Freaking out over your first grey hairs and those little lines around your eyes that you never noticed before? No one’s saying you should actually stop the clock (ahem, Madonna), but it’s often the little things that add needless years to your look. Try one of these tips for an instant pick-me-up:
What’s aging you: Yellowing teeth
A white smile is a surefire way to look younger and healthier. Most drugstore kits work just as well as a pricier trip to a professional “ if your teeth are sensitive, just wait a little more time between each treatment. Post-whitening, try to stay away from stain-causing drinks like coffee, dark soda, and red wine (or make sure to rinse these away with water after drinking).
What’s aging you: Thin lips
Our lips lose volume as we age, but fake-looking collagen implants don’t seem to be the answer. Instead, use a glossy lip plumping product for a temporary (but noticeable) boost. At home, keep your lips smooth and shiny by exfoliating with a washcloth, or with a mixture of brown sugar and honey.
What’s aging you: Dull skin
We obsess over wrinkles, but it’s often discolouration (usually due to sun damage) that makes people look older than they are. Brighten up dull skin and help fade pigment spots with a moisturizer loaded with vitamin C (or ascorbic acid). It acts as a natural exfoliant and removes that glow-stealing layer of dead skin cells. It’s also an antioxidant, which means it helps prevent future damage. And of course, keep slathering on that sunscreen.
What’s aging you: Heavy makeup
Thick foundation and powder can settle into wrinkles and will actually draw more attention to them. The key is to illuminate your skin rather than try to cover it up. Use small amounts of concealer where you need it, and add a highlighting cream to your cheekbones and around the outer corners of your eyes to reflect light away from any lines.
What’s aging you: Coarse hair
If grey hairs bother you, a semi-permanent hair dye will let you cover them up without straying too far from your natural shade. Plus, these types of dye usually don’t contain ammonia, which can damage your strands. If you’ve decided to embrace the grey, keep it silky with a gloss or an intense conditioning treatment every few weeks.
Tell us what you think! What are your best tips for looking five years younger? Leave us your comments!
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