THIS IS WHAT 51 LOOKS LIKE
ELLIE CHAPMAN, a receptionist, lives with her husband, Gary. She has a son, Andreas, 30.
DOUBLE BREAKFAST
EVERY day, I eat two breakfasts — I can’t function without it. At 7am, I have two slices of toast with honey before work; then Greek yoghurt, berries, nuts and honey at 9:30am. It fills me up so I only need a light lunch of soup or salad. I use Attiki Greek honey (€19.99, amazon.
co.uk). It’s pure and natural, full of antioxidants, which are good for the skin. I try to stick to a Mediterranean diet.
SPLURGE ON SERUM
PEOPLE often ask if I’ve had Botox, as I have few lines — but I haven’t. I prefer to invest in quality skincare. My mum, 73, is the same. She recommended an amazing serum last year: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic High Potency Triple Antioxidant Treatment (€155, lookfantastic.
com). It is packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, which help to protect and nourish the skin. It’s expensive but worth it.
MIRACLE MASCARA
I LOVE IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara (€25,
brownthomas.com). My lashes have thinned with age, but it makes them so long. I saw it on QVC and thought, no way! But it’s like a miracle. The volumizing collagen, strengthening biotin and lifting polymers coat each lash. So I don’t need to wear false lashes any more.
MENOPAUSAL EXERCISE
I HIT the menopause at 48. I had low energy, hot flushes, a short temper and trouble sleeping. My doctor suggested doing more exercise. So, I joined a gym. In six months, I lost a stone and went down to a size 8. I do five classes a week: two spins, a step, pump and circuits. I feel so much happier, I’m thinking clearly, and my symptoms are controlled. Plus, I’ve made four new friends, and we spur each other on.
THREE-STEP SHINE
I’VE always had long, fine hair: if it looks good, I feel good. I use Kerastase Resistance Masque Therapiste once a week (€28.95, lookfantastic.com), to repair damage and keep it healthy. Then I often style it in an up-do, to create more volume. I finish with a spritz of Mark Hill Taming Anti Humidity Spray (€6.49, boots.ie), for a glossy shine.