Secrets behind J-Lo’s glow at 50
The singer and actress says she has never looked or felt better. So how does she do it? HANNAH BRITT asks the experts for their verdicts
STANDING on a luxury yacht, posing in a white swimsuit with the words “Forever Young” emblazoned across the front, Jennifer Lopez looks decades younger than her 50 years.
Toned and radiant, the star, who has been learning to pole dance for her new film Hustlers, is in the best shape of her life and loving every minute.
“Did I think I would be doing this at 50? I didn’t think I’d stop, but I didn’t know that it would be the best moment of my life,” she said recently.
So how does J-Lo get her glow? We asked the experts for her style secrets.
LAVISH LOCKS
J-Lo says: “I like my hair best when it’s curly. But I’m still a ponytail, bun-on-top-of-your-head girl, which is very Puerto Rican Bronx. I was prematurely grey at 23. I have to have my roots touched up every couple of weeks.”
Expert view: “J-Lo often rocks a big blowdry, which gives the face a natural lift and keeps her looking young,” says Gorka Arraras, creative designer at Charles Worthington Salons (charlesworthingtonsalons.com).
“The key to achieving the look is to pull the hair back and off the face to create volume.
“Her signature ponytail is also a nifty way of rolling back the years. It lifts the face and pulls everything back.
“And when it comes to going grey, it is common to do so prematurely like J-Lo.
“Grey roots are less noticeable if you are blonde. People with darker hair will need to touch up their roots regularly.
“A root-covering colour spray can help. Mist it into your parting and around the hairline.”
PERFECT MAKE-UP
J-Lo says: “I learned early on it is best to go simple when doing your own make-up.”
Expert view: “J-Lo is right, make-up doesn’t have to be complicated, you just need to know what works for you,” says Debbie Finnegan, make-up artist for Mac.
“I love J-Lo’s look – it’s effortless. She seems to always have a perfect sunkissed glow, no matter what time of year it is.
“Prepping your face is key so start by spritzing skin with a good primer such as Mac Prep + Prime Fix+, £21 (maccosmetics. co.uk) to hydrate the skin.
“Next add a small amount of light-reflecting primer to illuminate the skin.
“J-Lo has amazing skin that looks much younger than her 50 years, and it always looks fresh.”
DREAM DIET
J-Lo says: “Most restaurants offer low-calorie meals. I’ll have a salad or fish with some veggies. “I don’t drink, or smoke, or have caffeine.” Expert view: “J-Lo’s decisions will benefit her health,” says nutritionist and author Rhiannon Lambert (rhitrition.com).
“Not smoking or drinking alcohol has been proven to enhance your cardiovascular health.
“J-Lo makes lighter choices when she eats out, which will help her not reach an excess of salt, saturated fat and sugar in her diet.
“The age old saying of everything in moderation really does apply here.
“A diet high in fibre aids digestion and can contribute to feeling fuller for longer.”
POLE TO POLE
J-Lo says: “It’s no secret that I love dancing, so it doesn’t even feel like a workout to me.
“Pole dancing is real acrobatics, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically.”
Expert view: “Hard work pays off and J-Lo shows just how toning pole dancing can be,” says Cat Lee of Ecole de Pole (available through classpass.com).
“Pole dancing is a workout for the whole body – arms, shoulders, core, glutes and calves. Plus you are getting a great cardiovascular workout, training your coordination, mobility and flexibility.
“Many students also find it extremely beneficial for mental health as their confidence and body image soars.
“Pole dancing isn’t easy but if you have a good instructor and you have the mindset to give it a go, then it can be very rewarding.”
BE MINDFUL
J-Lo says: “Affirmations are so important. I am youthful and timeless. I tell myself that every day, a few times a day.”
Expert view: “J-Lo is right, mindfulness has myriad benefits, from de-stressing to boosting happiness,” says Julian Daizan, meditation teacher and co-author of new book RoughWaking.
“Recent evidence shows that practising meditation delays brain ageing and makes people look younger than their years.
“You don’t need to spend hours every day on your meditation cushion but for best results a regular and ongoing practice is essential. It works best if you can dedicate 30 minutes a day.
“Get up a bit earlier than usual or have a meditation break instead of a tea break.With a bit of creativity, there are all sorts of ways to fit it in.”
SLEEPING BEAUTY
J-Lo says: “I treasure my time to sleep. It’s just as important as eating or exercise.”
Expert view: “I could not agree more with J-Lo. Sleep is as essential as drinking water, without it we cannot survive,” says Dr Rick Hussein, sleep expert for Kally Sleep (kallysleep.com).
“It renews energy, boosts muscle recovery, refreshes the body and mind and keeps the skin glowing and healthy.
“You can improve the way you sleep by taking daily exercise and reducing intake of stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and refined sugars after lunch.
“Going to bed and getting up at a similar time and sticking to a routine can help too, as can creating a calming and comfortable environment with dim lights, reduced noise and no distractions such as computers and mobile phones.”
SUPER STYLE
J-Lo says: “Starting out my style was boyish, hip-hoppy: big hoops, sneakers, tank tops and big curly hair. Then it was classic – movie stars, Jackie O. Now it’s all of these things mixed together.”
Expert view: “J-Lo reminds women that they don’t have to disappear just because they’ve hit the big 5-0,” says fashion editor Rivkie Baum.
“Her style has evolved over the years. It is still sexy and body con with plenty of glitz but she also rocks a well-tailored androgynous suit.
“J-Lo isn’t afraid of her body. Curvy women often think wearing baggy clothes is more flattering but J-Lo knows that showing off her curves and ensuring items are tailored to highlight her waist and bust is more flattering.”