Beautiful In 0-60... So They Say!

Get gorgeous (almost) instantly at every age.

By Jessica Prince

 

Photo credit: Sean Cunningham

20s Quick Twist 

Staying out late and hitting the snooze button means not a lot of time to coif your locks before rushing to the office. Here's your formula to look polished fast: Start by massaging Alterna Caviar Dry Shampoo ($20) into your roots. "It soaks up excess oils and adds texture," says hairstylist Andy Lecompte, who works with Jessica Biel and Leighton Meester. Pull hair back into a chignon and twist in Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins ($6.49 for two) — one equals 20 bobby pins — then smooth over hard-to-tame flyaways with John Frieda Full Repair Touch-up Flyaway Tamer( $9.99).

30s Fake Great Skin

Balancing work, kids, husband, friends? No time for you often equals lackluster, tired skin. Don't bother layering on the foundation, bronzer, and blush; your skin will just look tired and cakey. The solution: tinted bronzing gel, applied over your face and neck after your morning shower for an instant outer glow — even if you don't feel one on the inside. L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day ($10.49) is smell- and streak-free and gives pasty skin major warmth in minutes. "Be sure to exfoliate first to banish dry patches that can leave you with uneven, dark spots," suggests makeup artist Rachel Goodwin, who primps celebrities like Christina Hendricks and January Jones.

40s Perfect Your Pout

Chances are your lips are not as plump as they were in your 20s, and your favorite lipstick may be sinking into fine lines around your mouth. Solve the problem by always using a lip plumper before lipstick. "Plumpers keep your lips hydrated, which prevents new lines from forming and simultaneously fills creases you already have to stop color bleeding," explains Goodwin. Look for products with anti-aging ingredients like ceramides and vitamin E. We like Laura Mercier Lip Plumper ($30).

50s Look Luminous

Highlighters and concealers are simple to use and take years off your face. For expert-level results at home, try Goodwin's red-carpet recipe: After foundation, gently pat concealer under your eyes, paying special attention to the inner corners. Then cover laugh lines by dabbing a concealer with wrinkle-relaxing properties on with your fingers. When your makeup has set, use a sponge to press highlighter along your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on the V of your upper lip to add radiance. We love Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Conceal & Brighten ($35).

60+ Hide Wrinkles

Botox and fillers aren't the only ways to treat unwanted lines. We swear by Clarins Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate ($32), which reduces wrinkles and tightens skin on contact. Roll on Clinique All About Eyes Serum ($25.50) to minimize puffiness and dark circles. "Don't be afraid to apply them over your makeup," adds Goodwin. And since both are slim enough to fit into the tiniest clutch, reapply them day and night for maximum results.


Read more: Quick Beauty Tips - Fast Hair and Makeup Tips - Harper's BAZAAR