Facing up to an age-old question… is there anything wrong with trying to look a little younger?

BEAUTY magazine Allure has banned the term “anti-ageing”.

Growing old is a natural part of life, according to the influential US mag, and we should all just accept it.

The publication celebrated its call to arms by making glam Dame Helen Mirren, 72, its cover star.

But is there anything wrong with trying to look a bit more youthful? Do you agree with Allure’s stance – are all too obsessed by warding off wrinkles? Or are you all for holding back the years?

The Sunday Post speaks to two readers about their opposing views of ageing and how it affects our looks.

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‘Botox is addictive and it freshens you up. I want to grow old disgracefully!’

Some celebrities who have cosmetic surgery often deny it when the signs are there for all to see.

Margaret Cowan is the opposite. She’s loud and proud about having a little help here and there and thinks being open is the way to go.

“If I’m thinking of getting something done, I’ll tell people – it shouldn’t be seen as something shameful,” she says.

“It’s like a facial was decades ago – it’s all just moved on a bit and I don’t really see why it’s a big deal to let people know.”

Margaret started off by getting Botox when she was 53.

“At the time everyone was starting to get it done and I thought I’d go for it. And once you start, it’s quite difficult to stop,” she says.

“It is quite addictive because it just freshens you up so much.”

Last spring, Margaret, of Glasgow, had an eye lift.

“Well, I just looked really tired,” she says. “And, as you get older, it doesn’t matter how much Botox you’ve got, you’ll never get rid of that hooded look on your eyes. You either live with it or do something about it.

“Getting my eyes done cost about £1500 and to get Botox you’re looking at about £300-£400 a time. It is money well spent.”

Margaret describes herself as “68 years young”. And she also believes it’s her young-at-heart attitude that helps her to cope with ageing.

“These days 68 isn’t old. It’s your attitude to life in general that counts,” she says. “I still work part-time doing accounts, and that’s part of that frame of mind. It gives you something to get up for in the morning.

“Get dressed, do your hair and get your make-up on. I work with younger people and they’re great.”

She pauses.

“One of the girls I work with was talking about her aunt who was ill.  She said she was really old. I asked her what age she was, and she said 64,” she says. “I reminded her that’s four years younger than me – but she said I didn’t look or act my age.” So what does Margaret say to those people who suggest we should all be happy to grow old gracefully and accept that wrinkles and a bit of sagging are part of life?

“No way,” she says. “I want to grow old disgracefully.  I don’t try to pretend I’m any younger. I just want to live life to the full. I see some people my age and think they’ve let themselves go. That’s fine, but it isn’t for me.”

Margaret cares about her appearance, but isn’t swayed by the claims made by expensive “anti-ageing” lotions and potions.

“I use Nivea and other high street brands that aren’t too expensive,” she says. “I’d rather save my money for getting my hair and nails done. Although I don’t think I’d have a full facelift, I will have more Botox. And I’m never out without having my lippy on.”

Margaret says if people are hesitant about having “work” done, they should do their homework and then go for it.

“I went to La Belle Forme in Glasgow because I knew people who had been there and were pleased,” she says. “I had absolutely no trouble at all and I have always been delighted. The confidence boost it gives you is just fantastic.”

Ask for her beauty idol and she picks an unsurprising one.

“Helen Mirren looks good and natural, too. That’s always been my aim. It’s not about looking frozen-faced and unnatural.”

 

‘If you go around with a face like a wet weekend you aren’t going to look young’

RHODA SMITH is 65 and from Angus. She laughs off any comments from me that she could pass as a decade younger.

There’s no denying she looks fantastic. And it’s mainly down to a lucky combination of Nivea, Simple and good genes.

Rhoda believes the most important aspect of ageing is a healthy mindset, though.

“It’s attitude isn’t it? If you go around miserable and with a face like a wet weekend, you’re not going to look young and lovely, are you?” she laughs.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, ageing can be a total nightmare – I wish I was 16!

“We’re coming to the end of the summer holidays and I’ve been looking after two of my grandchildren.

“One is nearly 15 and one is nine and when I look in the mirror after being with them, it’s hard.”

Rhoda is adamant, though, that surgery is not for her.

“I’d never have Botox, or any sort of cosmetic surgery,” she adds.

“It’s not for me. The thought of having anything done that could possibly go wrong would put me off.”

She looks great, but can be as self-critical as the rest of us.

“Oh, I could do with a jowl lift!” she jokes.

“But then once you get that done, you’d have to get abrasion round your lips, to get rid of the wrinkles.

“Once you start, would you not have to go on? Also, the money you would spend getting treatments could be a fantastic holiday.”

Rhoda has had a basic skincare routine throughout her life but follows one rule that perhaps helped keep her looking youthful.

“I haven’t used soap on my face since I was about 16,” she explains.

“It’s far too drying.”

Far from spending a fortune on expensive products, she has always bought cheaper products.

“For years I used Nivea,” she says.

“Then I think they changed it, as it just stopped working and I got dry patches on my face.

“Now I use Simple products most of the time.

“However, my daughter bought me some Estee Lauder skincare for Christmas and it’s gorgeous, but it’s about 10 times the price.

“I’m weighing up whether to continue using it. I don’t think I’m excessively wrinkled, so is there any point at my great age?”

Rhoda isn’t obsessive about her appearance but she does love to have her “face on”.

“I wouldn’t go a day without putting my make-up on,” she says.

“Well, maybe if I’m spending a day cleaning, I would. But then it’ll get to five, I’ll glance in the mirror and think, ‘Eeeugh!’

“I do it for me, it takes me about seven minutes and I just feel so much better once it’s on and my hair is done.”

As for diet, Rhoda admits she’s more careful about it nowadays.

“I eat things that make me feel good.

“Pickled eggs were great when you were 17, but not when you’re 65.

“And I’ve stopped drinking. I used to like a glass of wine with meals but it gets such a bad reputation, so I’ve given up.”

Ask her for an example of someone who is wearing well and she doesn’t hesitate.

“Goldie Hawn,” she says. “She’s got great hair, that’s half the battle.

“But mainly it’s her attitude. She has a young outlook, I think.”