About Face
Skincare
When it comes to skincare, I find I’m no longer easily seduced merely by the cachet of some brands. I want to spend my money where it’s truly effective. I’m always up to try something new, but the products I tend to stick with are those that a) feel good on my skin and b) deliver visible results. And making the shift to cruelty-free products has become a high priority for me as well.
Treat And Protect
Probably the most effective part of my regime is prescription Retin-A. I use a .025% formula and apply 3-4x per week at night after cleansing and before any other steps. I avoid any other products with retinols so as not to stress my skin too much.
Vitamin C is another ingredient that has some proven benefits: stimulating collagen and reducing sun damage. I started using Drunk Elephant Vitamin C serum a few weeks ago and like it so far.
I also get an annual IPL treatment from a dermatologist, which has been effective in reducing sun damage, dark spots and pigmented lesions (what my Grandmother used to call “liver spots”). One side benefit of IPL is that it noticeably firms and plumps the skin, and stimulates collagen according to Dr. A.
Which leads me to…sunscreen! I’m still loving the Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen for most days. It claims to soothe inflammation which isn’t really an issue for me, but my dermatologist really prefers sunscreens with a mineral/barrier component. They make tinted versions too if you prefer, but I often find these go a little to yellow/orange on me.
Firming Up
I think I’ve learned to be pretty realistic/skeptical about what most non-medical products can actually deliver, so when I find something that actually produces noticeable results, I’m thrilled. These three products from Makeover Workshop are always on my reorder list:
- Re-Creation Lip Treatment. I’ve been using this for a couple of years now, and notice a difference if I run out and go more than a few days without it. It smoothes and plumps my lips, and really does keep them from chapping and flaking. I use 2-3x per day. (Allow to soak in a few minutes before applying lip color.)
- Illuminate & Contour Eye Treatment. I don’t have a lot of issues with puffiness or dark circles, but I do have crepey skin on my lids. Using this treatment day and evening really smooths out and brightens the skin around my eyes.
- Firming Neck and Throat Creme. While I guess “firming” is relative at my age, this does noticeably smooth the skin and reduces the puckered effect. Also use this twice daily.
As far as moisturizers go, I’m not looking for a lot more than….moisture. And some Hyaluronic acid and peptides. I want something that feels like it soaks in rather than sitting on top of my skin. I’ve been using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream which I like a lot, but am still looking for a lower cost brand that has the consistency I like and that isn’t tested on animals.
Makeup
Since I’ve begun wearing softer clothing colors, I’m finding that I want to wear softer makeup as well. Not that I wear a lot of makeup, but with lip color especially, I’ve dialed it back a little. The color I’ve been wearing daily is Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in “Stoned Rose.” It’s a warmer shade, pink that leans a little brown/orange.
And when I do wear eyeliner, I’ve switched from black, which has begun to feel a little harsh, to an espresso brown. I was a participant yesterday in a video shoot for Makeover Workshop, and the eyeliner Brian gave me to use was “Brownstone” which I liked a lot. I may also try the “Fig,” as purple-toned shades are supposed to be good with green eyes.
I also tried the “Dahlia” creme cheek color which I liked a lot. (It’s not as orange as it looks online, just FYI.) And for a travel-friendly product, I love the Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in “Moon Beach.” (Also a warm-toned color.)
I’m still using the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation (#3 Fair) most days, or the Makeover Workshop Tinted Primer when I want a little extra SPF.
Have you switched up your skincare or makeup routine lately?
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The CT Magic Cream says it has an SPF of 15 but I don’t recognize anything in the ingredient list that would provide that. Do you know what they include? I too prefer mineral barrier types.
My jar doesn’t list the ingredients, but I’ll research this and get back to you.
I just came across your blog in my daily feed… I guess based on searches I’ve done, not sure… but I live it! Finally a voice I can relate to… merci beaucoup!
This has been my #1 favorite blog since I found it, about 5 years ago! Welcome!!
I use Paula’s Choice. No perfume and not tested on animals. It’s available in the US and IK and I love ithe down to earth ranges and excellent website full of advice. When I’m tempted by the magical claims of so many cosmetics for women of a certain age I find myself returning to my tried and tested PC.
HI Anne, I’ve tried Paula’s Choice a couple of times based on recommendations and wanted to love it, but found that I didn’t like the texture/consistency. Most of the products felt as if they sat on top of my skin rather than being absorbed. But many people do love it, and it is reasonably priced.
There’s a YouTube channel called Angie’s Hot & Flashy which is a wealth of information about skincare for women over 50. You might like it!
