Five Tricks: Five Years Better

A bit of a tease but I’m willing to make the effort if it makes me feel better. There are certain “grooming” jobs I have done regularly otherwise all is not well with the world. Lockdown made the lack of these even more obvious. Simple beauty, hair and make-up rituals make all the difference to how I look and feel in myself. They are not complicated or revolutionary but they inspire confidence. When I am behind on these, I am well and truly behind. Right now, we all need to be upfront and full of good energy. Little treats can make all the difference. 

A good cut and blow-dry on a regular basis are some of those can’t-live-without treatments. Without a groomed head of hair, I feel not to mention look, terrible. Most likely it is 99% in my mind, but that is where it counts. A good haircut not only boosts the confidence barometer sky high but also improves my self-confidence big time. The blow-dry is a weekly ritual and a professional job really makes the difference. If you are lucky enough to manage your own hair then I am jealous. If my hair is good, I am well with the world. This is my can’t-live-without true product.

A manicure and pedicure are absolute musts to feel well put together. The latest colour on the fingers and toes is an easy, non-confrontational way to stay up to date. It’s an easy place to play. Don’t forget to wipe the nail with remover before the base coat; the manicure lasts so much longer. A glossy shade, I am loving Canotier No 532, is a simple pleasure but it brings all smiles.

Smiling takes years off the face, especially in photographs and besides who doesn’t want to be the recipient of a beautiful smile. Invest in teeth; they deserve it. They are hard-working, long-lasting and define one of our most important features, our mouths. A million red lipsticks won’t hide unhappy teeth. This pencil is never far from reach; it is the one to use when in doubt.

Brows are one of those features that make all the difference. I am confident with the grey hair but not the grey brows. Brows define the face and a darker brow can lift the eyes and subsequently rejuvenate the face. Well-defined brows mean less eye-make-up is needed. In between tints, I shade the eyebrows myself. I buy a tint from Amazon that is easy to apply and does the job very well.

*Don’t leave it on too long as its easy to re-apply until you reach the desired colour.

*If you are happily grey don’t be afraid to try “black”; brown looks all wrong with grey hair and you can control how dark the brows are by the amount of application.

*Have an old mascara wand for application and a toothbrush for those whites that won’t play along.

*Finish with this gel for a really professional finish.

Finding the happy medium between Twiggy and Groucho takes years off.

Hydrate constantly and sleep well as no one product can duplicate the wonderful benefits of water and rest. Invest time and energy in skincare. Know your products and use them. I am often guilty of skipping my routine when I am tired or rushed. There are no valid excuses; I know my miracle serum and miracle moisturiser helps give me the glow I am looking for. Wrinkles are not the aging baddie we are lead to believe; a lifeless and dry complexion is the guilty party.