‘Gobsmacked’: 48-year-old mum ‘mistaken’ for university student
A mum in the UK has defended spending $962 a month on anti-ageing – saying the compliments she gets prove it’s worth it.
A self-proclaimed “beauty product addict” has revealed she spends £500 ($962) a month on anti-ageing products in a bid to look youthful.
But Penelope Silver, a 48-year-old reiki healer and social media manager, argues the investment is worth it – especially after a group of teenagers recently mistook her for a fellow student.
“I was dropping my daughter Charlotte at university when two of her new flatmates asked what course I was doing,” Ms Silver told The Sun.
“They were gobsmacked when I said I was a mum, not a student.
“I usually get mistaken for being in my 30s, not my 20s. I was very flattered.”
Ms Silver, from Cheshire in northwest England, has spent a fortune on products since her teens – but believes her devotion to skincare is why she looks so fresh.
“It’s not vanity, but a commitment to caring for your body, inside and out.
“Anti-ageing has become a hot topic and people say you should embrace your natural age, but what's wrong with finding happiness in looking and feeling young?
“I’m not trying to turn back the years, I’m trying to keep myself looking healthy. It’s my passion and I sacrifice other luxuries to pay for my treatments.
“I do my own gel nails and colour my hair. I even get my daughter to cut it for me. I also shop in places like [fast fashion retailer] Primark and [etailer] Asos.
“I stock up on my favourite skincare ranges, including Transformulas, Obagi and SkinCeuticals, when they are on offer. But I’ll happily use Aldi’s makeup and haircare dupes.”
Ms Silver’s daily routine involves washing with a face wash, using eye-lifting and lip-plumping creams, and applying serum and moisturiser tailored to the season.
“I’ve used SPF 50+ daily for 30 years on my face and neck. I also use a jade roller to massage my night-time serum into my face,” she said.
“It releases toxins and reduces puffiness, but also makes your products go further.”
She credits decades of regular facials for her tight jawline and dewy skin – along with a little Botox a couple of times a year.
“Injectables and fillers are popular where I live, but I don’t want a face that looks like everyone else’s. I just have a tiny bit to keep things fresh,” she said.
“I have my teeth whitened twice a year too, as I think that knocks 10 years off, as can fake tan.
“It seems taboo these days to say you want to stay looking young, but what is wrong with making the best of what you have?
“I’m just not ready to embrace every wrinkle and a full head of grey hair.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission