Post 50s are always looking out for the next 'new thing' -- that one diet that will help us drop 15 pounds, or the skin cream with the latest anti-aging ingredient that promises to erase every wrinkle -- instead of just taking some good, simple advice about what really works (and what doesn't). No matter how many magazine articles or books we read about how to look (and feel) fab over 50, a lot of us are still stuck in bad beauty habits that make us look anything but fab.
Here are the most common beauty blunders, and the simple things you can do about them:
7 Biggest Post 50 Beauty Blunders
#1 Clothes That Are Too Loose And Baggy(01 of07)
Open Image ModalIn an attempt to hide or cover up our bodies, especially if we've packed on a few post-menopausal pounds, we end up looking heavier. No matter what our size, a woman over 50 should have the right fit--not tight, but a fit that defines the waist. Best way to do that? Make a great tailor your new best friend. (credit:Alamy)
#2 Trying To Dress 'Young' Instead Of 'Great'(02 of07)
Open Image ModalWe live in a world that's constantly shouting in our ears, "Young is better!" ... but don't listen! We've earned every crow's foot we have, and buying into that nonsense is the perfect recipe for a fashion fail. In Barbara Hannah Grufferman's book, "The Best of Everything After 50," she interviewed Diane von Furstenberg, who said the key to looking great is to be comfortable. If you're tugging at your too-short skirt you'll be more focused on covering your thighs than on what you should be engaged in. There are no style rules, but there are definite guidelines, the most important one being this: Just because you're over 50 doesn't mean you have dress like a frump. Update your wardrobe with a few essential basics and build from there. (credit:Alamy)
#3 Wearing The Wrong Bra(03 of07)
Open Image ModalThe majority of American women wear the wrong bra size, and it shows. We just don't take the time to get properly fitted by an expert. The right bra can make all the difference in how your clothes fit, and how you look in them. Make sure to get a few different ones for specific clothes, including one specifically for wearing under a t-shirt or other smooth shirts, and buy them in colors that are close to your own skin color for wearing under white or light-colored tops. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" rel="nofollow" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb651fae4b052715307a830" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="4" data-vars-position-in-unit="4">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/recyclethis/" role="link" rel="nofollow" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" How can I recycle this" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb651fae4b052715307a830" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/recyclethis/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="5"> How can I recycle this</a>)
#4 Not Starting A Retinol Product Soon Enough(04 of07)
Open Image ModalThere are no magic amulets for reversing skin damage, but products such as Retin-A are as close as you can get. They work to exfoliate the skin while you sleep, and help build collagen. (Using a retinol product on the skin makes it even more sensitive to the sun, so a product with an SPF of at least 40 is essential). (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" rel="nofollow" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb651fae4b052715307a830" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="2">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mirwav/" role="link" rel="nofollow" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" mirwav" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb651fae4b052715307a830" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/mirwav/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="3"> mirwav</a>)
#5 Applying Too Much Makeup In An Attempt To 'Cover Up'(05 of07)
Open Image ModalWomen over 50 often try to cover everything up by applying too much concealer, foundation, blush, everything. Foundation should be applied very sparingly, and only then will you be able to see if concealer is even necessary. Keep it light, with pinkish tones for the lips, and rosy for the cheeks. Try a waterproof eyeliner and very lightly follow the last line, top and bottom. A lighter touch is key to a fresh, pretty face. (credit:Alamy)
#6 Going With 'Single Process' To Cover The Gray(06 of07)
Open Image ModalUsing the single process approach to covering gray can create a single block of color, very often either too light or too dark, without any contrast. This can drain the face and be aging. Consider highlights along with your natural color (including the gray), or mixing highlights with the single process. (credit:Alamy)
#7 Still Trying To 'Diet' To Lose Weight(07 of07)
Open Image ModalDiets don't work. Eating, and eating often, does. Diets that focus on a specific category of food (protein, for example) aren't sustainable. Eating small meals consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, dark leafy greens and lots of water go a long way in keeping hunger at bay, and the pounds off. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" rel="nofollow" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb651fae4b052715307a830" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="0">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/frikitiki/" role="link" rel="nofollow" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" coconut wireless" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb651fae4b052715307a830" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/frikitiki/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="1"> coconut wireless</a>)
The most important advice of all, though, is this:
Love yourself, love your life, stay as healthy as you can, move your body, be informed, use your mind, be bold, be brave, walk with confidence, live with style ... and you will always have the best of everything.
* * *
Barbara Hannah Grufferman is the President of Best of Everything Media, Inc., author of "The Best of Everything After 50", a guide to positive aging, and is at work on her second book, "Fifty Rules: What Every Woman Needs to Know Before Turning 50" which will be published in late 2012. Barbara is the Chief Pundit at FOF, one of the largest websites for women over 45. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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