They say that once you are ‘over the hill’ you start to pick up speed. Sadly, for most of us, that hill is steeper than Mount Everest and reaching the summit - let alone ‘whooping’ down the other side - is an impossibility. If you can liken life to a daily trudge through treacle and loathe what the sands of time have done to your appearance, you aren’t alone. Most women go through a stage of self-denigration. Feeling old? You don’t have to!
We all experience moments when our chronological age gets us down. From feeling mildly depressed to hiding ourselves under a coat two sizes too big, the impact is real. Not liking what we see in the mirror, feeling irrelevant and, basically, not wanting to accept we're plain ‘old’ is actually normal. It’s not nice (in fact, it’s horrid), but what if I told you there are ways to tap into your inner youth? Who knows, you might even rediscover the spark that once defined you.
Feeling younger isn’t just about mindset; it’s about looking younger too. I mean, who wants one without the other? Before we explore some easy ways to rewind the clock, there’s one thing we all need to note: the perception of age plays a powerful role in how we feel about ourselves and also how we approach life. Keep that in mind when you read the following top tips for turning back the clock.
Makeup that will stop you feeling old
Many women opt for a new hairstyle to help shake them out of feeling old. While trying something new is a good thing, there's no escaping that we’re still left with the same face! Here are some easy ways to use makeup to minimise the signs of ageing.
For those who currently wear makeup
Are you wearing too much or applying it all wrong? As we age, certain types of makeup can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable. You can counteract the drawbacks of medium to high-coverage foundation by applying a hydrating primer first. As well as helping makeup to adhere to the skin, a good primer will even out the texture of the face, smoothing the appearance of large pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Brightening or illuminating primers will lift the look of dull skin and give even the most lacklustre complexion natural-looking radiance.
A setting spray will eliminate a powdery finish and ensure your look lasts all day. If you find foundation too heavy for your mature skin, a tinted moisturiser or a mineral powder are great alternatives. For a flawless finish, you can still use a light dusting of setting powder before using a spray.
Under-eye brightening powders are all the rage for a reason. A product containing light reflecting particles can knock five to ten years off your face - if applied correctly. Less is more when it comes to this powder. You may find it easier to use a puff and lightly tap it into the skin.
Add some warmth to your face with a few dots of liquid bronzer. Apply to the forehand and blend upwards into the hairline. Also apply to the cheeks. Use a small amount of liquid blush over the bronzer on the cheeks. Blend with clean fingers. It’s faff-free and quick.
If you are a late-comer (like me) to eyeshadow, it’s worth noting that a flash of colour is better than a full eye look. Shadows blended too far above the crease can be ageing. For a youthful look, try a gradient style by blending a medium shade with a very light shade. Apply the darker shade from the outer to middle section of the lid and the lighter colour from the inner corner to the centre. Blend in the middle. If you really want to wow, why not dab a bit of shimmer where the two meet? Be careful not to overload your brush with product and remember that it is better to build a shade than apply too much.
Don’t overlook the fact that eyeshadow is versatile. Use it as an eyeliner (not in the waterline). Achieving a softer look is easy with a thin brush and much less ageing than a traditional liner pencil or liquid.
Mascara is a must! Don’t waste money on products that purport to be specifically formulated for women over a certain age. Just a regular department store formula will do the job. Always apply more than one coat, but you don’t need to go for the full false lash effect.
If you struggle with your lashes, a lash lift and tint could make a real difference. Don’t forget your brows. Invest in a tinted brow gel and use a spoolie brush to define the shape.
Keep your lips looking natural. Avoid bold shades and pair nudes with a demi gloss. A simple lip pencil, smudged onto the lips and topped with lip oil, is a fantastic, trending look.
For those who currently don’t wear makeup
The skincare benefits of modern makeup: People’s perceptions of what makeup is can be a driver when it comes to remaining au naturel. Back in the day, it probably was gunky stuff that blocked pores and made girls look like tarts. Today, foundation is packed with fantastic skincare ingredients and formulated to look natural on the skin. Taking it off is a one-minute job that’s nothing short of pure bliss with a cleansing balm.
If you’ve always been a bit anti makeup, why not try a tinted moisturiser, a brightening powder and some finishing spray? You could complete your natural look with mascara and a clear lip oil.
Subtle changes to our appearance can make a huge difference to our self-esteem. Simply trying something new can be uplifting in itself. You don’t have to go the whole hog to feel the difference.
Want to stop feeling old? Bin those baggy jumpers!
It’s really easy to dress like a frump when you feel like one. The trouble is, once you start hiding yourself in oversized clothes it’s hard to go back. A good exit route is a longer-length blouse. As well as looking smarter, a blouse is versatile. It can be worn over a vest or cami top and is easy to accessorise. A necklace, for example, looks much better when worn with a blouse than with a baggy jumper, sweatshirt or hoodie.
The longer-length blouse, including hanky hem tops, can be compared to the tunic top for versatility. They can be worn over jeans, leggings and tailored trousers, and cover the waist and hips.
Other ways to stop feeling old include:
Exercise: Physical activity isn't just about getting fit; it's a powerful tool for boosting energy levels and mood. Walking is great, but so too is dancing, hiking, swimming, and yoga. Exercise releases endorphins that can make you feel years younger.
Be social: Building strong social connections is important for our well-being. Even if you don’t consider yourself a social person, it pays to make the effort. Spending time with friends and family, joining clubs or groups, or volunteering is the kind of human interaction that reminds us we're part of something bigger than ourselves.
Accept change: Life is full of uncertainties, and change is inevitable. Instead of resisting change, we can embrace it as an opportunity for growth and renewal. Stepping outside our comfort zone, trying new things and not being afraid to take risks is healthy.
Make time for yourself: Just because we aren’t in the full flush of youth doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a good, old pampering. Something as simple as trying a new body wash or spray can really awaken the senses and make us feel ‘alive’. Taking care of our mental health should go hand-in-hand with looking after our physical health.
At the end of the day, age is just a number. By cultivating a youthful mindset and taking action, you can get back to feeling like the younger you. Ageing is a natural process but, with a few simple tips, you can look and feel your best at any age.
Note from the writer: If you are reading this and thinking ‘It’s easier said than done’, I hear you. And, I get it. While I’m beyond obsessive when it comes to self-care and makeup, you may not think that if you bumped into me on my way home from work. I purposely don’t look at my reflection in shop windows, because I literally can’t stand it. I don't recognise the person looking back! By the time I’ve finished a day of toil, I look wretched - and I feel it too. It makes me want to cry.
In fact, it also makes me wish I’d risen up and gathered the masses to protest against the pension age changes. Retirement seemed such a long way off back then; I barely batted an eyelid. It still feels a long way off now and I’ve ‘only’ got seven years to go.
I can rectify how I look - but it doesn’t stop me sinking into, you guessed it, an oversized coat most days and hoping nobody spots me on my daily ‘commute’.
Ageing is cruel and a proactive approach is the only way to overcome the obstacles it throws in our path. We all need a little nudge from time to time, myself included!
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