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My Non-Negotiable Beauty Routine: Skincare, Hair Care & More for 50+
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items Finding beauty products that work for women in mid-life, and those with very sensitive skin, shouldn’t be a guessing game, but so often it is. So I'm sharing my can't live without collection of beauty, skincare, and hair essentials that have become a...
Sections
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My Indispensable Skincare Products
Makeup Must Haves
Hair Products and Essentials
Bath and Body Favorites
My Indispensable Skincare Products
A list of my holy grail, can't do without skincare products for women over 50, or anyone with super sensitive skin.
It's an unavoidable fact that skin changes as we age, and for me that meant mine became more and more sensitive. So, finding a moisturizer that met my skin's needs, and didn't cost a fortune, took some research. This face cream from Innisfree is abso...
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Cream
This is the best sunscreen for my sensitive skin that I've come across, and trust me I've tried multiple brands. This product is lightweight, doesn't leave a white cast on my skin, absorbs quickly, isn't sticky, has no fragrance, and the price point ...
Daily UV Invisible Korean Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++ for Face & Body - innisfree
This is the only face serum I'll use. It's specifically formulated for super sensitive skin, it's silky smooth and absorbs super fast. Best of all, my skin's texture has really improved since I've been using it. It's definitely worth the price.
The Reverser II | Advanced Retinoid Lifting Serum
This eye cream, well I wish I'd found it years ago. It's fantastic for sensitive skin. I'd shied away from using eye creams before, because I was worried about irritating my skin. Since finding this cream, the skin around my eyes is better moisturize...
innisfree Orchid Youth-Enriched Eye Cream
For the days when I'm poolside, at the beach, or just don't feel like wearing makeup, this tinted sunscreen is the my go to. It protects, adds just the right amount of color, and isn't sticky or greasy.
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 Primer
I tried this cleansing balm when I ran out while out of town, and I haven't used anything else since then. After 50, and even 40, my skin was drier, so harsh cleansers were out. This product removes makeup, leaves my skin feeling so soft, and is unbe...
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm
The best eye makeup remover I've ever used. It easily dissolves eye makeup, even waterproof mascara and eyeliner. It doesn't burn, isn't greasy and like it's other holy hydration line, it doesn't dry out the skin around my eyes.
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Makeup Remover
I adore Pure Luxe products and I've been using her line for almost ten years. Her products are made in small batches with natural ingredients. I use the Enrich Daily Face Cleanser during cold weather or when my face is overly dry, and it leaves my sk...
Enrich Daily Face Cleanser
Okay, so I really like eye creams, and this is one from Biossance, is among my favorites. It's non-irritating, has no fragrance, and it moisturizes without being greasy. The jar is small, but you don't need to use very much, so a little goes a long w...
Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
So, puffy eyes from allergies or lack of sleep are the worst. These eye patches are a total game-changer, they’re incredibly soothing, seriously calm the puffiness, and pro tip: pop them in the fridge for next-level results!
MIZON Triple Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel Patches, 60 Pcs
Made in small batches and all natural, this rosewater toner from Pure Luxe Apothecary is simply sublime. I love the subtle refreshing fragrance, and how I can just spritz it on in the morning for a little extra moisture. Most of all, it's never cause...
Rosewater Hydrating Face Tonic
Makeup Must Haves
I’m asked about my makeup routine all the time, so here are the products I use every single day. These are the ones I’ve found that work well on my skin, and give me the fresh look I want.
The only concealer I use. I searched high and low for a concealer that didn't settle in my fine lines, covered dark circles, redness, blends well, and wasn't too thick. My favorite aspect of this product is how well it reflects light and gives my ski...
2.5 Fair: Beautiful Skin Concealer: Hydrating Concealer
So, mascara is one of my non-negotiables in my makeup routine. This one met all my requirements: it doesn't transfer, flake off, separates my lashes, the formula isn't clumpy, and it's safe for contact lens wearers.
Legendary Lashes Vol 2 - Volumizing Mascara
Primer is a must for the times when I want to wear full eye makeup, and this one from elf is fantastic. It's hydrating, but not oily. It keeps my eye makeup from smudging or creasing, and like all elf products, it's extremely affordable.
e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer
This overnight lip mask is worth all the hype. This product is way more effective than your average lip balm. I usually use it at night, to my repair cracked lips, and it works incredibly well. You don't need to use very much, and the jar I have has ...
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask - Hydrating Overnight Treatment
This eyeliner is part of my daily routine. The shade is the perfect blend of brown and black. It glides on so easily, so no tugging or pulling on your eye to get a smooth line. It's the ideal choice if you're going for a smoky, less defined look. Thi...
Rock N Kohl Quick Kajal Long-lasting Eyeliner Pencil: Barbarella Brown Matte Brown Eyeliner
Another favorite from Charlotte Tilbury. Part of the pillow talk collection, the red brown shade of this eyeliner is gorgeous. I really the like change from brown or black liner, and I use it with or without eye shadow.
Reddish Brown Eyeliner - Pillow Talk Eyeliner
I love a product I can use in different ways, and this cream shadow from Charlotte Tilbury, is excellent. I wear alone for a sheer look, or apply it over primer when I want more vibrant color.
Pillow Talk - Eyes To Mesmerise
I prefer neutral lip color, and this lip lustre from Charlotte Tilbury, from the pillow talk shade, is absolutely spot on. This color is my tried and true everyday lip color. It sells out so frequently that I usually buy two at a time.
