How To Look Younger Part II

As promised on Monday, here are more tips on how to look younger without going under the knife.

Tip Eleven - Skip The Powder

Powder tends to settle into your fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable. Older skin doesn't produce as much oil as younger skin. Plus a matte face look solder than a dewy fresh face.

Tip Twelve - Eat Healthy

Too much sugar can make your skin look dull and wrinkled due to a process called glycation which breaks down you skin and decreases firmness and elasticity. Make sure to eat enough protein because your body needs it to convert it to amino acids to repair skin cells, cartilage, and muscles. Aim for 120 grams of protein a day or else your skin could start to sag more.

Tip Thirteen - Don't Overpluck Your Brows

Once you hit your 30s, you'll want to be careful not to overpluck your eyebrows since brows are less apt to grow back if you excessively pluck. Full, natural looking eyebrows can soften your face making you appear younger. Fill them in with feathery strokes using a matte eyeshadow that matches your hair colour.

Tip Fourteen - Update Your Wardrobe

If you're wearing stuff from the 1970s, 1980s, and in some cases the 1990s, it is definitely a time to ditch those outdated clothes and buy more current pieces. When I say current, I don't mean trendy. I mean age appropriate, modern pieces that suit who you are now. Every five to ten years it is a good thing to re-evaluate what works and what no longer does.

Tip Fifteen - Don't Smoke

I know that Zeke has blogged about this one before, but I would be amiss if I didn't bring it up here as well. Smoking prematurely ages skin by between ten to twenty years, increases the likelihood of facial wrinkling (by 3 times) particularly around the eyes and mouth, gives a sallow, yellow-grey complexion and hollow cheeks, which can cause smokers to look gaunt. Yep, it makes you look older.

Tip Sixteen - Curl Your Lashes

If you are already blessed with thick, curly lashes then this tip is not for you. For the rest of us mere mortals, break out the eyelash curler. Curling lashes opens eyes making them pop and eyelids look less droopy.

Tip Seventeen - Lighten Up On The Make-Up

The term less is more truly applies here. “Less makeup is more youthful,” says makeup artist and Cover Girl Pro Paul Venoit. “But it doesn't mean no makeup. Foundation in particular helps gives the complexion a fresher finish.” Gravitate towards eyeshadow in natural colours like browns, and plums. Swear off dark matte lipstick and instead opt for creamy formulas with a satiny finish. And use gloss, since shine makes lips look fuller.

Tip Eighteen - No Shiny Eyeshadow

When you're in your 20's you can get away with any type of eye shadow. As we get older, it's best to use only matte eye shadow because it stays on better, plus it won't amplify every wrinkle making you look older. If you must use sparkly/shiny eye shadow, only apply it on your brow bone as a highlighter because there usually aren't many wrinkles there.

Tip Nineteen - Use A Retinol Product

This Vitamin A derivative boosts collagen production and normalizes cell renewal, a process that slows with age. Use Retinol to help keep your skin plump and smooth. Retinol is available in a variety of over the counter products.

Tip Twenty - Look After Your Smile

A great smile makes one look youthful. Teeth-whitening kits are budget-friendly and effective if you follow instructions. And take note: “Brushing immediately after consuming teeth-staining food pushes the stain deeper into the enamel,” says the Baltimore-based dentist Michelle Dozier. “Instead, rinse as soon as you can, and brush about 30 minutes later.”

Hope this has been helpful in your quest for the fountain of youth!
Joelle