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?!

"But to answer the question ... the one thing that has made the biggest difference to how I look is refusing to engage with subjects or people that cause me anxiety or make me feel low. Anyone that incessantly moans or complains, or creates dramas out of nothing, I stay well away from or limit my exposure." Well said Packing, that's probably the best wisdom of the thread.

Interesting that so many have said weight loss. When my dm was in her forties she lost a couple of stone and it seemed to age her ten years, her face kind of dropped!

I think losing the extra stone or so that a lot of women gradually gain around this age really helps. It’s harder though. I used to be able to lose half a stone in a week without thinking about it in my 20s.

So hard though, the weight thing. You’d think some clever scientist would have invented a magic pill by now.

yearinyearout good point. I can also think of people for whom losing that extra couple of stone was very ageing. But it still probably makes them feel better, stronger, healthier so that’s more important than your face I guess.

Probably.

I think there is a healthy balance on weight loss before it affects your face too much. In reality though, being a healthy weight is always better for you.

Less makeup
A small bit of self-tanner
Pilates
Retinol
Glaucoma drops for eyelashes

I probably go to the hairdresser every 12 weeks or so, my hair is long and wavy. I dye my roots when they show. I practice intermittent fasting and rarely eat sugar. I think these two things have made the most difference. Y. Skin glows. I weight train and run t days a week. On the days I don't, I walk a lot or hike with my children. If I'm stressed, I actively tackle it by making sure I have something to look forward to at the end of the day, and practice mediation.
I've found that taking care of your health is key, rather than make up and nails

So many typos, I practice meditation, run and weight train 5 days a week

Stopped drinking.

Started shaving my head.

Stopped giving a fuck about whether people were judging me or not. I look exactly how I want to and feel better in myself. It's a like mental shrug of the shoulders. If that makes sense!

(As a bit of background I had a couple of years of hair loss and spent hours worrying over my bald patches and trying to fill in my eyebrows and tying scarves in knots. It's very freeing to just think fuck it)

I'm sorry, I just read that back and it sounds so thoughtless to other people with hair loss. I really didn't mean to be insensitive (if I had had the money for a proper wig I probably would have been happier to be honest, shaving it all off was more of a last resort than a deliberate choice but it worked out for me and I do recommend it)

I think anxiety takes a toll on my face. I seem to hold tension in my face. When I am chilled I look like a different person. Need to get rid of the anxiety.

eyelash extensions, I had them for most of this year and they really enhanced my looks more than you can imagine (I'm 63) Unfortunately they did some damage to my eyelashes after 8 months so I'm having a rest. If I look jaded after Christmas I'll get them done again.

I have braces at 48!!. Absolutely no pics of me anywhere as hated my teeth. Sullen isn't attractive imo!!. Only a few weeks to go!!

Age.

Interesting that so many have said weight loss. When my dm was in her forties she lost a couple of stone and it seemed to age her ten years, her face kind of dropped!

Presumably still a big difference to how she looked.

I feel better about how I look at 49 than I have ever, apart from the wrinkles.
I get my brows done, keep my hair dyed nicely, shiny and straight, and because I'm short and mousy, only wear clothes that u don't look dull and stumpy in.

Natural look eyelash extensions. I have a baby and am permenantly shattered but they make me look awake and I don't need makeup. They've made a huge difference

How do you manage eyelash extensions? Can you wear eyeliner? Can you wash your face?

One time. Do they make your eyes seem bigger and bring them out more? I am lucky to naturally have long eyelashes but I am always trying to bring out my eyes, especially in photos as they almost disappear.

Being slim. Everything starts from there for me, I look better in clothes, I feel better and less sluggish, because of those two elements I am more confident in myself and also being slim is youthful. What would be "puppy fat" or "plump" in a young body is very easily translated as "middle aged spread" In your 40s.

Webuilt it's not thoughtless of you, taking control of something outside your control is an empowering approach, and I'm sure many that are struggling with hair loss themselves (and all the concealing tricks, worrying, checking etc that goes along with it) would admire your attitude.

Marking place. I’m approaching 40 and can’t get away with my previous non existent beauty efforts any more.

Teeth whitening I did years ago for wedding and should definitely do again.

Weight training sounds good too (also for future bone density). I already lost weight and am happy with my size but am not at all toned.

Weight loss - I would agree with a PP who said many of us overestimate how much food we need (or underestimate what we actually eat). I didn’t calorie count but reduced the quantity of food a lot. I now skip breakfast, have a small brunch/lunch, snack around 5 and decent size dinner. My mum (slim at 70) eats a lot but it’s 90% vegetables.

I think going blonder would make a big difference to my looks, I just need to accept the commitment to more regular hair appointments.

I need to do something about under eye circles and lower lid pouches after years of crap sleep (thanks DC). Any tips?

agree that it's weight loss - the single best thing I did was lose weight. I'm also fairly toned from running and yoga. But those activities are also good for my mental health. and with good mental health comes confidence and happiness which are also really helpful in looking good.

Apart from that it's keeping on top of the brows, having regular trims. Not going out in joggers and a scrunchie - making a bit of an effort with hair and clothes - if I wear joggers, I just feel a bit crap. wearing the right colours. Finding clothes that suit you and also just the confidence you get in your 40s. (and agree, it's about being happy with life a bit too maybe).

Upper blepharoplasty. Lower if needed

How do you manage eyelash extensions? Can you wear eyeliner? Can you wash your face?

They are a lot of upkeep compared to other beauty treatments.... I usually get a full set every 3/4 weeks which takes 90mins. I have an excellent technician who comes to my house and I just lie on the sofa and snooze! You can also get infills in between.

You can wear eyeliner of course but I would just be careful with your remover as you will be rubbing over the lashes. I don't wear any eyemake up except some small amount of shimmer over the top maybe.

Yes you wash your face as normal, you can clean the lashes as normal. Just not first 24 hours.

To the poster asking about opening up your eyes, yes definitely. If you have long lashes you could go for a half set no need for a full set in a heavier weight lash.

I've been having extensions for a few years now and my number one tip is find a good salon/ technician who uses quality glue, this won't damage your lashes at all. When my extensions drop out they very rarely make my lashes come out with them ie attached. When I went to a cheaper salon this always happened.