Women get a bad rap as they age. It had nothing to do with you, your worth, or your beauty. Aged beauty is still beauty! It is all about society and the unrealistic expectations it has for any woman. But especially aging women. The thing is, this toxic culture is changing. It’s evolving. Women over 50, 60 and beyond are learning that it’s not about trying to be 29 again. Who wants that anyway? It’s about embracing where we are right now. So stop trying to look “young”. Look youthful! And there are so many ways you can begin your journey towards embracing every curve, every laugh line, and every example of your amazing story that shows on your face and body.

5 Ways to Look More Youthful 

Make It Up

You knew I was going to say it: makeup. Take some time to follow some amazing bloggers for older women to learn some new techniques and products that work better for changing skin. Getting the right brushes and updating the way you apply your makeup can go a long way to brightening your face and flattering your beautiful features! And if you don’t wear makeup? Then make sure your skin is healthy and glowing! And while you’re at it? Why not a new hairstyle and color as well?

Health Matters

Ok, here’s the thing. Your health isn’t just about mammograms and arthritis. (Though those are important too!) Everything that makes up how you feel is about your health. If you are in pain, that shows to the world. Make it a priority to see a doctor about pain relief. If you are depressed or anxious, that dims the bright light within. Talk to a therapist, or talk to a doctor to consider modern medications to help you manage your mental health. Don’t let old stigmas prevent you from finding your joy again. 

Smile More!

Nope, I’m not trying to push stereotypes on you. What I mean is that your smile tells the world a lot about your confidence and your self-esteem. Greying or yellowing teeth don’t look healthy, so they don’t look youthful. So take some time to visit a dentist, talk about whitening and look into any procedures you need to have done. Veneers, implants and other cosmetic procedures are available, too. Be sure to ask about them; their affordability might surprise you!

Stand Up to the World

I’m not talking about public speaking or becoming an activist. (Although, not a bad idea!) I’m talking about your posture. Stooping shoulders is really common in older women. Our bones and muscles naturally weaken with age. And some of us deal with back and neck pain. But good posture can help you feel better, look more confident, lift your bustline, and even make you look slimmer! Jump over to YouTube and search “exercises for posture.” Look around until you find one that feels good to you. If after a month or two you don’t see any improvements, try seeing a physical therapist to help you find the right exercises and stretches for you.

Find Your Confidence

What is it that Coco Chanel said? “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”  If you are lacking self-confidence, then it’s really hard to feel youthful, isn’t it? Confidence is the biggest component of beauty. How do you get that? Well, it requires digging in and doing some work. Some great confidence-building exercises?

• Lift others up! Tell that frazzled Mom at the supermarket that she’s doing a great job. Compliment the women walking by with the pretty shoes. Bring soup and fresh baked bread to the neighbor with the flu. 

• Listen to how you speak to yourself. My motto is, if you wouldn’t say it to a granddaughter, then don’t say it to yourself. Take note when you hear yourself say something like, “You’re old.” You’re fat.” You’re a failure.” “What were you thinking?” It’s time to show yourself some kindness. Rephrase those judgments from your inner critic to something more positive and loving towards yourself. It takes practice, but if you stick with it, your brain will re-learn to speak to you in a way that lifts you up.

• Try something new! Anything! Take lessons. Open a business. (Yes, you can.) Plan a trip. Every experience where you face your fears builds your confidence and self-esteem.

And if you think it can’t be done? Well, Betty White had a great lesson for us. She said, “I may be a senior, but so what? At least I’m hot.” How can we argue with that?

Take a minute to go check out my posts on Aged Beauty : How to Feel Beautiful Again and 12 Low Maintenance Haircuts for Women Over 50 That are Super Cute!

Also visit my Freebies page, where everything is… well, free!

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Originally published on Sixty and Me