BY SYLVIA MASUDA
Staff Writer

How much do you care about stray facial hairs?

Charla Krupp's mother really, really cares. She says that when she dies, her face had better not have a whisker hanging from her lip or a stray hair blemishing her chin.

Krupp, herself, is a stickler for looking flawless. Her career has depended on it: She is a former editor at Glamour, InStyle and People magazine's StyleWatch, and has done more than 100 style segments on NBC's "Today" show.

Her new book, "How Not to Look Old" (Springboard Press), was written to give baby boomers hope that they can still be luscious cougars even after they've hit the big Four-Oh.

"My book is about not giving up on yourself," Krupp says. "I'm on a mission to show women over 40 that they can't give up on themselves if they want to keep their jobs, keep their relationships."

If you're not satisfied with how you look, Krupp says, that blah attitude can affect every part of your life - from your family, to your marriage, to your career.

Charla Krupp's "How Not to Look Old"reveals ways to transform yourself. The author considers the following tips the most important advice for women to remember:

>Stow the clunky heels in the closet and bring back your sexy sling-backs.

A hot pair of pumps can elongate your legs and boost your confidence. Go for a tall, stacked heel. You can add foot cushions to fight off the aches, but if the blisters still get to you, pick a short kitten heel or a sleek wedge sandal, which puts less pressure on the heel.

>Styles change, so adapt to them.

Just because it fits doesn't mean you can wear it," Krupp says. She suggests accenting your wardrobe with just a few of the season's trends to show "you're in the groove." Designers such as Vera Wang, Nicole Miller and Stella McCartney have developed affordable, accessible lines to rummage through.

>Adjusting yourself to the season goes for makeup trends as well.

Krupp says a lot of women stick to the same colors, textures and products for years, but even cosmetic looks change. One day, the "in" thing can be a glossy lip color; the next day, it's a matte stain.

>Quit puffing on that cigarette.

It'll not only make you look younger and feel healthier; it'll save you money in the long run.

>Lighten up on the lipstick.

The dark, burgundy shade that older women usually go for, Krupp says, makes lips look thin and emphasizes under-eye circles. Choose a pink color with a hint of shine to give your face some pop.

>Piling on the foundation and concealer is a cosmetic sin that'll only add years to your face.

Dab it on with fingers instead of a brush or sponge, and blend. Just keep the foundation off of your neck.

>"A thin face is an old face," Krupp says.

Jogging off the pudge is fine, but don't strive for a stick-thin figure. Having said that, it's a must to couple a diet with steady exercise. You don't have to spend bucks on a gym membership - just run around the block for free.

>Don't wax your brows yourself.

As you age, eyebrow hairs become sparse, and wax can take off more than you bargained for. It's best done by a professional. Better yet: Laser off the strays. That way, you'll only have to maintain your brows once a year.

>Plastic surgery is not the answer.

In fact, getting your lips plumped or your face lifted can make you look even older than you are, Krupp says.

>Don't go gray.

Gray hair tends to retain a yellowish tinge and a coarse texture that makes it difficult to work with. Consult a colorist at least once; then, if you don't have the funds to keep visiting him, dye it regularly at home.

>If you're not happy with the way your haircutter or colorist does your tresses, go elsewhere.

It's difficult to tell someone you don't like their work, but, as Krupp says, it's your hair. In L.A., you have a lot of great salons at your fingertips, so take advantage of that.

>Embrace shapewear.

High-rise panties and control-top hosiery are essential to looking 10 pounds thinner and smoothing out muffin tops and panty lines. A bodysuit may not look or feel flattering by itself, but slip on a dress and you've got a seamless sex-kitten silhouette - just like from your younger years.

In "How Not to Look Old," author Charla Krupp lists a shopping spree's worth of must-have beauty and fashion products. These are some of her favorites.

>Tip Toes cushions from Foot Petals ($6.95): These adhesive cushions come in sassy animal prints, as well as in standard black and beige.

>Body Bling by Scott Barnes ($48): Give legs and arms a glimmer and cover up varicose veins and scars with this body lotion.

>Shisedo Fine Eyeliner ($27): A brush applicator makes it easy to draw a thin, subtle line.

>Clairol Nice 'n Easy Gray Solution ($9.99): It's an inexpensive alternative to dyeing your hair at the salon.

>Cover Girl TruShine lipcolor ($6.29): It looks great on 97 percent of skin types, Krupp says.

>Spanx's metal-free Bra-llelujah! bra line ($36-$62): Wide straps provide ultimate comfort while eliminating back fat and visible bra lines.

>Bra(g) bra bags ($50): They're pricey, but they keep your bras from getting squished, stretched and misshapen when you're traveling.

>Oil of Olay's Definity line ($13-$27): It's meant especially for pampering older skin. The Illuminating Eye Treatment is recommended for lightening dark circles and preserving delicate undereye skin.

>Crest Whitestrips ($30-$40): Yellow stains, begone. These little miracle workers can wipe away years of discoloration from quaffing coffee and tea.