Let’s not kid ourselves. Getting older sucks! Middle age is kinda the transition from young to old and for some of us is the first time we start to feel our youth leaving us. Some of us go into a panic others into denial, but most of us can agree that it sucks and can be confusing. Do the sexy clothes you wore in the past now seem just plain wrong? Will smoky eye makeup that looks great on 19-year-olds make you appear just plain crazy? Part of the problem is that aging often requires change, but most women don’t want to move to a frumpy town called Middle Age, where sensible shoes and boring clothes what you’re left with but, Hair, makeup, and clothing that made you look fantastic in your younger years, often won’t cut it as you grow older. Not Realizing You Need to Change and not doing anything at all is the biggest mistake women can make. If you want to age gracefully, you’ll need to make some changes.
1) Not Spending Enough on Your Clothes
Remember the good old days when you could grab a little frock off the clearance rack for $19.99 and throw it on without even putting on a slip and still look great? Unfortunately, those days are gone. Most of us need to invest in clothing that’s a bit more tailored and well constructed, think Lycra panels, butt-boosting jeans, and don’t forget foundation wear. It’s a challenge to find flattering clothes at any age, but it’s even harder in middle age. You’ll probably need to fork over more dough for body-squeezing shapers, proper bras, (more on that later) and well-fitted, well made clothes to do the trick.
2) Skipping Exercise
Don’t get me wrong, I know first hand that the aches and pains of middle age like the bum knee or the tricky back can leave you unable to do some of the things you used to do but, tempted to stop working out as you get older? (Or use it as another excuse not to start?) Sorry, that won’t cut it.You’ll have to exercise despite the aches and pains of middle. Exercising can actually relieve pain, and help fight off health problems in coming years, such as creeping weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, or dementia. If you can manage a marathon, great. If not, now is the time to check out the gym pool, start taking yoga, or fall in love with power walking. Penelope` (my dog) and I have recently taken up mall walking ;o}
3) Not Getting Enough Sleep
Remember when you could pull an all nighter and still make it to work, (or school) with a glowing complexion and a spring in your step. Well those days are gone.The fact is, you may have heard a “you look tired” comment even after a good night’s sleep. (It’s OK to grit your teeth on that one.)
While it may be tempting to shortchange sleep, particularly if you’re juggling parent and child-care duties, this may be one more thing you need to change. Fewer hours of sleep are more likely to show up on your face, true. But it’s also linked to a greater risk of diabetes and other health problems, which become even more important as you age.
4) Ignoring your Teeth
You may be focusing on your wrinkles or thinning hair, but don’t forget to smile at yourself in the mirror. We all know that yellowing teeth can make you appear older and we’ve all seen the many teeth whitening products, (and even tried a few) but it is about more than just looks. Dental health is closely linked with overall health, and gum disease—which gets more common as you age—has been associated with a higher risk of heart problems. So don’t skip those visits to the dentist and if in between dentists visits you’re worried that you’re not flossing well enough, try swishing a little coconut oil in your mouth for 10 – 15 minutes. Coconut oil is an antibacterial and antimicrobial so it will help keep your gums healthy. (Google oil pulling with coconut oil)
5) Overdoing Anti-Aging Efforts
This is a common mistake made by celebrities and real women alike. No one likes crow’s-feet or laugh lines, but a frozen Botox face or scary lip plumping or a big puffy cheek isn’t a great look either. First start from the inside by eating healthy fats from foods like avocados, nuts, and salmon and avoid inflammation causing sugar then try the right skin products such as those containing retinol for help diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and sunscreens for prevention. If you’re not happy with the result, then explore other alternatives—but don’t over do it and aim to look like a teen again. Remember, no wrinkles can be unrealistic and unnatural.
6) Thinking There Are Hair “Rules”
Do you have to cut your hair short or above the shoulders once you’re 50? No, because there aren’t really any hair “rules” for middle-aged women, (yeay!!! I was worried about this one) The fact is that your hair will probably get more gray and thin as you age, and the texture may get coarser as well. I know that I had to give up my blonde high lights when the grey came in and go to a brown that matched my natural color, so just choose a cut and color that you like, that’s flattering, and fits your life style, keeping in mind that it probably won’t be the cut and color that worked for you in your 20s and 30s.
7) Using the Wrong Makeup
The makeup colors and brands you’ve been wearing for years probably don’t reflect what’s best for your skin anymore.
The wrong concealers to cover up wrinkles and under-eye circles can make you seem even older, as will dark eyeliner under your eye. (I think I single handedly kept the black eyeliner industry in business in the 80’s) And resist the urge to slather on heavy-duty powders. For a more natural look, try using a magnifying mirror and having a “lighter touch” when applying. Keep your cosmetic bag current—replace foundations, powders, and concealers every 6 months to a year, and steer clear of dated makeup styles too.
8) Wearing the Wrong Bra
It’s inevitable—gravity has an impact on our bodies. But while you might be saggy where you were once perky, that doesn’t mean you have to stay that way. Many women continue to wear the same size and brand they’ve always worn, without considering that our bodies change as we age. Your band size may be smaller from muscle atrophy or bigger from weight gain and the style of the cup will need to be more supportive than it once was. The right bra can help lift and slim your body, so re-evaluate your undergarments and invest in some new pieces. Most large department stores and lingerie shops offer free bra-fitting services.
9) Settling for a Boring Sex Life
Our culture tends to sell the message that young equals sexy, and that when you get older you don’t want to do it, you can’t do it, you lose interest in it, bla, bla, bla, but you don’t have to buy into it. You should have the confidence and freedom to dress and feel as sexy as you want to, and explore your sexual needs as well. Women over 50 can have the best sex of their lives. For many women it’s the first time they are having sex with out worrying about “children”, either creating them or having them walk in the door.
10) Comparing Yourself to You in Your 20s
This is the most important one of all. Have your kids ever asked, “Who’s that pretty lady in your photo album?” You’re not alone. Few people look as attractive in middle age as they did in their younger years but guess what, you’re better. So take a walk down memory lane if you must, but don’t get depressed if you run into your younger self. Today you are rich with wisdom, new experiences, and new talents that you’re 20 something self could never compete with. Your personality and character have depth that your 20 something self could never imagine. And a little character on the face ain’t so bad either.
The goal is to look as good as you can now and be as healthy as you can now not recreate the body and face you had decades ago.
Tags: age gracefully, beauty, botox, hair, make-up, middle age, wrinkles
Even though I’ve always been a girl who has enjoyed lots of make up I’ve never been one to wear foundation. I would only wear foundation when I was working as a make-up artist, almost like it was part of the uniform or something. Now as a woman of a certain age, (ehhhem), with red blotches and dark age spots, foundation has become a part of my daily make-up routine. I had been having a hard time getting that flawless look that I remember getting as a young make-up artist, (I’m sure not being young has a lot to do with it) I was sponging on all kinds of foundation, brightening, concealing, contouring, correcting, I just couldn’t get the coverage I wanted without getting a caked on look and I kinda felt like the sponge was soaking up all the make-up. 
hersisterscloset 