Eat the seeds
Pomegranates can be a challenge to pry open, but there's a treasure inside: Ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in high levels, can protect skin against the sun's rays, according to a study from Kikkoman Corporation in Noda, Japan. Researchers found that eating pomegranate seeds blocks UV-induced free radicals that can erode collagen (your skin's support structure) and lead to wrinkles. "Eating half a cup of pomegranate seeds or drinking one cup of the juice every day can smooth fine lines and make skin feel more supple," says Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a dermatologist in Meriden, Connecticut.
Another way to eat your way young? Cucumbers! These cool complexion-helpers are rich in silica, a mineral that maintains collagen production.
Put on blush first
To revive a dull, sleepy face, dab a bright cream blush or stain onto clean, moisturized skin, right on the fleshy part of your cheek, before putting on foundation. "This trick mimics the naturally rosy undertones skin had when you were younger," says David Horne, a makeup artist in London. Wake up fair skin with pinks and peaches; illuminate medium to darker complexions with mauve or raspberry shades. Done? Don't forget to say cheese! Smiling is the natural way to energize your face.
Make your products do double duty
You multitask all the time — so why shouldn't your makeup? "Products don't have to simply enhance features or hide imperfections," says Matin, a makeup artist in NYC. "They should treat what you're trying to conceal, too." Look for formulas that contain skin-care-worthy ingredients such as firming peptides, antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Exercise to erase age
Stick with your get-fit routine and you can make your body 12 years younger, biologically speaking. Researchers found cardio increases oxygen intake by 25 percent, helping maintain strength and function from head to toe. To look and feel more youthful, squeeze in 30 to 60 minutes on most days.
Take cover (but go sheer)
Avoid emphasizing creases while achieving subtle full-face coverage: Apply a liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer on your face and blend with your fingertips using small downward motions. "This technique creates a thin veil that doesn't seep into pores and draw attention to lines," Matin, a makeup artist in New York City, explains.
The final step in your get-glowing makeup routine: concealer. "It can camouflage even the most obvious early evidence of aging, including sun damage on cheeks and random broken capillaries around your nose," says Matin. Dry formulas (typically housed in pots) blend well into oily areas such as your T-zone, whereas liquids won't accentuate age-related crevices (think laugh lines).
Enhance cheekbones
Collagen (aka skin's support structure) declines over time, causing skin to sag and therefore making cheeks look hollow. To reclaim youthful roundness, apply a shimmer cream on the outer edge of cheekbones, then sweep it up and out toward your hairline. "The iridescence attracts light, which will bounce off skin to create the illusion that cheekbones are full and lifted," notes Sandy Linter, a makeup artist in New York City at the Rita Hazan Salon.
Squash signs of aging
Butternut squash, a classic winter vegetable loaded with beta-carotene, can help keep your skin looking young. The antioxidant helps prevent collagen breakdown and protects skin from ultraviolet rays that can lead to wrinkles and age spots, according to Regina Goralczyk, a biology and human nutrition researcher at DSM Nutritional Products in Basel, Switzerland.
Easy prep trip: Slice squash in half, then bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Drizzle with a tablespoon of maple syrup and enjoy!
Deep-six dark circles
Lack of sleep slows circulation around eyes, so blood pools and casts a bluish tint. To zap the raccoon effect — without putting a spotlight on fine lines — use a soft, flat-bristled brush to press concealer from the inner lower corner to midway under eyes (where most darkness lies), Horne says.
Enhance your eyes
Enliven your lids by drawing eyeliner (or wet an eyeshadow brush and dip it into powder) along upper lash lines. At outer corners, extend the line with an upward stroke to create a flattering raised cat's eye. And use mascara on the top lashes only. "Doing it this way lifts the eyes because upper lashes point upward," says Robert Jones, a makeup artist in NYC. "Keep bottom lashes bare."
Feed your Face
Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, and walnuts, plus fortified eggs, are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. "Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen," says Susan Taylor, M.D., a dermatologist in Philadelphia. But research still needs to connect the dots definitively and show that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s translate to younger-looking skin, she says. One study did find that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. The research didn't focus solely on fish, however; vegetables' antioxidants, for example, may have been a factor. Aim for: two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3 eggs.
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