Look Younger Instantly: Boost Your Confidence Now

Shave Years Off Your Appearance with a Few Quick Fixes

Movie Star Mouth For $10 to $40. Skip the old-fashioned dental whitening molded trays that cost over $300. Ditto the Zoom Whitening performed in dental chairs across America for $400 and up. No expensive cosmetic surgery required for this tip. For just $10 at CVS in the As Seen On TV section, you can find a whitening gel pen that you apply twice a day to your soon-to-be pearly whites. Results in two days. Paint the gel over your teeth, let dry and you are out the door.

Confidence is the key to looking good. How you perceive yourself affects how others see you. Spend a little time and money on your appearance and you will feel better about yourself.

Tone down the highlights and bleach jobs near your face. A few well-placed highlights can give you a younger look. Don't go overboard. You want a natural look, only better. A bad bleach job or unrealistic high or lowlights can age you. These can make you appear older and date your style. Just because highlights are in (or frosting as my boyfriend's mom still calls it) does not mean every color is for you. Stay 1-2 shades lighter than your hair color for a flattering, updated look. Good highlights should look natural and give a youthful appearance. I recommend leaving highlights and color to salon professionals. Box color, purchased at the drug store, is not as strong as salon color. Plus there is no toner. I have tried to save money by coloring my hair at home, only to have to get the color fixed by a hairdresser. Go with a pro.

Try out shapewear. You can find a large selection of slenderizing camisoles, strappy tanks and underwear at Target or Walmart. These are worn underneath your clothes to smooth problem areas like bellies and butts. Avoid slippery fabrics that don't stay in place when you are selecting shapewear. Try different brands. The most expensive brand doesn't necessarily work better. I like Bare Assets camis. These are available in black and tan. The black camis are perfect for wearing underneath clothing. They feel like an undershirt and help keep your belly in.The bottom of the hem stays in place without constant tugging and adjusting. These come in all sizes from Small to Plus Size.

Perk up your boobs with a good bra. Don't skimp on this wardrobe staple. And never shop for a bra at a consignment or thrift store. Excessive washing makes bras lose their shaping abilities. Never venture out in public in a droopy bra. Before shirts came with built-in bras for supports, I would sew my bras into my favorite shirts to keep bra straps from slipping out of place. I am more likely to use a safety pin for this now or take a few stitches with a needle and thread for a quick fix. If the straps fall down your arms, you will lose your confidence. Find a style that lifts your breasts and holds your assets comfortably in place.

My favorite long-term fix for body flaws is going to the gym 2-3 times a week. When I work out, I feel better mentally and my confidence soars. If you struggle with body image problems, I also recommend the flower essence Crab Apple. A few drops of Bach's flower essence added to water and taken four times a day can keep obsessive thoughts at bay.