If not for us, where would younger women be? We broke glass ceilings
(and all the rules), burned our bras (to end gender discrimination and
sexual harassment), freed our reproductive rights and reversed
traditional roles (so we could have families and become millionaires
without marrying or inheriting money). Thanks to us, younger babes have
vintage clothing from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, and a whole category of
preventative de-aging solutions. Let’s see how they deal with wrinkles,
menopause, saggy skin and thin hair. But let’s not knock them. After
all, they do have style. Here are five things they do that we can
benefit from, too:
1. ACCENT THE POSITIVE. Instead of deprivation
diets, younger women consider what we used to call flaws … assets! They embrace curves with shape-hugging clothes and
skinny jeans regardless of size or weight. Big boobs? No prob! Gorgeous
super-strength bras come in every size (and FYI, the new average
American size is now 34DD). No whining about heavy thighs, chunky calves
and cankles, either. They consider muscular legs sexy and wear booties
with tailored skirts and dresses to show them off. Work out and eat
your kale and dark chocolate, too! Mom-daughter curve cravers Kris
Jenner and Kim Kardashian get it.
2.UNDER-DO. A “less is more” attitude helps younger
women multitask.They wear a lot of dresses to simplify 24/7. Even the
little black dress gets minimalist-fresh with a sculpted architectural
neckline, as Goldie Hawn and daughter Kate Hudson prove here. Basic
beauty items are selected for speed and problem-solving. Put these faves
on your list: dry shampoos, chunky lip pencils and shadow/liners, and
versatile day/night creams. Try: L’ Oreal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Day/Night Cream
($19.99, lorealparisusa.com) and Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick ($8.49,
neutrogena.com).
3. KEEP YOUR HAIR IN THE MOMENT.
Stop hanging on to the same old color and style. Younger women cut,
grow, chop layers, change color, add bangs, do a bun or pony, move the
part, curl it and straighten it all the time. If your hair is thin or
fried and dyed, no Kate Middleton mane for you. A breezy modern bob like
those on Julianne Hough or Olivia Munn provide just enough hair to feel
sexy. Keep it glossy and healthy with a keratin-based rehab regimen.
Try: Living Proof Restore Recovery Regimen ($38, living
proof.com) and Pantene Pro-V Expert Collection Advanced Keratin Repair
60-Second Therapy ($14.99, drugstore.com).
4. ALWAYS DO ONE SMALL, EDGY MAKEUP THING. You don’t
need wingy cat’s-eye liner, dark metallic disco shadow, geometric nail
art or red lips to stay on-trend. One will do for us. This minute, get a
new red lipstick or trade up your black or brown eye pencil for deep
violet. Then thicken the outer third and flick the end up slightly with a
cotton swab. Just catty enough.
5. KEEP NEW LABELS ON YOUR SCREEN. Young women love
social media sharing of beauty finds. They shop high and low and mix it
all up. Talked-about skin care and makeup now: Sunday Riley — a mix of Native
Botanicals and biotechnology; Rodin Olio Lusso Face and Hair Oils; and
on the bargain end, Drew Barrymore’s new Flower Beauty makeup line at
Wal-Mart and e.l.f. cosmetics.