Do you think you've become more or less critical of your appearance as you've got older?

Less.
But only beacuse as I have got older, I find I dont scrub up too bad now. Whereas, when I was younger, there were others that were definitely nicer looking than myself.

I do my best to look smart, but I've been a lot happier since I stopped looking at my reflection in shop windows! That can't possibly be me........ can it?

No, Lona, that's your mum. I'm bewildered by how my mum superimposes herself on my reflection in shop windows! Xx

I'm much happier in my own skin now than when I was younger as I now know that life is too short! Clean, presentable and dressed for the occasion is good enough.
I have met a few of you and can say that it was your friendly personalities that I remember not how you looked!

When I was young and slim I wouldn't leave the house unless I had all my slap on, earrings etc. Now I'm afraid I just don't care anymore, so long as I'm clean and my clothes are clean and tidy and my hair is tidy I just don't care. I'm going to a wedding next month which has a 50s theme and I was looking forward to dress up in a nice calf length 'skater' type dress, flouncy underskirt, hat, white gloves and a vintage powder compact/purse. The dress arrived and I put the whole outfit on and looked at myself in the mirror. Unfortunately the image in my head did not translate into reality and I thought "who am I trying to kid" I'll just be wearing a smart dress, bag and shoes and won't try to do anything exciting, best way for me I think ...

DaphneBroon your comment rang a bell with me I am critical about my appearance and often spend ages applying makeup doing my hair then I see a photograph or my reflection in a shop window and I too think who is that dumpy little old lady as I'm at least 3stone heavier now than when I was younger I try to just have from the neck up in any photo's?

Much less critical .When I was younger I felt others were much more attractive (not true actually ,looking at photos-I think it was a confidence thing).
Am told I have 'worn well'and, being objective, it is true I look younger than many of my friends .But I think it is again to do with confidence .I have my hair done regularly look after my (very good for my age) skin ,wear makeup and try and dress appropriately for my age and body shape without being 'boring'Having two daughters helps .I could do with losing a few pounds but this body has nutured and borne two children so was never going to be the same as my 18 year old slender self . But basically I don't really care any more what other people think and yes am happy in my skin .

Most definitely less critical.

My GD when she was a little tacker asked me once "Nanny is it because you are old and fat and have a walking stick you give me hugs and kisses because ---- 's (her friend) Nanny is very pretty but she is really miserable and doesn't cuddle -.

I remember thinking ' That'll do love '.

MUCH LESS. When I was younger I would spend hours doing my hair, always had a face full of make-up, always on a diet (even when my kids were small) I would scrutinize my face and a spot would become a major issue.
Now that I am retired and have lots of time, I care less how I look and more how I feel. I only wear a bit of make-up because now, too much makes me look like a clown and I can't wear the strong colours I used to love. I colour my hair myself and my niece gives it a good cut whenever I need it, I always hated hairdressers and I'm scared that they will see this old biddy and give her a hairstyle to match. I do love clothes and make sure that I always look clean and tidy but I feel I have no one to impress, I can relax, and it feels pretty good.

If I'm going to the shops or I'm pottering about the house, I look like a bag-lady, but I'll always wear my bright red lipstick! When I'm going out somewhere nice, I pull out all the stops! But I've grown a lot easier with myself, I used to be immaculate, putting false eyelashes on just to go to Asda! I wouldn't be seen dead without my Max Factor and 4 inch high-heels! Now I am more bothered with grey hairs, that's the one thing I never let slide, I won't let my hair look like a witch!

Kate wonderful describe you made me laugh!

Not any more. The world now has to put up with the real me, clean and tidy but comfortable. Usually that means jeans and trainers, or sandals of the sun's out. If anyone doesn't like it then they can look the other way.

I don't think my attitude has changed at all, except I now realise that if I set foot outside without makeup, the whole world won't actually shriek in horror. Wish I'd realised that a lot sooner. But I suppose it's down to caring less, so probably not a good thing.

The other day I tried to go out with the cut-off type of trainer socks on with my Go Walks. Because I was wearing a dress, DD made me take them off. Wonder if I should have stood my ground and insisted on going for comfort over style.

Thanks KatyK - first laugh of the day!! I'm not too worried about my appearance as long as I am tidy and clean - sometimes too busy (forget) to check my clothes for stains and get annoyed with myself when grandson points them out so I am trying a bit harder to find time for myself. Happy with my hair for the first time in years as my new hairdresser puts in "natural" highlights which are grey instead of blonde and are all over which hides the natural "salt & pepper" ones I have. The grey she uses seems to lift my colour and my face!!!

I am fairly vain but luckily my eyesight is gradually getting worse so I can't see the worst rncroachments of time. When I put my glasses on and look at my wrinkles I am appalled and vow to have everything lifted and seen to but then I take the specs off and forget it. My figure is still Ok due to HRT and plenty of exercise and healthy food. The grey hair though...

Oh dearie me.

Less critical but the thinning hair is a niggle. Facial hair on the increase though.
Remember ssking my daughter what she thought of an outfit I was trying on, she said " It's ok for you mother but I wouldn't wear it "
Is honesty the best policy ?

Love KatyK's post. She sounds like my type of girl! And I bet she has a good night out.

I take care of how I look... it is more important to moisturise skin etc. as you get older. I adore clothes and dress in a slightly bohemian/hippy Style... hahaha. Buy my clothes on eBay. You should never stop caring about yourself....

We live in the middle of nowhere so on a day to day basis I'm not too bothered, although I do usually put on a little bit of makeup and comb my hair (you never no wh may call!). I take a bit more care if I go into town, i.e. clean jeans and top.

Miss my long black hair - only black hair I have now is luxuriant moustache! Also my teeth. But find I don't really give a toss what people who don't know me think - most people have already made up their mind as soon as they look at you. No point being critical any more - DH does that for me!

I try not to look in wall mirrors or shop fronts, I just can't believe what I see, now ask your self "What does OH see?", it can't be what I see, OH just says I look great.

I have always made a bit of an effort (make-up, hair et.) Perhaps more so now, even when by myself & at home, the reasoning being that maybe if I don't bother, then the next step might be not bothering to shower, wash my clothes or sit around in pyjamas lall day, - yes, I know I must have some deep seated issues!

Have always worn eye makeup - if house was afire, would put my eyeliner on. But find I have to take a deep breath before looking in the mirror, and repeat to myself the mantra, "Don't be frightened. It's only me." Aging may suck in some respects, but it's always preferable to the alternative.

Alternative being death, how do you done it all before have you.

Nobody's ever come back to tell us what its like, so I say bring it on, I'll drink to that