Sophia Brown Ramsay, 45 Your 40s are fabulous because: “To be this age is a blessing. I can hear my own voice, and I listen. And I don’t worry as much about things.”

Sophia’s ageless beauty secret: “I try to be an optimist, it helps with creases. And I sleep in more now!”

Advice from the derm: “For women of this age, the majority of concerns relate to pigmentation disorders and effects of aging, especially the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Mercy Alexis of Kingsway Dermatology & Cosmetic Centre in Toronto. “Fortunately for us, these signs of aging are not so significant and do occur extremely slowly. However, poor health habits, nutrition, skin care and genetic factors can accelerate the process.” The good doctor’s orders include proper nutrition, exercise, drinking plenty of water to hydrate the body, including skin, adequate rest and stress reduction. “They are all essential for prolonging youthfulness,” she says.

Sway suggests: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex. Make the most of your beauty sleep with an intensely hydrating treatment. 30 ml, $63.

The scientist says: “Build on your skin regimen by caring for one of the most delicate and sensitive areas on your face: around your eyes. Visible dark circles can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as sun exposure, genetics, allergies, rubbing, stress or lack of sleep, dehydration and leftover makeup. Eye care products that contain peptides, caffeine and retinoids aid in skin rejuvenation, minimize puffiness, wrinkles and discolouration.”

Photography: Alexis Finch

Beauty editor: Ingrie Williams

Makeup: Roxanne DeNobrega for MAC Cosmetics roxannedenobrega.com

Hair: Simone Finch for Chiggy’s Touch Salon