Filed under: Skincare, Jewelry, Dresses
There's no shame in your age, but there's something to be said for glowing, youthful skin and a body you feel confident in. After all, looking younger -- no matter your actual age -- is a sign of good health. Luckily, thanks to various products, home remedies and little style tricks, you can cheat the clock and look younger than your years.
We spoke to several beauty and fashion gurus to obtain expert advice on how to look, and feel, younger. Check out their tips, tricks and suggestions below and let us know how they work out for you in the comment section below.
Avoid Heavy Makeup
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Women tend to get more insecure about their appearance as they age, and as a result, pile on too much makeup.
Jene' Luciani, bestselling author of
The Bra Book, a Shape Magazine columnist and National Lifestyle Correspondent and Contributor, says to skip the cake-y makeup.
"Heavy foundation and powder tends to settle into wrinkles and fine lines, exacerbating them," she notes. Conceal problem areas, but let the rest of your skin shine through. Try an illuminator for an extra dewy, rejuvenated glow and stick to a light tinted moisturizer with SPF when you can.
Pictured are
Juice Beauty Irresistable Glow Facial Highlighter ($22) and
Clinique's Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($26).
Try Funky Nail Polish
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The color on your nail polish equates to roughly 5 percent of your overall look, so don't be afraid to go bold. For example, a minty green or even hot pink can add a splash of funky youth hood to your overall ensemble without making it seem as if you're trying too hard to look young.
Pictured are
Butter London's Nail Lacquer Disco Biscuit ($14),
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails XTreme Nail Color in Mint Sorbet ($2.59) and
Revlon Nail Enamel in Zealous ($2.49).
Stay on Top of Trends
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Staying on top of trends doesn't mean you have to spend a bajillion dollars every other month on expensive clothing. You can stay on top of trends in less expensive ways, including accessories.
"Keep your accessories trendy to show that you're still in the style know," suggests
Jess Zaino, personal stylist and founder of
Cheap Chic Shopping Tours. Zaino was former host of the Style Networks, "The Look for Less" and now works with Clinton Kelly on "The Chew."
She warns you shouldn't go overboard with too many pieces, though. "Stick to a statement necklace, stacked bracelets and a cocktail ring or two."
Pictured are
Rachel Roy Tinley Road Chevron Plated Necklace ($38) and
Lipsy Feathers Stack Bangle Set ($24.35).
Choose the Right Shoe
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Comfortable shoes are amazing, no doubt, but don't sacrifice style in the process, especially if you're going for a refined, fashion-forward look.
"Wearing a sexy dress with bad shoes is going to make you look old," warns
Sarah Shirley, a NYC-based stylist who regularly doles out advice for fashion glossies and shows such as "Good Day New York," "They Early show" and "The Today Show."
Fortunately, it's possible to don kicks that are as fabulous looking as they are comfortable. For example, wedges and strappy sandals are currently on trend for spring and summer and are available in myriad comfortable options.
If you want to add height without worrying about teetering over in a 3-inch stiletto, try a kitten heel.
Pictured are
ASOS SORT Slipper Vamp Kitten Heel Shoes ($43) and
Kelsi Dagger Bianca Crisscross Raffia Wedge ($49).
Try Eyelash/Eyebrow Hair Growth Serum
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"Another telltale aging sign is eyebrows," says Luciani. "The hair thins as we age and women tend to start penciling them in. Instead, use an eyelash growth serum on brow hairs daily."
Some growth serums require prescriptions from your doc, but OTC options are also available. For example, the
EnvyDerm line has
mascara ($20),
liquid eyeliner ($36) and
a growth serum ($49.99) available without prescription.
Whiten Those Teeth
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Whitening your teeth may seem like a hassle, but the difference it can make in a matter of weeks (or even hours, if you go professional) is mind-blowing.
White teeth represent good health and youthfulness while yellow or stained teeth often age you at least a few years. Try an at-home whitening kit, use a whitening toothpaste daily and stay on top of your 6-month dental checkups. Even without insurance, the ~$100 every 6 months is one of the best investments you can make, health
and beauty-wise.
Pictured is
Go Smile Double Action Whitening 6 Day System ($89) and
Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste ($15).
Cinch Your Waist
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"Ruching at the waist always slims and sexifies a woman's silhouette," says Zaino. A slim waist and pretty figure often equates to youthfulness. Use a belt to cinch your waist or try a dress in a waist-flattering cut.
Pictured are
J. Crew's Stripe Boating Belt in Island Coral ($19.99),
MICHAEL by Michael Kors Ring-Buckle Belt ($48) and
Mod Cloth's A-flutter with Glee Dress ($64.99).
Choose Tights Over Panty Hose
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This ought to make your heart sing: those uncomfortable panty hose can often age you, so feel free to toss 'em out.
