Model and stylist, 56, reveals her secrets for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s

Ageing is one of those things that no woman wants to face, and yet it comes for us all one way or another.

But rather than shying away from another year on the planet, one model and stylist is out to tell us that we can age gracefully – provided we know how.

Australian model and stylist Mel Brady has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years – and has a wealth of beauty, health and diet secrets.

Speaking to FEMAIL, she revealed her ultimate guide to ageing gracefully – for women in their 20s right the way up to their 50s.

Australian model and stylist Mel Brady (pictured) has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years – and has a wealth of beauty, health and diet secrets

Speaking to FEMAIL, Mel (pictured) revealed her ultimate guide to ageing gracefully - for women in their 20s right the way up to their 50s

Speaking to FEMAIL, Mel (pictured) revealed her ultimate guide to ageing gracefully – for women in their 20s right the way up to their 50s

What should women do in their 20s? 

1. Don’t compare yourself to other body types

Our third decade is often one of body dissatisfaction, as women across the globe compare their figures with those of their friends, family members and even celebrities.

But if Mel has one piece of golden advice for women in their twenties, it’s to avoid comparing your body to your companions – and instead enjoy it for what it is.

‘Every physiology is different, so I would say understanding your body from the get-go is vital to understanding what to feed it,’ Mel told FEMAIL.

‘Some types can seemingly get away with eating anything they want, while other body types tend to gain weight rapidly if they eat the wrong types of food for their figure.’

The model said that your twenties are ‘the perfect time to investigate, consult a dietitian and understand what to fuel your body with’.

This will set you up for your thirties and beyond.

It's what your mother always told you, but the magical powers of sunscreen cannot be overrated - even in your youth (stock image)

It’s what your mother always told you, but the magical powers of sunscreen cannot be overrated – even in your youth (stock image)

2. Sunscreen cannot be overrated

It’s what your mother always told you, but the magical powers of sunscreen cannot be overrated – even in your youth.

‘Yes, I know everyone loves a tan, but the damage you do in your teens and twenties will show in your thirties, forties and beyond,’ Mel said.

‘So make sure you always wear sun cream and drink plenty of water. No topical cream will hydrate you like water.’

The 56-year-old said that while you might be impressed by pricey products in this decade, expensive skincare isn’t always worth your hard-earned cash.

‘I would say try not to buy into the advertising rhetoric about ageing,’ Mel said.

‘So be smart about how and where you spend your money. If you’re insecure in your twenties, how are you going to face your forties, fifties and beyond?’.

3. Experiment to find your style

Lastly, your twenties are a great decade to experiment with your personal style, to see what you like and what suits you.

‘It’s a time to throw caution to the wind,’ Mel said.

‘There is so much inspiration out there, so don’t be afraid of honing your own unique look.’ 

When it comes to diet in your thirties, Mel (pictured) said women often put themselves way down the list of priorities - she said it's easy to fall into bad dietary habits

When it comes to diet in your thirties, Mel (pictured) said women often put themselves way down the list of priorities – she said it’s easy to fall into bad dietary habits

What should women do in their 30s?

1. Find balance

When it comes to diet in your thirties, Mel said women often put themselves way down the list of priorities.

‘It’s easy to fall into bad dietary habits in your thirties,’ she said.

‘It’s a busy time – with children, family and work all impacting on that carefully-developed routine.’

The model and stylist said your thirties should be all about balance:

‘Paying attention here will save you from weight woes in your forties,’ she said.

‘Don’t put yourself last, starving yourself all day only to binge on leftover pasta at 9pm with too much wine. Show a little self care and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you can.

‘Home delivery recipe boxes can be an absolute lifesaver, you can involve your partner and kids in helping prep, learning new recipes along the way.’

2. Feel good about yourself

In the same way that you need to pay attention to your diet in your thirties, so too do you need to think about your approach to beauty.

‘Try and find that “me” time to connect with a reputable beautician who can sort out any skin issues like melasma before you hit your forties,’ Mel said.

‘The trick here is to add in some more powerful skincare, anything that goes a little deeper into the dermis.’

