Ok Chris…this Blog’s for you…and NOT because you look Old…but because you are savvy enough to ask for general help to help me shore up my male fan base!

Studies show that men are twice as worried about “physical changes” due to aging as women. They just don’t know what to do about it. Since I am Not a Man, and have not resorted to trying to “look younger as a Man”, as I indeed have as a “woman”, I was happy to do “extensive research” in order to help our male friends, and sorted through what I think will be the easiest and most efficient ways for Men to look younger.  And, I shall leather-bind this blog and Fed Ex to Kevin!

Some  tips can help them hide the signs of aging:

1.   Keep a clean shave or well-groomed facial hair.  I say lose the beard, unless it’s really great looking (and you know who you are).  If you cannot rock a great goatee, do Not have a goatee.  Beards and mustaches tend to look aging, especially when flecked with gray.

2.  Use good skin care, and use it daily.  There are many types of skin care made specifically for men.  Check them out.  Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize.  They even sell these wonderful skin care kits which have all 3 items included.   These brands are good and affordable:  Kiehl’s; Clinique and L’Oreal.  Check out your local department store or Sephora for these products.  You can find L’Oreal at your local drugstore.

3.  Wear sunscreen…especially if you spend lots of time outdoors.  Wear a moisturizer with an SPF of At Least 15 on your face everyday…even in the Winter.   And if you are thinning on top, and are out in the sun, wear a baseball cap, to avoid burning your scalp. 

4.  Wear sunglasses, to avoid squinting outside, which helps cut down on the wrinkles around the eyes.  Plus, a great pair of sunglasses are a great accessory.  And make sure they are updated, and not circa 1992.

5.  Get a good hair cut.  And keep the cut updated.  If you’ve been sporting the same cut since high school or college, it’s time to find a new cut.  If your hair is thinning, you may want to cut it shorter to “mitigate” the hair loss.  And, if you want to cover the gray, there are many ways to do it, either from the drugstore, or professionally where you get your hair cut.  It’s important to make it look natural.  Jet Black is a big no-no.  And while you are getting your haircut, please have your eyebrows trimmed.  Please.

6.  Trim your nose and ear hair.  Really no need to further elaborate on this.

7.  Update your glasses, or try contacts.  Not only does this apply to sunglsses, but everyday glasses, as well as reading glasses.  There are so many great looking glasses these days.  Again, they become an accessory that frames your face.  Go to an eyeglass store, and spend some time trying on glasses, and finding a pair that fits, and you feel good in.  And if you aren’t sure of what looks good, ask someone who works there.  They Love to give advice, especially when it’s solicited. 

8.  Diet and Exercise…I didn’t mention this in the women’s version, as it does apply there as well…but the “beer belly” look does tend to age a man.  You are what you eat and drink.  They say the man’s waist should be ½ your height or less.   Probably same formula for women.  Who knew when we were growing up that eating well, and exercising was the key to being in shape.   Eat and drink in moderation, drink lots of water, get some exercise…basically what we All should be doing everyday.  But doing this as a lifestyle, can add years onto your life, and take years off your look.

9.  Whiten your smile. Crest White Strips used daily will quickly, efficiently and painlessly whiten your teeth.  Or, dial it up a notch and have them professionally whitened…I, however tried that little trick, and truly, thought I was going to Yank my teeth out of my mouth.  I have resorted to Crest White Strips myself.  I also should dial that up a notch.

10.  Eliminate stress (its aging) and try to get more sleep…which I know is harder to do, the older we get.  A tired face ages you 5-10 years…and I’m being kind.  I am not a Wizard on how to eliminate stress, but if you can, try and eliminate what in your life is causing you stress.  I haven’t mastered that yet…but… I do know the key to getting more sleep, is to cut out caffeine after 3PM.  And try not to eat after dinner, because food sits in your stomatch like a lead balloon, and really makes it hard to sleep. 

11.  Watch your posture!  Stand up straight.  It makes a difference.  No one wants to look like Tim Conway, from the Carol Burnett show when they turn 50. 

12. Laugh…and surround yourself with people who make you laugh.  Repeat as often as you can!

13.  Dress “Well”.  This is last, but certainly Not least…The way you dress directly reflects how people perceive your confidence, style, and age. Dressing sharp and fashionably can take years off of your look. Try new styles and make sure your clothes fit properly.  If they are too baggy or small, you can have them tailored to fit.  And while you are at it, make sure you update your closet.  No need to dress like your Dad…or dress like your teenage son.  Dress age-appropriately, and you will take years off your look. 

