Aging gracefully doesn’t have to be easier said than done. Here’s how to look good after 40 with just a few simple tweaks (no, but seriously).

Okay, so the whole aging thing bites. (Somebody had to say it.) If it’s not your skin needing a bottle of moisturizer twice a day, it’s the joint pain. If it’s not your face showing (neon flashing) signs that you favor sleeping on your right side, it’s your ass suddenly resembling a deflated balloon. And all throwing shade at the ageless Gwen Stefanis and Jennifer Anistons of the world does is make your frown lines more prominent, so why bother?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching the Real Housewives of Botoxland (commercials), it’s this: The harder you try not to look 40, the more you’re going to look 50. The fact is you already know how to look good after 40, and it starts with three of our favorite words: Keep. It. Simple.

1. Don’t fall into the short haircut trap

This is one stereotype we really need to kick to the curb. There’s no law saying you have to chop all your hair off the second you hit a certain age—in fact, this is the time you should experiment and find your personal “40 and fabulous” signature style. Don’t focus on looking younger—focus on looking like you, which will naturally make you look more youthful and relaxed.

2. Take better care of your skin

Drinking enough water and moisturizing on the reg are two of the best ways to keep your skin looking supple.

3. Wear less makeup

Nope, that’s not a typo. Too much makeup not only makes you look older, but makes you look insecure. If you’ve been wearing the same types of makeup for the last decade, it’s time to switch things up: Find foundations and concealers that complement your changing skin, instead of ones that attempt to morph you into a newer model. For example, take shimmering products for a whirl, which can help brighten skin and give it a dewy glow.

4. Change up your lipstick

If there’s one area that can give away our age in no seconds flat, it’s our teeth and mouth. If you want your teeth to look whiter but don’t have time to hang out with your dentist, opt for wearing red or berry lip colors that have blue undertones, like glossy wine or cherry red—the gloss will give off the impression your teeth are whiter.

5. Invest in a quality night cream

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing! Finding a night cream that can help put the kibosh on fine lines and wrinkles while you snooze is basically the best way on earth to multitask.

6. Focus on strength-training

It’s not just about how to look good after 40, it’s about how to feel good too—and strength-training is where it’s at. “Working with light weights — even just the resistance of your own body weight — is one of the most important things you can do as you age,” fitness expert Margaret Richard told Good Housekeeping. “Bone density is directly improved by resistance exercise. Plus, if you reduce body fat with cardiovascular exercise, working the muscles underneath will give your skin something to hang on to.”

What are your go-to tips on how to look good after 40?

Related on EcoSalon

6 Spicy Beauty Trends to Wear Now

Low Maintenance Beauty: A Trend We Don’t Hate

What Type of Organic Beauty Are You? [Quiz]

Happy woman image via Shutterstock

The post How to Look Good After 40 With a Few Easy Tweaks appeared first on EcoSalon.

Models are getting older. As in the over 60 set. That’s right, if you have yet to see Helen Mirren in her latest role as the face of L’Oreal you truly are missing out.

While super models of the ’80s are now in their 40s and early 50s, there is a new set of model on the scene. And they are the over 60 set.

The gorgeous Helen Mirren is the new brand ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. In a video for the brand, in which she proudly proclaims “our perfect age is now”, she not only suits up in leather and red lipstick, but persuades us to grow another year bolder.

Yep, a real life 69 year old woman publically singing the praises of growing old gracefully. Not exactly an everyday occurrence. But it may be soon enough.

With everyone from movie stars to Bravo Housewives to real housewives getting injected, plumped, and pulled regularly, looking your age has not been at the forefront of pop culture. But are we getting over the eternal youth syndrome and headed toward aging gracefully?

Hopefully, yes. Mirren is not the only older woman to step up to the designer marketing plate. Jessica Lange is doing ads for Marc Jacobs Beauty at 64. American author Joan Didion is the new face of Celine at 80!

And all three look au naturel, their lines and grey hair proudly on display. And why not? They are not 30. Why try to look it?

Even those 40-something models are beginning to show off their real age. Cindy Crawford’s latest lingerie pic to go viral was the real deal, no touch ups. There were even some noticeable wrinkles on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars. Not all sleek foreheads and cupie doll cheeks.

In our youth-obsessed culture we’ve been trying so hard to look as young as possible. The new beauty movement seems to be headed in the direction of looking as great as you can for your age. This means happy and healthy. Sure, it may sound cliché, but what woman with a healthy glow who looks truly comfortable with herself doesn’t look beautiful? Think maintenance rather than reversal. Keep what you have healthy and looking great.

This means steering clear of too much salt and sugar, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate rest and exercise, and reducing stress. Meditation is a helpful tool in raising your PMA.

Using healthy beauty products is also better for skin and health. There are many natural anti-aging ingredients that support the skin. And don’t forget the sunscreen. UV damage is the leading cause of prematurely wrinkled skin and spots. Try a tinted moisturizer with mineral SPF like Marion Cotillard wore to the Oscars.

We seem to be at a beauty crossroads. Will we keep fighting the inevitable or revel in the natural flow?

Related on EcoSalon

3 Anti-Aging Secrets Straight From Hollywood

9 Hottest All Natural Female Celebrities

5 Celebrity Favorite Natural Beauty Products

Image of Helen Mirren via Shutterstock

The post Helen Mirren Advocates Aging Gracefully in New L’Oreal Ad appeared first on EcoSalon.