Have you ever noticed that some women mysteriously start to look better as they age? It's not just about humbly accepting age and aging gracefully like a fine wine. It's more about wondering, "How on earth does she look better now than in her youth?". As a woman myself and a person who works with women on a daily basis, I can't get past the idea that there should be some arcane knowledge that lets some people glow up instead of growing up. After extensive research, I've identified three key principles which are boundlessly far from any witchcraft and that contribute to this enviable glow-up, and I'm excited to share them with you.
Learning from Past Fashion Mistakes
Jennifer Lopez is a person who always looked fabulous, but with time she became even more beautiful
There's a common reason why many of us cringe when looking at photos from our youth. Those crazy hairstyles, questionable makeup choices, and outfit experiments that seemed cool at the time now make us shake our heads in disbelief. But here's the thing: that's exactly what youth is for — to experiment and be bold!
This is why I prefer to work with clients over at least 30. There are certain fashion mistakes that need to be made, and I wouldn't dream of robbing younger women of these valuable life experiences. As an image consultant, I can certainly provide shortcuts to becoming the best version of oneself. It's easy to hear from a professional that you don't need these V-shaped bangs, but sometimes you just need to take risks, make mistakes, and gain wisdom from the experience.
Women who look better with age do have this hard-earned wisdom. They've tried different styles and now know with certainty what makes them appear healthier, younger, and well-rested.
While they may still experiment, their wardrobe and makeup choices are generally tried-and-true. This is the power of knowledge gained through experience.
Embracing a More Mature Sex Appeal
Monica Bellucci became a Bond girl at the age of 50. On this picture she is 48. George Pimentel / Getty Images
Every phase of life is beautiful and brings us its unique offerings. In their twenties, women can be (and can be not) sweet, innocent, naïve, carefree, and overly emotional — think of the "ingenue" character type in books and movies. However, around 30-35, many women experience a shift in their sexuality. It evolves from a romantic and playful vibe to a more mature, seductive, and alluring appeal.
The timing is very different for each person, however I see lots of perplexity in women when "dirty thirty" is coming or after they crossed this line.
This frustration is coming from realizing that their usual styles suddenly don't work so well anymore; something has changed, and it's hard to pinpoint exactly what is different now. Those favorite florals, ruffles, and mini-skirts that looked so dreamy and romantic a few years ago might now seem out of place, and that's confusing.
It's as if they're transitioning from rom-com heroines to more complex characters — perhaps even sirens or femme fatales.
The worst thing you can do in this situation is to deny or fight the transformation. We've all seen women who cling to their 20-year-old selves despite the passage of time, often recognizable by overly revealing clothes or excessively bright makeup. On the flip side, some women ignore their changing appeal altogether, missing out on a great opportunity.
So, what should you do if you feel it's time for an image change? Embrace it! Tell yourself, "I have strength and wisdom now," and step into this new phase with confidence. Try something new. Long silk dress that flows over your body. Red or plum lipstick — colors that often flatter us even more as we age. Consider one of those power suits you've always admired but thought was "for someone far more confident than me." It's time to own that self-confidence — you've earned it!
Reaping the Rewards of Lifestyle Choices
When someone is already breathtaking, it's hard to believe that it's possible for them to look even better with time. But we might get surprised. Proved by timeless beauty Lisa Eldridge. Instagram / @lisaeldridgemakeup
If you've ever attended a school reunion, you've likely experienced the shock of seeing how differently your classmates have aged. Some might look much older than their years, others average for their age, and a select few seem to glow with timeless beauty. Of course, we can partly blame genetics, but I'm a believer that all our good and bad everyday choices such as lack or plenty of sleep, going to gym or physical inactivity, balanced nutrition or junk food addiction, usage of sunscreens or their neglect — all these decisions significantly influence our appearance over time.
Very often, young people take their good health and beauty as granted, however the most crucial factor that molds our appearance in the future is our actions in the present and the past.
Let me share an example. For the past decade, I've been following Lisa Eldridge's YouTube channel. For those who don't know her, Lisa is a makeup guru, celebrity makeup artist, founder of a makeup line, and one of the most adorable individuals on the planet. Over the years, I've noticed that Lisa hasn't aged a day — in fact, she seems to look even better! Why? Likely because she's been taking excellent care of herself for a long time, practicing what she preaches in her videos: always apply sunscreen, give yourself a light facial massage when removing makeup, and prioritize skincare. So, now the results of her work during all those years are showing up and bringing their dividends.
So, if you want to preserve your youth, build good habits and adopt healthy routines. The sooner you start, the better the results will be.
Embracing Your Best Self at Any Age
One more Bond girl who can't stop amaze us with her beauty: Halle Berry. Instagram / @halleberry
To become more beautiful with age, focus on these three key areas:
- Identify what flatters you and incorporate this knowledge into your everyday outfits, hairstyles, and makeup. Don't keep that ace up your sleeve — use it!
- Embrace your evolving sensuality. When you feel that shift in your appeal, don't fight it — celebrate it!
- Build good habits. Prioritize sleep, minimize alcohol and tobacco consumption, and find enjoyable and not too exhausting ways to stay active.
From my research and conversations with numerous women, I've learned that these efforts can yield significant advantages over time. While the secret to eternal youth may remain elusive, following these principles can help you look and feel your best at any age. And if I ever do stumble upon that arcane knowledge, I'll let you know — so stay tuned!
Remember, true beauty comes from self-confidence, self-care, and embracing each phase of life with grace and enthusiasm. Here's to looking fabulous at every age!
