Ten Beauty and Style Tips Worth Trying in 2022

Fashion trends and beauty are always a mixture of the best and worst ideas. They are often promoted on social media and online retail sites but have little to do in reality with the 50+ population. We are all ready to try something new after these past few years of chaos. Our advice? You can say no to yellow eyeshadow or emerald green eyeliner. Let the phrase “New year, brave new me” guide you to a new start.

1. Gray or grayish?

It feels like everyone is doing it. Perhaps we are finally coming to terms with the fact that silvery gray hair can work in our favor. It can lighten our faces and bulk up thin hairs, just like Christmas tree tinsel. Partnering with a salon colourist can make the transition to a fully gray head easy. To get an idea of the amount of gray, shade and pattern in your roots, you should first grow them out 1 to 2 inches (two-to four months). With no clear demarcation line, a few face-framing silver streaks might be enough to start the transformation. This will give your hair dimension and a glowing look. Use DIY glossing products and purple shampoo to prevent yellowing or dingy hair.

2. Consciously choose healthier makeup

We are witnessing drugstore beauty brands move in a cleaner and more sustainable direction. Many of the affordable mascaras and foundations we purchase are now testing for potentially harmful ingredients. They also go vegan and/or cruelty free while still delivering the most up-to-date colors and textures. Here’s the truth. You’ll find the basic formulas next to the healthier options, sometimes even within the same brand, due to the gradual shelf rotation. You should try to find “clean” products like the vitamin-infused L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Noir Mascara in Black ($9 at target.com), Revlon Photoready Candid Moisture Glow Anti-Pollution Foundation ($10 at target.com), and e.l.f. Putty Blush ($6, Target.com), and NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Lipstick ($7, Target.com).

3. Set your hair

We love the ’60s-inspired trend of bouncy hair styles like flips, bouffant bobs and half-up/half-down. These dos can go all out when celebrity stylists use their hair spray and hot tools to get their hair straightened. However, it’s clear that flat, straight hair is now a popular choice. Volume and body are key, no matter how curly, smooth or wavy your hair is. DIY sets, from hot rollers to Velcro or sponge rollers, are back! You can even sleep in them! Hairspray is also a great way to keep your va-va-voom alive. The process is simple: Simply section your freshly washed hair and then roll it, dry, and unroll. Lightly brush through and mist.

4. Instead of wearing sweats, try a sweater dress

We all have a love for track pants, joggers, and leggings. But some people want to be more dressed up and sophisticated. Knit dresses with a flattering fit and no clinging are a great alternative to athleisure. A modern midi length style, such as the Ava, can be worn with almost any boot or bootie. It should flow straight from the bust to the mid-calf. Viv Plus-Size Long Sleeve Sweater Dress, Blue, Target.com, the Who What Wear Women’s Plus Long Sleeve Dress, Red ($40, Target.com), and the H&M Rib-Knit Dress, Black ($60.hm.com/en_us/). Or, you can opt for a modified wrap that has subtle waist definition such as the Donna Ricco Crossover Midi Dress in Black ($109.macys.com).

5. You can try a new version your favorite face lotion

Don’t be surprised if you find some makeovers when you browse the skin care aisle. Drugstore moisturizers are updated two or three times per year. There will be new ingredients, modifications in packaging, a new pump or jar, and innovative additions to existing lines. It’s an attempt to get us to buy but it does help solve skin problems for mature skin. It’s hard to say no to this? Olay Regenerist Shea butter + Peptide 24-Rich Cream, Target.com, a rich cream that moisturizes and conditions very dry skin. Cover Girl Clean Skincare Dry Skin Corrector cream ($15, Target.com). Vegan and cruelty-free, it’s vegan and contains hyaluronic, shea butter, and jojoba. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Sunscreen 50 ($26 at Ulta.com), a hydrating blend with high SPF.

6. Get hair accessories

You might be hesitant about using hair ornaments for 50. Give them a try. While elastics, scrunchies and headbands are quick fixes, they need to be worn in a sophisticated manner — one at a time. It’s important to avoid looking too girly, cute, or over-adorned with beads, gems, and pearls. The Kitsch Sand Assorted Textured Scrunchchies Set ($10 on ulta.com), and GIMME Beauty Fine Hair Multi-Color neutral Bands ($10 on ulta.com), make styling medium-length hair easy and effortless. For a more sophisticated look, tone them to match your hair color. Headbands can be more difficult, but you can’t go wrong if you choose one in leather, leopard, tortoise or leather.

7. Feel-good purple

Pantone’s 2022 Colour of the Year is Very Peri. It is a universally flattering, brightening, and upbeat blue with violet undertones. Is it a good deal or just a fad? Let’s just say that there are many gray-toned versions of this color, some of which look too grey. Clear lilacs, lavenders, super-saturated magentas as well as vibrant pinks, are all riding along the periwinkle coattails. As new shipments arrive, look out for them in stores and online. On your lids, you can use a creamy eyeshadow such as the It Cosmetics Superhero Eyeshadow Stick in Epic Amethyst (24$, nordstrom.com), or Glossier Lidstar In Lily (18$, glossier.com). Pullovers such as the Anthropologie Pilcro Plus Cowlneck Sweater in Lavender ($98), anthropologie.com or the Jones New York Dolman Top in Deep Lilac ($60), nordstrom.com. Or a draped blouse such as the Kiyonna Plus Promenade Top In Orchid (64$, nordstrom.com).

8. Choose the most flattering basic T shirt

We tend to buy the same crewneck tee every year, without ever questioning whether it is doing us any good. It’s worth taking the time to choose the right style and spending a bit more. You will get a better-looking neck and torso, a better fit at your bust, and a lightweight fabric that is opaque but not too thick to be bra-proof. There are four long-sleeve options that are worth the investment. The J.Jill Pima 3/4 Sleeve Scoop-Neck Tee is available in Navy Blue, Black, or White for $39 at jjill.com. It’s longer and has a curved hem with a shallow scoop. the Banana Republic Fitted Ribbed Boatneck Tee in Charcoal Grey, Black or White ($35, bananarepublic.gap.com), with a soft stretchy feel. The Old Navy Long-Shoulder Luxe Oversized Tee in Date Palm or Black Jack for Women ($23, oldnavy.gap.com), has drop shoulders and a wide crewneck. Or The L.L. Bean Women’s Pima Cotton Tee in Royal Plum or Violet Chalk, $30, llbean.com, with a chic square neck. You will want more than one.

9. Print workout leggings are now available

When it comes to leggings or sports bras, most of us choose basic black. It works well for slimming and simplifies our options. Who can resist the bolder colors, leopard and floral prints? You can easily update your existing pieces by simply changing the leggings. Choose a pattern with a black background or some black in the print, like the Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerSoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women in Black Multi-Floral ($40, oldnavy.gap.com) and Victoria’s Secret Flow On Point Essential High Rise Legging in Beige Leopard or Black Lois Floral ($20, victoriassecret.com/us), or opt for a solid bright like the Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight in Electric Fuchsia ($98, athleta.gap.com) for a statement accent that still works with your black tops.

10. Add fringe benefits

Although bobs with bangs have been the hottest haircut in 2022, bangs can be used for any type of hairstyle, short or long. Bangs make fine hair look thicker and hide forehead creases. They also give damaged hair a healthier appearance thanks to frequent trimmings. You can’t lose. It’s easier to manage and grow out a long, side-swept bang. A full, feathery fringe frames the eyes and gives structure and style to the face.