26 Jun 2009, 1520 hrs IST

LONDON: Women who want to have the time of their lives should make the most of being 28, for a study says that they are at their happiest at that age.

Researchers have found that women feel most confident and happy with their love life and body shape shortly before they reach 30 -- in fact, it is also the period in their life when they enjoy the best sex.

However, the happiness is relatively short lived as by the time they have turned 30 they start worrying about growing old and developing grey hair and wrinkles, British newspaper 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.

"Everything in life hits its peak at some point, and nearly reaching your thirties isn't so bad now. The age of 28 has been pinpointed as the time in a woman's life their hair looks the best, body shape is at its peak and confidence is at an all-time high.

"The security of your job, having a steady income, being in a relationship and having strong friendships all help create the perfect point in our lives when everything comes together. Reaching and surpassing your 20s no longer triggers the downward spiral of your looks and self-confidence.

"And a little time put aside in hectic schedules for self-pampering and the odd beauty product can help keep you feeling young and looking your best," a Spokesperson for home hair colour brand Clairol Perfect 10, which commissioned the study, said.

The researchers have based their findings on a survey of 4,000 women, aged between 25 and 65 years.

They recorded the age at which women were most content in 12 key areas of their life. And, according to the results, women are happiest in their career at 29 and most content with their relationships one year later at 30, despite having the best sex at 28.

But all is not lost for the over 30s, as women feel most content with their financial situation at 33 and at ease with their home and family life at 32.

The research also found two thirds of women feel they age more quickly than men, and the women polled rated their appearance a measly five out of 10. It also emerged that 56 per cent of women worry about losing their looks with age.

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