7 Beauty Tips for Face That Really Work

These natural beauty tips for face and neck are quick, inexpensive, and really do work — even if you’re rocking your fabulous 40s, 50s, or beyond.

I’ve tested dozens of tricks over the years, and these are the seven that give me the fastest results. Some are DIY, some are simple products, and a couple are face exercises — but all of them help you refresh your look in minutes.

1. Refresh tired eyes instantly

Why it works: Puffy, tired eyes can make the whole face look older. Cooling tricks help in the moment — but serums with tightening ingredients take it a step further.

How to try it:

• Quick fix: Keep a jade roller or metal spoon in the fridge and press it gently under your eyes for an instant de-puff.
• Serum boost: Apply a firming eye serum with peptides, caffeine, or silicates before rolling. The combo helps smooth fine lines and reduce bags faster than cooling alone. 
• Note: It also works to blur tiny crisscross lines on the tops of the cheeks and under the eyes!

💡 ABZ Tip: I test eye-firming serums (including Plexaderm) in my own routine. Some give a real “mini-lift” effect — see my full under-eye puffiness guide.

2. Brighten skin with an orange juice facial 🍊

Why it works: Oranges are rich in vitamin C and natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Together, they brighten dull skin, gently exfoliate dead cells, and support collagen production for firmer-looking skin.

How to try it:

1. Dip a cotton ball in fresh orange juice (or rub half an orange directly on your face and neck).
2. Leave on for 5–10 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly and follow with moisturizer.

💡 ABZ Tip: If your skin is sensitive, mix a drop of face oil into the juice before applying, and always patch test first.

3. Smooth dull skin with a salt scrub

Why it works: As skin ages, it sheds dead cells more slowly, leaving the face dull. A gentle scrub exfoliates and clears buildup so skin looks smoother and lets anti-aging products sink in.

DIY Himalayan salt + honey scrub:

1. Mix 1 Tbsp finely ground Himalayan salt with 1 tsp honey.
2. Apply to clean, dry face (avoid eyes).
3. Leave for 15 minutes, cover with a warm towel for 20 seconds, then gently massage off.
4. Rinse and follow with moisturizer.

✨ Salt helps skin retain moisture, and honey is a natural humectant that plumps and heals.

➡ Explore more exfoliation options in my sugar scrub guide.

4. Fake a healthy glow with self-tanner

Why it works: Sunless tanners even out blotchy tone, hide age spots, and give skin a youthful glow — no sun damage required.

How to try it:

• Exfoliate first.
• Apply a thin, even layer of self-tanner cream.
• Let dry before makeup or water.

⭐ Pro tip: Pale skin? Mix a BB cream in a slightly deeper shade for a wash-off glow.

Why a Quality Self Tanner Matters: Many women have told me that some drugstore formulas left my skin looking muddy rather than radiant. And I know what they mean. 

After trying many, the one I've found that gives a hydrating, anti-aging glow is St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist. You can see my review of this and other self tanners here.

See more glow-boosting skincare ideas in my skin brightening guide.

5. Plump lips naturally

Why it works: Lips thin with age, but gentle exfoliation + hydration restore softness and definition.

DIY Lip Scrub:

• Mix 1 tsp sugar + ½ tsp honey + a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
• Gently massage onto lips, then rinse and apply balm.

This boosts circulation for a fuller look that lasts hours.

💋 For everyday hydration and shine, I personally use City Beauty’s City Lips gloss. It’s plumping, hydrating, and makes lips look fuller without being sticky.

➡ Looking for longer results? I also share my experience with fillers and lip flips in my lip care guide.

6. Tighten your neck with exercise

Why it works: Facial exercises strengthen muscles under the chin and along the neck, reducing lines and “cording” (a.k.a. turkey neck).

Try this: The Gulping Fish

1. Tilt your head back.
2. Make a gulping motion, feeling the muscles under your chin engage.
3. Repeat 10–12 times.

Consistency pays off — I’ve seen my own neck firm up using this routine.

▶️ Watch the demo: This comes from Carolyn’s Facial Fitness workout. It's called the Gulping Fish.

Do only 10 “gulps” per round, and keep it to a maximum of 6 rounds in one session. Don’t force or strain your jawbone—focus instead on the double chin area and let that part gradually firm up.

In the beginning, aim for 3 sessions a week to kickstart results. After a few weeks, you can cut back to 2 sessions a week to maintain the firming effect.

UPDATE: See my neck lift results from simple exercises

7. Lift cheeks for a youthful look

Why it works: Toned cheek muscles add natural volume, helping the face look brighter and lifted.

Quick cheek exercise:

• Smile wide while pressing fingertips lightly on your cheeks.
• Push up as you resist with the muscles.
• Hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times.

This little lift is one of my favorite ways to add instant life to the face.

➡ Explore more in my fuller cheeks guide.

Beauty Tips for Face: FAQ's

Final thought

With these seven beauty tips for face and neck — a mix of simple DIYs, smart product swaps, and a few exercises — you really can lift and glow without overcomplicating your routine.

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