19 Easy (and Cheap!) Ways to Look Younger, According to Experts (2024)

We asked experts like dermatologists, nutritionists and makeup artists for their secrets to younger-looking skin, voluminous hair, eating well and more so you can look and feel your best for years to come.

As you age, your hormone levels drop and your skin gets drier. While you may want to reach for a cream foundation, don't: "Thicker, creamier formulas are usually made to provide fuller coverage, which means they're packed with more pigment," says Portland-based makeup artist Jessie Powers. "And pigment is basically powder." If you like a creamy formula's coverage, try it with a richer face moisturizer or a hydrating primer.

We call collagen creams the "fountain of youth." If you like the sound of that, consider the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, which is clinically proven to erase wrinkles. It's pretty pricey, but you should expect to see tightened, toned skin after 15 days.

"As soon as you've reached the years when you really need a concealer, it can let you down by sinking into lines," says Manhattan-based makeup artist Sandy Linter. Keep under-eye concealer from drawing attention to your wrinkles, and apply it only on the inner halves of your under-eyes to cover up any darkness.

Oily lids could cause your eyeshadow to run, but that doesn’t mean you should keep piling on product. Instead, apply a thin layer of a clear primer to hold everything in place. Then, apply flattering shadows like sage or jewel tones and use a liquid eyeliner to create that perfect line (without pulling and tugging on your skin).

Even the smallest step can go a long way. Case in point: Using an eyelash curler to open up your eyes. "Lashes can make eyes look more youthful and awake," says Powers. Take your curler and hold it for 15 seconds on each eye.

Especially don't forget to apply a good sunscreen around your eye area. "Eyelid skin (and the under eye area) is the thinnest in the body, so sun damage shows up quickly in this area in the form of dilating and increased blood flow," says dermatologist David E. Bank, M.D., director at the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in New York. "As a result, you can see a dark glow or color through the transparency of the skin."

You might be excited to take off your makeup and hop in bed, but take your time with the removal process. "That constant tugging and pulling at the delicate skin around the eye increases sagging and, as a result, can look darker than the skin around it," says Paula Begoun, founder of the skincare line Paula's Choice. "Pulling as little as possible around the eyes can make a big difference over time." Consider using a cleansing oil or balm to remove mascara and eyeshadow with minimal tugging.

Forget the idea that a super-short chop is an age requirement. If you want to cut it short, make sure it’s slightly shaggy so it’s both modern and manageable. That being said, excessive length can drag your hair down, so consider a choppy bob that sits just below the collarbone, suggests Paul Labrecque of the eponymous New York City salons. "Asymmetrical or less-than-perfect shapes deflect attention away from wrinkles," he adds.

Dark hair against a light scalp can make thinning even more visible. It also casts shadows on your skin so wrinkles look more pronounced, says Gary Howse, creative director of the Gary Manuel salons in Seattle. If you go two to three shades lighter with permanent color or highlights around your face, it’ll make all the difference, says colorist Sharon Dorram of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York City.

Say it with us: Gray is beautiful! More specifically, vibrant gray hair is beautiful. “Yellowing gray hair is as bad as yellowing teeth,” says Howse. Prevent your silver hair from dulling with products that contain shine enhancers and UV filters. If your hair is more than 50% gray, use a shampoo with blue or violet undertones to neutralize yellow. But if your hair is 100% white, dyeing it light blonde is your best bet.

Similar to overdoing your makeup, it’s best to avoid a severe haircut. "Look for photos of celebrities your age with great hair like Halle Berry or Susan Sarandon," says Howse. "Then show your favorites to your stylist."

Bangs are one way to experiment without going over-the-top. "They usually make people look younger," says Howse. But do a road test before you commit: Put your hand over your forehead when you look in the mirror, then take your hand away — which look do you prefer? And make sure those bangs are full and reach the center of your brows, or that they're longer and more side-swept.

You read that correctly. Some research suggests that having sex frequently could help you live longer. And as one 43-year-old woman named Emily shared with us, “Whenever people ask me how I look so young, I always answer ‘sex and yoga.’”

Vitamin C naturally boosts your body’s collagen, which helps keep your skin firm and youthful-looking, says Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. Stick with bell peppers and strawberries, among others, to give you that youthful glow.

"The fish's high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which can affect how skin looks," explains Tamara Melton, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. Nutrients like vitamin D and antioxidants can also reduce the risk of skin cancer and help with acne and rosacea, adds Lauren Ploch, M.D., M.Ed., FAAD, a New Orleans-based dermatologist.

London says these powerhouse veggies have the carotene compounds lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect and hydrate skin cells. You can throw them into smoothies, toss them in salads, or snack on these easy kale recipes to get those nutrients.

They are loaded with beta-carotene, says London, which helps your skin repair itself, stay smooth, and even delay the appearance of wrinkles. When it’s not their season, reach for winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, and apricots for the same effects.

Don't wait until you feel thirsty: It means you're already somewhat dehydrated, according to Baylor College of Medicine. And take it from 46-year-old Chris, who says, “When I drink the amount I’m supposed to — at least eight large glasses a day — I look years younger, feel better, and drop five pounds without trying.”

We hate to break it to you, but yes, excessive amounts of alcohol can dehydrate and damage your skin. While it isn't necessary for everyone to abstain (some research even suggests that a glass or two of vino a day may help you age more slowly), you shouldn't overdo it.