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Original poster

What age do you think your looks started to fade ?

472 replies

LardLizard · 14/02/2018 23:30

I think I still look pretty great at forty, don’t think my skin looks forty at all
So I’m wondering when will I really notice it ? Know it’s different for everyone
I’m think maybe after 50 now ?

OP posts:
Missingstreetlife · 15/02/2018 08:54

A lot depends on bones and skin, genetics. Look at some of the great older women, still look fabulous.
60s things start to change in a big way, but not necessarily bad.
Health more important than, and contributes to looks. Enjoy life, it shows.

MiniTheMinx · 15/02/2018 08:56

Openup41, I'm very pale. Russian, Latvian, English.
When I said "not pretty like an English rose" I was referencing the idea or common stereotype of the young plumper faced, baby faced, blonde that other posters mentioned. I'm attractive, but not what I think people commonly refer to when using the word pretty. And yes I agree western civilization seems to have set the agenda in terms of what is considered pretty, and this has also changed over time. I also think there is a difference between beautiful and pretty. Beautiful is perhaps more subjective, less biased by cultural influences. Many women of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria are beautiful, stunning. If I used the word "pretty" it would neither describe nor do justice.

TrickyKid · 15/02/2018 08:58

42/43 for me. My skin lost it's glow and stated to get dark circles under my eyes.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 15/02/2018 08:59

Sorry. The whole idea of people who have just turned 35 or early 40 talking about how their looks have faded is just so depressing. Enjoy what you have now.

Loonoon · 15/02/2018 09:00

For me it was definitely the menopause at 49/50. Suddenly my face and eyes started to sag, I got jowls and neck wrinkles and my skin looked dull. I have always looked young for my age and I realised that for the first time in my adult life people were no longer surprised when they found out how old I was.

I am 56 now have regular mini-Botox to open up my eyes and RF facials to firm my skin and jawline. I use retinol products to brighten my skin and am much more diligent about using high SPF products. I know it's all vanity and superficial but I look and feel so much better than I did 5 years ago.

NewYearNiki · 15/02/2018 09:00

I am reminded of the opening lines of the Sunscreen Song which was released when I was at uni.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.

I heard those words at the age of 20 and only now do they make sense.

I did not enjoy the power and beauty of my youth.

stevie69 · 15/02/2018 09:00

I think I'm looking pretty stunning for 51 Blush Body wise, that is. The face is nowt to write home about but it never was; hasn't got worse with age Grin

I look a whole load better now than I did at 40.

MrsMaxwell · 15/02/2018 09:01

43 next month and I look ok, if I gave booze up I look amazing Grin - weight seems to go on my face.

I have had Botox once though Blush

PeapodBurgundy · 15/02/2018 09:02

I'm 29 and I've looked like utter crap for about 2 years now. It's depressing.

eurgh2018 · 15/02/2018 09:03

I'm 37 and improving with age, like a fine antique Grin

In seriousness, I do think I've looked better through my 30s than I did in my 20s and often get told this when people see old photos, but shedding 3 dress sizes probably has something to do with that!!

LoisWilkersonsLastNerve · 15/02/2018 09:04

39 and fading fast here. I definitely fall into the baby faced blonde category. My features are small and symmetrical. I don't look as good now as my peers with stronger characteristics. I remember a friend who was studying art when we were teens saying she didn't ask me to pose as my face was perfect but had no character and would make a bland portrait. It's like a melted welly now I should give her a call.

MargeryFenworthy · 15/02/2018 09:04

I'm 45 this year and think I look as good as I've ever looked. In the last few years I've paid a lot more attention to my personal style and it's paid off. I take good care of myself and it's pretty clear that I do, I think.

IhatePipArcher · 15/02/2018 09:06

Agree with Lucille - utterly depressing thread. And pointless. Why are women so harsh on themselves and each other? There really is no male equivalent is there?

morningconstitutional2017 · 15/02/2018 09:08

I'm 63 and although I've always looked a bit younger I think over the last five years or so I've deteriorated - getting a bit jowly and hope I don't end up looking like a bulldog! Even if I won the Lotto I don't think I'd go under the surgeon's knife. Grateful to be alive.

LoisWilkersonsLastNerve · 15/02/2018 09:08

Very true ihatepip.

woodhill · 15/02/2018 09:11

50 for me tbh. I think it becomes higher maintenance

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 15/02/2018 09:13

About 38 when I suddenly put on weight (thyroid)

I haven’t aged well at all I look tired and overweight I don’t carry weight well

I was very pretty at 35 I am not at all now so no not everyone stays good looking

blackteasplease · 15/02/2018 09:13

About 38 for me.

LightastheBreeze · 15/02/2018 09:14

It's only my face that is particular aged since 50, as long as I am dressed, my figure still looks good, tall, size 12-14 and no middle or late age spread, maybe I should just wear a paper bag on my head then I could probably pass for 30 Grin

Sarahh2014 · 15/02/2018 09:16

I'm looking younger than my nearly 38 years at the mo but fully aware that could change.Hence looking after my skin. I've used anti aging products since early 20s

BerkInBag · 15/02/2018 09:18

I just re-read the thread title which I didn't really take in on first reading and wanted to say that although I felt I started to look a little tireder at 46, I wouldn't describe that as my looks "fading". I would describe it as looking like a mature woman, which after all is what I am and that's not a bad thing in my book.

KittyB52 · 15/02/2018 09:22

Last time I liked how I looked was when I was in my mid twenties, when I was OK looking (plus slimmer and with my own sense of style still). I am now 45 and after years of fertility treatment, Ill health and lack of sleep thanks to my 11 month old DD, I look haggard.

I’d like to get back to liking my looks, but it’s just not a priority at the moment. I still take photos of myself with DD, even if I think I look awful, as she will want to see photos of her mum when we’re older. Smile

Bluntness100 · 15/02/2018 09:22

I'm not sure looks fade, more they change subtly. People can look better or worse. A lot can do with diet, lifestyle, and even knowing about and having the time, desire and resources to groom.

For me I think the biggest impact is weight. Being overweight or underweight can significantly impact on someone's looks and much more as we age.

The trick seems to be maintaining a healthy weight for our height.

JaceLancs · 15/02/2018 09:23

I felt most attractive at 35
40+ fading
I’m now 53 with not a wrinkle in sight and told I look mid 40s but I feel old and tired!
It’s things like my hair is so much drier and needs a lot of attention
I feel my skin is not as soft plump and dewy as it used to be
Thankfully due to weight loss I’m feeling ok about my figure and my boobs are still up there even without a bra
I have friends in their 60s who look fab - but know they spend a lot of time and money to do so
I’m lazy and broke!

ShowMePotatoSalad · 15/02/2018 09:24

My face changed after having a baby at 28. I've changed my make up routine which has helped but I can definitely see my looks fading. Not that bothered to be honest, I've never been owt special.