What age do we feel most beautiful?

It's not at 21 - surprisingly!

They say life improves with every decade, so good news for the thirtysomethings amongst us, after a new survey reveals women feel at their most beautiful aged 32. After leaving behind acne in our teens, insecurities and heartbreak in our twenties, once we hit our early thirties, we feel the most comfortable in our own skin.

Nearly 40% of women quizzed on how they feel about their looks said they felt most attractive at 32 – and they’re in good company with celebs including Liv Tyler, Sophie Dahl and Sarah Michelle Gellar all entering their 32nd year in 2009.

Women who answered the survey explained that at 32 they felt their life had the perfect combination of confidence gained from life experience, an active love life and the enjoyment of eating and drinking sensibly.

Psychologist Dr Sandra Wheatley said the survey results were ‘really encouraging’ and showed that women saw life achievements as just as valuable as a youthful appearance.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr Wheatley said: ‘It sounds to me like women are becoming much more swayed by personality. It's a sign that we are valued for who we are and what we are capable of, not just what is on the surface.

‘Feeling beautiful is tied in with confidence and life experience. At 32, a woman has been through and survived more experiences and achieved more than at 22.’

She added: ‘Women can be their own worst enemy, scrutinising each other's weight and wrinkles. But this is a really encouraging study that beauty is more than skin deep.’