I’m always on the hunt for the best beauty products for women over 40 that actually make a difference. Not an easy task. There are virtually thousands and thousands of products out there, and my budget is limited.
The reality though is that what used to work in my twenties and thirties doesn’t fly anymore. Make-up I used to love now tends to accentuate my wrinkles. The beauty industry definitely favours the young though, which can leave women over 40 frustrated when looking for beauty products. It can also be an expensive endeavour.
That’s why the best advice when it comes to products that actually work comes from our girlfriends. Most of the products you see promoted in magazines and blogs have paid for that placement. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re effective. Your girlfriends on the other hand have put in the time and they are going to straight up tell you what works and what doesn’t. That’s what this article is.
None of the products listed below have been sent to me to try, and no one has paid for them to appear here. These are the products I rave to my friends about around my kitchen table.
Best Beauty Products for Women Over 40
Skin Medica Retinol
Retinol is truly a miracle cream, but it requires two things from you; patience and consistency. When you first start using retinol, it can make your skin dry and flaky. That means it’s doing what it supposed to do, getting your skin to turnover faster revealing healthier skin below. Start out using the 0.5% Skin Medica and slowly build yourself up to the 1%.
The most important thing about using Retinol though is to start slowly, maybe using it twice a week, and then gradually shorten the time between uses. I now use Skin Medica 1% everyday. The best part about this cream is it’s truly for women over 40, since the Vitamin A in Retinol can cause birth defects, so women who are considering having children should avoid it completely.
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
I came across this wonder concealer on a video shoot. The make up artist, whipped out Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer and BAM, my undereye circles were gone.
This also has a wonderfully creamy texture and doesn’t sink into your wrinkles. Pair this with Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder and you’ll never regret it.
Latisse
As we age, our eyelashes get shorter and smaller. It totally sucks because everyone loves long lashes. Enter Latisse. Originally developed to help people with cataracts, the researchers found it had an unexpected side effect—long, lush lashes.
So, naturally the scientists removed the cataract component and started selling Latisse just for eyelashes. Hooray for science. I will admit I was super skeptical when I started trying this but I am a total convert now. There is no doubt it can be pricey but when you consider what false eyelashes can cost, plus the damage they can do to your real lashes, it’s a steal! You can only get Latisse from a Doctor currently, but if you’re looking to try something else, there are other options available online, but I can’t speak to their effectiveness.
Bobbi Brown Face Base
I used to adore Smashbox Face Primer but as I slipped further and further away from 40, I found it didn’t work the same anymore. My daughter actually recommended Bobbi Brown’s Face Base to me, so I bought a travel size to give it a try, and now I can’t imagine my make up routine without it.
This ultra-creamy primer goes on super smooth while hydrating your skin. Added bonus: it smells heavenly.
Elnett Creme De Mousse
Seriously, this aging thing is for the birds. Even my hair has changed and I find it harder and harder to give it some volume and lift. That’s why I was so delighted to find Elnett Creme De Mousse.
My hair is acting like it’s 20 again. Okay fine, 25.
Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser
Retinol is making my skin work overtime, so I make sure I go as gentle as possible with all the other products I use on my face. I love Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser for removing my make up at the end of the day.
Be sure to use a cellulose facial sponge, instead of wash cloth to remove the cleanser; they are far gentler on your skin.
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