Want to look as good as Meryl Streep? We ask a beauty panel of experts their secrets to looking good at any age

1. Wear subtle make-up

Defining your brows, wearing mascara or adding some colour on your lips and cheeks are simple things, but they can make you look primped and polished. DON’T Opt for shimmer or sparkly finished products – these textures will draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles…uh oh!

2. Wear false lashes or lash extensions

Combat the loss of some of our eyelashes, which occurs as we age. Today, there is a huge variety of lashes, from natural to glamourous. DON’T Ignore the care advice if you opt for the longer-lasting effect of lash extensions. They will last for close to a month, but you need to care for them properly.

3. Increase consumption of aloe vera

It’s high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes. Importantly, the high levels of polysaccharides have a lubricating effect on joints, skin, the nervous system and the brain. They also help to maintain healthy digestive, immune and cardiovascular systems and stable blood sugar. DON’T Consume animal protein (i.e. dairy and meat), as it increases the acid load in the body, resulting in calcium being pulled from the bones in order to neutralise the acid. As a consequence, the calcium loss weakens bones, putting them at greater risk of fracture.

4. Try cosmetic acupuncture

It’s natural and is a viable alternative to Botox and other processes designed to reduce the signs of ageing . Each person is treated differently based on their individual health concerns and cosmetic goals. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific areas of the face, neck, and head to stimulate the skin cells by improving blood circulation, which in turn increases the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a vital part of the connective tissue that forms the supporting mesh that keeps the skin firm and supple. Improved local blood supply to the areas of the face strengthens and tightens the facial tissue. DON’T Get Botox!

5. Use a good power-packed moisturiser

Choose one that contains women’s herbs to support the skin during and after menopause, when the body is not producing the hormones it used to. During this time the skin becomes finer, drier and more prone to lines, and it pays to use a good face mask and serum for the face and neck. It is important at this age to layer your skin with nutrients to nourish and rejuvenate it. DON’T Panic about character lines. These lines can be lessened and fine lines will plump out with good skincare, keeping skin extremely healthy and lively looking. Your face also provides your grandchildren with your own personal journal; what story would you like your face to tell?

6. Play around with colour

Your hair may begin to get quite resistant to colour, but there are some great age-defiant colours, so consult your regular stylist. Your hair may be not as easy to style, and may develop a wave or curl – learn to love it! DON’T Neglect regular cuts. They may help to maintain your hair through this stage, when you may notice your hair density and texture is dramatically different to what it was 20 years ago.

7. Trim your brows

Trim your eyebrows if they’re too long or if you have greys that bother you. DON’T Colour your brows black. In your 50s, brows that are too dark can make you look even older.

8. Reach for the plumping ingredients and restore the volume

The average age of menopause is 50, and skin tends to lose oil during this period and can appear parched with brown spots increasing. Replace oil stripping cleansers with creamier bases and look for treatment serums and products that add oil as opposed to water. Skin can also begin to hollow out under the eyes and cheek area, so if you’re not opposed to going under the needle, dermal fillers can restore some plumpness and volume in these areas. DON’T Forget about your diet. A diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables is full of the antioxidants that will help to protect overall skin health. A poor diet actually accelerates the skin ageing process.

9. Avoid tanning

You should also use vitamin enriched products to promote cell renewal. Also use a custom blended foundation to help conceal skin imperfections. DON’T Wear a smoky eye.

10. Consider veneers

These are permanent (bleaching is only temporary) and can fix dental flaws beyond colour, such as shortened or worn down teeth. The effect can take years off! DON’T Underestimate the importance of your dental care now. You need to seek out conservative, good, thorough dentistry.

11. Eat foods high in phytoestrogens

Like legumes, GMO-free soy, red clover tea, and ground flaxseeds, which will combat the drop in estrogen that can unfortunately cause a drop in our skin.

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