Beauty tips for the badly ageing

[mrlistersgelfbride]

I'm 39 and I think in the last 2 years I've started ageing very badly. My eyes are the worst area really.
It wouldn't be a problem but I am in a reasonably new job and my manager likes to have a social media presence and take photos of the team. I take selfies but I like to filter them first 😅 ...but other people don't.
On each team photo she takes and posts I look absolutely awful! I work with people in their 20s and I am aware how haggard I look next to them.

What about make up? I like eyeliner and mascara but started skipping wearing it for work when I'm in a hurry. I think this was a mistake? Foundation seems to slip off in a few hours.
I've always cut and dyed my own hair to save money but I've heard having a fringe plcut in can take years off you, so I should probably find a decent hairdresser.
Any go-to products or tips? Any miracle eye creams that work? I've used 0.2% retinol but haven't really seen an effect.
I don't get enough sleep and I don't drink enough water, these are easy things I'm trying to fix.
I'm happy ish with my weight and diet. It's just my face that's the problem! Just to clarify I don't want to look mid 20s- I just want to look better than I do now.
Thanks if you read this.

I recently had a mini makeover at a Benefit beauty counter. I bought a Benefit primer and concealer. I put the primer on first and then use a bit of concealer to even out some redness near my cheeks and a little under my eyes. I then add mascara on my top lashes and some blusher. It takes probably three minutes and I feel very presentable after a I’ve done this. The primer makes my skin look slightly fresher and smoother and feels very light, I hate the feel of foundation.
I do have a fringe but don’t think it makes people look younger.
I think it would be worth getting a professionally done hair cut.

Water and sleep, plus a good, balanced diet, will do the most good, and reducing or cutting out alcohol and smoking.

Wear sunscreen every day, go to some beauty counters and get some free samples to find one you like.

Wear sunglasses to stop squinting and if necessary get / update your eye test so that you have the right glasses or lenses (if needed), again to stop squinting to see.

I think your idea to go to the hairdresser sounds good. Find someone your age whose hair you like and ask for their hairdresser.

How do you filter your selfies? I could do with doing that…I’m much older than you 😂
I think some people are naturally more photogenic than others who look far better in real life. The old rules are probably the best, never go to bed without removing makeup, cleanse & moisturise every morning & night, wear sunscreen, sunglasses do help. Basic, boring but do work.

Regarding retinol: a 0.3 is entry grade and like any retinoids is a long game ingredient. You won't see any difference for months, and if you do, it's not the retinol.
If you've used an entry grade for a while you can probably step up to a stronger one, or a retinAL or even Tret.

A vitamin C serum will brighten skin.

Eye creams (unless for hydrating) aren't really worth the money as you get a tiny pot of what you could get in a bigger tube of serum.

@Darklane I use Airbrush, worth the small yearly fee! 😅

Thanks everyone for your tips.
I'm going for buy some higher strength retinol and I've found a couple of hairdressers locally that come highly recommended.
I won't be going make up free either!

Could you just ask your manager not to include you in all the photos? I know it's not exactly what you are asking about, but I would hate to have my photo taken all the time at work...

I feel like this will draw attention to it more, plus I'm still newish in my job and don't want to cause any issues or embarrassment-for myself as much anything!

Sorry OP, that sounds really annoying. I know what you mean about not wanting to make a big deal of it, I would hate constantly having my photo taken though.

What I will say is other people don't tend to notice our insecurities the way we do. Your colleagues aren't scrutinising these photos like you are, or if so they are worried about their own stuff. If you smile and look happy that's what most people notice and remember.

Vaseline is my not so secret weapon.

I have been using it for nearly five decades around my eyes and lips after I've applied moisturiser and any serums at bed time.

Also on eyelashes and eyebrows and fingernails and backs of hands.

It's miraculous stuff that keeps wrinkles at bay.

I second going to a make up bar in a department store or similar and getting make up advice, even buying one product makes the help worth it.
Def step up skin care routine, being in your 30s is a good time to start using retinol and a good hyaluronic acid serum and like you say, drink more.
Invest in what's right for your skin, sleep and hydration will help your eye concerns to a degree.

Lastly, def go to a salon for a haircut. Even if you colour it yourself it will always look better with a professional cut.

Castor oil. Check out the videos about it on YouTube and read the comments underneath. It's a miracle oil.

I love the fringe and heavy eyeliner look! I know it doesn't suit everyone, and I had to abandon my fringe because my hair is too thin now :0(

As much as you can, focus on looking and feeling as good as you can without comparing to anyone decades younger! You can look great without looking 'young'.