How to Look 10 Years Younger in Just 10 Minutes

Looking fabulous after 40 does not have to take a lot of effort or a lot of time. Usually, you just need a few simple steps to "tweak your chic." Try these tips before you head out the door for an instant style update!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Break up a Matching Set
   
   Still marrying your matching jackets to your matching pairs of pants? Then it's time for a divorce. This super co-ordinated look is old, dated and makes you look unoriginal (unless of course you are in a traditional work position that requires a formal business look).
   
   For a casual dressing, weekends especially, try breaking up these two key pieces and pairing them with other things in your closet. So instead of brown jeans with a brown jean jacket, try brown jeans fun sweater wrap with or a brown jean jacket with t-shirt, flowy skirt and boots. Matching pieces may be easy but they are not hip. Put them with other items in your wardrobe to help you look 10 years younger and you'll project a more creative, playful you!

2. Layer Your Hair
   
   Want to keep your hair long, but don't to look like you are desperate to hang onto your youth? Then try this simple tricky. Layer your hair. Too many women over 40 with long hair wear it dead straight like they are still in high school. Follow the lead of celebs like Terri Hatcher, Cindy Crawford, Goldie Hawn, Jaclyn Smith and Renee Russo and add a little bounce with a good cut and a few layers to frame the face and create volume.

3. Pass on Pearl and Gold Buttons
   
   We know a lot of you are attached to your favorite old cardigans with the pearl buttons and shiny gold buttons, but these look old fashioned and too conservative for a true Glam Gal. Instead opt for sweaters with modern plain flat buttons. And don't forget you can always replace buttons too. A beautiful button on a plain sweater can make you look fabulous after 40.

4. Get rid of the Glitter
   
   What is it about some women that makes them want to light themselves up like a Christmas tree- even during the daytime? We're talking about those 40+ gals that go overboard with glitter and sparkles thinking shiny will make them look young. Maybe this really is a problem that comes with declining eyesight after 40??? Whatever the reason, we encourage you to look a little closer. Too much flash can really age a gal. If you want to sparkle, do it with your jewelry, and keep the glitz on your garments to a minimum.

5. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
   
   So easy to do and so often overlooked, exfoliating your skin can make dull aging skin glow! Twice a week will keep your skin looking fresh and flawless. The latest home facial refinishers are an alternative to microdermabrasion. They make you feel like you've shed a mask and can help to make you look 10 years younger.

Resources

• Fabulous After 40!