She said you shouldn’t be afraid to consult someone about a deep-set frown line after children either.

‘Whatever helps you to feel good about yourself,’ she said.

While your twenties were about experimentation and development, your thirties should be about streamlining your look to figure out what works for you (pictured: Mel Brady)

While your twenties were about experimentation and development, your thirties should be about streamlining your look to figure out what works for you (pictured: Mel Brady)

3. Streamline your look 

While your twenties were about experimentation and development, your thirties should be about streamlining your look to figure out what works for you.

‘You’re busy, so there just isn’t time to second guess yourself,’ Mel said.

‘It’s also a great time to photograph your looks and print them off and stick them on the inside of your wardrobe.’ 

Your forties is a good time to lay off the comfort foods and prioritise leafy greens, protein and leafy greens, Mel (pictured) said

Your forties is a good time to lay off the comfort foods and prioritise leafy greens, protein and leafy greens, Mel (pictured) said

Your forties is a good time to lay off the comfort foods and prioritise leafy greens, protein and leafy greens, Mel (pictured) said

What should women do in their forties?

1. Show some control  

‘So you’ve hit your forties and your metabolism has started to slow a little,’ Mel said.

‘Peri-menopause will be creeping around the corner and hormonal changes might make you feel a little out of sorts.’

This is the time, she said, to lay off the comfort foods and prioritise leafy greens, protein and good carbs.

‘Just moderate what you take in, exercise is really going to help you sail through the menopause as well,’ Mel said. 

According to the 56-year-old (pictured), your forties should be a time for self-acceptance - rather than obsessing over who you were

According to the 56-year-old (pictured), your forties should be a time for self-acceptance – rather than obsessing over who you were

2. Don’t obsess over who you were

According to the 56-year-old, your forties should be a time for self-acceptance – rather than obsessing over who you were.

‘If you didn’t make room for that mini overhaul in your late thirties, then now is the time,’ Mel said.

‘Consult an expert, visit a beautician or chat with a makeup artist about your skin and makeup routine – does it need an overhaul?

‘Your mid to late forties are a great time to reset and refresh how you look, whether it’s your hair, skin or makeup.’

3. Less is more

Your forties should be a time where you purge half of your wardrobe, Mel said.

‘Let go of the things you’ve physically been hanging onto for a few decades.

‘Such things are only taking up space both physically and emotionally,’ she said.

‘If something hasn’t seen the light of day for a year or more, then it’s time for it to go. Try it, it’s liberating.’

What should women do in their fifties?

1. Take a step away from the mirror

Focusing on your imperfections after 50 is pointless.

‘Embrace life and finish that reset if you didn’t do it in your forties,’ Mel said.

‘Menopause might have left you with a bit more weight than you’ve ever had, but accepting the change doesn’t mean you can’t be your best self.

‘Exercise now is more about strength for life. I’m lifting weights to gain more muscle as I’m sure this is the key to ageing well in your sixties, seventies and beyond.’

As for food, Mel said she is an adult so will enjoy whatever food and drink she likes.

However, she is all about moderation.

2. Remember beauty is an illusion  

Controversially, Mel said beauty is an illusion – and it’s confidence which people really find attractive.

‘Many women talk of feeling invisible once they’ve reached their fifties, I think it should be a liberation,’ Mel said. 

When it comes to her own skincare routine, Mel said it’s all about being ‘simple but effective’.

‘I’ve grown out my grey too, if you thought about it in your forties but didn’t, then now might be the time.

‘Your fifties are not a time to go softly softly when accepting feeling old, so do what you need to do to feel great about yourself.’

3. Keep it classic but cool

Lastly, when it comes to style, Mel said that just because you’re 50 and above, it doesn’t mean you have to dress like your great aunt Mary.

‘It’s time to keep it classic, but cool,’ she said. 

‘By now, your wardrobe should be minimalist key pieces that work as a beautiful capsule.

‘Showing less just means not showing everything all at once. Sexy should be more of a suggestion than a promise.’

For more information, you can visit Mel Brady’s website here 



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