Lip Lustre - Pillow Talk - Nude-pink Lip Gloss
In my search for a foundation that looked better on my more mature skin, I tried this baked foundation from Laura Geller, and I’m so so glad I did. This product feels so light on my skin, and it doesn't get cakey my the end of the day. It gives light...
Baked Balance-n-Glow Illuminating Foundation
This product works so well, I've used nothing else for years. I don't want over the top brows, just to define what I already have. The marvelous color match I've found with this brow gel, makes that possible. The wand makes application a quick and ea...
Mini Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel - Benefit Cosmetics
I've used numerous brands of blush over the years, and this one from Nars has been my preferred choice over and over. The highly pigmented color looks magnificent, but also means less is more when it comes to this product.
Nars Talc-Free Blush
This lip balm is marvelous, especially during cold weather. It's super moisturizing, not sticky, and has staying power. Completely worth the price.
MALIN+GOETZ Lip Moisturizer Gel SPF 0.35oz
Of all the makeup sponges I've used these are unbeatable. First of all, they're latex free, which is the only type I can use. The angled double sided design allows me to apply foundation and concealer evenly. Unlike other sponges, the super soft mate...
EcoTools Blurring Blender Makeup Sponge Duo, Makeup Blender Sponge | Even coverage with a makeup sponge for liquid and cream makeup, 2-sided and latex free
This is my all time favorite eye shadow palette. The rose gold shades are absolutely gorgeous, and go on so smoothly. The colors can be combined in various ways making it simple to create a day or evening look. This palette is so versatile, it's the ...
Pillow Talk Luxury Palette - Pink Eyeshadow Palette
I've used many brands of powder over the years, and as my skin has changed, it became difficult to find one that worked well. This setting powder is the only product that doesn't become cakey and actually translucent. It's finely ground, so it doesn'...
Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Laura Mercier
This eyeliner from Anastasia is amazing. The creamy soft consistency of this product makes it easier to apply to my eyelids and it extremely long lasting. Unlike other pencil type eyeliners, there's no sharpening needed and less waste of product.
Black Longwear Waterproof Crème Color - Anastasia Beverly Hills
The all time best brush for applying bronzer that I've found. My bronzer goes on lightly and exactly wear I want it to be, and it's incredibly easy to clean.
143S Bronzer Fan Brush
I've used this brush for my blush for years, and have no plans of using any other. It's soft and applies my blush evenly. It's well made and simple to clean.
168 Synthetic Large Angled Contour Brush
My go to palette of neutral eyeshadow. I combine the variety of shades of this palette to create simple everyday makeup looks. Having all the colors in one container makes traveling with it super easy.
Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Unfiltered Nudes
I have a few absolute favorite lip colors and this one from Bare Minerals is among those. It's creamy, the color is vibrant, it has no fragrance, and the price point is fantastic. I've been using this lip gloss for years.
Love Lip Gloss-Balm - bareMinerals
Hair Products and Essentials
After 50, I've learned that the right products make all the difference, and these are the heroes of my hair care regimen. They're gentle, not overly fragrant, and ideal for middle age hair.
Dry shampoo is a staple in my routine, and I've tried multiple brands over the years, and Crown Affair is by far the best one I've used. The brush applicator and the fine milled powder make it so easy to apply. Not to mention this prevents far less p...
The Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo Powder for Oily Hair - Crown Affair
Hands down the best shampoo I've used, and I've tried dozens of different products. This cleans well without drying out my hair, and is safe for color treated hair. And the fragrance is pleasant, not overpowering whatsoever.
True Hue Shampoo
Conditioning fine hair, that's color treated isn't the easiest thing to accomplish, but this conditioner by Back of Bottle gets it done. My hair is feels soft, but not oily and it doesn't fade my color. Just like the shampoo, the smell is pleasant an...
True Hue Conditioner
This is the only heat protectant I've found that's so light and still works so well. It's not overly fragrant, not oily or sticky. I use this prior to drying my hair and it's great for keeping flyaways under control.
Shining Armor Frizz & Heat Primer
This spray bottle comes in handy for the days when my hair doesn't need a full blow dry. Totally saves me loads of time.
BeautifyBeauties 16.9 oz Continuous Spray Bottle
Bath and Body Favorites
These are the essential products I've found that provide my skin that cleanse and hydrate my skin without harsh ingredients, and don't cause any irritation.
I highly recommend this shower oil if, like me, you're looking to hydrate and cleanse at the same time. It doesn't irritate my skin and leaves it feeling super soft, but not oily. This is one of my indulgences when it comes to body wash, so I don't u...
Almond Shower Oil
No matter the season, this is my go to body cream. It's gentle, has no fragrance, causes no irritation, and provides long lasting moisture better than any other product I've used.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Hand and Body Cream for Dry Skin, Unscented - 16oz: Hypoallergenic, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free
This product is so super gentle that I use it for my face and body It cleanses without soap, so it doesn't dry my skin out. It's among my staple body washes.
Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin - 20 fl oz
This shea butter body cream is divine! It's lightly scented, but not overwhelming. It works wonders for my dry skin, especially during winter. It's creamy consistency make it terrific for massage too.
Karité Confort Ultra Rich Body Cream
When you hear body oil, you think heavy and greasy, but this shea butter body oil is anything but. It's so light and fast absorbing that I've been using it all summer long. I love how smooth it makes my skin and it's delicate scent is ideal for every...
Karité Confort Nourishing Body Oil
So many things can lead to dry, cracked hands, and nothing has ever helped my hands like this shea butter hand balm. I use it year round, at bedtime and by morning the skin on my hands is noticeably improved.
Shea Butter Hand Balm