Foundation, blush, powder, eye liner, eye shadow, eye primer, lip liner, lip stick, lip gloss, lip plump, bronzer, hair dye, highlights, bobs, weaves, bangs, layers, up-do’s, curls, straighteners, perms, botox, wrinkle cream, lip injections, breast augmentation, spray tan… wow, I’ve only begun to list the many, MANY, ways we can alter our appearance, in order to create that look we’ve been dreaming of.

Middle aged women desire a younger look, 16 year old girls wish to look sexy and 20 year olds just want to be noticed–whatever that may require.  So, are all of these things only obtainable through cosmetics, hair products and surgeries?  I think not, in fact, some of these things are our worst enemy, and can create the exact opposite look that we are going for.

How to: Obtain a young, fresh look:

Less is always more.  Regardless of how much we cake on that powder, all it will do is add a layer to that bump on our nose, which will then settle down in those wrinkles and lines-and, ultimately, make our skin and appearance age a few years.  Applying just enough makeup to accent your best features will give you a younger, fresher look.

An alternative to foundation may be some tinted face moisturizer.  This will keep your face hydrated, while adding a bit of color and smoothness, for an overall young, fresh look.

Women with luscious, plump lips are allowed to wear brighter, deeper lipsticks, I mean, they just have that advantage.   However, as we get older, even Angelina Jo Lee is better off wearing lighter colors on her lips.  Try avoiding matte lipstick, this will accent each and every fine line and wrinkle.  Glossy lipstick is and friendlier to your lines and lips, and creates an overall younger look J

Eye liner is good, in moderation.  Too much can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes.  Try to avoid liquid eye-liner altogether.  Charcoal, blues, and browns are better colors, rather than thick, black eyeliner.  Also, using eye shadow as a liner can be used to add a very attractive, “smoky eye”, blended look.

Try to avoid teen trends, such as glitter, shimmer, sparkle, anything that can be found in the arts and crafts isle at wal-mart. Just because they are labeled “teen trends” does NOT mean this will make you look like a teenager again. I should not have to explain this any further.

Avoid over exposure to AV-rays and sun-light as much as possible.  If you are in the tanning bed, or at the beach, lying out, wear a hat, or put a shirt over your face (I do this, and then fall asleep).  It will protect your skin, and prevent wrinkles from appearing at a younger age.

The older you are, the less you should wear bright, Barbie-doll makeup colors.  You will look much more vibrant and fresh wearing natural colors.

Thicker eye brows-as apposed to thin.  I’m not saying you have to grow a uni-brow, but don’t over-pluck, either.  Health is in the balance.

A few hair tips:

Hair cuts that are anywhere between your chin and shoulder length flatter just about anyone, and are great at shedding a few years.  It creates a balance between long, straight boring child-like hair, and short- I have 4 kids and too little time to fix my hair-hair.  Short hair is also an option, like fun bobs, different strokes for different folks.

Side swept bangs are sexy, cute, and will take years off your look.

Layers are your friend.  No one likes boring, flat, straight, one-length hair, anymore.  Layers are fun, and young.

Highlights are okay, they can freshen up your look, and make you look and feel younger.  Don’t go platinum blonde, but, a few simple highlights never hurt anyone.

Wear your hair back, away from your face.  This will accent your beautiful facial features, while creating a fresh, sophisticated look.

Stay tuned! My next blog will cover hair and makeup tips for those transitioning from college/high school, into the real world of business; more specifically, how to escape that messy, school girl look, and embrace your true elegance.

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