THIS IS WHAT 50 LOOKS LIKE

SHARON Colby lives in oxted, Surrey, with her partner Robin and their children, alex, 17, and liam, 15. She is a director for a cosmeceutical firm.

MIDLIFE BOXING

TWICE weekly, I get up at 6.30am for a 45-minute boxing session at home. I steal my youngest son’s boxing bag. He taught me the technique a couple of years ago. It’s like having a personal trainer. It’s an amazing way to tone the arms. Plus, it helps me de-stress and let out all those little frustrations.

TRY EXTENSIONS

MY HAIR isn’t all mine! I got extensions last year. It used to be long and thick, but has thinned with age. So this helps to add volume. They’re made of real hair and last for ages (£250,

remicachet.com). Then, when my hair grows, it costs another £35 to get them re-sewn in at the salon every month. It’s been a real confidence boost.

LIFE-CHANGING HRT

EVERY day, I apply one pump of EstroGel, a form of hormone replacement therapy, to my arms. I started using it last summer after I became perimenopausal. I wasn’t sleeping and was so irritable. My friends recommended I see a doctor. Now I get it on prescription — £8.80 for a two-month supply. It’s made a huge difference: I feel reborn. I sleep well, don’t get night sweats and am less grumpy.

PRIORITY PEEL

ONCE a week, I exfoliate with Boots Cucumber Facial Scrub (£1.50, boots.co.uk). It buffs away dead skin, so my moisturiser works better. But, even if you exfoliate, it’s key to invest in a deeper clean. Twice a year, I get a medium-depth TCA [trichloroacetic] peel (£120, puritybridge.co.uk). It’s so rejuvenating. I shed like a snake for three days, then my skin feels like silk.

NON-SURGICAL LIFT

LAST year, I tried a Strawberry Lift treatment. It’s like a facelift for the lower face and neck — without surgery (from £250, strawberry-laser.com). It uses a combination of laser and ultrasound to heat the skin, causing it to rejuvenate and tighten. I felt no pain. It’s helped to get rid of my double chin and jowls. The results last up to 18 months.