How much attention do you pay to your age? Do you start to feel low in the lead-up to each birthday, or do you disregard the number and focus instead on what you’ve done over the past year and plan to do in the coming year?

The fact is that with each year that passes, the old adage that we’re only as old (or young) as we feel becomes ever more important. It has a bearing on just about everything in our lives, from how we see ourselves and spend our time, to our relationships with others.

The answer isn’t necessarily to behave in an age-inappropriate way: more a case of taking note of what we want and are still able to do and not to let those meaningless figures get the better of us.

So how do we retain a youthful approach to life? If the last year or two have left you questioning your mental or physical capabilities, read on for some tips on tackling some of the challenges that may lie ahead.

Have Confidence in Your Ability

How many of us have tried to instil in our kids or grandkids the importance of confidence? Knowing that we can do something – and we usually can! – is absolutely key to achieving that goal. Some of us manage to carry that self-assurance with us through life, but it’s not unusual to see confidence waning as we grow older. It’s easy to feel undermined in the workplace and to feel overlooked in society as a whole.

As a result, perhaps we undervalue ourselves, underestimating what we can actually achieve. Some of our hiking holiday guests are initially wary of the prospect of covering 10 miles plus a day, although interestingly, many who start out on one of the lower level tours gain enormous confidence from the distances covered and frequently return a second year for a more challenging itinerary which, yes, includes mountains!

Prepare Mentally and Physically

But of course, confidence can be gained in all sorts of ways. As with any problem-solving process, once you’ve set the goal and broken down the steps to get there, the bigger challenges somehow become more manageable. Sort out what you need to do, and over what period of time, so you can mentally tick off things as you go.

If you’re embarking on something that’s going to challenge you physically, then ensuring that your body is ready for the challenge is very important. For something like a walking trip, there are all sorts of ways to prepare but the important thing is to build up gradually in order to reduce any chance of strain or injury, and regular stretching and Pilates will certainly pay off.

Enlist the Help of Friends and Support Groups

Whether you’re starting out with a new interest or embarking on an unfamiliar challenge, there’s nothing like the support of fellow companions to sustain you on your journey. Tell your friends or family about what you’re doing, and there’s a good chance that they’ll offer encouragement during your preparation phase.

If what you’re doing is a group activity, such as a hike, you’ll find that your fellow walkers are a great source of support – time whizzes past if you’re chatting to someone as you walk and have plenty of gorgeous scenery to admire together. Of course, if you are planning a physical challenge – or indeed climbing that mountain! – you need to make sure that there is professional assistance in the form of a group leader and support network to help if needed.

Recognise the Value of Incentives and Rewards

Unless we’re extremely self-motivated, some sort of incentive, however tiny, can go a long way in helping us to achieve our goal. When it comes to physical challenges, getting fit and knowing that we’re improving our overall health is a wonderful incentive. Reaching the top of a mountain peak, glacial lake or other landmark will also spur you on.

And in keeping with the current fixation with the number of steps covered each day, checking your steps or mileage covered in a single day or over a full week is guaranteed to drive anyone forward!

But when it comes to rewards, the odd treat and a little indulgence also goes a long way. After all, who can resist the promise of a delicious lunchtime picnic with a mountain view or a hot bath followed by a gastronomic dinner at the end of a glorious day of walking?

If that sounds like your sort of thing, take a look at our more challenging gastronomic walking tours to some of Italy and Australia’s most spectacular peaks.

Does your age bother you? Is there anything you’d like to do but feel held back by your age? What motivates you to take on new challenges?

Emily Simpson’s Black Velvet Puff Sleeve Confessional Dress

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 16 Fashion

Emily Simpson looked flawless in her black velvet puff sleeve dress in her confessionals. This velvet number puts the perfect spin on a classic LBD. It’s perfect for this time of year and would be great for any winter time events you may have. I mean other than sitting on your couch watching the RHOC Season 16 premiere that is (but feel free to dress up in a Style Stealer for the occasion).

