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

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!

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.

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 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 .

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?

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 ...

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!

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

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?

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.

So have I gettingon a biit. I have worried about the state of my fine hair since aged 15. Now I have 'bingo' wings to worry about as well!! I never go out of the house without my make on and wearing decent clothes.

I've always been hypercritical, never having felt comfortable with myself. I just obsess about different bits.

Oh I don't know Daphne ????

N&G "comfortable in my own skin"? More comfortable in clothes.

As long as I haven't got my glasses on I am fine, but my mental picture of how I look bears little resemblance to the dumpy little old lady looking back at me from shop windows!

Up until about 6 months ago I thought I looked OK for my age but now at nearly 70 I can see new signs of ageing.

They say we change every 7 years so heaven knows what I'm changing into not an old dear I hope.

I want to look like Joanna Lumley but there's no chance of that.

Hi Katy, I hope you have a great time at the party. I bet you look lovely. I had to laugh about you being unwrapped if you end up in hospital though!!

I have never been particularly critical of my appearance, although I have always been aware of my best and worst features; nice eyes and hair but lips that look like two sausages joined at the ends, and nothing much has changed, although the lips are now more like chipolatas than full size sausages.

I was brought up to believe that dressing with care and with pride in your appearance formed part of one's self respect, so whatever I wear, even just jeans and a Tshirt, it will be chosen with care. I have always taken care of my skin and still do. When I look in the mirror I am happy with my appearance, regardless of my age and all the signs of aging.

Same as Kitty

Katy

It's funny but now I'm overweight and wrinkly, i am much less bothered than when I was slim and attractive, which I now see I was! I spent my time endlessly worrying about my hair, my make-up, my clothes etc etc.

Now, I am clean, I have got the hang of my hair, I smell nice, I wear a tiny bit of makeup, wear the clothes I like (with a nod to fashion) and I'm comfortable - in my skin and in my clothes and shoes.

So less critical!

I used to think I was fat. Not by the photos, sadly.

Have given up now, but try my best.

To be honest, if I didn't try to make a joke of it I would probably never leave the house

katyk

Less. I'm comfortable in my own skin.

I always moisturise, wear perfume, dress comfortably in my own style. The fashion police hold no fear for me these days

The (body) part that I mourn the loss of is...
Decent feet and Ankles