This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Once we are 50+ the bloom of youth is harder to recapture. But all is definitely not lost. There are some exciting scientific advancements being made in skincare and beauty that can help us recapture that all elusive glow. But let’s begin with my personal recommendation – a friendly mirror.
Mirrors offer a reflection of ourselves – but how accurate is that reflection? It often depends on your mood. I was driving home – quite frankly feeling rather grumpy and tired – and caught sight of myself in the rear view mirror. Who WAS that old lined crone? Eeek. So these days I always remember to smile before I check my reflection (and of course the vehicles behind me).
It also depends on the light which, if good, has the marvellous knack of diffusing our wrinkles and making our eyes sparkle. Which is why we should always look at ourselves in our kindest mirror just before leaving the house. Seeing the best version of yourself really does inspire confidence for the rest of the day.
But mirrors aside, I’m optimistic about some great products on the market – am sure you’ll feel like smiling once you’ve used them (and, let’s face it, a genuine smile also takes years off us).
STUDIO 10
Studio 10 is definitely a pro-age brand and they have a brand new 5-in-1 daily skincare product I think you might like.
The re-energising Hydra-fusion Daily Defence SPF30 was developed by a bio-engineer and is infused with cutting edge ingredients that nourish, prime, perfect, protect and restore your skin in one single step.
Additionally it is easy to apply due to the practical pump dispenser and I think this would be a really useful, all-in-one product to take on holiday. More info
SKINPORTER
“A superpower facial that truly does it all” Well, that is the claim by a brand called Skinporter. So, as I’ve been keeping long hours recently I was keen to try this professional-level at-home facial. It turned out to be one of the most interesting ones I have ever had!
Just like the above video demonstrates, you simply mix two components and use the supplied brush to apply the mask onto your face and neck. The gel is cool and almost immediately you get a strong, but not unpleasant, tightening sensation. When my phone rang a few minutes later I could hardly speak as my face was so stiff! I’ve had a few facials in my time but nothing like this. After 30 mins I rinsed my face with warm water and gosh it felt smooth and my skin was glowing. It was quite red for a short while which is apparently normal as more blood has been pulled to your skin’s surface.
This all in one treatment blends hi-tech holistics with cutting-edge biotechnology so I might have guessed it was pioneered by South Koreans – they are so leading edge when it comes to skincare. Skinporter refers to ‘skin-to-go’ because, in just half an hour, that is exactly what you will get.
For more information visit their website here.
BALANCE ME
AHA Glow Mask from Balance Me is an altogether ‘gentler’ product, in so much as there is less face tightening during the application. I was feeling tired and a teeny bit stressed (again) and so I decided to take time out and try this triple action mask. It’s a bio active blend of fruit acids which “brighten, deeply purify and plump.”
It was easy to apply and smells pleasantly of mint. After relaxing for 15 minutes, I removed the cream with a facecloth/warm water. Not only did my face feel clean and glowing, but I felt restored and ready to face the rest of my day!
There’s more info on the Balance Me website.
VEGAMOUR
Vegamour is a vegan, cruelty-free hair brand that offers plant-based formulas designed to help you get thicker fuller hair in as little as 90 days. Since menopause my hair has become progressively thinner and weaker, especially around my hairline. So I have started using their GRO Essentials kit and, although too early to see results, am finding their products very pleasant to use. The biotin vitamin gummies are an additional supplement and delicious too. Also have a look at For most of us, our hair is our crowning glory, so this is a brand you may also be interested in checking out.
UK readers: For more information on Vegamour products and a code for 20% off, visit their website here.
USA readers: For 25% off for new subscriptions check out their website here
THE BODY SHOP
Recently bought two nifty little products from The Body Shop with which I am very pleased.
The first is their new Frame It Brow Pomade. I chose Blonde, the lightest colour; there are 4 shades in all including a clear version. Loved the nifty little bottle and the brush is exactly the right size for neat application. My eyebrows are sparse and yet this product makes them look like they used to when I was younger. Does not feel like there is anything on your eyebrows despite being a pomade. Eyebrows really do frame your face, so defining them is worthwhile. More info
The second Body Shop product is for our nails, which also need pampering of course. Their Almond Nail And Cuticle Oil is a two in one stick. You twist the base and the sweet almond oil is dispensed onto the brush, so it’s really easy to sweep across your cuticles. Then you use the rubber cuticle pusher – which I liked as it’s gentler than my usual metal one. More info
CND
And while we’re on the subject of nails, CND™ Vinylux™ Nail Polish is definitely worth a look.
Long lasting (my friend Bumble says up to two weeks) and incorporating a new, ergonomic curve hugging brush, this well respected brand offers some great colours including Field Fox, a modern take on a nude nail.
For more info and to check out the fabulous colours visit Look Fantastic
More wellbeing ideas here and more of our honest product recommendations here