Being a senior woman doesn't mean going unnoticed. There are tricks I have learned throughout my career as a cosmetologist that have helped me cope as I am pulled kicking and screaming into my senior years. They have changed my life (and my attitude!). I have seen firsthand what a new look will do for someone who feels a little "washed out." Here are my five top secrets for staying and looking young if you are lucky enough to be facing the best years of your life.
1. Hydrate, Feed And Exercise Your Skin
Your skin is the most important organ of your body. It needs to be fed, hydrated and pampered if you want to look younger. My favorite tips for healthy looking skin?
- Drink lots of water. It's good for you and keeps your skin elastic and looking great.
Get plenty of exercise. Try walking to the market, to a neighbor's house, around the yard or park farther away from the store. I don't enjoy walking as exercise, but working it into my daily schedule by rethinking how I get from place to place has made an impact on my life. Exercise bathes your skin with a radiant glow.
Choose healthy eating habits, including plenty of fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Feeding your skin properly will result in less wrinkles and good color.
Use moisturizer. It's important to replace lost oils in your skin caused from cleansing and daily exposure. As we age our skin loses some of its natural lubricants. Replacing these with a good moisturizer is crucial. Choose a good product line and use it exclusively. There will be moisturizers designated for day and night. Use them faithfully. Use eye cream. Eye cream gives more elasticity to the area under your eyes. The cream will help erase tired lines and dark spots. When your eyes are bright you look refreshed.
2. Change Your Makeup Choice
- Ok girls, here's the scoop. Some of us are menopausal and we may have a facial hair problem. It's a sign of aging I found difficult to handle. After a lot of trial and error with liquid makeup, I switched to a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. Voila! My face looks healthy, no hair visible. I now go without a powder finish - who needs it?
- Use concealer under makeup. A concealer works great for lightening tired circles under your eyes and discoloration around the nose. Feather in to even out tone.
3. Wear a Hat In The Sun For Protection
- If you don't you may have to have surgeries to remove suspicious moles (ask me how I know) and have them biopsied for cancer cells. Make a statement - find a classy hat and wear it. Take a tip from Mexican women - they carry an umbrella on sunny days - anything to protect your pretty senior face.
4. Less Is More
- Lighten up on eye makeup and blush. While you may have worn a lot of eye makeup in your youth, it will age you now. Keep the colors light and well-blended, go easy on eyeliner; add a bit of mascara and a light dusting of blush.
- Save the red lipstick for the Christmas party. For daily use, a natural-looking color is better. A shade lighter than normal will give you positive results.
5. Take Good Care Of Your Hair
- Gray or not? Some women love their gray hair. Use products designed for gray hair - it's coarser and sometimes harder to manage.
A little hair color can make you feel new. A word of caution - don't go extreme and choose black or bright red unless you want a drastic look. Stay close to your natural hair color or go for highlights. If you decide to choose a different color match it to your skin tone. Good hair color can actually condition your hair.
Visit your hairstylist. Ask her opinion about styling. My advice? Stay away from a look with too much hairspray - the look is out. A more natural look is best as we age.
Shorter isn't necessarily better, but some women resort to pulling long hair back and it dates them. A short, perky, easy-care hairstyle might be a better option to enhance your face.
If you follow these tips you'll feel better about yourself. Embrace your seniorness!
