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How to look better at 50 (ish)

107 replies

SereneSquirrel · 30/10/2025 11:22

I don't mean younger.

I mean healthier, I think. Fresher. Less knackered.

When I look in the mirror I always look tired and old.

I am not trying to look younger, just nicer.

What works for you? More exercise? Better diet? Better sleep? Different make up? Or do I just need to suck it up and accept that this is how I look now?

OP posts:
EasternStandard · 30/10/2025 14:30

Thelankyone · 30/10/2025 14:24

Weight, it’s the number one thing that’s ageing, too thin or too fat. A matronly bust atop a big belly. Or a thin body with no muscle tone. We should aim for a healthy bmi, irrelevant of where on the bmi scale be it 19 or 24 that suits our frame, with muscle tone, is the most youthful.

good hair, in good condition. With a good cut/style, no washed out colours, brassy colours, dry ends, massive roots.

good skin, this doesn’t just come from skin care, it comes from diet and lifestyle, being hydrated, eating enough protein, vegetables, fruit, limiting alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Skin is also your body as well as your face, so moisturising all over to keep it supple and bright.

good make up if you chose to wear it, subtly done to highlight the positives and blur the negatives, nothing harsh, fake or caked.

good eyebrows, thin , sparse or over drawn in is never good.

good clothes, quality pieces, in a current cut, in a quality material that fit properly. So maybe wide leg trousers, rather than skinnies, midi dresses rather than knee length etc etc, whatever suits you, not going for fashion, but going for a nod to current, depending on age, also aiming for elegant and modern, is better than going for cheap fashion, in crap materials and cut. Try vinted for higher end high st. Like Reiss, me + em, max mara etc if on a limited budget.

subtle perfume if you like perfume, or a scented body lotion, something you love the smell of, stays close to the body, and makes you feel good.

snd importantly exercise if you’ve time, exercise gets the blood flowing, brings a flush to our skin, and makes us feel better, at least after if not during.

make small changes one at a time, it’s amazing the difference some self care and love can make to our outward appearance and subsequently how we feel about ourselves.

I reckon this is pretty close to everything

Tryingatleast · 30/10/2025 14:33

I personally think the answer has got to be sleep, nutrition, water and excercise. Easy. (I am failing at all 4 at the mo btw!!)

Madickenxx · 30/10/2025 14:41

Most things have already been covered - I'd add find opportunities to smile and laugh as often as possible as I think that really helps us looking healthy and fresh. Aside from socialising, I also watch quite a bit of comedy and generally try hard not to get too worked up by all the idiots of this world 😅.

Oh and wear clothes that you love (same with home interiors too). Aside from basics, I only buy things that I get somewhat obsessed about I can't wait to wear. I have no idea what my colours are but I love every colour that I wear so it doesn't matter really.

HouseOfNoRegrets · 30/10/2025 15:01

Good thread.

I'm in my early 50s and get told I look well for my age. I think a good posture and 'springiness' makes a person look well. People who appear engaged or curious about life often look well too; there is something about showing up and being present in your own life that really shines, even when things are really shit, as I can attest to this year.

I don't use alcohol or tobacco.

I'm going against the skincare regime advocates to say that I wash my face with a cold flannel and literally any old bar soap and occasionally use some multipurpose moisturiser on my face, and my skin is clear and glowy. I don't wear make-up bar a slick of eyeliner and mascara.

I drink only water (lots of it) and tea.

I do intermittent fasting and eat well with all meals home-cooked, based on a protein and vegetables. I've cut out pretty much all refined sugar and carbs and it has been a game changer for my energy and immunity.

I exercise in some form every day and include some breath work and postural alignment every time, whether at the gym, outdoors or at home.

SecretSantaz · 30/10/2025 15:03

Diet- only non UPF and at least 7-8 portions of fruit and veg a day. Hardly any sugar and no alcohol for 30 years (allergic.)

I eat good fats- almonds every day, avocado, oily fish.

Red meat no more than once a week.

SPF 50 daily since I was 35.

Walk 3 miles a day (up hill.)

Light weights/ yoga/ pilates at home.

Regular dental check ups and hygienist 3 x a year.

HRT

Make up every day.

Hair cut and colour every 8-10 weeks.

Not gaining weight (same as I was in my 20s.) Size 8-10 (I'm short so every pound extra shows.)

I am told I look much younger than my age.

It all takes time and effort.

Worldgonecrazy · 30/10/2025 15:18

Dancing - dance at gigs or in the kitchen or in the shop if you like the song …

Eat non processed healthy food.

Sleep.

Play and laugh.

Wear what you want not what you should.

Lift heavy.

If money is tight then E45 cream and various items from The Factory Outlet Shop can save pounds.

Skip.

Have fun - why is it only kids that get to do silly stuff like walk along narrow walls or leapfrog posts?

Nod towards make up trends.

I have cut my own hair since covid - blessed with curls so it doesn’t need to be too exact. I also like my greys so don’t colour it.

Embrace ageing - move.

