By Carin G Hansen

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Recently one of my clients asked what changes she should make to her makeup regimen as she is growing older. My advice to her was the same as I give to women of every age...keep it simple.

That advice is most important for those of us growing older...oh wait, that is all of us! You do not want to dress, accessorize, have a hairstyle or makeup regimen that is too young for you. You should be updating, changing and modifying your look and style on a regular basis so that what you are saying on the outside meshes with who you are on the inside. As we pass through the seasons of our life we change on the inside as much as we do on the outside and our style should reveal the wonderful women we are.

A few years ago at a modeling class I was teaching I asked the teenage girls what their pet peeve was about how women dress? I was quite certain the response would be something along the lines of "women who have no idea what is in style". Although that came in a close second, I was surprised by the number one answer. Their unanimous response was "women dressing too young for their age". I am not saying that women in their 30's, 40's, 50's and so on cannot borrow ideas from a couple of decades younger than they are. However, it needs to be done in little pieces, such as a trendy piece of jewelry with a basic pair of slacks and top...or perhaps a great tunic top paired over straight slacks and a low heeled shoe, rather than leggings and ballerina slippers.

One of the definitions of simple is: free from ostentation or display. In other words, we want to make a statement about who we are without "making a scene". Perhaps think of it as being seen not "scene". We want to be seen for who our inner-selves are. When we over-display any part of our outer self that "scene" becomes stronger than our inner self. 

Emphasizing one body part and one facial feature at a time will help achieve a simple beauty. When we look at other people our eye craves a place to "land". Turn that around and think about those looking at us. By emphasizing our eyes and waist, for example, we will not confuse the eye of the beholder. Instead, we will capture their attention. Once we have captured their attention we can speak and expect the listener to hear us.

We should practice using a lighter hand with makeup as we pass through the decades. Choosing lighter makeup shades than we once used is always a great idea. For example, we should perhaps change to a sable brown rather than black mascara. Don't make the mistake of wearing a shade of lipstick that is too dark or bright for our softer coloring as we age. Choosing a peach/pink rather than a wine/pink - depending on eye, hair and skin color can take several years off our age.

Here's an important side note. Grooming, or lack thereof, can be the difference between simple beauty and almost beauty. Make certain your shoes and clothing are in great shape. No buttons missing or hems torn and definitely no "last night's dinner" stains! Your nails (including toenails) should be trimmed and clean. If you wear polish watch for chips and either touch them up or take the polish off. Lastly, watch for dry, cracked heels, toes and elbows. Aging generally makes our skin drier. Find an organic nourishing lotion that works and slather it on often. You might also try a PediEgg. They are great for taking off dry skin and not damaging the skin beneath.

Here is a really great tip that will keep you from being "scene".

Get dressed, style your hair, apply your makeup and make a choice of a few accessories; then close your eyes while standing in front of a full-length mirror. Open your eyes and look at yourself from head to toe while counting to five. Close your eyes and let your mind focus in on the image you just saw. Your mind will automatically pick out the things that are not the best choices.

It all about simple...and who doesn't want life to be simpler? 

Carin G Hansen