What one thing has made the biggest difference to how you look?

[ToQueendomCome]

I'm in my late 40s and I'm looking and feeling better than I have in years (possibly ever!)

I'm now wondering what else I can do to keep going in this direction - to keep improving with age.

What's the one thing you've done or do that you think makes the biggest positive difference to the way you look?

I'm struggling to answer this myself tbh! I'd suspect it's a combo of being happy and fulfilled (quite a change from being the stressed out workaholic control freak that I was!), 18:6 fasting and a plant-based diet... but who knows really?!

Facials, I mean. Once every 6 weeks after initial course.

YummyBelicious

^^

Savlon? Used like a moisturiser?

Yes! Used like a moisturiser. It's keeping any pimples at bay, if I have the hint of one coming it's gone the next day. My skin is glowing now too. It honestly a revelation for me. X

I recently learned that you’re supposed to wet your beauty blender (if you use one)

The difference it’s made to my make up is incredible

Does tooth whitening not make your teeth really sensitive? I remember Jonathan Ross's wife saying she woke up screaming after having hers done.

For me:

Weight loss

Then everything else. Bra, good jeans, lovely light makeup, fresh highlights

Dairy-free diet.

My skin is a million times better. I sleep better at night so don't have bags. I feel less tired in myself.

A really simple, basic skincare routine. I've tried all sorts of cleansers, serums and night masks etc but nothing makes my face look so well as a hot cloth cleanse with a mild cleanser before bed, micellar water on my face in the morning, using a face exfoliator twice a week and repeatedly plastering on Clinique Moisture Surge before putting my make up on. Anything more complex than that makes my skin break out!

Interesting that so many of you say weight loss- I've lost a lot of weight and whilst my body looks better, my face has really suffered.

If I had to pick one thing it would have to be yoga.

I've been doing it just twice a week for years and, aside from the benefits to your figure, it makes your hair and skin glow, your face and neck more sculpted, your posture better and it makes you so much calmer and more confident.

When I first saw Arabella Chu enter the Love Island villa (sorry!) it was obvious she was a yoga fanatic, and there are quite a few 40 and 50plus women in my class with figures compatible to her.

@joyfullittlehippo I'm really interested in Invisalign. Can you tell me how much it cost and how long it took etc. I've also heard you need to redo it after a while, is that correct? PM me if you like.

@KnickerBockerAndrew I was thinking the same! My face has a certain sagginess that it didn't when I was bigger and definitely looks older .

So whilst I'm really pleased about my weight loss it definitely isn't my big beauty secret! My main three are:
The Ordinary routine - various acids & serums all give me clearer skin.

Babylis big hair - when I can be bothered to style my hair properly with my BBH it literally transfers from ageing frizz to salon swingy & shiny. Unfortunately I am incredibly lazy have such thick hair it's not a realistic daily option.

Eyebrow threaded & eyelashes dyed

Boxing
Has given a really toned body.

Getting your colours done and style analysis , therefore always wearing stuff that suits you .

Keeping my eyebrows maintained and my hair cut regularly. Taking more care over the clothes I buy and buying what suits me whilst trying to be more up to date with trends.
I think about teeth whitening though, do any of you do home kits?

I was just going to add getting my colours done- I just used an old 80s colour me beautiful book (didn't get a proper consolation) and it's made such a difference - always get compliments wearing key colours

Teeth whitening was one where people stopped to tell me how well I looked and didn't seem to know I'd whitened my teeth, so I reckon it just made me look younger. That's professional whitening, cost about £250 for trays to be made and then I whitened at home.

Yoga and pilates and good bra for posture. I used to buy decent M&S ones (the pretty, silk ones) but after I went to a proper lingerie specialist shop and got some French bras, the posture difference was amazing, and I'm only a D.

Eyebrow shaping every 4 weeks or so, and lash tinting as I don't like mascara.

Exfoliate and night and then put rose facial oil on, makes me glow the next day.

Hair cut and subtle highlights.

Following with great interest, im a mess!
To all those doing weight lifting do you go to the gym or do you do it at home... if home which weights do you use?
Also any good recommendations for the dark marks left behind by spots.

A proper cut and Blow-drying my hair. It’s lovely but I spent years trying to bring out it’s ‘natural’ qualities, air-drying in the hope of a partial wave.

Oh and finding a practitioner who could fix my back-I can stand up straight again!

Microblading.

I'm mid 50's and it's a fab age to be in the run up to 50.

So for me it's been:
Regular dental appointments with the hygienist.
Hairdressers 4 times a year for half head of highlights and cut.
Skincare,skincare, skincare including actives and my beloved Elemis.
Finding a style of clothing that suits and sticking with it, buy multiples if needs be in good quality and cuts.
Sleep, sleep and more sleep.
Water, water and more water.
Reducing carbs and dairy.
A overhauled makeup look that's understated and flattering. I'm an Estée Lauder doublewear fan, light one in summer and regular the rest of the year. Watch YouTube tutorials on mature makeup.
A proper bra fit to hoik everything up where it used to be.
A toned core, I don't mean you have to be skinny but a toned core helps support the whole body so your posture is better.

I'm sure I can think of more but these have served me well.

The proper bra should be acquired by a decent bra fitter. I'm not talking M&S, however the lady I see in Debenhams is fantastic and can spend over 40 minutes with you. Just see a really good bra fitting specialist from recommendations.

Good sex
Fresh air
Laughing

@WhineUp - I’d love your wig lady’s details please, and thanks for the other info too!
I’ll PM you

A short, sharp blunt fringe. Makes me feel strong and happy.