There’s nothing like looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection of someone who looks years younger than their chronological age.
We all want to look our best and age beautifully, but sometimes life gets in the way and we unconsciously get comfortable with choices that make us look older than we are.
In this blog post, we’ll share 7 things that could be making you look older than you really are.
And don’t worry, we’ll also share some tips on how to correct them!
How Can We Achieve Looking Young and Feeling Great Over 40?
There are 7 common factors that contribute to women looking more haggard and unkept in appearance.
And while teens and twenty-somethings can get away with one or two of these factors, it’s not so becoming for mature women, especially those heading into their 40s and beyond.
By taking control of these factors and making some quick and easy changes, we can significantly improve the way we look and feel.
7 Things That Are Making You Look Old- and How To Fix Them
1. Invest in Quality Purses and Shoes
When we adorn ourselves with frumpy, dumpy, scuffed, worn, misshapen old purses and shoes, it sends a message that we’ve checked out on our appearance.
A beautiful good quality purse can make any outfit look more polished and make any woman feel more luxe.
A great quality purse can blow your mind!
Having several types of well-stocked purses for different occasions and outings will go a long way in complimenting any outfit on your way out the door!
Likewise, several pairs and types of comfortable, high-quality shoes will take you from the office to running errands to entertainment without sacrificing style or comfort.
Similar to the purse scenario, having extra shoes prevents the sole wear and tear of a singular item.
Try to aim for a variety of classic and contemporary styles for each season.
For example, in the summer you might have:
- a pair of flip-flops,
- a good quality sandal in the brown family, along with a black and white pair,
- a pair of classy wedges,
- a pair of espadrilles,
- some classic navy boat shoes,
- and a fun pair of ankle-high sneakers like Converse.
2. Keep Your Hair Neat, Tidy, or Styled
There’s nothing wrong with a bun or ponytail, but keeping your hair pulled back in a sloppy manner every day is an unattractive look.
The good news is, there are so many excellent tutorials on Youtube and Pinterest for quick and easy hairstyles that can take you from the office to the grocery store to a night out, in minutes.
And once you practice these quick, easy hairstyles a few times you’ll be hooked- and a pro!
Consider investing in some good quality hair products, such as dry shampoo, volumizing spray, heat protectant, and some styling tools like a curling wand or straightener.
Your hair is one of the first things for people to notice, and making it look neat, tidy, and styled can make all the difference in your appearance- even if it’s only a gentle brush with some leave-in conditioner!
3. Get a Quality Skincare Routine
As we age, our skin often takes more of a beating from sun damage, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
Investing in a good morning and nighttime skincare routine is not only important for our appearance, but it’s important for the longevity and health of our skin.
There are so many skincare lines available- from drugstore to high-end. It’s important to do some research and invest in a skincare routine that works best for your skin type and concerns.
Consider trying a Korean Skin Care Routine, which has become wildly popular for its thorough and effective approach to skincare, including luscious ingredients which result in their famous dewy glow and “Glass Skin” effect.
To find out more, see The Skin Care Routine of Korean Women: What You Need to Know.
And for more intensive alternatives to aging skin, there are also non-surgical options such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy. More to come on this!
3. Wear Nice Clothes
Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a comfortable clothing slump. But if those “comfy” clothes are stained, torn, worn, misshapen, or just plain ugly, it’s time to reassess your daily wear.
Invest in some well-fitted, classic, seasonal pieces that you can mix and match for any occasion. Add a few trendy pieces to spice up your wardrobe, but make sure they fit you well and flatter your body shape.
It takes the same amount of time to throw on a flowing, flattering one-piece pantsuit or dress, as it does a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, but the difference in appearance and confidence is astounding.
An example of classic summer wardrobe items can include:
- a crisp, white button-down shirt,
- some dark wash skinny jeans or white ankle pants,
- a few casual sundresses,
- linen tops or flowing blouses
- a classical horizontal red or navy striped top
Don’t forget about nice accessories such as jewelry, hats, scarves, and belts to add a touch of personality to any outfit.
You deserve to feel amazing in what you wear every day, so take some time to invest in clothing that makes you look and feel great.
4. Adapt a Consistent Nail Care Routine
Neglected hands, chipped nail polish, and dirty fingernails say nothing but speak volumes.
Take the time to regularly groom and shape your nails, and maintain a consistent color or polish to make all the difference in your overall look.
Invest in a good quality nail kit and set aside some “me-time” each week to give yourself a manicure or pedicure, and you’ll be ready to take on the world with your beautiful nails.
Getting regular manicures or treating yourself to one once in a while can also make a huge difference. But be wary of acrylic nails and constant gel nail applications.
Super long nails may be fine for some people, especially younger age groups, but if you’re looking to exude style and class- shorter nails are always the way to go.
Here are some great manicure and pedicure tools to get you started.
5. Make a Decision About Your Graying Hair
Whether you decide to color it or let it be, remember that gray hair is beautiful and mature.
Keep your hair healthy by using shampoo and conditioner tailored specifically for gray hair, and get regular trims to avoid split ends.
And if you prefer to dye your hair, make sure to use a color that complements your skin tone. Ashy colors or too-bright colors can often look harsh and artificial on older skin.
Stick to natural-looking hues like natural blacks, natural browns, beiges, grays, and whites to achieve a soft, elegant look.
But most importantly- keep up with your hair dye routine! There’s nothing more unsightly than roots- if the intention is to have none.
There are several products that can offer quick fixes in-between hair dye applications.
6. Whiten Your Teeth Regularly
Yellow teeth are one of the quickest ways to age yourself, and there is a myriad of reasons our teeth can become stained or discolored:
- drinks like coffee, tea, red wine,
- curries, tomato sauces, and other foods
- smoking
- certain medications
- certain diseases or chronic conditions
A bright smile lights up your whole face and is often the first thing people notice about you.
Taking care of your pearly whites really enhances a youthful appearance.
Schedule regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups, and consider getting professional whitening done every few years.
Not only will your teeth have a brighter appearance, but it’s also important for overall oral health.
You can also invest in a good quality electric toothbrush and an at-home whitening kit for maximum maintenance results.
You’ll be amazed at how much whiter teeth can brighten up your whole face!
7. Wear Makeup!
Taking the time to put on some basic makeup like concealer, mascara, and lip balm before heading out the door will only take a few minutes- but makes a big difference in your overall look.
This also applies if you stay home or work from home- why not take just a little bit of time to enhance your natural beauty?
There are positive psychological benefits that occur when we practice makeup application and take care of our appearance, it can even boost self-confidence.
But remember- less is more when it comes to makeup for mature skin.
Instead of piling on heavy foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead.
And don’t be afraid to try new makeup products or techniques, like contouring or highlighting.
Choose makeup that is specifically made for mature skin and invest in good quality products. This will ensure long-lasting, smooth coverage without settling into fine lines or wrinkles.
Conclusion
Making small changes in your appearance can have a big impact on how young you look—and feeling great about yourself is priceless!
Try incorporating some (or all) of these tips into your daily routine and see how much younger you look—and feel—in no time at all!