Gloria Estefan, Nina Garcia: Holiday Beauty Tips

It's beginning to look a lot like a beautiful Christmas season.

The wonder of this time includes family, friends, sinfully good food…and the sparkle of the holidays.

'Tis the season to feel the magic, and look like you feel.  "I think the beauty of this season comes from within. That sparkle is being with your family and close friends," says Gloria Estefan who at age 54 just signed a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models.

Gloria on beauty post 40: "I started just being myself more and more. For women, this happens as you get older. I loved my 40s - I thought they were fantastic. And I'm loving my 50s."

Here are some Midlifer Holiday Beauty Tips and Tricks from the experts so you can feel the same love when you look in the mirror:

FASHION:

We adore Marie Claire fashion director and "Project Runway" host Nina Garcia who has a few great fashion rules for the holidays.

First, don't wear that sweater with the giant reindeer on it complete with the sparkling gold antlers.

"Don't wear that hideous Christmas sweater your in-laws or aunt gave you last year unless you want to receive another one next year," Nina advises.

Another sage tip: "Don't wear red and green during the holidays," Nina says. "You don't want to look like you stepped off the set of the film 'Elf.'"

MAKEUP:

Always apply moisturizer under your foundation. It will go on so smoothly for a professional finish.

If you're going to a party make sure to use primer under your foundation, too. Use it on your eyelids, too. This is a way to set your makeup and it won't melt off even if the room is overheated, which is typical during this time of the year.

If you put a dab of foundation on your lips before you put on lipstick you will double the staying power and not have to re-apply during a party.

As we age, it's common to get veins in your upper eye-lids. Make sure to put a matte shadow in beige or even a light pink on your lids to cover it up. Shimmery shadow won't do the job.

Professional makeup artists agree that women over 40 need to watch how many times they apply powder during the night. It's easy to get that caked on look, so limit yourself to one re-apply during the evening. Remember that caked on powder is a great way to add several years to your face.

Marisol Nichols, the beauty who stars soon in "Good Christian Belles" says her party look begins with one little tool, "I'm Latin, so I can't leave the house without eye-liner. It pretty much works for everyone. I think you can't go wrong if your eyes pop."

SOUL:

Are you tired and frazzled from a day of too much shopping and partying?

Try this simple way to relax: Draw a warm bath and put a cup of Epsom salts in it and a few drops of lemon essence. The lemon will revive you while the salts will soothe your aching muscles. Read the back of the salt bottle and follow doctor's orders if you have any heart issues. 

Dress in "cool" clothes for the mall. "I'm copping to it. I'm 147," says "The View" host Whoopi Goldberg who admits that the malls are overly heated at this time of the year. "Women of a certain age should wear a bikini to the mall," she jokes.

Take five. Remind yourself that you need a few minutes at the end of the day to unwind with some tea or a good book. Schedule in some "me" time each day from now until the holidays...and beyond. 

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