DIY Makeover for Over 40

Change is good. But at this age it isn't easy.

For starters, most of us have fallen into an easy rhythm that fits our lives, either out of convenience or necessity. We get our hair cut a certain way, wear our favorite outfits, even pluck our eyebrows to a particular shape.

But even though sameness is comfortable, a change in your style can be actually pretty thrilling. And as much as it would be nice to have a head-to-toe makeover done professionally, you can get pretty amazing results if you do most of it yourself (with the exception of a good hair stylist). Here's how.

Get a hairstyle and/or color. The most drastic thing you can do for your looks is to update your cut and color. The best color (or highlights) will flatter your complexion and detract from wrinkles; a perfect cut takes into consideration your lifestyle and hair type. A good stylist/colorist will help you find both the perfect color and cut. And you can always print out photos from online galleries of age-appropriate hair, like these below:

• Hair Over 40
• Hair Over 50
• Expert Color Tips for Over 40

Redo your eyebrows. You may not spend much time thinking about your eyebrows, but these are actually a very important facial feature. After years of plucking and waxing, our eyebrows can tend to look sparse as we age; thicker eyebrows look more youthful. There's a perfect brow shape for every face type, so get inspired by our favorite over 40 celebrity eyebrows. 

Buy new glasses. If you're still wearing your rimless plastic frames or <shudder> tiny oblong wire frames, it's time for a new pair of glasses. The newest eyeglasses have a slightly boyfriend feel to them, with dark frames and a nerdy shape. Find a new pair of hip glasses like these celebrities. 

Pick a new outfit. We know: it seems overwhelming to find great, up-to-date pieces that are both age appropriate and affordable. But there's actually a wide variety of new fashion trends that work for over 40,  including minimal looks and even a '70s revival.

Even if you aren't concerned with being trendy there are a few things you can easily update:

• Jeans: They are indispensable, and you'll look instantly hipper (and often, slimmer) if you ditch the mom jeans and opt for an updated pair. Read Dos and Don'ts of Denim After 40. 
• Stripes: Something about the graphic appeal of stripes looks youthful, and any woman can benefit from the addition of a striped tee in her wardrobe. How to Wear Stripes After 40 .
• Skirts. Skirt silhouettes have gotten fuller (and longer) over the past few seasons. If you haven't bought an updated skirt, find out how to wear both fuller skirts and longer skirts.
• Brights. The best color you can wear is pink. It's considered a virtual fashion fountain of youth because it brings a glow to your skin. How to Wear Pink After 40.
• Sexy looks. Remember 30 years ago when all you had to do was put on, well, anything and feel sexy? Our bodies may have changed, but we all have days where we'd like to look sexier, without looking like a cougar.