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Hands up who’d like to look a little bit younger? I don’t mean 20 years younger because that would just be unnatural, and I don’t know about you, but I’m far too squeamish to go under the knife. But how to look younger than you really are is attainable and today we look at 5 ways to help you achieve a more youthful glow.

If you’re anything like me, you want to preserve what you’ve got, for as long as you can (and if that includes a bit of pickling with wine, then fine!)

How to look younger – just a little bit anyway

There are also times when I’d like to look a bit younger than I really am.

Sometimes I enjoy going out with people in their thirties and I meet a lot of bloggers around this age at various workshops and conferences, and I think to myself at first glance and chat: “Heck … WooHoo … Look, I’m not that much different!”

Ahem, of course I haven’t got my specs on and we haven’t got deep into any banter yet.

They know I’m older, and in reality I know I’m older too.

It’s a case of … I often feel like I’m still 35, until I spend time with 35 year olds. We look different, we have different points of reference and we know different stuff. That’s just how it is.

But watch and learn, watch and learn. There are a few tricks I’ve picked up from some of these smart young guns I call friends to share with you today.

How to look younger

1. Be clever with your make-up

In my younger days make up was something I rarely used except perhaps to slap on in a novice way to go out somewhere special. Over the years I’ve become more savvy, and these days I can make-up my face in 5 minutes if necessary: Bronzer, Highlighter, Blusher, Concealer – hey I’m onto it 😉

At Problogger last year I was shown how to use concealer to its best effect. Don’t just use it for your undereye circles. No, no no! You can dab it on the inner corners of your eyes, on the top of your top lip in the groove by the lip line, on the outer sides of your nostrils – and everything will sort of just well, lift up a bit.

If your eyebrows are diminishing or gone, or turned grey, then buy a good eyebrow pencil and learn how to draw them on.

Find the right colour lipstick for your skin colour, and don’t choose something dark because it’s aging. I love a peachy rose lipstick and a natural or pinky lip pencil to outline my lips.

A little bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks will help give you a more youthful look. I love Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Blush.

Bronzer is every woman’s friend. This is the one I use all the time : Rimmel Bronzer

2. Choose colours that suit you

When we’re young, we can really get away with anything. Most styles, most colours – I know I just didn’t give a damn and mostly got away with it. Now though, the wrong colour or even shade of colour can drain my face and just make me look Bleuh. I’m beginning to understand which colours suit me, and trying to stick to a tighter palette, because when you get it right, you will look and feel 5 years younger.

You might like to check out my post on The Ultimate Guide to Fifty Plus Womens Fashion, and more fashion and style tips from professional blogger, author and fashion designer Nikki Parkinson in this post Clever Everyday Style Tips.

3. Use beauty products you love that work for you

I was an Oil of Olay girl for years. But I’ve come to realise life is too short to scrimp and save on your skin. I was introduced to some new products about a year ago, and to tell you the truth I was skeptical about their advantages.

Then over time I began to see a big difference in my skin. I won’t say that all my lines disappeared, but the deep ones seemed less furrowed and my skin began to glow. Actually I still didn’t believe it. Not until Dave took a photo of me one day and I almost outshone the field of tulips – I’d never seen my skin look so healthy. Sure, I hear you say, could have been the light, but there’s more to it than that. When you know, you just know. No trick photography required.

I use NuSkin products – I’ve been using them for over 12 years and people often comment that my skin looks youthful even though I’m now over 60 years old!

My Favourite Face Products

For beautiful looking skin

What Are They? Check out Here

4. Pay attention to your body

Sorry, but there’s no way we should be losing weight quickly. Those “lose 5kgs in 5 days just in time for a bikini summer’ type of articles I used to read in Cosmo or Cleo or whatever, are just not going to cut it at our age and you know why don’t you? 

Because you’re not going to lose the weight from your ass or your tum, but from your cheeks (facial, silly) and your boobs. Then you’re going to look all hollowed-out and witchey instead of slim and perky. So go slowly, eat well, do your exercise and cut down your portions – but don’t crash diet EVER AGAIN. Promise?

Keep up your exercise or take up exercise gently. I walk for an hour every morning, and intersperse my walks with yoga, pilates and bicycling.

Go on an active weekend away with friends – walk and talk! Here’s my best packing list for a 3 day trip to inspire you!

Blond woman wearing black activewear walking on a beach in the blog post How to Look Younger than you Really Are
I really like the Emamaco range of Activewear – Check out the full range at Emamaco..

