As you probably know, beauty is anything but basic. There's an element of
mystery, even "acting" about it. Here are my top 5 beauty secrets for Women
in their 30's, 40's and beyond:

1. Tell yourself you're beautiful and
keep telling yourself until you believe it! Humans not only perceive, but
are also influenced by, each other's feelings. If people sense your self-hatred,
there's a good chance they'll see you the way you subconsciously tell them
to see you.

(Here's where you can find more detailed information on skin care and stretch
mark cream.)

2. Rethink your foundation. Literally nothing ages you as quickly as the wrong foundation. Wearing a shade that is too pale, too pink, too orange, too dark too anything, really can actually exaggerate the scars, blemishes and spots you are trying to hide. Plus, the wrong color can make you look lifeless, while simultaneously accentuating wrinkles and furrows. Head for a cosmetics counter such as Prescriptives, or Becca, which specialize in finding the perfect shade and formula for your skin. This isn't a splurge, it's a necessity.

3. Stand up straight! Slouching sends the subconscious message
that you are trying to hide. People won't see you as a great beauty if it
appears you'd rather not be noticed. Further, slouching alters your gorgeous
body and makes it look misshaped and lumpy. Stand up straight and your clothing
will hang better, you'll look thinner, and people will treat you with more
respect. Try it and see! (Your mother will be so happy!)

4. Don't wear eye makeup near your lower lashes. Mascara
on your lower lashes can smudge into the surrounding skin, making the eyes
look smaller, creating the appearance of undereye circles or bags, and giving
eyes a fatigued look. So can eyeliner worn on your lower lids. Instead, concentrate
on loading upper lashes with mascara. If you use liner, concentrate on the
upper lid only.

(Here's where you can find more detailed information on skin care and skin
lightening cream.)

5. Don't fidget. Beauty is about self-assuredness and poise. Fidgeting makes you appear flighty and nervous. It typically takes 21 days to break a habit. If you're a wiggler, make a conscious effort to reduce squirming for three weeks and see what happens.

Throughout history there have been beauties who could have been deemed too
unusual, too plain, too ugly, too something to be beautiful. Yet these smart
ladies have ignored what society says is beautiful. They realize that to stand
apart they must celebrate their own unique looks. In other words, make yourself
beautiful and you'll be seen as beautiful.