How do you feel about yourself in your forties?

[summersands]

I am 41 and feeling really down about my appearance. (It doesn’t help that I’m currently single.) I’m going to try some of the great suggestions in the recent make-up thread, which I hope will help. I feel like I also need to change the way I feel; I think looking older has affected my confidence. (It’s as if there’s a voice inside me saying: “You look old and rubbish now!”) If you’re in your 40s, especially if you’re single, have you found a way to feel gorgeous and sexy?!

At 63, I think I am still presentable looking, if no longer youthful. I wear the same clothes I always have (jeans, jumpers, T shirts mostly) but I now spend double on maintenance - skincare and exercise classes (Pilates) - and half on clothes as I have outfits for most occasions. I keep up appearances with accessories.

I'm 46 and married with two young kids. I find as my youngest becomes more able to do things for herself I have a tiny bit more time to look after myself. I definitely lost myself since having her. I don't really need to lose weight but do need to tone up. Id like to start yoga or Pilates to get core strength back. I've started a better skin care routine which does help how I feel about my appearance. I'm happy with my hair at the moment and I'm trying to slowly build a wardrobe of things that suit my shape and are comfy.
I'm peri menopause which hasn't helped matters but I'm just trying bit by bit to figure out myself as a forty something.
Letting go of crap things and crap people who do nothing to inspire me or make me feel positive in any way.
Life is too busy most of the time but that's just how it is at the moment so making the best of it.
The only time I feel properly attractive is when getting dressed up to go out which is rare!