Somewhere along the line, you make your choice to meet the signs of aging, head on, or simply ignore them. Many women, unfortunately, have decided on ignoring the signs of aging. To compensate for letting themselves grow older, they use the motto. "I'm growing old gracefully"

Even if you opt for the “natural thing”, there are simple, everyday, face-saving, body-dressing things you can do to maintain the beauty of your skin and a youthful appearance within yourself.

So why not try them?

You can keep your skin fresh, soft and glowing. Soap and water is not the answer. Doesn't matter how simple the routine. The fact is, your skin is drying out. Women need to use products designed to put moisture back and hold moisture in.

Always remember a smile is 60% of your image. "Smile and the world smiles with you." "Frown and the world will see every wrinkle."

This article is going to give you some easy, simple rules and suggestions on maturing with beauty, comfort and grace.

Tip 1: Here are few tips for all ages. Unprotected sun exposure will cause wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, but, will also cause lip wrinkle. Leading dermatologists advise, always wear lipsticks or lip balms that contain sunscreen to keep your lips soft, wrinkles free and young looking.

Tip 2: Your skin must be able to rejuvenate, and much of your rejuvenation takes place at night. Ladies, cleanse your face before you fall into bed. Never go to bed at night with your makeup on, your skin need to be clean to breath. Getting the proper amount of sleep for your mind and body is so very important for all ages.

Tip 3: Wear sunglasses that wrap around the sides of your eyes, this will help protect against crow's feet. Just be sure to purchase an updated pair of sunglasses that's suited to your face shape. There's no reason why at any age you should not be stylish with your eye-frames. There are women that think because they wear prescription glasses they can't be stylish. They couldn’t be more wrong. Find a pair of sunglasses at a drug store or department store. Don't think for one minute your only option is with your eye doctor's place of business – be resourceful. These days, you can have prescription sun protective lenses put in the perfect frame for you. Don't be afraid to ask someone else their opinion when shopping for glasses. The right pair is out there somewhere just waiting for you.

Tip 4: Use a foundation or moisturizer with sunscreen protection included. This will save you money and these products are as effective as traditional sunscreens. Be sure they have has an SPF of at least 15. A sunscreen is so important these days given ozone deterioration.

If you want to look 10 years younger instantly, then makeup is your best friend. Nothing works faster or better. Unless of course you apply your makeup incorrectly. Then it will actually add years to your face. Remember, when attempting to take years off your looks, less is better.

If your eye makeup resembles Tammy Faye, Cleopatra or your blusher looks like cheek balls instead of cheek bone and has that windburn look, you’re looking older than you need to look. Don't be afraid of color, just use it subtly. Blend, blend, blend your makeup carefully, I can't say this enough.

If you’re still using the same makeup and make-up application you used 10 or 20 years ago, its a dead giveaway you're aging. Toss that old stuff out and freshen up your look. You deserve a new innovative look. Talk to an image consultant, make-up artist or professional in the cosmetic field, ask about their certification, background and knowledge. Stop making the same mistakes time after time. You'll be surprised at some of the new and innovative products available in the cosmetic and skin-care world.

I wouldn't recommend the use of black eyeliner. It is much too harsh for mature skin and will make you look years older than you should. Instead, use darker shades of navy, eggplant or hunter green. This will flatter any skin tone and make the whites of your eyes appear brighter. For a more subtle look, try shades of brown or khaki.

I prefer matte powders to liquid foundations. For a perfect color match always select a powder that's a few shades lighter than your foundation. Should you not wear foundation, dust your face with sheer, tinted, loose or pressed powder and watch any facial "flaws" disappear like magic. Not to mention these will not lay in the creases of your face as liquid foundations have a tendency to do.

If you have ever had a consultation with a fashion designer or certified image consultant you should know a couple of things already:

1. What are your best hues

2. The colors or shades that are most “true” to your skin tone.

Using the right shades are like having an instant face lift and/or chemical peel. They make you look 5-10 years younger, more attractive and energetic. If you're wearing the wrong shades, any imperfections you may have are magnified.

Weight Disappearing Tips

1. Vertical-lines and stripes make the eye go up and down, creating the appearance of being slimmer and taller

2. Horizontal lines draw attention to your width, creating the appearance of looking heavier than you are

3. "Princess" lines cut-in at the torso of your dress, creating a smaller waist

Wearing the Right Clothing

Nothing can take years off your look faster than the right clothes. But changing the way you dress will push you outside your comfort zone – so you have to be open minded and try new things. Have fun with it! If you don’t try new things, experiment a little, you date yourself a little more each year! Don't let your image grow old "by default."

Among all the items in your wardrobe, shoes may be the most important. You need to keep shoes current. everyone notices your shoes. If you shoes appear old, worn and outdated, so can you!

It's much better to wear your clothes loose fitting, rather than snug. Tight, body-clinging garments can instantly make you appear 10-20 pounds heavier! Two fingers in the waistband is a good rule. Pants and skirts are too small through the hips unless you can pinch out two inches of fabric.

Our bodies change with age – a sad but true statement. You may still wear the same size you wore 10 years ago, however, our clothes may have become too loose in some places and too tight in others.

Our weight shifts, shoulders slope, backs round, hips and thighs get fuller. To fit and flatter our changing bodies, the styles we wear should change through the years. You must be careful not only to dress for your age, but, your shape as well.

A sagging bust line adds pounds and years to a women's figure. Look for a bra that lifts the bust to a more youthful location. Try experimenting with built-in support including underwires, non-stretch straps, push-up pads and other shapers.

The front and back elastic should wrap around the body in the same place, neither drooping nor pulling up in any spot. Elastic shouldn't be stretched out, you should be able to slip a finger under the elastic. Face front, if you have a bulge at each front arm crease (between the under arm and top of the shoulder), you need a larger cup.

Most importantly, a woman who keeps learning, whether she’s twelve or eighty, will stay younger. Any woman who stops learning can age very quickly.

Ladies, stay healthy, active, knowledgeable, informed and happy. "This is not a dress rehearsal," all women, from the young adult to the more mature woman has everything to gain and nothing to loss when she takes care of herself. If you don't take pride in your appearance and health, what else is there and who else will do it?

Keep smiling and have a positive attitude. Trust us – it will show on you – inside and out!

Until Next Time!

Warm Regards,

Selective Style
Diane & Flossie

Diane Keelan is the Founder and President of Selective Style, a full service image company located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Along with her partner Flossie St. Clair, the two conduct personal style development training seminars throughout the United States. Clients include United Airlines, American Trans Air, Century 21 and The Kellogg Corporation. Diane's passion is teaching women the basic principals involved in looking good and feeling good -- every day of their lives.

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