Best Face Forward
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Published March 7, 2010 Women over 40 and back in the job market should use every means necessary to appear young and vital, says beauty guru Charla Krupp.While men have been losing jobs at a faster clip than women during the economic downturn, women still face more discrimination in the workplace, and it’s based to a great degree on their appearance, claims Krupp, author of the bestselling “How Not to Look Old” (Springboard Press, 2009) and “How to Never Look Fat Again” (Springboard Press, 2010). “We worship thin in this country and we worship beauty,” Krupp says. Focusing not just on dressing well, but on matters of hairstyle, weight and beauty will help women get jobs and keep them, she believes. “Now more than ever, looks… count,” she says. “It’s just the way it is in America,” she says. “Employers, when given the option, would prefer someone who looks good.” The outspoken Krupp, former beauty director for Glamour and editor of In Style, says it’s her mission to help older women understand how to compete in a looks- and youth-obsessed culture. She does not believe men face the same degree of appearance-based discrimination. “I know this audience. I am this audience, and we don’t want to be ignored,” she says. Her solution? Put your best face, and body, forward, and you’ll feel more confident and more “with it” than ever. Among her top tips: Shed the gray Not dying those grays? “It’s one of the worst things you can do,” Krupp says. Darken grays with a semipermanent color in your base shade. If you’re over 50 percent gray, make an appointment at the salon every four to six weeks. Wear flattering clothing “Don’t settle into big, baggy, comfortable clothes that don’t show your shape,” Krupp says. “You can disappear when you want to stand out and look your best.” Don’t even think about elastic pants, grab skirts that hit just above the knee and try out shapewear (Krupp recommends Wacoal’s Hi-Waist Biker Short Pant). Indulge the skin “Wear the least amount of makeup that you can get away with,” Krupp says. She likes “anti-aging” creams such as Olay Regenerist, and tinted moisturizers. Lose the red lipstick, which emphasizes under-eye circles and makes lips appear thinner. Instead, try a pink shade, which lightens up the mouth. - Written By Danielle Robinson |