Forget about tree rings, use eyebrows

[CatsGoPurrrr]

Because, eyebrows can be used to 'date' you.

Obviously not like, 'date' date

I'm currently growing my eyebrows out after a couple of disastrous threading sessions in Superdrug and now have a very nice lady keeping them tidy and offering me advice.

When we were chatting, she mentioned that the only people who wanted really thin/shaped eyebrows were middle aged women who were stuck in a rut, because 'no one' wants their brows like that, these days.

I've been looking at my friends eyebrows (which sounds weird, I know!!) and as we're all about the same age, all of us except me and my friend who's a Beauty Therapist have very, very thin brows.

I guess then, that she's right. It's made me think about all sorts of things I do/use out of habit.

I feel like a work in progress atm. I'm growing out my over highlighted hair and reckon I have about 9/10 m to go on that. My hair is cut into a long bob until they're gone.

My eyebrows haven't been this thick since my teens.

I am trying very hard to avoid ruts, but I know they're out there.

I don't want to look young/younger. I'm in my early 40s and happy with that. But does anyone have any advice on what I can do to avoid getting stuck in a rut and what sort of things I should be keeping an eye on?

[dudsville]

I was grateful my eyebrows grew back. The current trend for thicker eyebrows suites me better. For me the switch in how to match colors, which occurred ages ago, still requires thought from me rather than coming naturally.

[Methenyouplus4]

Subtle things like the cut of trousers, type of heel on a shoe, jewellery etc. At the minute, a looser style is in fashion with trousers (not skinny) and high fashion would be loose and cropped 'kick flair ' style (which look awful on most people imo). Heels are block style and jewellery is mainly fine (rather than statement ) with a reurgence in gold. That said, I think there is a lot to be said for finding your own style and maybe just, as you suggested, a gentle nod to trends.

[LazyCake]

Yes, I absolutely agree with you about eyebrows. Highlights too: I tend to associate a well-kept head of blonde highlights with middle-age rather than youth, simply because they have become so ubiquitous in women of that age.

Also, nail colour... When in the nail salon, I notice that older women tend to stick with the classic reds, while younger women go for either pinks, jewel tones or nudes/neutrals.

And dark colours can be very aging (I definitely fall into this trap myself!). Sometimes, when I snoop at other women's outfits on the tube, I notice that many older women are wearing a virtual uniform of black/grey.

What about flesh coloured tights? I love these, due to having corned beef legs, but are they massively aging? Someone, please advise!!

[Polkadot1974]

This is another wake up call for me. My eyebrows are now thicker but my jewellery must age me
Thin and gold is where I need to be right? What would be the worst shoes?

[Floisme]

I don't care if I look middle aged - it's what I am. What I do care about is looking modern. I don't worry about the small details but I'm very careful about specs, hair and jewelry.

I get new specs every two years even though the cost nearly kills me. My hair is very wilful so I've had a broadly similar style for years but I get my hairdresser to tweak it so it still looks current. But I'm not bothered about going grey - I like the colour and I agree that highlights have become a uniform. For jewelry I stick mostly to cheap and cheerful high street because I think so called 'investment pieces' can date quickly.

[Methenyouplus4]

Lazycake- in theory I would avoid flesh colour tights but if it means you won't wear something you like/would feel uncomfortable showing bare legs, then go thin, matt, a very gentle tan and make sure shoes are totally covering heels/toes so it's not as obvious. I think most people wouldn't be looking that close so unless they are really iffy colour/uber shiny, they would go unnoticed. And far better that than really unsightly legs (thinking of my poor mum who won't show her bare legs as coversed in varicose veins ).

Polkadot- yes to gold and fine but be vary of anything that looks too 80s (no dolphins-ha!) That said, statement necklaces still seem to have a place and are still in the shops. The likes of Zara/ Stella and Dot etc are good options.

[AllPizzasGreatAndSmall]

the only people who wanted really thin/shaped eyebrows were middle aged women who were stuck in a rut

I assumed you were talking about women in their sixties rather than forties!

[Mamia15]

Hairstyles can also date you - ever since growing out my pixie cut, I've gone for a blunt cut bob that I can add waves to rather than a graduated bob. Got loads of compliments saying I look a bit fresher/modern.

Being mid 40s I don't follow high fashion but do like to take note of current trends e.g current trend for denim dresses/pinafore so I'm wearing a Boden chino tunic dress in denim with a top underneath it. Its very comfortable and flattering as well which is a bonus.

Agree re eyebrows, very skinny jeans & statement necklaces.

[BennyTheBall]

Well I am middle aged as I am in my forties.

I am very glad that I never plucked my eyebrows to oblivion - I agree it is very ageing.

I think shimmery eyeshadow is extremely ageing once over the 40 mark.

It's easy to get stuck in a hair and make up rut once you get to this age.

