Do you ever look at your face and go hmm…I’m aging. I have to be honest, I do. I’m never going to look 20 or even 30 again but there are some beauty secrets that will take years (okay, maybe not years but you can look better) off your face.
I’m going to be real honest with you ladies. Yesterday, I was sharing about a necklace I recently bought and I took this close up of the necklace. I didn’t post it because of the wrinkles around my eyes. Yep, it’s true!
I could have easily fixed this in my photoshopping. I could have smoothed out those wrinkles. But that’s dishonest and in the grand scheme of life they’re just wrinkles.
There are much, much bigger issues in life! Those wrinkles are from 45 years of laughter and tears. I laugh hard, but I also cry hard. They’re from staying up half the night with babies that are teething or running a fever, sleepless nights from worrying about my teenagers, losses in my life, and now the joy and laughter from being a grandmother and I wouldn’t trade any of it!
I’m tired of seeing so much photoshopping done because it makes us feel we should all look like the models in the magazines. It’s not realistic!
I want to celebrate life and enjoy each stage. But if your like me you, you probably want to look and feel your best.
So, today I’m sharing some beauty secrets that will help you look and feel younger.
1. Start with your skin. “Your makeup is only going to look as good as your skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter. Taking care of your skin is key to helping you look and feel good. I don’t think you have to spend hundreds of dollars either. Some of my favorite skin care products are from the Regenerist line from Oil of Olay.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, 1.7 Ounce
2. Wear Makeup. There’s definitely a fine line between wearing too much and wearing the right amount. But wearing foundation, concealer, a little blush and mascara can help you look younger. You don’t have to spend hours on your makeup but just a little can go a long way!
3. Use a Bronzer. The trick is to create a subtle healthy glow, not a deep savage tan. When you apply the bronzer don’t sweep it all over the face, instead apply it on areas where you will look naturally contoured. For a fresh, youthful look, apply the bronzer on the temples, and right under the cheekbones and a little on your jawline. This creates a tanned look that will appear light and modern, and will keep you looking younger.
Rimmel Sunshimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer Sun Kiss
is a great inexpensive bronzer to use.
4. Add Color To Your Cheeks. Adding color to your cheeks can give you a youthful glow but make sure you apply it correctly. The older you are, the higher up on your cheekbones you should focus the color. Don’t apply it to the apple of your cheeks that looked cute in your 20’s but it’s not enough definition for older women.
5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep! Yep, that’s right. I’m reading more and more about how a good nights sleep helps fight aging. It’s also good for your mood, your heart, and your overall health. So, stop staying up so late and get some shut eye. It will do your face some good! ( I realize if you have young children this could be a problem but this too shall pass. :-))
Okay, let’s be truthful, does aging bother you? Would you ever do anything more drastic??
I used to be 21 and thought I would stay young forever…WRONG! Now at 61, I look at young skin and tell all the gals I meet to take care of it nightly because it is the only skin you will ever have…Skincare products are the key. I used Estee Lauder Night Repair and Lifting Cream for daytime along with Idealist. I have a facial about every 5 weeks. My esthetician is wonderful!! Yes, I color my hair. I will not be gray as along as I can afford to color!!! Have seen tooooo many ladies younger than me that look older with gray hair. And if I were rich, I would have laser work to remove the red capillaries on my cheeks and nose as well as soften the wrinkles. But I am not, so will have to conceal the best I can. My Grandma always said you will be old before you know it, and I will say it to all of you. But having a wonderful husband for 42 years–I will be forever young in his eyes.
Yes, aging bothers me. I don’t like the lines that have appeared on my face along with the brown spots and the less-than-firm skin. I really have a problem with all the gray hair that has sprouted on my head. Even though I color my hair, it is naturally dark and my hair grows so fast that the gray roots show up after 2-3 weeks. Ugh…the aggravation! 🙂 It is good to know that people think I look young; many are shocked to learn how old I really am. (I will be 47 in a couple of weeks; it even bothers me to say that I am that old). But when I look in the mirror, I see the aging. I also feel the aches and pains when I get up in the morning! However, my spirit does not feel old and for that, I am grateful!
Well, first of all, you are beautiful! My grandma always called them “laugh lines”, and I have them, too. I squint a little when I smile, so you can really see them! I have always thought they were beautiful on the older women in my family. However, the red spider veins on my cheeks and sides of my nose are something I’m not fond of. I cannot seem to find a product that completely covers them without looking cake-y. Oh well, such is aging. I’m trying to do it gracefully. Ha ha!
