Algarve Mum Life

An American actress trades in Hollywood hills for the Algarve.

People in LA swear by new diets, and miracle supplements, or know ‘just the guy’ to freeze, fill or peel the years away under pressure to look forever young. In fact, a friend directing the final season of Desperate Housewives found himself planning a shot list more around facial work than the script. Some of the cast had become so frozen in time that normal closeup reactions couldn’t be filmed! When a female lead walks in on her husband in flagrante with another woman, the standard shot depicting her view, followed by a close-up of her reaction, was no longer possible because all expressive facial muscles had long since been retired. His workaround? A reverse shot of her dropping a tray thus conveying her shock/horror; the magic of Hollywood.

the sun with its capacity to burn. After one summer spent under it, my Scandinavian skin has certainly learned its lesson.

If you have been a rogue, sun-loving goddess and perhaps are starting to see the toll your golden vanity has taken, there are some remedies available to turn back the ravages of time and pleasure. Of course, nothing can replace the keen eye of a dermatologist. That said, in pursuit of lineless beauty, it’s essential to mention the babystep procedures of freezing and filling. These ‘helpers’ often find their way into conversations as taboo topics are mentioned in hushed whispers: “Do you do it? Would you do it?” Of course, there is much to consider but here’s what I’ve discovered:

Freezing (Botox) will remove the expression lines caused by years of frustrations with children, family, and annoying people. It will give you the slightly un-emotive appearance of being relaxed and happy while you surreptitiously wait for that five o’clock glass of wine or true crime show at bedtime.

Having survived an industry where beauty is currency, the idea of not wanting to look a day over twenty-five has been ingrained into my psyche. As a mom of two young boys in a new country, I wasn’t sure what I’d find to help maintain health or appearance. As it happens, the Algarve is a fantastic place to become the best older version of myself.

While there are innumerable beaches, golf courses, gyms and beauty services on offer, the Algarve is also comparable to living in

Fillers (variations of Collagen) are injectable substances that replenish a youthfulness to your face that time, sunlight, and significant others have taken out. It also provides that vague, mysterious appearance where no one knows if you’re twenty-eight or seventy. Because of this, both are probably best done in moderation at the hands of a skilled practitioner.

As a last resort, the option of looking in the mirror and finding acceptance over your looks is also a good choice, although my inner ingenue is fighting me on it.