I turned 50 back in March and if anything, this milestone made me decide to up my game with my makeup regime. I’m embracing my middle age with gusto and I truly believe that beauty is enhanced by age. It’s so easy to stick to being safe and fade into your surroundings, so the first thing I did when I turned 50 was to dye my hair bright, sassy pink and pop on “Valentina”, my most brilliant red lippy by Trinny London. I felt fabulous and liberated!

So this month, I thought it would be a bit of fun to share some of my top-secret tips and tricks to help you look and feel fabulous as you get that little bit older.

1 Once you hit your 40s, it’s key to drink at least one litre of water a day, if not more. I have also found that taking two tablespoons of Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend daily – mixed into a small glass of juice, or drizzled over my morning porridge- has also helped by skin feel nourished and replenished. You do need to persevere with Udo’s Oil, as it’s not a quick fix, but I’ve been taking it for the last four months and am delighted with the difference it makes to my body and skin. It is available from stockists including www.inishpharmacy.com at €24.99.

2 When applying face cream in the morning and evening, don’t forget to apply around your eye area, neck and the backs of your hands. Clarins, Estée Lauder and Elizabeth Arden are some of my favourite skin care brands.

3 I cannot recommend treating yourself to a facial highly enough once lockdown ends. You put oil in your car to maintain and keep it working; a facial will recharge and maintain your face in the same way.

4 Sleep with a silk pillowcase to prevent fine lines and sleep creases. This might sound very “Hollywood Diva”, but it really does work.

5 If you get dry lips, open a vitamin E capsule with a needle and apply the liquid straight on to your lips. This will promote cell turnover and moisture.

6 You don’t need a full foundation during the day, but you should be wearing a tinted moisturiser with an SPF. NARS tinted moisturiser “Pure Radiant” €40 from www.narscosmetics.ie leaves the skin looking dewy and natural with a light natural glow, which will help hide blemishes and redness.

7 I’m never without my Studio Fix Powder Foundation by MAC. It’s a winning product to hide broken veins on cheeks and around the nose area. It comes in a handy compact with its own applicator sponge. Just a light dab of the powder has great coverage. Stockists include www.brownthomas.com with the foundation priced at €31.48.

8 Try using a cream blush on your cheeks, as powder blush brings out fine lines. A dab of cream blush to the apple of your cheeks gives your face a lift. The lighter your skin, the lighter the blush.

9 Eyebrows are very important, as they frame your face and make you look more youthful. Charlotte Tilbury’s Brow Lift Pencil is fab. It is priced at €30 and is available from www.charlottetilbury.com. The pen is easy to use and you can fill in the gaps of the brow and mimic your natural hairs by easily drawing short upwards strokes. Definitely go to the beautician and get your brow tinted a natural soft brown and properly shaped post-lockdown. No grey eyebrows allowed!

10 Lip glosses are a waste of time and keep away from long-lasting matte lipsticks because they are so drying. Colour is what you need. Lips get thinner as we get older, so a lip liner is a must. Apply the liner a few millimetres outside the natural line of your lips, especially in the corners. Then colour in your lips with the liner. Look Fabulous For Ever, Charlotte Tilbury and MAC all have nourishing, long-lasting beautiful lipsticks. Be brave and go for a brighter lipstick than usual and you really will feel confident and look your best!