I know we’re in the prime of our lives. Scientists say we reach our most-attractive stage at 22. We’re gorgeous and young. Well…most of us are.

Lately, people have been asking me if I’m a senior, grad student, or in my twenties. These conversations go a little like this:

“How old are you?”
“19″
“Oh, really?!”
“Yeah. Why? How old did you think I was?”
“I don’t know…In your mid-20′s”

WTF? I’m a 19-year-old sophomore.

If you are having these same problems, I’m seriously sorry. The days are gone when it was a compliment that people thought you were older. It’s no longer cute. Here are some solutions for us:

Body

  • Old skin is dull skin. Exfoliate at least once a week. Depending on your level of sensitivity, you can try non-abrasive exfoliants (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, AHA’s), low-abrasion exfoliants (a loofah or shower gloves), medium-abrasion exfoliants (sugar or salt scrubs), or high-abrasion exfoliants (crushed walnuts, almonds or apricot pits).
  • You MUST moisturize. Moisturize in the shower, after the shower, and any other time it fits into your schedule. Find a soap that doesn’t have too much detergent. Look for a soap that uses the words “soft” and “moisture” rather than “clean” and “pure.” As for post-shower moisture, use creams rather than lotions. Creams have less water in them, so they will work over-time. Moisturize everywhere. Not just your arms and legs. Your entire body needs love.
  • Take special care of your hands. They will age you like no other. Moisturize after your wash your hands – every time. At night, slather cream on them and wrap them up in a plastic baggie.
  • Stay out of the sun. If you’re hankering for a tan, use spray-on or high-quality self-tanners, as UV rays break down collagen fibers.

Face

  • Work towards clear skin. A smooth complexion is the best way to stay cute (also the reason foundation is so popular). Cut back on refined food. Use concealer. Don’t over-dry.
  • Again, keep moisturized. It will keep your skin smooth and plump. Do it after every time you wash your face: morning, night and after the shower.
  • Drink lots of water, which will flush your skin of toxins.
  • Keep makeup colors bright and natural: think candy-pink cheeks, rather than brown contouring.
  • Close those pores before applying makeup. Rinse face with cold water and use primer. This will keep makeup from clogging pores AND allow for smooth application.
  • Use light-weight cosmetics. Full-coverage foundations and heavy powders will erase any of that natural glow you’ve got going for you.
  • Use as many cream products as possible. They make you look positively dewy.

Eyes

  • Again, use cream instead of lotion. Eye creams are best, since they will not irritate the area around the eye. Lotions have lots of water in them, which will increase eye-puffiness.
  • Get some sleep! I know it’s tough at college, with all the enticing parties and not-so-enticing term papers, but sleep will refresh your skin, prevent under-eye circles, and erase wrinkles.
  • Only apply liner and mascara to your top lid. The effect will be up-lifting and youthful. On the bottom lid, these products can make the eye look heavy and tired.
  • All aboard the contour express! As the collagen in your skin decreases, the upper-lid of your eye can begin to droop, hiding your crease. Throw some deep-brown contouring shadow into your crease to reclaim this effect.
  • While you’re at it, apply a highlight to your inner-corners. It will open those eyes right up.
  • Don’t over-pluck. And remember to fill in those brows – softly – for more natural-looking brows. And more natural-looking beauty.
  • Curl those lashies! This will make your eyes look more open for an instantly-youthful effect.

Mouth

  • Whiten your teeth, either with a hard-core whitener, or some whitening toothpaste (depending on your level of sensitivity). White teeth brighten your smile.
  • I hate to be repetitive, but moisturize frequently. Apply lip balm whenever you get a chance and carry it with you to class and work. It will soften your lips AND reduce wrinkles.
  • Go for bright (but not crazy) lip colors, in pink shades.
  • Plump up your lips by exfoliating and using a glossy lip-plumper
  • If you have deep lip lines, apply a lip primer (like Laura Geller’s) before adding color.
  • Smile, darn ya, smile!

Cute.

—Brianna Keefe