Styles: Be Hot, Not Old

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HITTING AGE 35 WASN'T a beauty or fashion speed bump for the "Desperate Housewives" gals or celebs like Madonna and Demi. But often, as one's birthday candles increase, one's glamour decreases, and one ends up more "Unsexy in the Suburbs" than "Sex in the City." But that doesn't need to happen, says style guru Charla Krupp, whose "How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better" ($26, Springboard) gives hope to women on either side of the big 4-0. We caught up with the hottie boomer about why mom jeans are sad and dark lipstick belongs in Bette Davis films, not your makeup bag.

» EXPRESS: So, who is your book meant for?
» KRUPP: I was thinking of over-40 women, but the reality is that another way of telling people how not to look old is telling them how to look classy. Having tattoos and long dragon-lady nails isn't classy at any age.

» EXPRESS: When should women worry about looking granny-ish or trashy?
» KRUPP: After women have kids, they often put themselves in the background and put on mom jeans and comfortable shoes. I'm trying to focus on women who are working in careers where there are a lot of young people. To stay competitive, they have to look Y&H — younger and hipper.

» EXPRESS: As they get older, what are some beauty mistakes women make?
» KRUPP: A lot of women let their hair go gray. Nothing ages you like gray hair. And they put on cakey makeup. You can use primer, one of these newer beauty products, and it's such a help. Put it on before foundation. It's like primer for walls — it fills in cracks and gives you a smooth surface. Smashbox Photo Finish ($42, Sephora) is a great one.

» EXPRESS: What about eye makeup?
» KRUPP: Avoid anything that's really severe and hard. Keep eyeliner thin and very close to the lash line. Don't go for a big thick liquid line — it could crack. There's one great thin liquid liner from Shisheido, the Makeup Fine Liner ($27, Sephora), that's like a Sharpie. I use it in the cab.

» EXPRESS: Any tips for young-looking lips?
» KRUPP: Don't use dark burgundy or red lipstick — it settles into cracks and imperfections. But if you use a light-pink lipstick, it gives lips this amazing viscosity. Keep it glossy!

» EXPRESS: What about stuff like Botox and plastic surgery?
» KRUPP: I made it a point not to talk about that. Isaac Mizrahi says, "If you want to look 70, get a face-lift." We're in a place right now where we can do non-invasive procedures like Botox or peels.

» EXPRESS: How do women dress too old?
» KRUPP: Way too many women run around in matching sweatsuits and sneakers to run errands. It's a very 90-year-old in Florida look — like the new leisure suit! You can also be comfortable in a great pair of jeans and Mary Janes with a cardigan.

» EXPRESS: Do you think retailers cater to women old enough to vote?
» KRUPP: It's frustrating — you go into a store, and everything is baby doll or halter or shows a lot of cleavage. And then there's the opposite — Chico's and Eileen Fisher. Who wants to dress like an old lady?

» EXPRESS: Which celebs are aging gracefully?
» KRUPP: Everybody loves Diane Keaton. She's in her 60s, and she looks amazing. Christie Brinkley also looks great — she keeps her makeup really light. And then there's Sarah Jessica Parker.

» EXPRESS: What do they have in common?
» KRUPP: They've all got long hair, which looks really youthful. Somewhere along the line, people learned they should lob off their hair when they get older, and it's aging.

» EXPRESS: Is there anyone in the public eye who's not decking herself out appropriately for her age?
» KRUPP: Lindsay Lohan's mom hits it on the nail. If the outfit could be worn by your teenage daughter, it's not for you.

Photos by Timothy Hogan/Springboard Books