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her A.L.C. Chamberlin Dress

Originally posted at: Emily Simpson’s Black Velvet Puff Sleeve Confessional Dress

Is there anything better than getting your hair cut and/or colored, leaving the salon and feeling like a supermodel? No, we don’t think there is. But because of the current climate, seeing your hairstylist might not be as easy and getting your split ends cut off or your roots done might just be a quick in-and-out appointment without all the fun. That’s one reason why we’re so obsessed with actors and influencers who switch up their look on a dime. We’re jealous, sure, but it’s also aspirational AF. So, we’re rounding up the best celebrity hair makeovers of 2021 as they come so you can drool with us.

Though, it’s not just about drooling over these looks. Saving this page and referring back to it at the hair salon can help you decide if curtain bangs or a bob is right for you. Hairstylists actually love when you show them photos because they can get a real feel of the vibe you’re looking for and can adjust the look into something that suits your wants and needs. This goes for color, too. Did you ask for balayage when you really meant a shadow root? It’s easier to just give examples of what you want.

Some of these celebrity looks aren’t permanent. Stars love to play around with wigs, extensions and faux bangs. But there’s nothing wrong with that. Real or faux, we’re taking inspo from our favorites to figure out our next look for 2021 and beyond.

Source: Instagram

Lily Collins

The Emily in Paris star debuted chic new fringe thanks to hairstylist Gregory Russell. The piece-y style allows you to still see her iconic brows.

AP Images.

Kaia Gerber

If you were a teenager in the early aughts, chances are you had these exact eye-grazing bangs seen on Kaia Gerber. Everything old is officially new again! She looks great.

AP Images.

Dove Cameron

Is blonde hair cheugy? That’s what we’re asking after seeing Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and now Dove Cameron all going brunette for fall.

Source: Instagram

Florence Pugh

Whether it’s for a role or just because she wanted a big change, actor Florence Pugh looks stunning with her new shorter and darker hair.

Source: Instagram

Hailey Bieber

Mrs. Bieber went brunette for fall and looks stunning! We love that her colorist left some lighter pieces in the front to brighten her face.

TikTok.

Selena Gomez

It feels like every fashion girl on my TikTok FYP is getting a bob for fall. Selena Gomez just joined the club with her chic, blunt style.

Source: Instagram

Megan Fox

Hello, new look! Fox showed off her icy new hair on Instagram, writing: “This is what the devil’s daughter looks like.” What’s probably a wig is for her 2022 movie Johnny & Clyde, a Bonnie & Clyde update, also starring Tyson Ritter. It looks so cool on her, she should probably rock it IRL, too.

AP Images.

Whitney Peak

The Gossip Girl reboot star hit up the Savage x Fenty Vol. 3 show rocking a platinum blonde mullet. It’s a far cry from her character Zoya’s naturally curly hair.

Source: Instagram

Gigi Hadid

Although it’s not set to air until September 23 on Amazon Prime Video, Savage x Fenty is giving us sneak peeks of Vol. 3 of the ultra-hot runway show. We spotted model mom Gigi Hadid and her new baby bangs! They’re probably clip-ins but they’re cute enough to do for real.

Christopher Smith/Invision/AP.

Irina Shayk

The model showed up to New York Fashion Week looking totally different — and seriously chic — in a bob with bangs. It’s most likely a wig but it looks so good, we’re hoping she does it for real.

Source: Instagram

Camila Cabello

The singer first took to TikTok to show off her chic new bob — a far departure from her usual long locks. Response from fans was mixed, with many disliking the change and saying she looks too much like “Fifth Harmony Camila.” We think she looks incredible and like the grown-up performer she’s turning into. Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos is responsible for the blunt bob.

Source: Instagram

Chrissy Teigen

After seeing how good Kourtney Kardashian looks with short hair, Chrissy Teigen decided to join the celeb bob club. She credited hairstylist Sabrina Porsche for the sleek cut and style.

Lorde

We had to do a double-take when we saw Lorde’s (faux) blonde hair in her new music video for “Mood Ring.” She looks a lot like The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy.