There is a saying - we don’t stop because we get old, we get old because we stop.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 30/10/2025 15:29

Remove stresss from your life, if you’re in a bad relationship ltb

Itworkedout · 30/10/2025 15:49

Water, sleep, less alcohol and sugar seems to be the answer for me. At the moment I’m overworked and tired and I know about it. In the summer I had more holidays and relax time and I looked a whole lot better than I do now!

Cakeandusername · 30/10/2025 17:20

I get lots of compliments re my skin and people surprised re my age.
Some is genetic. Drinking water, I try with my diet lots of protein/veg. I don’t have a fancy skin regimen but do have a dermalogica facial for mature skin every few months which really helps give me a noticeable boost. Walking daily in fresh air. Virtually no alcohol. Never smoked. Never had fillers or Botox.
Makeup, I don’t wear it daily but when I do use Charlotte tilbury products and not too much, thick dated makeup is aging.
Hair for me is my big one, grey roots make me feel awful, I have hair coloured every 5 weeks.
I’m busy and active, try new things, travel.
Clothes I wear brighter colours and look at your accessories, nice trainers etc can be much more modern look.
Eyebrows, there’s lots of more natural treatments to give defined brows but not the tattooed on or slug loook. No brows is aging.

TheAlcott · 30/10/2025 17:23

Very little alcohol
Fresh air
Water
Good fats
Magnesium
Sleep
Oestrogen

Pennyfan · 30/10/2025 17:46

I’m 63 and now starting to look my age-up until recently, people were always shocked when they found out. A doctor at work said it was the fact I didn’t move like I was 60. The luxury of part time work gives me enough time to exercise-so am outside in the local woods most days.
I decided not to have any facial intervention as I actually don’t mind having the odd frown line and wrinkle. I’ve used spf for years and swore by Olay regenerist. Emma Hardie facial oil is wonderful. What made a big difference is having my brows tinted and shaped every month-the brow person calls it brow Botox! Really frames your face. A good haircut which suits you is a must as you get older. People notice the whole picture-they don’t notice an individual wrinkle or sagging chin. So a good haircut, a toned body and clothes and colours which suit you in up to date shapes go a long way. I’m quite happy to look 63-but I want to look a good 63.

Daisy62 · 30/10/2025 18:20

Early 60s. Starting to look it, after years of looking a bit younger. I put my money into dental care and hairdressing - tho hair cheaper in the last year since I stopped colouring. I put my effort into eyebrows (dye at home) and exercise - only exercise that I actually enjoy. Skincare and diet are usually good enough - I can’t be bothered to improve them. I get outside every day and I drink as much water as I can. I don’t keep clothes that I don’t love or at least like a lot. The list of things added to mainstream grooming routines these days frankly depresses me - it’s all so exhausting and can lead to never feeling content. There’s something to be said for finding the right balance for you as an individual - doing enough to feel healthy and as attractive as you want to, without feeling overwhelmed and like you’re not doing enough.

SereneSquirrel · 30/10/2025 19:08

Wow, loads of helpful advice and wisdom here.

I definitely need to improve my diet and up the exercise.

I don't generally sleep very well but maybe I would if I ate better and exercised more!

Definitely need a make up overhaul, especially the base.

OP posts:
SereneSquirrel · 30/10/2025 19:14

C8H10N4O2 · 30/10/2025 14:09

Choose the right parents…a huge amount of ageing is genetic.

That aside, its mostly boring stuff.

  • keep the alcohol down
  • minimise refined sugars (but not complex carbs)
  • eat a good variety of fruit, veg, unrefined grains
  • moisturisers/sunblock
  • incorporate as much movement into your day as possible
  • find ways to manage stressful times and situations
  • try to get enough sleep

I’ve always been quite good at the first three, I’m a life long veggie who has always eaten the “right” diet by chance. Regular drinking was killed as a habit by having DC close together and years of insufficient sleep to drink.

I’m good on sunblock, not always so diligent on moisturisers.

The last three are much harder to manage - long hours, often with travel in a demanding job. However with experience I learned to discriminate between things I needed to stress about and things I really didn’t need to stress about (which is most of them in reality) and of course seniority brings much more autonomy which removes a whole layer of work stress.
I’ve always been a rubbish sleeper, I don’t imagine I’ll ever fix that.

I have a set of exercises I do religiously to maintain mobility and prevent it deteriorating, but that aside its really just walking.

Would you be willing to share the exercises you do?

OP posts:
SereneSquirrel · 30/10/2025 19:16

Nameeechanged · 30/10/2025 13:57

Okay, everyone has covered the good stuff - but I’ve got to chuck in salmon sperm microneedling. Everyone keeps telling me how good my make up looks and thats the only
thing I’ve changed. My skin glows now!

I have no idea if this is a joke or not. 🤣

OP posts:
dearydeary · 30/10/2025 19:39

C8H10N4O2 · 30/10/2025 14:09

Choose the right parents…a huge amount of ageing is genetic.

That aside, its mostly boring stuff.

  • keep the alcohol down
  • minimise refined sugars (but not complex carbs)
  • eat a good variety of fruit, veg, unrefined grains
  • moisturisers/sunblock
  • incorporate as much movement into your day as possible
  • find ways to manage stressful times and situations
  • try to get enough sleep

I’ve always been quite good at the first three, I’m a life long veggie who has always eaten the “right” diet by chance. Regular drinking was killed as a habit by having DC close together and years of insufficient sleep to drink.

