8 Frugal Steps to Look Twenty Years Younger

How would you feel if you were carded at 43 years old? What if you were mistaken for "one of the kids" at age 51. If something like this happened to you, it would be a major boost to your confidence, and make you feel wonderful. It could happen to you. You can look twenty years younger without going into debt by following these 8 simple steps.
Step 1: Update Makeup
That perfect makeup collection you began wearing twenty years ago, is not so perfect any more. I know what you are thinking, "I have received many compliments on my red lipstick over the years." If you wear that red lipstick for too long it seems to take on a life of its own. People will say things like, "There is Aunt Susie, and that red lipstick." Your makeup collection may have looked good on you twenty years ago, but let's face it, you have changed since then, and so has makeup.
A flat red lipstick just isn't fashionable anymore. Don't despair, there's hope for us all. Get out of that red lipstick rut. Next time you go to a department store, get a makeover from a professional beauty consultant. A professional beauty consultant is able to update your look with new makeup choices and techniques; help you choose colors that enhance your face; and recommend new products for overall skin care. Tip: Before purchasing makeup at the department store, check out your local dollar store. You are likely to find the same makeup color combinations there for a whole lot less.
Step 2: Treat Skin
Can't afford those expensive skin care products from the Department store? Don't worry. There may be inexpensive skin care products in your bathroom medicine cabinet that work just as well, or better than department store products. Vitamin E oil is excellent for problem areas on the skin. Doctors recommend using vitamin E products on skin after surgery to promote healing and minimize scarring.
If skin is oily apply vitamin E oil to problem spots only before going to bed. For dry skin use a facial moisturizer containing vitamin E. Clean the face using a facial cleanser. Avoid using deodorant soaps, especially on the face. Deodorant soaps dry the skin. Underarm deodorants and fragrances eliminate the need for deodorant soap. We are fortunate that most people use both. A moisturizing soap can be used on the face and body. Dampen a cotton ball in witch hazel astringent to remove excess oil from the face. Before applying makeup, apply an oil-control moisturizer to the face to prevent shine.
Step 3: Brighten Smile
Don't forget about your smile. A beautiful, white smile gives you a youthful appearance. An inexpensive way to whiten teeth and protect gums is by brushing with a baking soda and peroxide solution. Another inexpensive option for whitening teeth is using whitening products, such as white strips and whitening trays. You could even have teeth whitening procedures, performed by your dentist.
Step 4: Update Hair Style
The belief that short hair looks better on older women is a myth. As we age our skin begins to loosen and sag. This transformation is more evident if the hair is in a short style. We can do wonders to our face with the perfect makeup collection and techniques, and we can do even more with the perfect hair style. there is still more we can do. A perfect long-hair style will frame our face, covering imperfections (like a sagging jaw line), and create a softer, youthful look. Just as you update your makeup, you must update your hair style.
If you have been wearing the same hair style for twenty years, it's time for a change. People secretly think that you are stuck in a time warp. That may be why people keep giving you those goofy gifts, thinking that it's something you would like. Wear a "new" hair style often. There are many people sporting grey hair who look absolutely gorgeous. But, we all know that it's not for everyone. For many of us grey hair makes us look older (or our actual age). Let's face it, most people over 30 would rather look younger than their age. So, if you are not one of those people who brave the gray, consider coloring the hair a shade that accents your overall look. See how young you could look by combing a small bang over lines on your forehead.
Step 5: Exercise Regularly
Daily exercise is a sure way to look younger, and stay in overall good health. Visit the local hiker/biker trail in your neighborhood at least three times per week. If you prefer not to exercise outside in cold weather, you can exercise at home by turning to one of the fitness channels on your television. Start with stretches followed by low impact step exercises. Invest in exercise equipment; such as an exercise mat and hand weights ( recommend 5 lbs. for beginners), and a stepper. To avoid injury and health risks, you should "gradually" elevate to higher impact exercises. Once you have reached this stage, join the youngsters in a game of volleyball at your next family reunion. For the rest of the day people will be asking you what you are doing to stay so young.
