When people look at someone, they unconsciously figure out how old that person is by studying the contrasting nature of his or her facial features. Or so says Psychology Professor Richard Russell, who has been collaborating with researchers from CE.R.I.E.S. (Epidermal and Sensory Research and Investigation Center), a department of Chanel Research and Technology dedicated to skin-related issues and facial appearance.
"Unlike with wrinkles, none of us are consciously aware that we're using this cue, even though it stares us in the face every day," said Russell in a press release.
He said the discovery of this tip-off to age perception may partly explain why people wear makeup in the way they do. For example, lipstick that makes the lips redder is actually making the face appear younger, he added.
As part of the study, Russell and his team measured images of 289 faces ranging in age from 20 to 70 years old, and found that -- through the aging process -- the color of the lips, eyes and eyebrows change, while the skin becomes darker. The end result is less contrast between the features and the surrounding skin -- leaving older faces to have less contrast than younger ones.
The difference in redness between the lips and the surrounding skin decreases, as does the luminance difference between the eyebrow and the forehead, as the face ages. Although not consciously aware of this sign of aging, the mind uses it as a clue for perceiving how old someone is.
In another study involving more than 100 subjects in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Paris, the scientists artificially increased these facial contrasts and found that the faces were believed to be younger. When they artificially decreased the facial contrasts, the faces were believed to be older, researchers said.
Previously Russell has studied the greater contrast in female faces between the eyes, mouth and the rest of the face. He said that people use this sex difference in facial contrast to decide whether a face is male or female.
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#1 Clothes That Are Too Loose And Baggy
In an attempt to hide or cover up our bodies, especially if we've packed on a few post-menopausal pounds, we end up looking heavier. No matter what our size, a woman over 50 should have the right fit--not tight, but a fit that defines the waist. Best way to do that? Make a great tailor your new best friend.
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#2 Trying To Dress 'Young' Instead Of 'Great'
We live in a world that's constantly shouting in our ears, "Young is better!" ... but don't listen! We've earned every crow's foot we have, and buying into that nonsense is the perfect recipe for a fashion fail. In Barbara Hannah Grufferman's book, "The Best of Everything After 50," she interviewed Diane von Furstenberg, who said the key to looking great is to be comfortable. If you're tugging at your too-short skirt you'll be more focused on covering your thighs than on what you should be engaged in. There are no style rules, but there are definite guidelines, the most important one being this: Just because you're over 50 doesn't mean you have dress like a frump. Update your wardrobe with a few essential basics and build from there.
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#3 Wearing The Wrong Bra
The majority of American women wear the wrong bra size, and it shows. We just don't take the time to get properly fitted by an expert. The right bra can make all the difference in how your clothes fit, and how you look in them. Make sure to get a few different ones for specific clothes, including one specifically for wearing under a t-shirt or other smooth shirts, and buy them in colors that are close to your own skin color for wearing under white or light-colored tops.
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#4 Not Starting A Retinol Product Soon Enough
There are no magic amulets for reversing skin damage, but products such as Retin-A are as close as you can get. They work to exfoliate the skin while you sleep, and help build collagen. (Using a retinol product on the skin makes it even more sensitive to the sun, so a product with an SPF of at least 40 is essential).
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#5 Applying Too Much Makeup In An Attempt To 'Cover Up'
Women over 50 often try to cover everything up by applying too much concealer, foundation, blush, everything. Foundation should be applied very sparingly, and only then will you be able to see if concealer is even necessary. Keep it light, with pinkish tones for the lips, and rosy for the cheeks. Try a waterproof eyeliner and very lightly follow the last line, top and bottom. A lighter touch is key to a fresh, pretty face.
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#6 Going With 'Single Process' To Cover The Gray
Using the single process approach to covering gray can create a single block of color, very often either too light or too dark, without any contrast. This can drain the face and be aging. Consider highlights along with your natural color (including the gray), or mixing highlights with the single process.
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#7 Still Trying To 'Diet' To Lose Weight
Diets don't work. Eating, and eating often, does. Diets that focus on a specific category of food (protein, for example) aren't sustainable. Eating small meals consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, dark leafy greens and lots of water go a long way in keeping hunger at bay, and the pounds off.
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