The other day, I was washing my skin and noticed that the crease where I usually smile would not disappear. I puckered my lips into a fish face hoping that it was just a shadow but the line remained: I had developed my first wrinkle!
It made my wonder, are we 20 going on 45?
While we may currently be the envy of our elders with our bright eyes and smooth complexions, it's never too early to begin the anti-aging process. I've compiled a few tips below that you can start now and thank yourself later.
Skin
The first step to keep a face looking young is easier than you think: all it involves is drinking water! Especially when the winter weather batters your skin into a parched mess, water is important as a source of hydration. Moreover, the heat you've been blasting in your dorms for the past month may feel good on the body, but it is actually taking away all your skin's moisture. The cheapest way to battle the winter dryness is to increase your water uptake and decrease any liquids that dehydrate, including coffee and alcohol.
In addition to water nourishment, make sure to use a moisturizer. You don't need to spend a fortune either. There are great options at any drugstore, such as Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream. For more sensitive skin, try Dove Sensitive Essentials. There's numerous brands out there... just make sure you smell them. Some creams contain fragrances that will prevent you from daily application.
When it's 30 degrees outside, most of us don't fathom anything having to do with the sun. But it is important to wear sunscreen year-round, even when it's cloudy. The sun, though it contains important dosages of Vitamin D, can damage the skin's appearance, not even to mention cause skin cancer. So make sure to slap on some SPF every time you walk out that door.
Even if you apply sunscreen daily and have been drinking a gallon of water, there are some days that your skin will stubbornly remain dry. To reduce the flaky appearance, make sure to put on a foundation primer before applying makeup. This prevents the makeup from seeping into your pores, which in effect gives your skin a smooth facade. My favorite is Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer, but there are many more options out there.
Lastly, quit smoking! Everyone knows that cigarettes cause damage to the lungs, but from a cosmetic view, they are a monster to the skin. Every time you take a drag, watch the smoke and imagine that the gray haze is drifting into your pores, clogging them with each puff. Need more incentive to quit? Extensive use of the muscles around your mouth inevitably creates an abundance of unwanted lines.
Eyes
You may not notice them now, but there are precautions to prevent those fine lines - crow's feet - from appearing. In addition to your daily moisturizer, you should find an eye cream and add it to your routine. I use Bobby Brown's Hydrating Eye Cream both morning and night to prevent wrinkles and dark circles. A drugstore equivalent is Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting serum, which firms and brightens the eye area.
Sometimes, however, eye cream can't compete with the lack of sleep from studying or partying all night long. Luckily, there are a few makeup tricks to solve a tired-looking eye.
If you wake up after four hours of sleep and find the dark circles under your eyes unbearable, simply whip out some concealer that is a little pinker than your actual skin tone. The pink pigment cancels out the darker hue underneath your eye, giving the appearance of a brighter face.
Another consequence of lack of sleep is that the whites of your eyes drastically fade, which is also a sign of aging.
Instead of being blue about the lack of white, use the blue. A blue eyeliner or mascara can work wonders brightening the eye.
I use Laura Mercier's Bleu Marine eye shadow and apply it to my upper inner lid for just a hint of color.
If powder is not your forte, try Bobbi Brown's Gel Liner in Navy. Or if you just want a quick flash of color, use mascara such as Lanc??me Definicils in Navy.
Hair
Did you know that your prime hair color is found in pictures taken during your awkward early teenage years? Perhaps this is why many of us turn to highlights at such a young age.
But those chemicals that make our tresses look like they were kissed by the sun are damaging over time.
If you are a color fanatic, make sure that you use a monthly mask for your hair such as K?©rastase's Nacre Nutri-Sculpt or Kiehl's Lecithin and Coconut Enriched Hair Masque. The treatment will help boost your hair's shine, letting your highlights reach their full potential.
Color isn't the only cosmetic enhancer that damages your hair; straightening irons are even worse. One of my friends straightens her hair up to three times a day, which has caused her locks to break and develop a brittle texture.
Luckily, waves are making a comeback, so ditch the flat irons and go au-naturelle.
If, however, you feel the need to have Cher-straight hair, invest in a ceramic iron such as Chi, which is less harsh on your mane.