Our boobs aren’t the only things that head south to the Bermuda triangle never to be found again. Our butts lose their peach like padding over time and yep, sag. There ain’t no stopping gravity, dammit. So whenever possible look for pants and jeans with a bit of lycra in them because they’ll give you a bit of support in that area.

Am I preaching to the converted here? Do you wear a good bra? Make sure you are wearing comfy, supportive bras and bras that fit well .

Do you lift those girls up in well engineered over-shoulder-boulder-holders as they used to be disparagingly referred to when I was growing up? Sizes vary, so don’t get hung up on numbers. And if you were 36c for years, you could well be a 38d after fifty, because well, our shapes change. A good bra gives you a longer, leaner looking torso, and makes your waist look smaller.

Find a great pair of jeans – no matter what your age a great pair of jeans will make you look on trend and younger : Read … The Best Jeans for Women Over 50.

Don’t stick to outdated styles that will never suit your body shape again, but do play around with clothes. Boho chic is never really out of fashion and the flowy styles suits most body types – check out this post for the ultimate guide about how to put it all together: Boho Chic Clothing to Make You Sizzle!

Top Tip: Don’t forget that for dry confidence everyday you may need washable leak proof briefs. I love Modibodi. Check out the best washable incotinence underwear here or look at all the styles, and decide on your leak proof solutions at Modibodi underwear here.

And ultimately, try not to have too many clothes. Ironically too many clothes means you’ll always look in your wardrobe and declare you have absolutely nothing to wear. True! Also, outdated fashions just outdate you too.

In this post I asked a cross section of women How Many Clothes Do You Really Need?

5. Hair today gone tomorrow

I used to have such a thick shock of long lustrous hair which is sadly getting thinner and coarser by the year. So it’s imperative now, more than ever before to pay attention to cut and colour. Have your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks, religiously. If you need colour, then do it before you have roots or grey showing through – or if you want to go grey, then do, but get a great cut (regularly) to show it off.

Don’t pull your hair back severely even though it’s in vogue. Okay, if you pull it all back hard enough it can make you look as if you’ve had a facelift (I’ve tried) but actually a slicked back hairstyle is not going to suit you now you’re older. Believe me,  I looked like a haridan … If you want to wear your hair up in the heat or for a special do, then try a loose, relaxed style with some tendrils falling around your face.

Bobs can be hip don’t you think? Either sharp clean lines which will draw attention to your eyes, or an angled cut perhaps, or a messy chunky layered bob with soft layers and a side fringe.

A good hairdresser will cut your fringe to a varied length which will give it a little bounce, so that it’s not totally blunt (think school girl) which means cutting your own fringe to save some money is out of the question.

how to look younger
This, I think, was one of the best hair cut and colurs I’ve ever had, and I’m continually trying to replicate it 😉 without success. Beige and black (boring as it is) suits me. I don’t choose these colours often enough.

Try not to go for wispy anything. Our hair is thinning anyway, darlings, and thick hair is a sign of youth and smacks of fertility and vigour.

Long hair is not only for the young. These days many women wear their hair past their shoulders and the trick is to think about good cuts and layering. Soft graduated layers can soften your face (and hide a developing jowl) and generally flatter your face shape. How about a longish side swept fringe to go with your longer look? Tip: longer fringes are more flattering than short ones.

Flat hair will add years to your face. Ask your hairdresser how to get some volume into your blow dry – perhaps buy a good product  like a volumising mousse with which you can spritz the roots before blow drying to add a nice bit of lift.

Look Younger - woman in blue outfit

In this post I share more tips, advice and fashion for older women.

These are some of my favourite face products.

These are two helpful fashion posts: 9 Different Dress Types to Make You Look Amazing and The Best 57 Summer Dresses for Women Over 50.

This post looks at some Fashion Styles and Trends for 2024.

I believe that Ponte Pants worn with long-line tops make for a very youthful silhouette. Check out this post How to Wear Ponte Pants and look a Million Dollars!

Too many clothes? A bursting closet is not a good way to feel good about your clothes! Declutter and gift some to a charity shop – here are 10 Best Online Thrift Shops on the internet to get you started.

Over to you

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Do you have any tips for looking good or looking a little younger than you really are?

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Woman and sunflowers from the post, How To Look Younger.
5 ways to look 5 years younger, text and image graphic

Disclaimer: This post “How to Look Stylish Everyday on a Budget,” contains affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission but at no expense to you. Any gifted items are marked with an *.  Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  Please read my full disclosure here.

