Drew Barrymore, 51, shows off her youthful beauty in new waterside photo: ‘Goodbye summer’

At 51, Drew Barrymore remains our beauty inspiration, and this summer she’s been showing off why, sharing gorgeous pictures of herself wearing no make-up and letting her inner glow shine.

A new carousel, posted on Instagram, gave fans a glimpse into her summer months with friends and family, with pictures including a moment Drew spent with friends on the lake.

In the picture Drew – with her hair loose around her shoulders and a smile on her face – posed with a friend as they sat on the dock. The mom of two wore a long-sleeved top with a short-sleeved tee over it.

“Summertime and the living was easy,” Drew captioned the post.

Other pictures showed Drew enjoying an iced tea, taking selfies on vacation, and pictures of her cats.

© Drew Barrymore

The post comes days after Drew was praised by friends for her positive attitude towards aging when she shared a video of her smiling into the camera. Bare-faced and with her hair down, Drew, who turned 51 in February, wrote over the video: “The goal isn’t to look 25. The goal is to make 25-year-olds excited for their 50s.”

“This is my goal! I hear it only gets better too,” she captioned the video, and friends including Reese Witherspoon and Kristen Bell were quick to comment with their own experiences and agreements.

Drew has been embracing her second act in recent years, and has become a role model for women in their 40s and 50s.

The former child star has also been vocal about relying on self-care and great skincare products rather than cosmetic surgery. “I’m waiting on making any alterations,” she shared, adding that she didn’t “see myself resorting to it.”

Three years ago, in a viral moment from her talk show, Drew told Andie McDowell: “I’m so single … I’m going to turn 49, I’m not that aggressive or interested. I’m very happy with my life.”

The video was shared in August by the TV show’s Instagram page and our Second Act deputy editor Leanne Bayley wrote a gorgeous feature on why Drew’s words are so important.

“A partner isn’t a missing puzzle piece required to complete you. You’re already the complete picture! If someone comes along who genuinely adds laughter, respect, and extra joy to an already fabulous life, fantastic. But if not? You’ve got a life you built, friends who adore you, and a level of inner peace that money can’t buy,” she wrote.