Source: Instagram

Kylie Jenner

OK, Kylie! The beauty boss rocked knee-length hair and a gold bikini to celebrate Kylie Cosmetics’ 24K Birthday Collection, which launches on August 10. Remember: this is the revamp with new formulas.And that

RW/MediaPunch /IPX.

Zoey Deutch

The actress was seen in full Y2K hair and clothing on the set of Hulu’s upcoming movie Not Okay.  Although it’s most likely a wig, Deutch famous friends love this look for her. “Wait I love your hair like this,” wrote Riverdale‘s Madelaine Petsch on Instagram. We couldn’t agree more.

Source: Instagram

Gabrielle Union

Often when a woman does the “big chop,” it’s because there’s damage to their hair or they had to cut it off for a reason. But Gabrielle Union is showing you can go ultra-short just because it looks amazing. “The movies always show women cutting their hair when all is lost but I wanted to know the feeling of making a change when things are gravy. It hits different and its foreign to me but I ❤❤❤ this new new,” she wrote on Instagram.

Source: Instagram

Emma Chamberlain

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of all of Gen Z making a hair appointment to copy Chamberlain’s cool-girl bangs.

Source: Instagram

Jennie

The Blackpink singer slays with Y2K-style full bangs. She credited hairstylist Preston Wada for the chop.

Source: Instagram

Margot Robbie

The actor covers this month’s British Vogue looking like a ’70s supermodel with caramel blonde hair and new bangs.

Source: Instagram

Paris Jackson

Y2K beauty and fashion are trending like crazy. Just take a look at Paris Jackson’s color-block hair. We’re loving the emerald green shade poking out from under her blond hair.

Source: Instagram

Florence Pugh

The actress is giving us Y2K vibes with pastel purple ends. We’re not sure who did the color (maybe she did it herself?) but the gorgeous waves were created by hairstylist Peter Lux.

Instagram.

Demi Lovato

Mullets are trending like crazy and apparently, Demi Lovato got the memo. The front of her hair is short and the back is all the way past her shoulders.

Instagram.com/sophiet.

Sophie Turner 

Just a week after debuting piece-y bangs, the Game of Thrones star went fully red! She shared a cute mirror photo wearing Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour merch and showing off her matching red Casetify Cottage Core case.

Source: Instagram

Ciara

“Pelirroja,” Ciara wrote on Instagram. (Pelirroja is Spanish for redhead.) The singer is looking stunning with long ginger hair giving off a bit of a sexy princess Ariel vibe.

Instagram.com/sophiet.

Sophie Turner 

“Ya gal’s bang’d up,” the Game of Thrones star wrote on Instagram stories over the weekend. The choppy, piece-y style is different from the blunt bangs we’ve seen her rock before. We love this low-key fringe for summer because it’s easy to pin back or grow into curtain bangs.

Source: Instagram

Kim Kardashian

We’ve seen the media mogul try just about every hairstyle but the lob will always be our favorite. This one has a gorgeous curled-under ’70s vibe.

TikTok.

Charli D’Amelio

We’re obsessing over D’Amelio’s new chop with ’90s-style layers that feel so fresh for summer.

Source: Instagram

Miranda Cosgrove

She’s back, baby! Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins gave Cosgrove pretty blonde highlights for the iCarly revival.

Instagram.com/kimkardashian.

Kim Kardashian

Look who’s blonde again! But it was only for a few hours. Kardashian was shooting an upcoming campaign either for KKW Beauty or Skims. She actually did get her eyebrows bleached and we actually loved the look with her naturally dark hair. But then when they put the blonde wing on it was like, whoa. Right before she left the studio, she snapped a photo showing us she’s back to brunette again, including the brows.

Source: Instagram

Sabrina Carpenter

Say goodbye to curtain bangs and hello to ‘Bardot bangs!’ Hairstylist Laurie Heaps gave Sabrina Carpenter piece-y bombshell bangs inspired by the iconic French star Brigitte Bardot. We’re obsessed.

