My Over-Fifty Skincare Routine and Easy Everyday Makeup

Today I am talking all about my over-50 “beauty routine”: all my favorite products for healthy glowing skin and easy everyday natural make-up!

Taking Care of Yourself

Today here on the blog I am sharing my favorite skin care and make-up products.

A little pampering and self-love for Valentine’s Day!

“Beauty”, though, can be a tricky subject. There are so many social and societal pressures on women — at all ages — to look a certain way. For the young to appear more mature. And for older women to defy the years.

That is not what this post is about.

At 63, I know who I am. But also, at this age, I want to be the best version of myself. And, after spending years caring for and raising three humans, it is time for some self care.

So I use these lotions, potions, and elixirs because they make me feel good. They soothe my skin. The scents are refreshing. And the routines give me a feeling of calm. And I really do feel like they make my skin look healthier too.

I also get a sense of control in this crazy world when I feel my own life is in order. When both my home and myself are put together. So I keep my house tidy, when no one is coming over. And even on days when I am not going anywhere, I put on an outfit I like and usually the most basic makeup.

It is just who I am.

Whether that is you, or not, I hope some of the products I am sharing here today enable you to pamper yourself a bit. Give you a sense of calm, and maybe some control.

Help you feel good in your own skin.

Because that, really, is what beauty is all about.

First, The Truly Important Things

But first, the things we can really do to take care of ourselves and to keep our skin looking its healthiest.

After all, beauty really does come from the inside…

• Fluids: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The general rule is adult women should drink between 70 and 90 ounces (9-11 cups) of water a day. This includes other beverages (except alcohol), plus fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water. I admit that I struggle a bit reaching this goal. Filling up a large water bottle in the morning helps. I have a 40 oz Stanley for days at home and the 32 oz Owala, with an ingenious built-in straw, for on-the-go.
• Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E can promote healthy skin.
• Sleep: Sleep is essential for healthy skin, because it allows your skin to repair itself. Aim for 7-9 hours a night.
• Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol can cause skin to become dehydrated, dull, and accentuate fine lines. As much as I enjoy a glass of wine, I generally limit myself to 2-3 glasses a week.
• Exercise: Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, nourishing the cells and flushing out cellular debris, helping keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Read all about my exercise routine in my blog post My Exercise Routine | Feeling Great and Staying Motivated!

NOTE: I share shopping links for your convenience. If you choose to make a purchase through these links, I receive a small commission — at no extra charge to you! Thank you for supporting my blog!

Skincare

I have used a lot of skincare products through the years. The routine I have now is definitely my favorite!

My skin is obviously “mature”. And while I don’t yet have a lot of wrinkles, my skin is definitely not as firm as it used to be. I also struggle with dryness, especially during the winter here in Maine, and have sensitivities. (I had an uncomfortable and unattractive issue with red and flaking eyelids in the fall…)

Morning

I usually exercise and then shower in the evenings. So in the morning I just get up and get ready.

I don’t even wash my face. Gasp! An aesthetician who gave me a facial once said this is perfectly okay.

Skin Script Rx Cucumber Hydration Toner: ($20 for 3.3 oz) I spray several pumps on my hands and rub onto face and neck. You can also spray it directly onto your face, avoiding eyes. This gives me a fresh base for the products I apply next, while also rehydrating the skin.

No 7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Day Cream, SPF 30: (20.99 for 1.69 oz) I love a day cream that also includes a sunscreen! This is a medium weight cream that absorbs well and feels good on the skin. I like the subtle scent, (it reminds me of a Laura Ashley perfume from the 80’s…), but there is also an unscented version.

No 7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Eye Cream: ($13.95 for .5 oz) I use this around the eye, including the lids (see dry eyelid incident above…).

Caudalie SP 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen: ($39 for 1.7 oz) If for some reason I don’t use the moisturizer, I apply this sunscreen. Full disclosure: if you are thinking of purchasing, read the reviews. I like it, but some people had some strong negative feelings about it.

Night

It feels so good to settle down at night after a busy day with a soothing routine. This is listed in the order that I apply.

Cleansing: I have yet to find “the one” facial cleanser. I want something that cleans, exfoliates, hydrates, and isn’t too harsh on my sensitive skin. Maybe that is too much for just one cleanser. This is my latest combo, and I am liking it so far.

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: ($17.99 for 13.52 oz) Creamy and gentle. Doesn’t dry my face out. On days I want some exfoliating, I combine it with the next product.

Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator: ($38.00 for 2.5 oz) This contains volcanic ash and microbeads. I find it too rough to use on its own, but it is perfect combined with the La Roche-Posay cleanser.

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift: ($84 for 30 ml) Caudalie’s exclusive patented blend of Resveratrol, Hyaluronic Acid & Vegan Collagen 1. They claim it is three times more effective than retinol to firm and lift the appearance of the skin. I don’t know about this, but it is hands down my favorite skin product I use. It is light and absorbs quickly into the skin. leaving it smooth and hydrated. I apply to slightly damp skin all over my face and neck. Over time it has definitely improved the texture of my skin.