1. Get a Great pair of shoes.  The right pair of shoes can take 10 years off you.  Go to Nordstrom.  They will help you.
2. Get a great pair of jeans that fit.  Do Not wear baggy jeans
3. Lose the Hawaiian shirts.  Again, Lose the Hawaiian shirts.
4. Lose the gold (except the gold wedding band). 
5. Lose the Bling-Bling Gold and Diamond watch. And if you can, sell it on eBay, and buy a modern silver watch at a fraction of the price, and put the remaining money saved into your IRA.

6.  Wear dark socks!  Avoid, at All Costs, white socks and dress shoes.  Read this twice.

And…my #1 tip on not only now Not to Look Old…but how to actually Get old…is to be Nice to your Wife!  Failure to do so can cut your life short.

xoxo

T.

Disclaimer:  Any similarities to anyone you feel I’m referring to is Pure Coincidence…With the exception of the one man I feel looks good with facial hair, all the rest of these comments are just based on generalities.

While I am all about celebrating who you are, wearing what you want, as long as it’s flattering, as long as it makes you happy… I think we all want to look our best, and not  ”show our age”.  Hence, my new mantra…”How Not to look Old”…And forget aging gracefully!   Forget celebrating wrinkles!   We are not going to look old.  These little tidbits come out of my new bible, “How not to look old…fast and effortless ways to look younger, lighter and better.”  Ok, I don’t necessarily buy into all of this, but the author does have some great tips.  Women are looking better than ever, and as we all know, when 40 is the new 25 and 50 is the new 40,  aside from eating right, getting exercise and staying out of the sun (wish I had known those tips in my 20′s )…there are some other “tricks” out there to help us look whatever age we claim to be.   And just like the book, “The Everygirl’s Guide to Everything”, I will also be presenting exerpts out of this over the next few months.  And here is a cliff notes version:

1.  Cut some Bangs – I have No forehead, so have always had bangs.  Helps hide the wrinkles on the forehead

2.  Lighten your Hair – a few highlights go a long way.  They always say it’s best to go back to the color you were as a child. 

3.  Tame your eyebrows – but don’t tame them too much

4.  Chic up your Eyewear -  always a great accessory…eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses.  I used to wear fake glasses…glasses with clear glass frames.  That should probably be its’ own separate blog.

5.  Lose the heavy eyeliner – Truly, this goes for any age group

6.  Unmask your foundation – again, works best for any age group…Less is more when it comes to foundation.  Cake make-up should be left for the theatre…and Only when you are performing.

7.  Manage your wrinkles – before they manage you…and don’t forget the eye cream!

8.   Wear pink lipstick – Mac” Chic” is my personal favorite.  This color works on Everyone, and goes with everything.

9.  Whiten your teeth – crest white strips, daily, does the trick, without giving you that “I want to yank my teeth out of my mouth” feeling

10.  Lose the fake nails – Try a no-chip manicure instead.  Can last up to 3 weeks, and your nails grow like crazy, and get stronger!

11.  Unmatch your wardrobe! I’ve been saying this for years.  Coordinate your outfit, do not “overly match” it.

12.  Shorten your skirts (within reason, ladies) – just don’t wear them to your upper or mid thigh, or mid calf…emphasizing the largest part of your lower leg (or upper leg).

13.  Slip into the perfect pair of jeans - and buy 2 of your favorite pair while you are at it.

14.  Follow the 3-Bling rule when dressing for evening – again, works in the daytime as well

15.  Learn to love Shapewear – actually, no need to love it, but wear them if you need to.

16.  Show some Leg -   Break out the skirts and capris ladies…no need to always wear jeans and slacks.  Make sure your capris don’t hit your calf at the widest part.  And, a great pair of shorts, with a pair of wedges, or high heel sandals, paired with a crisp white blouse, or fun top, makes a  fabulous outfit for going out at night!

17.  Step into sexy heels - Love, Love, Love this!!  And bring your Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats to throw on when your feet have had enough!  And this little trick came in quite handy for me last week while attending a “gala”.  And that will also be a future blog. 

I  must say, I do agree with most of these.  In the next few months I will elaborate a bit on some, but this is a great starting point.  I always say any little bit helps, to help make you feel the best  you can be!

These women, whom I’ve either posted or listed before, should be inspirations on how Not to look old.  Each looks at Least 10 years younger than their true age.  And I do not believe any of these women have had plastic surgery…not that there’s anything wrong with it.

xoxo,

T.