Step 6: Eat a Balanced Diet
A. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Most illnesses and diseases are directly related to the diet. The first step toward a balanced diet is to drink plenty of fluids. The human body is 80% water. To be at its very best the fluids that are lost must be replaced. If the body fluids are not replaced, it could cause dehydration, and other ailments. Drink plenty of water, and limit consumption of sodas and sugary drinks.
B. Eat Smaller Portions
When eating, remember that the stomach is only as big as the fist. Eat smaller portions by eating from a small plate. Using a smaller plate gives the illusion of eating just as much as before, when in fact, it is half the amount. After a while, you will not miss the large plate of food that you used to eat.
C. Eat Often
Timing is everything. Eating smaller portions will result in eating more often, instead of eating more. So, it's important to plan meals, eating at regular intervals. Planned meals prevents binging and impulse eating. Eat at least three main meals, and two snack-times a day. Avoid eating heavy foods after 6:00.
D. Eat Healthy
Breakfast foods should consist of fruits, milk, and cereals with whole grains. If vitamin D milk is a problem because of lactose intolerance, soy milk is a perfect substitute, and is available in different flavors and varieties. Limit the bacon, eggs and pancakes breakfast to special occasions. Minimize the consumption of red meats in your diet. Red meats are fatty and promotes high cholesterol. Replace red meats with fish and poultry. There is a wide variety of frozen fish available in packages of individually wrapped servings. You can prepare as little, or as much as you like. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and is microwaveable. Your snack-time products should include fruits, vegetables; tuna; nuts; yogurt; and salads (with a minimal amount of dressing). We all know (or may be) someone that eats salads regularly, but still can't lose any weight.
The problem is not with the individual, the problem is with the dressing. There may be too much of it. If the salad floats in the dressing like fish in a bowl, then there is too much dressing. A typical ranch dressing contains 140 calories (130 are fat calories) per 2 tbsp. serving. The correct use of salad dressing is to season the salad, just as a pinch of hot pepper seasoning adds a little spice to a bowl of chili. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy digestive system. Replace butter with olive oil. A 1 tbsp. serving of butter contains 100 calories; 11 grams of fat; and 33 grams of cholesterol. While a 1 tbsp. serving of olive oil contains 120 calories; 2 grams of fat; and no cholesterol. Olive oil can be used with most recipes that call for butter. A study of heart disease found that people living in locations that regularly use olive oil in food preparation have much lower rates of heart disease. If you must eat after 6:00 p.m., eat something from your snack-time products. Since this is not a diet you can indulge in an "occasional" treat like that double chocolate cake; paired with vanilla ice cream; both smothered in hot fudge; decorated with a strawberry drizzle, and not feel guilty.
Step 7: Update Wardrobe
Remove dated clothes from your closet, and go shopping for new clothes. If you're not up on the latest fashions, enlist the help of someone who keeps up with fashion to go with you. Be sure your clothing choices are age appropriate. You don't have to wear clothes that are too young for you in order to look younger. Make sure your clothes fit. Clothing that is too large or too small are not flattering. In the words of the late James Brown, "Please, please, please, please..." do not wear leggings in public, especially if you are over weight. To put is politely, it is far from flattering. Skinny jeans are an absolute must for a fashionable wardrobe. Other essential items are black slacks, cute jacket, black skirt, white shirt or blouse, and boots. Accessorize with hats, scarves, belts, handbags, and jewelry.
Step 8: Rest
Finally, it is very important to get plenty of rest. At least 8 hours of sleep a night is recommended. Sleep deprivation will cause you to look tired and older than your years. Following these simple steps will create a happy, healthy, and younger looking you. You will be glad you did when you get second looks by men who are young enough to be your... Well, you get the picture.