Liv Winther on turning 50, cutting out alcohol and coffee – and the routines that have changed her body and mind.
You've just turned 50, what's your relationship with age?
“I've never really felt my age. Throughout all my decades, I've felt younger and a bit like a late bloomer, while also being very grateful for what I've achieved in my life. Turning 50, however, has been a different kind of transition. There are some hormonal changes that are very age-appropriate, and it's been intense. In many ways, I've had to see myself with new eyes, both because my body feels different, and because aging suddenly seems to be accelerating. Fortunately, that hasn't diminished my gratitude.”
Which rituals are absolutely indispensable in your daily life?
“My breathing exercises are absolutely essential. I've meditated and worked with breathing for 20 minutes every day for the past five years, guided by Jakob Lund from Breathe SMART. Through working with my breath, I've encountered feelings I've suppressed for many years. I have ADHD and a very active nervous system, so it was really hard at first to sit still and feel the restlessness without acting on it. It was a huge eye-opener. I thought meditation was about calm, but it's really about daring to feel how you are. From there, calm can begin to set in. The first few weeks were difficult, but today I am both happy and proud that I persevered and of how much it has reduced my stress levels.”
How has your training changed with age?
“I started training late – I was probably around 38-39 years old before I started running and training systematically. Before that, I mainly did yoga, which is still my favorite. Today, I focus more on strength training because I want to maintain my muscle mass. I train with a personal trainer once a week who understands me and manages to push me. It feels like an important investment in my body.”
You don't drink alcohol, what has that choice meant for you?
“I drink alcohol very rarely, 2-3 times a year, when I really feel like it and when it makes sense. It's been a great relief to be able to say no thanks without feeling like I'm missing out on anything. I still love being social and going out with my girlfriends, but I don't need the alcohol. It makes me restless, especially the day after, and I'm generally quite sensitive to it. The same goes for coffee, which I've also cut out. Coffee gives me an inner restlessness that I absolutely don't need.”
What supplements and vitamins do you take?
“I take B-vitamins, magnesium, D-vitamins, and collagen – all from Puori. This is mainly because of their founder, Oliver, whom I have great respect for, and their Clean Label Project certification, which gives me confidence in the quality. I take B-vitamins and magnesium because they support my hormone balance, nervous system, and energy levels. It helps me manage stress better, provides more stable energy throughout the day, and supports both my sleep and overall well-being.”
Has anything about your diet changed with age?
“I've been following the 8:16 principle for several years, but I'm not rigid; I eat breakfast when I'm on vacation or if there's a good occasion. I try to get enough protein, which fortunately isn't difficult because I love meat. What has changed most is that I can feel how my body reacts differently in perimenopause. The pounds accumulate more easily, and to be honest, I find that a bit unfair.”
How has your approach to beauty and skincare evolved over the years?
“It hasn't actually changed that much. I've worked with beauty for many years, and I've always had a very clear approach: products must be effective, but at the same time respect the skin. I almost can't bear the thought of putting something on my skin that doesn't do it any good – but is only there for scent or consistency. For me, it's about pure ingredients and respect for the skin's natural barrier and functions.”
What are the most important things you've learned about skincare through your many years as a beauty editor and now founder of HONEY?
“That less is often more. That the skin's barrier is everything, and that it must not be compromised. Especially, the cleansing product is a game-changer. It must not strip the skin of fats, because then you weaken the skin barrier. A mild cleansing gel without soap, rinsed off with water, is actually the foundation for healthy skin. Once you understand your skin and start working with it instead of against it, it becomes much easier to choose correctly, and it doesn't actually have to be that complicated.”
Which products or ingredients do you always return to?
“Squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin A, and EGF. And I find exosomes really exciting. You can clearly feel when something works. The skin feels calm, soft, and balanced.”
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about health, beauty, and lifestyle, what would it be?
“I wish I had understood earlier how wonderful it is to move and exercise, but I also know that I didn't have the energy for it back then. And then I would say: be careful with the sun. A cap, shade, and sunscreen with certifications like AllergyCertified or the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. It's a bit of a jungle, but it's worth it.”