If you want to wear a shorter hemline and are worried about exposing your legs, try a patterned tight instead. Shirley suggests black opaques or nude fishnets, both neutral enough to go with just about anything.
Pictured are
Pretty Polly Fishnet Stockings, 2 pack ($34) and
Hue Sheer Dot Opaque Tights ($13.50).
Dark Wash Jeans
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For a more youthful silhouette, Zaino also suggests nabbing a pair or two of dark wash jeans. One of the season's hottest jean trend, she says, is a short cut skinny jean, which shows off slimming "ankle cleavage," (yes - it's a thing), lifts the derriere and elongates your gams. That sounds like a triple win, to us.
Pictured are
MEK Denim Dark Wash Skinny Jeans ($89),
Dylan George Kendra Skinny in Mulholland Dark ($72) and
Levi's Jeans, Demi Curve Skinny Leg Ankle in Destined Dark Wash ($50).
Switch Up Your Hair Style
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We've all witnessed women (and men, if we're being honest) who are stuck in a hair rut. Newsflash: if you've been wearing the same style for more than 5 years, it's possible you're also sporting an outdated look. Give your hair stylist some freedom to change things up (it is their job to stay on top of hair trends), and don't be afraid to play with trendy hair accessories, including wraps, feathers, scarves, barrettes and beyond.
Pictured are
Banana Republic Flower Brooch Headband ($25),
Anna & Ava Crystal Bow Hair Barrette ($15),
Charlotte Russe Tribal Feather Extension Clip ($5.50).
Sport Girly Pink Lips
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"Dark colors are so 1997 and look harsh," says Shirley, who suggests something softer and more playful as an alternative. "Young girls love pinks and corals, so go for something light and pretty."
Pictured are
NYX Mette Lipstick in Summer Breeze ($5.99),
L'Oreal Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum Lipstick in Compelling Coral ($2.31) and
Maybelline SuperStay 10Hr Stain Gloss in Pink Plush ($8.99).
Wear Bold Colors
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Bright colors are youthful and fun, so don't shy away from them. Try soft pastels, trendy tangerine and all the other colors of the rainbow. The only bold color you should steer away from is red, notes Zaino.
"[Red] picks up on broken capillaries." Unfortunately, broken capillaries are a common frustration that older women face, so highlighting them is certainly frowned upon.
Red highlights them in the same way a green shirt picks up the specks of green in your eyes. You can wear other colors that are just as vibrant. And if red is your favorite, try it via an accessory, shoe, purse or even nail polish.
Pictured are
Mossimo Supply Co. Womens Plus-Size Short-Sleeve Kimono Dress ($18),
ASOS SUGAR PIE Peep Toe Mid Heel Shoes ($44) and
J.Crew Cabochon and crystal stretch bracelet ($29.50).
Dress Age-Appropriately
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Be sure your clothing is age appropriate. That goes for dressing both too old and too young. "Women who try to dress like their teenage daughters actually make themselves look older," says Luciani. She suggests wearing a hemline that hits just above the knee and to make sure your clothing is fitted to your body. Try tailored jackets or blazers, well-fitted t-shirt dresses and prints that lean more subtle than blaring.
Pictured are
Jones New York Collection One-Button Blazer ($149) and
Lauren Ralph Lauren Lauren By Ralph Lauren Orlena Belted Workshirt Dress ($112).
Wear the Correct Bra
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Luciani, whose specialty is bras, can't emphasize enough the importance of a well-fitting bra. "Keeping those girls lifted and perky instantly makes you look younger," she says.
Pictured are
Calvin Klein Underwear Naked Glamour Lace Plunge Bra ($24.75) and
Elle Macpherson Intimates Picturesque Lace Contour Bra ($65).
Cover Aged Neck Skin
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This one kind of hurts, but again, our aim is to be as honest and helpful as possible. As we age, the skin on our neck and chest becomes especially susceptible to sagging, wrinkles and sun spots. Luciani suggests wearing a statement necklace to conceal this area. Alternatively, try a flattering top, such as a peter pan collar (youthful in its own way), button up shirt or charming/interesting tops with higher necklines.
Pictured are
Rachel Roy Tinley Road Lemon Drop Statement Necklace ($34) and
Yumi Kim Tinley Road Peter Pan Collar Blouse ($49).
Update Your Wardrobe
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Just because your 10-year-old shoes haven't fallen apart yet, that doesn't mean they should be worn. And even if those jeans from 7 years ago still fit (congrats on that, if that's the case!), that doesn't mean you should wear them, either.
Falling out of touch with what's in style can age both men and women, so consistently add new pieces to your wardrobe if you want to stay hip and youthful looking. Of course, investing in timeless pieces -- such as straightforward LBDs and crisp button ups -- is always good for your checkbook.
Pictured are
CALVIN KLEIN Square Ikat Print Dress ($80) and
White House Mixed Metallic Linear Earring ($24).
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