The other day when I looked in the mirror I was taken aback when I noticed an age spot right in the middle of my neck! Yesterday it wasn’t there and–voila–now it’s here till the end of time. I will see it every morning. That’s how it goes when we age: wrinkles, crepey skin, gray hair–just creep up gradually, but when it’s there…it’s there FOR GOOD.

But, ladies there is a way to fight back. We may be seeing startling signs of aging, but there is something that can do wonders to help. WHAT IS IT? One word answer: COLOR!

Color is the ultimate distractor. As Janna writes in Q Style…“Color is the first thing seen, and the last thing remembered.”

Just think about it, if you’re noticing someone’s eye-colored earrings, you’re NOT noticing their crows feet. If you are noticing someone’s beautiful nails, you’re NOT noticing their age spots. If you are noticing their perfect lip color, you’re NOT noticing their sagging jawline.

Distract from Lines and Wrinkles

I’m using this photo of myself to illustrate the point. Here, I’m wearing my most flattering clothing and lip color. When you see me at first glance, do you notice my crows feet or the color I have on? I rest my case. Distraction.

Distract from the fact that you’re actually losing color, by USING color.

When we age, we lose both color and moisture and we must replenish it to get that youthful glow. These two pictures are worth more words than I can write in this blog.

Distract from the fact that your neck is sagging.

I’m using this photo of Beth Dajali not because she has a sagging neck (she may or may not), but because this is a perfect illustration of how a colorful scarf (or colorful jewelry) can detract–or even hide–imperfections around your neck and decolletage. (Like my new age spot.) Notice how this color just brings her face to life as well as disguising anything at her neckline.

Optional: Detract from age spots with Nail Polish

If color is the first thing seen, then your polish will be noticed before your age spots if you are self conscious about your hands. However, not everyone likes to wear polish. But, this illustration shows how color really can grab the attention. (Even if this gal doesn’t have age spots.)

One more note. On page 106 of Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look, Janna explains this phenomenon:

Your Eyes Seek Light and Color: “When you look at someone, whether you realize it or not, you are immediately drawn to the light and color in their face. You may have absolutely flawless skin and be wearing no color on your face, but the woman next to you who doesn’t have flawless skin, but has on a fabulously complementary shade of lipstick will be noticed before you are. Why? Because our eye is immediately drawn to her color.”

Take a look at this photograph, where does your eye immediately gravitate? Yes, the red color.

And in this one? Your eye immediately goes to the light in the corner.

Highlighting areas of your face can bring light to that area (thus detracting from other areas), as shown in the photo below. But, that blog is for another day.

Ladies, in conclusion, we may not be able to turn back time, but we can help detract from its ravages simply by knowing how.

So, fear not the AGE SPOT…there’s always concealer!

For more information on color consultations, find Janna Beatty at www.makeovers4u.com.