You are gorgeous!!! I clicked on this article because your hair looks downright beautiful and a style I am thinking of going back to!! Never even noticed the wrinkles!! With that said, I just turned 60 in February and have never been bothered by aging. I too, like one of the other ladies who commented, color my hair and will do it as long as I can. I moisturize my face but will never spend an arm or a leg on anything more than Oil of Olay or L’Oréal. Aging is part of life…it’s better than the alternative….it’s going to happen to all of us, like it or not, so just go with the flow and choose to be happy. Love yourself, love Jesus, and the rest isn’t so hard. Life is too short to worry about looking younger. There will always be someone younger, prettier, thinner, richer… you get my point. Go out there and just be you…be happy….smile at a stranger…make someone else’s day!! You might just feel a little bit younger and I guarantee you’ll feel a whole lot happier!
Cyndi, I am so glad I read this! While I will be 37 in November, I have been increasingly disappointed in how I am starting to look older! I have always felt like I’m still in my 20’s, but the grey hairs that keep popping up, and the fine lines, sagging skin, and sun damage tend to get me a little frustrated. You reminded me that the age I see is from 36 years of experiencing this life! It all reflects the laughter and tears of being a wife of 17 years, and a mother for 16! I laugh hard and cry harder at times, too! Maybe I shouldn’t, but those are my emotions! I try to do right by my body, but mostly I try to just enjoy my life! Thanks for the “pick-me-up”!
This is a great post Cyndi! I am 26 (27 in October) and I am starting to freak out about my aging body a little. I found my first gray hair (okay hairS if I’m being honest) which prompted me to scrutinize everything below the gray hair! I have accepted the fact that the youthful hair, skin and figure aren’t just going to come naturally from this point on, and that I’m going to have to work to fight those fine lines and gravity. I was shocked by the difference even 3 or 4 years can make. After Alex was born when I was 22 my body bounced back in a years time and I didn’t have to do a thing. I had Eli when I was 25..he’s almost 18 months old and despite diet and exercise I’m only halfway back to my old self. I’m now starting to truly appreciate inner beauty. My four year old looks at me when I think I look a wreck, and says “Mommy you’re beautiful.” And his innocent little soul really means it. He also assures me that if I keep exercising like the girl on the video one day my tummy will be “straight” like his!
You are beautiful Cyndi, no matter how many wrinkles you have around your eyes. I’m only 30 and when I smile big, yes, I have wrinkles around my eyes already. But to be honest, it doesn’t bother me in the least. I’m SO thankful I’m healthy… wrinkles and all 🙂 love ya!
Honestly, ME getting older doesn’t bother me. Not too much anyway. 😉 But seeing my kids growing up always makes me very teary eyed. Such a bitter sweet thing.
I am 41 but lucky enough that I don’t look it. However, I know that won’t always be the case…just like the weight snuck up on me, I k.ow the wrinkles will too.
Cyndi,
What cracks me up is that I didn’t even notice the wrinkles, I noticed your white teeth!!!! LOL What’s your secret?
amber
Oh Kim, I’m jealous, I’d love to live in the Caribbean!! 🙂 But I would have to lather up on sunscreen!! Oh boy you are so right, weight ages us. I’m trying really hard to stay in shape and not gain too much weight. I think it gets a lot harder the older we get!!
Thanks for sharing!
Cyndi
Thanks Andrea!! A smile does do wonders and it costs nothing. The older I get the more neutral I go with my makeup. It just seems to look better.
Have a great day!
cyndi
Lori thank you and I’ll probably keep posting tips because I’m always searching for good ones. 🙂 I post about things that I want to know or use and so I assume other women do too.
I may have to try that Estee Lauder and you’re right water is huge!! I try to drink lots of it!
Have a great day!!
Cyndi
Stacey, I’m a dental hygienist and I have whitened my teeth. That helps so much and I love it too!!
Have a great day!
Cyndi
Thank you Jackie and I know you’re right. I didn’t say anything about my hair but I was critical of it too, it’s too light. I’m getting it colored a little darker on Tuesday. 🙂 When I’m 60, I’ll look back and wish I looked 45 again. I look at pictures in my thirties and I thought I was old and now I think I look so young! Life is all about change isn’t it?
Have a great day!
Cyndi
I keep picturing you looking like the woman from What not to Wear. I love her gray streak! I think you should do what makes you feel good. Thanks for sharing!
Cyndi
Hey Ashley, I think no matter what age we always want to be younger to some degree. Our society puts so much pressure on us to be and look young that it bothers a lot of women.
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Hi Cyndi,I’m a black woman who lives in the Caribbean and I think all this sun makes me look my 48 yrs.That said I use sun block everyday and try most of your tips.I’ve also found that exercise helps,extra weight does make us look older.Thanks for all your great tips!
