How Not to Look Old

I'm only in my early 30s right now, but I've been dreading the aging process for at least a decade now. It's hard not to worry about this when you're a woman, because society (and men!) put so much emphasis on beauty, which makes us think it's meant to be equated with worth. Obviously, the latter isn't true and most of us realize that -- but that doesn't stop us from frowning when we notice a new line or new gray hair. But there's good news! 50 is new 40 and 40 is the new 30. Or something like that. Simply put, just because you've cleared the hill doesn't mean you can't still be sexy and beautiful. Technology and healthcare have come a very long way and if you take care of yourself from the inside out, you can take years off your appearance. But that's not all, folks! There are loads of tips and tricks for holding onto the fountain of youth and you can find most of them in these awesome books.

How Not to Look Old is a super fabulous book written by the chick who worked as Glamour's beauty editor. (How's that for credibility, eh?) That, and she's currently the style guru for The Today Show, so clearly, Charla Krupp knows what she's on about. The book is laid out in such a way that you can skim it for the bits you want most, or you can have a proper sit down read. This book will give you simple and easy to use advice for staying sexy and beautiful after 40. Very popular with my mother's generation!

Redesigning 50 will tell you how to get your youth back through diet. It's written by Oz Garcia, one of the top rated nutritionists in NYC -- but this isn't a "diet book" so don't skip over it yet! He explains everything from skin care, hormones, dental care and loads of other facets that effect your appearance. If you're having trouble feeling alert and full of energy, this book will give you back that fountain of youth you had back in your 20s and 30s. It also addresses the mental and emotional aspects of aging and feeling well, so, again, don't skip this over thinking it's a diet book!

Staging Your Comeback is written by Christopher Hopkins and it will become your new fashion bible. The man will help you sort through your closet to determine what you should and shouldn't wear; haircuts that will enhance your appearance; beauty tips that will do the same. This is the guy you've seen on Oprah, so you know he knows his stuff.

Valerie Ramsey has written Gracefully for those women who want to look and feel their best no matter what age they might be. She provides health and dieting tips, exercising tips, personal visualizations, beauty advice and much more. This isn't necessarily an au naturel book, however, as she does offer "strategic" uses for Botox. Ramsey is a cancer survivor (uterine) and has a heart condition and yet manages to stay healthy, positive and happy. Read her book to find out how she does it.