How to Get a ‘You Look Great’ Compliment

“You look great!” These words are music to 50-plus ears, so long as they are not followed by “… for your age!” No matter what we privately think about our wrinkles, thinning hair or weight, compliments about our looks provide a heartwarming emotional boost. Whether gushed as a conversation starter between friends, a comment on a Facebook photo or as an admiring appreciation from a total stranger, a compliment creates an immediate feel-good link between the giver and receiver. Here are six compliments that bring on the smiles and what you can do to inspire one:

(Clockwise from top left) EyeglassesUSA Muse Eloquence in Tortoise/Beige; Warby Parker Haley in Jet Black; A.J. Morgan Honestly Readers in Black; EyeBuyDirect Women’s Morla Glasses Round Tortoise Eyeglasses

GlassesUSA.com; Warby Parker; A.J. Morgan Eyewear; EyeBuyDirect

1. ‘Love your glasses!’

If you’re still wearing rimless or wire frames, switch to a full-frame acetate style for a more contemporary aesthetic that will win kudos. Whether prescription glasses or readers, the swap has an immediate Benjamin Button effect. Though bold frames come in a variety of colors, the strong lines of black or tortoise give mature faces instant definition and structure. The right frame shape also contributes to the effect. Angular frames such as the A.J. Morgan Honestly Readers in Black, Tortoise or Brown ($42, ajmorganeyewear.com) or EyeglassesUSA Muse Eloquence in Tortoise/Beige or Shiny Black chisel in cheekbones and firm up round or saggy faces, while modern cat-eye glasses such as the Warby Parker Haley in Jet Black or Opal Tortoise ($95, warbyparker.com) give the eyes a lift. Rounded frames such as the EyeBuyDirect Women’s Morla Glasses Round Tortoise Eyeglasses ($39, eyebuydirect.com) can flatter long or thin faces and help soften expression lines around the mouth and chin. Second glances coming right up!

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(Clockwise from top left) Viola Davis, Sharon Stone, Lucy Liu, Kris Jenner and Alyssa Milano

Taylor Hill/WireImage; Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for The Elles Collective; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images; Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images; Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

2. ‘You changed your hair!’

Cut it, layer it or grow it, and wait for the accolades to roll in. Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. Sometimes it’s a total pivot — say from long to a bob or pixie — or adding bangs or layers to a signature one-length style you’ve worn for years. Maybe you’ve decided to let your natural waves and texture do its thing instead of blow-drying sleek or vice versa. Even one change can make a big difference in your private personal approval rating. A feathery fringe or sideswept bangs can hide forehead creases and thinning at the hairline, cropping to a bob or lob can make long stringy hair appear instantly thicker and snipping shaggy layers can hide breakage. However, the honeyed words coming your way from others are the worthy public payback!