‘I’ve learned how important a consistent skincare regime is’

WENDY VAUGHAN (51)

Having worked in healthcare and the cosmetics industry for the past 20 years, Wendy Vaughan, hung up her working shoes last year and is enjoying time out with her kids and quality time with her friends.

My mother taught me to cleanse every night
I've learned through trial and error that you don't have to be using the most expensive products for good skin. It's the regime that counts: daily cleansing and moisturising and always removing makeup at night to give your skin a chance to recover from daily stress. Once a week I find exfoliating helps freshen up my complexion, and I'm vigilant about daily SPF application. It's only when you get older that you see the accumulation of all your efforts.

Hands to me are very important
One of my earliest childhood memories is of my mother's beautiful hands. Not painted in bright colours but just beautifully manicured. It's funny to think that a three-year-old would be aware of something like that. I have always felt a woman looks groomed when her nails are manicured and the skin looks moisturised and even. There's no point in wearing the most eye-catching rings if you don't pay attention to your hands.

When your hair is good, everything else falls into place
Never underestimate the importance of a good haircut. I have fine hair, so I try not to wash it every day and avoid using too much heat. I've recently discovered if I use products with keratin (the building blocks of hair), like Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo it makes my hair feel stronger without weighing it down. I do love going to the salon every month and then if I've something important on, a blow dry is a treat.

I've found my style now and stick with it
I love that I had my children young (at 25) and now I can enjoy hanging out with them; they keep me feeling vital and up to date on the latest fashions and fads. However, I try not to pay too much attention to trends - at this stage, I've found my style. I know what makeup works for me, I know what hairstyle and colour best flatters me, and I keep my clothes classic with a few up-to-date accessories to keep my look fresh.

When I need to feel good
I spritz on scent: I find perfume can be so uplifting. My current favourite is Hermes Elixir des Merveilles. I also always feel energized after my yoga classes. It's my happy place and where I catch up with the girls, and I strongly believe you must surround yourself with positive people, edit out those who drag you down, stick with those who make you smile because as the saying goes, 'laughter is the best cosmetic'.

MARIA BONALS (41)

Barcelona native, Maria moved to Ireland in 2001. By day she’s a technical engineer but by night she’s an artist, dancer and free spirit.

My daily routine is low maintenance
On a busy day, I shower with Dove Go Fresh Revive Body Wash to wake my body and brain up and then I just use face moisturiser and a bit of concealer to even out the tones on my face. I always make sure my hair is tidy. I like to look "put together" and professional at work and I always try to coordinate my outfits and match my accessories. I feel this gives me more confidence.

I'm more positive in my 40s
I feel sexier and more confident now than ever before possibly because, by day, I'm a technical engineer, but after 5.30pm, I do all the things I love like contemporary dancing, painting, drawing, meeting up with my friends or having a good conversation with my husband. In my 40s I see life generally with a lot more positive attitude than before, and I try to be surrounded by the people I love the most.

As you get older, you need to take better care of yourself
I never used makeup in my 20s, and I didn't do much by way of a skin regime, but thankfully I did use sunscreen. I was living in Barcelona at the time and used to go hiking in the mountains and was outdoors a lot so sunscreen was essential and it's paid off – I look at friends who didn't protect their skin and the difference is very evident. Over the past decade, I've learned how important a consistent skincare regime is, and I'm getting much better with daily cleansing, toning and moisturiser. I think once you get into that routine, it becomes automatic morning and night.

Beauty treatments are just that: a treat
I love getting manicures and particularly pedicures as I dance barefoot in my contemporary dance class, and I enjoy the relaxation of a facial. But treatments are so expensive they are a rarity. I tend to spend my beauty budget on my hair and need to go to the salon quite regularly to keep it in check.

WHAT YOU THINK

The Irish Times conducted a reader survey of 100 women asking their views on a selection of Dove products including Dove Go Fresh Revive Body Wash and Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, three shower hero products that readers fell in love with.
Here's what some of our respondents had to say:

"Very surprised with how good the shampoo was. My hair felt so clean and healthy which made me happy." Jane, 45, Drogheda

"I love the smell of the body wash; it's invigorating and the fact that it made my skin soft.  I suffer from dry skin, so it helped." Olwyn, 37, Dublin

"The body wash felt luxurious, and the aromas were lovely, there is a silky feel to it which is great and it feels moisturising too. The packaging is very stylish too." Margaret, 52, Offaly

"I just loved it and I cannot believe it. It left my hair so soft and bouncy, like a high-end salon product. I didn't think you could get a product this good from the supermarket."
Sive, 49, Wicklow

"The shampoo is lovely and nourishing and the conditioner is so rich it made my coloured hair look super glossy." Jessica, 38, Limerick

Dove is committed to making beauty a source of confidence, not anxiety, for women everywhere. Dove Hair products are formulated with 2 way care, to help restore hair and protect it from further long term damage. Dove body washes have 100% gentlest cleansers, 0% soap and ¼ moisturising cream for softer, smoother skin after just one shower Find out more:”

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