THIS IS WHAT 50 LOOKS LIKE
DALIA O’BrIen works in a primary school. She lives in Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire, with her husband, and has a 23-year-old son.
CLEVER SLEEPING
PEOPLE often think I’m in my 30s because I don’t have many wrinkles. This is all down to an amazing antiageing cheat I read about in a magazine 20 years ago: use a soft silk pillow and always sleep on your back. I feel like it has frozen time! The idea is that it prevents the embedded sheet lines caused by sleeping sideon. Over time, sleeping in the same position is thought to promote collagen breakdown in the areas you put pressure on, leaving visible longterm impressions — and wrinkles.
POWER HAIR
MY SIGNATURE style is a simple ponytail. I think women are often tempted to hide behind their hair — especially as face shapes can change with age. However, I find this an empowering look. It shows confidence in yourself and works as a great natural facelift, lifting the hairline and accentuating the cheekbones.
MULTI-MOISTURISER
WHY spend on expensive skincare when there is only one moisturiser you’ll ever need? I swear by Superdrug’s own brand Cocoa Body Lotion. It costs only £1.49 and I use it everywhere: my face, body — even my hair. It has the perfect consistency, with ultra-hydrating effects that last.
TALL TRICKS
AS I’M 6ft 1in, I avidly follow fashion for the taller woman. I am a huge fan of supermodels Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell and am always on the lookout for style tips. I’ve noticed that it can be particularly flattering to break up an outfit with bold accessories. I never wear a block column of colour without adding a statement handbag, scarf or belt.
3/4 VEG RULE
I PUT on weight when I hit the menopause, so I adapted my diet to follow a strict meal rule: my plate always has to consist of threequarters vegetables and one-quarter protein. My favourite combination is grilled fish with broccoli. This is rich in essential nutrients with a naturally low fat and calorie content. I now fit back into all my favourite clothes.