Oprah said it years ago, "Forty is the New Thirty".
They say that forty is the new thirty, which sounds good in theory but for most women, hitting forty is still a landmark: often, not in a good way. And, let’s be honest the constant images of gorgeous celebrities don’t make us girls feel any more happier with how we look. I for one would love to look like Salma Hayek (44) or Jennifer Lopez (41) but it’s just not going to happen.
Don’t despair, though. There are some great ways to keep looking your best once you hit the big 4-0.
1: Get A New Hairstyle
If you’ve been wearing the same style for a while now, the chances are you need a change. As women age, their hair gets thinner, so something short will give it more volume and lift.
This could be one of the best 40th birthday gifts you have ever given yourself.
2: Don’t Go Baggy!
You may have put on a few pounds over the years (let’s face it, who hasn’t?) but baggy clothing will do you no favors at all. You may think you are hiding the extra pounds, but in reality, it makes you look older, uncaring about your appearance and yes, even heavier.
Lighter colors and fitted clothing is the way to go. Trust me!
3: Draw Attention To Your Best Bits
Are Your Legs Your Best Feature? Show 'em!
If you have a decent pair of legs or attractive shoulders, then wear clothing that draws attention to these features. By definition, this also means choosing styles that draw attention away from problem areas: typically, your neck and arms – the two areas that get wrinkles earliest in women.
4: Dress Your Age
Let’s be fair: with age comes a certain wisdom, confidence and knowledge. Style-wise, this means sophisticated glamour not looking like a teenager.
Even if you do still have a fabulous figure (and, I, for one envy you), that doesn’t mean low cut tops and mini skirts still work for you. Similarly, any item of clothing with a ‘cute’ slogan written on it is a no-no.
As a rule of thumb, if you can’t picture someone you admire of the same age as you wearing it, then it’s probably too young for you.
5: The Magic Of Makeup
Older women need to add freshness and glow to their features to counteract the effects of more mature skin. Light deflecting foundations and shimmery facial products will have this effect but be careful not to avoid that glittery look teenagers often go for.
6: Skin Care Secrets
As you know, your skin can show the ravages of ageing more clearly than anything else – sun damage, wrinkles, even burst blood vessels.
Luckily, those of us not wishing to have cosmetic surgery or inject ourselves with botox, there are plenty of ways of hiding these blemishes.
A good face lotion or cream that contains glycolic acid will help remove that damaged top layer of skin and assist in the production of collagen which will give your skin that more plump, youthful appearance.
These are just some of the ways you can continue looking great at 40 and for years afterwards.
About The Author
Karen Greene writes on gift, wedding and beauty related matters for Find Me A Gift Ltd, provider of great 50th birthday gift ideas and more.
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