How to Look Older and Rid Yourself of Your Baby Face in No Time

Maybe you have a baby face or maybe you just want to look more mature for your age, well, then use some of these tricks to know how to look older.

Some ladies want to know how to look older. I, for one, reached an age where most women look for the opposite. When I was sixteen, I tried to look older, putting on dark lipstick, changing my hair, wearing purses which were filled with basically candy. I didn’t do a very good job of it and reverted quickly back to my baby face ways—it was cheaper. But now, I’m actually older and I don’t need to wear makeup to show it.

Trust me, when you actually look older without makeup, you’ll wish you had enjoyed your baby face. But I’m going to stop myself before I get down the road of “oh poor me, I’m getting old.” This isn’t about me, it’s about you. [Read: 15 steps to let go of insecurity and transform your life]

How to look older

So, you want to know how to look older. Well, there’s a right way of doing it which results in you looking older. There’s also a wrong way which results in you looking older with the wrong vibes. I know that you want to look more mature, but there’s a fine line of looking mature and looking a little trashy. That’s not our goal here. We want you to look hot and smart.

So, I have some tips and tricks for you to follow to help you achieve that mature look.

#1 Don’t dump everything on your face. This is a common mistake. Trust me, I’m well seasoned to this, I have the photos. Before you dive into your makeup bag, remember less is more. Just because you want to look older, it doesn’t mean you need to wear everything in your makeup bag on your face. So, take a breath, put the eyeshadow down and continue reading. [Read: 22 ways to stand apart and shine from within]

#2 Too much makes you look younger. I know you heard wearing high heels makes you appear older, but it’s actually false. Women who wear high heels and a lot of makeup actually make themselves younger as younger women use these tactics to look older. See what I mean? By doing this, you actually just prove that you’re younger than you look. [Read: The clothes make the girl: 15 tips to looking your best]

#3 Get yourself some classic pieces. If you want to look older, opt for wearing clothes which are sophisticated and timeless. No, you don’t have to dress like you just joined the book club, but choose pieces which are classic and subdued in color. Dark-wash skinny jeans with a plain white t-shirt and a pair of low heels gives you an older look.

#4 Focus on one area of the face. I know this will be a little challenging for you in the beginning, especially if you’re used to wearing a lot of makeup. But instead of putting everything on your face, focus on one area of your face. For example, keep your eye makeup subtle, but do a strong lip or vice versa. Having a strong lip and eye only makes you look like you’re trying too hard.

#5 Stay away from huge trends. I know you didn’t expect to read this, but it’s true. Though we all fall into fashion trends, try not to have your entire closet dedicated to one look. Overly trendy looks actually come across as juvenile—exactly what you’re not looking for. If you’re not sure about certain trends, you don’t have to follow them, instead stick to a look that looks classic and comfortable for you.

#6 Do haircuts matter? Well, depending on the cut, yes. For example, a lob or bob are two cuts that are currently very trendy. They cut off above the collarbone and give you a really clean and mature look, especially for younger women. What’s even better about this look is that they suit almost all face shapes and can be worn either wavy or straight. [Read: 38 sure-fire ways to look rich]

#7 Ponytails matter. I know, every girl loves a good ponytail, but they actually make you look younger. Now, the “young” ponytail is the one worn high on your head, the ones you usually sport when you work out. To wear a ponytail and look older, try one that’s sleek and low with either a side or middle part. It gives off a more mature vibe.

#8 Easy on the jewelry. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t wear jewelry, because it really ties an outfit together. However, be mindful of how much jewelry you wear. If you wear too much, you look tacky. So, focus on a statement piece which will be the piece tying your outfit together.

#9 Get a great coat. You cannot imagine how much a coat changes your look. Wearing a sweater or jean jacket is fine, but, you need a proper coat. Either grey, black, or camel as they’re able to fit with every outfit you match it with. A coat takes an unfinished look and makes you look like you have your life all figured out.

#10 Ditch the Uggs. Yes, I know, they’re comfortable, but they also make you look fourteen. So, ditch them. Wait! You can wear them in the house. There, that’s a compromise. But seriously, your yoga pants and Ugg look has got to go. If you want to look older, stop wearing clothing making you look like a teenager. Uggs is one of them.

#11 Stand up straight. This is a small thing to do, but it completely changes the way you present yourself. Older women are confident. If you slouch, you’re not giving off that vibe. Standing or sitting up straight automatically makes you look older. So, constantly make sure your head is up and your shoulders are back. [Read: 14 small details that define class and poise]

#12 Match your bra to your shirt. If you wear a black bra under a red t-shirt, you’re probably sixteen. See, I don’t even have to know how old you are, I just assume you’re young. I know, it’s a small and insignificant thing, but trust me, people notice it. So, make sure not only that your bra somewhat matches or blends well with your shirt but that your bra strap isn’t showing. It just makes the outfit look clean and crisp.

Now that you know how to look older, use some of these tips in your daily routine. Remember, less is more, you don’t have to overdo it to get that mature look.