Quick tips to looking younger

It's happened - my 44th birthday and a promise I won't succumb to Botox (even though I've tried and loved it). Whats happened you ask? The wrinkles, the dehydration lines, the stomach OMG the stomach. In my defence I'm a single mum of 2 (my youngest has Aspergers), and I rarely get sleep. I suffer with hot flashes, I refuse to throw away my size 10 clothes even though I'm a 14 and I still think I look cool in a floral Adidas bomber jacket (I don't, I could be Ellie Goulding's mother). Yet I refuse to age and whilst my body is failing me, my spirit isn't. Anyway to bring them both up to level, here's some quick tips to knock a few years off.

Hair

• Go lighter not darker with hair colour.  Too dark is harsh and very ageing, as a general rule the colour you were as a young child, will suit you now.  Same works for going to light, don't its ageing, just a few shades of your natural colour.
• Keep highlights framing the face and a few inches down from the roots.
• A harsh fringe should be replaced with a softer eye skimming fringe. Harsh blunt lines, can accentuate lines.
• Keep hair in good condition, hydrate with masks as healthy hair is younger hair.
• Don't go too short, people automatically think you should have shorter hair as you get older, this is nonsense.  
• Choose your hairdresser wisely, don't go somewhere trendy where shaved/dyed pink hair is all the trend - choose a hairdresser who listens to you and takes into account not only your face shape, but most importantly your lifestyle! My hairstyle is simply wash and go - ideal for busy school mums.

Skin

• Now is the time to concentrate on hydration more than anything else. Why? Well when skin is dehydrated lines set in and whilst water can plump the out, long term dehydration causes permanent wrinkles.
• Sunblock - pigmentation and hormones are rife during menopause and sunblock is the best preventative wrinkle cream there is.
• Exfoliate, but choose a product that has Glycolic Acid rather than harsh scrubs. Fruit acids are ideal for sensitive skins.
• Relaxing facials are great but won't help you look younger (although they will alleviate some stress!) Book yourself in with a skin specialist at a clinic. Whilst more expensive these clinics have top end skincare that whilst more expensive, do work.
• If Botox is your prescription, use a scattering of Botox. Sprinkles as skin consultants call it. Make sure you choose your nurse by asking for recommendation. Always make sure she can give a prescription medicine as Botox is only available on prescription.  The first person to see your skin for Botox is someone who can prescribe, then it can be done by someone under their authority.

Make-Up

• As we get older and skin becomes more lined, powder products can create a 'caked' effect, which just enhances lines. Choose BB or CC creams, or tinted moisturisers for a fresh, dewy look.  
• Brighten your smile by choosing a bright coloured lipstick with blue undertones. Any warm toned colours such as coffee, orange and some neutrals will make teeth look more yellow.
• Go for cream blusher and set with a light dusting of powder for a youthful look.
• Keep eyebrows defined, but not with heavy, dark pencil.  Lightly feather with a shade close to your natural hair colour. Dark eyebrows, especially with blonde hair look harsh and are incredibly unflattering.
• Silk eyeshadow textures are the best, but make sure they don't have any glitter particles. Over 40 and glitter sadly is a no-go unless it's an Xmas party (then glitter away).
• Navy mascara looks stunning on blondes and really makes eyes shine, more so than black mascara.
• Its always worth getting yourself booked into a make-up consultation, but my best tip! Choose your counter wisely. Go to all the counters in a department store and check out the sales assistants. Chances are if they are covered in make-up then you will be too! Choose someone who you think looks good, and remember you don't have to buy!