Source: Instagram

Selena Gomez

In an Instagram photo promoting her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, in April 2021, Gomez showed off her newly dyed blonde hair. The picture saw the former Disney Channel star light blonde tresses and dark roots. She most recently dyed her hair blonde in 2017 in a color dubbed by her hairstylist Nikki Lee as “Nirvana Blonde.” Gomez’s 2021 color was also done by Lee and Riawna Capri. “We’ve been doing Selena’s color for over a decade now. She typically keeps it pretty natural, but this time she went for a big change. This blonde is unique to her as we had to make sure there was an equal balance of cool and warm for her skin tone. It’s an edgier look and perfect for summer,” the hairstylists said in a statement.

https://twitter.com/eolsenarchive/status/1372591228886396930

Elizabeth Olsen

At the virtual launch of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier miniseries, Olsen debuted a totally different look from her usual copper-blonde hair. The bangs! The darker color! So chic.

Source: Instagram

Chrissy Teigen

We love how Teigen is playing around with wigs lately and experimenting with hair color. Although she only kept the silver shade for a day, we hope she brings it back. It looks amazing on her.

Source: Instagram

Kristen Bell

It seems like Bell is dressed up in character to film a TV show or movie but we’re loving these piecey bangs on her and we hope she keeps them up IRL.

Source: Instagram

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

While filling us in on the Covid-19 relief package, AOC showed off her adorable new haircut. When followers commented saying they loved the chop, she replied, “Let’s not start another national crisis over it, right?”

Source: Instagram

Gigi Hadid

The model mom returned to the runway, walking in the Versace fall 2021 show. Hairstylist Panos Papandrianos wrote “Ginger for Gigi” on Instagram, making us believe he really did dye the model’s hair this gorgeous red shade for the occasion.

Source: Instagram

Olivia Rodrigo

The ‘Drivers License’ singer jumped on the curtain bang trend thanks to hairstylist Clayton Hawkins. They’re subtle but make a big difference in her look. One interesting note: Sabrina Carpenter has them too.

Source: Instagram

Lana Condor

The actress looks so great in this pastel pink wig, maybe she’s considering doing it IRL? “Get ‘Anyone Else But You; to 5 mil streams and I’ll keep it,” she wrote on Instagram. Though, she told STYLECASTER last year, “I don’t know that I’d ever dye dye my hair. I think my mom would kill me, you’d know?”

Source: Instagram

Ashley Graham

The model had everyone thinking maybe she got a pixie cut but her hair is actually the result of new growth post hair loss. “Postpartum baby hairs come through!” she wrote on Instagram.

Source: Instagram

Emma Roberts

A new color and cut for the birthday girl! “Emma always looks and feels her best blonde,” said her hairstylist and Nine Zero One co-founder Nikki Lee. “We decided to keep her a warm blonde and went for a ’90s supermodel vibe. With a new baby and a big birthday, we went out with a bang! Lisa Satorn added extensions for length and fullness. I kept her haircut free and flowing with piecey layers around the face.” Lee keeps her client’s hair healthy with the In Common 3 Step Treatment System ($105 at In Common).

Source: Instagram

Katy Perry

Why not start with one of the biggest hair chameleons? Though she’s been ultra-blonde for a while, we can’t help but miss a brunette Katy Perry. It’s classically chic and fits her personality. So, when we saw these photos of backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live, we were so excited to see the long brown hair. But it seems it’s a wig and she’s already back to blonde.

If you weren’t able to attend the BTS Permission To Dance On Stage tour in Los Angeles last month and missed out on nabbing the Amorepacific lip balm and skincare goodies, you’re in luck. Laneige’s BTS x Amorepacific Lip Sleeping Mask is now available in BTS Purple, of course. Amorepacific was one of the official sponsors of the tour and had a booth at the stadium where 10,000 concert attendees grabbed samples of the cult-favorite products and took photos in the photo boots.

The limited-edition Lip Sleeping Mask has the BTS logo and tour artwork so it’s a must-have for any K-pop fan. Plus, what’s inside is a cult-favorite lip balm that constantly sells out. If you’ve never tried Laneige’s hydrating lip balm, you’re in for a treat. The original has a casual 14,000 4.5 star reviews on Sephora’s website. This one is the brand’s yummy Gummer Bear flavor packed with vitamin C and antioxidants to soothe and soften lips.

