Tell the Truth – Would a Makeover Help You Feel Young and Alive?

Take a candid look at yourself in a full-length mirror. Now be honest. Was your first reaction, “You look just fine!” or did you think, “Ugh!” and turn away? If the latter, you owe it to yourself to put forth more effort. You can – and deserve to – feel good about the way you look regardless of your beauty quotient or your age.

Come Up To Date

Are you staying up with the times? Do your hairstyle, makeup and clothing look like 2010 and not 1999 or, heaven forbid, 1980? I know a lovely woman whose hair is still flower child long, straight and flowing. It looked great on her in the Seventies but it is not doing a thing for her today!

I believe every woman owes it to herself to look good for her age. That doesn’t mean trying to look like yourself 30 years ago, nor like your daughter. And even though I probably resemble my mother every day, that’s not really the look I’m after, either.

I will tell you, though, that my 90-year-old mother and I went to clothing trunk show in a friend’s home. She picked out a suit that I would have picked. You can look sharp at any age. It has a lot to do with attitude, where you spend time and the way you present yourself.

Lots of people don’t get it. They think it’s wrong for a woman to want to update her look. As far as I’m concerned, we refurbish our homes, recover the sofa and paint the house. It’s a combination of necessary maintenance and creating a pleasing environment. Why not renovate yourself?

Ask 10 women and you’ll hear 10 different ideas of how much effort is just right. Some feel well groomed after plucking eyebrows and shaving; others want a full Botox and facelift combo plan. And why not, I ask you? There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your age with a fresh and new twist. Just be sure you have a skilled and reputable provider and get clear on your reasons and expectations.

Fashion Forward

Clothes are a great tool that every woman can use to play up her body type and natural coloring. Before you start trying on clothes, how about those undies? They are truly the foundation for fit, the logical beginning if you’re fighting frump. Are they misshapen and worn out? So go buy some new ones that fit, flatter and make you feel fabulous!

Fashion experts say the first priority for a mature woman is fit. Never wear clothes that don’t fit and flatter. If you’re even asking if it’s frumpy, it surely is, so get rid of it.

The next priority is great quality. Go for fewer classic pieces with great fit and quality and spend as much as you can stand. Look for better cuts, wonderful fabric, special touches at the neckline and trim.

Fashion experts suggest we choose softer, neutral colors for days, such as navy rather than black, and jewel tones rather than primary colors that can be harsh. Go for a signature bold piece of jewelry rather than lots of little items.

A wrap dress can flatter everyone, but make sure it hits the most flattering part of the waist and knee. If you’re busty, layer a pretty camisole underneath to avoid the porn star effect. A smallish overall pattern adds pizzazz but works like a solid and conceals a lot of flaws. You can’t go wrong with a well-cut neutral suit with a bright blouse.

Take yourself window shopping. Which new accessories will update your classic outfits? Lots of black, faux fur, cobalt blue, neutral khaki, textures, dove gray on the catwalks these days, but make sure you buy only what is terrifically flattering to your dear self. The leopard print legwarmers under the miniskirt? Are you 18 with stick-thin legs? No? Then pass on those.

What’s your least favorite body part? Thighs? Upper arms? Belly? Whatever it is, promise me you will NEVER AGAIN wear anything that emphasizes your least favorite aspect, no matter how fashionable it might be. Why suffer?

Hair and Makeup

With makeup as women get older, less is more. Why call attention to less-than perfect skin? Lighter lips, softer blush, and more discrete liner can do your look a favor. Fill in your brows with a good pencil after you make sure the color is still right for you. If you want help, get a makeup consult from someone your own age, not from a 20-something who loves to pile it on. Baby your feet and hands so they feel soft, smooth and supple. Are age spots bothering you? Why not wear fabulous rings, bracelets, necklace and earrings. OK, not all at once, but one focal piece is fun and will create a little visual diversion. Wear sunscreen every day, of course.

Hair is a woman’s crowning glory, right? Shiny, healthy hair that is well cut makes any woman look and feel healthier and happier. Your cut and color should both flatter and make you feel feminine. Many very young celebrities these days are actually choosing gray, saying it gives them more “authority.”

Feel Young, Be Young

Studies show that if you feel old beyond your chronological years you are likely to experience more of the downsides of getting older. In contrast, if you maintain a sense of feeling younger, you’re more likely to continue to feel strong, vibrant and alive.

Keeping your look updated can put the spring in your step and the “I’ve still got it!” in your attitude. And by the way, what have you done lately to update what’s between your ears? Learning new technologies can give you access to current culture and help you feel “with it.”

You owe it to yourself to make an effort. Regardless of your age, you can look and feel fabulous.

~ Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly

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