2013: Fonda, 75, in vivid Versace, wowed on the Academy Awards red carpet. — Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

En español | When Jane Fonda stepped onstage at the 2013 Academy Awards looking gorgeous at 75 in a bright yellow Versace gown, you could hear the whispers:

"How does she do it?"

Fonda had another such Oscar moment at age 62 when she debuted a new image after her divorce from Ted Turner. (See that look on the next page.)

The grandmother of two is the first to say "money helps," and she has been open about her plastic surgeries, including an eye-lift, a face-lift and a neck-lift (or two).

But Fonda — who is featured in People magazine's new "50 Most Beautiful" issue — also has a team of beauty experts who know how to help women look their best. We talked to them to learn the actress' secrets and their insider tips for women 50 and up.

1982: Super svelte and fit at 44. — Steve Schapiro/Corbis

1. Don't be afraid of sexy hair

Matthew Shields, Fonda's hair stylist for a decade, says Fonda's willingness to embrace new ideas is key to keeping a fresh, vibrant and youthful look.

"A lot of women find their 'look' at a certain age, and that's it for the rest of their lives," Shields says. "Many women of Jane's generation were into having their hair very coiffed, and they're still doing it. The trick is not to be afraid to experiment with looser, sexier styles."

Fonda has been changing her hairstyle over the past two years; it has evolved from a short shag to the Oscar night straight, streamlined and still-layered look. If you want to change your hair, try a change in hairdresser or salon. Get recommendations from friends who have great cuts.

"Women can still look sexy in their 70s and 80s, and Jane is a perfect example of that," says Shields. "Her words to me on Oscar morning were, 'Make it bedroomy.' "

1968: Fonda, then 30, as the "astronautical aviatrix" Barbarella. — Corbis

2. Lighten up

Fonda's hair colorist, Negin Zand, advises women to lighten their color as they age.

"Add some bright pieces that pop on top and around the face," says Zand. "That way the color won't look like shoe polish color."

And because hair loses its natural oil and shine with age, Zand advises women to add shine by using one of the new hair glosses on the market.

Next page: Why a professional makeup lesson is worth your time and money. »