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About Jo Castro

My name is Jo Castro and I've been a content creator and freelance writer for over 35 years. 13 years ago I committed to blogging, documenting my finds about fashion and travel for women, like me, over 50. On Lifestyle Fifty I share style and fashion tips, along with travel inspiration and packing guides. It's all about The Art of Ageing, Living the Good Life and Looking Fashionable everyday. Everything I write about comes from the desire to help as many women as possible live their best lives and look great after the age of 50. Check out more on my About Page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nancy U.

    Johanna, Great post ever ❤️! There’s not much you can do, to curb your natural genetics but there are some things that can be done to make sure you yousrelf aren’t adding to looking older than you need to look. How I view it: Sunscreen is the absolute must of anti-aging skincare. Then tretinoin which is immensely helpful and really great but secondary to sunscreen. Very glad I googled ‘Ret247get’ and got retin-a. Arguably Vitamin C would be third, although quite a bit lower than tret.

    Reply

    • Jo

      I use NuSkin Melissa. Please get in touch with me if you’d like to know more, as I can get you some good discount on most products.

      Reply

  6. Dee Duvall

    If anyone wants to look younger one of the best things you can do is work on your posture. YES to Pilates! Shoulders back and down will help you look younger, more fit and more confident. It makes much more difference than Botox will!!

    Reply

  8. Carole Parsons

    Love to know the hair and skin products that you use. Loved your blog…good suggestions and information !

    Don’t stop…we need your input!

    Reply

  9. Beverly long

    I would like to know the products. You use for your face. And hair. I found your blog by accident and I love it. Thank you.

    Reply

  11. Lynda

    I enjoy your posts. I’m interested in your face products and will google NuSkin. Thanks for the info and the chance for 20% discount.
    Lynda

    Reply

  14. Lori Taxis

    I really like Your article ,I would love to know what beauty products You are using. I need all the help I can get. Thank You kindly

    Reply

  15. Judy

    Please let me know what skin care routine you follow. I would appreciate knowing all the products you believe improved your completion. Love your blog. Very informative.

    Reply

    • Johanna

      Hi Melanie, I use NuSkin products. Check them out online, and let me know if you like the look of any and I can get you some great discounts. I love them and use the AgeLoc products.

      Reply

  22. Deb

    Hi. I hate aging! Also diagnosed last year with lupus which skin rashes and they leave my face literally with new permanent lines overnight and discoloration. I’m 60 and think I look much older. Just 3 years ago o was a very young looking 57
    I would love to know the products that you believe really work. I now have very dark under eye circle so if u have a go-to concealer please let me know that too! Thanks

    Reply

    • Jill

      I enjoyed reading all your tips. I have used a skin regimen religiously since mid 20’s. The biggest lesson I learned years ago was to use special facial pads to wipe off make up not cottons balls!. My face was always red and irritated until a cosmetician told me cotton balls had wood fibres in them! Everything changed dramatically when I switched!
      I am very interested in the products you use.
      Aside from using the appropriate skin care for your age I think the biggest factor in looking younger is having a youthful attitude. It comes through in your face! Having said that, these women who compete with their 30 something daughters and wear the spiky pink and purple hair , and ripped jeans are doing the opposite to what they think

      Reply

    • Johanna

      Hi Deb, that sounds terrible. I’m so sorry. I use NuSkin products. Check them out online, and let me know if you like the look of any and I can get you some great discounts. I love them and use the AgeLoc skin care products. But I love their cosmetic range too. Anyway have a look and let me know if you want more specifics.

      Reply

  23. Barb

    So glad to get your tips. As we go through the stages in life we also need to keep up with new products to enhance our skin and our bodies. Would love to hear about the products you use. Also if they are available in new brand stores. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply

    • Johanna

      Hi Barb, I use NuSkin. If you’d like to know more and get some discount if you buy, please email me. The products are not available at stores. (Email contact under Contacts in navigation bar at top of blog)

      Reply

    • Shelley Vogel

      I am president of a singles club in a 55+ community in Wanaque, NJ and would love to have a speaker on this subject. Do you do this sort of thing or do you know anyone in this area that does. We have very little money but individually are big spenders on looking young products

      Reply

  25. Amanda

    Terrific article, most of which I knew but sometimes we need a reminder to actually put the suggestions into action!
    And, yes I’d love to know which products you use as, over the years I’ve experimented with many, sometimes finding a winner but would like your suggestions.

    Reply

  26. Jan

    Would you please let me know what beauty products you use? At my age of 68 you’d think I would know but I’m still searching for good products. Thank you for the tips. I’ll put them to good use not necessarily to make me look younger but to make me feel good.

