.
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