Statistics show that 93 percent of a first impression is based on how you look. Clothes and presence are part of this, but let’s not forget the importance of grooming tips for your ageless image! Even the most flattering style and the most confident carriage will be ruined by muddy shoes or unruly ear hair, and the wrong (or neglected) grooming techniques will quickly make you look older. Here’s how to take care of yourself for the confidence, visibility, and value of an ageless image!

9 Grooming Tips for Your Ageless Image

Groom—but don’t overpluck—your eyebrows

Our eyebrows naturally become lighter and thinner as we age, so be careful not to help them along with overplucking. While too-thin brows will make your face look older and can date your look back to the ‘90s, you also don’t want to let your brows weave a wild bramble. Long and crazy hairs (I’m looking at you, gentlemen) will also make you look older, in addition to highlighting any fine lines or wrinkles around your eyes or forehead. I really love these little eyebrow razors my aesthetician recommended to me.

Take care of your nails

Hands are unfortunately one place that shows age front and center, so it’s key to take care of them as part of your ageless image. Well-manicured nails can help your hands look more youthful. Shorter nails may be the best way to go; very long nails can make your fingers look thinner and older, accentuating veins, wrinkles, or loss of fullness. If you’re planning to wear nail polish—think of those sandaled feet going poolside—you’ll want to keep it touched up. Better to go bare than sport a chipped manicure.

Moisturize your skin

The dewy glow of skin that’s regularly hydrated with a great moisturizer is one of the most important grooming tips for your ageless image. Contrast this with dry, flaky, or crepey skin! A moisturizer I like, especially for summer, is the lightweight Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer. This moisturizer hydrates skin as it gently evens out skin tone, while protecting against the sun with SPF 20 mineral sunscreen. It’s a healthy, effortlessly dewy finish that’s clinically proven to leave skin firmer and more luminous over time.

Ease up on the scent

A signature fragrance is a great part of your personal brand, but you never want to your scent to linger like Febreze long after you’ve left. As I often say, fragrance should be discovered, never announced! Too much fragrance is not only a turnoff, it can cause migraines and allergic reactions—probably not the first impression you want to make. Develop the habit of wearing the right amount of fragrance, applied in the right places. Selectively spray once each on your wrists, neck, and chest, while holding the bottle 10 inches away from your body.

Clean your glasses

This should go without saying, but sunglasses and eyeglasses should both be free of smudges! Wipe each daily with a soft cloth, or try a prepackaged wipe for those tougher, greasy summer smudges.

Fight the fuzzies

Nothing says “old clothes” like pet hair, fuzz, or pilling. Two tools will combat this. The first tool is a lint roller (keep one in your purse or glove compartment) for errant pet hair, fuzz, and crud. Always check your backside in the mirror, as pet hair tends to hide on rears and thighs. The second tool is an electric lint remover, which will remove pilling from your favorite sweater or leggings, leaving them looking fresh again.

Style your hair

If you’re battling thinning, receding, or just plain changing hair, you’re not alone. By age 50, roughly 40 percent of women and 50 percent of men are seeing noticeably thinner hair in the mirror. Gentlemen can choose a number of options to style thinning hair for best results, or if you’re holding on to those last Homer Simpson wisps, it might be time for a buzz or even a Bic—you might be surprised by the compliments you get. Ladies also have hair-care options to combat thinning hair, including conditioning, air drying, and choosing styles that put less tension on your hair.

Trim your other hair

You hear me say this one a lot—keep nose and ear hairs under control. Especially if you are a taller person, do not let those nose hairs get away from you! Invest in an affordable nose and ear hair trimmer to stay looking your best.

Wipe, brush, or shine your shoes

As you might imagine, shoes pick up the assorted dirt, fuzzies, and stuck-on leaves you find during your daily travels. Don’t let cruddy shoes ruin your look, especially when it’s easy to clean your shoes. You’ll want to invest in a suede brush to gently clean your suede shoes or boots. A paper towel can be all you need to freshen up leather shoes, and a moist one for the white rubber soles of your Chuck Taylor or Superga sneakers. And don’t forget to keep those shoes polished as needed, from once a week to once a season. Details matter!

About Kay

I’m Kay Hunter, Orange County image consultant for men and women over 40. I transform mature professionals, active adults, and seniors into more successful and confident versions of themselves. By expressing yourself through style and fashion, you’ll get that boost of confidence, visibility, and value you need to get to the next level. Enhance the joy of living—because great style is ageless!