An Enduring Youthful Appearance

The beauty benefits of a daily routine that I established in my early teens are evident. Now that I’m in my sixties, I surprise many of my peers who look much older than I when often they’re younger than I am — although I definitely see how much older I look as each year passes.

On the “needs improvement” side, I don’t drink enough water; instead I drink tea all day long. I need to exercise more. This week I am beginning a new routine, to maintain the health of my body. My body is beginning to let me know that it is aging. I am grudgingly changing habits in this regard.

But strictly for beauty’s sake, here is a quick compilation of a few of my rules for looking fresh and youthful at any age. As others occur to me, I’ll add them:

Keeping Your Youthful Appearance for Life

 • Do not remove more eyebrow hairs than absolutely necessary. Be very careful when you pluck, and only go for obvious strays. Full eyebrows are a sign of youthful beauty — no matter the current fashion. Over-tweezed brows result in sparse to bald eyebrows — sometimes when you're in your thirties, and definitely by your fifth decade. The resulting bald eyebrow look signifies neither youth nor beauty. Maybelline makes the current eyebrow gel I’m using, although unlike the Revlon product that I have used, I need to apply it lightly, let it dry (critical step) and then apply a second coat for the most natural results.

• Begin to moisturize skin and prevent sun damage from a very early age. I started when I was twelve years old. Cleanse and tone skin, then apply a natural moisturizer from the decolletage upward to the forehead. Upward, feathery light strokes are best.

• Eye cream is only applied with the ring finger, beginning at the outside of each eye. Lightly massage the “crow’s feet” area in a circular motion then smooth the cream under the eye towards the nose, then up and over to the outside area. Using your ring finger provides a gentle touch that helps you avoid harming the delicate skin around your eye area.

• Apply sunblock to the backs of hands daily to avoid hands that age and spot before their time. I use this SPF 50 sunblock stick first thing every day.

• Take care of your teeth! Strictly adhere to basic dental practices. I don't floss, but use The Doctor's Brushpicks once or twice daily. My dentist approves, and I prefer using them to flossing.

• Wear very good shoes and carry a very good handbag. Quality, high end shoes and purses are a worthwhile investment. No more than two of each are necessary. Think of cost per wear.

• Look for well made costume pieces to supplement a basic collection of high quality jewelry.

• Generally, it is preferable to be overdressed for an occasion. Underdressing can cause more problems, such as not meeting a dress code, while there is normally no issue when you exceed a dress code.