As we get older, many of us find that we don't have the time or the inclination to spend a lot of energy on hair and makeup each day.
We want a more natural alternative, but we still want to look our best.
Here are seven tips to help you bring out your own natural beauty.
1. Don't go nuts...all at once. If you are accustomed to spending a lot of money on salon or spa beauty treatments, wean yourself off of such treatments gradually. If you wear a lot of makeup or perfume, try decreasing the amount you wear a little bit at a time.
For me to go completely barefaced is kind of a shock, but I really like the minimal makeup I wear now. These days, I feel that I look my best with a quick swipe of a light powder foundation (the brand I like doubles as an SPF15 sunscreen), a smudge of eyeliner, a quick coat of mascara and a smear of light pink gloss.
I much prefer this look to my old look, but it took a while to get used to it. I started decreasing the amount of makeup I wore each day until I found something that best suits me.
2. Try plant-based cosmetics. Experiment with some of the natural skin care and fragrance lines, which use elements and fragrances from the natural world. Aveda, L'Occitane and Origins are three of my favorites. The scents of these products are heavenly but not overpowering.
3. Get the right hair products. Many times, the only thing standing between you and a wash-and-wear hairstyle is the right styling product. Ask your stylist for recommendations on a product that will allow you to go from wet hair to a styled look with no heat styling. The quality and breadth of styling products available to the general public these days is staggering.
You'll also want to look online for no-heat styling tips for your hair type and length. In addition to all the time you'll save in the morning, your hair will stay healthier over time, too.
4. No roots. If you color your hair, consider asking your stylist to gradually adjust your hair back to a shade closer to your natural shade. Your skin tone probably coordinates best with your hair color in its natural state. And you'll save a bundle of time and money not having to get your roots done regularly.
5. Take good care of your skin. As you start wearing less makeup, your complexion will shine through. For natural beauty, stay hydrated and use a skin care product that works well with your skin. You might need to sample a number of different products before you find one you love. Many of the online beauty stores offer free samples with each purchase, which can be a good way to try different skin care lines. Or take a trip to the cosmetics counter at your favorite department store and ask for some free samples.
6. Sleep well. Eat well. Exercise. In short, take good care of yourself. Your natural beauty will shine through when you get plenty of sleep and exercise each day and you choose nutritious foods.
7. Hold your head high. You will look most beautiful, naturally, when you feel comfortable with yourself. Work on your posture and your confidence.
Spend time each day writing down the things in your life for which you are truly grateful. Seek help from a personal coach, counselor or psychologist, if necessary, to help you feel more comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.
We want a more natural alternative, but we still want to look our best.
Here are seven tips to help you bring out your own natural beauty.
1. Don't go nuts...all at once. If you are accustomed to spending a lot of money on salon or spa beauty treatments, wean yourself off of such treatments gradually. If you wear a lot of makeup or perfume, try decreasing the amount you wear a little bit at a time.
For me to go completely barefaced is kind of a shock, but I really like the minimal makeup I wear now. These days, I feel that I look my best with a quick swipe of a light powder foundation (the brand I like doubles as an SPF15 sunscreen), a smudge of eyeliner, a quick coat of mascara and a smear of light pink gloss.
I much prefer this look to my old look, but it took a while to get used to it. I started decreasing the amount of makeup I wore each day until I found something that best suits me.
2. Try plant-based cosmetics. Experiment with some of the natural skin care and fragrance lines, which use elements and fragrances from the natural world. Aveda, L'Occitane and Origins are three of my favorites. The scents of these products are heavenly but not overpowering.
3. Get the right hair products. Many times, the only thing standing between you and a wash-and-wear hairstyle is the right styling product. Ask your stylist for recommendations on a product that will allow you to go from wet hair to a styled look with no heat styling. The quality and breadth of styling products available to the general public these days is staggering.
You'll also want to look online for no-heat styling tips for your hair type and length. In addition to all the time you'll save in the morning, your hair will stay healthier over time, too.
4. No roots. If you color your hair, consider asking your stylist to gradually adjust your hair back to a shade closer to your natural shade. Your skin tone probably coordinates best with your hair color in its natural state. And you'll save a bundle of time and money not having to get your roots done regularly.
5. Take good care of your skin. As you start wearing less makeup, your complexion will shine through. For natural beauty, stay hydrated and use a skin care product that works well with your skin. You might need to sample a number of different products before you find one you love. Many of the online beauty stores offer free samples with each purchase, which can be a good way to try different skin care lines. Or take a trip to the cosmetics counter at your favorite department store and ask for some free samples.
6. Sleep well. Eat well. Exercise. In short, take good care of yourself. Your natural beauty will shine through when you get plenty of sleep and exercise each day and you choose nutritious foods.
7. Hold your head high. You will look most beautiful, naturally, when you feel comfortable with yourself. Work on your posture and your confidence.
Spend time each day writing down the things in your life for which you are truly grateful. Seek help from a personal coach, counselor or psychologist, if necessary, to help you feel more comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.