eDiets Contributor
Whether you're approaching 30 or nearing 90, every woman wants to find a way to look younger. While there has been no recent discovery of the fountain of youth, there are a few things you can do to maintain a fresh, youthful appearance.
1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. You've heard it before, but using a regular face lotion will make the skin appear younger by helping it to retain moisture, which in turn helps to plump up fine lines and increase circulation.
Even if you have oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer to keep skin looking young. You may not think you need one in your 20s, 30s or even 40s, but later on in life you will notice the difference. If you're thinking, "I don't use a moisturizer because it's too greasy and heavy," then you just haven't found the right one for your skin type. The right moisturizer should make your skin feel soft and comfortable. Next time you're in the cosmetics department, look or ask for samples. There are a million and one products out there, but there is also one that's just right for you.
2. Keep out of the sun! Ever notice how most celebrities manage to look tan and young at the same time? Their secret is not baking out in the sun for hours at a time -- they really don't have time to do that anyway -- it's sunless tanning. Regular tanning, whether it be in the sun or in tanning beds, not only causes sun damage and cancer, but also leads to premature aging.
3. Drink water like it's going out of style. This is also a no-brainer, but it's nice to be reminded once in a while. Water helps our bodies perform basic functions, and helps keep us healthy by providing a helpful environment for cells to do their duties. This also leads to younger-looking skin. Your skin cells will be full of water, which, like a moisturizer, helps to plump up fine lines and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
4. Don't leave the house without a little makeup! When we were in our teens and 20s, we could run out of the house without a stitch of makeup and still look fabulous. Unfortunately, we can't stay 18 forever, and our faces need a little help sometimes. You'd be surprised what a little concealer, bronzer and lipstick can do. Crunched for time in the morning? This routine takes less than three minutes. Dab a little concealer under the eyes and on spots like pimples and blemishes. Blend with fingers. Next, apply bronzer with a big, fluffy brush to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Lastly, swipe a little lipstick on, and you're ready to go. If you have time, use a lipliner first.
5. Too much makeup can make you look older. It's easy to get a little carried away with the concealer, blush, bronzer, lipstick and whatever else we use to get ready in the morning, especially when you feel like you haven't gotten enough sleep. Natural-yet-polished makeup will help you look younger by enhancing your best assets and camouflaging your flaws. Too much makeup will actually draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Use an eye cream regularly. The skin around the eyes is the first place to show signs of aging, so it's important to take extra care of this area, even if you don't yet have any lines.
7. Try a luminizing product, but use caution. Many cosmetic lines have come out with foundations, lotions and concealers that give a gentle, highlighting effect. Most of these products contain some kind of luminescent particle, which helps to blur imperfections and fine lines.
8. Make sure your hair looks young. Even if you've had a face-lift, you won't look young if your hair is damaged, out of control or doesn't have a style. If you're starting to go gray, make an appointment with your colorist to touch up or refresh your color. A few face-framing highlights will also help to take a few years off.
9. Don't forget the neck! There's a reason why your grandmother used face cream on her face and neck. Like the skin around your eyes, losing skin's elasticity in the neck area adds years to your appearance. There are a number of neck creams out on the market, so look for one that is hydrating and firming.
10. Keep your pearly whites white. A nice bright smile helps you to look healthier, happier and younger. Your teeth can become stained over time, especially if you drink coffee or colas. Make an appointment with your dentist to see how you can maximize the look of your smile, or use an at-home whitening kit such as Crest Whitestrips.
Comment: Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:42:00 PM - 
said...
I am 63 and look 43 on a bad day. The only real answer to keeping young is plastic surgery, botox, sculptra and what ever your Dr. reccomends. Of course working out hhelps and forget expensive creams and use the money for fillers. It doesn't hurt to look good in the first place. If you are ugly, cahnces are you will be ugly no matter wht you choose to spend!
Comment: Monday, January 28, 2008 6:56:00 AM - said...
you may look 43 on a bad day..but you sound irremediably stupid...is there a procedure for that, I wonder?
Comment: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:50:00 AM - said...
Please keep in mind that this is just my opinion and mine only. I'm not trying to offend anyone as we are all entitled to our prospective.
I feel that anyone who thinks that the only way to look good is through surgery or injections is just so totally misinformed that I wouldn't know where to even start to help them change their way of thinking.
The key to looking good for me is to be healthy and happy. I don't need many cosmetics...my friends allow that I look just as good without them. I do love my eye makeup though, as I have blond eyelashes and eyebrows. This makes my eyes look much smaller than they really are and they are one of my best features. Therefore, I like to accentuate them.
I feel the true secret of beauty comes from within...if you are truly happy, then the shine shows through.
Comment: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 7:34:00 AM - said...
I agree! Just being happy will make you look younger! I am 48 and am told I look 35. I try to moisturize morning and night and not wear makeup to bed. Exercise very little, know I should more and could probably look even better! Good Luck to everyone!
Comment: Monday, September 29, 2008 3:14:00 PM - said...
I agree that surgery is not necessarily the only way to look young. First, once you start plastic surgery the only way to maintain is to have repeated plastic surgeries. You have to be happy w/yourself before you can look and feel young. A well balanced diet, exercise and plenty of water is the recipe to good health. If you are happy and feel good about yourself you will look good, perhpas even glow!!
Comment: Sunday, October 05, 2008 6:13:00 AM - said...
dear 63 and looks 43. if you've had plastic surgery, everyone can tell.
and you look like a freak. if your dr.recommends botox, he's a bad dr.
injecting dead animal into you is NOT healthy. i'm 49 and look 29. everyday. i've been in the sun all my life. it's GOOD for you. vitamin D. i've never smoked,drank alcohol or did drugs. and i eat healthy and exercise. you are ugly inside that is why you get plastic surgery
Comment: Saturday, October 11, 2008 1:27:00 PM - said...
I always thought I would opt for plastic surgery as I got older but decided to age with good health and grace. My husband and I are 59, we try to make healthy eating choices and work out faitfully. We continue to work at our jobs and have so much fun with our friends, family, grandchildren and most of all each other. We feel young, healthy and look great for our age. I take good care of my skin, hair, mind, body and soul. Yes, I wear makeup and color my hair because that makes me feel good too! This all works for me, each person has to do what is right for them. I judge no one, do what makes you truly happy and just feel good about yourself! Age is a number and a state of mind and I quit counting.
Comment: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 12:15:00 PM - said...
I am 63 and the only way I can identify how I really look is through the eyes of my friends and those who I have just met. Did I mention that most of the men who hit on me are (at a minimum) ten years younger? The above article is right on target! I wear a very young hairstyle and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Comment: Sunday, November 02, 2008 8:06:00 AM - said...
I AM 51 AND USUALLY SURPRISE OTHERS WHEN I TELL THEM MY AGE AS THEY THINK I AM YOUNGER. I WALK 4 MILES A DAY, WORK OUT WITH WEIGHTS 3 TIMES A WEEK, DO PILATES 3 TIMES A WEEK, DRINK MY WATER FAITHFULLY, BUT I DO BREAK DOWN AT TIMES AND HAVE MY DIET COKE. I TRY MY DARNDEST TO EAT HEALTHY TOO. AND I DO COLOR MY HAIR, AND WEAR MY SHARE OF MAKEUP. BUT ALL OF THIS IS TAKING CARE OF THE OUTSIDE PART OF ME. BUT OVERALL, IT IS WHAT IS INSIDE, BEING HAPPY WITH YOURSELF, FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOU, LOVING YOURSELF, THAT REALLY COUNTS, AND THAT IS WHAT COMES THROUGH TO OTHERS.
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