I’m good on sunblock, not always so diligent on moisturisers.

The last three are much harder to manage - long hours, often with travel in a demanding job. However with experience I learned to discriminate between things I needed to stress about and things I really didn’t need to stress about (which is most of them in reality) and of course seniority brings much more autonomy which removes a whole layer of work stress.
I’ve always been a rubbish sleeper, I don’t imagine I’ll ever fix that.

I have a set of exercises I do religiously to maintain mobility and prevent it deteriorating, but that aside its really just walking.

Would you be happy to share the mobility exercises? 🙏

Laboheme78 · 30/10/2025 20:09

Honestly? I’m now 50 and the time, money and effort to stay looking (I’m going to say) about 10 years younger is ridiculous really. I do regularly get compliments on my skin, clothes etc from much younger people, which does make me feel good but it is kind of relentless, and it feels like a lot of work where I’m just swimming against the tide. Consistency is key, whatever you choose to do. I do feel good though in myself and I think that’s what you have to aim for. It’s up to you as an individual how much you are prepared to do.

Thelankyone · 30/10/2025 20:40

It all takes time and effort

this op. Sadly, even Victoria’s Secret models don’t look like they do with no effort. And for us mere mortals it’s the same.

it takes dedicated daily time and effort , but it is self love, self care, and you get into a routine, hair, face, nails, clothes, all good quality and correctly laundered, ie get the iron out, throw out the old and done in clothes, get up and exercise, eat a healthy diet, limit sugar, caffeine and booze, drink lots of water, take time for yourself, care for yourself.

and it is effort, be it deep conditioning your hair, having it coloured and cut, ironing your clothes, getting up and exercising, drinking that water, saying no to the unhealthy snacks, mositurising all over, whatever.

self care, always takes time and effort. No one bounces out of bed with a head of swishy hair snd a magic wardrobe of lovely clothes, a fridge full of healthy food, and a pert size ten arse.

CraftandGlamour · 31/10/2025 00:55

All the bases covered already, really but I'm mid 50s and, after a year of serious illness and no exercise at all, I'm back to rowing, a sport I took up some years ago. Being on the water/exercising outside is incredibly therapeutic. I'm also going to echo a previous poster who said lift heavy. I'm relatively new to weightlifting and its been a total revelation. I feel fitter and stronger. Need motivating? Join a gym that offers small group personal training (SGPT) for variety and oversight.

SecretSantaz · 31/10/2025 07:32

@SereneSquirrel If you're looking for a good foundation I swear by Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation. It comes in 42 shades so get matched! It's light but medium coverage.

Meredusoleil · 31/10/2025 07:54

Vitamins!

Vitamin C skincare and eating citrus fruits/drinking juice.
Vitamin D and multivitamins from the supermarket.
Iron tablet supplements (for my anaemia - might not be needed for you).

Lots of sleep too!

No caffeine (tea/coffee).

No fizzy drinks.

Meredusoleil · 31/10/2025 07:57

Also, use a face serum if you don't already 😉

SecretSantaz · 31/10/2025 08:22

Meredusoleil · 31/10/2025 07:57

Also, use a face serum if you don't already 😉

I don't think serums are really necessary. They are just a moisturiser that's supposed to sink in.

I use really cheap stuff- a supermarket cleanser for £2.50 which is unperfumed and gentle. Olay Regenerist moisturiser (bought when half price.) I do have a very expensive serum that was given to me as a gift (over £100 a bottle) and it's nice but not especially anti-ageing.

I use Ultrasun Face Lotion spf 50 (under my make up.)

I genuinely believe you are what you eat. I think you get more benefits from eating an avocado every day, oily fish 3 x a week, and a handful of almonds or walnuts, than any cream.

RosesAndHellebores · 31/10/2025 08:24

@C8H10N4O2 makes a very good point about genetics. My mother at 89 can still pass for 79 despite being quite frail. She has wonderful bone structure and as a former ballerina, much is about the posture. She also still likes clothes and whilst she's given up the heels, the last time I saw her she was wearing stretchy capri pants, and a very modern top with a sleeveless tank over the top.

She has always looked after herself and it shows: good haircut, dental work, diet, face creams, exercise - she could still do the splits at 86! Dare I say we all perhaps need to be a bit vain and I was brought up to care about my appearance.

SecretSantaz · 31/10/2025 08:25

RosesAndHellebores · 31/10/2025 08:24

@C8H10N4O2 makes a very good point about genetics. My mother at 89 can still pass for 79 despite being quite frail. She has wonderful bone structure and as a former ballerina, much is about the posture. She also still likes clothes and whilst she's given up the heels, the last time I saw her she was wearing stretchy capri pants, and a very modern top with a sleeveless tank over the top.

She has always looked after herself and it shows: good haircut, dental work, diet, face creams, exercise - she could still do the splits at 86! Dare I say we all perhaps need to be a bit vain and I was brought up to care about my appearance.

My Mum is in her 90s and I've just ordered her some new foundation (the 'right colour' for colder weather!)