Let's face it, we all want to look young and vibrant -- even if we're not. And it seems we'll stop at little to erase the
telltale signs of aging: according to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, in 2002 alone, Americans spent $30 billion
on cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, face-lifts and Botox. But, thankfully, there's no need for such drastic measures.
Whether you're 25 or 55, the best way to ward off wrinkles, sunspots and dull skin is to establish a consistent beauty regimen
that's age-appropriate and tailored to your individual skin-type needs. We asked some pros for pointers on staying pretty, no matter what year is printed on your driver's license:
In your 20s
Age-proof your skin. Now is the time to protect your skin from the sun. Neglecting to do so will lead to premature wrinkles, sunspots and potentially even skin cancer, according to makeup maven
Bobbi Brown, who recommends wearing SPF 20 every day. Moisturizing is also key, says Brown, because it prevents blemishes.
Skin that isn't moisturized produces more oil, which leads to breakouts. When choosing a face lotion, avoid pore-clogging
ingredients such as petroleum and lanolin. Instead, look for alpha or beta hydroxy acid, which will help exfoliate your skin
and make it appear brighter, suggests Ramy Gafni, founder of Ramy Beauty Therapy in New York City.
Another issue for women in their 20s, especially those with darker skin, is post-acne spots or scarring. "If this affects
you, try an over-the-counter fade cream with sunscreen, such as Ambi," says Deborah Simmons, M.D., a New York City dermatologist.
"Avoid harsh scrubs and lotions that contain glycolic acid, which can further irritate skin."
Get pretty! Twentysomethings should wear makeup that is light and flattering. Susan Sterling, a makeup artist for
Chanel, suggests using a reflective foundation, which can brighten your face. Want a dramatic look? Go wild with eye colors.
Sterling suggests powdered shadows for simple, neutral-to-smoky transformations. "Powdered shadow works on dry and oily skin,
and has staying power so you don't need to worry about touch-ups," she says.
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In your 30s
Age-proof your skin. During your 30s, laugh lines around the forehead, eyes and mouth become
more noticeable, so thicker night creams that prevent wrinkles and moisturize tired skin should become a permanent fixture
in your medicine cabinet. "Find a product that contains antioxidants to diminish fine lines and protect the skin from environmental damage," suggests Gafni. Continue using oil-free cleansers to ward off breakouts, but skip the astringent, which may dry your skin
out.
Get pretty! "Avoid overly bright or garish colors that make you look like you're trying too hard," says Brown. "Aim
for earth tones and neutrals." She recommends playing up your cheeks with a brown shade to contour and a soft pink or coral
color to highlight. Be careful not to age yourself by applying eyeliner or mascara on your lower lash line, which draws attention
to lines or bags under the eyes; instead, apply a coat of mascara to the top lashes and dab a sheer powder or eye gloss over
lids.
In your 40s
Age-proof your skin.Your estrogen levels fluctuate during your 40s, which can dry out your skin and lead to sudden breakouts. Instead of loading up on acne-fighting
products, which can cause redness and blotches, use an ultra-rich cleansing bar such as Dove. Moisturizing is more important
now than ever -- use a combination product, such as an antiwrinkle moisturizer with retinol (a vitamin A enriched serum that
can erase fine lines and age spots). "Olay's Total Effects Intensive Restoration Treatment and Aveeno's Positively Radiant
are excellent choices," says Dr. Simmons.
Get pretty! The number one beauty mistake of women in their 40s is using too much makeup. "Women think they're covering
up their flaws, but piling on product actually highlights them," says Brown. She recommends using a foundation and a loose,
transparent powder. Skip heavy eyeliner and eye shadow, which can draw attention to crow's feet. Instead, "sweep your blush
over your eyes," says Gafni. "This is fast, easy and it gives a soft, glowing effect." Finish your look with a shimmering
lipstick to make lips look full but not overdone.
In your 50s
Age-proof your skin. During your 50s, you experience a reduction in estrogen and collagen
levels, which causes the skin to lose much of its elasticity and sag around the cheeks and eyes. The good news? Hydrating
your skin with moisturizer twice a day and using firming serums containing vitamin A or C in the evening can greatly improve your appearance, says Simmons.
Get pretty! Makeup in your 50s is all about highlighting your best features, rather than covering up the areas you
don't like. Limit concealer to your eye area, and use matte foundation only where needed. "Play up your lips with a cream
lipstick, which won't feather as much or run into the lines around your mouth the way a gloss would," says Gafni. Apply eyeliner
and mascara on the upper lash line to give your eyes a lift. And don't neglect your brows: Keep them well-groomed and fill
them in with brow powder, which can open your eyes up and take years off your appearance.
