THIS IS WHAT 55 LOOKS LIKE

Lisa Kay lives in London with her husband Roger. They have two sons, oliver, 28, and Zak, 24. she is a shoe designer and founder of sole Bliss.

BLOWDRY MAXIMISER

EVERY week, I get a blow dry at a salon (£30). It’s one of my favourite forms of ‘me time’. It helps to add volume and keeps my hair in good condition, as I need to wash it only once in between. I use Sebastian Re-Shaper Hairspray (£10.99, hairtrade.com), to make it last longer. My hairdresser recommended it, to refresh the style and protect against humidity.

SENSITIVE SKIN SERUM

I HAVE sensitive skin, so I’m willing to spend more on products that work for me. I’m hooked on Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum (£59, boots.com). My make-up glides on afterwards, stays put longer and looks more finished. It has converted me from creams to serums.

TRY REFORMER PILATES

TWICE a week, I do a Reformer Pilates class after work. This involves standing on a bed with springs of different tensions, which adds more resistance compared with mat work. I feel so much stronger for it. I’m not at my thinnest, but I do feel fit and healthy. This is so important in midlife — plus, a bit of weight on your face helps you look younger.

AGE-GAP FRIENDSHIPS

IT’S IMPORTANT to have lots of friends and to keep an open mind. I run an online business, so most of my colleagues are my children’s age. I love our conversations — they help keep me up-to-date — but I also have older friends, including one man who’s in his 80s. I’ve gained so much life experience from him.

STATEMENT SHOES

MY SHOES are key to feeling good about myself. I have more than 100 pairs and I plan my whole outfit around them. I wear lots of bright colours — from yellow to fuchsia, red velvet, and animal print. But comfort is key: if they hurt, it shows. So I’ve dedicated my career to designing shoes that look and feel good. n solebliss.com