Most women work very hard to keep themselves looking well-groomed and radiant, but once they reach their forties they often notice that their skin is changing and their hair is drier than it used to be. This is when it is time to take action and work towards getting that youthfulness back again.
1. Take a good look at your complexion - do you have age spots, dark circles under the eyes, tired and lifeless looking skin, or too many lines? If so, you need to improve your skin care routine:
a) Always use a gentle cleanser, toner and moisturiser daily, and use a face pack and facial scrub once a week. Use a good quality sunscreen too, and if you are unsure of your skin type, ask for some expert advice before buying any products - try the Natural Elements organic range. www.naturalelements.co.uk/
b) Use a good anti-aging cream daily to nourish and moisturise the delicate eye area - Lifecell and Athena are two good products to try.
c) Why not try electrical stimulation? Cleo 'Q' sells home-use devices that are simple to use, and work on the face and neck muscles. Used regularly, it can make you look years younger by keeping the muscles in good shape. www.cleo-club.com/
d) Think carefully about the make-up you use; a good quality foundation, such as Este Lauder, can work wonders on your appearance. Use a concealer cream for dark spots and circles under the eyes, and try to stick to more pastel shades of make-up to avoid drawing too much attention to certain areas.
2. Consider a new hair cut - this could take years off you! Think about the addition of bangs or layers to emphasise your best features. A few highlight and lowlights can help to make any emerging grey hairs less noticeable.
3. Whiten your teeth - perhaps your teeth are looking a little stained from too much coffee. Why not get them whitened for a great smile!
4. New glasses - if you wear glasses, consider changing them for a pair that matches your skin tone and the shape of your face better.
5. Look at your clothes - a properly fitting bra can improve your bust line and make your clothes fit better. Buy clothes that emphasis your good points and choose colours that suit your skin tone and hair colour.
It is also important not to overlook the addition of a good healthy diet, including lots of water to hydrate the skin, along with plenty of regular exercise. Smoking, too much caffeine, alcohol, fatty and sugary foods, and lack of sleep can all contribute to skin aging, which could stop you from gaining that youthful glow!