Better With Age: Beauty Products That Subtract 10 Years
There's nothing wrong with aging. In fact, a touch of gray hair and fine lines that accent happy years can often add to a woman's beauty and make her look more regal and sophisticated. Think of the stunning faces of Meryl Streep, Wynona Ryder, Angela Bassett, Demi Moore and Cate Blanchett -- women ages 39 to 61.
The key to aging, though, is to do it gracefully. With the help of beauty advancements, you can age just as gracefully as any Hollywood celebrity. Even the smallest adjustment can make a world of difference -- from products that help you obtain a more even complexion to smaller pores to a bit of extra body in your coiffure.
The Culprit: Worry Wrinkles and Fine Lines
The Anti-Aging Fix: Like we said above, a few fine lines can add a sense of elegant maturity to a woman. However, there is a such thing as bad wrinkles. We're talking about worry wrinkles that make it look like you're constantly in a state of stress -- or worse -- anger! These wrinkles typically exist on your forehead and between your eyebrows.
Myriad wrinkle prevention and wrinkle-removal products exist today, so choose one that best fits your needs. Wrinkle products with rave reviews include Shiseido's Deep Wrinkle Corrector ($52), Kiehl's Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler ($39) and Phyto-Black Lift Intense Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate ($155).Another negative kind of wrinkle are those that frames your lips. As we age, the fat in our lips slowly disappears, making them appear both thinner and paler. This, regrettably, highlights mouth wrinkles.
For a quick fix, buy a lip plumper to hydrate those puckers and apply whenever you they need a pick-me-up. It's also wise to keep chapstick on hand.
We adore L'Oreal's Infallible Plumping Lip Gloss ($9.99) and Clinique Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine ($17.50). For chapstick, you can't go wrong with Carmex ($2).
The Culprit: Sun Spots and Splotchy Skin
The Anti-Aging Fix: An uneven skin tone is any woman's nightmare -- no matter her age. However, the problem becomes more prominent as a woman get's older simply because the more birthday's you celebrate, the more years you've been exposed to the elements, chemicals and sun.
For an easy fix, invest in a product that promotes even skin tone. You'll want something that covers up and blends age spots -- also called sun spots -- instantly and/or a product that works long-term to create even skin tone.In addition, always cover up with a little SPF. Often times anti-aging products are amped up with sunscreen, but if your product of choice isn't, always add a thin layer underneath your makeup.
We're completely in love with Marie Veronique Organic's anti-aging line since all products are free of parabens and chemicals. Try the Moisturizing Face Screen with SPF 30 ($40). It protehands cts, moisturizes, heals and because it's lightly tinted, instantly evens out skin tone.
Other noteworthy products include Lancome's "Absolute Hand" Anti-Age Spot Replenishing Treatment with SPF 15 ($42), Vita-K Solution Professional Age Spots ($14.99) and Yes to Carrots Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser ($9.99).
The Culprit: Thinning, Dry Hair
The Anti-Aging Fix: Think about it. When you watch makeover shows, the one switch that packs the most punch is a new head of hair. And when you think about a beautiful woman whose style or look you'd like to emulate, her hair is almost always immaculate.
That's because a flat head of hair (in every sense of the word) can make a woman look far older than her actual years. When hair is flat in terms of color, it takes away from the brightness of your complexion.In addition, flat hair with no body or movement are never good. Conversely, if you add a bit of texture and pump up the color and shine, you'll notice an instant transformation.
You can vamp up your hair in several ways. To begin, try hair dye or a highlighting kit for a deeper color, or buy a product that adds richness to your current hue. We're fans of Clairol Nice 'n Easy Hair Dye with Color Blend Technology ($7.99) and Garnier Nutrisse's Nourishing Multi-Lights Highlighting Kit ($7.49).
You'll also want an arsenal of hair styling products depending on your needs. A hair serum, like Biolage by Matrix Deep Smoothing Serum ($14.99), tames thick and frizzy hair while a volumizer or texturizer does wonders for thinner tresses. Try Ojan' Volum Advance Volumizing 4-Piece Ritual Kit ($39) and Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($5.99).
If you're dealing with thinning hair, invest in a product that promotes hair growth like Therapy-G Follicle Stumulator for Thinning or Fine Hair ($49.95). A new haircut with lots of texture can also give the appearance of fuller locks.
The Culprit: Dry, Flaky and Rough Skin
The Anti-Aging Fix: Alligator skin has no business on your body! Unfortunately, the older (and wiser) you become, the more prone you are to dry, flaky and rough skin. Though a common problem, it's also an easy one to fix. The ultimate key? Hydration. Lots of hydration.
To combat dry facial skin, choose a very gentle facial cleanser that scrubs away dead skin. We like Burt's Bees Peach and Willow Bark Facial Scrub ($8) and Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser ($15.20). Follow up with a facial moisturizer -- preferably one that includes an SPF -- like Cetaphil's Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($13.49).For super problem areas like elbows and knees, you'll want something with a bit more oomph in terms of exfoliation. Try Origin's Salt Rub Smoothing Body Scrub ($32) and Mark's Change is Gonna Come Foaming Body Exfoliator ($12). Both polish and moisturize without leaving a greasy residue.
As always, make sure you apply lotion to all other parts of your body throughout the day, especially areas that are exposed (like your arms, legs, neck, hands and face). Try eos Refresh Active Care Lotion ($6.99) and Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion ($8.49). For hands, try Maja's Hand Cream with Vitamin E ($4.95).
More Culprits (And Their Solutions!):
Large PoresThe Fix: A face toner that includes witch hazel, like Thayers Natural Remedies Original Witch Hazel Toner ($3.50) or C. Booth Tea Tree Therapeutic Toner ($7.99).
Dark Under Eye Circles
The Fix: An eye brightening cream. We love Bliss Fabulous Everyday Eye Cream ($28).
Pale Skin
The Fix: A gradual self tanner like Jergens Natural Glow Lotion ($8.99) or a spray-on tan like Neutrogena Micro-Mist Deep Airbrush Sunlgess Tan Spray ($11.99).
A Stressed Appearance
The Fix: A little rest and relaxation. For a cheap fix, try a bath salt soak with a product like The Village Company's Mineral Bath Soak for Stress and Tension ($6.99).
Untouchable, Hardened Legs
The Fix: An ultra-moisturizer like Johnson's Baby Creamy Oil, Cocoa and Shea Butter ($4.79).
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