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Night Cream: ($72 for 50 ml, $61 for the refill) This is my second favorite product! Light, but creamy, with a soft scent. I massage into entire face (eyes closed) and neck. It feels wonderful!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist: ($49.00 for 100 ml) I spray this on after applying the cream. It feels so refreshing and it “sets” my face for the night.

Extra: VinoHydra Moisturizing Mask ($42 for 75 ml) I use this when I want an extra boost of hydration.

Note: Caudalie has a rewards program, that earns you points that you can use for future purchases. Unlike some rewards programs, the points add up fairly quickly. Definitely worth signing up if you like the Caudalie products!

Body

Dryness is not just an issue for the skin on my face, but all over my body. Especially my legs. I recently started using Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm. At $84 for the “jumbo” 9.2 oz size, it is not cheap. But oh, does it feel (and smell!) good! It “combines the lasting hydration of a lotion with the anti-aging benefits of a serum.” I apply it to damp skin right after I get out of the shower. My legs already look much better!

Since I love the Body Balm so much, I just purchased the Undaria Algae Body Wash ($32 for 8 oz). I like it, but am still deciding if it is a keeper.

Lastly, and a definite indulgence, is the Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Body Creme ($95 for 5.9 oz), which I use on my upper body. I love this delicate scent that is a little flowery and a little fruity. Perfume irritates my skin, so I use scented moisturizer instead. A small amount goes a long way — this little tub lasts me for 3-4 months.

Make-up

I am not a big make-up person, and I definitely like a natural look.

But I do like a little something to smooth, even, brighten, and highlight.

I keep it easy and under 5 minutes with these products.

Skin

I don’t like a heavy foundation, but I use a few different products that even out my skin tone.

Jones Road What The Foundation ($46 for 35 g) is a “a tinted moisture balm meets traditional foundation with light-medium, buildable coverage”. It comes in 16 different tones and there is a questionnaire to help you pick the one for you. I use “Fair”, with pinkish undertones. I have been loving this for winter, when my skin needs extra moisturizing. Leave my skin looking dewy and fresh!

On days when I want something a little lighter, I use Luna + Aster Real Glow Primer ($36 for 1.7 oz) in combination with Luna + Aster Real Glow Skin Tint in Vanilla ($52 for 1.3 oz). Sometimes I just use the primer. It gives a subtle shimmery glow.

I find that a standard under-eye concealer sits in the creases around my eyes, but Luna + Aster RealGlow Undereye Brightener ($30) is nice and light.

Cheeks

I have a couple of cheek options, depending on what kind of mood I am in.

For an easy slick of subtle color, I use Jones Road Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose ($40 for 1.75 oz). Miracle Balm has a waxy slightly sticky texture, which some find off-putting. I massage it into the skin a bit and have gotten used to it.

For more concentrated color I use the Ogee Sculpted Face Stick in Pink Diamond. ($48 for 8 g). It has a nice creamy texture. Sometimes I use it on its own, and sometimes Iayer over the Miracle Balm. Recently I have been sucked in by IG ads and am wanting to try Ogee’s contour collection — three face sticks in complementary colors to “bronze, blush, and highlight your way to their signature glow.” Maybe soon!

Eyes

Four easy steps to highlight and enhance my eyes:

I have used a blue pencil to line my eyes since my college days. It worked for Princess Diana, and it works for me! It really doesn’t read blue, but it does highlight my blue eyes nicely. Right now I am using the Rimmel Eyes Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Pencil in Deep Blue. ($9.98 on Amazon) I picked it up at Walgreens. It goes on smoothly without pulling at the fragile skin around the eyes.

A quick swipe of Luna + Aster Dawn to Dusk Cream Eyeshadow Stick ($26) in Shimmer Dusty Plum to my eyelids.

On some days a little Luna + Aster Eclipse Volumizing and Curling Mascara ($26) on the top lashes. This is the kind of mascara that doesn’t smudge, but washes off in clumps with soap and water.

And, lastly, Glossier Boy Brow to fill in my brows and frame my eyes. (Who knew that my brows and lashes would become so much sparser as I age??)

That’s it!

This Week Into Next

It was another busy week, with a lovely snow on Sunday, a trip to Portland on Monday to finally sign up for TSA Pre, my usual Tuesday and Wednesday at the food pantry, and a snowy/icy/rainy Thursday at home.

A new design book

A new design book arrived this week! Sean Sherer’s Vignettes. I have only had the chance to flip through it quickly, but I already know I am going to love it. It is chock-full of artfully arranged collections and unique items. Sean and I definitely share some similar loves! I can’t wait to spend some time with the book this weekend!

A new tablecloth

Who knew that J Crew had a line of Liberty of London table linens a few years ago?? I didn’t until I read my friend Kim’s blog post last weekend and she shared her own tablecloth, as well as shopping links. They are only available on sites like Poshmark now.

You can bet I wasted no time and snapped up a blue and green floral tablelcloth for myself! I wasn’t really thinking about how it would go in the dining room, but it turns out it looks great with the blue/green table linens I am using right now. It is the perfect bright floral pop as we head towards spring!

Here is the link to Kim’s post, so she can get the commission if you can’t resist making a purchase, like me! Plus, you will definitely want to see how she styled her Valentine’s table with her pretty cloth!

I hope you enjoyed this post, which is a little different from my usual.

Sending some Valentine’s love your way!