Quick Ways to Look Better Today

One frustrating thing about fashion over 40 is that some of the steps you need to take to look better – like losing weight – take time to achieve.

Long-term goals are great, but there's lots to love about style tweaks that can make you look and feel better instantly. Here are ways to look better today:

• Add a soft element to the top half of your look. Try wearing a shirt with a loose bow at the neckline, sensual fabrics (like satin or cashmere) or curled hair to soften your face.
• Play up a favorite feature (eyes, legs, waist) that you have always liked about yourself. Don't worry that the feature doesn't look as good as it used to. Enjoy who you are today.
• Slow down, and put mascara on all your eyelashes. Pay close attention to the top outer corners. 
• Iron your casual clothes. While you may pay attention to work or special occasion looks, sometimes casual jeans and tees may be worn straight from the dryer. Try ironing a few casual pieces to see how crisp and neat this additional step makes these pieces look.
• Wear something whimsical. Maybe it's a pair of funky rainboots or a pair of zebra-print loafers; maybe it's just your feel-good color. The point is to wear something that makes you smile.
• Wear support garments – like Spanx or control camisoles – that you usually reserve for special occasions under your everyday clothes to look sleeker. You may be surprised how great a simple knit top looks on you if you wear a camisole shaper to smooth it out.
• Apply powdered makeup (eyeshadow,  blush or bronzer)  like the pros do. First, dust off any extra (you can "touch" the brush to a cotton pad or tissue first.) Then, instead of sweeping or brushing it on, softly touch the end of the brush where you want to apply it – if you are putting it in the crease of your eyelids, touch the ends of the brush along the crease to apply. This method avoids streaking your makeup across your face.

More articles about looking your best:

• 5 (Free!) Ways to Create New Outfits 
• How to Get Yourself Back if You've Let Yourself Go 
• Top 10 Things That Make You Look Older 
• 5 Easy Ways to Instantly Look Skinnier