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Style and beauty

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Original poster

what makes us look younger than we are?

41 replies

stitch · 09/02/2009 21:35

i am 36, and am often told that i dont look it. mainly i think, because i dont act it. i just act like me. i wear clothes that i like and want to wear, hopefully with a nod towards fashion. i am not mega skinny, not even skinny actually, . obviously sometimes i am more groomed than at other times.
so, today, i was shopping for something in next, and nice young man there helping me. i was in a bit of a frump, hair all rolled up into hat as not straightened and frizzed up further in rain. no makeup, glasses. but, had on nice sweater dress, uggs, and leather jacket. however, i think the leather jacket was really a no no with the rest of the outfit, but i was in a couldnt care less mood.... so am shopping nicely and enjoying pleasant conversation. wheni filled in the date of birth part of the compettion, he looked genuinly surprised. said i looked younger than i was, andsomething about him being 23. i just thanked him, in what i would hope was a gracious manner, and left.

but, this has happened a lot to me recently. and it is actually making me a bit worried. what makes a person look old? and am i overdue the whatever it is? will people talk to me differently if they think i am my actual age? how do i ensure i continue to just be me?
basically what does it mean, to look younger than you are?

OP posts:

Dropdeadfred · 10/02/2009 16:03

I have a pic of me and dh at our wedding lat yr on my profile..I'm 39 this year.

Dropdeadfred · 10/02/2009 16:23

ooops killed that thread then...hahaha do I look 100 after all?

ThumbLoveWitch · 10/02/2009 16:38

my sis is 4 years younger than me but a lot bigger and has 3 DDs - the staff where she worked all thought I was younger than her - I think lack of sleep is one of the most ageing things.

NormaLeighLucid · 10/02/2009 16:40

Wow DDF you dont look 39 at all.

TrillianAstra · 10/02/2009 16:45

You get asked for ID when buying ale? I thought ale was a sure sign of someone being waaaay over 18 It's lager and alcopops for the youngsters, surely?

(I like ale too, and non-fizzy cider)

NormaLeighLucid · 10/02/2009 17:46

I know Trillianastra! You would naturally think anyone buying ale was mature and sophisticated to say say the least
I love real ale, glad to find a fellow appreciater (I think I have made that word up)

Dropdeadfred · 10/02/2009 19:29

Thanks Norman...trouble is I would buy alchopops and smirnoff ice...I hate any real drinks!

themildmanneredjanitor · 10/02/2009 19:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsJamin · 10/02/2009 19:40

I'm like this too - in my photos with DS in the hospital I look like a teenage mum, even though I was nearly 30. I was ID'd at 25 for buying matches, etc.

I put it down to not really having a thing for alcohol, never having smoked and staying out of the sun (have fair skin). My mum has aged pretty badly - v wrinkly - and I think it was not being safe in the sun that did it. But also I still dress like a student, hoodies & converse, etc, not really very grown up.

NormaLeighLucid · 10/02/2009 20:08

MrsJamin just had a look at your picture on your profile and indeed you dont look 25 never mind 30!

Dropdeadfred · 10/02/2009 22:46

Mrs amin, you do look amazingly youthful

ThePinkWorldOfSeptimusSchmaltz · 10/02/2009 22:56

I was asked for ID when buying wine at M & S the other day . I'm 36, smoke, drink, don't moisturise and never get enough sleep. Doesn't make any sense.

But like Norma said, I think having oily skin pays dividends in one's thirties (and Clarins beauty flash balm is pretty good too ).

ThumbLoveWitch · 10/02/2009 23:06

Mrs Jamin, you look about twelve in your profile photo! (mind you, am now of an age where policepeople look about 12 too )

I third the oily skin thing - it does help. I actually only look as old as I am now if I wear full make up - if I wear none or just mascara, I look several years younger.

Original poster

stitch · 10/02/2009 23:33

i noticed that too. i put makeup on today, and thought i looked older... i thought maybe i jsut needed a new foundation, as current one is just over a year old

mrs jamin you look like babies sister!

OP posts:

MrsJamin · 11/02/2009 09:00

lol at your comments at my pic, I'd forgotten there was one up there! Not sure I like looking 12. It definitely doesn't help in the work space - meeting clients, going to interviews etc.

I can buck the theory as I have really dry skin, not oily at all! I think it's in your genes and a lot about the sun TBH.

AtillaTheMmmmSweetAsHoney · 11/02/2009 09:22

It is true what they say about drinking lots of water, and my one expensive skin care treat is no7's protect and perfect....it really does what it says on the tube!

I am 39 and have been told I look 10 yrs younger.....dunno if it is true but it made me feel good!

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