When Jessica Wright tells her age to strangers, they often wonder if she’s telling the truth.
The Australian mother is often mistaken for being in her late 20s, thanks to her flawless complexion, vibrant energy and zest for life – and it’s all natural.
This busy financial worker from Brisbane is 42 years old and has three children aged eight to 21.
‘Most people are shocked and do a double take. It often gets worse when I tell them I also have a 21-year-old son,’ Jess told FEMAIL.
‘It was certainly not my intention to look “youthful”, but it’s nice that people think so.
‘I have absolutely no fear of getting older, it’s such a privilege! Friends have described me as “high on life” and “a solar sunray”. I like to think I am both, what an honour to be described in such terms.’
Now Jess has shared the secrets with her age-defying complexion—from what she eats in a day to her skincare and workout routines. And she’s adamantly against cosmetic and medical procedures like Botox.
Jess describes herself as a “super simple girl who has never bought into any hype, brands or magic potions” to maintain her youthful appearance. But she swears by wearing no makeup, drinking little alcohol and eating well.
Jessica Wright is 42 years old and has three children ranging in age from eight to 21.
‘Most people are shocked and do a double take. It often gets worse when I tell them I also have a 21-year-old son,’ Jess told FEMAIL
Jess only wears makeup and drinks alcohol five times a year, such as at events, weddings or larger gatherings.
Her diet consists of a healthy balance of fats and she drinks over 2L a day – both are great for your skin. She also doesn’t drink coffee or tea as she doesn’t like the taste.
“I’ve never smoked and only drink alcohol four or five times a year, the same times I wear makeup each year,” Jess said.
“I’ve never gone to bed with makeup on in my entire life, and wearing so little makeup probably helps with my complexion. I actually think I look older with makeup on.”
Jess admitted that her skincare routine is ‘basic’ and that she has been moisturising her face every day since she was 13.
‘Most people are shocked and do a double take. It often gets worse when I tell them I also have a 21-year-old son,’ Jess told FEMAIL
“I also wear sunscreen when I’m out in the sun. I lost my dad to melanoma, so I know firsthand how important it is, but sunshine brings so much joy to my soul, so I never really limit myself unless it’s absolutely necessary,” she said.
As a child, Jess participated in a variety of sports including swimming, athletics, netball and gymnastics. In her twenties and thirties, she was a keen runner.
She is 42 years old and enjoys hiking. She also goes to the gym twice a week to do cardio and lift weights.
‘I had back surgery in 2020 so I’ve also been doing a lot of mobility physio exercises and yoga and pilates-style mat stretches. Before the surgery I was in pain for three months – I had to use a wheelchair, walker, cane and crutches and had to learn to walk again,’ Jess explained.
‘It was an extremely confronting experience to be so disabled and afraid that you might never be able to walk again without aids.
‘I couldn’t shower by myself, drive a car or even sit down, so I just lay still for three months and depended on my husband and mother to help me and the children.
‘When I was able to dance again, walk again and sit at the table with my family, I was so incredibly grateful and excited!’
“Our personal perception of age is indefinable, as our experiences and the people we grow up with often influence our views,” Jess explains.
‘I often think about how Diane Keaton and Steve Martin played 45-year-old parents in the 1995 film The Father of The Bride. I’m not far from that age now, but when I watch that footage now, I’d put it closer to 55-60.’
She added that fashion choices and hairstyles also play a big role in guessing someone’s age.
‘It used to be common belief that women over 40 couldn’t have long hair and that they had to dress super conservatively. Now that I’m in my 40s, I care less about what other people think than ever before and it’s liberating!’ says Jess.
“I think we should all dress and act the way we want, no matter what age we are. Life is short and we should all strive to make it unforgettable.”
Looking ahead, Jess draws inspiration from her mother, who is 71 and living life to the fullest.
“70 on the way to 17, I always say,” she joked.
‘She travels overseas, goes on cruises with friends, she paints, she’s the coordinator of her local over 50s group and she’s had a few boyfriends. She dances until midnight at local live music gigs – talk about 70+ goals!’
Jess believes above all that her attitude to life is the secret to staying young.
“I think the life I want to live also keeps me young, I dress the way I want and I still go to a nightclub a few times a year to dance until 3am with my girlfriends or husband. I love dancing, so why not? Who cares if I’m the oldest? Not me!” she said.