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Not long ago my beauty routine included Botox and fillers, a frequently highlighted blonde lob, weekly salon blowouts and a regular mani-pedi. I also wore stilettos, trendy clothes, full makeup and shapewear, which had me at 50 not looking quite my age. As a beauty and fashion editor staying youthful and semi-flawless was my job, but somewhere between 50 and 60 my attitude flipped. I still love looking good (who doesn’t?) but now live happily ever after with my wrinkles, age spots and a few extra curves. Here’s how you can do it too.
1. Change the way you think about age
![Lorraine Toussaint in 2002 and 2022; Jane Fonda in 1971 and 2022; Halle Berry in 1994 and 2022; Jamie Lee Curtis in 1995 and 2022. Lorraine Toussaint in 2002 and 2022; Jane Fonda in 1971 and 2022; Halle Berry in 1994 and 2022; Jamie Lee Curtis in 1995 and 2022.](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2022/look-your-age/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/list_container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_listicle_one/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2022/08/1140-change-the-way-you-think-about-age-2.jpg)
Think about all the newness you’ve already embraced — like smartphones, rap music, spinning class, kale and banana smoothies, rescue dogs and food trucks. Then instead of bemoaning the extra candles on the birthday cake or freezing your looks in place with help from Dr. Lookgood & Co., treat age as an opportunity to stop looking back and start looking forward. A quote to remember from designer Coco Chanel (who was no slouch about aging) sums it up: “You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40, and irresistible for the rest of your life.” Take a look at these celebs age 50-plus then and now for inspiration.
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2. Get over the ‘age-appropriate’ label
![Wendie Malick, Rita Moreno and Tracey Ullman Wendie Malick, Rita Moreno and Tracey Ullman](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/entertainment/style-trends/info-2022/look-your-age/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/list_container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_listicle_two/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/entertainment/beauty-and-style/2022/08/1140-get-over-the-age-appropriate-label.jpg)
So much of what we buy, apply and wear is tagged as “age appropriate” or (even worse) “age-reversing” — from night cream to support bras, shapewear and elastic waist pants. How boring! How daunting! Sure, less-than-perky breasts, wrinkles and belly bulge are part of the natural aging package, but let’s lose the tag. Try giving the essentials that hold down the fort a fun twist and make it more about “What makes me feel fabulous?” For example, instead of a ho-hum coat try one in red velvet; skip the little black dress and opt for a head-turning leopard fit-and-flare; and just say no to basic pants and choose a pair in leather like Rita Moreno!