NewAfricanWoman Issue 49 - Flipbook - Page 59
HAIR & BEAUTY
A
s black women, we are are in luck when it comes to youthful looks, fewer skin flaws and
imperfections. This is mainly thanks to mother Nature. Our pigmentation and the amount of
melanin in the skin go a long way in keeping us looking youthful with age. But although “Black
Don’t Crack” is a popular mantra, that doesn’t negate the dos and don’ts to ageless beauty and
style, that must be followed. Muzondwasi J Banda, rounds up some.
STAY CURRENT
Make-up shouldn’t be used to mask
your flaws, but to enhance your
best features. Try finding a fresh,
modern beauty look that you feel
comfortable with, as long as it
doesn’t date you.
SHAPE THOSE BROWS
Well-groomed eyebrows open
up your face and give eyes more
definition. But after the age of
35, always shape them in a fuller
line, as very fine brows give an
ageing look. where possible, ask a
professional to shape them for you.
YOUR LIPS
After 35, avoid dark matted or
glossy lipstick. Try creamy light
shades or golden hints.
HAVE AN OPEN MIND
Ageing is often associated with
hanging onto old and deep-set
views. Open up to new ideas, new
lifestyles and appropriate fashion
trends. You do not have to like
everything new, but keep your
mind open to other fashion ideas
than the ones you have held on to
for years.
KEEP UP TO DATE
If your hair, clothes and make-up
haven’t changed in a decade, they
become an easy giveaway to your
real age. Keep up to date with a
youthful but appropriate look.
GOOD POSTURE
This is not only a health ideal, but
the right posture also reflects
how confident you are in yourself.
Experts say a person with low selfesteem will usually exhibit poor
posture — a slouching or curving
back, for example.
HAVE A GREAT HAIRDO
MAKE AN EFFORT
Try your best to look good, to take
care of your skin and pamper your
body. The end result will have an
effect not only on your looks, but
also on your spirits, mood and selfesteem.
CLEANSE AND EXFOLIATE
This helps increase and renew
fresh and younger looking skin, as
well as removing dry, dull looking
skin, and maintains a healthy cell
turnover. Where possible, try a
moisturiser rich in antioxidants.
Regular professional facials are
recommended if you can afford to.
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Always think and tell yourself that
you are beautiful and act as such. it
will show!
AVOID LOOKING TOO TRENDY
Don’t try to dress inappropriately
for your age. You can wear almost
anything as long as it’s appropriate,
fits you well and suits your body.
PICK UP A FASHION MAGAZINE
Read one occasionally to get
the basic idea of what’s new and
youthful, yet age appropriate. Be
open minded to new styles and
ideas, but don’t feel you have to fit
in. Note what celebrities your age
are wearing.
HOT WARDROBE
Always have one hot, popular
item in your wardrobe at all times.
whether this is an item of clothing
or an accessory. Classics such as a
‘little’ Black dress and white linen
shirt and jeans are a good start.
WEAR A BRA THAT FITS WELL
Where possible, get measured to
know your perfect fit and size. Sags
and bulges just ruin any beautiful
look.
DON’T BE PREDICTABLE
At a certain age we tend to stick
to what we know best — same
shop, same style, same hair, same
make-up. Try something new and
broaden your style horizons.
WEAR RETRO DIFFERENTLY
If you have a fashion item modelled
on something from your heyday, do
not wear it exactly the same way as
it was then — that just pushes you
into a time warp.
LOVE YOUR HANDS
Never neglect your hardworking
hands as they can be the easiest
giveaway to one’s true age.
Moisturise your hands every so
often throughout the day.
HAVE A FACELIFT
Yes, we said it! But holistically, that
is. This includes gentle massage
of the face, neck and shoulders to
produce a better skin tone, reduce
fine lines and wrinkles and make
your face look fresh.
DON’T OVERLOOK YOUR NECK
The skin on your neck may be more
sensitive than on your face, but
don’t ignore it. Massage in a good
moisturiser. A top tip is to invest in
a good moisturiser.
MAINTAIN A GOOD DIET
Drink plenty of water and consume
antioxidant-rich fruits and
vegetables.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
As we age, we tend to lose our lean
muscle mass very quickly and it
is replaced by fat. This slows our
metabolism. So if your weight is
currently over the healthy range
for your height, losing weight will
be beneficial to your health, your
looks and how you feel.
EXERCISE
It is commonly accepted that as
we grow older we tend to become
less active physically. However, just
30 minutes of any activity a day
will go a long way. A short run, a
brisk walk, simple weight-lifts, etc.
Where possible, invest in a gym
membership.
GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
As important as food, water and
exercise, is your sleep. Have at
least eight hours of sleep every
day to rest and detoxify your brain.
The effects of a good well rested
night trickle down to your looks
the next day.
■
l
March 2023 New African Woman
Photography: Shutterstock/Ron Adar
Bad or mediocre hairstyles are a
no-no when you are at a certain
age. Avoid DIY styles. If you can
afford to, get a good, top-of-therange hairdresser. And if your
hairdresser looks out of fashion or
only does hair of people of certain
age, find a new one. Choose a
hairstyle that suits your face and
your age. A general rule for women
‘of a certain age’ is to keep hair
shoulder length or shorter. Braids
are always a great do. There is no
harm keeping your hair modern
and following current trends —
appropriately though.
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