[dudsville]

I hadn't seen this thread as being about trying to look young, but about updating looks. When I mix colours or patterns the way my younger colleagues do I do it because I think it's interesting but I know it doesn't make me look young and that's ok. I love being inspired by younger colleagues!

[roundandroundthehouses]

The 'switch in how to match colours' mentioned above - er, what's that about? (Mid-40s and reading with interest)

[dudsville]

I don't know how to describe it Round but it happened a while back so you may be so familiar with it now you don't think about it. It used to be that colours matched now they clash but within tone... a bit like the way shoes, belts and handbags used to match and now they clash but only in certain ways. I don't have the S&B language to describe this properly!

[redhat]

I suspect I am very dated since I'm never out of my uniform of dark denim jeggings/skinny jeans, cashmere poncho, sunglasses pushing back my hair and stiletto heels.

Hmm, I do have big (ish) eyebrows though. How big are we talking? Mine aren't by way means the way they were in the 80s.

[ihatethecold]

Following with interest.
I have naturally thick eyebrows and I'm early forties.
When I was in my early 20's I used to get teased for the way they looked.
Finally I'm on trend!!!

[Mamia15]

Big eyebrows are in - as long as these are groomed.

[blueskyinmarch]

I am in my 50’s. I have blonde highlighted bob. But my hair is blonde anyway and the cut is one I have had on and off for years. I suits it me and it looks miles better than my mummy years short spiky look.

My eyebrows are the shape they have always been. I will never have really thick brows. I just pluck the stragglers. I would look stupid with dark heavy brows.

I have moved to a darker eyeliner and do my eye make up very differently. I think it looks fresher and more modern now.

I have never liked chunky jewellery. I wear what i like and always have done.

I like clothes shopping and try to make sure amy clothes are fairly up to date but i would never try to emulate the looks my DD’s go for as it would make me look very silly.

I often get told i look like i could be in my early 40’s so i can’t be doing too bad!

[Floisme]

I agree with dud that it's not about looking younger. You can look every day of your age and still look modern.

One reason I shop a lot at H&M - not for high fashion but for basics like shirts and knitwear - is that the tell tale details: the shape of the sleeves or size of the collar, will be current. Whistles is similar though more ££. That way I can dress quite classically but still look up to date.

[NicknameUsed]

I don't notice the little "tell tale" details in fashion. I either like something or don't. I am similar to bluesky in that I dress to suit my shape in clothes that are up to date rather than the height of fashion.

My shoes probably give me away because I can't be doing with wearing uncomfortable shoes, so high heels are a no no for me.

[hollyisalovelyname]

blueskyinmarch '.... I would look stupid with dark heavy brows'
So many do
I hate the over darkened, heavy eye brow look that is in.
It doesn't suit so many but they slavishly follow the trend.

[Floisme]

in that I dress to suit my shape in clothes that are up to date rather than the height of fashion.
So do I. As I've said, a lot of my clothes are fairly classic. I don't particularly keep up with the details myself but I shop at places that do. And I always wear flats.

[iPost]

I'm 48 and if I'd never touched my eyebrows I'd be bang up to date right now.

But I didn't leave them alone. And they've never grown back.

My choices are unfashionably thin, or spend inordinate amounts of time trying to draw them back on. And then getting that wrong cos I have never got on well with eyebrow pencils

They are jet black, despite my having mousey hir on my head. And now the odd pure white one is sprouting the contrast makes them stand out. Tried to colour them in. Ended up looking like I had two unruly centipedes, psyching themselves up for fight, on my face.

I give up. I am of my time. And that is better than the "insect cage fighting" alternative.

They make false eyelashes, why can't they make false eyebrows ?

[blueskyinmarch]

The funny thing about those dark eyebrows is that everyone on here talks about them but i never see them on people. I know loads of people aged 18-28 (my DD’s are 18 and 23) and the only person i know with brows like that is a woman in her early 40’s who i think tries too hard (think blonde extensions, orange make up, mega thick black eyeliner, long gel nails, high shoes etc). Most people i know favour a natural look. I don’t live in a city though, i live in a rural Scottish area. Is it a city thing?

[3perfectweemen]

Hi should I go thicker eyebrows? I need them waxed but thinking of letting thicken up a little?

[Archedbrowse]

I think thicker brows do look better, but the shape is the most important thing - they don't have to be the 'drawn on' uber thick kind - unless this is what suits you.
Try and find a good local eyebrow person (Instagram is quite good for this) who will help you 'manage' them over time. I did this about 3 years ago, she kept them presentable whilst we grewthem out over a few months, and now she just keeps the shape for me, but I go every month religiously. My eyebrows are my 'thing' now, which is amazing as most of my adult life they were a mess!

[redhat]

3perfect You have very pretty eyes but I think your eyebrows are too thin, particularly in the middle.