With all of the makeover shows on television, new anti-aging cosmetics, and general obsession with staying young looking, its no surprise that people are willing to spend small fortunes on products and procedures to look and feel younger. But you don’t have to break the bank, go under the knife or get beauty injections to look youthful.

Here are a few ways that can take years off of your appearance and help you achieve a more youthful look.

HAIR – Consult an expert hairdresser about updating your cut and color. Don't trade in your gray hair-just that old hairstyle! Men, absolutely NO combovers! Cut your hair short and maintain it. As we age, hair starts popping out from unwanted places, so men you will want to keep that nose and ear hair trimmed. Women should remove all hairs growing under chin area and in cleavage area. Keep these areas in check. Since facial hair ages you, you may want to shave off beards and goatees. Have your eyebrows professionally groomed and keep them maintained.

MAKEUP - Too much makeup adds years to your face but wearing no makeup presents a plain, drab and dull face. Having dated makeup makes a person appear stuck in a time capsule. Always aim for balance and natural looking makeup to maximize your good features and minimize your facial flaws. If you do not like wearing makeup, give your face a lift by using a soft black or brown eyeliner pencil on the eyebrows and lower eye lids. Do not forget to blend in. Use a natural colored lip gloss on your lips.

POSTURE – Stand up straight, walk tall, and you will actually think and feel better. Having correct posture actually helps you to be calmer, more relaxed,more physically and mentally stable.

SMILE/TEETH – Keep those pearly whites, white. A great looking smile is often the first thing that people will notice about you and it is easy things to maintain if you take proper care of your teeth. You can take several approaches to whiten your teeth but carefully research the approach before using it on your teeth and gums.

CONVERSATION/INNER IMAGE – Put more gratitude in your attitude. Get in touch with your inner youth. Bump up your conversation skills by staying current of interesting topics making news headlines. Do not dwell on the negative or discuss unpleasant topics when socializing. Think positive and be an inspirer.

HEALTH/EXERCISE – Eating well, getting enough exercise and getting enough sleep are necessary to stay fit and looking good. Exercise will help you maintain good posture, alleviate stress and increase blood flow (which keeps your whole body well oxygenated).

SKIN CARE/NAILS – Always use sunscreen! Since the sun is the single most damaging thing to your skin, make sure to protect yourself. Get a facial regularly or start a skin care regimen at home to keep your skin looking healthy. Keep the neck area moisturized also. Manage those dark circles under your eyes! There are products out there including under-eye concealer that can help. Men, you can't use the same harsh anti-bacterial soap for your face that you use for your hands. Purchase a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. Since your hands get a lot of abuse, and can show age almost more than your face, keep them moisturized. Do not neglect your elbows, knee caps and ankles. There's nothing better than treating yourself to a professional manicure or pedicure. But you can save money by doing it yourself at home. Always keep the finger nails and toe nails looking healthy and clean!

EYE GLASSES – Update those 20/20’s every two or three years. Your frames should look like face jewelry. Don’t settle for basic frames- upgrade! If you are able, lose the glasses all together and go from studious to stunning with contact lenses or lasik surgery.

CLOTHES – If you don’t keep up to date, your wardrobe will end up telling your true age. Clothes and accessories that are drab, plain, dated, old fashion and unflattering must be tossed! Women give Mother Nature a helping hand by using the right undergarments to lift and tuck to give you a firm foundation. Create awareness of what works for you. “Someone gave it to me” is not a good enough reason to wear it. Wear clothes in colors that compliment your skin tone. Men, always wear your belt on your stomach, not below it. Clothes should not be too tight, too big, too long or too short. Tag size is not important-fit is.

Remember, to make a lasting and youthful first impression a person must practice good grooming everyday. Since we talk to a person’s face, your makeup, hair, skin, teeth, nails, eyeglasses, clothes and manners should be “current” and tasteful. Looking youthful at any age doesn’t always require a major overhaul, just a simple tune-up!

Magoe helps individuals enhance their image and coordinate their closets for their personal and professional lives. She delivers group presentations and seminars empowering individuals to capture opportunities as they arise by
communicating professionalism and confidence through the way they look and the manner in which they present themselves. www.ImagesbyMagoe.com