If you've let yourself go a bit: have out dated hair or makeup; skin problems; a few extra pounds it's time to renew yourself. Come learn & play to become beautiful now!
Many women over 40 have too little time and energy to spend on caring for themselves. This can result in looking and feeling older than you are. In Christopher Hopkins' book, Staging Your Comeback, Health Communications 2008, he guides women through a head to toe beauty process. This book is a feast of visual and interesting information to get you back on track. Let's look at a few of Hopkins' ideas.
Dress the Body You HaveMany women are stuck by trying to dress the body they used to have or want to have. Take a look at your proportions.
Are you smaller on top then your hips? You're an A type. So, down play your hips with darker colors, smooth fabrics. Add focus to your top with lighter colors,small shoulder pads, earrings and necklaces.
Is your chest measurement larger than your hips? You are type Y. A great fitting bra is your first step. Then making friends with a seamstress who can take in your blouses to fit your waist and become large enough for your bust. Lighter pants and skirts add balance.
If you are pretty straight up and down, with very little waist definition you are an I type. Avoid attention at the waist. As women become older, the midriff can become un-toned. Focus on your great arms and legs with your clothing.
Check Your HairMost of us are guilty of finding a hairstyle that works and staying with it. Other women simply stop cutting or coloring their hair. So, here are some update ideas.
Look in the mirror and ask yourself if you look current or contemporary with your hair. If the answer is no, it's time for a change.
Look around at women, including strangers whose hair you love; who have the same texture/type of hair you have; who have about the same face shape you have.
When you discover those women, ask who their hairdresser is, what style products they use and the name of the salon.
Clip pictures from magazines of styles you love, again assuming they're similar in texture etc.
Now, make an appointment with a new hairdresser. Be specific. Here's an example: "I know I'm perhaps not the youngest or thinnest person. However, I want to look youthful, current, vibrant and energetic. My hair is important; here are a few styles I've looked at. I want you to know, I'd rather come in again in a few weeks, than have you cut my hair in a style I hate or that is too short. Would this style look good on me? Do I have the hair to pull it off? Would you recommend a color or highlight?" Then dialog with your stylist.
MakeupThis can be tricky, because the makeup counter ladies are in sales and often apply too much makeup. Here are a few tips.
Schedule with a department store to do your makeup. You can go to different stores and different product lines to see what you like. Do not purchase makeup at that time. Get a list of what they use, walk around, see the reactions and what you like. Then go back and purchase.
Let them know you would like a daytime or business look. This will be what you wear 80% of the time.
You can purchase from the shopping networks, as everything comes with a money-back guarantee. You can try things and send back what you don't like.
Ask a good friend who is impeccable about her makeup and looks current and beautiful to give you a makeup lesson.
Several companies will go into your home to apply makeup (i.e. Mary Kay and BeautiControl).
Update your makeup at least every three years. Any eye shadow or lipstick over a year old, and mascara that's over 3 months old needs to be thrown away because of bacteria.
Health & ShapeIt's time to plan to drop weight if you put some on. This is a lifestyle change and a process. Simple goals of dropping the first 5 pounds can be very motivating. Perhaps it's not realistic to be your high school weight, but being an average weight helps your health, vitality and self confidence.
Do work toward getting extra pounds off. Take some pride in your appearance. Make it a goal to take at least 2 inches off your waist if you have a few extra pounds.
Even a 10% weight reduction lowers your risk of heart disease.
Keep your numbers below 100. Bad cholesterol below 100. Blood Sugar level below 100. Blood pressure average of both numbers below 100. All of this helps prevent diabetes.
Exercise for 20-30 minutes four or more days a week. That healthy glow renews mind, body and spirit.
Clean Your ClosetMake room for the new youI Love the process that Hopkins describes in his book for closet cleaning. Let's look at step 5 from his book. These questions clarify what to keep, toss, give to charity, or take to a tailor.
Do You Love It?
Does it Fit, and Does it Flatter My Body?
Does it Represent My Ideal Personal Style?
Is it in Style or a QualityClassic Piece?
ExtrasIn order to add the polish and finesse of your look, you also need to take care of some maintenance issues weekly or monthly.
Either have manicure/pedicure or give yourself one. Make sure your polish is pristine and done.
Deep condition your hair weekly.
Schedule waxing or depilating regularly so you never get to the stage where it looks like you need it.
Have your hair trimmed every two months. Schedule your hair color regularly or get really good at an in-home process.
Take care of rough heels. Two product that work well are the Pediegg along with Earth to Skin Care Cracked Heel Renewal
Give yourself a great facial weekly.
Good looks after the age of 40 are really a combination of discipline, routine, caring and consistency. You can achieve a youthful, vibrant look at any age. Keeping your mind, body and spirit young also adds to you sense of beauty. Let your outside match your youthful inside!
The copyright of the article Fashion & Beauty for Your Second Act in Beauty is owned by Iris Fanning. Permission to republish Fashion & Beauty for Your Second Act in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
