Martha + Michelle's Summer Makeover

Joe Raedle

Two cool divas, Martha Stewart, 71, and Michelle Obama, 49, are getting summer 2013 off to a splashy start. Martha's just joined Match.com and has been rocking around town in gold leggings and sequins. Michelle is working her bangs and planning a long extended vacay on the Vineyard with Sasha and Malia. So let's be clear. Don't make this another blah season of cropped khakis, baggy black tees and comfort shoes either. Do like M + M and get out of your hot weather rut before it starts. Here's how to makes this June to September your best-looking season ever.

LIGHTEN UP TO BRIGHTEN UP. Martha and Michelle make steamy days a photo-op in crisp white, sparkly or shimmery tops, dresses and accessories that send a crystal fresh message....so should you. Look for classic white shirts, sequin tanks, metallic belts and jewel-studded sandals or earrings that add radiance to every skin tone but erase fatigue and sun damage.  Even subtle prints on a mostly white background do the trick. A little glitz keeps the look from getting clinical or uniform-y. Try: INC International Concepts Sleeveless Cowl Neck Sequin Top($59.90, www.macys.com), Banana Republic Soft-Wash Linen- Cotton Shirt ($59.50, bananarepublic.gap.com) and Nine West Vananda sandals ($89, ninewest.com).

LET YOUR BOB BLOOM:  Whether your cut is blunt, layered like Martha's or fringed like Michelle's, work with the extra humidity instead of fighting it. Go for a bigger more tousled look instead of a super-sleek blow-out. Random waves, texture or curl add movement and look more youthful. Add extra

volume initially with a body-enhancing spray. Then keep adding more ooomph at the roots between washes with a dry shampoo. Try: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray ($9.49 drugstore.com) and Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Dry Shampoo ($16.01,drugstore.com). If your hair is thinning, spend the month of June applying Pantene AgeDefy Advanced Thickening Treatment ($18.99, target.com) and see fatter locks by July due to niacinamide, caffeine and panthenol in the formula.

DE-AGE YOUR SKIN AND MAKEUP. Nothing makes us look older in broad

daylight than layers of sunscreen, serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and concealer. M + M never look like frosted cupcakes whether it's 10 AM or 7 PM. I suspect they get around it with one do-all hybrid CC alphabet cream. They're light-reflecting to blur lines and discolorations and have a protective broad spectrum sunscreen so you can reapply as needed in the sun. CC creams also provide more color and coverage than BB creams and are packed with de-agers like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, omegas, botanical extracts and peptides. Try: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+($34.68, qvc.com), Supergoop! SPF 35 Daily Correct CC Cream ($32, ulta.com), and Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion CorrectorSPF 35 ($9.99,ulta.com).

Then just chill...the confidence that comes with these tips makes air conditioning redundant.

For more beauty & style tips check my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ($ 15.78, amazon.com)

Photo Credits: Michelle Obama in white top and jeweled belt, Martha Stewart in white shirt, Almay Smart Shade CC Cream

 

Also of Interest

• Gail Federici: The Hair Whisperer
• Wedding After 50? 3 Things You Need to Know
• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

 

See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more