Sephora.

Although it’s called a “Sleeping Mask,” you can definitely use this clear lip balm all day long. It’s just a little heavier than your everyday lip balm. Slather it on before you go to bed and you’ll wake up shocked at how soft your lips are. Considering now is all about stocking on up holiday gifts, we can’t think of a better stocking stuffer than a BTS-themed lip balm that’s actually made with quality ingredients.

To wit, the brand’s “Moisture Wrap” complex forms a protective layer over lips, locking in moisture. It’s free of parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates and sulfates SLS & SLES. It also contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance, so much of what you’re smelling is from the “Berry Mix Complex.” It’s like candy in the best way possible.

Right now, the BTS X Amorepacific Lip Sleeping Mask is still in stock but we don’t expect it to last long.

Attention! This is not a drill! *Grabs megaphone* LOOPS face masks are now available at Ulta! These Emily Ratajkowski–approved no-mess, non-comedogenic (bye, bye pores!) and nourishing face masks target all your skin’s needs, from puffy skin to clogged pores—in just 10 minutes. And, for what seems like was a lifetime, they were only available directly through the LOOPS website. Until now. 

Our go-to beauty destination, Ulta, now has 11 of LOOPS’ most iconic face mask packs available for us to stock up on, including the variety pack, the under-eye mask set, and a skin reset mask. Which are we getting, you ask? All of them, of course.

See, unlike other face masks, these ones are built to be as durable as can be. They’re sturdy enough to hold (and actually stick) to your face, even when you’re doing chores around the house, or are in the middle of a commute. Don’t believe us? Why don’t you take the word of none other than EmRata herself, then. The LOOPS creative director told Byrdie that she signed on with the brand because the face masks were so game-changing for her daily life.

“Sheet masks traditionally slide off your face and that’s annoying,” she said. “I can’t lay like a mummy all the time. I have things to do, especially in the mornings.” But, with LOOPS, she “can do masks in a lot of different environments and in my life.”

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A post shared by Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata)

Now, that’s enough praise to get us to click “check out.” Speaking of, peep our favorite LOOPs buys below.

Courtesy: Loops.

Variety Loop Face Mask Set

The LOOPS variety set consists of 5 hydrogel masks that each have a special job to ensure that your skin is in tip-top shape. One user said: “Love all of these masks that you get in this variety pack love this brand!”

Courtesy: LOOPS.

LOOPS Sunrise Service Face Mask

While your coffee is brewing in the morning, the Sunrise Service mask is there to wake your skin up. Packed with pumpkin extract, white flower complex and baobab oil, this restorative mask helps depuff and refine your skin while protecting it from harsh free-radical damage using probiotic antioxidants. Striving for that dewy, healthy skin glow?

Courtesy: LOOPS.

LOOPS Double Take Face Mask Set

The Double Take masks give you that radiant look with sunflower seed oil and our favorite vitamin E (love, love, love!). Get five of these nourishing masks for $35. Not a bad deal. 

Courtesy: LOOPS.

LOOPS Clean Slate Face Mask Set

If your skin needs a detox, the Clean Slate mask deeply cleanses, exfoliates, replenishes and soothes the skin with a delicate yet powerful combination of aloe vera, bamboo water, shea seedcake extract and volcanic ash. 

Courtesy: LOOPS.

LOOPS Night Shift Face Mask Set

When you’re ready for your beauty rest, plop on a Night Shift mask and let it restore your skin’s elasticity and firmness. Its key players include hydrolyzed collagen and cactus extract. 

Courtesy: LOOPS.

LOOPS Weekly Reset Face Mask Set

After a long week at work, this Weekly Reset set will be your bestie. Made with honey and rice water extract, as well as Anti-Sebum complex (that removes excess oil without stripping the skin), these anti-aging masks replenish your skin while encouraging collagen production. 

Like we said, LOOPS has all your skin needs covered.