Good post, Cyndi. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that wearing darker eye shadows (brown tones) darkens my eyes and makes me look older. Now I choose lighter skin tone/neutral eye shadows. Exfoliating and moisturizing help a lot. Also being more careful about complimentary colors in my clothing. Summer colors brighten my face. Browns, greens, etc. do nothing for me. A smile does wonders on any woman! I once heard a reporter say in a very complimentary tone, about Laura Bush, “You can tell she’s smiled a lot.” Crows feet can be a great sign of a happy, loving woman. I, personally, would not botox.
I’m 53 and I have to admit that aging does bother me a little bit, even though people usually think I’m a little younger than I am. Like you, I feel like I’ve earned all of the lines, but would not be opposed to a tweak here and there sometime in the future. I’m actually considering botox for the “11” lines but just haven’t done it yet. I agree that great skin helps and have finally found something that really seems to make a difference for me. I’m using Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum (a little pricey but lasts a LONG time) and their Time Zone moisturizer and I think it has really made a huge improvement. (My husband even tried the moisturizer after he noticed the change in my skin and he is NOT a moisturizer kind of guy! lol) My other tip is to drink LOTS of water–it hydrates from the inside and kind of plumps things up. I’m definitely going to try your blush/bronzer tips–I’ve been doing the apple of my cheeks thing and I think it could be better. I hope you keep the good ideas coming. BTW, I think you look fantastic–glad you posted the close-up pic!
I’m really of the same opinion as you when it comes to looks and aging. Each stage of life has been wonderful and yes, at 49 I’m looking a little older. I always tell myself to make the wrinkles be smile wrinkles as much as possible. One thing that I do think makes a big difference is teeth whitening. I think it makes people look younger – I love it!
Hi Ashley! If I may chime, I can relate because I felt the same exact way but let me tell you that 30’s are so much BETTER than the 20’s. I have been so much happier and appreciating life, my kids and my husband more. I am now looking forward to my 40’s because that means I’ll be a wiser better version of me. Everyone gets older, in 5 years your sister will be where you are. You just have to remember to rock what you’ve got and follow Cyndi’s great tips!
Cyndi, Your picture caught my eye on my Facebook page and I thought, “wow, she looks amazing!” Well, you always look cute, but I really loved your hair in the picture and, if you think you have wrinkles, all I have to say is “puhleeeeez!” I am learning to embrace the “today-ness” of things. In twenty years, you will look at this picture and see it in a new light and realize how great you looked.
(sorry was trying to comment from my phone)
I was saying….
getting odd looks from people trying to figure out if I was a young looking older woman or an old looking young woman. I guess it doesn’t really matter since my husband is much older than I am. (I have more grey than he does.)
I am finally at the point where I accept that I am young and grey. I HATED it when I was younger and now that I am a stay at home mom I only dye it when we have a function to go to. If I need to go somewhere in between colorings I use Mimic Color which is make up touch up kit for your hair.
I am older than you (just by a couple of years!) and I have to say, the aging doesn’t bother me, but I know I have aged pretty well so that helps. I might be more bothered if I started looking older when I was young. My sister aged early and I know it bothers her that she looks older than me even though she’s 4 year younger.
But honestly, I think an older woman that is peaceful with who she is and has a lovely countenance is so beautiful, that I strive to be that. I want to be lovely, not pretty.
But yes! I still want the tips and I do wear a little makeup, like you said. I’m not THAT comfortable with it. LOL!
I’ve never used a bronzer. I will have to try that. Thanks for the great tips! Lisa~
Aging doesn’t necessarily bother me….I started going grey at 21 with a grey streak, now my entire front hairline is grey. After many years of hair dying, I’m getting tired of it, but I’m only in my 30’s.
I’m faced with the dilemma of looking young like all my friends or staying grey and getting the odd
I am only 25… 26 in a couple weeks…. but I have to admit I am starting to struggle with the thought of aging. While I do NOT look like I am aging much… I AM starting to notice things that mean that process is beginning. I am not 17 or even 21 anymore. after having a baby that has changed some things as well. My 20 year old sister just moved to the same city as me and I have had to confess my sin of coveting. Sometimes I look at her and wish I could look even just 5 years younger and pre-baby. (NOT that I would NOT have my baby to look like her again…no way!) When I think about it realistically though, I don’t want to be 20 again. I have come through difficult times in the last five years, my marriage is deeper and stronger, and I have a beautiful baby that I wouldn’t trade for the perfect model body… EVER. But this image thing has definitely been a struggle for me and I know that very soon I will be saying goodbye to my 20s and I am not even close to being ready for that. I feel like I shouldn’t be admitting this because those in their 40s will read it and roll their eyes at me. I KNOW I am still VERY young…. but I have been struggling with the fact that I am getting closer to 30.