A friend asks to take your photo to commemorate a celebration or an event. You reluctantly say “Sure.” but cringe at the thought of one more picture that emphasizes your new crows feet or your graying hair. But all is not lost. Here are 5 simple tips for looking several years younger in photos.
Improve Your Skincare
An easy way to take years off is to help your skin have a beautiful healthy glow. Having an effective skincare routine is the first step in that direction.
Cleanse daily with a mild cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Ceramides can protect skin and toner can add moisture.
Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores. Invest in a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant that you can use a couple of times a week.
Always moisturize your skin. Mature skin can be drier due to the effects of menopause.
Update Your Hair
Have you been wearing the same hairstyle for the past 15 years? If so, a new cut or style can rejuvenate you in photos. Look for styles that are flattering for your facial shape. Don’t be afraid to go shorter than usual or add extensions to give you extra thickness or length.
If changing the style isn’t something you want to try, consider changing the color. If your natural hair color is washed out from frequent shampooing, adding vibrant color to you hair will make you look refreshed and younger.
Lastly, consider wearing wigs. More women than ever are wearing wigs, and they are becoming harder to spot. Wigs have come a long way from the fake looking hair pieces of the past. Many have natural looking textures or are made from human hair. If you decide to give this a try, go to a store that specializes in wigs or Google one online. Once you get one, it may be necessary to have a hairstylist cut and style it to your face.
Wear the Right Color
If you know you are likely to have your picture taken, try to wear colors that flatter you. Colors that compliment your skin tone will tend to make you look younger. Avoid wearing hues that wash you out. Also avoid colors that overpower you. You can tell a color is overpowering if when you look at yourself in the mirror, you see the dress you are wearing before you notice your face. If you don’t know what colors look best on you, here are a few tips:
Ask yourself what garments do I choose to wear more often than others? Often your favorite, go-to outfits are in colors that look good on you.
Think about the pieces you wear that garner the most compliments. The style of the outfit aside, people usually compliment others because the color of the top or dress looks good on them.
Look at photos of yourself. In the ones where you think you look younger, what color are you wearing?
Lighting
Lighting affects the way you are perceived in photos. Depending on the light source (natural or in studio), the amount, and the type (soft or harsh) you can alter the way your face looks. Harsh direct light will tend to bring out every wrinkle and blemish. Softer, indirect light will soften your features and make you look younger. So if you want a better photo, experiment with lighting.
Angles
Find your best camera angle. Ever see the celebrities on the red carpet turn their heads or bodies slightly just before they are photographed? Getting the best angle can make the difference between a photo that is flattering from one that shows dark undereye circles. or accentuates a double chin. Take some selfies or have a friend shoot you at different angles to see which gives you the best results.
