As Victoria Beckham turns 45, we decode her ageless beauty formula
Victoria Beckham is 45 today. But she doesn't look it. Nor does she act it. I can appreciate this disregard for age because I too am 45. After 40, age becomes less about numbers and more about attitude.
Yes, you are aware that things are changing. But surprisingly, you become less preoccupied with 'anti-ageing.' Ageing is happening. It's a non negotiable. And so you embrace it and focus more on how you feel. Your fitness, health, nutrition and style.
Those who age well edit out the faddy trends for a capsule beauty wardrobe of makeup and skincare items that push forth their best attributes. A beauty formula that best represents who you are today, that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
After years of experimenting with many different looks (mainly hair) Beckham has settled on a beauty style that is polished but effortless, youthful yet timeless. She prefers products that are good for her skin and never strays far from the make-up look she feels most comfortable with, which is the secret to age confidence after all. These are five reasons why VB always gets it right.
1. She has the most universally flattering hair cut
Have you noticed how relaxed VB looks these days? Her hairdresser, Luke Hersheson, is (partly) responsible. 'The key to effortless looking hair lies in your haircut, says Hersheson.
“If you have a longer hairstyle, have your hairdresser cut a few invisible layers around your face as it will soften your features and create pieces that naturally frame your face when you put it up,' he explains. Decoded, VB's cut is just long enough to tie into a casual bun for evening (or the office) but not so long that it drags her face down.
It's layered without looking choppy thus dated (think newsreader) with a key focus on a healthy glowing finish that's not been overly styled which can look stiff and outdated (again, think newsreader).
2. Skin is the foundation to everything
"Victoria is religious about her skincare regime and will never go to bed without taking her make-up off,' explains her make-up artist, Wendy Rowe. Not only does VB take care of the health of her skin with products from the likes of Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm and Sarah Chapman, she eats exceptionally well, avoiding junk food for fresh clean alternatives and swears by taking Omega 3 fish supplements for springy, youthful skin.
3. She saves colour for her nails
When it comes to make-up, Beckham relies on a classic beauty vibe - smoky eyes and nude lips - which highlights her best features. But she takes a note from the French and is often spotted with perfectly manicured nails in bright red, which gives a pop of colour and cheekiness to her look without following make-up fads.
4. Her hair has just the right amount of texture
Victoria has nailed ageless hair texture. The trick, says Hersheson, is to blow dry hair first by creating a little root lift so that your hair is not too flat before using straightening tongs to create some natural 'bends' in the hair. “Before you tie your hair back, blow dry it forward first to create a bit of volume, positioning the heat at the root. Then, when you separate it into a middle part, ready to tie it back, it will already have a youthful lift," advises Hersheson.
5. Her eyes are impeccably groomed
‘Victoria is lucky to have strong eyebrows, but she’s clever not to over emphasise them, which can look harsh,' explains Wendy Rowe. For eye make-up, Rowe relies on a brown kohl pencil, or a contour stick, to give definition to Beckham's eyes. "For evening, we might go a little bit bolder by adding a neutral eyeshadow - my favourite for Victoria is Kevin Aucoin’s Essential Eyeshadow Set, £46, which has a mix of brown and neutral tones."
The kit: Six products to get Victoria Beckham's ageless beauty look
The Cream
Augustinus Bader The Cream, £65 is one of Victoria's skincare staples. With everything your skin needs in one lotion, including nourishing shea butter, aloe for soothing, rice proteins, brightening ascorbic acid, evening primrose oil and anti-inflammatory beeswax. Which in a nutshell delivers a smooth, hydrated surface to skin that provides the perfect base for make-up.
Red Nail Polish
VB has her nails done by celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, who revealed he uses the expert-only Bio Seaweed Gel in the shade Mary. But Kure Bazaar nail polish in Sienna, £15, is imperceptibly similar, and lasts chip-free for up to a week.
The perfect nude lipstick
Nude lips are VB's go-to shade. For a complexion enhancing hue that goes with everything, Wendy Rowe suggests Burberry Lip Velvet Crush in Honey Nude, £24.
Straightening tongs
To get Victoria's effortless waves, use a pair of straighteners to bend hair. Use on mid-lengths only for a modern nonchalant vibe. Titanium Ionic Professional Straighteners, £63
A smoky eyeshadow palette
Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eyeshadow Palette, £47 has the perfect mix of soft neutral tones for an ageless smoky eye look that's perfect for defining eyes for evening.
