How Not to Look Old: Review, Giveaway, and some Additional Thoughts

It's no secret that I'm sneaking up on 40. Now, I don't have too many major issues with aging - goodness knows that I don't ever want to see my 20's again. So far my 30's have been great, so I can only assume that it's just going to keep on getting better. But in her book How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better, Charla Krupp kind of bursts my bubble. She points out that in today's world, it does matter what you look like, and how young you look, especially if you are trying to get ahead. And I know that in my theoretical (non-existant) world it really shouldn't matter. Women should play with makeup and fashion because it makes them happy. But in reality, I know she's right, as much as I hate to admit it.

So what does Krupp recommend? She makes it easy for us by breaking it down into 17 suggestions, or perhaps more accurately, rules. Here is the short version:

• Cut some bangs
• Lighten your hair
• Tame those brows
• Chic up your eyewear
• Lose the heavy eyeliner
• Unmask your foundation
• Manage your wrinkles
• Put on pink lipstick
• Whiten your teeth
• Wear your own nails
• Unmatch your wardrobe
• Shorten your skirts
• Slip into the perfect pair of jeans
• Follow the "three bling" rule when dressing for evening
• Learn to love shapewear
• Show some leg
• Step into sexy heels

I agree with almost all of these in theory. But I have to say, I'm not willing to give up my gel nails, my dark lipstick in winter, and banish heavy eyeliner. Sometimes these things just work for me. Then again, I haven't hit 40 yet, so maybe I'll tire of them by then. Maybe not.

All in all she has some really helpful ideas, along with some guidance to figure out how high or low maintenance you are. Then she gives suggestions for you based on this idea of maintenance.

I enjoyed reading the book, and am happy to have it in my beauty library. And I'm excited to offer five copies of it to my fabulous readers. Please feel free to pass along this contest to anyone who might be interested, reader of my blog or not! Just enter your information below into the widget, and I will announce the winner May 12, 2009.