    Reply

  27. Sandy

    I also have used Oil of Olay for years and struggling to find the right new products. Please share what you are using

    Reply

  28. Micki

    Hi Johanna;
    I’m just at that stage where I need to change up my skin care line.. I would love to know what line you found so helpful and foundation brand..thanks Micki

    Reply

    • Cathy

      I just noticed you use NuSkin products and I too would like to take advantage of your knowledge and stop buying and trying every product I see advertise and not getting the results I’m looking for and spending too much trying to achieve, so if you could send me the link and discount I’d be most appreciative, Thank you

      Reply

  30. Patricia W

    I would love to hear what skin care products you are using. Your skin does look great! Enjoyed reading your article as well. People do comment that I don’t look my age, but my skin really could use some brightening up. Thank you

    Reply

  34. Mira

    Love your article! “I often feel like I’m still 35 until I spend time with 35-year-olds. We look different, we have different points of reference and we know different stuff. That’s just how it is”. This is so true…
    I also would appreciate more information on skin care productions.
    Thank you in advance

    Reply

  36. Brenda Jankowski

    Thank you for such great information. Please send me information on your skin care routine. Thank you! Brenda

    Reply

  41. Lesley Roberts

    Great post Jo,now I have a question. How do you and any of your friends,subtly or otherwise get their husbands to groom themselves appropriately? We young things don’t want to go around with a hairy,saggy skinned guy. As for wardrobe choices. Have you seen Lowes stores, with their range every man looks like a bogan, but how do you steer them to the better stores for better fitting clothes? In other words how do you get your man to smarten up a bit !

    Reply

  42. Janet aka Middle Aged Mama

    I’ve been told since getting eyelash extensions last week, that it makes me look younger! Gotta be happy with that 😉

    Reply

  43. Maria

    Just stumbled upon your website, really good tips and I love your attitude. I would love to hear about your skincare products. Thanks!

    Reply

  45. Andrea

    Hi,
    I am interested in learning about your skin care products. I have sensitive skin and struggle to find an SPF product that doesn’t make me break out.
    Thank you!
    Andrea

    Reply

  47. the hipsterette

    Good comments – but I think ‘less is more’ now when it comes to make-up. When I was younger I used to love wearing and experimenting with it but now I just add a subtle enhancement – and look better for it. Hair – well I wear mine ‘scraped’ back most days – (or in an upstyle), which may not work for everyone, but does for me. The reason? My hair which was always fine and thin has become even more so with age. I treat it very gently and only wash it once a week and only get it blow-dried at the hairdressers. And, I’m with you with a good fitting bra and some sensible foundation garments don’t go astray either!

    Reply

    • Johanna

      Hello Hipsterette, thanks for chiming in with some great tips and observations. Treating our hair gently is such good advice. There are so many harsh and damaging hair products out there.

      Reply

  48. Lesley

    Great tips! I think I’ve gradually got a handle on what hairstyles and colours suit me, but my skincare and makeup know-how aren’t up to scratch. Any recommendations gratefully accepted

    Reply

  49. Pamela Gibson

    I would appreciate more information on skin care productions mentioned above. I’ve gotten rather lax and lazy by using local store products instead of Macys, etc. I started thinking it was all the same stuff with different names. Thanks

    Reply

  50. Life Images by Jill

    fabulous tips Jo. I have nothing to add. I need all the help I can get now I have reached the next “O”!!
    I might try that trick with the concealer on some of those lines…. I saw some pics of me at a recent event. hmm….. and a friend suggested recently about the eye-brow pencil, it certainly makes a difference.
    I agree with Kathy a smile take off years! ps – can you send me the details of your beauty products Jo. Thanks.
    ps – you are looking fabulous by the way 🙂

    Reply

    • Johanna

      Congratulations on the next big ‘0’ Jill! Thank you for your lively words… but sometimes I think I look like Hilla the Hun, eek! Anyway if you’re still keen I’ll dm you my beauty products routine x

      Reply

  52. denise giĺlies

    Love the article, Jo.Re hair. I read as we get older we need to watch our thyroid levels as that can contribute to hair thinning.

    Reply

  53. KathyMarris

    Yes I agree with all of the above. Good fitting bras and underwear that doesn’t give you vpl are very important. Also regular hair cuts and colours with so many options like foils and streaks to highlight your hair colour. But you can’t beat putting a smile on your face at regular intervals. It is nature’s natural facelift! 🙂

    Reply

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