Fabulous at 40

The famous ladies that improve with age

If you take a look at a lot of women's magazines, it's not always the 20- something starlets that make the most beautiful front covers -it's often the older celebs that are the real big sellers.

Hitting middle age doesn't mean compromising on attractiveness or sexiness any more, and the answer to staying fabulous once you're out of your 30s won't necessarily be found in a jar of cream -a positive attitude (and a good pair of heels!) is much more effective.

The most beautiful middle aged women are those who radiate confidence in their looks, accepting that crows feet and grey hairs are inevitable products of ageing, and embracing the changes in their bodies with grace and positivity. Okay, so we can't ignore things like Botox and tummy tucks, but let's face it, a smooth forehead or stomach can only get you so far on the road to sex appeal.

Here at 888ladies, we're all for celebrating women who take beauty with them into their 40s, so here we take a look at some of our favourite foxy forty- somethings.

Kylie Minogue

The much-loved princess of pop hit the big 4-0 in May, but considering she is in the throes of a huge world tour, turning 40 certainly doesn't seem to have done her any harm! Kylie remains one of the most admired sex symbols, loved by both men and women all over the globe.

Nicole Kidman

After her breakup with Tom Cruise, Nicole kept her composure and dignity (in contrast to her ex's couch-jumping incident on Oprah!). The 41 year old, who married singer Keith Urban in 2006 and who just had her first biological child Sunday Rose with him, certainly remains a very yummy mummy!

Kristen Davis

At 43, Kristen continues to win awards for both her acting and her beauty. Best known for her role as the prim Charlotte in Sex And The City, Kristen hasn't looked back after going to rehab for alcoholism in her 20s. She has dated Alec Baldwin and Jeff Goldblum, but for now is a sexy singleton.

Nigella Lawson

As one of TV's most-loved chefs, Nigella showed us all how to be a domestic goddess while looking immaculate in the process -as if we could match that! As one of the most tantalising women on television, men and women agree that the 48 year old brunette only gets sexier with age.

Michelle Pfeiffer

The original and best Catwoman (sorry, Halle Berry!) is still amongst Hollywood's sexiest ladies at 50. Happily married and with two children, Pfeiffer has successfully avoided gossip and scandal and has a reputation as one of the most professional sirens of the screen.

And let's not forget about the fellas -with men like Sean Bean (49), Colin Firth (47), Daniel Craig (40) and Johnny Depp (45) still making us weak at the knees, it's not only the female celebs that are proving that age really is just a number!