1) Invest in a good bra and shapewear. Gravity happens as we age – invest in a good, proper fitting bra.  A good bra should have a smooth fit, fit your cup size perfectly, lift the girls without the straps cutting into your shoulders, and if you are large, even act as a minimizer.  If you’re thinking the perfect bra for you does not exist – YOU ARE WRONG!  You’re just not shopping in the right places.  Watch for a future post on this topic.  Better yet if you’re really in a pinch, e-mail me.  Seriously, I don’t mind. I can point you in the right direction, regardless of where you live.

Haven’t purchased any Spanx yet?  Well, my friend, it is time.  No excuses, it’s sold almost everywhere now. Target carries a great, affordable line called Assets.  At a minimum, I recommend owning two pieces: Fantastic Firmers tank/camisole and Sensational-Shaper underwear.  Good shapewear can slim you by one to two pant sizes – IMMEDIATELY, and has an incredible overall smoothing effect.  Nothing ages you like visible lumps and bumps – what are you waiting for?!  {p.s.  It’s not nearly as uncomfortable as you think it will be!}

2) Applying foundation like an all over “mask”. As we age, our skin’s ability to produce moisture on its own is greatly diminished.  Hence, we lose elasticity in our skin and that, my friend, is where those pesky little crow’s feet come in.  When you apply all over foundation on top of those fine lines, it settles right into those fine lines.  Add pressed or loose powder to that and you have a recipe for aging by 5 years or more.

Instead, introduce a moisturizer into your skincare regimen, morning and night.  This will help any dry skin and in turn, will decrease the appearance of wrinkles.  With your skin’s newfound moisture, your skin will be plumper and allover foundation will not be necessary.  I apply concealer around my eyes and the outer edge of my lips.  Then, I apply light foundation on my forehead, nose and chin and just a dab from my nose out towards my cheeks to give my blush something to hold on to.  I follow up with a mineral based finishing powder (L’Oreal Bare Naturale Luminizing Mineral Finish – approx. $12.50) to blend and finish.  The wonderful thing about mineral makeup is that it melts right into your skin and doesn’t feel as heavy as foundation, and the minerals create a youthful, luminous affect on your skin that just looks amazing.

3) Dark lipsticks. In addition to settling into fine lines around your lips and mouth, dark lipsticks “pull” your eyes down and will make your face appear droopy.  You’re much better off with a sheer to pale colored lip gloss.  I prefer a lip plumping gloss, but that is a post for another day!

4) Dry skin. See #2.  This is the best thing you can do for your face to appear younger.  Introduce a great moisturizer into your night and day skincare regimen and it will make a visible difference rather quickly, and continue to improve your wrinkles over time.  I am a big fan of Philosophy’s Hope in a jar.  We will talk more about overall skin care next week – on Tuesday to be exact!

5) The wrong shoes. I love shoes.  I like to visit with my little friends in my closet when I am feeling blue.  They make me smile.  I sincerely consider a beautiful shoe a work of art.  However, there are some shoes that I do not like.  I know how tempting it can be to choose comfort over chic, slip-on’s over stilettos, but few things will date you as easily as a frumpy shoe.  High heels on the other hand, well, the lovely creations do things for your bottom even a plastic surgeon can’t do.  They elongate your body, make you stand taller, and worn correctly, make your confidence soar.  If you just cannot physically bring yourself to wear a great stiletto or pump, try a kitten heel or a wedge.  If all else fails, plan ahead and wear flats to an event, change just before you get out of your car, make sure to take a seat occasionally at the function you will be attending, and slip back into your flats in the car.  Promise me you’ll at least try the heels.  You’ll look great, feel great, get lots of compliments and be glad you did!