Hot and Flashy is a great resource.
It’s great! She has a printable version of her morning and evening routines. She does great research and it seems like almost all of her skincare recommendations are budget friendly. She does use a lot of high end makeup but the skincare is all pretty affordable.
I need products that will help my face at my age I am a widow of 10 years and I have let myself go now it’s about time I did something about it
Try CeraVe cream. Hyaluronic acide, peptides, etc. About$15 a tub. I use it on Facebook, arms and legs. Magic!!!!!
CeraVe was also highly recommended by my dermatologist. Very “plumping” products!
Ann in Missouri
My dermatologist also recommends CeraVe. Great price and available in any drugstore.
Yes, my dermatologist also recommends these products. I use the Facial Moisturizing Wash, there’s one for shower and the creams. Very affordable. And Walgreen’s offers 20% off first Tuesday of every month to seniors.
I love seeing product reviews but,not everyone has this kind of money to spend. I would love to see something with more realistic prices for the everyday person.
Go to Beautypedia.com. It’s a site that tests and reviews skincare and makeup products and gives them “star” ratings. They have very high standards and I consult them before I buy anything. This site was founded by Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice, but operates independently, and gives many five-star ratings to products that can be found in drugstores. I’ve found their reviews to be very reliable.
Thanks for the round up. I seem to remember you saying that the Supergoop worked well with your CT Foundation? I’m going to need a new combo of foundation/sunscreen and trying to avoid the dreaded pilling.
Like you, I’m in CA, and always use sunscreen. My derm has recommended I switch to zinc oxide base like the Supergoop. And I like the consistency and colors in the CT foundation.
Yes, the Supergoop works really well underneath the CT foundation. No caking or pilling!
Great! I will give them a try. Thanks so much.
Hi Susan,
I’ve been reading your blog for several months and find it fascinating and fun. I’ve used Merle Norman’s Lip Revive and have noticed a smoother lip line. I also use the CeraVe facial cleanser and moisturizer and have good results from those products. The CeraVe products were recommended by my dermolologist. Again I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for writing!
After reading an article in Porter magazine about skin hydration I checked my routine and ticked off all recommendations. Over cleansing and peel/exfoliant type procedures seem to be the biggest culprits to poor skin hydration as it upsets the balance. Wash off cleansing oil works for me together with ceramide products. The top recommendation is taking Omega 3 and 6 in the form of fish oils, flaxseed etc. I also take Evening Primrose oil and Vitamin E. Funny how with fashion magazines I seem to start at the back where the beauty section is and work back to fashion. Priorities?
And having met you in person, I can say you have really beautiful skin!
Awww, thanks!
like all things, less is more. Especially, as one grows more mature. My decision to simplify led me to concoct my own face and neck cream using a small amount of pure lanolin mixed with a few drops of pure glycerine plus a few drops of olive oil mixed with castor oil. It works like a charm!! In addition I buy AMLACTIN lotion and mix half/half with Eucerin. Magic as a moisturizer everywhere. As for make up, I pass it off altogether. I use CLARIN lipstick faithfully, or sometimes only a lipliner and colored gloss. That’s it. It works .
Just order the DeMelliers Midi Venice bag in the forest green. I saw it on your sidebar in cognac, and your bag in the green and remembered I always carried a dark red or a forest green bag in my 20’s and 30’s. Thanks for the great find – can’t wait for it to arrive.
It’s such a wonderful color, I think you’re going to love it! (And I did the same this week, wanted the same color in a slightly larger bag for travel. Great minds… 😉 )
I’m also a devotee of Paula’s Choice. I have rosacea. A few years ago, she came out with a line specifically for people with rosacea/extra-sensitive skin. Gradually, I have been switching over to those products, which has made a big impact in my skin.
Recently, I purchased the pressed base by glo skin beauty cosmetics to wear over my sunscreen. I use a powder brush to apply it. It covers the last remaining areas of redness around my nose and evens out my skin tone. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or accentuate my enlarged pores. It doesn’t irritate my skin or cause breakouts. I could carry it in my makeup bag and reapply if needed (though I don’t–it has staying power). It doesn’t count as a liquid for airplane travel. In short, it is perfect. Like Paula’s Choice, the product line is cruelty-free. It is expensive but it should last a long time–plus I purchased it on sale at Dermstore. There are 15 shades. I’m wearing Natural Light, which is for a fair neutral skin tone.
The lip treatment sounds perfect. And I must say, “Stoned Rose” is a gorgeous shade–not too light, not too dark, not too bright. Next time it goes on sale, I may have to give it a try.