This is what 55 looks like: Mother-of-three says relaxing night oils and ballet fitness keeps her youthful

  • Jo Hooper who lives in London with her husband, has three sons in their 20s
  • Founder of NRBY maintains a youthful appearance using a budget day cream
  • She stays fit by doing three sessions of Barrecore each week

Jo Hooper lives in London with her husband Alistair. She has three sons in their 20s and is the founder of NRBY, a womenswear line.

MIDLIFE BALLET FITNESS

As a child I loved ballet — but I gave it up at 17. Then, at 50, I was advised to start weight training in the gym. I thought, ‘I’m not doing that.’ I’d heard about Barrecore, which combines ballet with weights exercises. So I’ve been doing three sessions a week (from £25 per one-on-one class, barrecore.com). It’s much more fun and is good for the core and glutes, too.

BUDGET DAY CREAM

Every morning, I use a little Nivea Creme All Purpose on my face (£4.39 for 200ml, boots.com). I’ve been buying it for years, after a make-up artist recommended it.

Jo Hooper, 55, (pictured) who lives in London, revealed the budget cream and fitness regime she follows to stay youthful

Jo Hooper, 55, (pictured) who lives in London, revealed the budget cream and fitness regime she follows to stay youthful 

I’ve tried more expensive day creams over the years — but I haven’t noticed a difference. My skin is more affected by how much water I’ve drunk, how much wine I’ve had, or how stressed I am.

RELAXING NIGHT OILS

At night, I apply Beatitude Replenish Night Oil (£38, beatitudeproducts.co.uk).

I discovered it at an amazing spa called Fletcher’s Cottage in North Berwick. The fragrance, which contains rose and neroli, is so relaxing.

It’s therapeutic to massage into the skin before going to sleep, and makes me feel like I’m being kind to myself.

NATURAL GLOW CHEAT

I haven’t had Botox and only get facials as a treat on holiday. I don’t wear much make-up, either — especially as it’s a nightmare with face masks now. But I swear by Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonderglow Face Primer (£39, charlottetilbury.com).

I also never go without my Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara (£9.99, boots.com), which I’ve been using since the 1990s. It makes me look wide awake and is long-lasting.

HAPPY FASHION

I’ve been working in fashion for more than 30 years and set up my own womenswear brand called NRBY in 2019. We use quality natural fabrics, which feel comfortable but are still contemporary.

In lockdown, I’ve found colour extra cheering. So many women think they can’t wear it — but trust me, you can!

  • nrbyclothing.com
  • Do you look good for your age? Reveal your secrets to inspire@dailymail.co.uk 

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