Take Years Off Your Face

As we age, those fine lines around our eyes, lips, and foreheads seem to appear overnight. Personally, I love it when women embrace their lines and other signs of aging. However, I can offer some tips and tricks to make wrinkles less of a problem:

Try to avoid excessive exposure both to the harmful rays of the sun and to cigarette smoke, whether it's first- or second-hand -- these are the two main causes of wrinkles.

If you do head out in the sun, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen -- SPF 15 and above. There are so many choices right now -- spray, cream, lotion, gel -- you're sure to find one best suited for your skin type whether it's oily, dry or combination. Wearing a hat is also a great idea -- not only will it protect your face, it'll protect your scalp (it can burn too!) and your hair.

To help soften the appearance of wrinkles, I recommend using super-hydrating products. Try moisture-rich foundations, creamy eye shadows and blushes, and moisturizing balms. Keeping your face extremely moisturized will help give you the fresh, dewy look you used to have naturally when you were younger.

If your lipstick tends to "bleed", I'd recommend applying your lipstick first and then lining your lips with your lip pencil. Be sure to blend!

I believe powder is absolutely essential -- it not only gives your face a smooth finish but it also helps your makeup last. Be sure to use one with a silky, smooth texture. Try a yellow-based powder -- it's much more flattering than a pink based or translucent powder.

Play up the features of your face that you are most happy with. This will draw attention away from things that you're unhappy with. Maybe play up your lips or your eyes -- but be careful about applying shimmer as it will draw attention to lines).

If you want to "play up" your eyes, choose an eye color formula you're comfortable with -- whether it's a pencil, gel eyeliner, or shadow -- and line from one corner of your eye to the other. Don't stop halfway across because it'll just make your eyes look smaller. If you want to give your eyes a "lift", apply your eyeliner as I said before -- from one corner of your eye to the other. However, as you reach the outer corner, gradually thicken and widen your line -- it's a great trick!

Be proud of who you are. Your lines are beautiful -- they show life's experiences. You've earned them!