There are several ways to look more mature than we may want. Everyone wants to feel good about themselves. It can be easier than you think when you make the right choice about makeup and fashion. It means knowing what to avoid. Learn the beauty and fashion mistakes that will avoid making you look older. Follow these suggestions to prevent premature aging and maintain a fresh and up-to-date appearance.
1. Wearing clothes that don’t fit.
Wearing the wrong size clothes, especially if they are too large, can make you look shapeless and frumpy and older than your actual age. On the other hand, wearing properly fitting clothes can take years off your age and give a youthful, tailored appearance.
As plus-size women, it is easy to give in to the temptation to hide what we consider our flaws in baggy clothes. Consistently wearing ill fitting clothes are fashion mistakes that don’t do your figure or frame any justice. Embrace your curves and dress your body the way it deserves. For tips on how to dress your specific body shape, visit the Cultured Curves blog entitled “How to Determine Your Plus Size Body Shape to Find the Most Flattering Clothes.”
2. Wearing an outdated trend or a trend reserved for the younger set.
Did you love your frosted eye shadow in the 70s? Couldn’t get enough of leg warmers in the 80s? That’s fabulous, but the best place to wear them now is in your photo album. A good rule of thumb is that if you go through the trend the first time around, try to steer clear of it when it comes back!
As a compromise, if you truly can’t bring yourself to let it go, try to find a more modern version of the garment. For example, rock a bootcut or wide-leg jean instead of a full bell bottom.
3. Cautiously approach new new trends.
I say “cautiously” because, of course, not every new trend works for every body, especially for plus-size bodies. As we get older, we tend to become set in our fashion ways and reluctant to try new styles. Taking baby steps can help by incorporating an accessory that’s hot this fall instead of throwing out your entire wardrobe and buying everything that the industry says is a “must have”. This decision makes you look younger and fresher without trying to fool people into thinking you’re a hip 20-something.
4. Wearing shoes past their expiration date.
Too often, shoes that have provided comfort for years are worn way past their expiration date. While they may feel great, wearing old, overly worn shoes give you and your entire appearance a dated look. Focus on how the shoes make your legs look. Low heel shoes CAN be comfortable AND make your legs look attractive. For example, shoes with a low vamp give the illusion of a longer, slimmer leg. Kitten heels provide comfort and chic.
5. Neglecting to moisturize our skin.
Dry and dull skin is a hallmark of aging. Investing in a good skincare routine is essential to your overall appearance and is the cherry on top to your outfits. Stores like Sephora hire skilled skincare personnel who do not work on commission and will give you honest, relevant advice for your unique skin needs.
6. Ignoring your brows
Your face changes throughout your entire life, and so does your brows. Brows frame your entire face, and they must change with it to ensure symmetry and harmony. Because brows change over time, think twice about permanent brow makeup. If your brows are getting a little thin, simply fill them in using a brow pencil in the shade darker than your natural color. If you feel a pencil is too harsh, use eyeshadow and an angled brush instead. Brands like Anastasia have stencils to ensure you stay in the right shape for you. Want a low-cost brow pencil? Read the Cultured Curves post, $6 Eyebrow Pencil Perfects Thinnng Brows Over 50. Need to know the best way to use make-up brushes? Go to the Cultured Curves post, How to use Make-up Brushes to Easily Apply Cosmetics.
7. Over-tanning!
We’ve all seen pictures of bronzed beauties from the 50s who are sunning themselves on the beach, glistening with baby oil. Unfortunately, over time, excessive sun exposure causes premature aging and, in some cases, can lead to disease, like cancer. Tanning beds are no safer than overexposure to the sun by lying on the beach or near the pool.
Wearing SPF every day is the number one weapon against aging from UV damage and you can learn how to find the right one for you now. To determine the righ sunscreen for your skin, read the Cultured Curves post, Mr. Golden Sun, Won’t You Please NOT Shine Down on Me? 7 SPF Myths Debunked!
8. Choosing the wrong lipstick.
As we age, our lips tend to get thinner, and wearing lipstick that’s too dark, matte, or frosty will only speed up that process by accentuating the thinness. This is a beauty mistake that you want to avoid. Please read the Cultured Curves post, Why Your Makeup Is not Working for You, to find your perfect shade and formula for your skintone and undertone.
9. Wearing too much or incorrectly applied eyeshadow
With age, our eyelids will eventually start to lose elasticity and sag. Super shimmery, holographic glitter eyeshadow or uber dramatic eyeliner only calls attention to aging lids. Stick with shades to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. A great brush applicator is essential to apply eyeshadow correctly an accenting your lids.
10. Going gray the WRONG way.
Do you want to embrace your graying hair? You go, girl! But, keep in mind that abruptly changing from dark hair to grey or white can lead to a lighter strip at the roots as the hair grows out. It is recommended to see a professional hairstylist for guidance when deciding on dramatic hair changes. A hairstylist can advise the best way to soften the transition, especially for women with dark hair. Utilizing the expertise of a professional colorist is the best way to keep looking amazing!
Until Later…
Cultured Curves Team
#aging #avoidaging #agingskincare #skincare #goinggray #grayhair
