You think I’m kidding. But I recently interviewed Charla Krupp, who was in town promoting her new book, How to Never Look Fat Again. (You might recall her first best-selling tome, How Not to Look Old.) She’s a regular on Oprah, the View, a contributor to People’s Style Watch, former beauty director at Glamour—and a total dynamo. Until I met Krupp, I hadn’t given much thought to what hair and makeup can do to make you look thinner. For example:

Solid hair color can make you look fat. Break it up with highlights or lowlights. (That would be a big, fat FAIL for me)

Full, blunt bangs shorten and widen the face, side-swept bangs flatter it. (It’s true. I’ve done both)

Skinny brows won’t make you look skinny. A thicker brow with a soft, full arch is much more flattering.

Red lipstick or anything darker than your natural lip color is too much. Pink gloss is universally flattering. (This surprised me. I thought that red brightened the face?)

Don’t skip the eyeliner. And, line the root of the lash line under the lid to make lashes look fuller. (Works like a charm, but be sure you use a waterproof liner)

Apply pink or peach cream blush to the tops of the apples of your cheeks for an instant face-lift. (my love for cream blush continues to grow)

Plastic surgery can actually be aging—and it’s permanent. Do little tweaks at the dermatologist’s office instead. (For the record: Krupp looks fantastic, not the least bit fake)

Filed Under: bangs, charla krupp, cream blush, eyebrows, how never to look fat again, how not to look old, muffin top, plastic surgery, red lipstick